General:Loranna's RP/Playing Houses
| This archival work is dedicated to Loranna Pyrel, who passed away in early 2023. Rest in peace, friend. — Rock |
| Book Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Source: | Elder Scrolls Forum | ||
| Archived Link: | lorannarp.pbworks.com | ||
| Book Date: | 3E 429 | ||
| Writer(s): | Ted Peterson | ||
| Publication Date: | October 2005-March 2006 | ||
| Up | Loranna's RP | ||
| Prev. | Hearthfire Hearthfires | Next | War of the Wormgod |
Playing Houses
Playing Houses was the twelfth campaign of the Loranna's RP series.
This page exists only to record the posts of Tedders, who was the only developer to participate in the roleplay. Not all concepts presented are original to Tedders' posts, as replies are built off of replies, and the original concepts of other roleplayers are frequently referenced in his content. For proper citation context, consult the archived forum threads.
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah is in Vas, being attacked by Herwyn Brand.
Barenziah is in the Inner Sea with Tris.
Goranthir is in the Drunken Guar with Drakar, Shaka, Isidor, and Anya.
"I'm no expert," Goranthir shrugged. "My limit is two glasses, but I've heard from others than the brandy is worth having."
He made a signal to the tavernkeep, who brought the new drinks.
"Shaka," Goranthir smiled. "Good to see you, old friend. This is Drakar."
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
There was absolutely no warning. The seabirds continued to call, the water rocked gently.
And then, suddenly, the eastern wall of the cabin seemed to disintegrate into flame. The percussive force knocked Barenziah and Tris to the floor.
There were screams coming from the deck, the unbearable death cries of brave men dying in agony, and other voices, steady but afraid, yelling, "We are under attack!"
Sheogorath
"How long has it been, Kratos?" Goranthir smiled. They had had plenty of conflict, Kratos and him, but it was good to see him again.
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
There might have been a time when the guards would have shown a bit of unprofessional amusement at a 20-year-old Breton lad leaping half-dressed out of the Queen Mother's cabin. But today wasn't that time.
Balls of fire washed across the deck, but the remaining guards had cast shields on themselves, and were buffeting the assault. The sails were already engulfed in flame. The shorter one had already fallen: Tris had thankfully just missed the moment when it had fallen in a blanket of flame onto two guards, but their blackened corpses were still visible.
Four ships without flags or distinguishing marks were flanking the Queen Mother's barge. Dunmer battlemages were at the sides, continuing the assault, unmercifully, inexhaustibly.
"They came out of nowhere!" one of the guards yelled to Tris. "The Queen Mother, is she all right?!"
Barenziah answered that question, appearing on the deck in her robe, a sword in hand, her eyes fierce.
At that moment, the ship lurched. It was taking water.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"My grandmother isn't here," Goranthir replied, and then looked to the others. "Is she?"
Sheogorath
"That's news to me," Goranthir replied, and turned to the Redoran and the Indoril. "Kratos, this is Drakar."
Sheogorath
Vas
There were weapons and poisons and plenty to fight with in the cottage, but Kethiah felt the very structure shake the moment she stepped inside. She grabbed an ax and broke through the wall behind her closet door.
The darkness swallowed her as she dropped down into the Dwemeri ruin she had built the cottage on top of.
Sheogorath
With Barenziah visible on the deck, the battlemages seemed to have focused their fire on her, fully as much as sinking the ship. The shield spell on her, and the reflecting ability of the sword she carried made this effort futile, for now.
The Queen Mother whistled and drew her guards' attention to Tris aboard one of the attacking boats. Immediately two of them cast jump spells on themselves, and were on the deck next to Tris, fighting the battlemages.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
Goranthir nodded. "Here is not the place to talk, but Drakar has brought me information that my personal problems are now rather public. It's hard to find a place for a quiet conversation in Ald Raathim right now, but ... have you seen Allerleirauh lately?"
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
These were no disorganized pirates on the ships. They were well-organized, powerful, even military in their tactics. Despite Tris's swordplay, he was saved by one of Barenziah's guards.
On that ship, the attackers changed their focus to defending themselves, but the battlemages on the other three ships kept their attacks on the barge going.
The main sail collapsed across the deck in a shower of fire, and Barenziah seemed to disappear beneath it.
Sheogorath
"That sounds exactly what she would do," Goranthir smiled. "If you'll excuse me for a moment --"
"Absolutely, come along," said Goranthir leading Drakar to the tavernkeeper. "He's the most important person to know in Ald Raathim ..."
He looked to Drakar once they were out of earshot of the group. "What is on your mind?"
Sheogorath
The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas
Kethiah saw the blue glow reflect against the dull rusted metal of the ruins walls just for an instant, and she jumped to avoid it. Its area of effect was too large, and it spun around her, flipping her head over heels and into a chasm.
For a moment, she lost consciousness. Then she opened her eyes, and grabbed for the side of the pit. Her fingers were bloodied, torn, but her fall was arrested. Her axe, one of her prize possessions, dropped down into the abyss, so deep there was no sound of it ever hitting ground.
"Isidor," she whispered quietly as she tried to pull herself up. Then she remembered that she had touched the Mirror, and she almost called out to Loranna. But she didn't.
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
There was no sign of life on the Queen Mother's barge as, engulfed in flames, it began to sink. The battlemages on the ship closest to Tris's ship turned their attention away from it, casting their fireballs at him and the Queen's guards.
Then the easternmost ship suddenly exploded into flames.
Barenziah and the guards who had remained aboard the barge became visible behind the battlemages, whose backs were turned to them, their attention focused on Tris and the others.
The remaining unaccosted ship had no clear shots. The battlemages aboard it took to the air.
Sheogorath
Goranthir looked at him. His eyes were much older than the rest of him. "I see. Then follow me."
As he walked out of the tavern, he turned to the others, "I will be at either the arena or the castle. Sorry I have to run."
And run he did, towards the arena.
Sheogorath
The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas
It was a long, slow, agonizing climb up the nearly sheer metal walls of the pit, but Kethiah was Kethiah. Her body was capable of doing things that required others to use magicka. And then she would exceed them.
With a last groan, she foisted herself up out of the pit, allowing herself a moment to feel the pain before she drove it from her mind.
She looked up and saw Herwyn. The sword was already in movement.
Sheogorath
Seven of the Queen Mother's Guard followed Tris into the air, their swords out. The fireballs the battlemages launched at them were absorbed or reflected. They met them in melee, and blood showered onto the ocean. Tris could see the shadows of slaughterfish beneath the waves, waiting for those who fell.
Behind him, he heard the crash of one ship striking into the other, and the battle was on across the decks. Barenziah's guards were not letting her fight, but she was manning the wheel of the first ship.
Sheogorath
The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas
Kethiah was exhausted, but given one more half of a second, she would have rolled out of the way, shielded her head with her arm, or done something to defend herself. Instead, she merely closed her eyes. Death was a certainty.
Metal clashed hot against metal in front of her.
Herwyn had missed.
Sheogorath
The Arena
He had practiced his words so he could say them efficiently, even now out of breath.
"A Redoran Councilor came to me," he gasped. "A pamphlet has been produced that details everything about my mother's pact, and mentions you and Tris as well. He also said there was a plot for an attack against Helseth, my grandmother, and me."
Sheogorath
The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas
She was dimly aware that she wasn't dead, but exhaustion had taken her completely. Kethiah's eyes half-opened as the sword came down a second time.
And missed again.
She looked up into Herwyn's eyes. This was nothing personal. She had assassinated hundreds of people before, and she knew why Herwyn had to kill her. But for some reason he was not delivering a killing blow though she was making no effort to resist it.
What are you doing? she would have said, if her dry throat had allowed her to do it. But instead she just stared at Herwyn, like a mute beast, cornered and helpless.
Sheogorath
At some point, all battles turn one way or the other, and the conclusion becomes obvious to all. The battlemages, though they must have known that they were losing, kept up the assault to the last man, who fell into the water, shrieking, torn apart by slaughterfish. There was to be no interrogation.
Barenziah did not need one. "I recognize these ships even without flags," she said. "They are Indoril."
Of the five vessels that had battled in the Inner Sea, two remained that were seaworthy. They were smaller than the Queen Mother's barge had been, but over half of Barenziah's retinue had perished. Three guards sailed the first ship, and Barenziah, Tris, and five other guards took the second as they continued on to Ald Raathim.
Sheogorath
The Coast off Ald Raathim
Barenziah did not travel with great pomp anymore. Oh, certainly, she had done it as a young queen because it had been foisted on her, and then later, because she enjoyed it. But then after she went to Wayrest, her taste for ostentatious display had left her. Maybe it was because, at the time, she didn't want to attract the attention of Jagar Tharn. Mostly, though, it was too much fuss for too little benefit. A great entrance had its place, of course, but as Queen Mother, her role in government was subtler.
Still, for as relatively casual as her traveling usually was, her arrival at Ald Raathim was looking to be too gruesome. Her hair was a tangle from the wind. Her dress was one of the battlemages' robes, specked with blood.
The Queen Mother hoped the Lady of Daruhn was near her Mirror. "Loranna," she murmured.
Sheogorath
Vas
Gherin stood at the edge of the desolation of Kethiah's farm. As Herwyn had expected, he had returned, cautiously, when he heard the attack.
A hot winter wind blew dust over the pretty little herbs and flowers she had grown in her garden. They would die soon, as their mistress had. Eventually the land would reclaim the farm, and it would be yet another ruin in a land of ruins.
Gherin walked back towards his village. There were few to tell that Kethiah was dead, and few among those would even care. He was not even sure if he was one of them. She had paid him well, but she had frightened him too. The simple life of a peasant and farmer appealed to him now.
Sheogorath
"Loranna, good I'm glad you're there," Barenziah replied. "We need to land our ships at the beach by your castle, not at the main dock. We've been attacked, and I don't want your citizens to see us ... in this state."
Sheogorath
"Bumps, scratches, sunburns, general exhaustion," replied Barenziah, not smiling. "We can see the mangroves ..."
Kallen had stepped into the office silently. "I'll have the workers on the cliff-side of the castle take a break."
"Loranna, I already communicated with Mournhold, and I'm having some guards arrive by the Mages Guild, about a dozen," Barenziah added. "I don't know if we're out of danger yet, or the extent of the conspiracy against us."
The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim
It was more than a dozen royal guards, twenty of them in fact, who arrived by way of the Guild. The Guide looked at them, astonished, not mollified when they presented themselves, under orders of the King of Morrowind.
They began the march towards the castle through the village streets.
Sheogorath
Kallen had only just excused the workers from the construction on the cliff-side of the castle when the two ships sailed in, skirting the edge of the mangroves, entering the private bay by Loranna's castle.
The Dunmer captain of the guards introduced himself to Loranna, a serious man, of more than middle-age, judging from his battle scars. Ulymir was his name.
After hearing that Barenziah is making her landing, he takes a portion of the guards (leaving the rest at the castle to make certain it's secure) with him to greet the ships. The beach was too shallow for the ships to pull up all the way, and so Barenziah, Tris, and the eight guards who were left of her entourage waded through the water to shore.
An exceptionally shabby entrance for the Queen Mother of Morrowind. She was right to make sure few saw her that way.
Sheogorath
Kallen took over the responsibilities of organizing the staff from Loranna as soon as he had shuffled the workers away from the castle, allowing Loranna time to greet the Queen Mother.
Ulymir and his guards waded into the water, to help Barenziah, Tris, and the barge-guards to shore.
"Thank you, Lady Dres Loranna," Barenziah replied, as she emerged from the water, her stolen battlemage robe soaking. "It is good to be here. Though in truth, it'd be good to be anywhere dry."
"We have brought clothes for you from Mournhold," said Ulymir.
Sheogorath
"Thank you," Barenziah replied. "Our attackers were Indoril. My son has one of their councilors with him now, and is inquiring about whether this is a declaration of war. Obviously, this is not information that should be discussed in the open ... It is, I pray, an isolated incident."
Sheogorath
Barenziah allowed Ulymir to lead her to the castle, where they were met by Kallen, who showed them to her rooms.
Sheogorath
Barenziah's Room, Castle Daruhn
Goranthir was let in right away to see his grandmother.
"Are you all right?" he asked, embracing her.
She nodded. And then after a pause, she added. "Tris told me everything."
They held each other, Barenziah giving him her strength.
Sheogorath
The guard knew Tris from the palace, and from the boat, but checked within before giving them entrance.
Barenziah and Goranthir sat on her bed, holding hands. She had cleaned herself up as well, and was wearing a simple robe her guards had brought her. Their resemblance to one another was uncanny. Certainly, Helseth and Morgiah looked like one of the family, but Barenziah and Goranthir looked more like big sister and little brother than grandmother and grandson.
"I don't believe we've met," Barenziah said, looking at Allerleirauh. "Or ... perhaps we have?"
Sheogorath
"I see," Barenziah nodded. "Well, I wish you had done that particular assignment so professionally ... "
"That doesn't matter right now," Goranthir said quickly. "What matters is the attack on you. You're sure it was the Indoril?"
"Positively sure," Barenziah replied. "The curious thing is that the Indoril councilor in Mournhold was still at the palace, in quite a dangerous situation given my son's reaction. He should have left if he knew an attack on me was imminent."
Sheogorath
"That is my own conclusion as well, though Helseth should know more after the councilor for the Indoril has been thoroughly ... interviewed," Barenziah said. "It may be that there are other attacks planned as well. On me, or even Goranthir."
Sheogorath
"Jelsia," Goranthir breathed. "I had forgotten about her ... completely in fact ... I would have suspected Tazelhoth first. Actually, I thought it was my mother herself, trying to beat me to the punch since I threatened to expose the whole business. Not much point in revealing it now that it's been shown in a gossip rag."
"The author of the tract is inconsequential," Barenziah said. "Even punishing Morgiah is second to ending the curse."
"Are you certain that those are the only conspiracies in Ald Raathim at the moment?" Goranthir asked Allerleirauh.
"What about the former Ordinator?" Barenziah asked. "I've forgotten his name ..."
Sheogorath
"You believe my actions are treasonous against the legacy of Vivec, Kratos may believe that too," Barenziah nodded, her eyes on Allerleirauh. "But, my dear, you are not the guardian, accidental or otherwise, of Lord Vivec's legacy. The people of Morrowind are. And there is nothing you or I can do to destroy that, or insure its permanency. The Houses are a byproduct of another time, useful then, a hinderance now. If they are to survive, they must adapt, or the land is doomed."
"Grandmother --" Goranthir interrupted. "I'm sorry, but if you knew Allerleirauh, you wouldn't --"
"Oh, I like her," Barenziah smiled. "And I see you do too."
Sheogorath
"I did not know we were trying to speak honestly to one another," Barenziah said. "Surely your rather calculated, political response to my earlier comment about your role in selling my grandson's soul to the King of Worms suggested otherwise ... Unless among your abilities is the power to see sixteen years into the future, and see that Morgiah and Reman's son was bound to be the treasure Goranthir is ..."
"Grandmother," Goranthir interrupted her again.
"My apologies, that was unbecoming of me, but I am tired," Barenziah nodded her head. "I do not share Vivec's vision for a divided land of universal turmoil, necessary because the Chimer are a much worse people than the other races of Tamriel. I do wish my son and his heirs to rule the land as more than Imperial figureheads. And I do believe truly -- and you should trust me to know that I have spies throughout the land -- that with the falling of the Tribunal, power was going to change. You may call it tyrannical of me and my son to seize it, but to leave it lie and hope that whoever took it would be wise would be much worse."
Sheogorath
"Bad intentions and good answers," Barenziah smiled. She looked old. "Perhaps that will be the concluding chapter to 'The Real Barenziah.' Tris did tell me that he would talk to you on my behalf about the Temple, but I do not know what comprimises we might make ... Are you aware that most of the Redoran and the Temple believes that Almalexia and Sotha Sil still live, and it is heretical to suggest otherwise?"
"Politics and religion," Goranthir grimaced. "I suppose it is the same everywhere."
"Worse here," Barenziah nodded. "From my experience, at least. Can we continue this interrogation of my motivations later? I confess my endurance after sailing a ship for a day following fighting off assassins has waned through the years ..."
Sheogorath
Goranthir kissed his grandmother's cheek, and opened the door. One of Barenziah's guards stepped into the room to guard her while she slept.
"Asking a queen born and bred why she seeks power," Goranthir whispered to Allerleirauh with a smile. "Is like asking a fish if he's drowning."
Sheogorath
Update
Kethiah is in the Dwemeri ruins of Vas, barely alive, if alive at all, following a fight with Herwyn.
Barenziah is resting in her room at Castle Daruhn, following an assassination attempt by House Indoril (or at least members of the House).
As for Goranthir ...
Goranthir laughed a little loudly, making the guards jump. Tris's comment was perfect, the release from the anxiety of his lover and his grandmother arguing, and he gave him a hug.
"I was done talking politics before it started," he said. "I think my entire contribution to the discussion was to say 'Grandmother' ..."
Sheogorath
"She is well, thank you, Drakar of Khuum," Goranthir smiled. "This is Allerleirauh and Tris. You know them from the infamous pamphlet ..."
Sheogorath
"I'm so sorry, Khuul," Goranthir corrected himself. "There seems to be a discrepancy about whether you know one another ..?"
Sheogorath
"What about her question?" Goranthir asked, looking from Drakar to Allerleirauh. "If you listened in on our discussion, you know that Allerleirauh is perfectly willing to grill the Queen Mother of Morrowind. You aren't immune either."
Sheogorath
The image that appeared in the mirror was very dim. So dim, it appeared less a face than a flaw in the reflection.
But that wasn't. Isidor could recognize the curve of Kethiah's jawline, and then one of her eyes, half-open. The other was closed, clotted with blood. She was lying down, on a dark metal floor.
"Isi --"
The eye closed completely and the image, such as it was, vanished.
S'reddit
Two hours previous:
Drakar left and Tris left, and they were alone.
"Would you like to go for a swim?" Goranthir asked.
S'reddit
Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn
A few moments after Anya left, Loranna heard the semi-familiar sound of the secret passage opening. Barenziah, looking more rested, stepped into the office.
"Is my timing all right?" the Queen Mother asked, smiling.
S'reddit
Goranthir did so, though perhaps not with much practiced grace. The sun was warm on their skin.
He put his arms around her waist. "You a good swimmer?"
S'reddit
Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn
"That's sweet of you to say, my dear, but lately I've begun feeling old for the first time in my life, long past the time when I in fact became old, but still," Barenziah replied, still smiling, without any sadness. It was the smile of the wise woman. She took the wine, and smelled it. "But this is very nice. Thank you."
S'reddit
Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn
"Well, let's get the favor out of the way," Barenziah replied. "It's a small thing, I hope, but I understand you are in possession of a ring you captured from a wicked little girl in Hammerfell. A ring of domination, which she used to enslave men. I would be very appreciative if you would give me that ring."
S'reddit
"Then you better give me a head start!" Goranthir laughed, pulling her back so she was off balance, and then running into the surf, tearing off his clothes as he went.
S'reddit
"Good," Barenziah replied, settling into a chair with her wine. "May I add how extremely refreshing it is that you didn't ask what I wanted it for? Your friend Allerleirauh would have tortured me for information about my motivations and plots ... She's a remarkable person, and I can see why my grandson is so in love with her, but ..."
She laughs, and it is a young woman's laugh.
S'reddit
Goranthir had explored the floor of the bay back before the adventure in the spheres. It was what he had been doing when he had risen suddenly, surprising Tris, who had been skinny-dipping, while Goranthir had been using his newly-enchanted clothing to breathe underwater. This was a different way of exploring, not encumbered by clothing, but not able to breathe ... He had to take quick breaths to dive further and further.
It was some distance into the bay that he found what he wanted to show Allerleirauh. It was the husk of an ancient vessel, Nordic in design, probably left over from the original inhabitants of Ald Raathim, the ones who built the castle.
Any real treasure it had held was long since lost. Bright coral had grown around it, and even brighter fish had made it their home. It was a beautiful, but slightly bizarre sight, and something he had never forgotten. It was something he had to share, since he knew few had seen it.
S'reddit
"Oh, I am sure you are curious," Barenziah smiled. "But you're not suspicious. I may be the only monarch to give you this advice, but don't lose that, Loranna. It may mean that your sovereigncy in Ald Raathim is not a long one, because paranoiacs last longer, but it will be a happier one."
Barenziah's eyes had softened too. She did not appear merely to be speaking to Loranna, but to herself, giving herself advice. Or maybe her daughter, Morgiah. Or Goranthir. Or someone else entirely.
"I'm sorry, my dear, I suppose it's this new old age of mine that I seem to have discovered, but my mind wanders," the Queen Mother chuckled. "I suppose we should talk of assassinations and war and plots, but this wine is too excellent for that ... How is that young man of yours, Slyvos?"
S'reddit
"I discovered it," Goranthir replied, out of breath, with a bit of teenage pride. "Or ... at least, no one showed it to me ... Don't think it's much for salvage though. It's just beautiful, and I wanted to share it."
S'reddit
"Oh, yes, I remember, giving poor Ulymir quite the shock," Barenziah laughed. "That's wonderful. Of course, you'll be coming to Helseth's wedding to Dinara, I hope. Having the right partner to shoulder your burden can be such a blessing. I am glad Slyvos has decided to become a more active consort. Is he your only lover?"
Barenziah gasped at herself, putting her hand over her mouth. "My dear child, forgive me. What a frightfully personal question!"
S'reddit
Goranthir knew Allerleirauh's touches, every one of them in a vast vocabulary of nonverbal communication. In four days in Cyrodiil, he had learned that language fluently.
Beneath the waves, his red-golden hair floating in the currents, he kissed her, running his finger through her tendrils of silver.
Underwater, making love weightless, out in the open and yet encased in liquid, it was an experience mere mortals do not have.
Fade out.
S'reddit
"Dinara, or Vendama I suppose still, she sends her love," Barenziah replied. "Her brother was there when I left, a most delightful young man. Helseth has taken to showing off his health to visiting dignitaries in order to prove them he isn't dying -- he actually greets them while sparring. It's brilliant, talking to someone of peace while bloodying your partner's nose for effect," Barenziah chuckles again, a proud mother. "Besides that, it's the usual diplomacy, receptions, and skullduggery."
S'reddit
"No," Barenziah nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "We talk of love, but that does not make war less of a reality. If Tris had not been there, I don't doubt that I would be dead now. It was certainly the closest call I've had in decades, since Wayrest ... "
S'reddit
Goranthir followed Telera in as well, having walked with Allerleirauh as far as the Mages Guild. He had noticed her in the streets, and felt a little guilty admiring her figure so soon after making love to Allerleirauh. Not that Allie would have minded, but by the nine, his hair was still wet.
S'reddit
Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn
"I hope we have time eternal," Barenziah replied. "Assassination attempts do not automatically lead to war ... But if you'd like to know who our allies are, should it come to that, two of the Houses, Dres and Telvanni are assuredly with us. Hlaalu is divided. Redoran has not declared itself. Indoril ... well ... I certainly didn't anticipate this, but they have not been friendly."
S'reddit
Goranthir burst into laughter. "Is it Tales and Tallows already?"
S'reddit
Barenziah frowned. "Yes, I know. No one is suffering yet -- I've been generous with the royal treasury to more territories than just Ald Raathim -- but the message seems to be clear. On the other hand, we had a very positive meeting with a member of the Redoran council, and he seems optimistic a comprimise can be reached ... Still, you are correct that my estimation of them should have been phrased 'Redoran have not declared themselves, but appear hostile.'"
S'reddit
Goranthir had ceased laughing. He couldn't imagine why Tris was this angry about something so ridiculous, but it must have other meaning he wasn't understanding. He looked to Tris with raised eyebrows.
S'reddit
Goranthir just shook his head, watching.
S'reddit
"Drakar?" Barenziah raised an eyebrow, and then finished off her wine. "Thank you, Loranna, for your delightful company, for agreeing to give me the ring, and for the banquet which I understand you are hosting for me. I should rest a bit more and then make myself halfway presentable. Naturally, my son sent me all the wrong gowns for the season, but we will simply make due."
The Queen Mother rose, kissed Loranna on the cheek, and made her way back to the secret entrance that led to her room.
S'reddit
"Are you drunk, Tris?" Goranthir asked, as Tris came towards him. "Or just don't want any company? I wanted to at least thank you for saving my grandmother's life ..."
S'reddit
"Okay," Goranthir replied with half a smile. "But if you are actually drunk, let me know ... You seem more in an odd mood than drunk ..."
S'reddit
Goranthir nodded slowly. "I can understand that a little. You became an animal, a predator ... and I've talked to a few of those. I've talked to beasts who consume their prey while they're still alive, and they can feel the hearts beating even as they digest ... You can't always see it, but they all shed tears, predator and prey alike."
He swallowed hard, "It's not the same thing, hearing about it from you or them, as experiencing it, of course, I know that. But they did it, knowing they had to, just like you did. Very bitter consolation, I suppose."
Goranthir looked at Tris with the same half-smile. "And that has to be the most grotesque example of attempting empathy ever ..."
S'reddit
Goranthir laughed, a little ticklish. "Yes, I can tell. And if you're a sheep, there's one worried shepherd out there ..."
S'reddit
"Probably not, but I think he or she was more alarmed about the possibility of doing something illegal, and much more alarmed about the possibility of not changing back than the relative loudness of your tone," Goranthir grinned. "You didn't answer his question, though -- why did you want to polymorph yourself? I can't think of anyone more comfortable in his body than you."
He paused, the smile leaving his face. "I'm sorry, Tris ... It was when you lost your foot, right?"
S'reddit
It took a moment for Goranthir to understand. "Oh," he said. He blushed. "I'm sorry, Tris, that's ... an overwhelming compliment ..."
He thought on Tris's body. He pictured the muscles, the scars, everything he had seen at the beach so long ago, before he knew how Tris had felt.
"I'm glad that cliff was one you didn't jump over," he said. His hand touched the base of Tris's neck. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you damaged yourself because of me."
S'reddit
"I didn't know," Goranthir shook his head, looking into Tris's eyes. "And I'm very afraid right now. I'm afraid that if I stay with Allerleirauh, you'll hate me that much. And anything that I do will make things even worse ... It's not fair. For any of us."
S'reddit
A slow smile went across Goranthir's face, and Tris knew what he was thinking. He had seen it in others' eyes many times before.
"This is ridiculous," Goranthir whispered, putting his own hands on Tris's neck, and pulling him in softly for a kiss.
S'reddit
Slap.
"I'm not that hungry, why don't we wait until the dessert?"
S'reddit
Goranthir was bad, but not so bad as to be late for dinner on the night after his grandmother was attacked. He knew that others would worry, and there might be a search.
Still, Goranthir and Tris when they did show up for dinner were somewhat hastily dressed.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
Vas
Dust and ash had already blanketed Kethiah's cottage, but the little flowers in the garden still lived, bright, fragrant petals beneath the gray.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
The dust reminded Isidor of a snowdrift back home in Skyrim, the way it clung and drifted, and whistled through hollow places within the ruins. All was quiet within and without.
One of the pieces of debris he pushed aside fell away, and plummeted down into a deep cellar beneath the cottage.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
It was not a deep drop at all. In fact, it was only a shallow metal air shaft leading to the dungeon beneath. Echoes issued forth, but none of them sounded human or even living. The whirr of the deathless machinery of the Dwemer.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
There was no obvious source for the dim light within -- it simply was there as if willed into existence by the long-dead race. It was not so light, however, to be able to find the source of the scampering of metal feet that echoed out from time to time.
It was a labyrinth. One could be lost down here for years, and never find a way out.
And then he heard a slight whisper of a song, in a female's voice. The words were indistinct, but he could follow the direction.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
It was Kethiah's voice, but it sounded weak, delirious. She was singing what sounded like a counting nursery rhyme, but nothing he had heard before:
One is for fingers,
With your touch my love lingers
Two is for sorrow,
For I shan't see you tomorrow
Three is my soul
Black and colder than cold
Four is for all at its core
And hope evermore
Five is everything that dies
So all shall rise ...
On the last line he saw her, lying on the cold metal ground in front of an abyss, both her eyes closed.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
Kethiah coughed and sputtered up some of the potion before opening one of her eyes. The other was sealed by the crust of blood that ran from her forehead.
"What took you so bloody long?" she whispered with a weak smile.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
Kethiah was so weak, she could barely hold the amulet, but she raised her other hand and touched his cheek. "Thank you, my love. It seems I did not want to die."
She vanished.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
Kethiah had managed to crawl into the bed. "I don't think I can move ... Can a healer be brought to me?"
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
"Never better," Kethiah smiled softly. She had a cloth a jug of water and was wiping the sticky blood off her face carefully. Kethiah started to open her other eye, but she blinked back, squinting.
"I'm sorry, it's just a little bright in here," she said, going to the window and closing the curtain.
"That's better," she said, opening her injured eye, which was bright violet in color.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
Kethiah nodded. "It doesn't matter. It was nothing personal."
She crawled back into bed.
Sheogorath
Two Days Later
Kethiah smiled, and closed her eyes. "I don't know. Let me sleep on it."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
The smell of the cooking food drifted along the castle grounds, and the servants began setting the tables on the cliff-side, where a gentle breeze touched the silken walls.
"Everything will have to be perfect," Razbiah said, eyeing the roast.
"It doesn't have to be," Thianas laughed, putting the final touches on his dessert. "But it will be."
Sheogorath
Razbiah, her face red, smiled. "Oh, thank you, serjo. Very kind of you to say that."
Thianas also bowed.
Sheogorath
Summary
Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, is in her room at Castle Daruhn, getting ready for a banquet in her honor. She has recently survived an assassination attempt on her life from the Indoril.
Goranthir, her grandson, is going to be late to said banquet, as he's been canoodling in the bushes with Tris.
Kethiah, assassin, survived her own assassination attempt at Herwyn Brand's hands, and will be recovering in Castle Daruhn in two days' time (due to travel time, her tale with Isidor is slightly future set).
And the cooks for the banquet, the recently engaged Razbiah and Thianas ...
"That is exceptionally kind of you to say," Razbiah grinned, well pleased. She gave her fiance a smack on the bottom. "See, I told you it has to be perfect."
"Now see what you've done, serjo," Thianas laughed.
Sheogorath
Kallen looked at them, and raised an eyebrow. "Are you appetizers, main course, or dessert?"
Sheogorath
Kallen frowned and looked at the menu in his hand. "Very odd. So, you're not the roast and pudding, eh? ... Well, the only seats I have available are right next to the Queen Mother. But you will have to tell her how beautiful she is, even if she looks like a pickled herring ... Can you handle that, or would you prefer the pot?"
Sheogorath
Kallen gives the children his rare smile. "A lot of grown-ups would be too frightened to sit next to her, always on their best behavior ... She's a great and powerful woman, out of legend. But I've heard about your bravery too."
He showed them to their seats.
Sheogorath
As the guests began to arrive, the local Ald Raathim community of musicians began to strike up their instruments. They were a mix of Dunmer and Nords, and over the course of the evening they played tunes of both cultures, in harmony.
Sheogorath
Barenziah escorted by Ulymir arrived, deep in conversation which they broke out of as soon as they were within earshot of any of the guests. He had simply cleaned and polished up his captain's uniform of the Royal Guard. She was wearing a gown of deep almost black green with a matching cape, and a very tight, very deep bodice.
If the dress gave her any discomfort, the Queen Mother did not show it as she greeted the other guests.
Sheogorath
Goranthir had dressed hurriedly, but giving himself a quick look in the mirror before he ran to the banquet, he decided that he looked presentable enough. It was the plum-colored surcoat and short cape he had worn to the wedding.
He saw his grandmother first, and bowed to her.
Barenziah smiled, "A nice suit," she said, before removing a leaf from his hair. "You don't need any accessories."
Goranthir blushed, and moved on to join the party.
Sheogorath
"Good evening, my lady, what a delightful night," Barenziah smiled. "You look beautiful. Is Tris Gaerington around, do you know?"
Sheogorath
"Thank you, Loranna," Barenziah said to Loranna's compliment, before turning to Tris.
"My lord," she said, smiling. Her eyes took him in, and there was a slight knowing smile. "You have been at exercise."
Sheogorath
Goranthir searched the crowd for Allerleirauh. For a moment, he just looked at her, and his heart ached in his chest. The silver dress reminded him of the water they had been in just a few hours before.
He approached her slowly, guiltily, trying to find the words.
Sheogorath
Barenziah laughed. "Sadly, you would find me hopeless to tutor, my lord. Moonlight makes me weak."
Her eyes went to her table, and the two Nord children sitting there. "Now I should meet my dining companions."
Sheogorath
He took her hand.
"That is exactly what I am," he said seriously. Goranthir knew she could tear him apart even if she did not lay a hand on him. And if she did, he could not blame her. "Tris. I seduced him."
Sheogorath
Goranthir's face was naked confusion while Allerleirauh teased him. He was surprised by her reaction, and then by the jumble of feelings in himself. Love, anger, embarrassment ... and then shamefaced resignation.
"I kissed him first," Goranthir answered softly. It was hard to even talk. "He wouldn't have touched me if I hadn't. If there's anyone to be angry with, it's me ... Because I don't want to stop being with either of you."
Sheogorath
Barenziah walked to the table where Tyradil and Tilitalia sat, smiling at them. The moonlight made her gown shimmer, and though there were lines in her face, her smile was wide and friendly.
"Hello," she said. "I believe we will be dining together this evening."
Sheogorath
"What marvelous manners," Barenziah laughed. "I will have to be on my good behavior tonight as well. You must tell me everything about yourself, what you like, what you hate ... Leave out no detail ... Including your names."
She winked.
Sheogorath
Goranthir's eyes shone with pure joy. "I didn't tell you. You look beautiful."
Sheogorath
And now, hand in hand with Allerleirauh, Goranthir could not help looking through the crowd for Tris as they made their way to their seats. He didn't need to speak to him, or even catch his eye.
He bowed, and smiled, and introduced himself to strangers as they found their seats, but he was in a world of his own.
Sheogorath
"Are you?" Barenziah smiled, pleased. "You're beginning with fiction, are you? Some day when you're a little older, you'll read the real version, and you'll know what kind of an old lady you shared a meal with on this lovely evening."
The Queen Mother, however, did not leave the children to excuse themselves with "There's not much to tell, really." She asked them questions, and none of them were "What do you want to be when you grow up?" She treated them as if they already were what they were going to be.
Sheogorath
The banquet was actually happening on the cliffside, and the banquet hall was merely the staging area for the food that was being assembled, ready to be brought out to the guests.
The captain of the guards, Ulymir, greeted him with bow fitting his position.
"Serjo Kratos of the Indoril," he said. "I am Ulymir, captain of the Queen's Guard, and I'm afraid I must speak with you before I can permit you into her presence. A day ago, brothers of your House attacked her majesty on the open sea, and murdered many of my finest men. I respectfully must ask what you know of this plot."
S'reddit
"Then they are fools," Ulymir removed his helm, and Kratos recognized him. He had been a knight of the late king, Helseth's uncle Athyn Llethan, and together they had fought more than a few battles. "I will vouch for you, if you give me your word than you mean no harm to her majesty."
S'reddit
Kallen, passing by, quietly making sure everything was perfect almost, almost stopped and smiled at this. It was what he told Tyradil and Tilitalia to say, but he hardly expected them to do it, let alone mean it.
One look at Barenziah and it was clearly she didn't feel like an old woman anymore.
"My darling boy," she laughed, kissing his forehead. "You've made my night."
S'reddit
When everyone was more or less seated, Kallen made a silent signal and the first course was brought out. Delicate meat pastries of delicious but still subtle spices, obviously of Razbiah's design, but any who had tasted Thianas's pastry recognized the buttery crispness of them, married together. The Bosmer were offered the same dish, but wrapped in a thin, almost sheer strip of unsalted bacon, so it was not at all greasy but still held the delicate filling.
S'reddit
Barenziah had the seat next to Loranna, with Isidor's children on the other side.
"My dear Lord Gaerington, you just have to find interesting people to talk to and keep your mind off stuffing your gullet," the Queen Mother smiled. "Tilitalia here tells me that she can run from the far end of the longest dock to the road in one minute. Now far be it from me to accuse my new friend of lying, but as a runner yourself, can you confirm that this is in the realm of mortal possibility?"
"Ah," Barenziah smiled. "More talk of exercise."
S'reddit
As Kallen saw the pastries being consumed, he signaled for the second course. A parade of servants circled the tables, offering each guest soles of a white freshwater fish (a great rarity in the dry lands of Morrowind); broth with bacon; steamed and roasted roots and herbs; meat "tiles" (pieces of chicken or veal, simmered, sautéed, served in a spiced sauce of pounded crayfish tails, almonds and toasted bread and garnished with whole crayfish tails), capon pasties and crisps, and a roast of wild guar which was indescribably succulent.
The whispers went around that they should keep room for dessert.
S'reddit
Barenziah had turned during this interchange to the children, and has missed it completely. In fact, she had been answering a question about her own small role in the defeat of Jagar Tharn, the evil polymorphing battlemage.
S'reddit
"Very nice to meet you too, Telera?" Barenziah smiled and nodded. "I don't mean to be rude but I missed the part of the conversation about your bad luck with a potion of some kind?"
S'reddit
"At ease, soldier," Barenziah smiles. "Though the excellence of this food suggests otherwise, this is a casual event. Though I do enjoy a little ceremony, and I adore men standing erect, I would feel most comfortable if you had a seat and enjoyed yourself."
S'reddit
Barenziah shook her head. "Some kind of a rash, my lady?"
S'reddit
"Oh yes," Barenziah frowned. "Goranthir was in that horrible place as well, I remember the tales he told ... " Her eyes sought him out down the table's length, where he was in conversation with Allerleirauh. Then she added to Telera. "I am sorry about your bad luck, my dear, but trust me, the results are not visible to us at all. You have a fine figure, but I wouldn't call you supernaturally attractive."
S'reddit
"Normalcy," Barenziah laughed, raising her glass. "The great unsung virtue."
S'reddit
Goranthir, who was too far away to hear any of the conversation, saw glasses being raised and raised his too, having no particular clue whether he was toasting to love and happiness or to Mehrunes Dagon. He met Tris's eyes with a grin.
S'reddit
Kallen, wandering the open area, observed that people were finishing the second courses. He gave a signal which brought out servers to clear the plates, and told the orchestra to strike up a new tune. It was a soft, aching melody, a reinterpretation of a song seldom played in Ald Raathim, but at one time the anthem of the House Raathim. He was proud of himself, though he would never say so, for having discovered the sheet in the library, for it simultaneous honored Ald Raathim and the Queen Mother's family, the Raathim.
It also alerted Thianas to get the dessert ready.
S'reddit
"That seems sensible," replied Barenziah, half-distracted by the music and the memories. "We've had Imperial Cults in Morrowind for a long time, side by side with Tribunal temples and daedra worship. You're going to be even more diverse spiritually when this becomes a major trading area."
S'reddit
"The Tribunal Temple may be a problem, but ah, yes, a Dibellan temple," Barenziah grinned. "I wonder whether all the old rituals are the same. When I first went to the Imperial City as a young lady, younger than you, they used to take us all together as a group, and bathe us in –"
The music built in intensity, telling of passion and heroism, slowly but insistently drowning out conversation.
Thianas led the group of ten strong young Nords who were carrying the dessert. It was a cake that was a replica of Castle Daruhn, exactly to scale, as it appeared that moment, the patina of its ancient walls faithfully duplicated in iced frosting, and the new construction underway also shown. Even the cliff side was there, encircled by whisps of pastry.
What was more, there were figures within, moving about the castle, talking to one another, shaking hands, some even kissing surreptitiously behind ginger-kissed plants. They were the figurines that Diamond had created and Slyvos had enchanted with life.
S'reddit
Goranthir who had been toasting and drinking to the cake suddenly had trouble of his own swallowing the gulp of wine.
The others in the crowd peered in at the figures as Thianas guided it to Loranna and Barenziah.
"Your Majesty, my lady," he said to them with a bow. The figures on the cake also bowed on cue. "If you would care to point to what you'd like, my little cake carvers will be happy to begin hacking."
S'reddit
Barenziah, also delighted, put a hand to her corset. "Just a small slice of the herb garden, please."
The figures immediately went to work. The little Loranna, Tris, Goranthir, and Shaka scaled the castle tower in no time, and within a few minutes their little swords and staffs had made a surgical incision around it. Isidor and Anya ran to the herb garden and hacked at the sugared flowerbeds until a suitable but modest hunk of it had been dug out.
The servers took the pieces of the castle, and served them to the Queen Mother and Lady of Ald Raathim.
Thianas and his cake carriers began to make the rest of the rounds, bringing the ruins of Castle Daruhn to the feasters.
The orchestra began playing at a more subdued conversational tone.
S'reddit
"Your chefs are excellent as always," Barenziah smiled. "Where did you find him? Was he in Vendama's employ? I should have jumped sooner and taken him as a dowry payment. Imagine what they could do if they had more than a few days' notice that there was to be a feast."
S'reddit
"Ah, poor Minsero, what a loss," Barenziah shrugged. "He could have used some tools of diplomacy. Now what were we talking about before? Religion?"
S'reddit
"Hircine too?" Barenziah's eyebrows raised, but she was smiling. "Well, if you want the Hunt in Ald Raathim, I suppose. If you're doing Stendarr in the poor sections, you might as well do Zenithar in the rich sections ... Frankly, you could do with whatever Aedric blessings you can get."
"Has that been your experience with love, my lord?" Barenziah chuckled. "It can be that way, and as I was discussing with Loranna, a consort who truly can ease your burden is a delight and a treasure. But a recipe wrought by love can just as easily be too sickly sweet, too overwrought, with contradictory flavors ... It can disappoint quite as often as it makes it smooth ..."
S'reddit
"Loranna and Stalker were joking, my lord. I thought you had a better sense of humor than that," Barenziah smiled. "The Tribunal Temple is going to pose some difficulties unless you get your friend Allerleirauh to pull some strings. They have not been very friendly to the royal court. As for love, ah, yes, the metaphor is good ... And let me add, it never dies. You can live for four thousand years, and your first love will still bring a tear to your eye."
S'reddit
Thianas is certain to make sure they see the figure of their father as they are selecting what slices of the cake they want.
S'reddit
The Queen Mother's barge -- a new one -- and two escort ships had arrived at the harbor of Ald Raathim to bring Barenziah back to Mournhold. She slept late, in the arms of her lover Tris.
Her grandson Goranthir went to Allerleirauh's bed that night.
Kallen saw to the cleaning up, removing the silken tarps that had surrounded the cliffside, so the work could continue.
S'reddit
ooc -- Since its now the morning after the banquet, Kethiah and Isidor are only ...
One Day in the Future
Kethiah woke up from her dreamless sleep, and saw Isidor sleeping in the chair next to him. She gently nudged him.
"Killer," she said. "It's very sweet of you to keep a watch over me, but where are your children?"
S'reddit
One Day in the Future
"Thank Vehk for that," Kethiah smiled sleepily. Her eyes, one red and one still bright violet, were at half mast. "If you took better care of them, I might be dead right now, or still rotting in a dungeon while you looked for a babysitter. Are they in school? Why don't you go to them? I'll be fine."
S'reddit
One Day in the Future
Kethiah sat up in bed and accepted the box with a smile. She unwrapped it.
S'reddit
One Day in the Future
"Now this I like," Kethiah smiled, putting it around her neck. "It's beautiful, thank you. What is this talk about something happening to you, though? Are you off on a dangerous quest?"
S'reddit
One Day in the Future
"Thank you," Kethiah said, thoughtfully. "An attack on the Queen Mother, eh? I wonder why not the King ... unless they were just trying to provoke a reaction from him ..."
She laughed. "I'm sorry, killer. Force of habit, mulling over this stuff that doesn't concern me. It was a very thoughtful gift, but I should get some more sleep. Please, go to your children. It doesn't matter if they have homework or friends to keep them occupied ... they want you."
S'reddit
Kethiah smiled and settled back in the bed, holding the amulet in her hand. Its magic washed over her as she slept.
OOC -- And this is where we will leave things until the "real world" of the RP catches up with this future ...
Sheogorath
Tris was still sleeping, when Barenziah got dressed. She kissed him lightly, not to disturb him, and murmured something about "too much exercise."
Then she slipped through the secret passage to Loranna's study.
Sheogorath
"I'm leaving now, and I wanted to thank you for your flawless hospitality," Barenziah smiled. "And to ask if I might have that ring now."
Sheogorath
"Thank you again, my dear Loranna," Barenziah said, kissing her cheek. "Remember, you can reach me by the Mirror anytime you want ... Though, of course, I may not be able to speak frankly at any time ..."
The Queen Mother walked back to the secret passage, and then turned. "Was there anything else pressing that we had left to talk about?"
S'reddit
"I'll let you know how things progress, of course," Barenziah replied. "By the way, my captain talked to that Ordinator, Kratos, and seems satisfied that he was not involved ... If it worried you ..."
Barenziah leaves with a wave.
Her party heads down to the docks, where Goranthir is waiting with the wolf Tazelhoth. He had told his grandmother about him, and she had to see.
They talked for a little, before Barenziah kissed her grandson's cheek, and her barge left the shore of Ald Raathim.
S'reddit
After waving to his grandmother, Goranthir returned to the castle, and his room, where he had left Allerleirauh.
S'reddit
"No, not at all, not a bit," the Telvanni sorceror smiled, letting Drakar in. "I don't know who you are or what you want but I have this feeling it will be fascinating. Do you want something to eat or -- drink?"
S'reddit
"When she said she liked you, she meant it," Goranthir said, taking her hand. "And she specifically said she was happy how happy you make me just now when she was leaving. Do you always keep a journal?"
S'reddit
Baladas chuckled through most of the description, punctuated with an occasional "Ah, yes," "That's right," and "Well, what do you know?"
The food and drink were wretched. Edible and drinkable, but only barely.
"An alliance with the Telvanni is like an alliance with the sun," he smiles. "You can count us to do what we've always done."
S'reddit
"There were a lot of Psijics drifting around Firsthold, I had some of them as tutors," Goranthir smiled. "I hope B wasn't one of them, or he won't like to hear my name mentioned. I was a terrible student."
He laughed. "The Psijics wouldn't believe that broadsheet that was printed, but they believe it from Celarus. They will be very cross with my mother."
S'reddit
"Have you ever opened a Dwemeri puzzle box before?" Baladas asked, grinning. "Have you?"
S'reddit
"It's possible that mother is right, and Mannimarco is no more," Goranthir replied. He spoke of the situation the way you speak of something far away that happens to other people, dispassionately. "That would be the simplest explanation ... except it would mean that my grandmother is wrong, and that only happens a couple times a century."
S'reddit
"Don't bother," Baladas said, his face darkening. "There is nothing within. It will take you centuries to riddle through its mysteries, and you will go half-mad what could be so wonderful that it would be so locked away ... But it seems that the point is the puzzle not the prize. That is the way it is with politics in Morrowind as well."
"You want me to be your friend and help you hold the prize, and I tell you, friend, there is no prize."
S'reddit
"Can we have lunch first?" Goranthir asked.
S'reddit
If it were possible to tire out Goranthir, she had yet to discover a way. But it was fun trying.
S'reddit
"You may take pleasure from my analogy, but trust me, the damnable box was damnably empty,' Baladas frowned. "Anyhow, these prizes you seek, 'life' and 'hope,' you should be able to hold those on your own. Or maybe you need a wife, or a lovely boyfriend?"
S'reddit
The tavern was on the upper floor of an ancient villa, filled with patricians of the city who looked at the women with polite indifference. It was only the middle-class Cyrodils who stared, including a rather plain tavernmaid who started to approach their table, and then scampered away, giggling.
A far more worldy Altmer, who tutted at the girl, came to the table. "My ladies, we have fresh berries from the Blackwoods I would like you to be the first ones to taste. They've only just arrived."
S'reddit
"I never said life was a puzzlebox with nothing inside, I said politics in Morrowind was," Baladas corrected him. "If your aim is simply to live and have interesting conversations -- an aim I think is perfectly admirable, by the way -- then I would advise not opposing Helseth. You may think you're tough, you may think the Redoran or the Indoril are fine warriors, but the best way to avoid having a civil war in Morrowind is not to have one. There are enough hardships in life without welcoming more in. The Dunmer king blew up that volcano once to rid himself of pesky rebels, he'll do it again."
S'reddit
"On the border to Blackmarsh, my lady Jelsia," the Altmer smiled. "I shall be right back with some sea urchins."
There was something funny about the way he walked. It was almost a limp, but more like he had a slightly shaky leg.
S'reddit
It happened so subtly while they were eating the berries and then the sea urchins that the women didn't notice that they were alone in the restaurant until the last patrician couple had walked out.
S'reddit
The Altmer steward returned with more sea urchins. "What else may I offer you this day?"
S'reddit
The steward looked around. "Wherever it is people go, I suppose. Did you enjoy the berries? They're delicious, aren't they? Of course, they have one minor side-effect to mages ... Which I didn't tell the royal battlemages when they came to dine at my original tavern in Firsthold ..."
S'reddit
Another Altmer came in from the kitchen behind him, and a third. Both bearing cleavers.
"The Queen expelled me from the kingdom for that, rendering her mages ineffective, albeit temporarily," he shrugged. "But I think she'll reconsider ... Shall we go over your bill? No charge for the food and drink. It's on the house. So that just leaves the tip."
He pulled his sword out from his pant leg.
S'reddit
"Right now it's translating this ancient Chimer text," Baladas grimaced. "The worst thing is that misspellings and atrocious grammar existed even in ancient days, and the author was a soldier following Veloth, not an academic, so ... Wait, do you mean what is my concern about politics? I think I made it clear in that far too overextended metaphor about the puzzlebox: I haven't any. I have seen the prize, and it doesn't interest me. There is nothing so tedious as the present day ..."
S'reddit
The cooks moved to block her path, and the steward fell to the floor, dropping his sword.
S'reddit
"Shut up you little [censored], or I'll give ya something to scream about," said one of the cooks, and they rushed at her.
S'reddit
She could hear armored footsteps in the street, the unmistakable sound of the imperial guard. It was a good neighborhood. Guards actually came when people screamed.
Behind Jelsia, the faster, thinner chef jumped after her, slashing with his cleaver.
S'reddit
The heavier cook threw his knife at Maranda. He was a pretty good with knives, but it was off-balance, not really meant for throwing.
S'reddit
"Thank you, and I wouldn't worry about me," Baladas smiled, showing Drakar to the door. "I'd worry about whoever tries to break into my place without my permission. I wish you'd listen to some of my advice, but then again, few do."
S'reddit
"Nonsense," Baladas frowned. They were at his front door. "You don't have to follow the Redoran on whatever idiotic plan a bunch of people 'vote' on. Your real challenge will come not from within but from the north, and you'll be too tired to face it."
S'reddit
The skinnier cook landed clumsily next to her, twisting his ankle. Now he too was screaming.
"What's all this about?" asked the imperial guard.
S'reddit
"She attacked us first," the cook lied effortlessly through his tears of pain. "Said the bill was too high."
"It is an expensive restaurant for what you get," the guard nodded his head. "I think you all should come with me. Who else is upstairs?"
S'reddit
Two more guards had come around the corner, looking in on the scene. Again, it was a nice neighborhood. People didn't care for screaming in the streets.
"Watch them," the first guard said, heading up to the second floor tavern. "I'm going to see who else is up there."
The skinny cook had dropped into a sitting position, holding his ankle. He was sniffling, but continuing to lie. "Listen, lady, you want a pretty view, you have to pay premium for the food. That's life."
S'reddit
The guards took a moment to take in the butterfly lady with the antennae and wings who was thinking herself believable in a court of law.
"Of course, lady, you'll have your chance ..." one of them began.
"There's a dead guy up here!" the first guard called from the window. "And another one spouting blood all over the place."
S'reddit
"So do I," replied Baladas, somewhat distractedly, as he let Drakar out into the streets. "... Now, I wonder if he meant greljanirrl instead of hrelranirrl ..."
S'reddit
The first guard came down with the injured, stockier cook. A healing spell had evidently been cast on him, but he was still holding his arm in considerable pain.
"I'll escort you ladies back to the Temple," he said. He had a homely but a friendly face, and it looked a little familiar to Jelsia. Enough for her to know that he had been to the House before.
The other two guards brought the cooks to the justice halls. More guards showed up to take care of the body.
S'reddit
The guard's face went white. "I am so sorry, I should have tended to that."
His hands glowed blue, and he healed the scratches on her arms. Not a powerful spell, but a good one.
"Do you know why they attacked you? They had been friendly restauranteurs for years now ..."
S'reddit
"Why would anyone attack ladies like you?" the guard wondered aloud, repeating his question but in a different, softer tone.
S'reddit
"I see," the guard said frowning a little, as they arrived at the temple. He didn't quite know what 'painter' meant, but he figured it was one of the thing that rich people did. Something exotic and out of his league. "We'll get to the heart of it, don't worry. Sorry you had such a bad time for your special evening."
He left, not bothering to check with anyone at the temple. He believed them.
S'redit
Summary
Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, has left for Mournhold about her new barge, with a several other ships to guard her, to protect her from assassins which attacked her old barge.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold and her grandson, is in Ald Raathim. He has sent Tazelhoth, the wolf, back into the forest, which strict instructions not to be seen by any men or mer. The huge wolf is having a grand time stalking the other wildlife. The Prince himself is helping with the construction effort at the castle.
Sheogorath
Summary
Only a few hours in the future now:
Kethiah: the assassin rests in her bed, after the attempted assassination by Herwyn Brand. Isidor has given her an amulet, and gone to tell Loranna she's there, as well as to check up on his kids, per her insistence.
Sheogorath
On the way, she passed Goranthir, shirt off, hauling dirt away from the castle with a group. He waved to her and smiled. It was a sight to truly test whether Anya had any sexual attraction towards any men.
Sheogorath
Allerleirauh had been ... enthusiastic that morning, but instead of exhausting him, Goranthir felt more alive, with energy to burn. Physical labor was nothing he was used to. Even in the year he spent traveling through Tamriel from west to east, he had never worked hard with his hands. He looked briefly at them now, and there were blisters forming, different from the calluses he had built up from swordplay. More honest somehow.
Tris and Allerleirauh were elsewhere, and when he saw either one of them, he would take a break, but for now he was happy among the workers, making Ald Raathim more secure by pure sweat.
Sheogorath
Loranna's castellian Kallen appeared to be the man most directly in charge of the four big jobs: hauling dirty away from the excavation at the castle, hauling stones to the castle for the fortifications, dredging the bay to expand the dock area, and expanding the arena. Others were supporting the workers, healing their bumps and bruises, augmenting their strength and endurance magically. Then there were those who were doing smaller projects, such as finishing the new tavern and new warehouses near the docks.
Sheogorath
Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop
Phand Masolaude catered to Daggerfall's elite. You were not allowed within unless you had an appointment, and you only had an appointment if one of the master seamstress had received a recommendation from one of her other clients. The gowns they made were jaw-droppingly expensive and jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Lelia, the Countess of Ivytyde had made an appointment, and entered the shop. She was still pale and pretty, but she did not smile as she used to. Over her pale pink dress, she wore a long pink cape.
Phand excused herself from Tsei, letting her assistant finishing pinning the hem on the dress she was trying on, looking at herself in front of the mirror.
"I need dresses for the winter," she said. "Long sleeves."
"Of course, madam," said the seamstress, pulling out her tape.
"The old measurements will suffice," the Countess said quickly. "I've neither lost nor gained weight."
"Nor did you need to," the seamstress said diplomatically.
Sheogorath
Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop
The Countess looked at Tsei, and Tsei felt a chill run through her. It was if she were looking at a zombie. Lelia was young, but her eyes were dead. She did not reply, but she looked at Tsei as if trying to think where she had seen her before. They had both been to the wedding, but to the Countess, that was a lifetime ago.
Phand was quick to pick up the conversation. "Oh yes, the Countess favors the pinks and whites, and all the pretty colors ... We just received some glorious lavender silks from Valenwood this week which would be glorious ..."
"Black," Lelia replied simply. Even her voice sounded dead.
Sheogorath
Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop
"What could possibly be wrong?" Lelia smiled sadly. "I am having the time of my life."
Another customer came into the shop, and as the door opened, just for an instant, the Countess's cape blew to the side. And Tsei could see the broken flesh beneath, countess bruises and the marks of whips.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Kethiah wakes up as the door opens, and she smiles at Loranna.
The bloody pitcher of water next to her, the bloody rags, and the wound to her forehead are all evidence of the trauma she's been through. But most arresting are her eyes: the one under the wound has turned bright violet, and the other remains red.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Loranna," says Kethiah groggily.
Sheogorath
Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop
Lelia's pale skin showed some sign of life after all. She blushed deeply, embarrassed, and exited the shop in a hurry.
"We'll have those dresses for you in a week to try on!" Phand called after her.
Then she went over to Tsei crossly. "What a thing to say in front of one of my best customers. What she is going through is no business of yours, girl. Take off that dress. I'll do no business with the likes of you."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Kethiah followed the finger well enough. "Fine. I'm a little sensitive to light though, for some reason." She motioned towards the curtains, which had been drawn.
Sheogorath
Daggerfall
The Countess was getting into her carriage as Tsei came out. Just for an instant, she saw someone else in the carriage with her, a young girl. And then it was off down the cobblestone road.
Sheogorath
"Oh," said Kethiah, surprised, touching the cheekbone under the eye. "Isidor didn't tell me. I'm glad it's not too horrible ..."
To Loranna's question, she said. "Yes, I know who did it, and there's no reason for it to happen again. I've decided to retire."
Sheogorath
Kethiah grimaces a little. "Not only him. His children. Who I will be meeting shortly."
It is plain to see that this woman who has killed hundreds, perhaps thousands, over her career, one of the toughest, most ruthless people in Morrowind, is terrified of the prospect.
"You know, Isidor is so sweet and trusting -- he never even asked whether I've killed any children in the course of my work."
Sheogorath
Kethiah blinks. She tried to imagine something worse that she could have been talking about before children enter the room. Unnatural sex? No. Child murder is the top of the subject lists not to have on your lips before the children of your lover enter the room.
The expressions on their face suggested that they did not hear her. Thank Vivec.
It took her a moment to recover enough to remember her name. Not a great sign. "Kethiah," she said, looking them over.
She was not a great fan of "cute" and these kids were that. But they were quiet. That was good.
"Hello," Kethiah added. It was a conversation not off to a promising start.
Sheogorath
What to say, what to say? Kethiah looked at their serious faces. Should I offer them a drink?
She looked around. Nothing but the pitcher of bloody water. Should 11-year-olds see pitchers of bloody water? Hard to say.
"So," Kethiah added hopefully, and then shut her mouth. She had hoped she would have a brilliant conversational idea at the end of that syllable, but she didn't.
Sheogorath
"Yes and yes," Kethiah replied simply. "He's the best man I've ever met."
And he thinks he's a lousy father Kethiah thought. Maybe he's being tough on himself, maybe it's true. I can't imagine the kids have an objective opinion on that.
Sheogorath
"Well, yes, I thought that might be a good idea," Kethiah looked around. "Though maybe not here. I think I'd prefer a house where I could have a garden ... What do you think about that?"
Sheogorath
Ivytyde House, Daggerfall
The new Countess of Ivytyde had only held the title for a little over a month, since she and her brother hired an assassin named Kethiah to murder their domineering mother and make it look like suicide. Their father had taken his own life as well, years and years ago.
And now the new Countess, Lelia, stood on the tower of her family's mansion, and looked down to the sea.
For a couple weeks, she thought that she could do it. To be the lady of the wealthy Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, with all his charm and sophistication, the people and things he knew, it was worth the horror that happened at night when the doors were closed the world, and the mask came off.
A rainy wind whipped over her naked body, cooling the hot wounds on her, washing the blood of the girl from her hands. Lelia had brought her to Laurent to sate his desire, so he would not be so cruel.
But the girl had not cried enough for his pleasure, and he was even more wrathful when Lelia had bound her wounds and sent her on her way.
The Countess thought of her nights of horror, and her days of hiding away, hoping no one would find out the shameful truth. The girl in the tailor shop had blurted it all out, and soon more would know. She would not be able to bear the pity and disgust.
And so she stepped from the tower, and her battered body was destroyed against the rocks. It was not until morning that her servants found her, the third member of her cursed family to commit suicide.
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled at Tyradil. "Then tomorrow we should go shopping for one. I can hear out the window that there's a lot of construction going on right now. Maybe it's a good time to have a new house designed for us, just as we want it, instead of getting someone else's old house."
To Tilitalia's question, Kethiah asked. "Do you know what an assassin is?"
Sheogorath
"He tried his damndest," Kethiah nodded. "And your father saved me, for the second time. He's good for that."
Sheogorath
Kethiah chuckled, in spite of herself. "Oh, I get to ask questions too? Well ... How are you liking it here in Ald Raathim? Do you miss your old home?"
Sheogorath
"So, no consensus," Kethiah nodded. "Well, you might miss it later. Glad you're not too unhappy here. But you wish your father was around more, I'd imagine."
Sheogorath
"We just met at the Drunken Guar here in Ald Raathim," Kethiah replied. Really, no reason to go into explaining the concept of a 'One-Night-Stand, she decided, better wait until they're 13. "And then he followed me around High Rock until he caught up to me at a circus where I was performing. Have you been to a circus before?"
Sheogorath
"I'm from a little island off the coast, so small it doesn't even have a name," Kethiah replied. That wasn't true. Its name was Vounoura, but it was not a name to be used around children, or anyone else for that matter. "But I've lived in Vvardenfell for years, in the north, and I've been coming to Ald Raathim since it was a tiny little town. I'm glad it's growing, but I hope it doesn't lose its character."
Sheogorath
"That's kind of you to ask," replied Kallen. "We have work at the castle on excavations, and building new contruction, and also at the arena. And the harbor needs dredging still, if you're comfortable with wet work. What is your name, and what brings you here to help?"
Sheogorath
"The hardest work is at the arena right now," said Kallen. "Any help you can give us will be greatly appreciated, and I will let her ladyship know that you're here."
Sheogorath
Hammerfell: Quill's Circus
The animal met with thunderous applause. The Redguards enjoyed it all, particularly the costumes. Quill always adjusted the acts as they went along, not only to keep them interesting for the performers, but also to suit the individual tastes of the audience. Redguards liked the look of flesh, so the usually skimpy outfits got even skimpier. He stopped shy of actually nudity, but just shy.
Quill always came out to announce the next act, between two clown troops, the Crowns and Forebears, who performed ridiculous battles and, depending on the politics of the locals, either the Crowns or Forebears won.
Quill did not, however, come out to announce the next act. After a brief awkward pause, one of the other performers did the duty.
Sheogorath
"That's an education all to itself," Kethiah nodded. "Let's give it some time, and see if that's possible ..."
She didn't want to say it, but the possibility of war was on her mind.
Sheogorath
Hammerfell: Quill's Circus
Some other performers, also concerned about him, had gone to look also. They were standing outside his wagon, and one of the acrobats stepped out of it, her face stricken.
"He just got a note," she said. "His sister is dead by her own hand."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled and hugged her back. It was strangely ... normal. She didn't think she would feel so comfortable in such a role.
Waving to them from the bed as they left, she said. "First thing tomorrow morning, we look for a new home."
Sheogorath
Hammerfell: Quill's Circus
Quill looked stunned more than anything, like he had been hit by an arrow, but the pain hadn't registered.
"I don't know," he shook his head. "I should. It will look queer if I don't ... but, Kynareth, I don't want to."
Sheogorath
Quill nodded. "I don't know what I believe, but she was happy. Her life had actually just begun, after twenty years of mother ..."
He looked again at the note, and then at all the people in the wagon. "Thank you all. I have to go and take care of this, but I don't want you to miss a single show date. You know the routines, and if I hear you leave a single audience with less than your best performance," he began, issuing his usual bossy threat, and then he stopped. "Well, I know that you won't let me down."
Sheogorath
"Better than I could have hoped for," Kethiah laughed. "They do have questions though, don't they?"
Sheogorath
Quill looked at Paesira, a young acrobat who had been training with Mirea. "Do you think you can handle the guar, and Mirea's other routines?"
Paesira's eyes shone. It was her dream. "Yes, definitely!"
Quill looked to Mirea, and attempted a smile. "Then let's leave immediately and get this over with. I don't want to miss the show in Sentinel."
Sheogorath
"Of course!" Kethiah called back.
"Well, I don't even know what Ald Raathim looks like now, I just hear it from the window," Kethiah smiled. "But there was something about a new tavern by the docks? I don't know why, but something about that sounds intriguing ... Isidor, how'd you like to run a tavern?"
Sheogorath
"Just something I was knocking around," Kethiah said and then laughed. "Not only would we have to watch your consumption, but also make sure that it was a decent environment for young children to grow up in."
Sheogorath
Kethiah grimaced. "Loranna, I want to help out any way I can, really. Not just for Jazbet, but for all the hospitality you've shown me ... But I've been retired for exactly four hours. I'd be happy to give advice, but ... I'm afraid of attracting undue attention by doing too much this soon. I'm sorry."
Kethiah threw a pillow at him with a laugh: "You just send them in to talk with me without you?! I think it went well, but teats of Almalexia, you really threw me into the fire there."
Sheogorath
"I'm not an assassin anymore, I'm a woman in a sickbed," Kethiah teased him. "If they hated me, I'd be less inclined towards forgive you, but what did they say? They only asked me about fifty questions, rapid-fire, like arrows."
Sheogorath
"Your kids are adorable," Kethiah smiled. "And so are you. So, we're going shopping for a house tomorrow, or maybe we'll buy that tavern ... Do you have any money?"
Sheogorath
"I will, Loranna, and again, I'm sorry I'm not quite ready to pay my dues as a spy," Kethiah said. "We should talk about it more later. Maybe I can still be some help."
Sheogorath
"Goodbye, Loranna, and thank you," Kethiah says as Loranna leaves. "And tell Slyvos thank you for whatever help he can give me. I don't want to be locked up indoors forever."
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is helping the workers in the construction of Ald Raathim, waiting for Allerleirauh or Tris or both to come back.
Quill, the owner of the Quill Traveling Circus, is leaving for Daggerfall. He has just received word that his sister has commited suicide, which, remarkable in his family, is actually the truth. He does not know the story of her hellish relationship with Lord Laurent Lyonswurst ... yet ... Travelling with him is Allerleirauh's erstwhile Void Ranger Mirea, who is now an acrobat in his circus.
Kethiah has just met her lover Isidor's kids. When she recovers enough from the injuries sustained in her fight with Herwyn Brand, she intends to go shopping for a house. Right now the idea of buying the new inn being constructed on the docks appeals to her.
S'reddit
Daggerfall
Quill hated traveling by Guild Guides, but if he was to get to Daggerfall and settle his sister's will, and come to some understanding of her senseless suicide, he had to move quickly, and there was no faster way. Within a few minutes, he and Mirea were no longer in Lainlyn, Hammerfell, but in Daggerfall, High Rock.
He had been mostly silent during the trip, but Mirea could see that his mood had changed from bewilderment to anger. But it was an unfocused anger with no particular target yet. If his sister Lelia had commited suicide, he was furious with her for not telling him that anything was troubling her. If it was murder, well, then, obviously the anger was much less muddled with pity, and was directed towards her killer.
Ivytyde House is the type of country house everyone dreams of. Its ancient history as a fortress had been well disguised, and now it was a very grand, but very comfortable manor.
"My Lord Dygbal," said the major domo upon their arrival. "I am so sorry to see you again under such tragic circumstances."
"I do not understand these circumstances," said Quill, who was known as Dygbal, his birth name, in Daggerfall. "You will have to explain them. Was she unhappy?"
"Not in any way she made known to me," the servant said, uncomfortably. "She was always the portrait of youth and levity, but ... there was something different. The Countess would sometimes look as if she had been crying, and she wasn't as close to the servants as she used to be during the time of your mother."
"My sister may have gotten full of herself because of the title," Quill suggested. "Well, we'll have a look over the financial records, her personal schedule, what parties she went to ... See if we can make some sense of this."
"Very good, my lord."
S'reddit
Ivytyde House
Quill/Dygbal was in his sister's bedroom, going through her financial documents and personal schedule, all of which her major domo had provided. He smiled a bit when he saw Mirea, and at her words, turned to Tsei.
"It was nice of you to come, miss," he said. "Anything you know would be very helpful. I'm at a loss to explain how this could have happened to her ..."
S'reddit
Ald Raathim:
Goranthir was lugging more dirt from the castle when he witnessed the altercation. He told the lads that he needed a bit of break, and wiping his face with his shirt, ran up to Tris. He was concerned, but unable to keep from smiling at seeing him again.
"That must be the girl Allie sent to talk to Barenziah, she told me about her," Goranthir said. "Are you all right? Where have you been?"
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, Daggerfall
Quill swallowed. "It does actually. I've been talking to her housemaids, and they said that she didn't let them help her dress and undress anymore. She didn't want them to see the scars. Oh Kynareth, it -- she was being beaten and didn't want anyone to know ..."
Quill pulled out Lelia's social calendar. "It's filled with fetes and parties, dinners and dates ... she kept up appearances ..."
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
"Poor girl," Goranthir frowned. "I didn't realize she was a friend of Mirea's. Is your business over, or are you going to be in town for a little bit? I've been hauling dirt for hours ..."
He looked down, and saw just how dirty and sweaty he had become. "I think I need a bath."
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, Daggerfall
"Neither do I," Quill replied, sighing. "I can only assume ... she didn't tell anyone because she couldn't. She was more afraid of telling people than of the beatings, which makes me think ... it makes me think of two different women who might have done it. The woman who interrogated me to try to find Klia threatened to torture Lelia if I didn't tell her where Klia was ... And Klia herself -- she was furious at me when she left the circus ..."
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
Goranthir grinned. "I'm glad to keep you from being too idle."
His room at the Drunken Guar had a large bathtub, and the tavernkeep was happy to send up hot water.
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, High Rock
Quill flipped through the calendar. "Many men," he said, and added quickly. "Lelia was never allowed to socialize while my mother was in power, but she would never ... she was a butterfly, not a wanton ..."
"Lord Hyrick, Lord Forteyn, Lord Lyonswurst ... and then no other ... She continued to go to parties at the castle and other places, but Laurent Lyonswurst was the last man she met socially one on one ... though she does not mention any other dates with him after two weeks ago ..."
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, High Rock
"I only know Lyonswurst slightly," Quill nodded. "His family came to Daggerfall from Wayrest a year or two before I ran away, and we were both too shy to have many friends ... I'll pay him a visit and see if he knows anything, maybe why Lelia stopped seeing him ... There might have been another man she didn't want to mention in her calendar."
S'reddit
Quill smiled. "I'm not high society either, if you haven't noticed. I'd appreciate your company."
"Thank you, Miss -- I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."
S'reddit
"I'm in your debt, Tsei," said Dygbal as he called for a carriage for himself and Mirea. "If ever you need anything from Dygbal, the Count of Ivytyde, or Quill of Quill's Traveling Circus, you need only ask."
S'reddit
The Drunken Guar
Goranthir and Tris came down stairs, laughing, to get a drink. They both were clean with still wet hair.
Goranthir felt Allerleirauh looking at him before he saw her.
"Hi," he said.
S'reddit
Goranthir smiled. "Well told, my love. It sounds like a true story. I'm glad it has a happy ending."
S'reddit
"Where are you going?" asked Kethiah, coming out of her sleep.
S'reddit
"It does sound like the prelude to another tale," Goranthir said, watching Allerleirauh and Tris. "A sadder one. The Scrib-Shell Boy still left -- he may have been more monster than prince."
S'reddit
"I am glad to hear that," Kethiah smiled a little sleepily. "Why don't you get into bed?"
S'reddit
"The Lucky Lady," she grinned. "So we can say 'The Lucky Lady is open for your business' ..." Kethiah put her hands over her mouth. "Maybe something a little less naughty ... We should ask Tyradil and Tilitalia for ideas."
S'reddit
"And it all begins with a girl who in her innocence, her love for her mother, does too many rituals and brings honor to none," Goranthir nodded. "The Gods never come off well in these tales ... I wonder if Stendarr came into the land much later ..."
S'reddit
"I'm glad I'm here too," Kethiah said, pulling him closer. "This is where I want to be."
It was true, which surprised Kethiah to no end.
S'reddit
"The mercy of the Gods seems very tidal, coming and going," Goranthir began, and then followed Tris's eyes. "Who is the man?"
As Shai approached Alexi, Goranthir stood up. She looked like she had her hand on a dagger, and the expression on her face was angry.
S'reddit
Kethiah took his hands, and with gentleness, they made love.
"You are a healer," she whispered, her red and violet eyes closed in ecstasy.
Fade out.
S'reddit
Goranthir smiled, looking Allerleirauh in the eyes, filled with love.
S'reddit
Goranthir looked at the scene unfold, and even though he knew it was egotistical to put himself into it, he couldn't help it. He too was in a triangle of love, but the jealousy was subtler than screams and daggers drawn.
Before he could identify too heavily with Teleran/Telera, he saw Diamond, and ran over to her.
"I haven't seen you in a long time," he said. "How are you? I put your unfinished figurehead on my ship, and it's beautiful ... I almost hate to ask you to finish it ..."
S'reddit
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in the Drunken Guar with the group.
Kethiah is at the castle, asleep with her lover Isidor.
Quill/Dygbal has just hired a carriage to take him and Mirea to Lord Laurent Lyonswurst's palace. He was the last man his sister Lelia had been paid courting to, a few weeks ago, before her recent mysterious suicide.
S'reddit
Kethiah woke up too, and showed him, if there was any doubt, that words were entirely unnecessary.
"Now," she smiled, satisfied, thirty minutes later. "Shall we go real estate shopping?"
S'reddit
Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall
The carriageride from Ivytyde House to Lyonswurst House was not a long one. It carried Quill and Mirea over gentle hills, past other nobles' estates, along the sea. Other carriages filled with fashionable folk passed them, and they craned their necks to look at Quill and Mirea, curious why such plainly dressed couple had command of the Ivytyde carriage, then whispering to one another the horrible gossip about what befell Lelia.
The ride up the private road to Lyonswurst House was designed to awe. Fountains and gardens lined the curving way, offering only brief peeks at the palace itself, which, when it finally came into view, was astonishing in its opulence. It was entirely marble, glistening in the sun as if continually wet, in red and black.
"They say Lyonswurst House is what the Emperor Tiber Septim would have built," Quill said, smiling a little. "If he had any money."
This was not meant as a compliment.
The carriage was left with the servants at the gatehouse, and Tris and Mirea walked up to the open door where Lord Laurent Lyonswurst's valet awaited them.
"His lordship will be with your shortly," the valet said. "If you will come with me."
He brought them to a vast atrium in the back of the palace, iron and glass, and so filled with tropical plants, it looked like a section of Valenwood had been uprooted and dropped into High Rock. There were even monkeys and birds in the trees.
"Perhaps I might offer you a refreshment?" the valet asked. "His lordship always likes one about this hour."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"Three glass of rothmeth," said Laurent, stepping into the atrium. He was dressed entirely in black, except for the inside of his cape which was white, like a stage musician. With no introduction other than that, he embraced Quill, who was more than a little startled by the man's sudden appearance. "I am so sorry to hear about your sister. She was a flower."
Quill smiled uncomfortably, and extricated himself, as the valet returned with the drinks.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill looked at her and smiled, and Mirea could see how glad he was that she was there.
"Ah, I knew you looked familiar," Laurent kissed her hand. While not at all handsome, and rather pudgy in form, he had the friendliest face she had ever see. "I've seen you from afar in town."
"You knew my sister well?" Quill asked, as they settled down with their drinks.
"Not as well as I thought," Laurent sighed. "I never thought she would ever ... do what she did."
Sheogorath
"Loranna told me that you had some reward money coming to you," Kethiah smiled. "And if that's not enough, we could take a trip to Vas and get more."
She got out of bed, surprised at how good she felt.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"She was a romantic," Laurent replied with sad eyes. "The world is very tough on those."
"We are trying to understand what happened in her world," Quill said. "Something broke her spirit."
"Yes, she seemed very sad the last time I saw her," Laurent replied. "I asked her why, and she didn't want to talk about it. I wish with all my heart she could have told me. However bad it was, it couldn't have been worth this."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"I don't know, maybe it wasn't one person, maybe it was everything," Laurent said. "I think she had such high expectations about what would happen when she was free of her mother's hold, that the reality couldn't measure up. What is strange is how quickly it happened. I've known desperately unhappy people that have lived on for years without breaking ..."
"Were you romantically involved with my sister?" asked Quill.
"Romantically? No," Laurent replied. "She was more of a friend."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiles and tries it on. Even indoors, it brought a little relief to her light-sensitive eyes. Outdoors it would be the only way for her to stand the sun.
"Just in time," Kethiah said. "We're about to do a little shopping for a house."
Sheogorath
"She did have a full social calendar," Laurent nodded. "And I believe a number of gentlemen admirers, but I don't know if there was one particularly someone else. She was always the portait of discretion."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiles to Loranna and then to Isidor. "I told you it'd be all right. Thank you, Loranna, for everything."
Taking Isidor's arm, the former assassin stepped out into the sunlight of Ald Raathim, and they began their search for a home.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill followed her out a moment later.
He didn't say anything, but she could see in his eyes that they were thinking alike.
"Let's go," he said. "I've already said goodbye."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"Can't be quite as small as that," Kethiah said, thinking, as they came into town. "Or as remote. We need at least three bedrooms. And, like I said, I'd love to have a garden ... Should we look at houses first, or go ahead and look at the new tavern at the docks?"
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim, the Docks
The tavern was modest, but well-appointed and almost finished. It sat on the shore just off the docks which were still a buzz of activity with all the construction. A three story half-timber structure of the Nordic variety with balconies encircling the top two levels.
Walking past the workmen into the interior, Isidor and Kethiah found a wide-open space. The main room of the tavern. The second floor consisted of balconies hanging over the main room.
"We could add curtains so they'd be private rooms for clandestine meetings," Kethiah whispered.
Behind the unfinished bar were steps leading down to the cellar, and up to the rooms on the third floor. Eighteen of them.
"What do you think?"
Sheogorath
High Rock
"He said everything I wanted him to say," Quill said. "And I might've believed him as much I wanted to believe him if you weren't there. He's the kind of man my sister would have dreamed about. Rich, well-mannered, and not so handsome that people would have looked at him instead of her when they were together ... But, please, don't even think about going there by yourself. You only had to have your eyes open to see how rich and powerful he is."
Sheogorath
The Docks of Ald Raathim
Kethiah smiled thoughtfully, and took his hand as she stepped outside to look around the building at all sides.
"I like that it's Nordic," she said. "Fitting for you and the kids ..."
In the back of the tavern, there was a fenced in area where the workers were digging at an angle away from the water, to create a fresh-water well. There was a red-bearded Nord supervising the construction.
"Do you know who owns the tavern?" Kethiah asked.
"I do," said the man. "Or I will, after I get some more funds from Skyrim. These things are more expensive than they look."
Kethiah looked at Isidor, and then back to the man. "Maybe we can help with some of the money."
"How much?" the man asked.
"All of it?"
Sheogorath
High Rock
"I still don't want you to go," Quill said simply. "I don't care what happened to my sister enough for you to get hurt. That's the truth."
Sheogorath
The man named his price, also surprised but from the look in his eyes, relieved. He really had spent too much on the place's construction.
"Well, that seems fair," said Kethiah cagily. "But before we negotiate, there are other interested parties we need to bring by ..."
She looked to Isidor. "I think they can skip a little school for this."
Sheogorath
"Take the long way home!" Quill called to the driver.
He closed the curtains on the carriage, and kissed Mirea back.
Sheogorath
The Docks of Ald Raathim
"Your father and I were thinking about buying this tavern," Kethiah smiled. "There would be a room for each of you, one for us, and fifteen rooms to rent out. We wanted to get your opinion to see what you thought ... Because you'll have chores to do to keep it clean and well-organized."
"Don't answer yet," she added. "Just take a look around and see what you think. Just be careful, it's still under construction."
Sheogorath
"One step at a time, killer," Kethiah smiled. She was now used to Isidor being a couple moves ahead of her, and she didn't mind it, provided he slowed down when she asked him to. "We have to get to know each other better."
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked behind her. The Nord was just out of earshot.
"Okay," she said. "Now what we need to do is be a little less enthusiastic, so we get it for a better price. Talk about liking another house more ... "
She gave them a wink, and looked to Isidor. Except for the negotiating, they had a home.
Sheogorath
The docks of Ald Raathim
The Nord looked at them, a little concerned.
"Well done," smiled Kethiah. "Now, go with your father and get the gold from Loranna. And while you're doing that, think of a name for our tavern. I was thinking the Something and Something, since there's already a tavern called the Adjective Something in town ... Maybe Tyradil thinks of one noun, and Tilitalia, you think of the other?"
She turned back to the Nord with a sigh, shaking her head, expertly feigning concern about his perfectly fair price.
Sheogorath
Kethiah met them half-way, given them the new price she had negotiated which was significantly less.
Under the hood, they could see her eyes shining. The tough assassin had become the tough businesswoman.
Sheogorath
"Good, that's part of the reason we got the deal, I told him we'd pay cash and pay it today," Kethiah gave Isidor a happy kiss. "Take them on the tour and I'll be right with you."
She headed off to the Nord.
Sheogorath
House Ivytyde, High Rock
And it was over much too soon. Quill looked sad but had a little bashful smile when the carriage stopped, and they had to step out.
"If I don't meet with my solicitors now, it won't be until next week that I can settle the will and inheritance," he said. "It shouldn't take more than a couple hours -- if it does, please set the house on fire and rescue me."
Sheogorath
Among the more impressive features of the still-unfinished tavern's main room was a huge walk-in fireplace in the main room which had a hidden door leading down the empty cellar below.
"I was thinking that we should always have a fire in it, or at least a light spell for ambiance," Kethiah smiled, stepping in with them. "Oh, the Nord accepted. This is ours now."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
It was dull watching the day to day operations of a large manor house. Horses were washed in the stables, silver was polished in one wing, while laundry was sorted in another, and his lordship spent time in correspondence in the third. A considerable amount of effort was spent by servants continually polishing the great marble edifice of the house.
A carriage arrived an hour into her vigil containing a young pair, boy and girl, who appeared to be siblings, possibly twins.
They were brought into the dining room where Laurent greeted them, and fed them a sumptuous meal.
The servants drifted out to the far wings of the house, shutting heavy doors behind them.
Then Laurent dropped the mask, and horrible things began happening. And Mirea knew what Lelia had suffered.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed. "Is that what Tyradil and Titiltalia came up with, or is that yours?"
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
For a dilentante, Lord Laurent Lyonswurst was remarkably focused. When he decided to become a court favorite, he became one. He knew people, and he knew how to manipulate people. And when he loosened the beast inside, if anything he became more focused. There were no impulses in this monster, only calculations and movements to quell and stoke his desires.
Thus, it took him some time to smell the fire. He was, after all, used to some occasional burning in his play, but that hadn't occured yet.
Then, it was chaos, and servants arrived with water and in the confusion, the twins escaped.
He was annoyed, not worried. They could not tell anyone, but his fun for the night was over.
Sheogorath
"I can hardly wait to see the sign," Kethiah laughed. "Well, we might as well move in now. There's still going to be construction going on, but that's the case anywhere in town."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
In fact, Quill stepped out of the meeting room with his solicitors a few minutes after Mirea returned. He looked exhausted.
"I am so sorry that took so long," he groaned. "But as dull as it was waiting for me, it was much worse in there, trust me ..."
He looked at her face. "You look different somehow. What is on your mind?"
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall
Quill expelled a deep breath. "How do you know? Did you find evidence, or ... No, he's he hurting someone else?"
Sheogorath
"I hope it burned to the ground," said Quill angrily. "If not, I'll go back with more kindling."
S'reddit
"I won't make a promise to you I can't keep," Quill said. "If he hurt her by accident, that would be one thing I would have trouble forgiving him for. But he continues to hurt people ... I can't let it continue."
S'reddit
Quill was about to reply to that, when one of the solicitors came over, apologetically.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Dygbal," he said. "But will you be writing to your cousin?"
"No, you handle that," Quill said. "I barely know him."
"I think he will be sorry not to hear from you," said the solicitor, withdrawing. "Considering your generosity."
S'reddit
"I have even less," Kethiah laughed. "It will be like starting over. In a good way."
The rest of the day was spent in the town, buying furniture for their rooms, and talking to the artisans about ordering more beds, chairs, tables, benches, and wardrobes for all the other rooms and the tavern itself. Kethiah also bought a few new outfits, nothing extravagant, but enough to keep her from wearing the same outfit day after day since her wardrobe was still in Vas. Finally, they spoke with two different importers who were setting up business near the tavern, about bringing in liquor and food. Since the Nymph and Noggin would be closer to the docks than the Drunken Guar, it was more important than the food and drink be interprovincial, with varieties to please travellers and merchants of all races.
It was a long, exhausting day, and they were all four happy to retire for the night in their new home.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall
"No Countess in the history of Ivytyde has ever had fun," Quill laughed, for the first time in days. "Sorry, Mirea, had to do it. It would have been horrible."
Then the smile faded from his face, as he thought of Laurent Lyonswurst. Something had to be done. And though he didn't explain the segue in his thinking, he said aloud. "I want it to be by my hand, no one else's."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall
"Okay, I just want to be involved," Quill said. "It doesn't have to be legal. I don't ever have to come back to Daggerfall again."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall
"No, I want to go back to the circus," Quill said. "And I want Laurent Lyonswurst dead."
"Just tell me what you're going to do and how long I should wait," he said.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
Goranthir came downstairs from his room, alone, and ordered breakfast from the innkeeper. He saw Loranna and the new Argonian at hand, and went over to them.
"Good morning," he smiled, stil wiping the sleep from his eyes.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall
It did not work quite as well, for his smile was sad after he kissed her back, but Quill did not seem so angry ... so it was a change for the better ...
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
The elf held out his hand. "Goranthir."
Goranthir turned to Loranna. "Just grabbing some breakfast before getting back to work on construction. I think I've worn out my interest on carrying dirt, as fascinating as it may seem, and I thought I'd look into the fortifications ... Provided you or Kallen don't have anything of a higher priority?"
Then he stopped, listening to the music.
Sheogorath
Goranthir finished his breakfast, and went to the castle. He could work on the construction until he saw Dragon ... tackling bandits would be fun, and no more morally complicated than putting up a new wall ...
He thought about Allerleirauh and Tris as he began work, and then as the sun burned down, and he built up a sweat, he thought about nothing in particular except doing a good job on the fortifications.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"We could couple it with a Grand Opening," Kethiah said, pulling Isidor down to her. "It might take a little while to get it all together if we want it to be perfect."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"No," she said simply, her head resting on his chest. "I wouldn't have been able to do what I did for so many years if I did."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"The only questions I would have wouldn't be about your past, but your future plans," said Kethiah. "Whether you plan to stay here, whether you want to keep adventuring or settle down as an innkeeper ... But those aren't fair questions, because the future is uncertain ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah kissed him. "You couldn't be a better lover."
Outside there was the sound of construction beginning anew, and naked Kethiah went to the window to look out. "I hadn't realize it's morning already. Come on, let's get dressed and walk the kids to school."
Sheogorath
Ivytyde House, High Rock
"The Count is not at home at present," said the valet, obviously unaware that Quill/Dygbal had refused the inheritance. "But he told me he'd be back presently."
Sheogorath
Kethiah, wearing one of her new dresses and the cloak that shaded her eyes against the sunlight, came downstairs. She straightened Tyradil's shirt which was hanging slightly askew, and wiped a bit of white paint from the construction that had found its way onto Tilitalia's nose, and smiled at the group.
"What a fine-looking group. Let's go."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"Killer, we better get used to having fun while we work, or that tavern's never going to get finished," Kethiah winked. She took his hand. "Come on."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Though impossible to see from the ground, Quill was easy to spot from the Void, edging along the roof of the manor, watching Laurent through the windows. He was dressed in black, but appeared to be carrying no weapons.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent's valet answered the door, with a mild expression of surprise on his face.
"We are usually told beforehand when guests are arriving," he said. "What can I do for you?"
Sheogorath
"May I have your name?" the valet began, suspiciously.
"Tris!" Laurent answered, coming down the stairs, dressed no longer in black but in his traditional colorful foppery: red cape, yellow surcoat, tight yellow pants that left little to the imagination. "My dear fellow! Come in!"
Laurent took Tris's arm, and brought him to the library, a three tier room of mahogany lined walls and comfortable chairs.
"I didn't think I'd see you again, but I hoped," he smiled. "What may I get you to drink?"
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
A rather comical erotic sculpture along the wall, when the right part was tweaked, opened up to reveal a bar. Laurent poured them both brandies while he spoke.
"He's protective of my privacy, as a good valet should be. You didn't arrive by horse, or they would have told us you were here at the gatehouse," Laurent handed Tris the brandy. "You're a mysterious fellow, Tris Gaerington. May I ask what prompted this unexpected but delightful intrusion?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah looked out the window above. "You surprised me again, Shaka!"
She hurried downstairs to open the door.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"Funny," Laurent replied, narrowing his eyes a bit, his fat fingers resting on Tris's knee as he took a seat. "I am unusually adept at recognizing body language, and I would have guessed that Doll did not give an altogether nice summary of our affair. In fact, I thought you might have been cross with me after hearing her tell of it. That accounted, to me, for you not visiting before this ... Which obviously made me sad."
But if he was sad, he didn't show it. His eyes were shining bright.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Thank you," Kethiah gave a half smile. "Loranna says it's likely permanent, which more or less puts the final nail on my old career. A little too recognizable with two different colored eyes ... So what do you think of our new place?"
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
"Is that a fact?" Laurent asked, a grin slowly working its way along his face. He reached over, unbuttoned the middle buttons of Tris's shirt, and placed his hand on Tris's chest, feeling his heart beat. "Why, I do think you are frightened."
"What do you think is going to happen?" Laurent asked, his eyes shining, his smile wide. His teeth were very small and very white. "Do you think I'm going to make you scream?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Isidor and I are definitely going to have a Grand Opening when we get it all together, but swing on by again," Kethiah rolled her eyes. "If only to make sure we're not buried under rubble."
S'reddit
Update
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in Ald Raathim, helping construct new fortifications on the castle.
Kethiah, former assassin, is also in Ald Raathim, at the new tavern she's going to be running with Isidor, the Nymph and Noggin.
Quill, as said above, is at Lyonswurst House in High Rock, watching from the eaves of the house the scene happening with --
Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, court wit, councilor to kings, man about town, and psychopath. Countless men and women, boys and girls, have gone through hell in his red and black marble mansion, and now he is chatting with his old childhood acquaintance, Tris Gaerington, about what would make him scream.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent laughed. It was the pleasant, warm laugh of a good friend.
"Pain is your friend," he said, still chuckling. "Pain is the messenger. It is nothing more than a warning. Without it, how would you know you are in trouble?"
He pulled his hand out from Tris's shirt, and the fingertips were wet with blood.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
In reply, Kethiah closed the shutters of the room, so the workers couldn't see them "taking a break."
(Fade Out / Fade In)
"I wish I were an artist," Kethiah said, looking at Isidor, as she lay across him. "I would paint you ..."
Then she laughed. "And now I'm thinking that we need to get paintings for the tavern ... Sorry, darling, I go on a romantic notion and it immediately gets practical ..."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent licked the blood off his fingers, his eyes still mild and friendly. "Give you something? You mean, are you drugged, numb?"
He pinched Tris lightly on the thigh with his now clean fingers. Tris felt it, but it didn't hurt.
"I want you to feel."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Just imagine the walls lined with portraits of the great heroes of Ald Raathim," Kethiah smiled. "You included, of course. And maybe some day, Tyradil and Tilitalia."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"I don't know," Laurent smiled, taking off his cape and hanging on the chair behind him. "We haven't discussed it. She might know everything, or nothing, or something ... No one who I've spent any real time with has ever blackmailed or extorted me. I suppose I'm just lucky with my choice of guest."
Something flickered behind his face just for a moment. Eyes that were not his.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"There are experiences which can't be explained in words," Laurent replied kindly, stepping behind Tris's chair, and placing his strong, fat fingers on his shoulders. "The Countess came to me an innocent, and I shattered that, I admit. What is left behind when innocence goes is a kind of hunger, and I was the only person who she could go to be fed. She didn't kill herself because of me, though. She killed herself because of herself."
The fingers on Tris's throat were soft, but there was power behind them, like a tiger on a frayed leash.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Well, we still need a sign and those portraits," Kethiah said, lowering herself down from the second level of the tavern where she had been putting in a hanging chandelier of a dozen candles which could be lowered or raised. "And we need our liquor and food ... but we're in pretty good shape. And you haven't had a drink in -- how many days now?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"The basic stuff should be in tomorrow, and I bet that means the day after tomorrow," Kethiah said, sliding into a chair. "That's just the food and drink one could get anywhere in Morrowind. The more exotic vittles will arrive next week. Jagga and rothmeth for the Bosmer, High Rock wine ... that kind of thing ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I had an interesting talk about that just an hour or so ago, out in the garden," said Kethiah thoughtfully. "A woman came to me and said she represented the Guild of Prostitutes, who have allied themselves, appropriately enough, with the Fighters Guild and are looking at Ald Raathim for possible ... ah, franchise expansion. They were looking at the Nymph being a better location for their work than the Guar, because we'll likely cater to temporary visitors, and the Guar will be preferred by the locals. Because, let's face it, no matter how nice we make the Nymph, the Dunmer like their traditions."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
The fat fingers pinched a cluster of nerves between Tris's throat and sternum with surprising speed, and Tris's arms and legs went numb.
With the fingers still in place, Laurent kissed the back of Tris's neck in a precise way he knew would run down his spine in bursts of warmth.
"What makes you think it's up to you?" Laurent whispered in his ear. Tris couldn't see his face to know his expression, but it sounded less friendly than before. "I'll tell you when you must go, but for now, you must stay."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I don't know if we have much choice about prostitutes coming to a tavern, particularly one along the waterfront," Kethiah shrugged. "At least if we deal directly with the Guild, we can make certain they meet a certain standard of dress and behavior. But I just told her I had to talk with my partner. Nothing we need to decide right away."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill watched as the servants retired, closing the doors behind them. He looked down at Tris and Laurent, and then noticed a window that had been left open that led to the third floor of the library.
He started into it.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Don't we sound business-like all of the sudden?" Kethiah teased him. "What is it, darling? It sounds like you have something you want to discuss with me ... We could walk up to the Guar, and check out the competition, if you want. Maybe have a chat with the innkeeper there to make sure we're not stepping on any toes ..."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Kethiah looked at him curiously. What is the time and the place? she wondered.
But she took his arm and walked through the village to the Drunken Guar, admiring all the construction that had been completed while they had been working on their own little corner of it.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill, half in and half out of the window, stared down to the first floor of the library trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Laurent was behind the other man, holding his neck, but not strangling him. The other man wasn't moving, but he was still breathing, he could see that. He didn't even move when Laurent Lyonswurst sunk his teeth deep into his shoulder, drenching his chin with blood.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"I don't think so," Kethiah winked. "Maybe a little more aggressive than you ... Anyhow, this is about being diplomatic and friendly, and no one's friendlier than you."
Sheogorath
Quill didn't hear Mirea at first. He was still watching, mesmerized by the slow blood-letting he was witnessing. It was not an attack, or not like any attack he had ever seen. The small pool of blood under the other man's chair was barely even noticeable.
Then he heard Mirea's voice again, and turned to her, white-faced. He let her help him back out of the window, not speaking.
Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, though a monster, did not transform into a beast. He did not turn into the embodiment of the Daedra Prince Sanguine, laughing, and rippling with power.
He did not even look insane. He looked just like an average man would look if a beast out of his nightmares suddenly appeared in his home. He released Tris, and scrambled for sanctuary behind a desk, whimpering, his eyes wide and frightened and very sane.
Except his face was covered with Tris's blood.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar
"I dunno," said the innkeeper, serving up drinks. "Supposing I said, yes, it bothers me?"
Sheogorath
The innkeeper's frowning face turned into a grin, and he punched Isidor lightly on the shoulder. "I'm just joking with ya, Isidor. Mighty nice of you to come and ask me, real decent. I'm turning away folk left 'n right here, especially since some of her Ladyship's folk expect, seeing how they're heroes what keep saving the world, that there should always be a room for 'em. Now, I'm for keeping things friendly between you and me, so why don't we say here and now that we won't change our prices and our services to try 'n steal one another's customers. If I'm full up, I'll just say, 'Go to the Nymph, same price for a room' and you'll do the same. Make sense?"
Sheogorath
Outside Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill looked at her, and nodded his head. "I had to see."
He had a horse he had tied to a tree in the woods just inside the estate's fence. "What's going to happen now?"
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
Kethiah grinned proudly. "See? You doubt yourself too much." She kissed him, and then whispered "Of course, if he reneges on his promise, we'll run him out of business in a heart beat" and then winked.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Hiding behind the desk, Laurent screwed his eyes shut, as he felt the hot blood cool on his lips and chin, he chanted his little prayer:
Small and mild, timid as a mouse,
I stopped beneath the harlot's house.
The shadows raced across the blind,
Like black leaves wheeling in the wind,
They sidled through the slow quadrille,
Their laughter echoed thin and shrill,
And sometimes they seemed to try to sing.
Upon the steps like a live thing,
The dust was whirling with the dust
Love passed into the house of lust,
'Til the shadows ceased to wheel and whirl,
I crept on like a frightened girl ...
Sheogorath
Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock
"My sister's skull was shattered, every major bone was pulverized by the fall ... There was no blood left, and very little flesh after the birds had gotten to her ... Even her eyes were gone ... No one can say what she went through before she killed herself, except for that man in there," Quill voice was hollow. "And I don't care what he has to say -- what he did, or why he did it. I just want him to stop. I want your guild brother out of there, even if he does gain valuable information ..."
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"I think we pick up the kids from school now," Kethiah laughed. "And make them do all the work."
Sheogorath
Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock
"Thank you," Quill said, getting on his horse, and holding out a hand to pull Mirea up.
Sheogorath
Solunastra
"Thank you, I do prefer Quill," he said, taking a seat. To Tris, he added. "That was a remarkable distraction, considering I'm a stranger to you. Whatever you'd do to protect an actual friend, I shudder to think."
"My life is very simple," he added, looking towards Allerleirauh and Mirea now. "I would kill Laurent Lyonswurst. My trouble is that Mirea won't let me until I've talked to her friends."
Sheogorath
Solunastra
"Mirea, I grew up in a house like that," Quill said. "And I'm as much of an acrobat as you are. I only wanted to see what you saw -- when you said you wouldn't go there at all ..."
He wasn't making himself clear. "I told you to stay away from him first."
And then he blushed, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. Normally Quill could laugh at himself, but not today.
S'reddit
Solunastra
"That's actually not true," replied Quill. "You do listen. When we arranged the ballet of the Crowns and Forebears, you listened carefully, and you obeyed instructions to the mark, because if you didn't, it wouldn't have gone beautifully. When we sent guars at you, we said exactly where the trainers would have the creatures roar, and when you would leap ... And I imagine that when your mistress asks you to do something, or not do something, you at least think about it before you disobey ... Mirea ... It's me. I'm not a military commander, I'm a circus man. And if you're going to be cross with me about not following your orders, well, need I remind you that technically unless you've quit, you are my employee?"
S'reddit
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
In the realm of coincidences, it wasn't a great one, but while Tris was soaking at Solunastra, Goranthir was swimming in the bay by the castle in Ald Raathim. It was hard, dusty work constructing fortifications on the castle, and after he had cleaned himself up with the swim, he walked back through town, stopping at his tailor's to order some new clothes (most of his wardrobe being aboard the Akarvina, which was still a few days away from making it to port), and then into the Guar for lunch.
It was funny, when he was with Tris, he wanted Tris. When he was with Allerleirauh, he wanted Allerleirauh. When he was with neither, and he saw them both together -- well ... his thoughts became a little more greedy.
He squeezed in between them at the bar, and ordered his drink.
"I'm sorry, am I crowding you?" he smiled at them, putting his arms around both of them.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar
In response to the nuzzle, Goranthir gave a deep, low, growly purr, which he did whenever Tris nuzzled his throat. He knew it made that base vibrate and Tris said gave him shivers. It was Senche Tiger, and though Goranthir had never translated it for him (like most things said in foreign languages, the translation -- which was "This carcass is so delicious, I doubt the scavengers will have anything" -- was less romantic than the original), still its meaning was easily understood. Plus, it was low enough that it didn't attract the sort of attention in a crowded bar that a full-throated roar would have.
"My nurse always said we never get what we deserve," Goranthir said. "And we should thank the Gods for that."
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"Really?" Goranthir almost dropped his glass, and then laughed. "No, what Allie said was I should smack you."
Then he turned to Allerleirauh, and barely believing he was doing it, whispered the suggestion to her.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was in the back, getting started on her garden. Most people would consider the soil along the shoreline to be bad for growing anything, but it was better than what she worked with at Vas. And she took a particularly delight in growing plants where no one else would.
"I don't know what number constitutes 'many,'" Kethiah said, looking at Isidor. With the hood over her eyes, it was difficult to tell her expression, but her voice sounded conversational. "I'll give you an exact number and you can tell me, but you have to tell me why it matters."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Despite the cloak and the clement weather, Goranthir felt a shiver.
And his smile was so wide it almost hurt as he followed Allerleirauh to the place she knew.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Hmm," Kethiah said, and Isidor could see the smile even if he couldn't see the eyes. "I think my love life is the least interesting thing in my past. I've had 17 men before you. You're the 18th, and I'm not planning a 19th. Not exactly pure, but not too much of harlot, I hope ... On the other hand, I don't know the number of men I've killed."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed back. "No, only the ones who ask me silly questions. Now, do you want to brag about how many hearts you've broken?"
Sheogorath
In the vast nest of silk under the open sky, Goranthir melted into his lovers' arms.
Fade Out.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Really?" Kethiah thought about that. "I wouldn't have guessed. I thought you Nords had partners galore, if only to keep warm."
She stood up, and touched his face with a muddy hand. "You're the best I've ever had, with no close seconds."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"That would depend on your definition of 'bad,'" Kethiah grinned, painting a moustache on him in mud.
As she moved in for a kiss, there was a knock on the front door. Tilitalia answered it, and called back that it was the man with all the food and liquor.
"They're early," Kethiah sighed.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"We'll inventory it in the cellar," said Kethiah, pointing the man towards downstairs, while he and his fellow workers brought in crate after crate of mazte, flin, sujamma, brandy, mead, wine, and other staples. The food made Kethiah frown a little. "We need to hire some cooks ... Unless you can cook, 'cause I can't."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I should have thought about this," Kethiah frowned. "The food at the Drunken Guar is good, and so is the food at the castle ... We can't settle for good enough ..."
She grabbed a large wooden board, and painted the word NOTICE on it. And she wrote under that: "Wanted -- Excellent Cook, Stewards, Barmaids, and Chamber Maids. Inquire Within The Nymph & Noggin."
As she was putting it up, Kallen, Loranna's castellian was passing by, watching the dredging of the harbor.
"Would you mind if I borrowed your board?" he asked.
Kallen added a map to it, showing new visitors to Ald Raathim where they were, and how to get where they are going. He added notes for workers (the literate ones) saying what needed doing in the construction efforts.
By the end of the day, people knew to check with the Notice board at the Nymph and Noggin for news.
Sheogorath
"Simple solution with good benefits," Kethiah grinned. "Now even people who live in town have a good reason to come down to the docks, to read the latest news. Loranna can use it to issue proclamations, quell rumors, anything she needs to convey. And ..."
"And" was the knock at the door for the people coming to interview for positions at the Nymph and Noggin Tavern. It took them the better part of the rest of the day to get through them all.
Sheogorath
"I know, but he didn't seem comfortable with the idea of doing more exotic varieties, which I think we want," Kethiah frowned.
When Diamond came in, she smiled. "What kind of work are you looking for?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah smiled. "Of course we'll hire you on. But we were actually just talking about the need for some artwork for the place. We were thinking it'd be a nice tradition to have portraits of the heroes of Ald Raathim lining the walls ... But a barmaid is what we need too ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Obviously we would pay you as both a barmaid and an artist," Kethiah said. "I just thought you might like to use the tavern as your gallery ... And we would make it a great honor to be immortalized by you on these walls."
"But if you want gritty, look around," Kethiah laughed, pointing to the unfinished walls. "We have a lot to do, but hopefully we should have our Grand Opening in the next day or two."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"We just got all our liquor inventoried in the cellar," said Kethiah. "Let's try to keep it organized so we know in advance when we're running low, but if you'd take charge of stocking the bar and preparing the lists, that'd be a great start."
When Arynel entered, Kethiah, not recognizing the bard, said, "I'm afraid we're not open quite yet, sir, or have you come about work?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed, and narrowed her eyes at Isidor. "Careful with your response, killer."
Sheogorath
Goranthir responded with a whistling mating call of a tropical gull. "Yes, lucky is right. This branch wouldn't hold many more if passers-by tried to join us."
He stretched out to take up as much room as possible in the silken nest, letting his hands explore his lovers' skin. He had noted the bitemark on Tris's shoulder before, and looked at it again, curiously, not sure whether he had done it or not ...
Sheogorath
Goranthir kissed him while his eyes were closed, and then tenderly kissed the bite marks.
"He chewed you, Tris," he whispered. "It looks like something a wild animal would have done. I wish I had been there."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent Lyonswurst stepped out of his bath, and let his servants powder and dry him. His fat but muscular body required a lot of powder and a lot of toweling.
He wasn't smiling. He didn't know what happened with Tris Gaerington, but it hadn't been a dream. The blood he had wiped from his face, and the blood that the servants had mopped up in the library said that something happened.
But somehow a beast out of his nightmares had appeared, and Tris had vanished, and the creature had too. Was the beast something Tris had summoned? The pinch on his neck should have prevented that sort of spell ... it always had before ...
Most of all, Laurent was hungry. He had a bite, but wanted more.
The girl would have to be the meal he was denied. Then with his appetite sated, he could decide what to do about the pretty Breton boy who got away ...
Sheogorath
"I'm sure that didn't need to be said, it had to be on his mind," Goranthir said quietly. "How could it not be? Feeling guilty about things we couldn't prevent -- that's the mortal condition."
Sheogorath
"He obviously was pretty far from normal when he first considered giving himself to Sanguine," Goranthir said. "Many of the Princes, well, I can see something positive in their sphere if I look hard enough. But a Prince dedicated to sex as humiliation, sex as torture ... I wonder if he began like you did, Tris ... Planning to get away, and then was instantly trapped ..."
"I remember him at the wedding though," Goranthir said, after a thought. "What a disguise he has."
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"What a lovely sight," Laurent smiled charmingly, taking her in. He took a step closer and smelled. "When was the last time you had a bath, my dear?"
If the question was offensive, the eyes were still friendly.
Sheogorath
Goranthir lay across Tris's chest, and pulled Allerleirauh on top of them both. "I must be in error then, because I feel like I'm being consumed by light right now."
Sheogorath
"Tut tut, my dear," Laurent laughed warmly. "It is a perfectly fine perfume for a different lady. Perhaps we just need some fresh air ..."
He took her hand, and opened the front door.
Moonlight fell on the vast parkland surrounding Lyonswurst House. "Do you like to ride horses?" he asked.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent Lyonswurst escorted Erilyn across the lawn towards the stable. The hedges and bushes were formally laid out, perfectly trimmed, with not a dead spot or a stray leaf or twig. He picked her a red rose for her to carry as they walked.
"My private stables are right through the woods, past the well," Laurent was saying, smiling, and not dropping his expression, he punched her hard in the belly. "But you still stink."
He grabbed her by her hair to drag her towards the well.
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is ... well, he's in a silk nest in Ald Raathim, rolling around nekkid with Allerleirauh and Tris, if you must know.
Laurent Lyonswurst is at his estate in High Rock, beating up a "prostitute" (actually an agent of Herwyn Brand, the Spymaster of Wayrest) and about to toss her down a well. He's a psychopath, by the by.
Quill is in Ivytyde House with Mirea, weirdly enough wishing he was at Lyonswurst House to see Laurent get what's coming.
And in more down-to-earth goings on ...
Kethiah, former assassin, is getting the new tavern in Ald Raathim, the Nymph and Noggin, set up for business with her partner and lover Isidor. She has recently hired on Diamond as a barmaid, and is looking for a cook ...
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"Shut up," Laurent chuckled, grabbing her neck, shutting off the noise and air. His hand was huge and strong. "It's time for your bath."
The well was high with water and she didn't fall more than ten feet. But the sides of the well were slick with moss.
Laurent sat on the side of the well, beaming down at her, holding the bucket and rope in his hand.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
Laurent tossed the red rose in after her. "This should sweeten you up," he chuckled.
Laurent did not even turn around. He dropped the rope into the well. He frowned a little bit, wondering why he was obeying the voice.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
Laurent Lyonswurst did as he was told, but he wasn't sure why. What seemed like a better plan was to let the girl soak for a while longer. and then chew on the softest parts of her while she lay on the grass too exhausted to do anything but scream. What seemed like a better plan was to pull this fellow's eyes out, and drop coals on his naked body.
But for some reason, it also struck Laurent as perfectly reasonable just to do whatever this fellow said.
He led them into the house, and into the library where he had attempted to eat Tris earlier. And they did pass a servant along the way, but the servants in Lyonswurst House do not speak to their master unless spoken to.
Sheogorath
Lyonswurst House
Within a few minutes, the servants had brought quill, ink, parchment, and his lordship's best towels. Laurent brought out from a secret room in the library his eight volumes of journal, which were all in code. Just the key for the symbols was enough to make any healthy person sick to their stomach.
Laurent had taken a dislike to Herwyn Brand. He hadn't killed many people in his career, at least not directly, but Brand would be a fine exception. It would really be a pleasure, Laurent thought, to say "No" to any of these requests. And then it would be a pleasure to immobilize Herwyn Brand, put him in a room with a mirror, so he could watch the terrible things being done to his body, but not be able to move ... That would be nice. Very nice.
Instead, it seemed, Laurent was going to write. A very poor substitute, but it seemed he had no choice.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"A capital idea," Kethiah smiled, as they looked over their stock. "I'm sorry, killer, I don't meant to work you to death. I'm just finding this whole setting up a business fun ... I get restless sitting around ..."
Sheogorath
"Um, darling, I'm not drinking a bottle of mead and a bottle of brandy myself, or I'll be dead," she laughed, and clinked a glass against Isidor's bottle. "But, a toast: to never being boring."
S'reddit
High Rock
Laurent did as he was told, and as the carriage rode off through the moonlit streets, he thought to himself. It was funny -- the less he was able to do, the more violent his thoughts became. And the more expansive. Not only did he want Herwyn to die slowly, he also wanted very much to find everyone who was dear to him and kill them before his eyes.
Now what was this about Tris Gaerington? It could hardly be a coincidence that the day after he attempted a little fun with Tris, he was being set up in a way that involved him ... Tris too should die ...
It was frustrating, but when your mind is free to dream doom, the miles become shorter.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I'm intimately familiar with both owners," said Kethiah, smiling, putting down the limewash she had been painting the walls with. "We're hiring all right."
Sheogorath
"Does she work for your father then?" Goranthir asked, one of his hands rubbing Allerleirauh's neck while the other was rubbing Tris's foot. These Void Rangers ... they were like cats ...
Sheogorath
"Ah, family," Goranthir laughed. "Can we trade?"
Sheogorath
Goranthir had lost his laugh, and gotten between Allie and Tris and the apparition before it spoke.
He was shivering. What was this?
Sheogorath
Since Tris and Allerleirauh obviously knew this ... creature, Goranthir knew he could relax a little. He knew that intellectually, but his body stayed on guard. He knew where his sword was with the rest of his clothes in the nest ...
Sheogorath
"What was that?" Goranthir shuddered again, turning back to Allie and Tris. The birds had given him an instant of warning before Leseth had shown up, and were now comforting him and each other, but still, though the warmth had returned to the air, he still felt the chill of the creature's presence.
Sheogorath
A Few Hours Before, In Central High Rock
The backroads through High Rock were where some of the heaviest fighting of the period after the Warp of the West took place. There were still whole forests that were blackened and dead, with no new life taking its place, even twenty years later.
One of the few pleasures the people of that region had was the annual visit of Quill's Traveling Circus. It had passed that way some months ago, and they were surprised and delighted to see a few of the wagons bounding along the desolate roads again. It wasn't the full circus, only the parts of it that stayed in High Rock while the rest went south to Hammerfell. Still it was noteworthy.
It did block the road the carriage with the arms of Lyonswurst was taking.
Quill jumped out of the wagon and approached the carriage.
Sheogorath
A Desolate Road in High Rock
Quill came around to the carriage. "Herwyn Brand, I trust?" he said. "My name is Quill."
He looked in at Laurent, who looked back at him with disinterest. "That monster tortured my sister."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Goranthir nodded. He remembered that part of the book well -- he still sometimes had nightmares about it.
Slowly, he started putting his clothes on, but he had to add. "You know, this nest is great, but the next time we want four days off, we should go back to the House of Dibella. They bring you food."
Sheogorath
"I want his blood," Quill said icily, looking at Laurent more than Herwyn. "But Allerleirauh told me to wait for you, that this monster is a small part of a larger world ... Now that I have done that, I ask you, do you still need him, or may I have my revenge?"
Sheogorath
A Desolate Road in High Rock
"Certainly," said Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, smiling warmly but with eyes that showed nothing but piteous regret. "What happened to your sister was regrettable without argument. I can only suggest that I was too rough too early in our arrangement. I take full responsibility for the fact that she isn't here today, happy as usual to eat my horses' waste in exchange for a little break in the whipping ... It distresses me to no end that her nerve broke, and I never had the chance to rape her before your eyes ... I think she deserved that much respect."
Quill, face still as a statue, had his rapier out and it was pressed against Laurent's heavy chest.
Sheogorath
A Desolate Road in High Rock, A Few Hours Ago
Quill just looked at Laurent, shaking his head.
Laurent Lyonswurst looked back, a quiet, friendly smile on his face.
"I am angry," Quill said, after a moment. "I am angry and afraid. I don't want you to hurt anyone else ... Do you hear me?"
"I hear you, see you, smell you," Laurent replied. "The other two senses can wait."
Quill sighed, his sword moving lightly across Laurent's body. "I want revenge on you. You did something terrible to someone I loved. I want you to suffer like she and all your other countless victims suffered ... But that's not going to happen. It is impossible for me to be in the same league as you without losing my mind, so I can't inflict pain at the same level that you did. I want to, so badly, I think you deserve it and much, much worse."
He stopped with the blade at Laurent's throat. "You must do whatever I say, is that right?"
"Seems to be that way," Laurent chuckled softly.
"Absolutely anything, no matter how vile, painful, and debasing?" Quill asked.
This attracted a little glimmer in Laurent's eye, a shadow that rose, like the flicker Tris had seen. "Oh, yes."
"Then stand still."
The blade simply slipped into Laurent's heart, killing him instantly. A humane, easy death.
Quill went over to the carriage, and knocked on it. "Thank you," he said. "It's done."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I'm hungry," Kethiah laughed. "The kitchen's fully stocked with the basics, though we are planning on expanding it, feature foods from all over the Empire to suit the palates of different travellers of different races ... But if you're up for a test, why don't you see what you can make with what we have?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"An interview for the cook's position," Kethiah replied, taking Isidor's hand. "I was just suggesting that the best way for us to test his prowess would be to order lunch from him."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Not bad, not bad at all," Kethiah agreed. "Of course, we will need to come up with menus, so people won't be waiting for forty minutes for lunch ... We are planning on opening the tavern very soon, and having our grand opening in a couple days ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I think that's a good idea," Kethiah replied. "After all, Nords ought to feel at home here."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah shook her head. "No, but I don't know him well enough yet to really say. What is it?"
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, High Rock
It took Quill some hours to return to Ivytyde House and Mirea.
"Thank you for helping me with that," he said, kissing her unbidden. "We should go. My cousin is supposed to arrive tomorrow morning, and I don't want things to get complicated."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah had short hair and a trim athletic build. Her breasts were on the small side, though they had pleasant shape and slope. Still, it made her laugh when she was referred to as one of the "boys."
"I think so, but we should talk over the menu," she said, still chuckling a bit. "Ald Raathim is growing, if you hadn't noticed, and the King as part of the new diplomacy is adjusting the shipping lanes as soon as we're ready to handle it. There will be enough room for more than two taverns in no time at all. Our aim is to be the first tavern people come to when they arrive, the preferred tavern for non-locals, featuring comfortable, affordable rooms, and food that makes you think you never left Skyrim, Cyrodiil, Hammerfell, High Rock, Black Marsh, or wherever you hail from."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah frowned a little. She liked this chef/warrior, but tired and scatter-brained on the first day?
"Do you need a place to stay?" she asked. "I hadn't really thought about room and board being included with the salary, but it would be convenient to have you around in case someone needed a meal at an odd hour ... At the moment we have fifteen vacant rooms."
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, High Rock
"Things are simple," Quill smiled. "I have a lot of ... things in my head which will fade over time, I hope ... Can I ask you something I've been wondering? Do you think you will stay with the circus for a little while longer?"
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
Goranthir had just been eating at the Drunken Guar. That was the one thing 24 hours of sex in a nest deprives one of.
"Of course," he said, looking at her. There were people who looked more beautiful smiling and people who looked more beautiful serious. Allerleirauh was the rare creature who looked like a goddess either way. He picked up his sword, and then turned to her. "Anything else I need?"
S'reddit
Ivytyde House, High Rock
"It will always be Quill's Circus," he laughed. "But there were three Quills before me. Someday there will be another. But let us go now, while I still can call a carriage around here ... The circus will be in Sentinel the day after tomorrow, and I want you to have some time to practice, since we're bringing out the giant scorpions for the animal act ..."
S'reddit
Solunastra, Daggerfall
Goranthir interrupted the conversation to wrap his arms around Tris and kiss him.
"Allie told me," he said soberly.
He held out his hand to Ciel. It was strange. He had met him before, in the Spheres, as a spirit, as a Ciel-that-never-was, and he knew him from the book, but here he was.
"Goranthir of Firsthold," he said.
S'reddit
"I agree, I wish we could have met over some fine Wayrestian wine that Tris introduced me to," Goranthir smiled sadly.
S'reddit
Solunastra
"You know I am not overfond of my father either, though he is very different from yours was," Goranthir said quietly. "But I'll be sad when he dies ..."
It occured to Goranthir that if Reman has a natural lifespan, he will likely be burying Tris before his father, but that was a bad thought, and he put it behind him.
"So, there is to be a funeral, in Wayrest?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I think the food was good, even if it took too long, it was worth the wait," Kethiah said. "I think he's a bit eccentric, but that goes with the place."
S'reddit
Solunastra
"I think if you don't go to the funeral, you'll regret it," Goranthir said. "You go in and out of Wayrest all the time. There must be a way. What about our old friend Herwyn Brand?"
S'reddit
Summary
Laurent Lyonswurst is dead, and rotting on a country road in High Rock, with no one to mourn him ... though Tris gave him a little prayer.
Kethiah, the ex-assassin, is at the Nymph and Noggin, preparing for the grand opening of the new tavern in Ald Raathim.
and ...
Solunastra, Daggerfall
Goranthir laughed as he ate the delicious breakfast. "I had no idea you were angry, except you shut up when you are. Which as far as I know had only happened a couple times, so I'll let you get away with it ... All right, what's the plan? How are we going to do this without getting in trouble?"
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir nodded. "Do you know why he is unhap ..." he changed the question to the one he really wanted to know. "Are you still in love with him?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed. "Well, I would! What can you make in five minutes?"
S'reddit
Solunastra
"It's nothing I've developed like animal speak, but I suppose they're a little better than Bretons," Goranthir frowned. "What do you want me to ... sniff for?"
S'reddit
Solunastra
"Oh," Goranthir said, surprised. He wasn't quite sure what he was expecting to sniff out on Ciel. The smell of another lover? "My nurse could smell it when I was coming down with something, but that, she said, was because she knew me so well. She knew what my natural scent was, and when it changed, she knew it was a fever or something ... I can try, though ..."
He inhaled. "You smell the same."
S'reddit
"I wasn't that easy of a nut to crack, though, was I?" Kethiah smiled, but her eyes, visible now, the red one and the violet one, as she was indoors, were more serious. "Well, I'll tell you what I can, but you have to understand, some things I need to keep secret, for your sake and for others ..."
"I was born into a family of assassins. I was taught early on that people die, and that it is no sin to help them along to that if it benefits you or others. That's ... an unusual philosophy, I suppose, and you needn't worry -- even though I'm not sure I disagree with it, I shan't be teaching your children that. Anyhow, there was little doubt that I would become an assassin when I was a little girl, and I killed a man who I disliked who lived in the village. My crime was covered up, and my parents were pleased that I had learned my lessons well ..."
"There were a lot of murders in the village I grew up in. It was where ... well, without putting too fine a point on it, it was where Morag Tong puts its people who have become too famous to do their jobs properly. A lot of people are homicidal maniacs there, and a lot of people are retired too early. Sooner or later, people get on the wrong side of others, and they don't last too long. My parents went that way, and I was supposed to go too, but I escaped to Morrowind."
"The Morag Tong took me in, but I didn't like them much. After all, I knew how poorly they would take care of their own. I did jobs for them, and in the west, the Dark Brotherhood noticed me, and offered me work. I took it. In time, I joined both."
"I guess that's the short version of it anyhow."
S'reddit
Solunastra
"Well, I am," Goranthir said quickly, realizing he hadn't quite said it before, and ... [censored], what a crappy way to say it. In reaction like that.
"Tris, you know you can't help someone unless they want it. If he doesn't have new ambitions, new goals, you can't give them to him. If the old ones still weigh on him ... well, the only solution is to try to help him get those back."
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir laughed. It was a real laugh.
"I'm sorry," he said, walking away into the library of Solunastra. "I'll give it some thought."
His laughter died away as he sat down.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Do you understand me better?" Kethiah smiled, almost shyly. "I hoped that wouldn't be a problem, when you did. I'm glad I was right."
S'reddit
"Clearly I'm out of my mind," he sighed, mostly to himself, but partly to Tris, who he didn't look at when he entered. "I tell you that I'm in love with you, and your response is to say you're going to run away from me, and what are we going to do about the one whom you ran off on last?"
"Well, we've established that I'm some sort of idiot, but hopefully whoever replaces me will be helpful in telling you how to help bandage me up after you've broken my heart, so I ought to be good enough to do the same, eh?"
"I know I ought to be more sophisticated about this. I'm in love with two people too, and it's absurd for me to be jealous of you and Ciel, and Allie and Arynel ... You told me before when I said I would hope bad things on Arynel should she prefer him to me that I ought to be a better sport, but I haven't developed this cavalier attitude towards the people who I would kill myself for yet. Maybe next month when I'm 17, I'll be less stupidly jealous."
He paused. He knew he had talked enough. For Nirni's sake, Tris was mourning his father, trying to do right by his former lover, why was he so upset?
But Goranthir had one more thing to say, and instead of saying it, he said something close. "Why does Ciel care about Elysana anyhow? It's not as if she were his mother, who he had to try to forge a bond with. Couldn't he ..."
Go with another love? was what he was going to say, but it was too close to the mark. So was the mother comment for that matter ... Goranthir just said, "I'm sorry. I slept alone last night, and I didn't want to."
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir pushed against Tris, and then gave up. "It's just backwards. I was upset at how upset I thought you were going to be about your father, and then I took it out on you ... And I know Ciel is a good man, and I'll help out how I can for you ... Just ... just know that you're not the only one with emotions you don't know what to do with."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Meat with a side of meat," Kethiah smiled. "Well, we should go over a list of finger food, but first ..."
Kethiah wrote up a notice for the bulletin board "GRAND OPENING."
"When do you think we'll be ready?" she wondered, looking around. "Could be tomorrow if we keep pushing."
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir and Tris's conversation had changed, as conversations do, from discussing Ciel, to discussing their relationship, to discussing the particularities of Tris attending his father's funeral.
"When I said you would be sorry if you didn't go," Goranthir was protesting. "I meant you should sneak over, like you always do, and observe it in disguise or from the Void. I didn't mean that you should get yourself arrested ... I don't see the sense in that, as you already said I'm usually right."
He couldn't understand it. Elysana wanted his head, and he was going to turn himself in. Was Tris now ready to join his father in the grave?
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Elysana's throne room had a new addition, a massive, sixty-foot-long skeleton of an ancient sea beast, bleached to a blinding white, which stretched across the ceiling. Its ribcage was now an enormous chandelier filled with candles. It was slightly macabre but weirdly beautiful. A gift from Gortwog gro-Nagorm of Orsinium to Wayrest.
"I'm just not sure it gives the right message to diplomats," the Queen of Wayrest's consort, Prince Cayler was saying. "I mean, a huge rotting corpse ..."
"It's not rotting, it doesn't smell," Elysana said looking up at it, with a smile. "And I rather like the message it gives to diplomats. Here there be monsters."
Herwyn Brand was announced.
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir also turned to them, frustrated. "Can you talk sense to him? Tris seems determined that the only way to help Ciel and obey his father's directive to do his duty is to get them both arrested and executed by the Queen of Wayrest."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah dropped down from the chimney where she had been tightening the flue holdings. "They're lovely, Shaka, thank you," she said, and came back with a vase.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah put the flowers in the vase and set them on the bar, admiring them.
"I think I've taught you a couple illegal things in the past," she smiled demurely. "You have something more wicked in mind than the Kiss of the Green Lily maneuver?"
S'reddit
Solunastra
"So, do you want the rest of us to go when you turn yourself in?" Goranthir asked, amazed. "And just watch them cart you away?"
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir called Ciel "a selfish martyr," but out of politeness, did it in the language of the red-breasted thrush, so it was just a simple, if slightly peculiar, chirrup.
"I am going," was all he said in response.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Isidor told me a little of what you're going through," Kethiah said after a pause. It was obvious she was a bit stunned by Shaka's particular plan. "I think ... Well, tell me, does it matter what I think? Are you going to do it one way or another? Because it strikes me as extraordinarily foolish if not completely insane."
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir got up to get some brandy for Ciel. It gave him a chance to relax, and whisper to no one, "It's bloody unfair."
He returned with the brandy, a glass, and a friendly smile.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"How about the simplest, least crazy solution?" Kethiah asked sympathetically, but awed by how far Shaka was willing to go. "Decide that if she can't love you as you are, you will remain her friend, accept a broken heart in consolation, and keep yourself available for the next woman? What if you changed your race, and things still didn't work out with Anya, and then you fell for an Argonian woman?"
Kethiah poured Shaka a drink unbidden. "Let me ask you this, and I know it's tough but that's what old friend are for -- can you picture Anya changing her race for you?"
S'reddit
Solunastra
Goranthir poured himself a glass of brandy too. He had never had it before. Two glasses of wine were his usual limit.
After the first burning sip, he winced and asked. "So, when is the funeral?"
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Elysana studied all the notes and letters intently, asking Herwyn questions about codes. If the Queen were shocked and appalled -- as it was obvious her Prince Consort was -- she did not show it.
"I would expect nothing less from a Lyonswurst," she said at last. "What's become of Laurent and his ring?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"He knows she'll tell him not to do it," Kethiah replied. "He wouldn't love a woman who would rather him be a dead human than a live Argonian, so he's going to take the risk on his own ... I think we've made it clear that we don't think you should do this ... But you should someone who doesn't wish you ill, who wants to do it for the challenge of it, like old Baladas in Gnisis ... And you should be prepared for disappointment if it doesn't have the result you want."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Elysana frowned but nodded at the news about Laurent's death. "I'm sorry he's not here to interrogate, but I don't think he would have been extraordinarily helpful."
She nodded again when Herwyn offered to demonstrate the ring, her bright blues eyes on it, missing nothing.
S'reddit
Solunastra
"I'll go up with you," Goranthir smiled a little. "If we're going to meet my dear step-aunt whom I've heard so much about, I better look my best."
S'reddit
Daggerfall to Wayrest
Goranthir kissed Allerleirauh as they got into the carriage. His eyes were serious but adoring.
He held Tris's hand, and said nothing more as they rode on to the Mages Guild, and from there, by Guild Guide, to Wayrest.
It was an idyllic day in the rich city, with white clouds smeared across the bright sky.
Goranthir looked around at wonder at the city where his mother and uncle had once been Princess and Prince, and his grandmother had been Queen.
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"What in the name of bleeding Oblivion just happened?" Prince Calyer asked, discombolated.
"You don't know?" Elysana asked her consort, a tiny smile on her red lips. "You don't remember?"
Calyer shook his head, and sat down heavily on the floor.
"What a marvelous toy!" Elysana laughed, holding out her hand. "Let me see it. Do you have any idea how Laurent Lyonswurst came by it?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Certainly not most women," Kethiah smiled back, fondly if still concerned. One does not idly talk about self-transformation. "Most women are as foolish as most men, but I appreciate being put into the same category as the lady you admire. Good luck, Shaka, and I hope you will consider what we've said. And will be in here tomorrow, of course."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
The Queen of Wayrest put the artifact on her own finger and looked at it.
"It's rather plain," she said. "Why is that all magical rings are either too simple or too gaudy? Why don't enchanters ever talk to really fine jewelers and make something that is both useful and pretty?"
She called her minister of the Treasury.
"Put this in the most secure part of the vault," she said, tossing it to him. "We better go before we're late for the funeral."
"What funeral?" asked her Prince Consort still sitting on the floor, an even more stupid than usual expression on his face. "I don't feel well."
"There's a fine jewel for you, pretty but useless," Elysana sighed. "Count Sternhart's funeral, husband. Oh, for Akatosh's sake ... Herwyn, you were planning on going, weren't you?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"He had to know we wouldn't approve," Kethiah frowned a little. "Ah, well, he'll do what he does, and we'll have to accept it. Well, food should be planned, musicians hired, and, obviously, people should be told ... Not everyone reads our notice board, at least not yet ... Would you check with Loranna, and see if she's available?"
She looked around the place, well pleased. "Other than that ... I think we have a tavern."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"Thank you, Herwyn, you're always reliable," Elysana said, and then called for a black cloak and her children.
S'reddit
Wayrest
It was traditional for the royal family of Wayrest to attend the funerals of the more prominent citizens of their land.
Prince Eadwyre, called "Wyre," was there, a handsome little boy in black velvet. His five year old sister Princess Tymona was old enough to act properly serious.
The Queen tapped Herwyn's arm when she saw Tris and Ciel in the crowd. Not that she thought her Spymaster missed them ...
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed merrily at Trason's advice. "Duly noted, but maybe we should save them for the high holidays."
Kethiah kissed him back. "Our hard work is just beginning. It's going to be regular work, keeping it up, making our place work ... But I think it will be good."
S'reddit
Wayrest
Goranthir knew them all, from the book or from Tris's own lips: Iolanthe and Oro; Ymalna, the widow with whom Tris had an affair; and the guy in the coffin would be the fearsome Count Sternhart.
Tris meets my family at a costume ball, and I meet his at a funeral. he thought.
The Prince knew that Bretons and other men usually buried their dead underground, but the wealthy did it as the Altmer did, in structures built to house them. All the funerals he had ever been to had been at the Crystal Tower ...
He found himself looking around, wondering where Allerleirauh was watching from.
S'reddit
Wayrest
The royal family went to offer their condolences to the widow. It was not a duty Elysana particularly enjoyed. Weeping women made Elysana ill at ease, somewhere between anger and disgust.
"A sad day, Lady Sternhart," the Queen said to Ymalna. "You have our condolences. Your husband was a fine man and a loyal subject."
S'reddit
Fortunately for Elysana, Wyre and Tymona were at her side, and they offered their condolences as well. She was spared the usual chit-chat about tragedies, how we need to be strong, how the dead are in a better place, and the usual nonsense she loathed talking about.
"Ah, my lords," the Queen said, turning to them. Her face was neutral, not cold, but not smiling. "I have not seen you since we were on a slow boat to Vivec together."
S'reddit
Wayrest
The Queen regarded Tris kneeling, but did not tell him to rise just yet.
"Better late than never, eh, Sir Dolbinien?" Elysana replied. "Well, I think you'd both best come back to the palace ... You know the way, don't you, Lord Gaerington?"
The Queen gave a last smile of condolence to the widow, and children in hand, she left the funeral.
"Make sure the guards accompany them," she said to Herwyn. "But don't let them be hurt."
S'reddit
Wayrest
Goranthir didn't make a move. He just watched Tris and Ciel with tears in his eyes.
A mourner, confusing him for a friend of the deceased, said, "He was a good man."
"Yes," Goranthir said hoarsely. "The best, and he wanted to be even better."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
The children were sent on. Elysana shed her black mourning weeds. The servants and guards were subtle in their movements, shadows flickering in the corners. The great skeleton of the sea beast glowered over them as if they were in its belly.
The Queen told the guards to bring Ciel Dolbinien and Tris Gaerington in as soon as they arrived.
S'reddit
Wayrest
"What are we going to do?" Goranthir whispered, approaching Allerleirauh at the funeral. "Can't you rescue them like Tris rescued Ciel?"
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"Your father wanted me to find you, Tris, and now that he's dead, I have," Queen Elysana said. "Rise, and tell me your intentions."
S'reddit
Wayrest
No, Goranthir had never seen Allerleirauh so frightened before, and it had a curious reaction to him. Suddenly, he felt strong.
"Of course we can," he even smiled a little, looking at Allerleirauh and Loranna. "No one can hurt our friends without our permission. Follow me."
He hailed a carriage to take them to the palace.
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Elysana rose from her throne and stepped down the dias. "A few days ago, if you two had come here, pleading exhaustion, I would have listened with sympathy, and then had you executed following a lengthy interrogation. I think you know I have a healthy dislike for treason."
"That was before I was told about Lord Laurent Lyonswurst," she said, and smiled. It was the guileless, beautiful smile that recalled her teenage years when Tris had first been aware of Princess Elysana. "My dear boys, you are not going to die. That much is certain."
S'reddit
Wayrest
The carriage stopped in front of the Royal Dome, and Goranthir whistled at the sight of it.
"Sheogorath indeed," he said. "All right, first we need reconnaissance."
With a couple quick whistles, he had sent two sparrows in the front gate. Circling around to the side, he squeaked to a family of rats. Yes, they knew a way in.
"Our scouts will let us know what we're dealing with," he said to Allerleirauh and Loranna. "Then we can decide --"
"Excuse me, sir," said one of the guards, an elderly man, mostly ceremonial, outside the Dome gates. "Has anyone ever told you you look like Prince Helseth when he first came here?"
Goranthir turned back to the women with a smile. "Maybe we can use that, if Elysana is as paranoid as they say?"
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"You're confused," Elysana nodded her head. "You need only know that your actions were not your own. You are not to blame for your treacherous acts ... I witnessed myself how Laurent's ring controlled and then befuddled its victims. The Lyonswurst family has always been a plague on Wayrest, and he used you to continue it after they were forced out. Now, with his death, we can put all that behind us and start anew."
S'reddit
Summary:
Kethiah, ex-assassin, is planning on opening the new tavern, The Nymph and Noggin with her partner and lover Isidor tomorrow.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is outside the royal dome of Wayrest with Allerleirauh and Loranna.
"That's why I sent in scouts first," said Goranthir with a wink.
A sparrow alighted on the chain of the gate and called out.
"They're in the throne room," he said. "Just ... talking."
"No, I can see that," Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, said, her voice soothing. "I can see I have nothing to worry about from either of you, now that Laurent Lyonswurst is dead ..."
Trafficking with daedra, she thought to herself. I imagine he was also the chief necromancer behind all that ghost business a while back as well ...
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
"It's only an act of war if they hurt Tris," Goranthir said. "My scouts can't say what people are saying, and they're not completely reliable on tone either ... just as you can guess whether a bird call is for mating or for telling an aggressor to go away, but you can't be sure ... My point was that my resemblance to my uncle could be used to our advantage. I can distract Elysana if need be."
S'reddit
Inside the Dome of Wayrest
"Oh, but you should mind," the Queen said, and called to a servant for some wine. "The most recent vintage is sublime, and I have the entire reserve. Yes, Count Sternhart, I think you both should come home. But, Sir Dolbinien, we must find another position for you, a suitable one ... perhaps a teacher, provided your lessons to my soldiery is all about the importance of following orders to the letter."
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
"Trust me on this," Goranthir said. "My uncle and grandmother would not consider whether something was an inconvenience to you if it was necessary for them."
"I could fill the place with mice," Goranthir said, letting out a few squeaks. "Though it might take a couple days."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"I don't see any reason why that child shouldn't be well cared for," Elysana replied. "He should be raised in luxury, sent to the best schools, made comfortable for the rest of his life. You needn't think that it's a question of you or him ... or Odo, or your sister. I have a very unpleasant family feud you may remember from your childhood. I wouldn't visit that on anyone, but it's wrong for you to disinherit yourself. The title is not only an honor, but a duty. Allowing it to be bestowed on a child, that does no one good."
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
"I think you think I'm a little more impetuous than I am," Goranthir grinned. "I didn't advocate storming the palace ... Well, I did suggest filling it with mice, but that was a joke ... I put in scouts, I remarked that it's interesting that the guards think I have some passing resemblance to my uncle in his youth ..."
He put his hand on her arm, gently. "I have spies all through the palace now. They will let me know if Tris and Ciel are going to the axeman's block, but until they do, I agree -- we do nothing ... I only disagree with the idea of me going anywhere."
Goranthir raised his hood. "There."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"I have asked the solicitors already, even before I knew you were going to be here, to have the discussion over your father's will here at the palace," Elysana said. "I could obviously overrule any will I wished, but it is a bad precedent. So far I have never had to do to it ... more than a few times, immediately after gaining the throne ... but I will let it be known that you should be Count Sternhart, and I will ask for a rational reason why you should not be, as well as the controlling member of your family's estate."
"Won't you have some wine? You could use some color, my lord."
The scampering of mice could not be heard as large as the room was.
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
Goranthir takes in a sharp intake of breath.
"Thank Nirni, are you sure?"
Goranthir laughs back, holding her.
S'reddit
The Dome of Wayrest
The Queen frowned. "If I'm so kind, why does it look like you're about to vomit?"
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
"The one crime Laurent Lyonswurst was not guilty of, that I know of," Goranthir gasped involuntarily. "You did this?"
S'reddit
"Welcome to the world of business, my lord," Elysana nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "Fortunes fall and rise. Do you fear you are not up to the challenge? You needn't. Creating a fortune takes talent and hard work, but you know the nobility of Wayrest well enough to know that those two adjectives do not regularly apply to our gentry."
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
"I would not challenge that," Goranthir replied carefully, and then grinned. "Loranna said she needed a drink. May I buy you one?"
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"Don't be absurd," the Queen frowned. "You came to Wayrest a wanted criminal, and I've pardoned you and said I would use my influence to clear the way for your inheritance ... You were prepared for execution, I take it, and not actual responsibility? I understand that you are a dilletante, but I did not think you that perverse."
S'reddit
Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest
Though they could not see it, under his hood, Goranthir rolled his eyes. "I am."
As soon as he was the one in potential danger and not his friends, he was a 16-year-old again, not The King With A Plan.
S'reddit
"Lead the way, o fellow Eightman of the Spheres," Goranthir smiled, taking Allerleirauh's and Loranna's arms, and following Herwyn where he led.
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"The Gaerington fortune at present rewards diligence and conservatism," Elysana replied cooly, handing her glass to a servant who appeared the moment she seemed to be finished with it. "You can change that, you can change yourself, or you can surrender to me and that pack of wolves you call a family. It all means the same to me. Now, you must excuse me ..."
A servant had been signaling to her discreetly, and she gave him a discreet signal in return.
"I believe our audience is at an end, until tomorrow, if you intend to come for the reading of your father's will."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
"I know you won't," the Queen of Wayrest said, and then added. "And as I neglected to mention it, my condolences on the death of your father."
The audience was at an end.
S'reddit
The Little Inn With Hummingbirds, Wayrest
"Stern heart?" Goranthir giggled. Yes, giggled. It wasn't a chortle, or a chuckle, or anything more manly, it was what he did after a glass and a half of wine. He wasn't drunk, but he was in an extraordinarily good mood. "You think that title fits him well? I don't know, but I'm very pleased to see your head is still on your neck. And jolly good for Ciel too."
S'reddit
Wayrest
Goranthir took the hand, and most indiscreetly kissed it.
"What do you think about that?" he asked. "It's a pretty enough city."
S'reddit
Wayrest
Goranthir was raising his hand to Loranna's toast when Tris interrupted him. His smile wavered ...
And fell.
"That's ridiculous, I can do whatever I want to," Goranthir said, glumly, knowing that wasn't true.
He drained his glass. "None of this matters. Tris and Ciel weren't executed, and that's a damn good thing."
S'reddit
Wayrest
"Good, we got that settled," Goranthir laughed. "And it's true. Half my father's nobles spend half their time elsewhere."
Sheogorath
Tris's "Homecoming," Wayrest
Goranthir had been thinking about his grandmother. For some reason, he couldn't be jealous of her, but he ought to be. While plotting her little war, she had found time to arrange for Tris's pardon and inheritance in a kingdom that was not friendly to her. No doubt without raising a drop of sweat.
He watched the exchange between brother and sister, and smiled at Tris.
"And I thought showing up ninety-percent naked at my parents' masque was awkward," he said.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah, Isidor, and Trason finished up the menu for the Grand Opening of the tavern tonight. There would be cheeses and scuttle. Pan roasted oysters. Kwama crisps. Smoked slaughterfish with a peppery pastry leaf.
It would be hearty food, simple but elegant. And they had the serving and kitchen staff to handle it.
An abbreviated version of the orchestra that played at Barenziah's party at the castle had been hired on as well. The back of the tavern would be open to the air for dancing.
Isidor would make sure that everyone knew about the party, but just to be sure, Kethiah had one other job to do as well. She only wasn't sure how she'd be able to do it.
She walked the children to school as usual.
Sheogorath
Tris's Happy Homecoming, Wayrest
"So everyone knows that you're going to be the Count?" Goranthir whispered. "I didn't think the will had been read ... Why don't you just introduce me as Goran? It's easier to remember than making up something right now ..."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"Her Ladyship was called away suddenly," Kallen said, involved in multiple projects and calm as usual. "I'm afraid I don't know when she'll return. If this is an emergency, I can use the Mirror to contact her ..."
Sheogorath
Tris's Happy Happy Homecoming, Wayrest
Goranthir laughed. He still felt a little tipsy from the two glasses of wine. "I wish all my civics law tutorials had ended with a kiss."
He looked around at the crowd and the house. For a moment, he indulged in the fantasy of what they could do there, in Tris's house, once all the people had left ... But then he was reminded of the reality, that he couldn't live in Wayrest. This might be the only time he'd see the place.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
Kethiah left the Drunken Guar, smiling.
They would close their bar that night, and direct anyone who was hungry or thirsty to the new tavern, the Nymph and Noggin down on the docks.
Isidor and Kethiah owed that innkeeper one, for sure.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"Well, that's a pity. Shame to be doing the Grand Opening without Loranna around," Kethiah frowned. "I suppose we could postpone it, but I just got the innkeeper at the Guar to agree to close his bar down tonight ... and there's the food, and drink, and music all prepared ... You don't know when she's going to be back?"
Sheogorath
"Well, if we knew when she was coming back, we could delay it," Kethiah replied. "The people we really need to make sure are available are all the various merchants and captains who use the docks. They're going to be our most regular customers."
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
"The spies say there's no alliance," Barenziah said. She and Dres Vendama were sitting in the throne room, watching a parade of beautiful Dunmer women walk by, in various wedding gowns. They pointed out which parts of which they liked.
Wedding gowns did not interest Helseth in the slightest. But a possible alliance between Redoran and Indoril did.
"It has been over a month since we met with the Redoran, and gave the councilor our proposal for an alliance," Helseth replied. "And they have not returned with a response."
"True," said Barenziah.
"I like the bodice on that one," said Dres Vendama, pointing.
"It is pretty," the Queen Mother nodded.
"It has also been weeks since the attempted assassination on your life. The Indoril have given a formal and sincere apology, but they have not found the conspirators responsible," Helseth added.
"True," said Barenziah.
"I like the sleeves on that one," said Dres Vendama, pointing. "Why don't you have another meeting with them, Helseth?"
"If I keep asking for the meetings, then I am in a disadvantageous position," Helseth said. "What I need to do is apply pressure."
"You know best," Dres Vendama replied.
Sheogorath
Tris's Homey Hapcoming, Wayrest
Goranthir smiled. "You have a good vocabulary, Oro. You express yourself well and succinctly for someone of your age. Your father would be proud of that. You take risks by being rude to perfect strangers, but I can see you've calculated those, and judged them to be acceptible [sic], worth the satisfaction you'd get. All in all, you show impressive maturity for circumstances like this ... No wonder your brother is so fond of you."
"My only response would be --" Goranthir made a low, weird lowing bray. It was Minotaur for "What a nasty little creature you are" which made him feel better, but was more bizarre than offensive as a response.
Except if you're a Minotaur.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Isidor and Kethiah spent the rest of the afternoon, until it was time to pick the children up from school, speaking to the various captains, merchants, sailors, and other regulars on the dock, making sure they were all coming to the opening of the Nymph and Noggin tonight.
They also made quite a few excellent contacts for directly shipping exotic foodstuffs.
Sheogorath
Wayrest
"If we leave without Allerleirauh, she'll snap our necks," Goranthir said. "Though I'm almost willing to take that chance."
Sheogorath
Wayrest
In the carriage, Goranthir unbuttoned Tris's jerkin to look at the wound. While he did it, he told him about the conversations he had. "Your cousin wants to know what you intend to do about his house."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah thought that blue should be the color of the wait staff, to go with the theme of the docklands, and she and Isidor, Tyradil, and Tilitalia also dressed in blue, albeit in their own individual styles.
In a nod to the conventional outfit of tavernmistresses everywhere, her own dress had a pinched corseted waist and a cunning bodice that pushed her modestly proportioned breasts together. She dyed her hair back to its natural black. Having a red eye and a violet eye would be enough idiosyncrasy. No need to be a blonde Dunmer anymore.
She tasted the kitchen's fare, offered her praise and suggestions, and made certain that the band had a lively set of tunes to play.
Sheogorath
The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
Keeping his promise to Kethiah, the innkeeper at the Drunken Guar ceased serving drinks and food for that night, though he continued to rent rooms. All who were thirsty, hungry, or in need of companionship, he sent to the Nymph and Noggin.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
The back door out the garden, where the band was, were also open. Kethiah was glad that they hadn't waited for Loranna to return -- they might not have another night as beautiful as this one.
The music flowed through the tavern, and out over the docks and into the village, attracting even those who hadn't heard there was a grand opening of the new tavern in town.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed, and gestured to the other tavernmaids, Diamond among them, who were getting into position behind the bar. "Ask thems what is servin, me foine man."
Sheogorath
Wayrest
They had arrived at the Mages Guild.
"People around here need to watch out for their daughters," Goranthir grinned, getting out.
Sheogorath
"I don't usually do it if I can think of something else to say," Goranthir replied, chastened. "I got out of a lot of fights when I was on my own because people thought I was crazy, and might be dangerous."
"Nirni, don't tell me my grandmother's back again," Goranthir said, walking towards the sound of the music.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah grabbed Isidor's hand. "Come on, it's bad luck if we don't have the first dance. We can meet and greet people after."
The band out in the garden was playing a lively song, one that everyone knew had bawdy lyrics, but fortunately there was no singer to deliver them.
Other couples came out to the garden and began to dance after Kethiah and Isidor got them started.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"You are, actually," Kethiah smiled. "It's not about knowing all the steps to all the dances ... It's about knowing your partner ..."
She kissed him, and then looked at all the other dancers. "This is wonderful. We've done a good thing."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
They wandered down to the docks. "Beautiful night for this," Goranthir said.
Kallen was standing outside the tavern, looking in.
"Ah," he said when he saw the group. "They'll be happy to know you arrived in time, my lady. Isidor had asked when you'd be returning and I wasn't sure."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
The band began another song.
Kethiah laughed. "Well, we better get back to our guests. We can't keep dancing all night ... "
She gave him another kiss, and hand-in-hand, they came in from the garden into the tavern.
The flow of the party was perfect. With two main bars, no one had to wait long for a drink. The stewards and wait staff passed out food, and set up more on the tables. The open doors to the garden let in fresh air, and kept it so the music was present but not too loud.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Tyradil and Tilitalia had been put up on the beams above the tavern with specific instructions. They were to throw flower petals when given the signal.
On seeing the Lady of Daruhn, who had not been expected, they decided to improvise, and rained a shower of petals down on Loranna and Tris.
Kethiah saw the petals before she saw the two of them.
"My Lady," she beamed. "You made it!"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Thank you," Kethiah said, bowing, as Loranna and Tris went to the garden to dance.
Then the ex-assassin took one moment, never losing her smile, to step up behind one of the teenaged wait-staff and whisper in her ear. "My dear, if you eat one more roasted oyster which is meant for the guests, I'll cut you open and take them back."
The girl swallowed hard, and Kethiah returned to the party.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Goranthir had been watching Tris and Loranna dance, eyes and mouth inelegantly open. He guided Allerleirauh to the garden, thinking to himself that if he danced like that, he wouldn't be wanting to return to drinking and chatting afterwards ...
The next song was slow.
"I remember our first dance," Goranthir said as they began, and chuckled. "You bit me."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"But you never draw blood," Goranthir said, kissing her neck. "And you can still catch me off guard everytime."
Sheogorath
Goranthir laughed softly. "More often than not, I'm holding back to maintain some dignity. If I acted how I felt, I'd be slack-jawed and moony-eyed all day long, and that can't be very attractive to anyone."
Sheogorath
Two of the servers were taking a break, drinking some of the sujamma, on the hill below him. Kethiah, moving faster than anyone should in that tight blue dress, was on them like a cat.
"You each get one warning," she said.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Nor did he.
Long lip locks may not be the thing to do at many of the social events -- the weddings, the receptions, the funerals, the masques -- he had been to lately, but at the opening of a tavern on the waterfront, it was right and necessary.
Sheogorath
Kethiah actually hadn't seen him, and jumped a bit, in a move that clearly was left over from her days as an assassin. When she looked up at him, he saw the one violet eye together with the red eye. Her vision was off.
But she laughed. "Well, normally we don't have service in the hill, Tris, but we'll make an exception for you."
She took him in, considered asking him what was wrong, but she didn't know him well enough. He had friends inside he could talk to, but he didn't want to. It was unlikely he was just waiting for a relative stranger to give him a sympathetic ear.
So, instead Kethiah went back into the tavern, got him his drink, gave it to him with a warm smile, and went back in to continue to meet and greet.
S'reddit
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is at the opening of the Nymph and Noggin, dancing with Allerleirauh.
Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is at the Royal Dome in her city, having uncharacteristically forgiven Tris Gaerington and Ciel Dolbinien their acts of treason, asuming them to be under the influence of the late Lord Laurent Lyonswurst.
Helseth, Barenziah, and Dres Vendama are in Mournhold, preparing to put the pressure on the Houses Redoran and Indoril to agree to alliances with the throne.
Kethiah, the ex-assassin, had been meeting and greeting (and correcting the staff), at the grand opening of the tavern he runs with Isidor, the Nymph and Noggin, in Ald Raathim.
"Much better than I expected," said Kethiah, giving him a kiss. "We have quite a crowd, almost all the rooms are booked up, Lady Loranna showed up, and I only had to fire one server who was stealing. I think we might just make a success of this place."
"One thing that we're going to have to keep our eyes and ears open for is the threat of civil war, a lot of the captains are worried about it ... and a lot of them are thinking they can make a far bundle off of it ... Opinion seems fairly divided as to whether House Redoran and House Indoril have formed an alliance, or if that's just a rumor."
Sheogorath
Bal Tereg, Morrowind
The ancient stone fortress had stood over the little inlet of the Oueda Gla'amnir for over a thousand years. Vivec himself had stayed there on more than one occasion, though it was not grand by any means.
Rings within rings of stone suggested even older civilizations had made their home there. The village had lived in peace, farming and fishing in the Inner Sea, under the protection of the fortress.
The men, women, and children of Bal Tereg slept peacefully that night, under the flag of Indoril, with gentle night sea breezes blowing.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim, next morning:
Goranthir, still half-asleep, tried to pull Tris into bed with them. "Don't go."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Oh," said Goranthir, waking up more, responding to the kisses with a sleepy passion. "You have to go back to Wayrest for the meeting ... with the Queen, right? ... How long will that take? Do you want me to go with you?"
Sheogorath
"I told you before, I'm proud of how well you're handling this already," Goranthir said seriously. "Good luck, Tris," he smiled. "I think that's the last thing that will shock your family -- how good you're going to be at this."
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
"So, it is to be a formal meeting today?" Barenziah said, stepping in to the throne room, and noting that Helseth was wearing his robes of state and crown. "No half-naked sparring in the exercise room?"
"No, I don't see any reason to be subtle," Helseth replied seriously.
Barenziah laughed. "Do you want me here?"
"No, take yourself and Vendama away to one of the country houses in case there's trouble."
Barenziah looked at her son and nodded. "Don't lose your temper."
"I'll try not to," Helseth replied, even smiling a little.
"This came for you ten minutes ago," Barenziah said, handing Helseth the report. The seal had been broken, but that was not unusual. Barenziah usually read the reports as they came in as well. "I will see you soon."
Helseth nodded, and read the report.
Sheogorath
The Chapel of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest
The Queen's personal chapel in the Royal Dome was big enough to be a cathedral, though like most churches to Akatosh, it was not the wide open, vaulted arrangement of the other Nine. The ceilings were comparatively low, crisscrossed with columns, so it seemed like a cross between a maze and a cave. Footfall always echoed.
Persons concerned with the Will of Count Sternhart were led through the chapel by one of the priests, to the sancristy and hall of records in the back, behind the fearsome stone statue of the Dragon God of Time.
The Sancristy was no less cave-like, particularly as being a part of the curvilinear arrangement of all parts of the Dome of Wayrest.
Elysana was not present. She would be the last to arrive.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Trason's breakfast was being served in the main room, which had been cleaned from the night before, so it was hard to imagine that an enormous party had filled it just a few hours ago.
Kethiah smiled when she saw Shaka. "Oh, you shouldn't have ..."
When she opened it, and saw Diamond's beautiful artwork, she was stunned. "You shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did. It's lovely!"
She kissed Shaka on the cheek.
Sheogorath
The Sancristy of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Everyone shuffled to their feet and bowed as the Queen and the Archpriest of Akatosh entered and took their seats.
"We will proceed," said Elysana simply, her eyes going around the table, looking at each and every person present, taking in every detail. Who was angry, who was nervous ... She didn't miss a thing, and everyone knew it.
The Archpriest motioned to his scribe to begin taking notes, and nodded to the family's solicitor to begin the reading.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"I think we can afford a couple sausages and kwama eggs in exchange for this gift," Kethiah laughed, hanging it up above the bar. It looked perfect.
"I need to go over inventory," she said, kissing Isidor. "Would you entertain our guests, and then we'll walk the kids to school?"
Sheogorath
Mournhold
"Councilor Indoril Thoryn and Councilor Redoran Drakar," the King's castellian announced them as they arrived in the throne room.
The King's guard lined the walls, standing at attention, and Helseth himself sat on the throne, in his crown and robes of state, glowering.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
"Much debate and discussions, indeed," Helseth replied, sternly. "Am I to understand that the Houses Redoran and Indoril have found some common interests?"
He took the document, but did not glance at it. "Tell me, do you have an alliance?"
The King's voice in the throne room sounded like metal striking stone.
Sheogorath
The Sancristy of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Elysana, all could see, was following the discussion raptly. She loved the law, almost as much as the law loved her. She knew it better than most solicitors.
"It is not unusual for there to be multiple contradictory contracts over the years of a man's life, particularly a man with as many interests and properties as Alistaire Gaerington," she said at length. "The wedding contract is voided. There is no law, only a tradition, that the widow be provided for. Of course, should the new Count Sternhart, Lord Gaerington, not wish to provide for his late father's wife and his half-brother, the kingdom will see to it that she is given a comfortable, modest stipend in memory of her husband, who was such a pillar to our throne."
"All other codicils, I believe, are quite correct and should be honored with immediacy."
"Her Majesty is correct," said the archpriest, whose job it was to say that, and never, in forty years of service to the Royal Family of Wayrest, had he said otherwise.
"Count Sternhart," Elysana smiled, nodding in Tris's direction.
The scribe recorded it faithfully as a formal acknowledgement.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
"How very cozy," the King grumbled, opening up the proposal. He read it over quickly.
"My original and individual offers of friendship and alliance to Houses Indoril and Redoran stand," Helseth said at last, his eyes flashing with anger. "These terms are contemptible. Why would you possibly think I'd agree to them?"
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
"Common ground has a funny way of eroding with each passing tide," Helseth growled. "I was exceptionally generous and patient throughout your ridiculous bureaucratic delays, while every milky-headed, grasping noble of both your Houses puked up his little inclusion, his contribution to the contract. I will not play this game of bureaucracy with you, agreeing to an alliance only to have its terms in endless flux. You overestimate the importance of your Houses to Morrowind. Do not be an impediment to my will."
Sheogorath
The Sancristy of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Elysana rolled her eyes. Fainting was even more tedious than weeping.
With a gesture, the priests came to carry Oro away, give him water and see to any minor injuries his fall might have caused.
They proceeded with the investiture ceremony, a religious occasion of such ancient arrangement, no one present, not even the archpriest, was completely sure what they were saying, or what the emblems and symbols truly meant.
The result, though, was crystal clear. Tris Gaerington had the rights and responsibilities of the title Count Sternhart of Wayrest.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
Helseth stood up in his throne, and walked slowly towards the councilors.
"Your council needed time to take an alliance with Llethan Helseth seriously? My generosity in answering a hundred petty questions means that I bow to the will of my vassals? My displeasure at an alliance which grants your Houses full independence needs to be explained?
He threw the document into the air. The pages drifted down like ash.
"I am king," Helseth said. "Tell your councils that. Tell them there will be no compromises, no renegotiating. The original offer of alliance must be signed. Their arrogance makes the wine of friendship into vinegar."
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
"It should not take you much time, as I've taken some work from you," the King said, looking Thoryn fiercely in the eyes, but with a smile on his face.
"I've found the conspirators, the 'radical faction' in your House responsible for the outrageous attack on the Queen Mother, the attack you so sincerely apologized for. They were not very difficult to find in their fortress in Bal Tereg, nor very difficult to eliminate, together with everyone else in a three miles radius."
"It is good we have that uncomfortable business behind us now, isn't it, Councilor Thoryn?" Helseth walked back to his throne. "Go now. You are dismissed."
Sheogorath
The Docks, Ald Raathim
Goranthir stood on the docks, looking at a plume of smoke in the distance. It was far away, but it was evidently quite a fire.
The fishermen he asked about it had no idea. "Don't fish way out there," they laughed.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah stepped in from the docks, where she had been inventorying the new shipments of food in time to hear Arynel.
"You must be thirsty then?" she smiled.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I didn't see you there, Diamond," Kethiah smiled, walking to her. She pointed to the artwork hanging above the bar. "Doesn't it look nice hanging there? I can't wait until this place is filled with your art."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed delightedly.
"Lady Loranna! Come over here! You have to see these!"
Sheogorath
"It's just a sketch, and with all due respects to your ladyship, it's mine," Kethiah grinned. "Diamond is my full time barmaid and artist in residence. I intend to fill the walls with portraits of the heroes of Ald Raathim ... And this is just a sketch, wait until you see the full painting."
"Oh, I nearly forgot," Kethiah said, looking at the othe paper in her hand. "I need your permission to import some rare foodstuffs from the south. Can I have your signature on this?"
She handed the paper to Loranna.
Sheogorath
"Not only are we open, Tris Gaerington is buying the drinks all night," Kethiah smiled. "So, don't be shy."
Sheogorath
The Docks
"Not south," Goranthir said, pointing to the smoke on the horizon. "Looks like a big fire."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah continued to fuss about the tavern, helping Diamond and Trasan get people drinks, fixing things that she didn't think was exactly right ...
S'reddit
Summary
Helseth, King of Morrowind, is in Castle Mournhold, following a fiery meeting with the ambassadors of House Indoril and House Redoran, where he rejected their proposed new alliance. He also revealed to them that he had destroyed the rogue members of House Indoril who had attacked the Queen Mother ... and everything else around them in a three mile radius.
Kethiah, ex-assassin and partner with Isidor at the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim, is at the tavern, keeping busy.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, has been watching the plume of smoke down at the docks, trying to learn from the local fishermen what has happened.
Castle Mournhold
Helseth used the mirror in the study to communicate with his mother and fiancee, who had left for one of the country houses.
"I see," said Barenziah after Helseth told her about the meeting, and rejecting the new offer of alliance. "Did you keep your temper?"
"I bellowed a bit," Helseth acknowledged.
"It would be a good idea to have the wedding soon," Barenziah replied.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
While the others socialized, Kethiah spoke with merchants, sailors, and importers about goods being delivered to the docks which the could use at the Nymph and Noggin. The bay was wide enough for the ships, and true to the Queen Mother's word, the routes were now taking them all past Ald Raathim.
"Loranna," Kethiah said, stopping one of the merchants while he was talking and approaching the Lady of Daruhn. "This fellow has some merchandise which we don't need here at the tavern, but you might have use for."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
The merchant went over with her his invoices for guar feed, saltrice seedlings, and other items at competitive prices. He gave her several pages of bids from suppliers.
Sheogorath
The Docklands
"Everyone in Vivec is talking about it," one of the merchants coming off the ships told Goranthir and Vaan, seeing them looking at the smoke. "Helseth's destroying temples."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed. "You are clearly a genius, Tris, because that lines up very well with the plans already afoot for the Nymph. Since we're right on the docks, Loranna is putting me in charge of fielding offers from various merchants, and taking the best ones to her and Kallen. Cut back on the paperwork, you know. There will be regular meetings, and I'm sure many if not most of them will need to be confidential."
She told him more of her plans, and agreed that the tavern could be improved even more, provided it continued to be rustic enough for the common sailors who would be using it, but grand enough in its private salons for its other uses.
"What would you want in exchange to your monetary contributions, Tris? A share of the business profits?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I can also put you on account for receiving a portion of our profits," Kethiah grinned a little. "As soon as we make some. Just in case your fortune fails, and you need something. Well, I better get back to work. I will talk to the merchants about your suggestions, and see what we can't get imported in, so we can begin new construction."
She went outside to write on the bulletin board the words Loranna had told her to use:
"Let it be known that the Lady of Daruhn has authorized Kethiah, co-proprieter of the Nymph and Noggin tavern, to field requests and offers by merchants for business with Ald Raathim. All worthy bids shall be passed on to the Lady and her seneshal."
While she was doing that, Goranthir passed her and entered the tavern.
"They said that Helseth is destroying the temples, and now they're saying Mournhold is in flames now," he said, seriously. "That the royal family is dead."
Sheogorath
Outside the Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah nods as Loranna dictates the message to be put up on the bulletin board, to quash further rumors:
The recent destruction of Bal Tereg and the surrounding area have been confirmed to be the stamping out of the renegades who attacked the Queen Mother some weeks ago. There is no reason to worry that other communities shall be suffering the same fate; the renegades have been accounted for.
These are stark times we live in, but the people of Ald Raathim are strong; we are the people who repulsed the Azurites from our shores, protecting countless refugees from their evil. We have all lived through stark times, and shall endure and prosper in the future.
Sheogorath
Inside The Nymph and Noggin
"No, sir, the fire is far away," Kethiah said, on returning. "The Lady and her seneschal at their castle, where business of government is traditionally handled. The guards patrol the streets. The merchants run their shops. The fishermen fish. The town runs as it has always done. What would you like to drink?"
Sheogorath
"Yes," said Kethiah. "Bal Tereg, quite a ways away to the south-east. Indoril territory. I just put a notice about it on the bulletin board, per her ladyship's request."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Loranna's Study
Loranna told them as they walked up to her castle the information she had received, which had been put on the bulletin board at the Nymph and Noggin. There was no intelligence about Mournhold being in flames, and the royal family being dead. It was just unfounded rumor.
Nevertheless, Goranthir wanted to speak to his grandmother and make sure she was all right. His expression was not worried, but still serious.
He was surprised to see Allerleirauh in the study. "What have you heard?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"The Lady and her seneschal are up at the castle, like I said," Kethiah replied. "She is in charge. Dragon works for her."
She turned smiling to Isidor. "May I have a word with you, darling, in private?"
Sheogorath
Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn
Goranthir smiled, relieved, and said "Barenziah."
The Queen Mother's face faded into view on the mirror.
"Ah, my beautiful grandson," Barenziah smiled. "I suppose you heard about all that nonsense. I hoped you weren't too worried."
"Not too worried, no," Goranthir lied. "Where are you?"
"Outside Tear," Barenziah said. "But we'll be going back to Mournhold in a few days."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Kallen had been speaking with Loranna's captain of the guards Dram about security at the harbor. With all the new ships coming in, there would need to be additional guards, and smuggling would be a concern.
"Dragon," the young Dunmer said when he saw him. "What news?"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Kallen opened his mouth, and then shut it. Dragon had never seen him surprised before.
"I'm not sure," he said, not quite sounding like himself. "We've never had an army in Ald Raathim before ... I need to create a new contract that is different from the guards ... What salary did you promise them?"
Sheogorath
Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn
Goranthir did so, and Barenziah merely smiled. "Tell him I'm looking forward to it."
Goranthir winked at Tris.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
As Kallen listened, he resumed his usual look of confident efficiency. "It is a good strategy, one I should have been prepared for as rumors of war began. I will draft an agreement at once for your and the Lady's approval, and then get scribes to duplicate it for the entire cohors."
Kallen had always spoken to Dragon with politeness, but there was more respect than ever in his voice. The old man had organized something Kallen had forgotten -- unforgivably forgotten -- that was needed.
Sheogorath
Abibon-Gora
It was a little early for Tales and Tallows, but that was the new act Quill had devised, and the Redguards loved it. It was about a young man, grieving for his lost love, who goes to visit her grave and falls asleep. He wakes up at night to a world of ghosts -- horrifically costumed acrobats who rushed through the air at him, as if to tear him apart.
Mirea was given the starring role as the Queen of the Dead who seduces the young man, and then lays him in his grave.
It was perhaps a macabre spectacle, but Quill seemed to be channeling his dark experiences in High Rock in a creative fashion.
Sheogorath
Tear
The house in Tear could have been any noble's abode. A large but simple structure in the center square of the city. It had been used more and more since the alliance with House Dres.
Tris waited for longer than he was used to. He had seen Barenziah and Dres Vendama in the Void, talking to a cloaked figure, in the house's library.
Vendama met him first. "Her Majesty won't be much longer, milord."
Sheogorath
Abibon-Gora
"We have performers who only have one performance a year," Quill said. "Mirea is special. I'd use her in every performance if I could ... but it's up to her."
He showed Allerleirauh the way to Mirea's dressing room.
Sheogorath
Tear
"Speedily," Vendama smiled. "The date has been moved up to next month, which is not enough time. I'm afraid it will be a rather squalid affair ... How are things in Ald Raathim? Is everyone well?"
Barenziah stepped in from the room, smiling. The door was ajar, and Tris could see that the cloaked figure was gone.
Sheogorath
Tear
Barenziah chuckled. "So, I heard. Congratulation, my lord."
She turned to Vendama. "Would you be good enough to let Helseth know that I was unable to find ... the person we spoke of?"
Vendama nodded, and Barenziah took Tris's hand, and led him into the room.
"I also heard about your father," the Queen Mother said. "I'm sorry. I knew him well, years and years ago."
S'reddit
Tear
"The flowers have been lovely and welcome, Tris," said Barenziah as she read over the debt. "But this is very thoughtful ... and useful, thank you."
The Queen Mother touched Tris's face. "You look different. Maybe a little thinner ... But it suits you."
S'reddit
Tear
"I was thinking that you looked older, but that didn't sound like a very nice thing to say, particularly since you're still a beautiful boy," Barenziah said. She too looked older, but not in a bad, or less beautiful way. "I'm glad I make you clever. Usually my lovers get very stupid."
S'reddit
Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn
Goranthir stepped into the study also. "I'm sorry, is this a bad time? I was watching all the men sign up for military duty, and it occured to me that I have a warship docked in the harbor, filled with fifty restless Nords. Can they be of any use?"
S'reddit
Tear
Barenziah chuckled. "Yes, I remember that race in Ald Raathim on the parraptons when Goranthir beat you ... or it was a tie ... he said you were very angry about that."
She retreated slightly, to pour a glass of wine, gesturing for him to do the same if he wished. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I was going to do with young Lyonswurst. It wasn't entirely for you I did it. He was a blight on a good family name, and his death if not his life at least accomplished something good."
S'reddit
Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn
Goranthir grinned a little. "I think you're making fun of me a little, Allie, but this is a coastal town with two harbors and lots of vulnerability. If I'm to be admiral, I'll take that job seriously, and make a fleet."
S'reddit
Tear
Barenziah's robe slipped to the floor.
"Some call it charity, but it so happens," she said. "That I have a weakness for grateful men."
S'reddit
Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn
Goranthir frowned when Loranna talked about wanting someone with more experience, but at the end, Goranthir laughed. "Just because Tris is throwing his money around doesn't mean he's the only rich boy in town. I think I offered to build you a fleet months ago."
He went to the door. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but give me the word, and I'll fill this bloody coastline with warships."
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn
Goranthir smiled, embarrassed. "I just want to help out, but I think I just came off as a brat with a bank account. I suppose even if I'm not to be high admiral, I can at least scout the coasts and make sure we're all alright ... Because that's something you and Tris can't do, right?"
"I'll do that now then," Goranthir nodded. "I don't mind if someone else commands them, really. It's probably best to get someone with experience, like you say."
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn
"I know that philosophically, I just don't look in the mirror enough to know it applies to me," Goranthir smiled sadly. "Every day, I feel two days older."
Goranthir left on a brisk walk to tell his crew on the Akarvina to patrol the coastline for trouble.
Then he went to the Mages Guild to use the Guild Guide to take him to the place with the largest shipyard in Tamriel. Solitude in Skyrim.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah, as usual, had not been still. In addition to the various meetings she was having with importers and exporters in the rooms upstairs on behalf of the Lady of Daruhn, she had been serving guests and making sure the staff was efficient and honest.
But then she found Isidor. "We should go to school and walk the children home. Who knows what rumors they might have heard."
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Solitude, is in Solitude, buying warships for Ald Raathim.
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern, after a bit of a fight with Isidor. She is suggesting they go pick up the children from school.
Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, is in Tear, after a mysterious meeting with a cloaked figure. She is accepting Tris's "gratitude" (tha nekkid kind) for manipulating the situation in Wayrest, giving him and Ciel a pardon, and paving the way for his inheritance.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"It's not up to you if I dye my hair or make a dirty joke, or do something that is just for me," Kethiah said, taking his hand. "But this business of mine does effect you, and that's why I wanted you to know. I will help us financially, not only with the salary Loranna's paying me, but the business it will bring to the tavern. It will also help because we will know before anyone if there's trouble ahead ... But it does come with some risks."
"It's the closest thing I can do that I'm good at without leaving Ald Raathim," she said. "The spy is the close cousin to the assassin."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah smiled. "I know why you are worried, and I wouldn't lie to you and say there are no risks. You're an adventurer yourself: you know about risks and rewards. I will promise to be careful ... just as I'll believe you the next time you are off on a quest and you promise to be careful too. We are running a tavern together, my love, but you and I, we know we are not tavernkeepers alone."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I know, and it's sweet, and I'll try to be a good girl, much as I can be," Kethiah kissed him back. "We have a new guest ..."
She went to the man by the hearth. "Good day to you, sir. Do you need a room, or a drink, or a meal, or all three?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"We have a varied menu that gets more varied by the day," Kethiah said, signaling to a barmaid to come over. "Piralle here will tell you what our chef has prepared today, and can show you a room too, if you'd like. If you'll excuse me, I'll be back shortly."
Kethiah and Isidor left to pick up the children from school. On the way, she told him about Tris's suggestions for the tavern, saying that he was interested in investing gold into it.
Sheogorath
"No, it shouldn't take me away from the tavern at all, all business will be conducted here," Kethiah explained. "That's why I'm doing it. That, and I owe it to Jazbet and Loranna to help them out however I'm able to."
Sheogorath
"I have everything I want," Kethiah said with a half smile. "Why? Do I seem discontented?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah kissed him.
"Would you mind taking care of the tavern for a few minutes?" She asked. "I just have an errand I need to run in the village."
Unlike Isidor, Kethiah was a suspicious person. And she was good at tracking people down, particularly when they didn't want to be found. She wanted to know what Tyradil after school. Maybe it was studying illusion, but maybe not.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah had tracked down dangerous people with excellent stealth skills from one end of the Empire to the other. Finding Tyradil's secret meeting spot wasn't too hard.
She smiled when she saw them, and left them to their privacy.
Back at the Nymph and Noggin, she resumed her meetings with the merchants, ship captains, and other parties interested in the little town which was now on the major shipping lane.
Sheogorath
Solitude, The Shipyards
Goranthir was well-dressed enough to be taken seriously when he asked to talk to Lorick Moon, the representative of the shipwrights of Solitude. In the back room of his favorite tavern, Goranthir told him what he was looking for.
"I'm sorry, you want to buy a ship?" Moon asked. He was not hard of hearing, but he liked people to repeat themselves when he wasn't sure.
"I want to buy nine ships," Goranthir said. "One square-rigger, two brigatines, three warships, three frigates. And I'll need a crew for each."
"Why don't you come back tomorrow with your money and we'll see what we can do for you?"
Goranthir nodded, and left the tavern for his room in the city.
Sheogorath
Solitude
"You must be freezing," said Goranthir, after his initial surprise, and draped half of his fur cloak around Tris. It was indeed snowing in the dark streets of Solitude, and both the men's breath came out as mist. "I suppose Loranna or Allie told you what I'm up to."
Sheogorath
Solitude
"Let's talk inside," said Goranthir, pushing Tris into the grand tavern where he had rented his room.
Being Goranthir, of course, he had automatically rented the best room in the place, where the hot springs that heated the entire block surfaced. Half the room was open to the sky, with a view out to the Sea of Ghosts beyond, and the snow and cold air made the boiling water merely a pleasantly hot bath.
"I suggested months ago that Ald Raathim needs a navy, but just building the Akarvina was enough to make people worried about what kind of a message it would send, building a warship in a time of peace," said Goranthir, as he stepped into the bath. "I suggested it again. Allie and Loranna thought it was a fine idea now, but I was too young to take charge of the project, and that someone with money -- like you -- should pay for it."
"So, I came out here to buy the boats, but I think I'm looking like an idiot," Goranthir sighed.
Sheogorath
Solitude
"I'm in warm water, I'm not getting out into that air," Goranthir laughed. "Of course I'm envious of you. Except your ability to disrobe, I feel a little pity for that."
He stopped laughing, but still smiled as he added. "No, I know I won't be taken seriously for years to come. And it's more important that Ald Raathim gets a coastal defense than that I get credit for it."
Sheogorath
Solitude
"I think," said Goranthir, grinning. "That we make a great team."
FADE OUT
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah finished up her last meeting, and seeing Tyradil sitting by himself, took the seat next to him. In a low voice, so no one else could hear, she asked. "So, what's her name? She's pretty."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"You should know I have eyes on the back of my head," Kethiah chuckled softly. "And one of them is always on you, and one of them is always on Tilitalia. Now, why did she tell us you were studying your illusion skills? Why don't you want your father to know about Davala?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah stood up from the table.
"I'm sorry, Tyradil, I thought this conversation was more private," she looked at Trason angrily. "A word, if you would, in the kitchen?"
Sheogorath
Kitchen, the Nymph and Noggin
No one was in the kitchen. That was good. Kethiah didn't want to lose her temper in front of too many people.
"You are not to interrupt private conversation I am having with anyone," she said, her eyes flashing. "That will destroy my business. You are especially not to interrupt private conversations I am having with Isidor, Tyradil, or Tilitalia. That will destroy my new family. You are not to humiliate an 11-year-old boy who was too shy to tell his father about the little girl he has a crush on by crowing about it in the middle of the dining room."
"If you want to keep your job here, you will go back in there and in a whisper, promise Tyradil that you won't tell anyone about his ... girlfriend ... or whatever she is to him. I didn't get enough of the story before you interrupted it."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah nodded, still not smiling, though the anger had gone out of her eyes.
Kethiah sat back down next to him. "Why didn't you want your father to know?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah hugged him. "You can call me whatever you want, sweetheart. Just remember, you can't keep anything from me for long, so it's not worth trying."
She was surprised by her own reaction. Being called "mom" was ... somewhat pleasant.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Everything is more than fine," Kethiah said, wrapping her arms around him, her red and violet eyes shining. "Tyradil just called me 'mom.'"
Loranna
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
After tonight, the Playing Houses campaign will be making a SIX MONTH jump into the future. Players are asked to determine what will happen to their characters during that time frame - the events of Morrowind at large during that period will be detailed when the time jump occurs.
S'reddit
Summary: Tamriel -- 6 Months Later
If Tamriel is an Arena, it has been booked for the last season straight, with the finest gladiators around.
In Skyrim, the conflict is over several cities taken by the Nords during the War of Bend'r-Mahk. Dragonstar in particular is a divided city with a wall literally dividing the two factions warring against one another.
In High Rock, Queen Elysana and King Gortwog's surreal alliance has held, and as marriage between the heirs is quite out of the question ("It would be grotesque," says the Queen diplomatically), it is a question of land. Menevia is now entirely under the reign of King Gortwog, with Elysana as its protector. Likewise, Elysana controls the entire mouth of the Bjoulsae River, with Gortwog acting as her muscle.
In the Summerset Isle, Queen Morgiah has continued to laugh off the broadsheet printed about her. Most people agree it is outrageous libel, not worth the trouble to respond ... except where is the child Goranthir?
In Cyrodiil, the Emperor gets older and undoubtedly wiser. His three sons continue to be bachelors, however. Are there no Queens worthy of marriage?
In Elsweyr, the Cyrodilic County Leyawiin has won back lands west of the Niben from the Khajiit who settled there. While the settlers have moved on, a group of bandits who call themselves the Renrijra Krin have taken up the cause of returning the land.
Black Marsh has become even more insular. Though there is the question of the prison break in the impenetrable dungeon called Blackrose which has everyone wondering what new dangerous criminals have been loosed on the land.
And Morrowind ...?
S'reddit
Summary: Morrowind – 6 Months Later
Morrowind, as anyone who has been following the story so far, is at war with itself. King Helseth unapologetically has made a grab for absolute power, recognizing a vacuum of power as the Tribunal has fallen.
His first move was to marry, some five months ago, a daughter of the House Dres, once known as Vendama, now known as Queen Dinara. The ceremony was a beautiful mixture of ancient Velothi and modern Imperial traditions, and all in Morrowind were invited to attend. Of course, certain characters in the RP – Loranna, as Lady of Ald Raathim; Goranthir, as nephew of the groom; Tris, as, well, occasional paramour of the groom's mother, attended, for certain. Others may have depending on their wont.
Then, actually before the wedding but after the engagement, there was the attack on the Queen Mother Barenziah, and the resultant attack on those Indoril radicals in Bal Therec who ochestrated the attack. Helseth's decision not to ally with the Indoril and the Redoran on their terms, and his attacking of an Indoril stronghold alienated the two Houses to a degree which could not be ignored.
Nor was it. On the very same night that the marriage was taking place, the Redoran attacked the bride's estate of Bodrom Mora, capturing her brother, and holding the land, despite Helseth's attempts to retake it.
Gnisis, the heart of the Redoran colony in Vvardenfell, was laid siege to for two months in response. The noble Redorans never surrendered, but with all supplies cut off, the Royal army and navy was eventually able to march in and destroy the rather feeble defenders.
Helseth has focused his energy on the Indoril and Redoran pockets closer to home. In the Deshaan plains, battles have been won and lost by both sides, though largely by Indoril. Helseth has proved himself a shrewd battle tactician, better than they could have anticipated. Likewise, the Redoran have been forced to climb northward, following a battle in Tel Silgrad, in which the army of Ald Raathim, pushing from the east, played a decisive role.
The alliance of Redoran and Indoril have proven their worth, by contast, on the field of battle in Vvardenfell. One of their most cunning moves was to apparently enlist the Neverarine in their battle plans. Old Imperial strongholds in Caldera, Pelagiad, Fort Moonmoth, and other locations quickly crumbled by a popular uprising, until it was revealed that the Nerevarine was a fraud when he died of a commonly contracted disease. The victory had been had already, however. The only parts of Vvardenfell that were not taken by the joint Indoril and Redoran troops were independent Telvanni towers and some Ashlander lands, considered not worth the danger in getting them.
Blacklight to the north continues to be the alliance of Redoran and Indoril's strongest capitol, but it is facing pressure less from Helseth than from the Nords of Skyrim, who have seized on this opportunity to take back land from Morrowind which they considered theirs.
In short, where things are at now ...
Redoran and Indoril control Vvardenfell utterly, with the exceptions of the Telvanni towers and Ashlander territories, as mentioned above, and Vivec City itself.
Vivec is controlled by the Redoran and Indoril, in the sense that their armies patrol its streets, but its heart is more divided. A Dunmer priest who calls himself the Moonstone has appeared, pointing to signs that Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec are not gone. Firmly allied with the Indoril, he shows the people signs that they must resist the greed of Helseth, and keep their hearts with the true Gods.
Others in Vivec believe in the New Temple, a monastic order which follows the teaching of Almsivi, but reveres Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala.
Mainland Morrowind is largely Helseth's domain, due to his alliances with the other Houses of the land. The exceptions are the north, which is Redoran (and sometimes, depending on the battle, Nord) territory, and the South, which has been held by Indoril, centered around Bodrom Mora. The Dres-hating Argonians of Blackmarsh have backed up this claim.
The Inner Sea sees battles daily.
And Ald Raathim ..?
S'reddit
Summary
King Helseth of Morrowind, as the six month summary of his kingdom has suggested, has been quite busy lately. Always up to now, he has been a political and diplomatic warrior, but now he has shown himself to be an adept commander, tactician, and fighter. The months following his near death illness spent sparring have made him stronger and more resilient than ever. He has not spent much time at home in Mournhold, but those who have seen him, even people who did not know what to make of him before, say he strikes an inspirationally regal figure, and is much beloved of his army.
Queen Dinara and her mother-in-law the Queen Mother Barenziah remain in Mournhold, in charge of the other aspects of ruling the realm. They are doing an excellent job, bringing in diplomats from the allied Houses and the Imperial Court to keep relations tight, and helping those whose lives had been shattered by the war, distributing food and leading rebuilding efforts, beginning in Bal Therec. Dinara particularly is the heart behind these efforts, and though she does her duties with diligence, her brother Obael's captivity has caused her many sleepless nights.
Queen Elysana of Wayrest, as described before, is continuing with her alliance with Orsinium – though, of course, she has not giving up her spy network, and gets regular intelligence from Herwyn about the orcs, as well as the other potential threats throughout High Rock and Tamriel. She has been sharing some of what she's learned about Helseth's battle plans with the Redoran and Indoril, which is one of the factors keeping the southern Dres lands in Indoril possession.
King Gothryd and Queen Aubk-I of Daggerfall had their fifth child recently, whom they named Laurent, after their court favorite, found brutally murdered on a country road some time ago.
Quill, formerly Dygbal of Ivytyde, continues to run the Quill Traveling Circus, and his dark-humored entertainment has become much lighter since he learned he was to become a father. Still, he won't allow Mirea to do any more acrobatic than jugglings and clowning until after the child is born.
Razbiah and Thianas, Loranna's cooks, were married at the new Temple of the Tribunal in Ald Raathim, and all were invited. Since they didn't cook, their staff at the castle created the meal – which was too spicy, frankly – and the cake, which was delicious, but simply a cube, with no magic. A wonderful time was had by all.
Kethiah, former assassin and now co-propriestress of the Nymph and Noggin, is, as Stargazey said, pregnant. Three months along now. She has continued in her (secret) job as Loranna's Spymaster, gathering intelligence from the network who pose as merchants, but no one except her partner and lover Isidor knows that, even at the tavern. The bulletin board outside the tavern has become a regular place for people to get news about events outside of Ald Raathim. Kethiah's bonds with Isidor's children have also continued to grow, though only Tyradil calls her "mom" regularly. And every morning, regardless of guest and merchant meeting, she and Isidor walk them to school, and every afternoon, they walk them back.
The Nymph and Noggin is a massive place now, thanks to an influx of Tris's money, and sprawls across the docklands. The rougher part, called the Noggin, is favored by sailors and soldiers, serving traditional fare and featuring plenty of saucy barmaids. Kethiah and Isidor won't abide fights there, but they do tolerate a good amount of good-natured rough-housing and drunkeness. The more elegant side, called the Nymph, has become a gallery of Tris's ancestral art and Diamond's new paintings of the heroes of Ald Raathim. It is a good place for a quiet drink, a fine meal, or a discreet meeting in one of the private rooms.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, divides his time between the forest – where, like Thom and Nylus, he acts as a scout, using his animal-speaking abilities to watch out for trouble – and the ocean where he patrols the coastways aboard the Akarvina. He fought at the battle of Tel Silgrad, and was injured with a sword slash to the back of his head. In order for it to better heal, he shaved his head (much to the dismay of Tris and Allerleirauh), but it is growing back in.
S'reddit
Present Day
Castle Daruhn
Goranthir arrived at the castle at dawn, asking the servants if Dragon or Loranna were awake. He had to speak with them at once.
S'reddit
Present Day
The Nymph and Noggin
"Fine," Kethiah said. She had taken to drinking herbal teas which the healer at the Temple had suggested. "I haven't had any morning sickness in the last five days now. It's early though. Did you sleep all right?"
Her hair was longer now, just past the shoulders, but she usually kept it pulled back.
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn
Loranna's smile wasn't returned. He was worried about something.
He did smile when he saw Shaka's reflection, however. It was good to see him again.
S'reddit
"What I have to say can be said quickly," Goranthir replied, looking to Loranna and Dragon. "Tazelhoth, the wolf, found a Redoran scout in the woods, not very far away. There's not much left of him now, unfortunately, but where there's one, there's more."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"That's good, I was afraid I had started to snore," Kethiah smiled. "Nothing would surprise me anymore. It looks like there was a big party in the Noggin last night after we went to bed. Good thing the walls are thick. I guess they were celebrating some victory or another."
S'reddit
"Of course, but there's nothing I can do about it," said Kethiah, touching her belly. "So, right now I'm more worried that our larder is low on smoked slaughterfish ..."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah gave Isidor a look which he had learned over the months translated roughly to: That's very sweet, but you're being a trifle patronizing to a woman who used to kill for a living, and isn't exactly the meek lady-in-distress type.
She gave him a kiss, and then paused as Loranna's message was sent to her.
"I need to get to work," Kethiah whispered. "Loranna needs information."
S'reddit
Kethiah had her regular meetings, and no one had additional information about the Redorans encroaching on Ald Raathim.
"Loranna," she whispered after the last one, talking to Loranna's mirror. "I'm sorry, no one has any solid information ... but I do have one more source to talk to. His ship arrives in a couple hours, so I should have more information then ..."
Then she woke up Tyradil and Tilitalia to get them ready for school.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Loranna," Kethiah called a few hours later. "I can't say for sure, but my contact tells me that the Redoran are far away. If there are scouts in the area, they're either a lost batallion, or just here to gather intelligence about us. I think we're okay for now."
The contact had been not at all what Kethiah had been expected. A smuggler who she had bribed into turning informant by asking Dram to turn the other eye to the illegal activities. Really a quite charming and helpful rogue, the Goldcat was.
S'reddit
Varnim Watch
Queen Dinara toured the ruins of the Indoril fortress which had stood there since Velothi's time, and had been torn asunder. As much as she wept for her brother and her ancestral lands in the south being in the hands of the Indoril, she could understand too how wretched it must be for them. They had none of their ancient lands anymore, at all. Only Vvardenfell which they had retreated to, while the mainland was being taken, and the south.
Barenziah had scoffed at Dinara's worries about the losses in Vvardenfell. The mainland was more important to take first, the Queen Mother had explained, and the crushing defeats that the Indoril and Redoran had suffered there they would not be able to recover from. With most of the mainland in their hands, they had the volcanic heart of Morrowind surrounded. And they would take that too over time.
One had to be patient.
Dinara watched while the emblems of the Indoril were ripped from the walls of the fortress and wondered if she could be.
S'reddit
Summary
Barenziah and Dinara are in Mournhold. As the activity in the castle suggests, they are making preparations for greeting an important visitor.
Helseth is in the north, off the coast of Dagon Fel, where a sea battle is raging.
Kethiah is in a private room at the Nymph and Noggin, ostensibly meeting with an important importer. In reality, she is gathering intelligence on the battles in Gnisis and Baldaras, Heseth's movements, and the Queen and Queen Mother's visitor to pass on to Loranna.
Goranthir is aboard the Akarvina, patrolling the coastline of Ald Raathim.
S'reddit
The Akarvina, 5 Miles South Of Ald Raathim
Goranthir was on the deck of the ship. With his shirt off, helping hoist the sails with the others in the crew, it was evident how much six months of sailing with Nords had done to him. He was wider, more muscular, more peasant-like. His tailor back in Ald Raathim had complained about it. He hadn't gained much in height, only breadth.
When he saw Tris, he let another man handle the sails and kissed him. The crew had seen their master both with Allerleirauh and Tris, and didn't bat an eye.
"We saw a ship," Goranthir said, wiping the sweat from his brow, a little out of breath. "Pull into the cove. It may be the Butcher of the Bay's."
S'reddit
The Akarvina
"I'm not very particular about whom we catch off the coast of Ald Raathim, Indoril or Redoran," Goranthir nodded. "But that is one privateer I'd like to take apart myself. I'm not old fashioned enough that I believe there is much honor in war, but the things they've said he's done ..."
"Having a few of the parraptons on the deck would be useful ... I'll talk to the Queen."
Goranthir smiled. "I'm glad you're here. I haven't seen you in days ... Wasn't there an important meeting you had in Wayrest?"
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
"Trason's back in the kitchen," Kethiah said, off-handedly as they were in the ear shot of the soapmonger. Kethiah ordered too much of it to carry, but paid for it to be delivered later that day. "He's doing well enough, but Vivec only knows when he'll feel the need for another vacation ..."
When they were back in the throng, out of hearing of all, she said. "Helseth has pulled back from Dagon Fel. The battle wasn't going well. He's enlisting his allies in Firewatch for another attempt ..."
They stopped by another stall, and sampled the dried kwama meat. "Good for the Noggin," she said, and took a bag full.
"I have a new contact," Kethiah added as they again moved into the crowd of the crowded market. "A shady one but with good information ... Even if I don't quite understand it, there are strange things happening in a, ah, spiritual way in Vvardenfell ..."
S'reddit
The Akarvina, 6 Miles South Of Ald Raathim
Goranthir laughed, rubbing the back of his head as he did so, and the scar there. It had become a force of habit. "Yes, please to everything. I'm glad your fortunes are on the rise, Tris. I'm bloody skint. Grandmother can't afford to give me any more right now, and, of course, mother ... I finally had to ask Loranna for my share of the Emperor's reward to pay the crew."
He squeezed the back of Tris's neck affectionately. "I was more envious of you when our fortunes were closer. Now ... I'm glad you enjoy your meetings with financiers."
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
"A terrible storm that won't leave the seas there," Kethiah answered, frowning. "It is almost unearthly, and the more suspicious superstitious types have pointed out that it is the Dam Dog's region of Sheogorad, and perhaps the Prince has chosen a position in this war ..."
The former assassin paused. "But that, strange as it is, is not the spiritual crisis on Vvardenfell ... Milady, there are apparitions which have been appearing that are causing some folk to believe -- actually, many folk to believe ... that the blessed Tribunal still exists as it has done for thousands of years. They saw that Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec are alive and reside in Vvardenfell, protecting it from Helseth."
S'reddit
The Akarvina, 6 Miles South Of Ald Raathim
"You would be wise to listen to your sister," Goranthir smiled. "I hope my uncle doesn't renege on his debt, but I can't promise anything ... and I regularly hear of him hiring more mercenaries, and rebuilding more destroyed towns ... Both of which are good for the war, I suppose. He can't repay what he owes unless he wins."
"I have no qualms about borrowing gold from you, Tris. It doesn't embarrass me in the least. Gold has never been something that's concerned me much, which I suppose isn't good, or at least isn't normal. People are supposed to worry about such things, but I never have. I just ask for the best food, the best clothes, the best ship, and I get it. I guess after seventeen years of that, I expect it, but I don't necessary treasure it."
The seabirds called to him, and he answered back.
"The ship is ahead," he said.
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
"Yes, but I didn't understand it," Kethiah smiled a little. They were outside the Arena now, where the roar of the crowd indicated there was a fight going on. "Maybe you ought to talk to her yourself. I know she's in there, watching the fight. Got a lot of gold running on the challenger. Like I said, she's shady, but I know her very well. We've worked together for years ... If you have a moment, she can tell you better what she knows."
S'reddit
"As long as Allerleirauh can be found quickly," Kethiah replied. "I believe Ya'Tirrje is to sail tonight, and I don't know -- and frankly, I'd rather not know -- what other business she had in Ald Raathim outside this fight. I'm sorry, Loranna, I know she's not the type of person you want to have operating in your realm ..."
Kethiah frowned and pulled at her hood. Her violet eye withstood the sunlight better, but it still was too bright.
"The last I saw, Allerleirauh was having dinner at my tavern with Arynel at the Nymph," she added. "Let us hurry and see if she's still there."
Kethiah and Loranna hurried back down the docklands, and knocked upon the door of the room Allerleirauh had been using.
Kethiah opened the door. "I hope we are not disturbing you?"
S'reddit
The Arena, Ald Raathim
The old dirt arena of Ald Raathim had indeed undergone many changes. Vast stands now encircled it, and the Bloody Sandal was only part of the complex it had become.
The stadium was nearly full for today's bout between the challenger, a brawny Nord named Helgom and the challenger, a much smaller Dunmer called Camirr. The fight was now in its sixth round, and both fighters were bloody and tired. They were armed with whips.
Kethiah led Allerleirauh and Loranna through the stands. The spectators, though enthralled with the fight, paid their homage to the Lady of Daruhn.
Finally, Kethiah had them sit, and touched the shoulder of a woman sitting the next bench in front. Her hair was a tangle of golden curls, like a mane, and her long slim back seemed to be naked at first glance, before it was obvious that her tight dress and her skin were the exact same flaxen color. She and the two Khajiit sitting next to her turned and looked at the three ladies.
"Ya'Tirrje," said Kethiah. "This is Loranna, Lady of Daruhn, and Allerleirauh of Solunastra."
"Everyone calls me Goldcat," Ya'Tirrje the Khajiit smiled, her emerald eyes twinkling. "I'm surprised I haven't seen you at the House of Dibella."
S'reddit
"Oh yes," said Ya'Tirrje, turning back to the fight. "Vivec appeared before the people at Ghostgate, then leapt into the volcano, and was seen once again in the city that bears his name. Sotha Sil tromped through Pelagiad with a squadron of fabricants. And Almalexia, they say, had appeared in Tel Aruhn and Tel Branora. All of them not only look exactly as the people remember, but by their words and their presence, have infused them with the same spirit of power."
Helgom's whip encircled around Camirr's neck, and the champion pulled it hard. The crowd gasped, expecting to hear the snap of a neck, but after stumbling through the dust, the Dunmer grabbed the whip, and yanked it out of Helgom's hands.
The Goldcat turned back to the three ladies with a sly grin. "There's nothing like a well-matched fight, is there?"
S'reddit
The Arena, Ald Raathim
Camirr chased the larger champion around the arena, snapping both whips at his buttocks, until the Nord finally gave in.
"For too little, you say?" Ya'Tirrje laughed, still facing the arena. "I made a bundle on this fight, I'll have you know. Everyone always roots for the underdog, but no one ever bets on him."
Goldcat turned back around. "No, I don't have an opinion, except that the people of Morrowind have always loved that their Gods walked among them. That was something they had that no other province could boast of. The Aedra and the Daedra are adequate substitutes, but they don't really take the place of flesh and blood manifestations, do they?"
S'reddit
The Arena, Ald Raathim
"No thank you, my lady," Ya'Tirrje replied, standing up with the rest of the crowd. She straightened her tight velvet dress. "I had been telling Kethiah for some days that I wanted to meet you, but she told me that it would only be possible if I had very interesting information to give."
The two Khajiti males on either side of her also stood up. They had the same fine features as Goldcat. Evidently, they were related.
S'reddit
"Is there a more delightful phrase in Cyrodilic than 'richly rewarded'?" Ya'Tirrje laughed. Her tail, long and full, curled up behind her, and she adjusted her skirt before continuing. "I will do what I can to earn it. In the meantime, I must leave before the Imperial Barge makes its way through, and security is tightened too uncomfortably. Of course, you know that the Emperor's son Enman is meeting with Barenziah?"
Kethiah replied. "Yes. I was just about to tell her ladyship that. I heard it from another source."
Goldcat shrugged. "Ah well. Loose lips."
S'reddit
The Arena, Ald Raathim
Goldcat kissed Loranna's hand softly, and she and the two other Khajiit stepped out of the stands.
"Underdog my owl," Kethiah said. "That fight was fixed."
S'reddit
The Arena, Ald Raathim
"You could tell the Nord dropped the whip at the end if you watched carefully ... But I have to admit," Kethiah frowned. "I didn't know about the Emperor's son coming to Mournhold ... I just couldn't let her be too smug about her information."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah looked at him curiously, and sat down. "Yes?"
Sheogorath
The Akarvina, 6 Miles South of Ald Raathim
Goranthir, Tris, and the Akarvina's archers stepped up to the fifty foot tall forecastle of the warship to try to catch sight of the ship. It was a balmy day for springtide, but a thick layer of mist floated along the shore.
The Butcher's ship would be fast, but if they attempted to flee, they would see just how much faster than a normal warship the Akarvina was.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Yes," said Kethiah simply. "Why do you ask?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah frowned. "That is the only way I can show my feelings to you? Not starting a business with you, walking your children to and from school, sleeping with you ever night, having your child ... These things mean nothing unless I marry you?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I don't know that there is a problem, except if you want to make one," Kethiah said quietly. "I won't be your children's mother if I marry you. I won't cease to be this one's mother if I don't marry you," she said, touching her belly. "I love no one else but you. Why is it important to you that we get married?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"They can wait a few minutes." Kethiah didn't look placated. "I am serious, Isidor. If you're going to keep asking me, I want to know why. Why do you think we should get married? What will it do for us that we don't have already?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"You can be sure of me without that, and us being married does not guarantee that we'll always be together," Kethiah replied, and then after a pause, she leaned in closer to Isidor. "You want a real reason not to? There are people who want me dead. Many people. I put you, and Tyradil, and Tilitalia in danger just by being close to you -- if I am your wife, and they are my stepchildren, you may all be targets."
Kethiah stood up from the table, raised her hood, and stepped out into her garden in the back of the tavern.
Sheogorath
Kethiah continued to work in her garden, which had grown enormously in the last six months. It was an exotic wonderland now, filled with herbs and flowers from all over Tamriel in profusion, particularly now that it was springtide. The herbs inevitably made their way into the cooking at the Nymph and Noggin, and some she had even given to Razbiah and Isidor for new dishes at the castle. Merchants grateful for a contract passed to Loranna and Kallen often gave her seedlings, and she had some plants growing there that grew nowhere else in the east of Tamriel.
The ex-assassin was always on the lookout for weeds. Whenever she had a moment between running the inn, and acting as Loranna's Spymaster, she was out in the garden, working. It was calming on her, and symbolic. If her life were a garden, it was lush and beautiful now, but only because of constant care.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah had told Tilitalia that the most important thing in all athletics was a well-honed sense of balance, and had shown her a game she had played as a girl, balancing on the edge of a table and catching things as they were thrown to her.
As they were doing the game, the smell of dinner being cooked wafted in from the kitchen.
"Go get your brother and dad," Kethiah said, after Tilitalia caught the pot Kethiah threw to her.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
In the bay of Mournhold, a dozen ships of the Imperial Fleet sailed into harbor. They were fast moving river skiffs, taking the rivers from Cyrodiil through former Redoran now Royal territory into the Inner Sea, and from there to the royal capitol.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
Allerleirauh was shown into Barenziah's chamber, where her maids were putting the final touches on her gown and hair. It was a deceptively simple Imperial style in both, with stringed "pearls" of ebony corded through her upturned hair.
"Pardon me for not standing," said the Queen Mother. "I'm afraid the Empire has arrived early, and I'm not quite ready."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"If he turns up while we're gone, tell him to stay put or he'll be in worse trouble," said Kethiah, taking Isidor's hand. The servers in the tavern could watch over it and Tilitalia while they were gone.
All the sailors and fishermen on the docks knew Tyradil, and after a few inquiries, Kethiah and Isidor knew that he had gone into the woods.
Sheogorath
The Queen Mother's Chamber, Castle Mournhold
"That's a relief that it isn't true," Barenziah smiled. "I confess that the way of the walking Gods are not my specialty, not, I daresay. is it of most Dunmer. It seems more plausible than not that Gods, being immortal, do not die. So, we don't have the Tribunal themselves opposing us, but we do have opponents more energized by this false revelation. It is good news, but not great news."
Sheogorath
The Forest of Ald Raathim
Some distance away, Kethiah put her finger to her lips, and stopped Isidor from trodding forward. She pointed to a half-footprint in the mud, and a broken branch.
"A grown man or mer in medium armor came through here," she whispered. "Very recently."
Tyradil's footsteps had disappeared.
Sheogorath
The Queen Mother's Chamber, Castle Mournhold
"I appreciate your professional judgement on this," Barenziah nodded thoughtfully. "The intelligence is not new to me ... I already have some spies looking into it, interrogating the 'witnesses' of the blessed events. Would the Nerevarine be at all helpful in sorting this out? It's on a personal assignment right now, but I could call it back."
Sheogorath
The Forest of Ald Raathim
Kethiah and Isidor could see them through the bushes. The ex-assassin held her lover back from charging in, and silently made a O sign in the air: Circle around on the other side.
There was some guar scat on the ground, and Kethiah picked it up and rolled it under the sleeve of her blouse.
"Now if I were you," Kethiah said, calmly, stepping into the clearing, holding her hands up to show that she is unarmed. "I would untie the boy, and let him go. The Lady of Daruhn is famously kind to prisoners of war, and you can't be planning to carry him far enough to escape, now that you've attached him to a tree."
Sheogorath
The Queen Mother's Chamber, Castle Mournhold
There was a knock on the chamber door.
"Your Majesty, your son requests your presence in the audience chamber," said the servant.
"Tell him we'll be there in a few minutes," Barenziah replied. Turning back to Allerleirauh. "So we are clear -- you are speaking of your spies in the New Temple, not your spies in Ald Raathim?"
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
Barenziah chuckled softly, standing up. "Yes, as far as alliances go, I consider the one with Ald Raathim to be solid, for strategic and personal reasons ... That's why I was thinking it almost goes without saying that we would share important intelligence gathered."
The Queen Mother took Allerleirauh's arm as they made their way to the audience chamber. "Enman may not be the next Emperor. Geldall and Ebel are both well-regarded in the Imperial City as well. But Enman is the handsomest, if that counts for anything."
The two women entered a little chamber behind the throne, so they could enter the dias at the center of the stage, behind Helseth and Dinara, who were bowing to the Emperor's son.
He was a handsome man, if well into his middle-age by Cyrodilic standards. His hair was flecked with gray and slightly receding, lines, some deep, etched across his face. But his eyes were bright and his jaw-line and the figure of his body were strong.
"Barenziah!" he shouted enthusiastically. "You look like a goddess."
The Queen Mother smiled coyly, and bowed gracefully.
Sheogorath
The Forest of Ald Raathim
Kethiah looked at the scout as he talked, but could see Isidor behind him, coming up to the tree where Tyradil was tied.
She lowered her arms slowly, and Isidor could see the anger building behind her red and violet eyes.
"A noble knight of House Redoran threatening to kill an innocent little boy, you are beneath contempt," she sneered, and then flicked the pile of guar scat into his face. "Eat [censored]."
Sheogorath
The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold
"Your Imperial Highness," Barenziah said. "May I present Allerleirauh, Patriarch of the New Temple of Morrowind?"
"Honored to meet you, your Eminence," Enman smiled, as widely as Allerleirauh's own, and bowed, making an educated guess as to how the Patriarch of the New Temple would be addressed. There was a little twinkle in his eye that suggested he hoped he got it right, but knew he wouldn't be corrected if not.
Sheogorath
The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold
"Actually it was more pleasant than we thought it would be," Enman replied with a grin. His style was casual, and Allerleirauh could see that Helseth, Dinara, and Barenziah were relaxed as well in their tone and conversation, though this was clearly an important meeting. "I was expecting to cruise past plague and war, but the worst we faced was a guar who snorted at us rather rudely from the banks."
"If you had travelled by the north, it was raining a bit," Helseth said with a half of a smile, evidently not truly amused by his problems in Dagon Fel, but attempting levity.
"So I heard," Enman chuckled. "Is there a term you have for rain and ash storms when they combine?"
"A bad day to wear your whites," Dinara suggested.
Sheogorath
The Forest of Ald Raathim
Kethiah ducked and rolled under him. Even pregnant, she could knock him off his feet with ease.
Sheogorath
The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold
"Oh, the plague is a little further south, the Blackwood Company's checking to see if it's the Khnaten again," Enman replied. "Wouldn't that be a treat? May I ask a question about the New Temples' beliefs, Your Eminence? I've received some briefing about you, but I confess I've never been a great student of theology."
Sheogorath
The Forest of Ald Raathim
The scout scrambled to reach his sword, but Kethiah was already on her feet. Stomping down hard, she broke his back, paralyzing him. He screamed in agony.
"Make sure Tyradil found his way home, darling," Kethiah said to Isidor, and then called out to Loranna. Loranna -- I have another prisoner for you to interrogate. Could you sent some guards to the woods, and tell them to follow the screams? Take your time. He won't be getting away.
Sheogorath
The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold
"You must also let me know if my ignorance is insulting," Enman smiled. "You follow the teachings of the Tribunal, but do you worship the Daedra as the Anticipations?"
Sheogorath
The Woods of Ald Raathim
Evidently, Kethiah said. There was anger in her eyes still, but her tone seemed strangely relieved. He tied up Tyradil, and threatened to kill him. Can you even imagine? The Noble Redoran.
The scout's screams had turned to whimpering, so Kethiah kicked him hard to get him to start it up again. Had to let Loranna's guards know where they were. And he deserved it.
Sheogorath
The Woods of Ald Raathim
I don't need one, Kethiah replied, wiping her hands on the scout's quivering back. But would you send one to the Nymph and Noggin? I think Tyradil's all right -- he ran like he was -- and Isidor should be with him by now ... but it's good to be sure ...
Sheogorath
"That's fascinating," Enman replied, still smiling, but Allerleirauh could tell that he understood only a little of what she was saying. Still, his interest seemed sated, though looked a little disappointed. Daedra worshippers would have been a little more exciting perhaps. Whatever his Imperial Majesty's faults, he could not be accused of being a dangerous intellectual. "Rather more complicated than what we do."
Barenziah winked at Allerleirauh. "The New Temple is dedicated towards the good of the Dunmer people."
"As I hope we all are," Helseth added.
"Will Your Grace Allerleirauh be staying for dinner?" Dinara asked, and then blushed a bit, looking at Enman to see if he took offense to her "correcting" his etiquette. He evidently did not notice it.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was at the Nymph and Noggin twenty minutes later. Tyradil had a few cuts and bruises, but did not seem too shaken by the experience. Clearly he was being brave for the Lady of Daruhn.
Isidor brought the kids up to bed, while Kethiah changed, and joined Loranna in the quiet dining room. A few people were eating, but it was a refined, subdued atmosphere. Loranna, having passed the Noggin on the way, knew that it was in stark contrast to the party going on there.
"Thank you for checking on Tyradil yourself," Kethiah smiled, bringing Loranna a glass of the High Rock wine which had just come in. "I think he was very impressed with himself than he was considered important enough to warrant your care."
S'reddit
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is with Tris about his ship, the Akarvina, nearing a fog-cloaked cove six miles south of Ald Raathim. They believe they are closing in on the Butcher of the Bay, who unbeknownst to them is Falco.
King Helseth, Queen Dinara, and the Queen Mother Barenziah are with Allerleirauh in Mournhold, entertaining a most important person -- Enman, one of the three heirs of Uriel Septim VII.
And Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-propriestor of the Nymph and Noggin --
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah nodded. "Maybe there is a place in Tamriel where children grow up without knowing and fearing hunger, disease, war, and death, but I have never found it in my travels around the Arena. Ald Raathim is as close it comes to that, in my experience."
"I have put up a notice on the bulletin board, telling parents to watch after their children -- that the entire battallion of scouts may not have been defeated after all ..."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Well, more than a note, it was a whole symphony of terror to me," Kethiah said. "I had just told Isidor that I was afraid that I would make him and the kids a target for my old enemies -- like the one who did this to me" she gestured to her violet eye. "And then Tyradil disappears. It's ghastly, but when I saw it was a Redoran, and not related to my old job -- I felt this sense of relief. It was less 'personal,' I guess ..."
S'reddit
The Akarvina: Six Miles South of Ald Raathim
Goranthir, Tris, and the archers stood up on the fifty foot forecastle, peering into the fog bank. On the deck, the sailors were reading to hoist the sails, and more were below, at the galley, ready to add to the Akarvina's speed with their own backs.
It was still.
A gull's cry caused Goranthir to look more intently into the fog bank.
"It's there," he said, pointing to a murky shadow cutting through the gloom. "It's the Butcher's ship!"
The archers dipped their arrows in oil and prepared to set them alight.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I must admit that having known Jazbet, I found the arrangement afterwards to be ... unsettling," Kethiah said frankly. "But Slyvos is so different -- he doesn't dress, eat, exercise, or ... well, not to be too vulgar, but I imagine he doesn't make love like Jazbet did. It's still a strange, unsettling thing when I think about it, but when I see Slyvos, I honestly don't. Not anymore."
S'reddit
The dinner was splendid, course after course of exquisite food. Barenziah's compliments on Razbiah's and Thianas's cooking was heartfelt, but it was clear that the royal family of Morrowind ate well, particularly when a guess like Imperial Prince Enman was in attendance.
As the servants brought out food and the orchestra in the candlelit chamber played softly, Helseth said to Allerleirauh. "We can speak frankly in here. None of the servants have use of their ears."
"Which means that the orchestra occasionally lapses into dissonance," Barenziah smiled.
Enman wasted no time in beginning the frank discussion. "The Empire wants its bases in Vvardenfell recovered. We want additional bases throughout the mainland and the island. We want the first child of your union to marry into the Imperial family."
"And what will you give in return?" Helseth asked, his face not showing his thoughts.
"We can talk about doubling the assistance we're giving you now," said Enman, smiling.
"We can talk about it?" Barenziah laughed.
S'reddit
The Akarvina
"He's a bloody coward, up for a battle with a pleasure craft or merchant's scully. We would beat him in a straight ahead battle and he knows it," Goranthir said angrily, as the sails were lifted and the galley began rowing, lurching the Akarvina into the chase they were prepared for. "We're almost close enough to fire!"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"I thought things were going well, but Isidor has his mind on marriage, and when I resisted, he took it as a sign I didn't love him," Kethiah sighed. "Maybe it's not logical, but I'm afraid of the consequences. Someday someone will come here and want me dead. I'm tough to kill, though, provided I'm a lone target. With a husband and children -- there are lots of ways to hurt me."
"He is, thank you, Dragon," Kethiah said, standing at the Nord's approach. "A few cuts and bruises, which Loranna took care of. He's a brave boy ... And I should apologize to you more than you to me. My spies didn't know anything about the lost battallion, until it was too late."
S'reddit
Dinner at Castle Mournhold
"I haven't been drowning in my own ships for the last fortnight in Sheo-bloody-gorad because I meant to abandon Vvardenfell," Helseth replied. "Since no help seemed to be forthcoming ..."
"How is the weather in Molag Mar?" Barenziah asked. "Is it more clement?"
"Allerleirauh and I are of the same mind, even if my eye is on Caldera and Pelagiad," Enman said. "But they are too far inland. We should sweep up from the south ..."
"If I might make my own plea," Dinara said, with a small smile, but eyes that glistened as if holding back tears. "It may not be militarily strategic, or important spiritually, but the occupied south is important to me."
S'reddit
The Akarvina
"Tris!" Goranthir yelled after him. "Be prepared to abandon ship!"
The Akarvina was just within range, and the archers had been told not to wait for the order. They lit their arrows ablaze and fired them onto the deck and sails of the Red Falcon.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah nodded. "Your advice, both of your advice, is logical. But I can't help thinking that if I wanted revenge on someone, I would certainly go after her husband and stepchildren ... And I only perhaps would go after her business partner and his children ... I suppose I think that way because I don't want to live in terror everyday that what I'm doing now is terribly selfish, and I'm putting these people's lives in danger, when I should really be living in a cave somewhere ..."
S'reddit
Dinner at Castle Mournhold
"Then let's stop talking about what we don't have, and start talking about what we do," Barenziah said. "Thanks to my son's genius, we have almost all the mainland. And we still have a foothold in Molag Mar. We use that as a launching point for the invasion ..."
"Invasion? Mother, we hold the mainland by our presence. There are plenty of Indoril and Redoran supporters who would be happy to take it all back as soon as we plough forward with a massive invasion," Helseth said, looking at Allerleirauh. "You truly don't have to lecture me about the importance of the Temple strategically. If you'd like, I can draw up a map the entire kingdom, and I can show you how many shrines to Almsivi I've saved on the mainland ..."
"You're being petulant, Helseth," Enman said, slapping the king on the shoulder, and receiving back a glare. "How many ships and men do you need to take Molag Mar, and hold it?"
Helseth thought a moment, and gave the Imperial Prince a figure. It was high.
"Done," said Enman. "Is there dessert?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"You misunderstand, I wouldn't hide in a cave because I'm afraid for myself, but I'm afraid for other people," Kethiah frowned. "Isidor knew what I do, or did, but ..." She couldn't help laughing. "I love him completely, but he doesn't always think things through ..."
S'reddit
The Akarvina
It was a difficult shot for the mages of the Red Falcon to strike the masts of the Akarvina. With a fifty foot forecastle in their sight range, they were forced to arc their shots. Most missed completely, though causing considerable consternation on the deck where they landed before being extinguished.
One, however struck home, and the foresail behind Goranthir ballooned up in flame.
Goranthir was distracted, looking at Tris in his impossible battle, but the sailors on the Akarvina didn't have to be told what to do. They unhooked the sail and let it fly away into the wind, like a fiery shadow. That left two sails and a rowing galley to race after the Red Falcon. The Akarvina was still fast, faster than a typical warship, but it began to lag behind.
"Another volley!" Goranthir cried as they started to fall out of range.
The flame arrows launched once again.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Please don't condescend when you're asking me not to take things lightly," Kethiah replied, a little of the old anger in her eyes. "Isidor is an adult, and I agree, he's taking his own chances by being with me. But I am not talking of him. I am talking of two eleven year old children who didn't choose to take a former assassin under their roofs, one of whom but a short time ago was at the edge of a knife. I know I'm being a bit unreasonable with my pretty lies, but damn it, isn't that how most people get through life without going insane?"
Kethiah shook her head, frowning. "My apologies. It was too close of a call today, and my nerves are frayed. You don't deserve my anger."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"It doesn't help much, except it was sweet of you to be concerned," Kethiah smiled. "Dragon, I don't have the least idea what a normal childhood is supposed to be. I was taught not to have the slightest qualm about putting a dagger through someone's neck, or breaking his back, for that matter. I have killed hundreds of people in my career, Dragon, and all of them wealthy and powerful, so I could not possibly tell you all the names of all my enemies ..."
She took Dragon's and Loranna's hands in hers. "Thank you though. That's some unpleasant medicine you're forcing down my throat, but I need it."
S'reddit
The Akarvina
Goranthir dove off the Akarvina, and swam strong and hard to Tris, through the crashing shoreline waves. He didn't bother to watch the Red Falcon as it doubled the distance. By the time he and Tris were pulled back onto the ship by the crew, the Red Falcon was gone.
Goranthir carried Tris to his cabin, and the ship's healer checked his wounds, and cast the healing spells.
"Take us back to Ald Raathim," said Goranthir, holding Tris's hand.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah nodded. "That's not enough. My children aren't the only ones in this town. There should be a curfew, Loranna ... My regulars at the Noggin won't like it, but that's tough. All the children of Ald Raathim should know some defensive spells -- they should teach them at the school Tyradil, Tilitalia, and Luxi go to ... After all, in this case, it could have been any child in the woods who was grabbed by that man ..."
S'reddit
Goranthir's Cabin, the Akarvina
Goranthir felt his head swim from emotion. First, relief when Tris stirred; then, he began to laugh at Tris's comment about shaving his head; and, then, incredulity, anger, sorrow, at what Tris said next.
"Falco is the Butcher of the Bay?" Goranthir gasped. "I can't believe it. I mean, he was a thief, but ... now, he's some sort of homicidal maniac?"
He remembered back to the wedding, what a ridiculous clown he had been, pretending to be a musician for the free food.
"And why would he hate us so much?"
And then, it was back to relief. Goranthir kissed the bump on Tris's head. "We're heading back home. I'm glad you had that bloody ring. How do you feel?"
S'reddit
The Dinner at Castle Mournhold
Barenziah nodded, as the dessert was brought out.
"You have heard that the Tribunal may still live and be battling on Vvardenfell on the side of our enemies?" Barenziah asked Enman. Enman nearly choked on his dessert, while Helseth glared.
"Why, yes, I did hear that, and I wondered if we would politely not mention that our armies wil be facing living Gods who could flood us all if they put their mind to it," Enman chuckled. "You have a plan about fighting them? Maybe bring back in that bloke that lived in the volcano."
"The Patriarch believes very strongly that they are imitations of the Tribunal, who, save Vivec, truly are in their graves," said Barenziah. "The question is who are they?"
Helseth nodded, his mood brightening. "And how can we unmask them for who they are at a politically inconvenient time for them?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"Exactly," Kethiah said. "And it's important we proceed with confidence. If people believe we are under imminent attack, they'll panic. The announcements about magic training should be shown as an opportunity granted by the generosity of the Lady of Daruhn, not something that must be done because the town is being overrun with kidnappers ... I play a game with Tilitalia every night to improve her balance -- tomorrow, Isidor and I will talk to her teacher about having all the children come to the Nymph and Noggin for games after school ... Games which will teach them what to do when they're under attack, but still be fun ..."
S'reddit
The Akarvina
Goranthir shook his head. "If you feel betrayed, imagine how poor Isidor is going to feel."
He kissed Tris back, and whispered. "Thank you for changing in a good way."
And he meant it.
S'reddit
"Not every Dunmer," Helseth said.
"Son, don't start being blasphemous around the Patriarch," Barenziah frowned, laying her hand on his arm.
"It's not blasphemy, it's simple truth that if we want an agent to go in and not be seduced by the promise that the Tribunal lives, we could use any Dunmer raised outside of Morrowind. Someone who can be objective because it is not his true faith," the King said. "Goranthir, for example."
"That's a dangerous assignment for your nephew," Queen Dinara said.
"The lad loves danger, volunteered for the Vaults of Gemin right away, when he was nearly starving from walking across the continent," Helseth said. "I think he'd be an excellent candidate, but really any Dunmer who can pretend to be with the faithful, and secretly aiming to unmask the false Tribunal would do..."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"You have just described a game," Kethiah smiled. "If you want to, you can take an assortment of the children and try to make them into little soldiers, and I'll take an assortment of the children and use my exercises which are both educational and enjoyable, and I'll bet you my share of the Nymph and Noggin that my children are better prepared."
S'reddit
Helseth grinned a little at Allerleirauh's comment on Goranthir's looks.
"The nephew of the King who is never at court is not as an easily recognized figure," Barenziah replied. "No one has ever guessed his identity without being told it first -- even when he was in the royal guard, the other guards did not guess who he was. But, extrapolating on your objection about Goranthir not wanting to leave the Akarvina ... He would have to want to do this assignment. And he has no training in spycraft."
"I'm sure he's a fine lad," the Imperial Prince Enman added. "But there should be someone of more experience with him as well."
S'reddit
"I'm going to assume there's been a miscommunication between us," said Kethiah with a wink. "You are talking about training the townsfolk, right? I am talking about training the children. The games are for them."
S'reddit
The Dinner at Castle Mournhold
"Not necessarily, the Redorans and Indoril, like all Houses, have non-Dunmer members," Helseth replied. "Though it would certainly be less suspicious if he or she were Dunmeri."
"I don't see any Cyrodiils or Nords being greeted with open arms in Vvardenfell at this moment," the Imperial Prince grinned.
"Why don't we just use one or more of the spies who are already in Vvardenfell?" Dinara asked. "Why would we put Goranthir or anyone else in danger, when we could just give the orders to the people who have already infiltrated the place?"
S'reddit
Kethiah sighed. "So, you intend to scream like a drill sergeant daily to every toddler in Ald Raathim? I know you have the best intentions, Dragon, and like you, I don't want to bicker, but I strongly suspect, no, I know that what you'll have at the end of that exercise is a hysterical, blubbering nursery. I am with you completely on drills for the townsfolk. But you have to remember that children -- even at war -- are children. The same way you train adult soldiers does not apply to them. Their minds work differently."
She smiled. "Six months of being a mom, and I talk like I know what I'm saying ... But I do. Dragon, I really can teach the children of Ald Raathim to defend themselves, if you'll let me do it."
S'reddit
The Dinner at Castle Mournhold
Dinara looked to Helseth, who shrugged. Dinara sighed and shook her head. "I don't."
"Our spies in Vvardenfell can be useful contacts once Goranthir and his team are in place," Barenziah said. "Before we proceed any further, let's talk to him and make certain he's willing to do it."
"A formality," Helseth nodded. "He'll do it."
"Now, I hate to bring it up," Enman said, uncomfortably for the first time in the evening. "But I read this tract ... it sounded like perfect flapdoodle and balderdash ..."
"That it was," said Barenziah, with a sidelong glance at Allerleirauh. "I know the one you're talking about."
"Well, that's good," the Imperial Prince laughed. "I'd hate to have your spy turn into zombie or something midway through the mission."
Dinara, Barenziah, and Helseth smiled politely while the Imperial Prince laughed, but there was worry in all of their eyes.
S'reddit
"I don't doubt your wisdom, Dragon, you've proved it over and over again," Kethiah smiled slyly. "And wise as you are, no doubt you know there are other methods than yours, that are just as effective. I can see how confident you are in your ways, and if you look in my eyes, I think you'll see I am no less confident. I did nothing but play as a girl, and when a stranger tried to touch me when I was eight, I broke both his legs. I'm not guessing that games can make children able to defend themselves, I know it."
S'reddit
The Dinner at Castle Mournhold
"Well, it had to be said, I suppose," Enman chuckled, and surpressed a yawn. "I'm terribly sorry. I've been traveling for a week straight on that barge, and I'm no sailor."
"Your rooms are ready, of course," said Dinara, happy to be useful. She had clearly felt out of her depth all evening.
"Then I'll retire and we can continue our negotiations over breakfast," the Imperial Prince smiled, and withdrew.
The Royal Family bowed to him.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I admit that I was fooling myself thinking Tyradil and Tilitalia were not in danger because of my past," Kethiah replied. "I did not consciously keep the danger from them. When Isidor is back, I will talk to him about discussing it with them. I remember when I first met them, they asked me whether I was Isidor's lover, and I told them I was. They understood that. They asked me what had happened to my eye, and I asked them if they knew what an assassin was, and they said yes, and I explained it ..."
"I regret that I didn't tell them that I was an assassin myself, and I will rectify that as soon as I am able to," Kethiah took a deep breath, obviously not looking forward to that conversation. "I don't think I'm too late."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Indeed," Kethiah nodded. There were more people coming into the tavern, and she rose to take care of them. "Thanks for the advice. I better get back to work."
Sheogorath
The Akarvina
The ship pulled into harbor, and Tris and Goranthir were soon on the docks.
Goranthir looked at the Nymph and Noggin. "We need to tell Loranna, Dragon, and Kethiah what we've learned about the Butcher ... and, also, we need to tell Isidor ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah walked into the Nymph, having politely but firmly escorted three drunken soldiers to the Noggin next door.
When she saw Isidor, she gave him a kiss. "How is Tyradil doing?"
Sheogorath
"Oh, he's fine, he's in custody with Loranna's guards. He won't ever walk again with that broken back, but he's fine," Kethiah smiled, wrapping her arms around Isidor. "We need to talk to the kids about being careful. Dragon, Loranna, and I just talked ad nauseum about how to prepare the kids of Ald Raathim for the war, and the dangers ... He's going to handle the training, but I said I'd help teach the younger kids how to take care of themselves, and watch out for trouble ..."
Sheogorath
"That, drills, just generally telling them what to do under certain circumstances ... For example, if there's an invasion of Ald Raathim, they'll undoubtedly come in at the harbor, right here at the Nymph and Noggin," Kethiah said seriously. "They should know not to come back here if they here about that, but to go to the castle or Mages Guild ... That sort of thing."
"But all the children in Ald Raathim will be getting training after what nearly happened to Tyradil, not just them," Kethiah added. "It's not just important that our family survives, but that the whole town does."
Sheogorath
"Would 'give me some time to get used to the idea' be better to hear than 'no'?" Kethiah asked, smiling. "I've put you and your kids, and this one," she added, touching her belly. "I've put us all in danger by being here. Dragon and Loranna told me I mustn't fool myself by thinking otherwise ... And I need to figure out for myself if I could live with myself if something ever happened to you or the kids because of me ..."
Goranthir had entered the tavern. "Isidor," he said, signaling to him. He didn't want to interrupt, but his expression made it look like it was urgent.
Sheogorath
"Tris and I just got back from patrolling the shoreline," said Goranthir seriously. "The Butcher of the Bay, the pirate who has been terrorizing the Inner Sea for months now, murdering everyone who comes in his path, decorating his ship with their bodies ... He was there, but he got away from us ... Isidor, there's no nice way to put this, but it's Falco. He's the Butcher. We were on our way to tell Loranna, Dragon, and Kethiah, but I know how close you were to him, and ... you had to know first."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Goranthir turned to Tris, sadly. "Maybe you should have done the talking," he said quietly.
Sheogorath
"Yes," Goranthir nodded solemnly to Tris's comment, and then said to Isidor. "But you have nothing to be sorry about, Isidor. There was nothing you could do ... We just thought you should hear from us, and not from gossip ..."
Sheogorath
"I could probably use one, but you know me, Isidor, if I have two glasses of wine, I'm under the table," Goranthir smiled. "And I should really tell Loranna, Dragon, and Kethiah what we've found out ..."
Sheogorath
Goranthir embraced and kissed Allerleirauh, and smiled and nodded to Dragon and Kethiah.
Goranthir smiled to her as well, though his eyes were serious.
In a private room in the Nymph, he and Tris told them about the Butcher of the Bay.
Sheogorath
"How do we know for certain that's his goal?" Goranthir said. "He was happy to kill Tris, or at least order his men to do it. Perhaps he's gone insane. Not that I suppose his motivation matters ... We will have to kill him, or at very least stop him, but you have to understand, Dragon, we fought with him. You can give us one moment to be appalled immediately after receiving the news before calling us all children."
Sheogorath
Kethiah hadn't said anything, though she knew Falco too.
"It should not be difficult to track him," she said. "He makes a production of himself. He has struck all over the Inner Sea though, and it will be difficult to get to him quickly by the time we receive intelligence that he has struck."
Sheogorath
"I'm 17," Goranthir smiled. "When I'm your age, perhaps I'll be able to switch my emotions off so easily."
Sheogorath
"I agree," Goranthir said. "I'll get it together right away ... Falco must have some way of concealing himself -- the King hasn't been able to track him down so far -- so we may have to go to the trap suggestion ... but it won't be for lack of trying."
Sheogorath
"Sure," said Goranthir to Dragon. "I'll have the Akarvina ready to sail at a moment's notice, and talk to the Queen to make sure her children can sail along too ..."
He looked to Allerleirauh and smiled. It was good to see her again after the adventure at sea.
Sheogorath
"No, I don't mind," she smiled, a little sadly. "I would have been surprised if you didn't want to get involved. He was your friend."
Sheogorath
"I feel sorry for Dinara," Goranthir said. "It doesn't sound like her brother will be free anytime soon ... But of course I'll go, that's not even a question. What do I do when I see one of these false Tribunal chaps? How does one prove that someone isn't, say, Almalexia?"
Sheogorath
"Just to see what happens to me and my pants?" Goranthir grinned. "All right, I guess the plan is just to see what it is we're dealing with ... This takes precedence over finding Falco. I can send the Akarvina off without me. They sailed to Summerset without me, they can go up and down the coast without me too ... Though they'll need to have riders on the parraptons instead of just me squawking at them."
Sheogorath
"I thought you'd never ask," Goranthir laughed. "I've been thinking about it since you mentioned the word 'undercover.'"
(OOC -- Outta here, and FADE OUT)
S'reddit
Across the room, Loranna saw a familiar figure come into the Nymph. Clad in tight breeches and a loose blouse the same tawny color as her lightly furred skin, Ya'Tirrje, also called Goldcat, winked at Loranna.
Kethiah and the Khajiit smuggler went upstairs, but the two Khajiit males the Goldcat travelled with took a table and ordered drinks.
S'reddit
Mimlea, one of the barmaids, brought two drinks over to Tris's and Loranna's table.
"From the, ah," she searched for the word. "Furry gentlemen."
S'reddit
"Actually, I'm sorry," said the first of the Khajiit, whose fur was lightly silver in patterns that ran down his neck and up his arms. "We're expecting someone. Pretty lad and lass we saw when we came in."
His companion, less distinctly feline than the other, with brown woad tattoos over his face, laughed. "I think this is they, mate."
"By Rajhin, I think you're right," the first cat drew in a breath of air as he looked Tris and Loranna over. "Sorry, Tris Gaerington of Wayrest, you look different in this candlelight. But no matter, have a seat. I'm sure you have a fine personality."
S'reddit
"If your luck's run out, you're in the right company," said the first silver-furred Khajiit, holding out his hand. "They call me Alas. And that there is me mate Alack."
"First time on this end of the place," Alack said. "It's nice. A little quiet for my taste though. Usually prefer the company at the Noggin, but never seen the likes of you two in there, so it's ups and downs."
S'reddit
"Now, I have seen you before," said Alas. "At the fight, am I right? Your man win, or your luck run out too?"
S'reddit
"I fare fairly," Alas said. "How 'bout you, mate?"
"Only barely fairly," Alack replied. "I don't know if you can tell, because we're being so bleeding charming, but we ain't been in polite society in some time. Unless you count the society at shipyards and arenas, which for a fellow of my delicate nature ain't so hot. So, what is your name, lassy?"
S'reddit
Alas smiled. He had beautiful teeth. "Well, if it's privacy your after, Tris Gaerington of Wayrest, we could always --"
"Nuh uh," Alack interrupted him.
"Not enough flirty flirty yet?" Alas sighed. "I never know."
S'reddit
The two Khajiit looked at her, and then one another.
"Naw," said Alack, his smile uncertain. "You're havin' us on ..."
"Please tell us you're havin' us on," added Alas more seriously.
S'reddit
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in his room at the Nymph and Noggin. Allerleirauh is with him, having discussed with him the idea of him going undercover to discover what is behind the false Tribunal sightings in Vvardenfell. What's odd is that he's only just gotten the assignment, but she's already debriefing him.
Kethiah is meeting upstairs with Ya'Tirrje, a.k.a. Goldcat, a notorious smuggler, and the Spymaster's best informant.
Goldcat's two sidekicks, Alas and Alack, are flirting in the bar with Tris and Loranna. They've just been given the unpleasant news that the "lassie" is the Lady of Ald Raathim.
S'reddit
Alack stumbled to his feet. Alas tried as well, and fell over in his chair.
"We meant no disrespect to you, my Lady," Alack said nervously. "Or you either, my good ... lord ..."
Goldcat and Kethiah stepped down the stairs. Ya'Tirrje smiled as she looked at her boys.
S'reddit
Ya'Tirrje curtseyed as well. Kethiah shook her head.
"Tomcats, always leaving their mark," Goldcat grinned. "I don't know what you boys have been up to, but I'm sure the diplomatic consequences are something I'll live with for years."
"We was just apologizin to her ladyship and his countship about our, um," Alas searched for the words. "Overfamiaritee. We didn't know who they was."
"Next time stick to the Noggin," Ya'Tirrje sighed. "We'll be going now, Lady Loranna. If you like, I'll give the boys some lashings."
S'reddit
"That's good, I'm no good at diplomacy," Ya'Tirrje gave Loranna a half-smile. "I always surrender. Until we meet again, my Lady ... Good luck."
The Goldcat led the two Khajiit out the front door of the Nymph. Both Alas and Alack looked over their shoulders, for one last look at Loranna and Tris, and to mouth the words "Sorry."
"What a den of iniquity I own," Kethiah sighed.
S'reddit
"Ah, business partner are you suggesting a new specialized wing of the tavern?" Kethiah asked. "The Nymph, the Noggin, and the Flogging?"
S'reddit
"I'm sorry you weren't able to corrupt those two innocent lads," Kethiah smiled. "But the evening wasn't a total loss. The Goldcat knows where a certain ship makes berth."
S'reddit
Kethiah nodded. "Hla Oad."
S'reddit
"Isidor is part of the we," Kethiah said. "You can't leave without him."
S'reddit
Goranthir and Allerleirauh were not, actually in flagrante delicto when Tris entered the room. They had finished three minutes and six seconds before. Allie's head was on his chest, and he was running his fingers through her silver hair. Goran had been asking her about Dragon, and why he was the way he was, and if it was possible he was happy.
Tris's sudden appearances almost didn't give Goranthir a shock anymore. Almost.
After he recovered, he said, "Is it my birthday again already?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah stepped in and with a smile, sat on his stomach. "Don't get too comfortable, sweetheart. You'll be off soon."
Sheogorath
Kethiah took his hand. "But you have to do it?"
Sheogorath
"Yes, but you don't have to go, if you don't think you can do what needs to be done," Kethiah said, holding his hand to her lips. "There are others here who have less of a personal relationship with Falco who could do it instead."
Sheogorath
"You should go, but not because you're at all responsible," Kethiah said, looking him in the eye seriously. "If someone steals from you, it's not your fault if you force him to stop, and it's not your fault if he turns to worst crime after that. Falco made the decision to steal from a friend of his, and made the decision to become a monster. You couldn't control any of that."
Sheogorath
"Certainly," said Ielyn, a Breton man who was behind the bar at the time. "Our proprietors are currently indisposed, but I can give you a drink -- and show you a room if you're in a hurry."
Sheogorath
"I think Loranna is still gathering together people, letting them know what's happening," Kethiah whispered, pulling at his shirt. "I think you have a few minutes before your boat launches."
Sheogorath
The bartender handed the Khajiit his drink, and quoted a couple different prices, as there were a handful of rooms available, from small, simple rooms over the Noggin ("though they're a bit loud"), to respectable rooms in the Nymph, to one multi-room apartment which was generally held for VIPs, though it was currently available ... and extremely expensive ...
Sheogorath
"You can use my ship," said Goranthir, looking at Allie and then Tris. "But I need to go somewhere else ..."
He told Tris about the assignment in Vvardenfell.
Sheogorath
"The people who know spycraft haven't been able to get anywhere in Vvardenfell," Goranthir replied, touching Tris's face gently. "The Akarvina doesn't need me. I'm as much of a figurehead on that as the statue of Kynareth. At least I can do something towards the war effort if I go. Which I am."
Sheogorath
"I'm not embarking on a permanent career as a spy," Goranthir smiled, deeply touched at Tris's words. His eyes shone. "It will just be long enough for me to see what's happening. And there's no reason why you couldn't come visit me from time to time while I'm there ... you just couldn't let anyone else see you."
Sheogorath
"I'll miss you too, both of you," Goranthir said seriously, holding Allie and Tris's hands. Then he smiled. "It's a pity though that Tris couldn't play my slave. That would have been fun."
Sheogorath
"I just like the idea of disciplining you, because I have a feeling you would be a disobedient slave," Goranthir grinned. "Anyhow, whether you're going to Wayrest or Hla Oad, you should be off, and so should I ..."
Sheogorath
Goranthir didn't know about Alas and Alack, but he more than made up for it.
Sheogorath
"Good luck to you, and to everyone," Kethiah said sincerely. "All battles are difficult, and this is one is one of the hardest."
"Loranna, one thing I think we need to talk about when you come back is constructing warning bells around the town. I'm having the children come over this afternoon to begin their exercises, but it's difficult to tell them how to know when we're under attack without them ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah nodded to Dragon. "I'll talk to Kallen, and get them put up while you're gone. There should also be one here ... We may see an invasion if it comes up through the bay before anyone else."
Goranthir came downstairs with Allerleirauh. "That's right, and I probably won't be here when you get back. My captain's excellent, though, and the crew are all hard-workers and hard-fighters. They won't let you down."
Sheogorath
Kethiah held the children's hands as they walked down to the docks to see their father off.
Goranthir walked down as well, to make sure everything was all right with the captain and crew of the Akarvina. He also spoke to the parraptons. "They're ready."
Sheogorath
Kethiah stepped back into the tavern, still holding Tyradil and Tilitalia's hands. She sent them off to play, and then saw Trason.
Sheogorath
"Not," Kethiah asked with a half smile. "Tonight's dinner specials, I take it? What's on your mind, Trason?"
Sheogorath
"They'll be lucky to have you," Kethiah replied. "I told Isidor just a little while ago that he had to do what he had to do, and then I gave him a kiss. So, it seems only fair to do the same for you."
She kissed Trason on the cheek.
"It will be difficult to replace you," she said. "But I understand."
Sheogorath
"Thank you, Trason, I know you'll do us proud," Kethiah smiled, and went back to work. In addition to beginning the self-defense classes with the children, getting the bell installed at the Nymph and Noggin, running the tavern, and keeping the intelligence network well-running, she would have to find a new cook.
It was a good thing she never liked to be bored.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
Goranthir put on the same outfit that he wore when he went into the Eight Spheres. His enchanted cloak, shirt, and breeches which, in addition to being magically enhanced armor, could change color and fabric, repair and dry themselves with a touch, and which at the moment appeared as gray woolen cloth cloak, white shirt, and black breeches. His belt buckle which would let him breathe underwater and survive the effects of poison. His boots which allowed him to cast jump and freefall.
"Does it say 'incognito' too much?" Goranthir asked Allerleirauh. "Should I go the opposite way, and have bright colors like that Lyonswurst bloke?"
"Neither is my accent ..." Goranthir rolled his eyes, and practiced his voice. "That's hopeless. I should have a different story to tell."
S'reddit
"That's bad," Goranthir frowned. "They don't trust outsiders, and I sound like one."
With a touch, his cloak and breeches were the leather of a cliffracer, and his shirt appeared in the coarse cloth of the island. "That's better, isn't it? Though how I can get by without talking ..."
S'reddit
"That's true," Goranthir nodded, and smiled. "It's going to be hard enough for me to observe the Redoran virtues of duty, gravity, and piety without having a bizarre backstory to try to defend."
S'reddit
The Garden of the Nymph and Noggin
Every kid, Dunmer, Nord, Khajiit, between the ages of five and fifteen were in the garden of the Nymph and Noggin as Kethiah explained to them that they had to be brave and be prepared. She kept the lessons short this first time, demonstrating to them the alarm bell, and telling them that they must get somewhere safe when they heard it. She told them that a safe place may not be home, but be at a temple, the Mages Guild, or the castle.
The garden was a good place to teach some basic rules of concealment. She also took out a stuffed dummy she had used for practice and showed the kids where to hit it to give them enough time to get away.
Tomorrow she would teach them more exercises.
S'reddit
Goranthir pulled an old copy of the Pocketguide to the Empire from the shelf in his room, and read:
"Clan Indoril claims kinship with all three of the legendary Tribunes, which doubtless accounts for Indoril's preeminence among the five clans. Indoril's capital is Almalexia, also the capital of Morrowind itself, and the Tribunal priesthood (which is one and the same as the bureaucracy of civil government) is dominated by the Indoril and their subclans."
"The book needs updating," Goranthir said. "But that, sounds, like you say, like 'valor, brass polish, and obsessiveness' to me."
S'reddit
"I could go by Goran again, like I did in Wayrest, and Galos seems to be a relatively common Dunmer name," Goranthir said. "It's close enough to my real name I shouldn't forget it. Galos Rethan?"
Responded to her touch, he smiled. "That feels nice ... and I was thinking the same thing. Too much gold for a full-blooded Dunmer, eh?"
S'reddit
Kethiah jumped. Her eyes darted around instinctively for an escape route. There were a couple possibilities.
"I knew you'd be back," Kethiah said hoarsely, surprised of how frightened she was. Much worse than when she had seen Herwyn Brand six months ago. "I'm going to do something I've never done, ever. I'm going to beg you not to kill me."
Kethiah dropped to her knees.
S'reddit
"I think Tris would still rather I cut my hair than get caught," Goranthir nodded. "Before I forget, there is someone I'm leaving behind. A good friend who is wandering the hills around Ald Raathim, staying away from everyone, but acting as an excellent scout. Tazelhoth, the wolf. If I'm gone for too long, you'd be able to find him and make sure he's all right, wouldn't you?"
S'reddit
Kethiah stood and looked Herwyn in the eye. He could still see the scar above the now violet-colored eye from their last encounter. He could also see now why this assassin would not fight him this time. She was clearly pregnant.
"You have an advantage, I know why you came the last time, but I don't know why you didn't kill me," she said.
S'reddit
They took off into the springtide woods of Ald Raathim. On the mainland, far from the ash of Red Mountain, one could actually get lost in the wilderness. Particularly now that it was so green and lush with new growth.
Goranthir called out to Tazelhoth, and the wolf greeted him.
He was bigger than Allerleirauh had remembered, and he had been big in her remembrance.
"Ah," said Goranthir after a few barks of discussion. "He's ready to move on too. Six months of tackling wild guar and alit, and he thinks he's ready to go back to his pack in Solitude and vye for the lead alpha."
S'reddit
"Helseth too appears to have had some other plans than to die, despite my ministrations," replied Kethiah, not quite smiling, not quite off edge. "You best be careful. Failing my assignment to kill him brought you to me. Failing to kill me might bring another to you. And it might be that at that time, you won't have other plans but to die."
"I thank you for your congratulations, though," she added softly, touching her stomach. "I think you're right. His or her father is ... a very fine man."
S'reddit
Goranthir looked at Allerleirauh, and then to the tree.
"It's --" Goranthir looked for the word. Beautiful hardly described it, though it was. Artificial things could be beautiful. Beauty wasn't Nirn's sphere: for the world was more than just the well-arranged, the symmetrical, the conventional lovely. Instead he said, "It's just right."
He knelt, and kneeling he saw some lizards no longer than his finger were in the tree. He clicked a few greetings to them and got a reply.
"Thank you for bringing me here," Goranthir said quietly. "I forget sometimes that I can be pious."
S'reddit
"I'm more than well, I'm happy," Kethiah said as Herwyn left. And that was true.
It had been an encounter she had been expecting, but not how she was expecting it to be. There was nothing else to do, but go back inside and get back to work. There was a lot of it to do.
Still, Herwyn's words haunted her as she met with merchants and guests, helped Tyradil and Tilitalia with their homework, and prepared reports for Loranna. It wasn't her day to die then? For hundreds of people, she had made a day for them to die.
S'reddit
Goranthir did not pray exactly. Nirn was not the sort of goddess you asked things of. You simply revered and respected her. He let his mind, and all his senses open to her.
Finally, he stood, and kissed Allerleirauh. "I'm ready."
S'reddit
Goranthir nodded. He knew what to do. What contacts to make with Helseth's spies.
At the quiet bay beneath Castle Daruhn, he went into the water and didn't resurface until he was in Vvardenfell.
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, has gone undercover in Vvardenfell to try to find out what he can about the entities there who seem to be Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec.
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim, has just had an unsettling but peaceful encounter with Herwyn Brand, the man who tried to kill her a while back. She is back to work now, running the tavern, helping the children of Ald Raathim learn self-defense, and secretly acting as Loranna's Spymaster.
And OOC -- Sheogorath / S'Reddit is out of town until early next week, so these characters aren't going to be seen much, though one may assume, of course, that Kethiah is always around the Nymph and Noggin. Just because I'm off-line doesn't mean you won't be able to get a drink or a room.
Sheogorath
"Pretty much everything," said the barmaid. "Mazte, flinn, mead, brandy ... and more exotic drinks, like rothmet and jagga from Valenwood, wine from High Rock ... Oh, there's Kethiah now!"
She motioned over the co-proprietor of the tavern, Kethiah, a tall, athletic, serious-looking Dunmer woman with shoulder-length black hair, with two different colored eyes, one Dunmer red, and one bright violet.
"This fellow was asking about the job as a cook," said the barmaid.
"Oh yes?" said Kethiah, turning to him. "What experience do you have?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah didn't move, but the barmaid brought him his wine.
"The Nymph and Noggin is really two taverns linked together," said Kethiah. "Though they share the same kitchen, one generally goes to the Noggin for heartier fare, and the Nymph for delicacies. Cheeses and scuttle. Pan roasted oysters. Kwama crisps. Smoked slaughterfish with a peppery pastry leaf. That sort of thing. Did you have experience with that level of cuisine?"
Sheogorath
"Exactly, and we have important guests more often than every once in a while," Kethiah nodded. "Well, if you want to be one of the cooks in the kitchen, we can start you on that right away, working with the others. If you want the position as head cook, I'd want you to cook me something so I know you're fast and good. In either case, I take it, you need a place to stay? Either position comes with room and board on top of the salary."
Sheogorath
"I'll show you," said the barmaid. The room was small, but neat and comfortable, on the Noggin side of the tavern.
Kethiah went back to work. It was good to have another cook, but Ciric wasn't a replacement for Trasan. Not that they needed one immediately -- the cooks in the kitchen could continue to make what they had been making all along. But they did need a new head cook to manage them and develop a new menu as spring turned to summer and new ingredients came into season ...
S'reddit
Summary
Goranthir is undercover, trying to find out who are the false Tribunal in Vvardenfell.
Kethiah is at the Nymph and Noggin, keeping the tavern going while receiving intelligence as Loranna's Spymaster.
Helseth --
The King of Morrowind heard that his new prisoner, the Butcher of the Bay, wanted to speak with him.
"He was a privateer for the Redoran, wasn't he?" King Helseth replied, going over maps of Vvardenfell. "Torture him until he tells all he knows. Then I'll speak with him before his trial if I have a moment."
S'reddit
"Would you mind keeping it down?" asked Alack, stepping out from behind a curtain, naked. "Some of us are trying to fu-- Oh, sorry --"
He stepped back when he recognized Tris.
S'reddit
The Temple of Dibella, Ald Raathim
"Yer countship, I -- well," Alack pulled the gossamer curtains around himself. "It's like this. We blundered hard by just hangin' round the Nymph, when our boss told us to go to the Noggin ... And then to insult you and the Lady of Ald Raathingy ... Well ..."
He turned to show Tris the fresh welts along his well-muscled back.
"We're just trying to have fun without no one getting offended or upset nor no diplomatical crises ... So, I'm sorry to have disturbed you ... Again. And, please, no word to the Goldcat?"
S'reddit
"Yeah," said Alack, wincing slightly despite Tris's gentle touch. "He's me brother, though his mum and dad ain't mine. We was born in the same tribe, but I was borned ten hours before him, which is why they say I'm an Ohmes-Raht and he's an Ohmes. Funny, them moons."
S'reddit
Alack looked at Tris carefully. "If you want to, that's okay ... But it don't hurt too bad. It kinda feels good if you touch it right. Like a bite can feel good if it ain't too deep, you know? ... What was you looking for us for anyhow, Tris Gaerington of Wayrest?"
S'reddit
Alack grinned and dropped the curtain that he was using to cover himself. He took Tris's hand.
"Alas asked for someone like you," the Khajiit said, bringing him to the room where his brother was bound with a blindfold on.
A young Dunmer man, about Tris's age and physique, stepped into the room.
"I'm gonna leave ya," Alack whispered. "But any chance that Lady Loranna is coming 'round to the House?"
S'reddit
The silver-furred Khajiit squirmed in his restraints. "Use me as you will, your countship," he gasped, obviously not expecting that "the countship" himself was present.
S'reddit
Alas inhaled, and had already reacted by the time Tris spoke, jerking a moment in his restraints, and then relaxing. To his credit, after his initial shocked expression, he returned to his usual flirtatious nonchalance, complete with a confident smile.
"Ye Gods, you can even do the voice," he grinned, rolling his head, blindfold still in place. "I paid good gold. If I wanted flirty-flirty, I'd still be back at the Nymph."
S'reddit
And Alack would return too before it was all over.
Fade out.
S'reddit
Kethiah could be found on the docklands, renegotiating some tavern-related trade with a merchant. It was her contention that with the Butcher of the Bay no longer terrorizing the sea, the price of goods should go down. The merchant agreed to a slight discount, not as much as she was suggesting, citing that the war still made the Inner Sea dangerous.
Sheogorath
Kethiah took no time at all to recognize him. "Ingmar, what a surprise," she said with a smile. "What brings you here?"
Sheogorath
"I'm sorry I didn't leave you a note, that was rude of me," Kethiah nodded. "And taking advantage of you -- that was rude of me too. This is truly a coincidence you being here? Do you really need a job?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah nodded. "I remember your gingered apple pastries and those amazing venison roasts ... You'd be perfect for the job, except ... Have you met Isidor already?"
Sheogorath
"I don't know who has been sniffing all the Nords in Ald Raathim," Kethiah looked at Ingmar curiously, still smiling. "But, yes ... now, that you mention it, there is some similarity. I'm not sure why I didn't notice it before that you look like him ... Though, since I met you first, he actually looks like you ..."
Kethiah lost her smile. "Why are you here, Ingmar? Don't play games with me. I'm not who I used to be ... I don't find that sort of thing amusing anymore."
Sheogorath
Kethiah took her hand back. "Of course I'm uncomfortable. Isidor isn't just my business partner, Ingmar. He's the father of my child. And before we hire you on, I'll have to tell him that I've been with you. Are you still comfortable with this arrangement?"
Sheogorath
"I hope it's fine with him too," Kethiah replied, more softly. "I am sorry about what I did to you, but you have to understand that ... well, he's a man. And not many men are comfortable with hiring on men who have been intimate with their women."
She touched his shoulder affectionately. "Stay here, I'll go talk to him now."
Kethiah left Ingmar on the docks.
Sheogorath
"He is, he is a good guy, and a very good chef," Kethiah said, and then gave Isidor a kiss. "But there's a complication. I knew him quite well about four years ago ... Long before I met you, but -- we have a past together. There's nothing there now, but ... I know you. I don't think it would make you comfortable, knowing he's sharing our roof, working together with us, even though there is nothing in my heart for him, and nothing in his heart for me anymore."
Sheogorath
The springtide fog was thick in the streets of the Redguard capitol of Sentinel, rolling up from the coast, blocking out the sun. It was cool for the season, but the citizenry looked like nothing so much as ghosts as they conducted their business.
The King, Shaka learned at the palace gates, was in residence. His sister, Aubk-i, the Queen of Daggerfall, was also visiting, having shown up as part of a practical joke during Jester's Day, following diplomats with petitions of war. It was a pretty good joke, most agreed.
Sheogorath
"No, none, I couldn't say I ever had any," Kethiah said, sitting on Isidor's lap. "I used him to get close to a job I had in Winterhold, and then I left as soon as the job was done. I wasn't very nice, I'm afraid ... But he says he's moved on too, and has no feelings for me if he ever had any. Maybe it would have been best not to tell you, because there's nothing to tell, but if you found out some other way that we had a past ... I don't want you to be more jealous than you already are."
Sheogorath
Sentinel
The King of Sentinel and the Queen of Daggerfall were in the royal zoo, where several pens and cages housed the more colorful and exotic birds and reptiles of Hammerfell. Shaka was shown in, but they were deep in conversation about something.
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir is still undercover in Vvardenfell. His exciting tale will be told anon.
Kethiah is at the Nymph and Noggin, telling Isidor of her past relationship with the head chef they are considering hiring.
Helseth is in Mournhold. His torture-specialists are at work on Falco. They sometimes pretend to be pissed off, but they know that they will get the information they need out of him, as they are the best in the business.
King Lhotun and his sister Queen Aubk-i are in Sentinel at the royal zoo. They are about to have an audience with Shaka.
Sheogorath
And he received it.
(OOC -- Gotta head out, but I told Shaka how it would go on this bizarre request to ask a King, albeit a benevolent one, for his blood).
S'reddit
Kethiah helped Tyradil and Tilitalia with their homework, and then came downstairs to make sure everything was going smoothly in the tavern. She smiled, but her mind was occupied. Isidor wanted to know how many men I've slept with right away. Clearly, he's the jealous sort. But then he agrees to hire on one of my former lovers, and then, upon discovering that he's his half-brother, seems delighted. He is either different than I thought he was. Kethiah thought. Or this situation is going to explode in all of our polite faces.
When she saw Loranna at the tavern, she motioned to her. There was news.
Sheogorath
"Briefly," Kethiah whispered, taking Loranna into a private room. "The date for Falco's trial is the day after tomorrow, with the execution to follow immediately if he is found guilty, which he almost assuredly is. They are giving it a couple more days to interrogate him. He's holding out now, but he'll crack.
"If he's holding out, hoping for a rescue by the Redorans, that won't happen. They agreed to hire him on as a privateer, but as far as they've fallen from their noble ideals recently, they weren't willing to embrace the horror show the Butcher of the Bay provided. They didn't try to stop him, because he was effective, but they're not going to do anything to stop his execution.
"The big news, however, is that the Imperial fleet has been sighted off of Solstheim, coming south. The Redoran and Indoril likely know that they're coming to reinforce Molag Mar, and are moving to take it before they arrive ..."
Sheogorath
"Have you been shown around the kitchen?" Kethiah asked him, when she noticed him looking at her.
Sheogorath
"Yes, you both seem relaxed about working with a half-brother you didn't know existed, who has a woman you both have been with," Kethiah shook her head. "I'm realizing more and more everyday that I'm not as tough as I thought I was. If you both are truly comfortable with this rather, to my way of thinking, peculiar situation we're in, I'll grow to accept it. But I won't pretend it's not strange."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's eyes softened at Ingmar's words.
"Oh, you think it'll be easy to fire Isidor's brother?" she said with a small smile. "I'm having trouble telling you to stop drinking, get off your butt, and get to work. And if you talk to any of the staff, you'll know that I normally have no problem telling them to do that."
Sheogorath
The lead interrogator stopped for a few moments, and then Falco heard Helseth's voice.
"Tell us everything you know about the Redoran and Indoril forces in Vvardenfell, Butcher," he said cooly. "If you lie, we will proceed to advanced techniques which will only cease when your mind is gone entirely, and only your pain remains."
Sheogorath
"Well," said Kethiah, ruffling Isidor's hair from behind. "I'm on the record as being the uncomfortable one about this whole situation. I told your brother I'd try to adjust, but you need to let me know if things start to bother you too. I don't want you to be quiet about it, just because I'm going to try to make the best of it."
Sheogorath
"You'll know in a half a day if that's enough," Helseth replied. "If the torture begins again, either we need more information or what you've provided was a lie. When your trial begins, you'll know we're satisfied with your level of cooperation."
Sheogorath
"You may request anything you like," said the King of Morrowind. "But I will need to have a very good reason to grant the request of the likes of you."
Sheogorath
Kethiah laughed and kissed Isidor back. "I sincerely doubt that'll be necessary, and I can do my own punching as you know -- but I'll keep that in mind, my sweet barbarian."
Sheogorath
Helseth smiled. "If that is your ideal of a formal request, you have been with rough company too long, Butcher. I was listening for a rationale to grant you your request, but you chose to squander it. As for wishing me a miserable death, the difference is that I can guarantee one for you."
To the interrogator, he added, before leaving. "I want this reptile ten percent descaled by the time I return."
Sheogorath
"He is a good man, like his brother," Kethiah nodded. "It was just an obstacle in the way of a job. But I did hurt him, and even before I knew he was your brother, I apologized for that."
Sheogorath
Kethiah kissed Isidor again, and they both got to work. It wasn't until later, while passing by the kitchen and noticing just for a second how big the muscles on Ingmar's arms were as he was chopping vegetables, she thought, Oh, yes, I'm a fine woman for being so accepting of his brother. I remember accepting him in the storeroom in the kitchen in Winterhold.
She left quickly to check to see if there were rooms available for a merchant who had stopped by unexpectedly.
Sheogorath
Mount Kand
A flock of cliff racers exploded into the dusty sky, reacting the the rumbling footfall of the approaching Redoran and Indoril army. They found refuge in the cave of Assu, not to come out until the soldiers, passing on towards Molag Mar, were gone.
They were at least a day's march from Molag Mar, but close enough for intelligence to come to Kratos, telling him of imminent danger.
S'reddit
Vivec
It had taken some days to be accepted into the folds of the Church of the Tribunal, the new faction on the island of Vvardenfell which held tightly to the belief that no member of the Tribunal was dead or even gone from Morrowind, as Goranthir understood Vivec to be. Still, it was simply a matter of being dour, and pious, and spitting on anything that wasn't Dunmer in origin.
There were bonfires throughout the Redoran, Arena, St. Delyn and St. Olms cantons of Vivec, where books, clothing, furniture, anything that was Imperial or foreign was burned.
Goranthir had talked to many true believers in addition to Helseth's spies in the city, but the faithful seldom have great insight on themselves. They knew what they had seen: Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec were walking among them.
On the second day in Vvardenfell, Goranthir had a stroke of luck, meeting someone who introduced him to Moonstone, the archcanon of the Church. He was a simple, unremarkable-looking Dunmer of middle age and modest dress with eyes like fire. Goranthir guessed he was mad, but there was little doubt of his charisma.
Moonstone told him that Vivec himself had seen Goranthir (or, Galos, as Goranthir called himself in Vvardenfell) and would visit him soon. Apparently, Vivec was impressed with Goranthir's faith. Apparently, Vivec was a poor judge of character, Goranthir thought.
He reported what he had heard to Helseth's spies for dissemination, but he was careful. Goranthir's job was to find out who the false Tribunal were – and he wanted to make sure that if whoever was pretending to be Vivec actually was going to visit him, he would give him no reason to be suspicious.
He knew Allerleirauh and Tris were watching him, and he hoped they were watching him often. Despite Helseth's spies being present, he felt very much alone in a hostile world.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's only reaction was to leave the immediate vicinity, seemingly on other business. She was a woman who seldom stayed in one place for very long.
At the door, she met Kallen. The castellian was out of breath, and less composed than usual.
"Is the Lady here?" he asked.
Sheogorath
"My apologies, sera," Kallen said, his face turning calm, but no less concerned. "The Queen Mother has spoken through the Mirror, looking for you on urgent business. Molag Mar is about to be under siege by an overwhelming force, which will decimate them without reinforcements. The Imperial fleet is on its way, but it will arrive to a smoking ruin unless ships are sent that can arrive there before it, and stave off for invasion. She is calling on her allies to send whatever ships and soldiers they can spare."
Sheogorath
Kallen immediately did so.
Sheogorath
Kethiah came downstairs from a meeting with one of her merchant/informants. She looked Isidor in the eyes and said. "Yes, it seems to be true. They're marching on Molag Mar. They'll probably be in the streets of the city in twenty-four hours."
Sheogorath
"The situation's serious," Kethiah said carefully. "Even with reinforcements from Ald Raathim, the Muatramer in Molag Mar will be badly outnumbered ... If you ask what I think, I don't want you involved in something that will be pure suicide if the Imperial fleet is late in arriving."
Sheogorath
"And I don't want you to go," Kethiah said with a hint of a proud smile. "Even though I know you'd help save the town."
"Ingmar?" she replied then with a frown. "I don't know. I presume he'll be here, cooking like we hired him to do."
Sheogorath
There's a battle about to happen in Molag Mar," said Kethiah. "I think I've just talked Isidor out of fighting in it, and I hope I can do the same for you. After all, you've just started working here."
Sheogorath
"This isn't about me," said Kethiah, a little shaken. "The battle is certain suicide if the Imperial fleet doesn't arrive in time. You'd just be holding off the inevitable. Why would you do that? What are you trying to prove?"
Sheogorath
"I always hated that nickname 'Keth,'" Kethiah frowned. "And, yes, a little action often hurts. And again, this isn't about me. I know Isidor would miss you. He just discovered he has a half-brother, and if you get yourself killed ..."
She swallowed. "You're your own man. Do what you will. But don't get killed."
Sheogorath
Kethiah glared at him as he left.
"Some day," she said, taking Isidor's hand. "We're going to have to hire a cook who just cooks."
Sheogorath
"A romantic and impetuous message," Kethiah frowned, adding: "He wanted me to tell Cidala what a brave foolish man he is. Yes, you'll have to punch him in the nose when he returns, if he still has one. Excuse me, darling."
Kethiah went to talk to Cindala. Of course, the message had not been for her, but she wanted to talk to the barmaid anyhow, to tell her that the man she had been flirting with was going to war.
Kethiah was angry. Ingmar had said he would try to make things easier on her, and had lied. What kind of a game was he playing here?
Sheogorath
The fishermen shared the docks with Ald Raathim's small six ship fleet. Half the ships were being deployed out to Molag Mar, and were being hurriedly packed up.
One old fishermen looked out to the red-cast sky, and said. "It's a blood sky, so there's trouble ahead. I guess the only question is for who."
Sheogorath
"You going to war, Isidor?" asked one of the soldiers, a Dunmer named Zoniel who was a regular at the Noggin. "It's gonna be a battle you can tell your grandkids about!"
Sheogorath
"I got a family too, Isidor," Zoniel said, a little disapprovingly but still with a friendly spirit to his favorite innkeeper. "And I hate to think what would happen to them if we lost this war, because I was going to stay home with 'em ... As for it being a suicide mission," the Dunmer grinned. "What great victory wasn't against overwhelming odds?"
Sheogorath
"I told you not to get yourself killed," Kethiah replied quietly. "Actively trying not to get killed beats luck, but I wish you that too. You should hurry. If the winds don't favor the ships, you'll get to Molag Mar too late."
Sheogorath
"You idiot," Kethiah whispered, to herself as much as to Ingmar as he left.
The sails were unfurled and the three ships pushed off to sea. The winds were light, but the fishermen who had already been out in the Inner Sea thought that they picked up offshore. The soldiers prayed it was so.
OOC to players not present -- If you're not online now, and you want to be at the Battle of Molag Mar when it occurs, assume you caught one of the three ships before they departed.
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
The three ships caught wind not far from the coast, and with full sails bounded over the waves eastward toward Molag Mar. The wind was brisk and cold, smelling of spring rain. The skies overhead continued to glow with fiery blood clouds.
The Akarvina, Goranthir's ship, was the fastest warship in the fleet and led the way, but the two other Altmeri-designed vessels, the Cululaire and the Estwe, followed close behind.
The soldiers beat their drums and roared their battle chants in anticipation.
Sheogorath
Vivec
Goranthir's heart was beating hard. He had seen her. And, worse, she had seen him ... and had smiled ...
He started to go to one of Helseth's spies to tell him about it, but -- well, there wasn't anything to say, except that if she wasn't a Goddess, she was something like one. You could feel her power, her magnificence.
Goranthir returned to the temple. But it was empty. The Goddess had left it.
"She'll be back, though," said Moonstone, smiling at the handsome young Dunmer. "She liked you."
Sheogorath
Kethiah had busied herself as usual, and it had taken a while for her to notice that Isidor was back to drinking.
"Hey, killer, I haven't seen you toss back so many drinks in a long time," she said, touching him gently. "What's the matter?"
ooc -- Outta here for about an hour. Post away and we'll see if we're ready for the big battle then ...
Sheogorath
You asked me what I'd like, and are resentful that you listened to me? Kethiah thought, but didn't say.
I have a choice between a drunk man, or a dead one? Kethiah thought, but didn't say.
What she did say was "How drunk are you now? Can I ask you a serious question?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"I think you are just the right amount of drunk for this," Kethiah said with a small smile. "Will you marry me?"
Sheogorath
"Really, you ask me why when I say no, and you ask me why when I say yes," Kethiah laughed, kissing him back. "I think I decided to say yes a while back, while talking to Loranna and Dragon about my illogical reasons for saying no. And then, when I was talking to Ingmar, and I stumbled when I was trying to figure out what to call you -- partner was too cold, boyfriend didn't seem right, and lover seemed a little intimate ... I realized then that I really wanted to call you 'husband.'"
There was more to than that, but that seemed like ample enough explanation.
Kethiah took his hand. "Now, why don't we celebrate upstairs? The barmaids and stewards can take care of the dinner crowd for one night."
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
The red-gray clouds of south Vvardenfell grew ever darker and the winds picked up in intensity. Lightning flashed in the clouds, linked together in chains, but no rain fell.
The mist on the crashing waves of the sea looked like ghosts.
It was a rocky ride, but they were moving fast.
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
The water and the sky were both so dark with clouds, it was hard to get ones bearings, and the tossing the sea didn't help. Only the constant lightning kept things illuminated enough that people could see where they were walking across the rolling deck.
Pockets of red still appeared the clouds. Two smears of red overhead, a curl further down ... In fact, it looked as if it were forming into a face.
Sheogorath
The Inner Sea
The face in the clouds is unmistakably that of a man with wild hair and eyes. The Mad One. Sheogorath.
To most, his voice sounded like the whistling of the wind combined with the shriek of a chorus of seabirds, but Loranna heard it quite clearly.
As I look down from my golden path,
Whom do I spy in the bubbling bath?
She's grown a flower what was but a bud
From the sea to the ashfields of blood
A Goddess behind thee, and a Goddess ahead,
Death crawls behind, and before thee doth tred,
I tell thee the truth of which thou dost fear
Thou willst bury two thou love most dear
As he finishes this, the redness of the clouds fades to black.
There is another lightning flash, and Sheogorath in the flesh, and his natty banker's suit, is standing next to Loranna. His eyes flash, reflecting the lightning.
Do not fear the dark, for here comes the sun,
And it 'twill not set 'til the fight's lost and won.
With another flash of lightning, the Mad God was gone, and the sun was shining through the clouds.
They could see the southern shore of Vvardenfell ahead, and a dozen ships marked with the flag of the King of Morrowind approaching from the south.
Sheogorath
OOC -- Outta here for a couple hours, but please note a slight edit to the post from the daM doG. Namely that only Loranna heard the actual words of the poem. Everyone else saw the face as well but the voice "sounded like the whistling of the wind combined with the shriek of a chorus of seabirds."
S'reddit
The Coast of Molag Mar
The three ships of Ald Raathim came into harbor, followed an hour later by the ships of the royal navy. As small as the group of reinforcements were, they filled up the little harbor. If more were coming, they would have to set anchor and take their boats in.
In the distance, the heroes could hear what could be low thunder, but it was a storm of a different kind. The Redoran and Indoril armies were fast approaching.
The sun was shining, but the mist cloaked like the land like a shroud.
S'reddit
Vivec
Word was spreading that a battle was brewing in Molag Mar to the east. There were all sorts of rumors -- that the Imperial navy was coming to support one side or the other, that Helseth was in Molag Mar leading the defense, that the Mages Guild was joining forces with the New Temple, even that Ald Raathim was sending some of its vaunted heroes ... To the last, Goranthir tried not to show any reaction.
The Mages Guild rumor had apparently been sufficient to cause supporters of the Church of the Tribunal to line up along the lockways across from the Foreign Quarter (the bridges between the factions had long since been destroyed), and to produce a yelling match, and occasional arrows and fireballs to be lobbed on both sides. It was not an unusual sight in Vivec nowadays, but unsettling.
Sheogorath
Molag Mar
The silver and bronze armor of the Indoril and Redoran armies seemed to glow in the misty dales north of Molag Mar. It was impossible to tell how many of them there were, but even the most optimistic would guess that they outnumbered the people defending the town by at least three to one. Five to one was conceivable.
Spells whipped around the army, additional lights in the mist, intensifying each soldier's strength, speed, endurance, and agility.
Their battle roar was the stuff of nightmares.
Sheogorath
Fifty bronze-colored shapes seemed to rise from the mist, and up into the sun where they were difficult to spot, even as they circled Molag Mar. They were the Indoril parraptons, in light Indoril armor, scouting the defenses of the fortress.
Sheogorath
It was exceedingly difficult for even the finest marksmen to hit the parraptons with the sun in their eyes, and the erratic flight of the giant wasps. The archers had no luck at all, but the fireballs took down several, sending their scorched bodies tumbling towards earth.
One of the eagle-eyed soldiers on the ramparts, looking out to the army in the mist, cried out. "They've got a battering ram!"
Sheogorath
Slashes's flame arrow, and the other fireballs and flame arrows from the defending mages rained down on the siege equipment long before it reached the west wall, blackening it, and then exploding it into cinders.
Before anyone could celebrate, there was a resounding crash. A second battery ram against the east wall. It had not broken through, but huge cracks splintered forth along the wall.
Sheogorath
The walls trembled from the assault, and as the archers and mages neared it, a second wave of parraptons took to the sky from the army. They fired bursts of lightning at the mages and archers, trying to keep them from destroying the second battering ram.
Sheogorath
Slashes's flame arrow, and the other fireballs and flame arrows from the defending mages rained down on the siege equipment long before it reached the west wall, blackening it, and then exploding it into cinders.
Before anyone could celebrate, there was a resounding crash. A second battery ram against the east wall. It had not broken through, but huge cracks splintered forth along the wall.
Sheogorath
The walls trembled from the assault, and as the archers and mages neared it, a second wave of parraptons took to the sky from the army. They fired bursts of lightning at the mages and archers, trying to keep them from destroying the second battering ram.
Sheogorath
The atronach tore into the soldiers, knocking the battering ram aside. With alarming speed, however, it was overcome, and new soldiers came to take over the battering ram. It was a respite from the assault but not a long one.
Sheogorath
The battering ram was indeed rendered useless by the strikes of Ki'arre and the others, but it had already struck a couple times, hard enough to begin to crumble the first outer wall.
The battlemages cast shield spells on themselves, and then concentrated their fire on wall. It shook from the stress.
Sheogorath
The Mages fired their offensive spells through the hole in the wall -- a few of them fizzled due to Loranna's spell, but most of the mages were well-trained enough to cast defensive to prevent that. Afterwards, they stepped back, and let the soldiers armed with warhammers finish clearing the way through the wall. The archers backed the warriors up, firing into the defenders now open wall.
Sheogorath
This noble sentiment was put to the test when, in addition to the arrows being fired into the fortress, the battlemages sent a torrent of Demoralize Humanoid spells flying.
Sheogorath
The attackers screamed in agony as the fire poured over them, dancing in death as they tried to extinguish it.
The defenders had a few moments respite from the attack.
Sheogorath
Update
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is undercover in Vivec, gaining information on the false Tribunal, and currently witnesses a budding riot ...
Kethiah, former assassin, is celebrating in Ald Raathim with her new fiance, Isidor.
Sheogorath
Molag Mar
The army of the Redoran and Indoril roared with praise of their Goddess, Almalexia, leading them to victory in this holy war.
Sheogorath
Vivec
It was a full-scale riot now in the channel separating the Redoran Canton from the Foreign Canton. Mages on both sides were levitating across the causeway, raining fireballs down on one another. The Mages Guild on the Foreign side had the power, but the Redoran mages had the numbers.
Goranthir knew he couldn't join in the battle, but he stayed close. Rumors were flying about the battle at Molag Mar, and once again, he heard that the heroes of Ald Raathim were there, and many had already been killed. He prayed to Nirni it was not so.
Sheogorath
A rider on an Indoril parrapton glided next to her. He said something quickly to her about Vivec, looking worried.
S'reddit
Molag Mar
Though their Goddess had left, the enormous army of Redoran and Indoril still felt her power with them. They continued charging forward towards the defenders, mercilessly.
Sheogorath
"You are going down, Dres scum! You don't have a choice about that!" one Redoran knight laughed, charging at her. Loranna had seen him in battle before, slaying many of her allies. He was powerful warrior. But he paused just for an instant as he began to swing his sword at her. Something behind her, in the sea, was giving him pause. "B'Vek, what -?"
Sheogorath
The knight collapsed, his helm falling off as he did so, and she could see the look of shock on his face.
The Muatramer who were nearby also looked surprised, looking over her shoulder, but they tried not to be too distracted. One of them, however, actually laughed with delight as he skewered his opponent with apparent new vigor and faith.
The cry went up from the sea. "For the Emperor!"
It sounded like a thousand voices.
Sheogorath
Anyone looking east and south into the Inner Sea would see them, hundreds of boats coming onto shore, with the black silhouettes of Imperial warships behind them.
The Imperial knights leapt from their boats, fresh for battle, and joined the fight. New magic burst around them. They were freshly fortified, and their sheer numbers easily matched that of the Redoran and Indoril armies.
Sheogorath
The Redoran and Indoril armies may have been shocked by the sudden appearance of the Imperial fleet, but they were far from ready to retreat. Instantly, orders went around, and parraptons launched into the air.
Lightning flashed from the parrapton's riders into several of the small boats still coming into shore. There was nowhere to run in a small boat from an air assault, and those aboard were slain quickly.
Still, the new blood pushed hard against the tired Redoran and Indoril armies, with the help of the Muatramer and Ald Raathim warriors. They were pushed back for the first time, away from the bridge.
Sheogorath
More boats were getting ashore than not by a lot, and many of the parraptons were struck from the sky, crashing into the sea.
"Sorry we're late," murmurred one of the Imperial captain, hurling a massive fireball into the midst of the Redoran and Indoril armies. "Rather ghastly weather you have around these parts. No offense."
S'reddit
Molag Mar
The citizens of Molag Mar began emerging from hiding, helping heal the wounded, and cleaning up their home. Most of them were old or very young -- the able-bodied had joined in with the battle, and many of them had been killed. Still, the mood was joyful, celebratory.
Half of the Imperial forces began leaving shortly after victory was assured.
"Helseth took Hla Oad," the captain explained. "But he needs us to help hold it."
The rest of the Imperials assisted with healing, and fixing up what had been broken in the town. They had Molag Mar now, but with the walls torn down, it, like Hla Oad, needed to be held.
S'reddit
The Inner Sea
The voyage back to Ald Raathim was considerably calmer than the voyage out. Though, when the people looked towards Vvardenfell, they saw the sky was red from fires burning in Hla Oad.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"I'm glad to see you made it back safe and sound," Kethiah said quietly behind him. He hadn't heard her approach. "Was it as terrible as they say?"
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vivec, investigating the false Tribunal's true identities. He has witnessed the riot in Vivec, which was then put down by Almalexia.
Helseth is returning to Mournhold from his successful invasion of Hla Oad to commence the trial of Falco Redflash.
Kethiah, the ex-assassin and now co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern talking to her former lover and -- it is revealed -- half-brother of her current fiance, Ingmar.
"The reports I heard were not exaggerated then, I hoped they were," Kethiah said softly. "Do you want to be alone?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah took a seat at the table. "I've killed many people in my time, but never in battle. I can't imagine what that would be like. It must be like Oblivion come to Nirn. I'm glad you want to talk about it, though," She smiled a little. "You and your brother both have a tendency to drink rather than talk."
Sheogorath
"From the kitchen to the battlefield," Kethiah nodded her head. "I don't think there is any way to get ready for it. It sounds like Almalexia left to put down a riot in Vivec ... thank the Gods for that."
Sheogorath
Mournhold
The three members of the Tribunal to judge Falco Redflash were Hlaluu Llethan Barreth, a distant cousin of the King's representing trade, Deacon Holare Niris, representing the Temple, and, representing the crown, the Queen of Morrowind, Dres Dinara. The Tribune had their chairs in front of the accused. The King sat in his throne behind them, observing the proceedings.
"On the grounds of treason, murder, rape, piracy, extortion, and conspiracy, how does the accused plea?" Queen Dinara asked.
Sheogorath
"When I wasn't training the children of Ald Raathim in self defense, negotiating deals for the tavern and Ald Raathim with merchants, running two taverns, helping Tyradil and Tilitalia with their homework, and running the kitchen because the head chef decided to run off to war," Kethiah replied, looking at her fingernails. "I might have squeezed in a bite."
Sheogorath
"We will consider your motions," Deacon Holare Niris, an old Dunmer by any standards, with a dry voice, replied. "Was your defendant hired on as a privateer by House Redoran?"
Sheogorath
"I think that would count, particularly if it cures you of the ailment of kissing me in full view of my staff," Kethiah shook her head. "I can't let you do that ever again, Ingmar."
Sheogorath
"Would the Advocate assent to the charges changing from treason to espionage and piracy?" the Queen asked.
Behind her, the King frowned.
Sheogorath
"Apology accepted," Kethiah smiled. "I just don't want the staff to think I'm available for kissing, particularly now that I've agreed to marry Isidor."
Sheogorath
"His acts were intended to harm the Crown," Dinara replied seriously. "As a neutral party, as you allege, he is not guilty of treason, but of trying to sabotage a sovereign's will from within. Thus the charge of espionage."
Sheogorath
Hlaluu Berreth frowned a little. "I take it there is evidence that the defendent did not pass information to the House Redoran? Please proceed with your case, Advocate."
Sheogorath
"He's a living casualty of war," Kethiah sighed, taking Isidor's hand. "I don't think anyone really completely survived the Battle of Molag Mar."
Sheogorath
"Our spies kill themselves upon being captured," King Helseth said, still frowning. "How much civility, dignity, and mercy our enemies show to their corpses is not the question today, though there is ample evidence that your client is not a great example of mercy in that regard himself."
"Is the Advocate finished with his case?" the Queen asked.
Sheogorath
"I don't have any doubt Ingmar will find someone soon," Kethiah smiled, kissing Isidor. "Your brother is an unrepentent flirt, and handsome enough to get away with it. I predict we will have to keep our eye out that there is nothing going on in the kitchen except cooking."
Sheogorath
Helseth raised an eyebrow. To suggest that the King of Morrowind cared nothing for his soldiers to his face was dangerous. To do so in a court of law was even more so. An usual tactic for the Advocate, an employee of the King's, to take.
"Does the defendent wish to say anything more about his motivation for these acts?" asked Dinara. "According to the reports, he seemed to have done them with great enthusiasm for carnage."
Sheogorath
"Does the Advocate have any witnesses to corroborate that the defendant set prisoners go, and murdered the rest with mercy?" Hlaalu Berreth asked. "I needn't remind you that Imperial and royal law is based on the unassailed Marukhi precept that all are guilty until proven innocent."
http://til.gamingsource.net/dfbooks/b025_legalbasic.shtml
Sheogorath
"The throne of Morrowind shares your sadness for your loss," the King said. "But unless you refrain from additional outbursts, you will be escorted from the proceedings."
Sheogorath
"The defendant will remember the rules of the court and not address those who disrupt the proceedings," said Hlaluu Barreth. "And the Advocate will remember that we will direct the guards, not he. If the woman will restrain herself from further outbursts, she may stay. As for the motion for the witness, it is granted. Please proceed."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled. "I'd prefer that, I think ... And the sooner, the better."
Sheogorath
Deacon Holare Niris asked the questions for the Tribunal.
"How long have you been in the employ of the defendant?"
"How did he come to be the captain of the ship, if you know?"
"Did the Defendant ever explain why he took the position as privateer for the House Redoran?"
"Have you yourself already been sentenced for piracy, conspiracy, extortion, and murder by a lower court?"
Sheogorath
"Loranna's right here," Kethiah laughed, pointing the Lady sitting with the others. "She can marry us whenever she wants. Of course, it might be nice to have a bit of a party for it. Might take a couple days to make sure everyone's here we want to be."
Sheogorath
The Deacon nodded, and then asked, more casually. "Did he seem to enjoy his job?"
Sheogorath
"I don't have any friends who weren't your friends first," Kethiah replied. "Just associates. If your friends can come, that would be wonderful."
Sheogorath
"Necessary in order to earn his living, then?" the Deacon asked, curiously. "Was he in trouble financially? How was the crew paid? By booty taken from the boats?"
Sheogorath
"But you say he found it unpleasant," the Deacon continued. "How did he express this? Was it merely the unpleasantness of the hard work of killing people and chopping up their corpses? Did he ever seem hesistant about doing his job, and having you do it as well?"
Sheogorath
"I see," said the Deacon, turning to the Advocate. "No further questions for this witness. Do you intend to put the defendant on the stand?"
Sheogorath
"We can continue the trial tomorrow," said Queen Dinara, nodding her head. "But we will not schedule its conclusion. The court is recessed until tomorrow morning."
Sheogorath
"Thank you," Kethiah smiled, taking Isidor's hand. "If you and all of our friends would be present for the ceremony, despite all the business of war, that would be gift enough."
Sheogorath
"Vas," Kethiah shook her head. "That seems like another lifetime ago. But, you know, the next time someone is looking for a quest, you could send them into wartorn northern Vvardenfell, into the Dwemer ruins below my old cottage, and have them retrieve a couple of my old weapons. I'd certainly pay them for it."
Sheogorath
"Like I said, your presence will be more than gift enough," Kethiah replied. "The weapons are all in a chest, which an adventurer shouldn't open unless he's particularly skilled in lockpicking or has an unlock spell of great power ... I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't a few corpses around the chest if anyone already tried to raid that ruin."
She stood up to get Tsei a drink, as the barmaids seemed to be particularly busy right now.
Sheogorath
"There's really no hurry on it," Kethiah said quickly. "And it's not going to be easy. Northern Vvardenfell may not be the center of hostilities, but Redoran and Indoril still control what isn't Ashlander territory ... And there's the storm off Sheogorad that doesn't seem to be dissipating ... And once you get to the dungeon, it's filled with Dwemer automatons ..."
"Point being, my weapons have been down there for over six months now, and I haven't needed them. It'd just be nice to have them back at some point ..."
Sheogorath
"It is a strange storm, that's why I mentioned it," Kethiah nodded. "It sprung up shortly before the King's attempt to invade northern Vvardenfell. The people there say that the Dam Dog has chosen sides ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah rose early every morning for her exercises, and to make sure the staff was properly cleaning up the tavern from the night before. The soldiers who had fought in Molag Mar had a very enthusiastic night of celebrating in the Noggin, but she made sure that there was no evidence of it.
Ingmar would find her there, directing the clean up.
Sheogorath
Kethiah took him aside, and said softly. "I'm sorry, Ingmar, I really am. What will you do?"
Sheogorath
Mournhold
The trial of Falco Redflash began early the next morning, as before, with the three members of the judicial Tribune (Hlaluu Llethan Barreth, Deacon Holare Niris, and Queen Dinara) present. The King was also present, glowering.
"I believe the Advocate was about to call the Defendant to the stand?" said Queen Dinara. "Unless there were other witnesses?"
Sheogorath
"I hope you do return," Kethiah smiled sadly. "When are you leaving? Will you tell Isidor?"
Sheogorath
"Now you have me stuck between being sorry to see you go," Kethiah replied, with a hint of a frown, not a smile. "And being angry that I'm the one who had to explain to Isidor why his recently discovered half-brother decided to suddenly leave."
Sheogorath
"What was your occupation before becoming a 'privateer'?" asked Deacon Horace Niris. "And what prompted your decision to begin this career?"
Sheogorath
"We will discuss what you believe to be right in a moment," said the Queen. "Under what circumstances did you leave Dres Loranna's employ?"
Sheogorath
"You do what you think you must," Kethiah shook her head. "Just try to imagine his reaction if you were him."
She took Ingmar's hand and held it to her lips. "I should go. Take care of yourself."
Kethiah walked away quickly.
Sheogorath
"In fact, you were forgiven multiple times and continued to steal from the person who entrusted you to preserve her security. So, though you say you embarked on the new career as a privateer because you believed it was the right thing to do, your sense of right and wrong is questionable, even to yourself," said the Queen. "You would not deny that your privateering served a political purpose? It was more to you than just a job?"
Sheogorath
"I see," the Queen nodded. "And did House Redoran tell you precisely what to do, how, and when, or were your orders more general?"
Sheogorath
"I have a question," Hlaluu Llethan Barreth said with a frown. "Your Advocate and your crewmate state that any who asked for mercy were given it during your raids, is that true? Was that always true?"
Sheogorath
"Just wanted to hear that from your own lips," Barreth nodded. "Why was that? Part of your 'moral compass'? Wouldn't it have been easier just to slay them since they were putting up no defense? Perhaps throw them a sword while they were half-awake so you could kill them with impunity?"
Sheogorath
"Well, then that was noble of you," Barreth nodded. "Turning to other matters, who is, or was T'Zar?"
Sheogorath
"And what was her last assignment?" Barreth asked, his eyes steady on the Defendant.
Sheogorath
"The questions, rhetorical or not, go but one way, Mr. Redflash," Barreth smiled. "This innocent gathering of public news did end with the destruction of the notes gathered, and the murder of T'Zar, did it not?"
Sheogorath
"You had her deliver a note to Loranna Dres saying you intended to murder her, did you not?" the Deacon asked. "Clearly your act of 'self defense' was premeditated while she was in Ald Raathim and you were in Skyrim. Now, moving on to other matters. What was the purpose of what you did with your victims' bodies after slaying them?"
Sheogorath
"Simple extortion," the Queen agreed. "We have no further questions for the Defendant. Does the Advocate have more he would like to present on this case?"
Sheogorath
"The King is the Emperor's official representative in Morrowind, and as such this is an Imperial trial," said Helseth calmly. "Anything else?"
Sheogorath
"Very well," said the Queen. "Captain Ignatius, will you please take the stand?"
Sheogorath
"Will you describe to us the circumstances in which you met the Defendant?" asked the Deacon mildly.
Sheogorath
"Did the Defendant explain why you were being spared?" asked the Queen.
Sheogorath
"Thank you," said the Deacon, turning to the Advocate for the Defendant. "Do you have any questions for this witness?"
Sheogorath
"Quite a few people have asked for a moment of the court's time," said Berrath. "Too many, in fact, for us to give them all the time they deserve. I would ask that each of these family members of alleged victims of the Defendant confine their comments to one minute or less."
So began a horrible parade, more horrible because the individuality of the persons slaughtered by the Butcher was made evident by the individuality of the speakers. Most were tearful described their lost loved ones, some to the point of incoherence. Others were angry, screaming at the defendent, calling him all sorts of names -- a few of these had to be dragged away from court by the guards. A few were calm, having come to peace with their loved one's death, but wishing to have their voice heard by the murderer. There were even a few who asked their King to be forgiving, hoping not to add blood to blood.
It took the better part of two hours for all to be heard who wished to be heard in the matter, and there was hardly a dry eye in the court.
"Is there anything more than needs to be said before the Tribune adjourns to reach its decision?" asks the King, looking to the Advocate and Falco.
Sheogorath
"This court is adjourned until the Tribunal have reached their decision," said the King, and the room began to disperse as the prisoner was led away. The Advocate, however, had approached the Tribunal in a whispered conversation ...
Sheogorath
The Tribunal considered it, and after a few concessions to security -- making certain the visitor would be searched and the meeting would be monitored -- they agreed.
Sheogorath
Summary
We have not heard from Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, in some time. He is still undercover in Vvardenfell, trying to discover the true identity of Almalexia and the rest of the false Tribunal.
Kethiah is in the Nymph and Noggin, getting the kids out the door to school. She has recently agreed to marry Isidor, and accepted the resignation of his half-brother, her ex-lover, Ingmar, from his position as head chef at the Nymph and Noggin.
Helseth and Dinara, King and Queen of Morrowind, are in Mournhold, having completed the trial of Falco Redflash. Dinara, as part of the Tribunal, is meeting with the other two members, deciding Falco's fate. Helseth has gone on to other administrative duties for the time being, to return when the verdict is ready.
Sheogorath
The courtroom was still, though it was filled to capacity.
The Tribunal handed their verdict to the King, who read it once, and then again to the crowd, his eyes on Falco.
"It is the opinion of this Tribunal, having examined the evidence, that the Defendant, Falco Redflash, is innocent of the crimes of treason and rape, and guilty of the crimes of espionage, murder, extortion, conspiracy, and piracy. It is the opinion of the court that the Defendant remains a danger if allowed to live, and having consulted the Book of Veloth for appropriate punishment, we have decreed that he is to be drawn and quartered.
The Defendant is to be dragged on a hurdle from this place to the Plaza Brindisi Dorom, where is to be hanged by the neck but removed before death. Thence, he to be disembowelled, and the genitalia and entrails burned before his eyes; his heart shall be the last to be removed and will be shown to the condemned before the entrails are burned. He is then to be beheaded and the body divided into four parts. These parts are to be put on boats and sailed to Gnisis, Vivec, Sadrith Mora, and Dagon Fel as a warning to all privateers in the employ of House Redoran that such activities against the King and people of Morrowind are not legal nor to be tolerated.
By the Lady, Lord, and Wizard, it shall be so. This matter is closed."
The King folded the verdict in half. He did not smile.
The crowd roared its approval, and word spread fast. Thousands gathered along the streets to witness Falco being dragged through the city streets to the plaza and his death, to hurl stones and insults at the Butcher of the Bay.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah heard about the verdict shortly after it was reached. She let Isidor, Loranna, and all other interested parties know that Falco Redflash, former companion of the heroes of Ald Raathim, and former Butcher of the Bay, had been executed.
She did not go into details unless the person asked. No reason for that.
Sheogorath
Kethiah nodded to Nalion, and rubbed Isidor's shoulders once, affectionately, before going on her duties. She didn't know if Isidor was thinking now that it would have been more humane to kill Falco in Hla Oad ... but he would be thinking it soon ... And she knew her love enough to know he would feel guilty for it.
Sheogorath
"An old neighbor of mine was on one of the boats the Red Falcon visited," said a merchant at a nearby table quietly. "His mother won't be provided for anymore, and she got to hear how her only son was mocked and descecrated after death. I doubt very much the pain the Butcher felt compares to the pain that one victim's mother will feel for the end of her days."
Sheogorath
"A knife and a heart," Kethiah shook her head. "It's beautiful. Have you figured out what you're going to do yet?"
Sheogorath
"That's not fair, Ingmar, you told me that you were uncomfortable and that's why you're leaving the position here," Kethiah said, her eyes more sad than angry. "None of this is up to me. It's up to you."
Sheogorath
Kethiah nodded. "No, it's not easier on me, but ... You should talk to Isidor before you make your plans."
She balanced the dagger on her fingertip. "And thank you for this. I'll treasure it."
Sheogorath
"The restructuring of the trade routes is more directly responsible, Kena Sarath," said Kethiah, stepping past, having just greeted one of the regular merchant traders. "Ald Raathim hasn't had slaves for many years now, but it has only grown comparatively recently."
Sheogorath
Kethiah held out her hand. "Kethiah. Co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin and Sera Dres Loranna's excise and trade negotiator. That's why I'm perhaps biased in my reasoning for Ald Raathim's prosperity. The trade routes were reorganized to favor our ports by order of the King of Morrowind as part of our alliance with him and his mother over six months ago."
Sheogorath
"Thank you, Kena, but the alliance is causing some to worry that we've made a deal with a devil lately," Kethiah nodded. "In fact, I should probably make an announcement about Falco Redflash's execution on the bulletin board ..."
As she wrote up an announcement about the execution of the Butcher of the Bay for the bulletin board, she continued talking. "We try to keep the board in front of the tavern updated with the latest information about the war and other events. People have gotten used to getting their news here. You will be teaching at the school, I understand?"
Sheogorath
"No one has any sympathy for the Butcher of the Bay outside of a few people here," Kethiah replied. "I think the King sought to make an example of a man who killed and mutiliated his victims, and the Redoran would be hard-pressed to make him into a martyr out of someone most viewed as a monster."
She went to put up the notice. "Good luck with the school. I take it you need a room until you've found a more permanent place to stay?"
Sheogorath
"Every one of the merchants I've met with so far think that Falco deserved even worse, and they're grateful to the King for giving a clear message to any who might follow in his path," Kethiah shrugged. "But, yes, to go onto a more pleasant subject, we do have several rooms available. Less expensive accomedations at the Noggin, which is our more boisterous part of the tavern, which are small but clean, to mid-sized rooms here in the Nymph side of the tavern, which are larger and more quiet, to larger suites we usually reserve for VIPs passing through Ald Raathim, which are quite expensive."
Sheogorath
"It's not a question of avenging, my lord, it's a question of discouraging others from following in that path, by showing them what awaits them," Kethiah replied, taking the requisite amount of gold for two nights stay from the bag. "Thank you, Kena. Whenever you're ready to go to your room, any of the staff will be happy to show you."
Kethiah smiled, and went out to hang the notice outside.
Sheogorath
Kethiah stepped downstairs from one of the private meeting rooms where she had been with one of her merchants contacts, and smiled at Isidor.
S'reddit
Kethiah nodded back quietly. "You know everything I do. There are no secrets. I told him we were getting married, and he said he couldn't stay here because he loved me ... I'm sorry. I didn't ask him to leave. I wouldn't want you to lose your half-brother you just recently discovered, but he won't stay."
Sheogorath
In Vvardenfell, four boats came into port, bearing with them a bloody chunk of the Argonian once known as Falco. With them was a note from the King. "Enclosed is the last shipment of meat from the Butcher of the Bay. All Butchers hired by the once-noble Houses of Redoran and Indoril to carve the people of Morrowind will be likewise seasoned and cut."
Ald Raathim
At the same time, a ship bearing the flag of the royal house of Morrowind was sighted coming into the bay of Ald Raathim.
Sheogorath
The ship came into harbor, and a small group of diplomats disembarked. The rest of the crew went into the Nymph and Noggin to wait while the diplomats made their way up to the castle to seek an audience with Lady Dres Loranna.
Sheogorath
Slashes recognized a couple of the men from the Battle of Molag Mar, and saw by their brief but friendly smiles that they too recognized him, as they went into the Nymph and Noggin.
Sheogorath
Commander Mynosah Vril, a short but sturdy female Dunmer, with two missing fingers on her left hand from the Battle of Molag Mar, slapped Slashes on the back as he entered.
"I saw you there," she chuckled. "So this is Ald Raathim. Funny, I pictured it much smaller ... Let me buy you a drink, mate."
Sheogorath
"It ain't the only little village to turn into a town overnight," Commander Mynosah nodded, ordering a flin for Slashes and a mazte for herself. "Whatever was big is small, whatever was small is big. How're the others from the battle? Everyone all right?"
Sheogorath
"About the same, I got a half a regiment still in Molag Mar I'm bringing soldiers over to replenish once we're finished with this," Commander Mynosah sighed. "And then I gotta bring in a group in to help reinforce things in Hla Oad, so we can be in a good position when they want to take Vivec and Ebonheart. Whenever that is."
Sheogorath
"That confederacy of lunatics is lending its assistance by staying out of our way," Commander Mynosah chuckled.
Sheogorath
Sera Dres Nimrirgael Zael greeted Loranna with a smile. He was a handsome, middle-aged Dunmer noble of a slightly saturnine aspect, so the smile was more a part of a ritual of greeting than a felt emotion. Loranna had seen him at the wedding of Helseth and Dinara, though they had not talked before.
"Greetings, Housesister," he said. "The journey was dismal. I can't abide boat travel, but I wasn't slaughtered, so I suppose it was safe enough ... And you? How are you getting on up here?"
Ald Raathim was considered to be "up" by most Dres, whose lands were further south.
Sheogorath
"The half of them the Indoril haven't taken?" Nimrirgael shook his head. "Not enough rain this season for a good planting. Only good news is that there's no rain on their side of it either ... So, enough pleasant talk. How much time would it take you to pack up and come to Mournhold?"
Sheogorath
"The King, Queen, and Queen-Mother have requested your presence. Just you and a couple of your most trusted advisors," the Dres noble replied. "Top secret stuff. Probably just be there for a day or two. Maybe a week."
Sheogorath
"Tomorrow's fine," Dres Nimrirgael Zael nodded. "I should probably get cleaned up myself. After a day at sea, all I can smell is fish."
Sheogorath
Kallen led the guests away, and brought in Kethiah, who had been waiting by the door.
"Sorry," she said, stepping in. "I only just got word about the diplomats Helseth was sending around to a number of his allies. It sounds like its going to be a big summit of some kind in Mournhold."
Sheogorath
"I don't know what it's about, but the concentration seems to be on House Dres," Kethiah replied thoughtfully. "I don't know if that's because, as the Queen's house, it is Helseth's best ally, or there is some southern military strategy being planned. I know Queen Dinara has been trying to get that happening for some time, ever since her brother was made prisoner."
Sheogorath
"I'm sure that's in the plans too, but maybe not the subject of this meeting ..." Kethiah looked at Loranna. "What's on your mind, my lady?"
Sheogorath
"Mournhold," Kethiah grimaced. "Best not, my lady. I have too much of a past there. It would be bad for both of us if I went back ..."
S'reddit
The Castle of Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Floating out from Razbiah and Thianas's kitchen was an enticing blend of smells, roasted meat, coupled with cloves, saffron, pepper, ginger, sage, and rosemary. The feast for the diplomats from the royal court was to happen shortly.
Sheogorath
The Castle of Daruhn, Ald Raathim
After making certain the new guests were comfortable, Kallen went to the Drunken Guar, where a renowned bard, an Imperial named Mnastius, was staying. He agreed to perform his ballad of Topal the Pilot for the banquet's entertainment.
Sheogorath
Kethiah left the castle after meeting with Loranna, and as the misty spring breeze ruffled her cloak and brushed her shoulder-length hair away from her violet-colored eye, he came across Isidor on the docks.
"How are you doing, killer?" she asked.
Sheogorath
"Absolutely, let's go get changed into something appropriate," Kethiah smiled, taking Isidor's hand and leading him to their rooms in the tavern. "Loranna also wanted me to go with her to Mournhold tomorrow, but I said that I couldn't."
Sheogorath
"The King is having a summit of some of his allies, that's what the diplomats are here for," Kethiah replied, slipping into a long wine-dark gown. "They haven't said what the meeting is about, only that Loranna should bring her most trusted advisors ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah laughed, kissing him. "If you want to go, we really need to get you some nicer clothes."
Sheogorath
"Forget what I said," Kethiah grinned. "Don't be a court dandy. I love the way you look now."
Sheogorath
"Thank you," Kethiah smiled. "From the look in your eyes, I believe you. Shall we go to the banquet?"
She took his arm.
Sheogorath
Summary
Dres Nimrirgael Zael, ambassador from King Helseth's court, is finishing cleaning and dressing at the castle of Daruhn, getting ready for the banquet. Not the most gregarious of people, he is waiting for Loranna to put together her group of advisors for a meeting with the King in Mournhold.
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and (secretly) Loranna's Spymaster, is on her way to the banquet.
Gorathir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfell, investigating the false Tribunal.
Sheogorath
The Dining Hall
As it was a smaller banquet than the one for Barenziah, Kallen elected to serve it in the castle dining hall. The table was set up like a T, with Loranna and Dres Nimrirgael Zael near the intersection, so that everyone was pretty close together.
At the center of the table was a stone circle with a low white magickal flame. It was slowly cooking Thianas's cake, which over the course of the meal, was to rise to an etherial cloud-like consistency as the diners watched.
Sheogorath
Dres Nimrirgael Zael looked less green than he had been after his voyage, and he introduced himself to each of the guests as they arrived, smiling as if he were enjoying himself. He seemed particularly to enjoy meeting the attractive women of Loranna's acquaintanceship, and lavished praise on the Lady of Ald Raathim's own dress and appearance.
"I was here once, long ago," he said. "During the time of Lord Raithmat. I think he would approve of the way you've improved his old place."
Sheogorath
"That's Minsero's slave's work, isn't it?" Zael smiled. The cake had only just begun to rise, but it burbled and set off delicious smells as it did so. He looked at the Argonians and Khajiiti coming in and, while still smiling, said under his breath. "Yes, Raithmat wouldn't recognize this place at all ..."
Sheogorath
"B'Vek," laughed Zael, looking from Reil to Loranna. "Now there's a diplomatic greeting for you."
Sheogorath
Zael nods as the roast fowl and slaughterfish are brought out. The fowl is crusted with layer after layer of finely shredded herbs, arranged like feathers across it, and the slaughterfish is similarly set but with fine slices of bulb herbs, so it seems to still have its silvery scales. The smell is rich and savory.
Despite the seeming exuberance of spices in the two dishes, Razbiah has not gone entirely over to her husband's will. The food, while delicious, is not over spiced. Browning the herbs before setting them makes the smell stronger but the spice milder.
Sheogorath
As Zael had moved on to the feast, it would.
Sheogorath
"An eclectic company and a fine meal," Zael said. "And I appreciate you not giving me anything too heavy after that voyage. Not every host would be so considerate. Tell me, will you use your own vessel to go to Mournhold, or would you be coming with me?"
Sheogorath
"I don't know exactly what it is," Zael frowned, also speaking in hushed tones. "But it was suggested I bring an economic advisor and strategist ... I'm afraid the King wants to raise taxes ... But then I was also told to bring the chief of my guards ... So, your guess is as good as mine. Bring whoever you can trust, who's smart."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled at Isidor, and squeezed his hand. She didn't mind. In fact, she was glad he volunteered. Not fighting in the Battle of Molag Mar she knew was disappointing to him, and she didn't want him to resent her for holding him back.
S'reddit
The dessert was the perfect ending to the meal. It was sweet and warm, but light. Zael again expressed his gratitude to the hostess for not serving a heavy, cloying dessert after the meal, in deference to his sensitive stomach.
With a smile, he bade goodnight to the other guests.
"I rise early to go back to Mournhold," he said. "You can either come with me, or I'll meet you there very soon."
S'reddit
"I hope it's a bloody bore," Zael replied, with a laugh. "The interesting ones are always trouble. Goodnight."
With a bow to the lady, the Dres noble retired for the evening.
S'reddit
"It can be a nest of vipers," said Kethiah. "Be careful. That goes for everyone. And don't forget, whatever your feelings for Helseth, he stands on ceremony. Challenge him at your own peril."
S'reddit
"I know this probably goes without saying," Kethiah smiled a little. "But you won't tell him that you think he did the wrong thing to Falco, will you?"
S'reddit
"Just make sure everyone knows to be on their best behavior," Kethiah replied. "And that includes no whipering in his presence, which I know some people are fond of doing. Not only is it rude, but it is dangerous to do that in front of a King who is, depending on your perspective, paranoid or justifiably careful ... As for what the meeting is about, best be prepared for anything."
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
Very early the next morning, while the sun was just beginning to rise over the sea, the royal barges were readied for the voyage to Mournhold.
Dres Zael rose as early as he could, which wasn't too early, and began to make his way from the castle to the docks. It would be a long trip to Mournhold, and it was best to get an early start of it.
S'reddit
Kethiah, Kallen, and a number of other regular castle folk were on the docks to see them off.
"I'll check in with you regularly with the mirror," said Kallen. "Be careful."
The ship's sails were raised.
OOC: If you're planning on being on this ship, but you're not online, we'll assume you make it before it takes off.
S'reddit
Dres Nimrirgael Zael shivered and held his stomach as the ship lurched over the waves. It was actually a mild sea, but the noble was turning green over his ashen skin nevertheless.
"Have you ever thought about silt strider service to Mournhold?" he gasped to Loranna. "Just a thought ..."
S'reddit
Mournhold
The gray lady was bathed in the lights of dawn. It had taken a full day to go from Ald Raathim to Mournhold, and the new day was just beginning.
On the docks, it was much like Ald Raathim on a grand scale. Instead of a few dozen fishermen readying themselves for the day, it was a few hundred. Instead of one large tavern off the docks, there were ten.
A group of figures were standing at the wharf as the ships arrived. Their gray cloaks of House Dres were immediately apparent. Then Loranna recognized Dres Minsero, looking much older and more tired than she had remembered him, though admittedly it was early for anyone to be awake.
He raised a hand in greeting as the ship came into port.
S'reddit
Minsero's red eyes opened at the sight of all the others Loranna had brought with her. "Did you bring the entire population of Ald Raathim? B'Vek, Dres Loranna ... It is good to see you too. I am sorry I haven't seen you in Kragenmoor, well, except recently. Your house there is, I think, occupied by the Indoril."
S'reddit
"I would presume so," Minsero nodded gruffly. "Certainly, none of mine survived. Well, let us go up to the palace and get you settled."
The wide but dark streets of the city were beginning to fill with merchants and traders as the group made their way to the palace of Mournhold.
S'reddit
The dark facade of Castle Mournhold is made less oppressive by the sight of Dres Vendama, now Queen Dinara, and her guards stepping out of the gates. She runs to embrace Loranna.
"I heard you were coming today, but I didn't think it would be so early," she laughs, her hands in her hair which is indeed a tangle, though she looks as beautiful as ever. "It will have to be an informal greeting to court, I'm afraid. Helseth is up, of course, and up to something or another. Come, let me show you your rooms."
S'reddit
"Just be sure to tell my husband and mother-in-law that I was perfectly coiffed and regal when I met you," Dinara giggled, taking Loranna's hand, and leading the group into the castle.
The enormous hallways lead through salons and gathering rooms, map rooms and halls of artwork -- statues and tapestries depicting the history of the Dunmer from the exodus of Veloth to the rise of the Empire. Servants and soldiers went about their business, dropping to bows and curtesies at the sight of their Queen.
Dinara led the group to the north wing, where each person had his or her own room. They were huge, beautifully decorated rooms with the most comfortable beds anyone had been on, and wide balconies with views over the Inner Sea.
"I hope these will suit you," the Queen smiled.
S'reddit
"It's already begun," Dinara replied. "There were meetings all yesterday, but there are plenty of people who will be arriving today, and quite a few still tomorrow. I imagine the King will tell you when your presence is needed."
She motioned to some servants down the hall to come closer. "In the meantime, if you need anything, these fine ladies will take care of you. There's a dining room in this wing if you want your privacy, or there's the main dining room we passed on the way through. I know this is all business, but you should have some comfort as well. Anything you want."
"And Shaka," Dinara added. "I barely recognized you. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
S'reddit
"B'Vek, that would be refreshing," Dinara laughed. "What's on your mind? Or should we go somewhere more private to talk?"
S'reddit
"That's why I didn't recognize you at first," Dinara smiled. "You look ... well, there's an extra sparkle to your scales. You look happy. I'm glad."
S'reddit
"Of course," the Queen nodded, turning to the others. "Please, go to the dining rooms if you're hungry. Our cooks aren't as grand as you have in Ald Raathim, but they try awfully hard, and it would make them so happy if you pretended to like their food --"
OOC -- The food in Castle Mournhold is excellent.
"And if you're bored and need to work off some post-travel energy, there are trainers down in the courtyards."
OOC -- The trainers are excellent, and one fighter, a handsome, middle-aged Imperial is a great sparrer.
"Now, go on with the gossip," Dinara grinned to Loranna.
S'reddit
And so they do. Within reason for the Queen of Morrowind and her vassel, the Lady of Ald Raathim.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
Tienius Delitian, the King's chief of security, and his men arrived to tell Loranna that her presence was requested. He looked at her entourage, and one could almost hear his mind working as he looked at everyone with a friendly but appraising eye.
Sheogorath
Loranna and her companions were brought to the map room they had passed earlier -- a two-level room featuring a large map of Morrowind on the wall in beautiful mosaics.
The King, his advisors, and a group of about twenty other nobles were present. The meeting seemed to be informal: almost more of a party than a meeting, which everyone split into small groups, chatting.
Tienius brought Loranna to the King directly.
"Your Highness, the Lady of Ald Raathim, Dres Loranna Pyrel," the Imperial said.
"Good to see you again," said Helseth mildly, turning from the conversation he had been having. He didn't offer a smile, but neither did he frown.
Sheogorath
"Tolerably well," the King nodded. "I appreciate you making haste to join me. There are many things that need to be discussed ... How is it in Ald Raathim right now? Your planting season proceeding without trouble? Any trouble after that business with the lost regiment?"
S'reddit
"Only as usual?" Helseth frowned a little. "I understood your economy was flourishing with all the new trade."
Sheogorath
"Excellent," Helseth smiled, and it seemed genuine. His voice lowered slightly as he added. "Do not be modest about Ald Raathim's success. It does neither of us a favor among this group to imply anything but an economic boom. And you might underplay the gold my mother gave you, and the changing of the trade routes when describing it ..." In his normal voice, he added. "We will need to erect a fortress for the royal and Imperial armies near you, but we can discuss the proper location later."
Sheogorath
"You've probably already heard about the tax increase," Helseth said. "It will be temporary though. Six months to a year, unless the war drags on much longer. Sorry about it, but it's the cost of security."
Sheogorath
"My agents say contact has been made between your agent and Moonstone, but I haven't received any reports yet. I believe they were leaving Vivec, and heading for Ghostgate for some ritual or another," Helseth frowned. "Troubling. I will look into it tonight, and let you know anything I find out."
The King's security minister signaled him to bring another newly arrived noble over.
"Any other concerns?" the King asked Loranna. "Problems you've been having that I should be made aware of?"
Sheogorath
"That is -- cheerful news," Helseth replied, with a half-smile, somewhat distracted as he looked at Shaka. His eyes showed recognition. "Excuse me. We'll begin a formal meeting in the throne room in a few minutes. I just have someone I need to talk to."
Looking to Shaka once more, Helseth moved on to talk to the Telvanni sorceror who was being escorted to him.
Sheogorath
She did not have to wait long. In a few minutes, Tienius Delitian walked across the floor at his touch the mosaic of Morrowind rose up. On the other side was the cavernous throne room. Comfortable chairs and desks had been placed in a circle around the throne, with the flags of fifteen different territories.
"Please take your seats," the security minister said to the group.
Ald Raathim's flag was just right of center, in front of the throne.
Sheogorath
The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold
"Please close and bar the doors," Helseth said to his guards as he took his seat on his throne, prompting an uncomfortable murmur from those assembled.
OOC -- If you're not online and want to say you're present at this meeting, that's fine, but no one will be permitted into the throne room once the doors are closed.
"This is not a meeting of all my allies," Helseth began. "Only those most important for various reasons at this juncture. As you know, I am not a slave of tradition. I respect it when it has a purpose beyond itself. When I saw that the struggle of the Houses was hurting the overall integrity of the kingdom, I sought to change that. There is another tradition of Morrowind which perhaps served its purpose in the past, but is now doing more harm than good. It is right, strategically and morally, to discuss it now. So there is no doubt: I am not interested in a debate. My mind is made up on this matter. It is only up to discussion how to best proceed forward."
The crowd looked to one another, trying to understand what the King was talking about.
"The topic for discussion is how we shall implement the abolition of slavery in Morrowind," Helseth said, looking to his allies, with fierce, purposeful eyes.
Sheogorath
The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold
"Your Majesty," a tall, aristocratic elderly Dres noblewoman stood up, trembling with emotion. "Please reconsider. Our lands have already been torn asunder by this war. To crush now what is our economic system will annihiliate us."
"It would if you were not forewarned," Helseth acknowledged. "There is no better time to do it than now. You will need to rebuild yourself anyhow. And the Indoril who are holding your land, and using your slaves will be the ones faced with a sudden rebellion on their hands, while you, who have been forewarned, will prepare for such an eventuality."
There were still many murmurs in the audience. Hardly anyone seemed happy by this.
"I direct your attention to the example of Ald Raathim," the King said, gesturing towards Loranna and her group. "In the days of Raithmat, it was a backwoods region no one had ever heard of. Now that slavery has been abolished, it has steadily grown in significance, becoming one of the glittering jewels in the kingdom."
Sheogorath
The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold
"Death to the tyrant!" cried one of the old knights of House Dres, whose region's flag was next to that of Dres Minsero.
The knight launched a fireball at the King before anyone could react.
The fireball shimmered as it touched Helseth, and then was redirected, back to the knight. The old Dunmer screamed as the blast swept over him.
Helseth didn't have to call for his guards. They were on the assassin in no time.
"We will continue this meeting later today," said the King, frowning. "No one will be permitted to leave the castle until this matter has been resolved."
With that, the doors were opened.
Sheogorath
Summary
Helseth, King of Morrowind, has just revealed to a group of fifteen of his allies his interest in abolishing slavery in Morrowind. He pointed to Ald Raathim as an example of a community that has thrived since outlawing slavery. Then he survived an attack on his by an assassin, furious at this plan.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfell, trying to find the identity of the false Tribunal. As Helseth revealed to Loranna, he has left Vivec and is heading, with Moonstone, to the Ghostgate.
Kethiah is in Ald Raathim, at the Nymph and Noggin. She's going to cut Ingmar off pretty soon.
Sheogorath
Kethiah wouldn't have minded it if he were doing it at the Noggin, but she knew how to handle drunkeness at the Nymph.
"Ingmar," she scowled, grabbing his arms behind him, she pulled him off his stool and tossed him into the street. "Go get a room at the Drunken Guar or the Bloody Sandal. Don't come back here until you're sober."
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold, North Wing
Three of the nobles they had seen in the throne room, two middle-aged Dunmer of House Dres and one young Dunmer female of House Hlaluu, approached. They seemed shaken.
"Greetings to you," they bowed.
Sheogorath
Kethiah sighed. "I'm sorry, your uncle had too much to drink and was causing a scene."
Sheogorath
"Of course," Kethiah smiled. "A friend from school?"
She knew most of the kids from the self-defense classes she had been teaching.
Sheogorath
"Oh," Kethiah looked at Tilitalia. "What's his name?"
Sheogorath
"Wonderful," Kethiah grinned, narrowing her eyes a little. "And how old is he?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah took Tilitalia's hand. Delicate situation, she told herself. Obviously Tilitalia liked him -- but how much did he like her? She seemed so young for this, but in truth, Kethiah had only been a little bit older when she had been with a boy. Tilitalia was already embarrassed, and so Kethiah was gentle.
"We'd love to meet him," she smiled. "You've been spending a lot of time with him?"
Sheogorath
"Is he fighting again soon?" Kethiah asked. "I'd like to go watch him."
Sheogorath
The Dunmer introduced themselves as Lord Fedavos, Lord Relam, and Lady Mirille.
"I am sure you will tell all how you freed the slaves and avoided massacre," the female, who was small and pretty in a serious sort of way. "But we are still nervous about it. My father was killed by a slave revolt a year and a half ago."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I haven't been to an arena fight in a long time," Kethiah smiled. "Let me just tell the barmaids and stewards to hold things together while we're gone, and we'll go together."
It was a beautiful, clear evening for a fight.
Sheogorath
"So you had no similar experience?" asked Lord Relam. "Forgive my ignorance, but my land lies to the far south-east, and I know little about Ald Raathim ... Are your harvests still tended by the former slaves? Was there really no violence at all? How did you prepare for it?"
"I believe," Lady Mirille said. "You inherited the land after the slaves had already been freed? Or did I hear that incorrectly?"
Sheogorath
"I am sorry you lost your family," Lady Mirille said, eyes flashing. "I truly am. But if you think that makes you qualified to dismiss me and my loss, my father who was the kindest, gentlest man I ever knew, you are sorely mistaken. I would never presume to judge your level of grief, so please do me the courtesy of not assuming you know me and mine."
Sheogorath
"That does make sense," Lord Relam nodded. "I'm afraid we are still reeling from the shock of this announcement. We will do as our King asks of us, but ... it will be very difficult ..."
Sheogorath
Lady Mirille nodded. "Like I said, I understand why you hate me without even knowing me. It's actually exactly what I fear. It's one thing to die for what you've done, quite another to die for what you represent. But, like I said, I am sorry for your loss."
The group made its way down to the throne room again. There was much murmuring between the different groups, waiting for Helseth to rejoin them.
Sheogorath
The Arena, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed hard, from the ridiculousness of the compliment. "Not a bad fight at all, no," she said. "You were obviously playing to the crowd, but I'd watch out for some of that fancy footwork. You looked like you almost fell twice, and if you lost your balance around a fighter like that, you'd be in trouble."
Kethiah knew a thing or two about fighting.
Sheogorath
The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold
Noticeable was the absence of the entire group of representatives who had included the attempted assassin. They were apparently all under arrest now, according to the whispers.
Helseth walked quietly into the room, and the doors were shut and barred behind him.
The room turned quiet as he took to his throne.
"My Lords and Ladies," the King said. "I feel the need to repeat myself. Slavery will be outlawed in Morrowind by my order. The Indoril to the south, and the Redoran and Indoril in Vvardenfell will suddenly find themselves with rebellious slaves on their hands, while we will have prepared for it. We will join the civilized, free world of the Empire. You cannot dissuade me from this, and my patience is thin for those of you who try."
He was evidently speaking directly to some people in the room, as his eyes went around the room.
"Let us talk now about the risks and how to eliminate them," Helseth said, looking to Loranna's group.
Sheogorath
The Arena, Ald Raathim
"Yes," Kethiah smiled, looking to Tilitalia and then back to Fadril. "I've just been so busy. But it was worth it. Sorry if if I sounded too critical, it was a good bout. Would you like to spar sometime?"
Sheogorath
"I have over a thousand slaves," remarked one sour-faced Dres nobleman. "How am I supposed to determine which ones are hard working and which ones aren't? They all act like they're hard-working ..."
"It's not only us they're going to seek revenge on," said a Hlaalu nobewoman. "They're going to go after anyone who punished them, or sold them, or any member of their family ... Thousands of years worth of grievances ... I'm not even saying they're not justified, but are we now to stand trial for what we did to them when slavery was legal?"
Sheogorath
"When's your next bout?" Kethiah asked, smiling. "I don't want to tire you too much before it ..."
Sheogorath
"We will establish communities, like Freetown, so all slaves who wish to leave their old homes," said the King. "Lord and ladies, please remember that though I expect them to be delighted, the former slaves will be just as bewildered by this change in policy as many of you are now. They will not know what to do, where to go, how to earn a living. You should give them three choices: stay with you to work on your plantation as a freeman, go elsewhere if they know where they want to go, or go to one of these communities, which will be well policed and occupied by former slaves to teach them trades, and give them direction."
Sheogorath
"The army is an excellent choice," the King nodded. "Not only yours, but opportunities in the royal and Imperial armies will be given to the freed slaves. For some, the sudden freedom will be frightening, and it will be good to be in an organization that encourages discipline and order."
Sheogorath
"It's just sparring, nothing more than exercise which is good for the baby," Kethiah replied, smiling. "Of course, if you'd rather I didn't, I won't. Just thought it'd be nice to get to know him better ... You do like him a lot, don't you?"
Sheogorath
"Your Majesty," said Dres Minsero, clearing his throat. "When will this abolition go into effect?"
"Forty-eight hours from the end of this summit, I will make the announcement," Helseth said. "None of you are to talk about it outside of here, except to your most trusted people. If House Redoran and Indoril hear of it, it may ruin the economic devastation and riots I expect.
"I will expect every one here to use that time to set up whatever precautions and organizations to handle the transition that we decide on here during those forty-eight hours. That includes not only the system for what to do with slaves who don't know what to do with their freedom, but means for you and yours to escape in the possible case of a violent revolt. It includes researching which slaves might be put in organizational and managerial positions on your estate. It includes investigating cases of abuse, and prosecuting any in your employ who have treated the slaves cruelly."
"If you take the initiative and go after those that the slaves would have revenge on, then they will more quickly be productive and not violent members of the community."
Sheogorath
The nobles seemed to be taking the emancipation of Morrowind as the equivalent of a promised natural disaster. There was nothing they could do to stop it, only be prepared when it happened.
Chief among the things discussed was the question of finances, and it became a fairly technical discussion. The different economic advisors proposed different systems, as the King both wanted to upend their traditional model and raise the taxes simultaneously. In one sense, it was a tedious discussion, in another, it was a revolutionary one. It is one thing, after all, to end slavery. It is another to survive that change. There could be no doubt about it, though, the Redoran and Indoril, having no time to adjust their economies, would be hard hit by this change. Helseth had planned that well.
Sheogorath
"Do you know how he feels about you?" Kethiah asked.
Sheogorath
"He might be thinking what I know you know I'm thinking," Kethiah smiled, touching Tilitalia's chin to bring her around so she could look at her eyes. "That he's too old for you."
Sheogorath
"Don't be upset, honey, I'm just stating the obvious," Kethiah said sympathetically. "What have you been telling him? He said that you must have 'finally' talked me into coming to the fights ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah went to talk the boy. It wouldn't be difficult to gauge his feelings for Tilitalia. 16-year-old boys were simple.
Sheogorath
Castle Mournhold
As plans were hatched, the doors to the throne room were opened up, so that people could meet individually to talk (and commiserate).
Helseth had a large group of people around him, filled with suggestions and entreaties.
Another group was speaking with his cousin, Hlaluu Llethan Barreth.
Sheogorath
At Loranna's approach, Barreth and his group (which included Minsero and the elderly Dres noblewoman who first voiced an objection to the King's plans) stop speaking, and look at her with polite distrust.
"Greeting Dres Loranna of Ald Raathim," Hlaluu Llethan Barreth smiled. "Your sun it seems continues to rise."
Sheogorath
Ursaina, a Nord woman, big and beefy with wild red hair, one of Dram's top guards, stepped over to the cell. She smiled at the prisoner.
"Good morning, serjo, how are you feeling today?"
Sheogorath
"Only because your fine has been paid," she said. "Step up to the bars."
Sheogorath
"Indeed," Barreth replied. "The sun shines brightest after the storm. Was there something you needed, Sera Loranna?"
Minsero looked at her. "I would like to have a word with you, if you have a moment."
Sheogorath
Ursuaina's hands glowed blue, and she passed a healing spell over Ingmar. "The proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin. She also paid for me to fix you up, when I told her you were roughed up a bit."
The guard heaved open the heavy iron doors.
Kethiah was standing outside in the sunlight.
Sheogorath
"You don't owe me a thing, we're even now," Kethiah said quietly. "I hurt you, and now you've hurt me. Now, go away, like you promised to."
With that, she began walking back towards the docks.
Sheogorath
"I tell you what, you keep thinking that," Kethiah whirled around, glaring at him with her red and violet eyes. "You're the victim here. The only one who feels pain. But I guarantee this: if you ever come into my tavern again, and scream obscenities at me that my stepdaughter overhears, you won't be the one hurting yourself."
Sheogorath
Minsero took her aside, and they walked into a drawing room where they would not be overheard. "It's been a strange year, and a stranger couple of days. I look around me, and nothing is the same."
"What would you do if you were me?"
Sheogorath
"You said before that this situation must be difficult for me," Kethiah shook her head, tears in her eyes. "I cared for you most then. But the truth is that you may love me, but you don't think about anyone but yourself. I offer you a job you throw back, I bail you out of jail, and still I'm the bad person in all this. That's fine. I can take being the bad person, I've been one all my life. So, go on with your life, and think of me as the emotionless, evil [censored] who never sympathized with you or did enough for you, who preferred to run two taverns, the excise business for a growing town, and to love a man worth ten of you and his family, rather than you."
Sheogorath
"Not at all," Minsero nodded seriously. "Those were my thoughts precisely. Change or perish. The Dres council is behind the King. You will have no trouble with your claims ..."
Sheogorath
"I don't wish you ill. Like I said before, we're even now," Kethiah replied quietly, and walked back to the docklands and the tavern.
Sheogorath
"No reason to, you'll be fine," Minsero replied. "Stick with Helseth, not Barreth. The King is the future."
He escorted her back towards the main room.
Sheogorath
Loranna could see that Barenziah and Dinara had entered the room from a side conference room. They were with a very tall, thin Altmer lad in the robes that befitted someone of the Mages Guild. Dres Minsero went over to talk to them, and she could tell from the Altmer's expression that they knew each other, and he was somewhat nervous to see Minsero.
Sheogorath
Minsero, Barenziah, Dinara, and the Altmer mage came over to Loranna's group, giving their greetings. Barenziah and Dinara both looked beautiful, in informal gowns of blue and green respectively. It appeared obvious seeing them side by side how much Dinara emulated Barenziah in her style.
The Altmer bowed to Loranna and the others. "Magister Zadion, at your service."
Sheogorath
"I hope so, my lady," Zadion replied, smiling. "I've just asked to be made a master at the Mages Guild in Ald Raathim, and being told you were here, I asked to be introduced to you."
Sheogorath
"Destruction and Restoration, with Alteration a close second," Zadion replied. "Do you have an interest in magery as well? How delightful. Most nobles don't have the patience for that."
Minsero rolled his eyes.
Sheogorath
"Have I worked here? No," Magister Zadion replied. "I was born here, but I've worked in the Imperial Province and Summurset Isle ..."
"The Mages Guild has already approved of his transfer," said Minsero.
"But it's traditional for the new Magister to introduce himself to the resident noble," Barenziah looked at him with a half smile. "I don't think Loranna is objecting to the position at all. Merely making conversation."
"I think we will get along just fine," grinned Zadion.
Sheogorath
"Not at all," Zadion replied, with a grin.
"We thought it would be a good match as well," Barenziah nodded. "He's a practical wizard, and a good fellow to have in a war. Not that Ald Raathim is in the center of it, but it's good to be cautious."
"What did you think of the news Helseth gave?" Dinara smiled at Loranna. "I wish I could have told you, or at least seen your face when you heard. Isn't it wonderful?"
Sheogorath
Dinara laughed. "Damn it, you're being practical now instead of celebratory. Yes, I suppose it is a lot of work."
"I'll see you in Ald Raathim in a few days," Zadion smiled.
Sheogorath
"Oh, I know, I wish I could have told you for that reason alone," Dinara snickered. "Damn these surprise plots!"
"I'm glad to hear Thianas is still cooking well," Minsero said. He wasn't smiling with the rest of the group, but that wasn't really his way.
Sheogorath
"Very good, I hope their creations give you delight for years to come," Minsero nodded. "Excuse me."
Minsero disappeared into the crowd, which was, indeed, beginning to disperse. The business here was done, and there was plenty to do for each back home.
Sheogorath
"I can't think of a thing, but we'll be in touch," Barenziah said.
"We'll have to celebrate sometime after the announcement is made," Dinara grinned.
Sheogorath
Barenziah ignored the whispering, but Dinara looked at Isidor and Shaka, still smiling but with an eyebrow raised.
Sheogorath
"You are, of course, welcome back at any time," Dinara smiled. "And my apologies as well. Staring is much ruder than whispering."
"We should see to our other guests," Barenziah said, taking her daughter-in-law's arm. "Few are as pleased with this turn than the good people of Ald Raathim."
Sheogorath
Dres Nimrirgael Zael, looking frustrated and worried, joined the group. "I can give you a ride back to Ald Raathim, but we'd have to leave now ... I have a lot to do in 48 hours, and, particularly if I'm bring you back, over 24 hours of that will taken with travel ... I'm happy to do it, of course, but you might find the Guild Guide at the Mages Guild a faster means of transportation."
Sheogorath
Zael looked at Anya. "So, you don't want a ride back, I take it?"
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, we have not heard from in a long time, but he is still undercover in Vvardenfell, gathering information about the false Tribunal.
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern, no doubt greeting Isidor on his return from Mournhold. She has met with Loranna already and gotten the information on the meeting that took place there.
Sheogorath
"Your brother got drunk here, I threw him out, he went on to the Guar, got into a fight, got thrown in jail, and I bailed him out. I don't know where he is now," Kethiah said, and then with more of a smile, she added. "And I met a boy Tilitalia wants to bring over for dinner. Our little girl has a crush."
Sheogorath
"Okay, don't get excited," Kethiah put her arms around Isidor. "I just told you I met him. As soon as Tilitalia said she wanted to bring him around for dinner, of course I wanted to meet him. His name is Fadril, and here's the bad news: he's sixteen years old. He's a fighter in the Arena. Very nice boy, very cute, bit of a show off. I'm sure Til's not the first girl to have a crush on him. But he's very respectful, and hasn't laid a finger on her, and has no intentions to do that. But she really likes him, and I can understand why."
Sheogorath
"He caused a ruckus here, singing rude songs, and when I kicked him out, he yelled obscene things about me loud enough that Tilitalia overheard them," Kethiah shook her head. "I pretty much raked him over the coals about that, and he feels terrible about his behavior. It's just ... sad. He's still in love with me, Vehk knows why, and he's suffering. I feel bad about it, but I just can't tolerate it."
Sheogorath
"Like I said, don't be too rough on him," Kethiah smiled sadly. "I really let him have it after I bailed him out of jail. No one's at fault ... And I missed you too. After the meeting in Mournhold, what do you think about diplomacy? Is it the career for you?"
Sheogorath
"He doesn't have to, being a King," Kethiah replied. "He's about the only one there who can say what he really thinks with impunity."
Sheogorath
"Interesting question," Kethiah said thoughtfully. "Only a fool would underestimate Helseth. He thinks things through and gets his way most of the time, if not all. The question I guess is what effect the King wants, what he's said he wants and what he really wants. I don't know about the short term of causing slave revolts in the Indoril and Redoran occupied lands, and economic chaos ... That sounds likely, but will it be enough to end the war? The long term effects are going to be most interesting ... It may very well be the salvo that decimates the House system and the traditional powers of Morrowind."
Sheogorath
"Very true," Kethiah nodded. "No one doubts that Helseth is strong and ruthless, but this act will make many people think he is good as well ... Even if it was largely for strategic rather than altruistic reasons ... How did everyone else react?"
Sheogorath
"Ending slavery might make it all worth it," Kethiah smiled, kissing Isidor. "You know, the boy you wanted to meet, Fadril, is fighting down at the arena now, if you wanted to meet him ..."
Sheogorath
"Sure, but we better hurry," Kethiah said, grabbing his hand. "I think we're already late for it."
Sheogorath
Kethiah frowned, kissing Isidor's cut and bruise. "I'm sorry, love. You really tried to talk sense to him, didn't you?"
Sheogorath
"Turn him in for what?" Kethiah asked. "I think the best thing is just to let him figure out things for himself. Let time heal things. I am sorry, though. You didn't know you had a brother before, and now you have to let him go."
Sheogorath
Kethiah put her arm around him. There wasn't anything more to be said that hadn't been.
"The fight's starting again," she said softly.
Sheogorath
Kethiah saw Shaka in the stands, and motioned to him to come join them.
Sheogorath
"I didn't recognize her," said Kethiah. "Truth is, I don't know her very well. But the boy she's fighting is a friend of Tilitalia's, so our loyalties are mixed ..." She winked, and then, more seriously asked, in a hushed tone as the subject was not to be discussed openly. "How are you? Isidor says that you and Anya didn't take the news of the slaves being freed as necessarily a good thing?"
Sheogorath
"That's good to hear that our Lady represented us well. Diplomacy is a tricky business, for certes," Kethiah smiled. "As for it being short notice -- there is never an easy way to upend thousands of years of tradition. I don't blame you for being uneasy about it, but it's certainly better than keeping the old ways of slavery, yes?"
Sheogorath
"Possibly some slaveowners are tired of it -- obviously, there are people like Jazbet and Vendama and her brother who tried to stop it locally ... but I suspect that the nobles in general weren't pleased with this change, even if they were sympathetic to the plight of the slaves. It gives Helseth a lot of power," Kethiah said. "Which is, of course, why he did it."
She smiled. "Sorry, serious talk at an enjoyable game. I'll be quiet now."
Sheogorath
"Yes," Kethiah frowned, looking to Isidor for a moment. "Romantic complications seem to be epidemic in Ald Raathim."
S'reddit
Morrowind
The Nymph and Noggin was filled with merchants, traders, sailors, soldiers, all giving different accounts of what was going on in Morrowind after the King's announcement. When Kethiah had verified accounts with one than one reliable source, she put accurate information on the bulletin board outside the tavern to try to keep rumor and misinformation to a minimum.
Among the announcements:
The reports of rioting in Mournhold are baseless.
The reports of rioting in the Indoril-controlled city of Tear are accurate. The freed slaves have taken the docklands, and stolen most of the ships.
The Dren Plantation in Vvardenfell was the scene of another riot, with many deaths on both sides.
The reports of a riot in Indoril-controlled Kragenmoor is inaccurate, though all slaves within have been arrested and many have been killed.
Reports of rioting in Narsis have been unsubstantiated.
The rioting in Bodrom Mora has been overstated. The slaves in the Indoril-controlled region have escaped north with relatively little loss of life.
Riots in Vivec were indeed quelled by a group that calls themselves Vivec, Sotha Sil, and Almalexia, however the Temple calls those Redoran and Indoril allies "imposters."
The reports of riots in the Dres-territories to the south are inaccurate. Former slaves are being relocated and organized according to their interests, with no troubles reported.
The reports of riots in the Hlaalu-territories to the east are inaccurate. As in the Dres territories, former slaves are leaving or staying as is their wont.
Five ships filled with slaves wanting to live in Ald Raathim arrived late that afternoon.
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
The scene in Ald Raathim was not quite a riot, but a joyous celebration the likes of which outshone even the Harvest Festival, for it was spontaneous.
The three taverns, the Nymph and Noggin, the Drunken Guar, and the Bloody Sandal were all filled to bursting with cheering people. The party spilled out into the streets, where musicians began playing, and everyone was dancing.
The temples of all types threw open their doors, giving blessings to the grateful faithful.
The new Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, Zadion, brought his mages up to the roof to treat one and all to a display of pyrotechnics that lit up the sky.
The newly arrived former slaves joined the celebration, and made it even bigger, more joyous, though there were plenty of tears too.
Sheogorath
Kethiah was busy receiving new intelligence and making sure everything was reasonably under control at the Nymph and Noggin. Several times people asked her to drink with them, but she smiled and shook her head. "I'll celebrate tomorrow when things are quieter."
Sheogorath
"Did he?" Kethiah said, brushing her dishelved hair out from her face. Even in the "down time," she was keeping her eye out on what was happening in the tavern. Some of the more exuberant bartenders had been pouring free drinks, which was fine in spirit, but could have easily drained the bar if they kept it up. She had corrected them, and apologized to the people who had come running in for more free drinks. "What does the note say?"
Sheogorath
"I wish him well, poor thing," Kethiah smiles, and kisses Isidor, before running over to help at the bar.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah pulled back the lock of hair that had fallen over her left eye, and looked at the young woman. The two eyes of different colors, one fiery red and one bright violet, took her in, and then she nodded. "I have a private office upstairs. Follow me."
It was a simple room, but very quiet.
"What's your name, and why did Ya'Tirrje think you should talk to me?"
(OOC -- I'm outta here for the night, and probably the weekend, so if this conversation can wait, cool, if not ... Um, we'll assume that Kethiah got called away for a tavern emergency and had to leave it with apologies.
Have fun all!)
S'reddit
Update
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfell. His tale will hopefully be continued soon.
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is in a private room upstairs at her tavern, meeting with a mysterious woman named Jane.
"Tell me, what do you have in mind?" Kethiah asked.
S'reddit
There was one question she hadn't answered yet, though.
"What do you hope to get from this?" Kethiah asked. "Obviously, I'll pay you for information, and you'll be paid by Indoril Faryon for the weaponry ... but why do you want to do this?"
S'reddit
"I trust you want him dead," Kethiah said carefully. That much seemed to be true. "I am not in the habit of hiring people who don't share with me their motivations ... I hope you don't mind that I'll be asking Goldcat about you. But, yes, go ahead and make contact with Faryon, and offer him your services as a weapons procurer. We'll see to it that he finds that helpful."
Kethiah and Loranna had already discussed means of cutting off the supplies to Kragenmoor, but no reason to discuss that with Jane yet -- at least not until she had proven herself trustworthy. There were plenty of double-agents around already.
S'reddit
"Thank you for your offer of help," Kethiah smiled. She left when Jane left, and walked up to the castle to talk to Loranna.
S'reddit
Kethiah, on her way to the castle, smiled at Telera and Shaka. A most neurotic threesome ...
S'reddit
Kethiah laughs. "If you want to know what I'm smiling about ..."
She begins singing a song from her childhood.
"It's Second Seed, lusty Second Seed
That lovely month when everyone wants what they don't need
Tra la, it's here, that shocking time of year
When tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear
Second Seed, For every mare and steed,
When every maiden prays that her lad will be a cad
You feel the greed, you feel the need to breed
Those dreary vows that everyone takes, everyone breaks
Everyone makes divine mistakes
That Lusty Second Seed
Whence this fragrance wafting through the air?
What sweet feelings does it's scent transmute?
Whence this perfume floating everywhere?
Don't you know, it's that dear forbidden fruit
It's the month of Second Seed
That darling month when everyone lets lust supercede
It's time to do a wretched thing or two
And try to make each precious day one you'll always rue
It's Second Seed, the month of "Yes, I concede"
The time for every frivolous whim, proper or im-
Our souls are freed, our lust do mislead
The birds and bees with all of their vast amorous past
Gaze at the human race aghast
The Lusty Second Seed!"
She laughed hard and without rancour.
"Don't think I'm making fun of you, my dears. I'm in love myself."
S'reddit
"I needn't remind you two of anything," Kethiah grinned, winking. "But this is the month where you're supposed to do things a little crazy ... It's supposed to be good for the harvest to go a little wild. But you two don't need that reminding ..."
S'reddit
"All right," Kethiah added, as she continued up to the castle. "Just remember: don't take it all so seriously. You're supposed to have fun from time to time. Shaka, if you've shown them the pleasure meridians east to west, let me know and I'll show you the ones north to south. Isidor swears by 43 by 177, and so do I ..."
S'reddit
"Something to come back for!" Kethiah called back over her shoulder, laughing, as she continued up the path with a wave. "Trust me, Telera, you ain't seen or felt nothing yet!"
S'reddit
Kethiah laughed to herself. The things I do for the war effort.
Coming to the castle, she didn't have to ask permission to go to Loranna's study and knock on the door.
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and secretly Loranna's Spymaster, has informed Loranna about Jane, who will be going undercover. She has returned to work at the tavern.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is currently undercover in Vvardenfell, and speaking of whom --
A young Imperial in the employ of King Helseth, Octovides, brought his report to Kratos.
"This is from one of our agents undercover in Vvardenfell who has been to Telasero," he said.
Telasero
The Redoran and Indoril have the shrine well-protected, and there are a number of powerful battlemages in their employ. Some of the walls have been sealed, and when I inquired about the reasons, I was told it had something to do with the former inhabitants of the shrine ... Which would be Sixth House adherents ... I investigated further, and could hear faint scratching sounds behind the walls ... It may be that some ash slaves survived to this day and are sealed within.
Agent G
Sheogorath
"Thanks, Diamond," Kethiah smiled. "And how is your newest painting coming along?"
Sheogorath
"Take your time, but know that I can't wait," Kethiah smiled. "By the way, there's another project I was talking to Loranna. What would you think about being commissioned to do a sculpture for the central town square of Jazbet?"
Sheogorath
"Loranna will be happy to hear that," Kethiah replied. "She wouldn't trust a memorial to her late husband to anyone else."
They discussed payment and costs a bit more before Kethiah went to check on the rest of the tavern.
Sheogorath
"You know me, I'm happiest when I'm occupied," Kethiah smiled. "Diamond told me you'd been dwelling on the situation with your brother ..."
Sheogorath
"Well, when you asked me to marry you and I said yes, I guess 'wedding' sounded like part of the plan," Kethiah laughed. "Unless you want to just have a little ceremony, get Loranna or one of the priests to bless us ..."
Sheogorath
"I've never been there, but it sounds lovely," Kethiah smiled. "Not a big party ... I feel we get just enough noise and festivity on the average night right here."
Sheogorath
Kethiah could be seen near the bar, smiling, in close, flirtatious conversation with Isidor ...
Sheogorath
"Why don't you just surprise me when the time's right?" Kethiah smiled. "Just pick me up and carry me to the garden. When I least expect it."
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn, Loranna's Room, Night
Moonlight came through the window sporadically as the curtains rustled in the warm spring air. Loranna's room in the tower was far above the fog that drifted into the town and farms, but still a soft, wet mist crept into the room.
For some time, Gthyon stood by the sleeping woman's bedside. She was truly beautiful. Her husband was evidently working well into the night, but he might return. It was important to act now.
He stepped into the shadows where he knew he would not be seen, except for his preternaturally bright eyes and whispered, "Loranna, Lady of Ald Raathim, Loranna ..." until she woke up ...
S'reddit
The bright eyes glistened in the dark corner. "Forgive this intrusion, Lady of Daruhn. My and your enemies can approach you away from the shadows, with candlelight on their faces, but I cannot ... I have come here to warn you of a great danger, and to seek your help."
S'reddit
Jazbet's ring did give her some view of her guest before he stepped out of the shadows revealing himself. His clothes were black and gray, befitting the shadows, but they were curiously dandyish, considering his face: finely wrought silk and lace, a shirt of great tailoring, a long jacket of a technique lost in modern times.
It was his face, though, that commanded attention. Beautiful black hair. A face like a melting candle. Eyes like fire. His teeth were white and very, very sharp.
"I am Gthyon of the Clan Aundae," he said. His voice was soft. "My nature and that of the threat is the Vampire."
S'reddit
Gthyon chuckled, and it was a pleasantly human sound from his inhuman mouth. "Balmora was ... No, in short, my people have no issue with yours about that unforunate incident ..."
His pallid, yellow-white face came closer. "You have nothing to fear from those of us who look like monsters to you ... The greatest danger facing your land is from creatures who look like you, beautiful to you even ... But are not you. What you consider worthy of revulsion is here to help you. I know you are a disciple of Dibella, and therefore my relative ugliness is suspicious to you, but the creatures of the west will take advantage of that. They will come to you in the loveliest of forms, soft skin, dark eyes, and they will destroy you unless you listen to me."
S'reddit
Gthyon grinned, and as the white-yellow flesh dripped over his open mouth, yes, he was as horrible as he thought he might be.
"Yes, the vampires of the west appear as humans do," he said, patiently waiting for the drip on his upper lips to be sucked into the soft tissue of his chin. "They have begun coming here at the time of the civil war, and finding good feasting in the escaped slaves, have begun with them ... You should know. The revolution that is happening among the mortals of Morrowind is reflected among the immortal as well ..."
S'reddit
"We watch you," Gthyon said, his own eyes narrowing slightly. "I know it is not what you want to hear, but you as a ruler of the land of men and mer know it already that you are being watched, always, by many ... And we do not believe yet that human-seeming vampires have to come to your court and land. But if they have already, we wanted to warn you against trusting them ... and if they haven't yet, you should know that they soon will ..."
There was a knock at the door.
"Milady?"
S'reddit
"They will come only at night," Gthyon said, and then, at the interruption, he sank into the floor and seeped into the walls, hissing. "And they will not abide holy places ... You have been warned ... I will come again."
As he vanished completely, a servant Kisses-With-A-Scratch -- a young Argonian female -- came into the room, bearing with her a letter.
"This just came," she said, handing Loranna the letter.
It was a declaration that Ald Raathim be considered a Duchy of Morrowind, with Loranna proclaimed as the Grand Duchess, by Dinara of Mournhold.
Shgeogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is undercover in Vvardenfell still. His story will shortly resurface.
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and (secretly) Loranna's Spymaster, is at work at the tavern, currently meeting with one of her many contacts.
Gthyon, vampire of Clan Aundae, has vanished into the night.
******************************************
Kethiah had her merchant contact send word to Kratos in Molag Mar. According to one of Helseth's agents in Vvardenfell ("Agent G"), there was a large army gathering outside of Vivec near the ruins called Ald Sotha.
Shgeogorath
Kethiah nods, and they go to the private room above the Nymph.
"I just sent word to Kratos in Molag Mar," she says. "Goranthir has reported to Helseth an increase in Redoran and Indoril presence in Ald Sotha ... What is your news?"
Shgeogorath
"Congratulations," Kethiah smiled, after reading the letter. "Seems to be part of Helseth's plan, to change over the traditional power structure of Morrowind, and reward those he considers loyal. As for the vampire," she lost her smile. "I don't have much experience in that world, though it would make sense for there to be revolutions in the shadows. The Aundae, Quarra, and Berne are part of the old ways, and times are changing. I'll keep my ears and eyes open."
Shgeogorath
"They do have a great advantage eastern vampires don't have," Kethiah nodded. "They can pass as a normal person. One can really become paranoid about vampire infestations if you're not careful."
Shgeogorath
"Emphasize that it is an honor for Ald Raathim, not you," Kethiah suggested with a smile. "That's what it is. The land is now a Duchy, and it just so happens you're in charge right now."
Shgeogorath
"One cannot simply come into the guild and demand to see the Magister," said the Breton woman in the Guild foyer. "If you'll tell me your name, and what you want to speak to Magister Zadion about, I can tell him --"
"Or we can save a little time," said Magister Zadion, stepping into the Guildhouse behind Reeds. He was a young Altmer, very tall and very thin, and he carried with him a bushel of weeds. He handed them to the woman. "These were choking up the mniver roots. Please burn them."
The woman looked to the Magister and then to Reeds, and left to do as she was told.
"Now then, sir," said Zadion. "What can I help you with?"
Shgeogorath
"Interesting, and this just started happening?" Zadion asked, and followed up the question with more about Reeds and the symptoms of his affliction, including his place of birth, the date of his birth. As he asked the questions, his long, nimble fingers created sigils in the air, rippling currents of magicka as his spells identified through restoration, alteration, mysticism, and the old school of thaumaturgy.
Shgeogorath
Zadion nodded, and motioned to a small box with a key in it on the mantle. It flew into his hands, and he removed the key.
"Try opening this," he said, an eyebrow raised.
Shgeogorath
"You are born of the Beggar's Nose in the shadow of the Tower," Zadion explained, as around them the room darkened and pinpricks of light seemed to form the tapestry of stars. "Why your gift has not manifested itself before now, I do not know, but if it had, you would have more control of it than you do ... I would not worry, though. In time you'll be able to detect enchantments and magicka by force of will, and the colors will not distract you any more ..."
He then presented Reeds with a bill. "Sorry, chap, but we have to keep the Guild's profits up."
Shgeogorath
"Yes," Kethiah replied. "I only just now got some interesting information about Narsis, and the situation with the slaves there ..."
She described to Loranna the information she had been given from a very reliable source.
Shgeogorath
"That they are," Kethiah grinned. "Helseth and Dinara must know about it too ... Something worth discussing with them when you agree to the new title ..."
Shgeogorath
Kethiah smiled, and led Loranna downstairs, where she poured the former barmaid, turned adventurer, turned Lady, turned Duchess, a mead. "On the house, your Grace," she said, and winked. "And you know I rarely say that."
Shgeogorath
"Here, here," Kethiah laughed, clinking Loranna's glass with one of her own. She rarely drank, but now seemed like a fine time to do so. At least one glass.
Shgeogorath
Kethiah took Isidor's hand, and brought him out to look at the notice. "We better prepare for more feasting and celebration," she laughed.
Shgeogorath
"No kidding," Kethiah winked. "We better make sure everything's nailed down."
Shgeogorath
Kethiah looked around to make sure no one else was in earshot. Of course, in the docklands of Ald Raathim there were always some folk nearby, so she lowered her voice: "Things may be heating up in Vvardenfell and down south in Narsis. Can't say for sure what any of it means, but some battles are undoubtedly to come."
Shgeogorath
"I want you to be safe," Kethiah said, touching his cheek softly. "But I fell in love with an adventurer ... it wouldn't be fair if I tried to hold you back. We'll talk about it when the time comes."
Shgeogorath
Crowds had already started to gather to discuss the news as they read the bulletin board. It was almost unbelievable that a tiny little hamlet, a backwater village no one but its neighbors had ever heard of, had become a Duchy, a Dukedom, in such a short time.
Music began in the garden behind the Nymph and Noggin as Kethiah organized the regular musicians to play Dunmer and Nordic tunes for both the posh, sophisticated crowd of the Nymph, and the rowdier, rougher regulars of the Noggin.
"Remember," she told the bartenders and barmaids seriously. "No free drinks, and keep your eye out for troublemakers."
Shgeogorath
"Wonderful," Kethiah smiled, and then, when they were out of earshot, whispered to Isidor. "When did we hire a lunatic? Best keep our eye on him too."
Shgeogorath
"Hazard of the profession, I guess," Kethiah giggled, and then got back to work, getting the place ready for the celebrating rowds that were beginning to fill both taverns.
Shgeogorath
Kethiah was out by the garden, making sure the revelers weren't trampling on her precious herbs. "How's the situation inside?" she asked with a weary smile.
Shgeogorath
Leaving the barmaid outside with orders to keep people away from the herb beds, Kethiah made her way inside. She took Isidor's hand, and gave her other to Reeds. "Kethiah. Pleased to meet you, serjo."
Shgeogorath
Kethiah nodded her head noncommitally, but Isidor, who knew her better, could tell she was interested. "Are you envisioning a general subject bookstore, or a rare book store, or a bookstore commited to one particular subject?"
Shgeogorath
Kethiah nodded again. Another good answer. "After your inventory is depleted, do you have contacts for more? Having stuff to sell now is good, but if you want to keep the shop going, you'll need to be able to restock pretty quickly ..."
Shgeogorath
Kethiah looked to Isidor. "Well, I think Ald Raathim needs a first class bookstore. The biggest issue I could see would be in getting new copies in. With the war, shipping becomes a real issue, and its good to have more than one supplier ... Maybe I could introduce you to a merchant or two I know who might be able to help. All importers come through the Nymph and Noggin to pay their excise taxes and negotiate sales, so if there's someone who can get us more books, they'd be here ..."
"How much gold would you need?" Kethiah asked.
Shgeogorath
"Isidor and I will have to discuss the finances, but I think it's a very good idea," Kethiah nodded. "I'll set you up with some meetings in the meantime. Let's keep this between us until a location has been found and we're about ready to open. The idea's too good, and we don't want someone else to open up the first real bookstore in Ald Raathim before hand ..."
Shgeogorath
"How was the investiture ceremony in Mournhold, your Grace?" Kethiah asked. "Short and sweet?"
Shgeogorath
Kethiah got the look and at the same time saw one of her favorite merchants, a fat but friendly Imperial who ran regular shipments between all along eastern and central Tamriel. She introduced Resartus to Reeds, and told them to discuss the matter.
She then excused herself to talk to the Grand Duchess.
Shgeogorath
"Something that might be useful," Kethiah said, nodding. "I've discovered someone I'm pretty certain is a double agent. We could spread to him misinformation that we're planning on attacking, say, Tear. Get the opposition to organize along the wrong front ..."
Shgeogorath
"Don't worry, no one you know," Kethiah replied. "An Argonian who seemed to have a lot of information, but too much of it was contradictory to what I had heard before ... So I checked up on him, and his connections to Moonstone and the New Church, and the Redoran and Indoril through them, sound pretty definite. I haven't done anything about it yet though ... I figured it's better to test out the waters, and see if we can't get some misinformation across before he's useless."
Shgeogorath
"Not yet, but we can think of one when we've made other plans," Kethiah grinned. "Let me wait 'til I hear back from Kragenmoor."
Shgeogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is undercover in Vvardenfell, passing information to Helseth and his allies, such as the set-up of Telareso and the suspicious activities in Ald Sotha.
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and (secretly) Loranna's Spymaster is at her tavern.
S'reddit
Ald'ruhn, Vvardenfell
The moons always look sanguine across the expanse of Red Mountain, but today they had an ochre cast. Masser is full and Secunda is waning, he thought. For some reason, he remembered his nurse's words. It is the night of the Senche.
In Elsweyr, a tiger is born.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, grandson of Queen Mother Barenziah and nephew and agent of Helseth, King of Morrowind, made his way through the dark streets. It had been a ruin, but all those rounded little doors to rounded little rooms had built themselves back up. The Manor "District" where he was bound for was much as it had been, though he had never seen it before.
Inside, he was to meet Moonstone. And Almalexia was to be there too.
If they had suspected he was a spy, this would be the end for him. Goranthir was glad he had sent word already back to Helseth (and from Helseth, no doubt it would go to the Muatramer in Molag Mar, and Loranna in Ald Raathim) about the fortifications in Pelagiad and Khuul. And the horrible developments in Ald Sotha ...
With a deep breath, he stepped into the massive hole that was the new Manor District of Ald'ruhn.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"That's on the house," Kethiah said quietly, making sure no one else heard it, before Shaka had paid. Turning to the Argonian, she said. "I hear you've been in battle."
S'reddit
"I'm holding up well," Kethiah said, touching her belly slightly. "Last I saw you, I was singing you off to battle, advising you to have some fun during Second Seed. I hope you did, in addition to battle ..."
S'reddit
"The unexpected is sometimes delightful as you know," Kethiah smiled, and giving Shaka a wink, went back to her guests.
Shgeogorath
Ald'ruhn, The Manor District
Goranthir was led into the platform at the center of the District, and then the Hands left him, their footsteps echoing into the shadows as they disappeared.
For a moment, all was still.
"Faithful Disciple," the voice called out, and Moonstone, high priest of the True Church of the Tribunal, stepped out of one of the alcoves. He was clad, as always in rags. His face was old, ugly, and arresting, particularly his eyes which seemed to pierce through the very soul.
"Revered Father," Goranthir said, dropping to his knees.
"I have told Ayem about you, your true piety, and She is interested in meeting you and giving you Her Blessing," Moonstone said.
Goranthir felt a shiver. This is what he had gone undercover for so long ago. He was to finally meet the Imposter Almalexia. He had finally earned the trust. He knew his face showed fear and anticipation, which he didn't try to hide. Those would be appropriate emotions if he really was a faithful disciple, after all.
Shgeogorath
Manor District, Ald'Ruhn
Goranthir could feel his breath was shallow: every intake was sweet perfume, and he didn't dare let himself be seduced. He looked on the face of the Goddess as he rose, for a Goddess she was to so many, and no wonder.
"I - I live to serve You," he said, unable to raise his voice above a whisper, as he stepped closer to Almalexia.
She was an Imposter. Allerleirauh had told him that. He believed it. But ... what if she were real? What if the real Almalexia, Living Goddess, were standing before him, about to bless him? What would happen? Would he survive it?
The question flickered in his mind, but above all was Awe and Desire.
He wanted her to touch him, more than anything.
Shgeogorath
"I have fooled everyone so far," Goranthir thought in his last coherent moment. "I can fool this fraud too."
Then cold darkness exploded within him, and he knew nothing more ...
Shgeogorath
Kethiah quietly took out the maps she had received from her agent in the south, showing troop formations in Narsis, and spread them out on the table.
Shgeogorath
Summary
We last saw Goranthir, undercover as a true believer, going in to meet the mysterious figure in Ald'ruhn who calls herself Almalexia. Whatever happened next ... wasn't good.
As for Kethiah, the ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, Loranna's tax and import/export agent, and (secretly) her Spymaster ...
Ald Raathim
The information was sketchy, but Kethiah hurried to the castle to tell Loranna what she had heard so far about the raids in Narsis.
Shgeogorath
"I'll go back to the Nymph and see if anyone has heard anything else," Kethiah nodded. "There're always a lot of false rumors floating around, so I'll wait until I hear some corroboration before letting you know ... There's another thing I thought you should know about. Helseth's lost one of his agents in Vvardenfell. Missing and presumed dead ... Someone you know. Goranthir."
Shgeogorath
Narsis
There was a slight growl from the trees beyond, but that was all the warning they got before the boughs exploded outward, and a dozen huge creatures moving fast through the darkness annihilated the archers.
The commander had a moment to scream, "Werewolf!" before his throat was torn out.
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"I heard a rumor about it this morning, but it was corroborated just before I came here," Kethiah nodded soberly. "I only know he was undercover, trying to gather what information he could about the false Tribunal in Vvardenfell. He had passed on some valuable information about Teleras and some suspicious activity in Ald Sotha, and he was somewhere to the west part of the island, perhaps near Ald'ruhn, but I'm not certain ... He missed his last meeting with his contact there, and now Moonstone's men in the New Church are saying that a heretic tried to infiltrate them, and was destroyed ..."
Shgeogorath
The werewolves as a pack, led by one particularly large one, galloped past the heroes of Ald Raathim and into the forest by the ships. The sound of battle could be heard ... Evidently, more reinforcements had appeared and were being met.
Shgeogorath
"I will find out all I can and let you know," Kethiah replied, and hurried off to the Nymph and Noggin to talk to her regular contacts there.
Shgeogorath
The scene in the tangled woods was pure chaos. Fangs and claws met Indoril guard, and blood splashed into the branches. The darkness was lit by spells of defense and offense, but the wolves knew the woods well, and seemed to vanish into the shadows before they were targeted.
Several of the guards attempted to flee into the less forested river bank, running headlong into Reichi.
Shgeogorath
The screams and sound of combat in the woods died down, and a black werewolf stepped out of the tangled vines, transforming into Rasar.
"Reichi," the young Dunmer with the serious eyes and the wolfish grin said. "Haven't seen you in a couple months. How have you been?"
He turned to the woods and yelled out, "It's safe!"
A hundred slaves emerged along the river banks.
"From the Tagghil Plantation to the east," he said. "I don't think there's enough room on your boats, but some of them want to go south to Blackmarsh ... Do any of yours? We can escort them."
Shgeogorath
Rasar called out to the slaves in the boats. "These ships will take you safely north, to Ald Raathim, or to one of the other royal forts where you will be protected! If you want to go south, back to Black Marsh, follow me and my wolves, but you best make up your mind quickly!"
"We're being amply compensated," Rasar nodded, with a wink, as slaves came off the ship to join the ones he and his pack freed. Some of those likewise swam for the ships.
Even with Rasar and his pack taking a good portion of the freed slaves, the ships would be packed.
Shgeogorath
Rasar's face was expressionless during Shaka's compliment, and then he added. "Good luck to you too. I expect there'll be some trouble up the river."
The former slaves who had wanted to go south gathered together on the riverbank. Rasar transformed into a werewolf, and together with his pack, led them off into the woods, looking quite a bit like sheepdog herding a flock.
Shgeogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Kallen went in search of his mistress, the Duchess. His ever cool demeanor did not suggest it was any great urgency, but when he found her, he whispered. "The Queen Mother wishes to speak to Your Grace in your office at your earliest convenience."
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
The Queen Mother's face appeared in the mirror. She looked more worried than Loranna had ever seen her, actually showing her ancient age. "Loranna, I need your help. Your spies may have already told you, but if they haven't: Goranthir has gone missing in Vvardenfell."
As Barenziah spoke, Kethiah entered the office and stood by, quietly.
"If I could, I would unleash all of Morrowind's armies to search for him, but if I react too strongly, they may learn he is more than a spy, that he is my grandson and a Prince of Firsthold," she said, her voice low. "He has a far better chance of being found and rescued if I only send a few of my best champions to quietly enter enemy territory to search. I beseech you, if you have any champions to spare, I will be in your debt."
S'reddit
"Very little, we are still gathering information," Barenziah replied seriously. "Something dire happened in Ald'ruhn, which is where he was last seen, but Goranthir was my only spy there. I have champions en route there, and your companions can use them and my spies in Balmora and Caldera."
Barenziah told Loranna the names and locations of the royal spies in western Vvardenfell, and the code phrases her champions could use to identify themselves to them.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Kallen nodded, and left to go to find Loranna's companions. The Nymph and Noggin would be his first stop.
"I have some possibly useful information," Kethiah said. "There are reports of very strange behavior from the wildlife in western Vvardenfell. Cliffracers flying into villages, attacking the people far from their aeries ... Kwama, guar, kagouti, even mudcrabs showing bizarre, hostile behavior from Ald'ruhn to Pelagiad ... The natives don't know what it is causing it, a daedra or a ghost of some kind they believe, but they have a name for it. Geth. Daedric for 'G.'"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"No, there's no strategic logic to it," Kethiah agreed. "If Goranthir is Geth, using his ability to communicate with animals to cause the wildlife to act this way, there's something wrong ..."
Sheogorath
"Yes, it would be best for Anya and any others who aren't Dunmer to stay out of sight if they're going to Vvardenfell," Kethiah nodded. "It's never been a friendly place for outlanders, and especially now with Moonstone and the New Church of the Tribunal running things. But you're right, interrogating the animals would be helpful if Goranthir is behind it."
Sheogorath
"You're going to have to use your skills for stealth as well," Kethiah agreed. "Goranthir got to Vvardenfell by traveling underwater using his cloak which allows him to do that, and hitching on the back of slaughterfish, dreugh, and other underwater creatures ... What you could do is use the Guild Guide to get to Vivec, and then sneak off from there. The Guild Guide is an agent of Barenziah's, and won't tell the Redoran and Indoril that you're there ... But this should be a fast mission. Sooner or later, despite all your skills, they will discover you."
Sheogorath
"I think we can also bill the Queen Mother for this," Kethiah said without a smile.
Sheogorath
"I agree," Kethiah nodded. "Only wish I could have been there ... I'm sure we'll hear the reaction from the Indoril about it very soon ..."
Sheogorath
"That is not the same as being gone," Kethiah frowned. "I respect portents and omens ... But is there any way to learn more? Can you research it further, or do you need help?"
Sheogorath
"A 'half-breed' Bosmer would raise too many questions," Kethiah said. "For that matter, Bosmer slaves are pretty rare ... If Anya employed some body paint and wore a hood down, she should escape all but close scrutiny -- and all of you should avoid that. You should make yourself part of the scenery as much as possible ... And Loranna's right. We don't know what's out there -- even if Goranthir's not in a Daedric shrine, we know you'll be facing hostile soldiers and frenzied animals at the very least."
Sheogorath
"Her eyes are more distinctively non-Dunmer than her hair," Kethiah said. "Best to keep both concealed under a hood, like I said."
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, grandson of Barenziah, and nephew of Helseth, is currently missing in Vvardenfell, after having gone undercover to investigate the nature of the "False Tribunal" that reigns there. Reports have surfaced about chaos in Ald'Ruhn, and strange behavior of animals throughout western Vvardenfell, attributed to something the people call "Geth," which may be Goranthir.
Kethiah is at Castle Daruhn with Loranna, Shaka, Anya, Nalion, Reichi, and the other champions. The ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, Loranna's excise and export officer and (secretly) her Spymaster, has gathered some information, and --
"Exactly, time isn't on our side," Kethiah nodded, walking towards the door. "I'll see if I can't find any more information at the Nymph and Noggin ... Swing by before you leave so I can tell you what I've learned."
Sheogorath
"The Manor District in Ald'ruhn I understand, and it's been corroborated, has been shattered," Kethiah said, her voice still and serious. "It is as if some great force exploded out from within. Three of the false Almalexia's guards were injured in the explosion, which apparently occured a few days ago, and one was killed. Father Moonstone, the head of the church, was there as well, and also injured. He walks with a limp now, but that only increases the awe and respect people have for him ... Almalexia was apparently present as well ... And probably Goranthir."
Sheogorath
"One other thing," Kethiah said, frowning a little. "I don't know whether to tell you Ald Sotha is a place to be avoided or investigated, but something is happening there ... Reports of activity have only increased, but security is tight. It may have nothing to do with Goranthir, or it may be the key to everything. I guess my only advice is that it might bear inquiry, but proceed with caution. There are a lot of soldiers there."
Sheogorath
"Yes, the key is to be inconspicuous as possible," said Kethiah. "And remember to seek information from the royal spies in western Vvardenfell: the clothier and knight in Caldera, the maid at the former Hlaalu fortress and the weaponsmith at the Fighter's Guild in Balmora, and the bartender in the Halfway Tavern in Pelagiad. Tell them 'I do not know whether I am more hungry or thirsty, for I am equal parts both,' and they will know you can be trusted."
Sheogorath
"I agree that delaying is bad," Kethiah nodded.
Sheogorath
Zadion, the tall, thin Magister of the Mages Guild, stepped out and greeted Shaka. "As you know, the Guild must remain neutral in all these matters, but on a personal level, I wish you luck."
Sheogorath
Kethiah and Isidor arrived shortly thereafter. She had bought a dress in the Imperial fashion for the festivities, a flowing pink gown that hid her expanding belly.
"Ah, I knew this was a good investment as soon as I heard it," she smiled, holding her hand out to Reeds. "This is going to be a great success, I know it. What are you calling the establishment?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah punched Isidor lightly in the arm, smiling. "I didn't know you were a big reader. What are you looking for?"
Sheogorath
"That's very generous of you," Kethiah said. "Was this something Resartus got for you?"
Sheogorath
"Oh, I'm only teasing him," Kethiah grinned. "I fell in love with an adventurer, I already know that. And besides, if he never left the tavern, we'd completely run out of mead."
Sheogorath
"Welcome to Vivec," the Guild Guide, a tall, fine-featured Dunmer women said. They recalled she was one of Barenziah's spies in the region. "If you'll be wanting to get to the mainland, you know you'll need to take a gondola or swim. The bridges from the Foreign Quarter have been torn down long ago ..."
Sheogorath
"Then I don't feel too bad about cutting into your, and our profits," Kethiah laughed. "Is Resartus coming tonight? I haven't seen him in weeks, but he said he was getting some rare books for you from High Rock ..."
Sheogorath
"A week late?" Kethiah frowned. "That isn't like him. He's so dependable, he's usually early. That's why I had you meet with him ..."
Sheogorath
The heavy crunching footsteps of a Silt Strider could be heard behind them, coming from Vivec, coming closer.
Sheogorath
"He carries too much merchandise to use the Guild Guides," Kethiah shook her head. "The war hasn't stopped him before, and he should have been here long before the raids in Narsis ... It's worrisome."
Sheogorath
The sound grew louder and faster. As the Silt Strider came up over the hill, they could see that it was running, charging northward. There were passengers on it, but they were being tossed off.
The creature issued forth a high-pitch scream, the likes of which no one had ever heard come from such a docile, domesticated creature.
It ran towards Reichi, Shaka, and Anya, crushing rocks and vegetation in its path, while its few passengers held on, and screamed.
Sheogorath
"I will," Kethiah nodded her head, smiling again, though not comfortably. "I didn't mean to spoil Reeds's party ... I might have a half a glass of wine. The healer said that it would be good for the baby to take a little bit from time to time."
Sheogorath
The ground was littered with broken bodies, some beyond healing, some moaning, their limbs broken. Among them were several of Almalexia's Hands. And Hlaluu Llethan Barreth, the King's cousin, though he had not seen the heroes of Ald Raathim yet. Blood was running down his face from a wound to his head, and one of the knights was casting a heal spell on him.
Sheogorath
The Silt Strider's hissing scream for a moment could be understood by Anya:
A NEW KING, A NEW KINGDOM OF DEATH! ALL HAIL!
The Strider reared up suddenly, knocking Anya aside like a rag doll, crushing a Hand underfoot, and continuing galloping towards Pelagiad.
Sheogorath
"The smell of alcohol was enough to turn my stomach during my first two months," Kethiah grinned, touching her belly. "Which is really unfortunate when you live and work in a tavern ..."
She took a glass of wine that Reeds had offered. "To your continued good health, your Grace."
Sheogorath
"Geth," one of the passengers was wailing. "Vehk save us from Geth!"
A Hand gave Barreth a scroll, and on reading it, the King's cousin faded away.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim, The Temple of Nirn
Three women, all Bosmer, one a mere girl, one a grown, beautiful woman, and one a bent old hag came forward, hand-in-hand.
"The Mother welcome you," they said as one. "Speak and She will answer."
Sheogorath
"Why don't you come down to the cellar, and we'll see if any of our old vintages appeal to you?" the bartender replied.
The cellar was private and still. "That was something awful with the silt strider," the Dunmer said, shaking his head. "Never saw nothing like it before."
Sheogorath
The wind whistled through the tree, brushing the three women's hair and Nalion's. It was a sweet, fresh smell. Nature in harmony.
They spoke again, positing a riddle*, before falling silent.
(*OOC -- Forgive me not coming up with a riddle. This is a delaying tactic. Nalion will cleverly solve it on Monday when I can continue this ...)
Sheogorath
The bartender listened with a raised eyebrow. "B'Vek, Barreth is bold. I knew there is no love between the cousins, but openly siding with the enemy? I thank you for this information. I wish I could give more in return. The Silt Strider attack is only the latest of strange predations by normally docile wildlife in Pelagiad, and I understand there is even more such activity northward. Watch your step. The townships are dangerous now, but the open wilderness is positively lethal ..."
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, Loranna's excise tax and import/export clerk (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern.
Where Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is, what he's doing, and whether he's even alive is the question behind the quest Anya, Shaka, and Reichi are on. They know even the normally docile wildlife in western Vvardenfell have been acting bellicose lately, and as Goranthir has the ability to communicate with animals, there may be some connection there ...
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
In the Nymph and Noggin, Drunken Guar, Bloody Sandal, and other places in the town where gossip is spread, word began about a shipwreck.
Kallen sent a maid to wake the Duchess.
"Your Grace," she said, touching Loranna's shoulder. "A ship's run aground in the bay outside the castle. It was scuttled by the mangroves, and is half-sunk ... There doesn't appear to be anyone on board."
Sheogorath
The ship was grounded in the sand not far from shore. Its sails were still up, groaning in the full wind that had pushed it through the mangroves. It was a large vessel, built for commerce and not for war.
Kallen had already ordered a couple rowboats to investigate, and they were moored outside the ship while the guards looked in.
In a few minutes' time, they came back out, and began rowing back to shore. Their faces were pale, eyes wide.
"No one's alive in there," the first guard to reach dry land said. "They're all dead. Blood everywhere."
Sheogorath
Kethiah also was on her way to the beach. She saw Reeds, but her attention was drawn to the ship half-sunk in the water.
"That's Resartus's ship," she gasped.
Sheogorath
"Crew torn to pieces," the guard nodded, handing Dram the ship's log. "It looks like some merchandise may be missing. Some of the crates have been torn open too ... Pirates I guess."
Dram looked over the log. The last entry from Resartus said that the crew had been complaining of strange noises during the night on the way from High Rock, leading the superstitious to fear that the ship itself was haunted ...
Sheogorath
"If there's a manifest on board, we'll know what has been taken," Kethiah said thoughtfully. "Resartus was a good trader, and was mostly legitimate, but there's hardly a merchant who hasn't picked up an occasional unknown or illegal shipment if the price was right ... If there was moonsugar or something else in the boxes, there'd be no way of knowing for sure."
The rowboats began the grim task of bringing the bodies out of the ship. Kethiah hitched a ride on one of them to investigate the ship herself.
Sheogorath
Kethiah nods. "Yes, but I'd go insane if I played it safe all the time."
The interior of the ship was a horror show, as the guards had reported. Twenty-eight sailors bodies were recovered, all in various stages of gore. According to the log, there were forty-one crew members originally, so some were missing, either having escaped, gone overboard, or been part of ... whatever happened.
Kethiah examined Resartus's body. His eyes were wide-open, a milky-white. He had been dead for over a week, clearly. His throat was torn open so deeply, he had nearly been decapitated.
Sheogorath
Kethiah found the manifest and port of call log in the bridge. She studied it for a few minutes, and then took the books below deck to look at the cargo hold.
Water had seeped in below deck, and the boxes were half submerged. It was still pretty clear which crates had been broken apart.
"Actually everything seems to be accounted for," Kethiah said. "Including poor Reeds's books, which are ruined now I'd imagine ... There was a port of call in Koegria, Wayrest, but no record of any actual cargo picked up there. They could have been dropping things off, or it could be contraband that wasn't recorded -- in which case, it was likely whatever was in those crates ..."
Sheogorath
The Nix Hound whined, and he seemed confused, like a sleep walker:
The King has risen ... Sudanit ... He must be protected from those who seek him ...
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked at it, and then at Loranna, her red and violet eyes wide. It would have been rude to suggest that Kethiah was impressed, but she was.
"So it seems," Kethiah said. "They were carrying something living in these crates ... and it, or they, got out ..."
Sheogorath
The Nix Hound panted
Your King too in the evermore, the King of all who lived once ... the Lord of uncreation ... Geth is His unholy apostle ...
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked to Reeds and nodded. The loss of gold might not be as important as the loss of life, but it was still appreciable.
"They might not have known what they were transporting," Kethiah said. "Kinda hard to tell, but it doesn't look like the boxes had any airholes ... They might have been told they were something else, anything ... The other big question is -- since the boat landed here sometime last night, and no one saw it: did whatever was in these boxes get out, and get to land?"
Sheogorath
"I hear you, serjo," Kallen said from Loranna's office. "Tell me what you can, and I'll pass the information on to Her Grace."
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked to Loranna and Nalion. "I'm sorry, I'm missing something ... There may be a sload off of our coast, which we should deal with, but what does it have to do with Goranthir, or ... Mannimarco?"
The name was spoken uncertainly. Even though no one said the King of Worms comes when his name is spoken, one never knows ...
Sheogorath
Kethiah still looked confused, as her question hadn't been answered. "Well, if we're still talking about going after the sload, it'd be good to get some more mages ... They're not much of fighters, but they're powerful spellcasters ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah listened to Nalion and Loranna describing Mannimarco's connection to Goranthir, and nodded. "Yes, I heard the rumors, but I didn't know ... You should be able to get help from Zadion easily. The Mages Guild, now more than ever, is concerned with the threat of necromancy, and the Sload definitely represent that."
S'reddit
As Reichi had guessed, Wayn was no longer the weaponsmith at the Balmora Fighters Guild. In his stead was a rough-hewn fellow, burly for a Dunmer, named Lleran. He was polishing a silver short sword so it shone like the sun in the darkness of the Guildhouse.
"Good day to you, sera," he said. "What can I do for you?"
S'reddit
Zadion touched the walls, his long golden fingers emanating a soft red glow.
"This is very old, Dwemer in design," the Magister said. "The Sload is like a hermit crab, moving into a home long abandoned."
Sheogorath
Lleran said aloud. "You just need the right weapon to hunt with ..." and closed the heavy door to the upstairs.
"You just missed some people who came to the Guild last night, asking about someone who met Agent G's description," he said. "Odd folk ..."
Sheogorath
"There were two of 'em," the weaponsmith replied. "Common clothes, common cloaks. Good-looking fellows, polite ... But something about them gave me a chill. They just felt ... unnatural."
Sheogorath
"Hmm," Zadion said, touching the second crank. "Could be, but if I were a Sload, I keep my cave pretty wet. They're slow moving on dryland, but their fatness isn't such a hinderance in water ..."
Sheogorath
"They came at nightfall," Lleran said, grimacing at the thought. "But I don't think they could have been vampires. The Quarra, Berne, and Aundae all look monstrous, and like I said, these fellows were quite handsome ... if unnerving ..."
Sheogorath
"I hope so," Lleran said. "I met Agent G a couple times, and he seemed like a good kid. Hope you guys are able to find him."
Sheogorath
The Magister's eyes had narrowed at the sight of the Necromancers' lair. Like all officers of the Mages Guild, he found Necromancy to be an affront, an abomination to be crushed.
At the sight of the shambling undead, Zadion whispered a charm and fire leapt from his fingertips, unfurling in the air like a whip of flame, wrapping around two of the skeletons where it exploded, incinerating them.
Sheogorath
A wave of frigid wind billowed up around Zadion as the young Altmer took a step back, and unleashed it on the Bonewalker, freezing the undead creature.
Sheogorath
The Bonewalker shattered like glass at the guard's blow.
"Many thanks," Zadion smiled.
Sheogorath
As they made their way towards the clothier's, a shadow seemed to fall on Caldera, as if a cloud were passing over the afternoon sun.
Then someone screamed.
The woman was looking towards the west, where eight bull netches, their flesh bright red with hostile intent, their tentacles waving below them, were gliding out of the woods towards the town.
Immediately, the few citizens who were in the streets fled for shelter.
Sheogorath
The nearest shop was in fact the clothier's. And the door was locked.
Sheogorath
The little room was filled with rats of all sizes, scampering over the counter, through the clothes, chewing holes in the bolts of fabric. Beneath the writhing carpet was what remained of the clothier, Barenziah's spy.
The rats turned their hungry little eyes towards the three visitors.
Outside, meanwhile, the netches had entered the outskirts of the town and were moving steadily eastward, overturning everything in their path that wasn't rock solid.
S'reddit
The interior of the castle was even more different. All signs of Imperial life had been pulled from it, and redone in Redoran fashion. The halls were filled with peasant who had taken refuge there from the netch.
A few grievously wounded were there too, and one corpse of someone who had sought healing too late.
"It was worse before," a healer said. "At least this time, we saw them coming."
They knew the knight they were looking for, and found him. A serious, middle-age Dunmer with a broad Vvardenfell accent, Vhurre, sergeant of the watch. He walked past them, coming down from the tower, reporting to his commander that the netch had passed and there was no more trouble on the horizon.
S'reddit
"That's putting it mildly," the knight nodded, and looked around. Lots of people here. "I'm feeling a bit peckish myself. Shenk's Shovel should be able to accomedate you with food and drink, and perhaps a private room if you're tired. Who knows? I may be along there shortly if I can get off duty."
S'reddit
Zadion had been spending a few minutes in the sload's lair, gathering up some of the strange objects the creature had left behind. "The Archmagister Hannibal Traven has made the battle against necromancy a top priority of the Guild. Whatever we can learn about the practice can aid us."
"I will contact the Magister in Ephesus," he added as they made their way towards the sluice that would take them to the Bay. "They're in the Dragontail Mountains not far from Scourg Barrow. If there's anything strange going on in Mannimarco's former haunt, they'd know."
Sheogorath
There was a good-sized crowd in the tavern, talking about the various horror stories of the past couple of weeks. Some of the talk may have been exaggerated: people always seemed to know a friend-of-a-friend whose child had been attacked by mudcrabs, or carried off by cliff racers.
"Father Moonstone says it is unholy witchcraft, the forces of accursed Helseth at play," the tavernkeeper said. "Blessed Almalexia will cure this blight."
Vhurre arrived shortly there after. He saw the three in the corner, and shook his head before finding a table some distance away, where a couple people who recognized him greeted him.
Sheogorath
Vherre's expression went from relaxed to stricken. "Yisanne is dead? Who did this?"
Sheogorath
"She was a loyal subject to the King, and a dear friend," the Knight said, his expression becoming composed again, though his eyes showed his emotions plainly. "Geht or Geth is who you want to know about? He's rumored to be a number of different places. A couple days ago, two men stopped by in Caldera, asking similar questions. My commander suggested that there was a lot of activity in the old egg mine, but after we sent some men to investigate, it was empty. No Geth, no kwama either for that matter. A vast herd of them is in the east, from what I've heard ... Maybe Geth is with them."
Sheogorath
"Sudanit?" Vherre frowned. "Nothing about it specifically, but it's near Fort Buckmoth, which has been rendered basically uninhabitable by animal attacks. Everytime the Redoran try to clear it out, they're beaten back by more and more creatures ..."
Sheogorath
"I haven't been near it myself, so I couldn't tell you, but that'd be my guess too," Vherre agreed.
Sheogorath
Summary
The wherebouts (and even existence) of Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold and spy to his uncle King Helseth, is the quest Reichi, Anya, and Shaka are currently involved in in Redoran/Indoril-occupied Vvardenfell.
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern.
Zadion, Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is returning to his Guildhouse to report on the encounter with the Sload, and to inquire of the Magister of the Ephesus Mages Guild any unusual activity in the King of Worms's former haunt, Scourg Barrow, in the Dragontail Mountains of Hammerfell.
Sheogorath
There had never been much vegetation on these inland badlands surrounding the volcano. Some had grown up through the dust settled after the last eruption, poking up in little budlings, but all that had been trambled by thousands of feet. The procession from the west had apparently joined one from the south.
It was difficult to see the horde because of the cloud of dust they churned up around them, but it was an appreciable army.
Overhead, dozens of cliffracers made circles in the sky.
Sheogorath
The mine now had multiple tunnels leading into it, holes dug by burrowing creatures, and their smell -- musk, guano, festering food -- was almost as overwhelming as the clamor. Howls, grunts, squeals, and chattering echoed forth from the mine as they approached it.
Sheogorath
But a few meters into one of the new tunnels was a wide open chamber, and the sound that greeted the three was a hideous snarling which they could recognize before they found the source. Nix hounds battling over a fresh kill.
The kill did not actually look so fresh. It was a human body of a young man, but it looked dessicated, almost mummified. The six nix hounds that were tugging at it were having a lot of trouble getting through the weathered, leathery flesh. Behind them, a couple alit paced, watching, waiting for their turn to feast.
The tunnel continued deeper into the earth past the "dining room."
Sheogorath
One of the Nix Hounds successfully gnawed through the corpse's neck, popping the head right off. It rolls along the ground towards the three, before one of the Nix Hounds bounded at it at the same time an Alit made a snap for it.
The head had full shoulder-length (when there were shoulders) black hair. Goranthir's was shaven when he left to go undercover in Vvardenfell to hide its distinctive (and un-Dunmeri) red-gold color.
The Alit and the Nix Hound began to fight. The other Nix Hounds and Alits looked to one another, and the fight, it seemed, was to be joined ...
Sheogorath
It was somewhat slow-going moving down the corridor as it grew smaller, avoiding the movements of alit, nix hounds, kagouti, and other man-sized predators that bounded through in both directions.
The corridor ended abruptly, falling off so it overlooked an enormous cavern, two hundred feet tall, and twice as wide. Similar tunnels were honeycombed across the walls on all sides, and a winding wooden platform connected several of them, though not the tunnel Anya, Reichi, and Shaka had come out of.
The floor was a mass of animals, a writhing carpet like at the clothier's house, on a much larger scale, with massive beasts instead of the rats.
Floating in the middle of the room was a bull netch, its tentacles curled up to support a humanoid figure, which roared, chattered, and howled to the assembled, like a priest addressing his congregation.
The figure was covered in strips of leather that bound tight against his body. Around his head was a crown of antlers. His eyes glowed gold.
It was Goranthir.
Sheogorath
Goranthir, seemingly unaware of the action happening in the little corridor, stepped out of the Netch's tentacles onto a platform about ten meters away and below them, to address a flock of cliffracers that had flown in, in a high screeching manner.
Sheogorath
The creature, whatever it is, did not disturb the animals in the tavern as it scuttled out. It was accepted as part of the place, part of the group. Then as it attacked, the cry went up. An intense, ear-aching wailing from the Netch, which spread to the cliffracers, and the hundreds of creatures along the cavern floor.
Goranthir turned for an instant, but the poison struck him, immobilizing him.
The cliffracers and bull netches moved quickly to attack the threat that had dared to attack their lord.
Sheogorath
As the spell settles over the creatures, the cacophony of animals howling in distress increases even more. Even some distance away, Reichi, Anya, and Shaka's ears rang, and they could no longer hear one another.
The cliff racers fled, but the massive bull netch barely hesitated before it lashed out its tentacles towards the man-spider, striking the walls behind it as the nimble humanoid evaded its touch.
Sheogorath
The fire striking the bull netch only enraged it more. One of its tentacles struck hard against the wooden platform, nearly knocking it off its foundations, sending both the man-spider and Goranthir falling to their certain death below.
S'reddit
A terrible roar filled the narrow cavern, and it took some time to figure out where it was coming from.
Goranthir had awoken. Still tied to the Scorpion-Man's back, his bright yellow eyes were wide and a terrible scream was issuing forth from his mouth.
The sound of galloping footsteps could be heard coming from both sides of the tunnel.
S'reddit
The tunnels on both sides swarmed with Kwama warriors. Their aim was primarily the scorpion-man, whom they set upon with ferocious determination, snapping and clawing at him until Goranthir tumbled to the floor, freed, and they continuing to pull at the strange creature's flesh. Others went for the snake-woman. It was impossible to tell how many of them there were. They seemed to be everywhere.
None of them attacked Reichi or Shaka, though they were jostled about a fair amount.
S'reddit
From Goranthir's mouth spilled forth a barrage of howls, chatterings, clicks, screechings, bellows, and roars in fifty different tongues, including, almost as an after-thought, the common language of men and mer in Tamriel:
DESTROY THE CREATURE WHO LOOKS LIKE A SNAKE-WOMAN AND SMELLS LIKE DEAD FLESH! ROOT HER OUT FROM HER BURROWS AND TEAR HER APART! THE KING DEMANDS HER FINAL DEATH!
The very walls of the mine seemed to tremble as creatures great and small rushed to do his bidding.
Though he resembled Goranthir, there was no part of the young prince's cavalier and friendly attitude in his personality.
The sound of his voice filled Reichi and Shaka with even more rage than they had before against the creature who held Anya. They were in control of themselves, but only barely.
S'reddit
Goranthir made Reichi's decision for him, charging into the tunnel together with the swarm of kwama warriors, their flesh still wet with the blood of the scorpion-man who was slumped against the floor, dessicated.
S'reddit
Goranthir and his creature minions clattered along behind him as he ran, and the sound of Goranthir's voice increased Shaka's fury tenfold.
SHE IS AN EMISSARY OF THE UNCLEAN ONE, THE HERETIC OF VVARDENFELL, TEAR HER APART!
S'reddit
The tumbling stone crushed five Kwama warriors, and sealed off the tunnel.
Goranthir's eyes narrowed and he made a bellowing noise.
The warriors retreated, and Kwama workers came in to begin to burrow their way out of the tunnel.
S'reddit
"Calm thyself, Shaka the Redguard of Argonia," Goranthir turned to him. His voice did seem to cool Shaka's blood, releasing the fury it had caused earlier. "My netches will be waiting them when they reach air. We thank you, for Geth would have been taken and destroyed if not for your intervention."
S'reddit
The rock began to give way to the assault, and Reichi and the Kwama workers burst their way through the tunnel. It was not far to sunlight.
S'reddit
"We do not know," Goranthir said, stepping out next to Reichi, and bellowing to the seven netches that were floating in the air outside. He waited for their response. "The netches did not see her. She must have a secret way of traveling."
S'reddit
Goranthir looked to Shaka. He did not smile, but his golden eyes seemed warm and friendly. "I am sorry, Shaka, but your friend Goranthir has been dead for some time now. He died, feeling he was doing his duty to his family and his friends, though I am sure that is cold consolation. Geth was born that day. The murderess of Goranthir sought to slay us, as we inhabit what was once his body, and we have been growing stronger day by day, to resist her evil assault. Now we will stay with you, at least until we have found your lover, alive or dead."
S'reddit
"The purpose, o Reichi, lupine of Balmora?" Goranthir replied, turning to Reichi with his mild golden eyes. "Why, protection, of course. We had to surround ourself with guardians while we healed. The Kingdom of Death is that of our Father, blessed be his name. But that is only as the animals with their limited capacity understand it. We would explain further, but we must help you find your companion."
S'reddit
"Yes," Goranthir replied, with a ghost of a smile. "And yes. There are vestiges of a former life in this shell, that was how we were able to command the natural beasts to do our bidding. We grow mightier as it fades away. Soon, we will be able to command everything that lives, man and mer and plant as well as animal to search for your friend Anya ... but we fear it will be too late then to save her. There must be another way to find where the accursed snake-woman has taken her."
"No, there are heretics, false Gods," Goranthir frowned, disgusted. "I do not know her true name or nature, but she is not of this life or the next."
S'reddit
Goranthir stood on the hill, and howled. It echoed over the hills, a haunting sound.
"They will report back when they have found her," Goranthir said. "Even if they are not nearby, nix hounds are a social group, and they will relay their message across the island. Do not worry."
(OOC -- Gotta head off to bed. We can assume Geth will listen for Nix Hound replies until I'm back on.)
Sheogorath
There were howls in the distance which Goranthir heard with his mild golden eyes, and howled back in response. Then he called out a series of gruff calls, and three large guar appeared over the hill.
"The trail's very hard to follow," Goranthir said. "But they are down south. As we get closer, it will be easier to pinpoint them."
Sheogorath
It was a dusty ride over the hillsides on the Guar, and slow, for whenever there were caravans, farms, troop movements, or any other Dunmer in the area, the Guar would smell them, tell Geth, and they would all hide.
As the sun set and the moons rose, they were in the shadows of Marandus, along Lake Nabia.
"I think she might be in Ald Sotha," Goranthir said, his golden eyes thoughtful. "But there is much activity there, and my nix hounds can't get too close ..."
Sheogorath
Goranthir listened to Reichi and Shaka talk, his face still, showing no emotion at all, his golden eyes taking it all in. In a way, it was a child's expression, simply absorbing all. Learning as if everything was a new experience, a new world.
"What is being a monster like?" he asked.
Sheogorath
"It is a little different than asking an animal what it is like to be an animals, because they know no other way," Goranthir said, looking at Reichi with his warm eyes. His voice was incredibly soothing. "You know what it was before you were a werewolf though. You have some means of comparison. We are sorry it is a lonely existence, though, Reichi of Balmora."
His voice showed he truly was sorry. Even sad.
Sheogorath
"My father is Death, and I know the children of Tamriel fear him as the great mystery, the dark unknown," Goranthir said, nodding his head. "All the wisdom of Julianos and Hermaeus-Mora do not comfort people for that ultimate knowledge is beyond the ken. As for us becoming a monster, yes, we likely will, by some people's estimations, as you are."
"Had Mannimarco not claimed our soul, we would not be who we are," Goranthir added. "Which is again like asking an animal what it is like to be an animal. We do not know what it is like to be other than what we are."
Sheogorath
"We know what we knew before, and more we notice by the hour," Goranthir said, turning to Shaka. "There is nothing living that does not interest us, but it is difficult to concentrate at times with so much life around us, whispering to us ..."
Sheogorath
"We have as much free will as Shaka," Goranthir replied. "He could choose to ignore his Redguard spirit, and we could choose to ignore our ties to Mannimarco. If the greater truth is that Shaka is a Redguard, and it is noble to embrace that, why is it not true for us? You may have your own interpretation of what Arkay is and what Mannimarco is, that is your prerogative, of course. But they are simply your beliefs. You have not spoken to either to know for certain."
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent to the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern, wondering why her betrothed hasn't sprung a wedding on her yet.
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, undercover spy for his uncle King Helseth in Vvardenfell, appears to be dead, or at least dying. In his stead is Geht, agent of the King of Worms, Mannimarco, who has the same power to communicate with animals that Goranthir had, but seems to be vastly more powerful, and threatening to become even more so. He is with Reichi and Shaka (and soon, Arynel) not far from Ald Sotha where he claims the nix hounds have tracked the captured Anya. He seems to be quiet and calming, but has little doubt he will someday be a monster.
Sheogorath
Goranthir turned to Arynel with his neutral expression and warm eyes. "Arynel the string-whispering bard, how doth the road treat you?"
Sheogorath
"No, likely the path is different, but we wouldn't not be on it but that our old road led us here," Goranthir nodded. "You have heard what befell Anya?"
Sheogorath
"If there is but one path for the hero, then you are correct, we have left it," Goranthir replied. "But if you have not been on our road before, how can you tell where it leads?"
Sheogorath
"You may have good reason to," Goranthir replied softly. "We only know the steps we are taking now ... and those are leading us to Ald Sotha."
Sheogorath
Goranthir nodded, and listened carefully to the call of the cliffracers in the distance.
"There's a patrol coming."
Sheogorath
Kethiah came in the front door, clearly in a bad mood. She had been feeling poorly lately, which may have been the reason.
Sheogorath
The twisted ruins of Ald Sotha had been unearthed since the days of the Blue Dawn, and now stood tall and mighty, even bigger than before. Evidentally much reconstruction had been done.
Before Shaka had gotten too far, he could hear a faint noise. It was actually several noises in harmony: whirs, gears switching, metal against metal.
There was a great deal of dust around the ruins. Troops were evident, though it was difficult to tell how many. Hundreds, at least.
Sheogorath
There was too much dust to see what was happening, but the cliffracers had been right: most of the movement was centered around the southern side of the ruins. There were troops in formation around the nothern side, but they were much fewer in number. There were also lights in the towers on the ruin.
Goranthir pointed up to the towers. "If we could get in there, we would have a better vantage ... And we'd be closer to Anya."
Sheogorath
"You know I wasn't feeling well," Kethiah frowned, shaking her head. "I was afraid there was something wrong, and I went to the healer at the temple. She gave me a little too much information about our baby."
Sheogorath
Goranthir had taken a sword as well, and held it as expertly as he ever had. A patrol passed over the ramparts of the darkest tower, but the three waited beneath the wall until they had passed, and then drifted onto the stone. They were two hundred feet above the ground, on the walkway between two dark towers. There were lights in both.
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked at Isidor curiously, and then laughed. "Oh, oh my darling, I'm so sorry. Nothing's wrong with, well, him. Except they told me it's going to be a boy, and I didn't want to know ... And now you know ..."
Sheogorath
Goranthir looked over his shoulder. His cliffracers were still there, far enough away that they wouldn't attract attention, but close enough that they could come in, and provide distraction or support as needed ...
They were moving towards the tower the patrol had come out of. There were still voices within they could hear.
Sheogorath
The tower door led to a winding stairwell up and down. The voices were coming from below, quite a distance away, but the light was shining from both directions.
Goranthir slowly began the climb up the stairs.
Sheogorath
"I'm sorry, I realized that was what you were thinking only after I scared you," Kethiah grinned. "No, he's fine. I was trying the same herbal tea as Loranna uses, but we have a little different needs and tolerances it seems ... As far as the name goes, I don't know ... You have any Nordic traditions you want to follow?"
Sheogorath
Goranthir stopped after a few steps. The dust was thick.
"Nothing of any substance has walked this stairwell in a long time," he whispered. "That would include Anya. Let us try another direction."
Sheogorath
"He will look Dunmer, you know," Kethiah said, glancing briefly at Dynate after the interruption, and then smiling at Isidor. "But it would be nice to name him something that honors his dual heritage ... Well, we will think on it. How are you, killer? Any word back yet from Shaka and the others?"
Sheogorath
Dust also cloaked the floor of the second tower, but Goranthir didn't have to point out the pattern up the stairs. A wide swath had been cut into it, like a giant broom ... or a slithering serpent ... Up the stairs ...
Sheogorath
Kethiah nodded, her face serious. "They're undercover, so no news is probably good news. Let me check with my contacts and see if that's the case. I was too worried about the baby this morning to have my usual meetings."
There were a couple merchants hanging around the Nymph, waiting to talk to the excise and tax agent of the Duchess.
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked back at Isidor with a smile at his words. "I hope so too."
She had her meetings, but the smile remained on her lips.
Sheogorath
At the sound of the fireball, Goranthir picked up the pace, letting out little high-pitched squeaks, barely audible, as he talked to the rats inhabiting the tower.
Sheogorath
"My name is Geht," Goranthir said, over his shoulder, moving quickly down the dark hall. He listened to the rats and translated back. "We are close. And so are the guards."
Sheogorath
With a squeal so high-pitched it made mortal ears ring, Goranthir called out to the rats he had been talking to. They scampered down the stairs, under the feet of the guards, throwing them off balance.
Then he leapt at Dayla, sword drawn. Goranthir's body and mind knew the way of battle well, and Geht could use that skill.
Sheogorath
Geht did not seem to have a firm grasp on mortal sarcasm, as he spun at Dayla, his sword a blur, keeping a watch out for her tail.
Sheogorath
Goranthir's momentum sent his blade deep into the guard, and he cursed, rolling out of the way. At least this guard wouldn't provide much of a sustenance to the vampire, he reasoned, watching the Redoran's blood pour out onto the floor.
He roared. It was a cry of a creature no one in the room had ever heard before. Whatever it was, it wasn't small.
Sheogorath
Goranthir was now behind Dayla, and he called out to the others, "She won't be affected by sleep or paralysis, but try to get Anya immobilized. And then get to the top of the tower. We will show you how to escape."
With that, he leapt at Dayla's back, sword swinging to distract her as best as he could.
S'reddit
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise tax and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster) is at her tavern, meeting with merchants. Though her mind is on her unborn child, which she has just learned is going to be a boy, and on Isidor's suggestion of getting married soon ...
And Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is "dead," as in no longer in conscious control of his body, which is instead occupied by Geht, emissary of the King of Worms, who possesses Goranthir's ability to communicate with animals, amplified manyfold.
Goranthir flew across the room, his jaw dislocated. He tried hard to stay conscious when he landed on the floor heavily.
S'reddit
Blood flows freely from Goranthir's broken jaw as he gets to his feet. His golden eyes, so mild and unreadable since his "transformation" into Geht, blaze with naked emotion. Foremost is fear. He needs to be gone. The second emotion is less classifiable, but almost seems to be a strange sort of jealousy.
Dayla's back is to him once again. He rushes her, slashing at her with his sword.
S'reddit
Goranthir/Geht and Anya's eyes met.
They were similar creatures now. And both of them knew it.
Goranthir nodded, and unable to speak, made a gesture upwards.
Then he ran for the stairs.
S'reddit
Goranthir ran up the winding stairs, higher and higher. He knew that this mind knew a healing spell, but it wasn't working. The pain in his jaw was too much to concentrate on it. He hoped Anya understood him when he pointed up, and would know which way to run. He hoped the others would pay heed to him, and follow.
Most of all, he hoped his roar had been heard earlier, because with his jaw broken, he couldn't do it again.
He climbed out of the narrow window at the top of the stairs, and scurried out on top of the spire above.
Looking down onto Ald Sotha from this height, his eyes widened at what he beheld.
S'reddit
Goranthir looked at Reichi and tried to speak, but it was impossible with his jaw broken. He pointed down.
S'reddit
Goranthir looked hopelessly at Reichi, Shaka, and Nalion, trying to speak, blood burbling from his mouth at the effort.
S'reddit
Goranthir sighed in relief as his injured jaw mended, healed itself. He tested it once with words. "Thank you, Slyvos Dagoth Lichlord," he said.
Then he roared again, looking out to the sea beyond.
It was empty of all but the azure blue waves between Ald Sotha and Vivec city.
Down below, the guards were charging into the tower. Soon they would be on them, and the five of them were trapped on the roof of the tower.
Then, they noticed a darkness in the water, large as galleon.
S'reddit
The armored footsteps on the stairs could be heard coming closer.
Then the dark shape exploded, waves crashing some miles distant, but the sound was unmistakable.
It was sapphire green, this thing, two hundred feet long, that launched itself into the sky. Its leathery wings unfurled, to tilt its trajectory towards the tower.
Within a few beats of its wings, it was there, looking at the heroes as it hovered, its face long and sleek as a snakes, but with a cat's eyes, ears, and whiskers.
"You could live a thousand more years and never see a dragon," Goranthir said, stepping onto its wide back, ridged with four foot long spikes. "Come on."
S'reddit
Once all were on the majestic creature's back, it rocketed upward, into the clouds. Goranthir growled a few words to the dragon, and it growled back in response.
They were three thousand feet in the air in no time, but the air was warm and there was almost no wind, though they could tell they were flying very fast. The moons and the stars lit their way.
"Where do you need to go?" Goranthir asked, and then looked at Anya. "And what do you intend to do with her? The sun will be rising soon."
S'reddit
"That's a good suggestion, Reichi of Balmora," Goranthir nodded, and growled instructions to the dragon. It snorted in response, a plume of hot dark gray mist spilling out of its nostrils.
It made a gentle quarter turn and dove back down through the clouds, slowly angling itself towards the Velothi Mountains in the distance.
"There are some foothills outside Ald Raathim," Goranthir told the others. "A pretty extensive cave network. There might even be a wild guar or two in the area she could kill to slake her thirst before daybreak."
S'reddit
The dragon circled down, and just for an instant, those on its back could see a second dragon, a black one, twice its size, arch into the mountains, disappearing into a canyon.
Their ride did not reduce its speed as it shot across an alpine meadow, and then over a lake, the water below reflecting the green just for an instant before the force of the wind parted the water, splashing ten foot tall waves on either side.
They were coming into familiar foliage, and before the dragon veered into a cave, a royal fort could be seen, and the tower of the Duchess's castle over the treetops.
The dragon landed gently on the wet cave floor. Its long tail provided a slide of sorts to the ground.
"You are three miles east of the village," Goranthir said.
S'reddit
The Caves Outside Ald Raathim
As Anya, Reichi, Slyvos, Shaka, and Nalion slid off the dragon, Goranthir addressed them, his golden eyes mild once again. "As much as our destinies do not collide, I wish you luck with yours. I have no doubt we will see one another again, and I say sincerely, I hope it will be as friends again."
To Anya, he added. "Despite your bloodlust, there is much of the old Anya that remains. You may be able to preserve that. You may embrace the darkness. If you wish to change, my Father can help."
He looked to Slyvos: "You too will have some trials ahead. Mannimarco can protect you."
The dragon shifted with curious agility, avoiding the tiny people at its feet as it turned to face the cave entrance again.
"Tell those who loved Goranthir that they may mourn, for he is dead," Goranthir added.
The dragon launched itself out of the cave, its wings beating a wind nearly strong enough to knock the heroes off their feet.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah, after meeting with her various contacts, was no longer smiling. She was worried. Stepping out onto the pier to look at the rising sun of dawn, watching the fishermen and sailors rig up their vessels, it was as it always had been ...
She went to look for Loranna at the castle. It was early yet, but the Duchess was in the habit of rising early.
Sheogorath
"None, none at all," Kethiah replied. "At first, that made me relieved. No word of Goranthir being captured or killed, no word of Shaka, Anya, Reichi, Slyvos, or Nalion being spotted ... And that is still good news ... But then it got me worried. There's always something happening, a raid, a meeting, something ... But there is literally no information I can get out of any of my sources. The Redoran and Indoril have pulled back all operations. They must be planning something big."
Sheogorath
"I asked about Ald Sotha specifically from the merchants who have been to Vivec," Kethiah said. "No word. No one's been allowed close. I wish I could tell you something other than that I'm worried ..."
Sheogorath
"It's a relief he's alive," Kethiah nodded, stepping back to wait for Slyvos's arrival. "Maybe we can get some information at last."
Sheogorath
"We're glad to see you're alive," Kethiah said, and the questions burbled out. "What happened? What's the news from Ald Sotha? Did you hear anything about the others, Goranthir, Anya, Reichi, Nalion, and Shaka?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked to Loranna. This was the sort of big operation they had just been talking about.
"Fabricants, out of Sotha Sil's family seat," Kethiah nodded soberly. "Even if they don't scratch us, when word gets out that Sotha Sil is back creating Fabricants, even more people will flock to the New Church ..."
She turned back to Slyvos. "Go on."
Sheogorath
"Where are they now?" Kethiah asked impatiently, completely ignoring the part about the dragon as irrelevant, at least for now. "Do they need help?"
Sheogorath
"Yes, I agree, I imagine this puts their timeframe for whatever they're planning up," Kethiah nods. "But we still don't know when they're going to use these ... tools. It could be days away, weeks away ... Still, the King should be told, so he can alert everyone else."
Sheogorath
Barenziah was dressed in an elegant Imperial gown of silver, a color which matched the steak that wound its way through her hair. Pearls of a similar color wound their way through her hair as well. It was a very formal ensemble. Evidentally, there was an important meeting going on in Mournhold.
When she saw Loranna's face, she did not waste time with formalities and greetings. Evidently, the fact of the Duchess's bad news could easily be read.
"What's happened?" the Queen Mother asked, her eyes wide.
Sheogorath
"B'Vek," Barenziah gasped, and then proceeded to quiz Loranna on all the information she had gotten from Slyvos. The Duchess could see the Queen Mother was having the same thoughts as she and Kethiah had discussed. The timeframe for whatever Indoril and Redoran had planned had been pushed forward.
Barenziah's interrogation lasted some time. She wanted to know everything. It wasn't until she had heard the last "We're not sure yet," that she said. "Thank you for this information. It may save us. And, of course, we'll send our own agents to see what we can find ourselves ... Is that all? Any word about Goranthir?"
Sheogorath
Barenziah's face was still, stoic. She closed her eyes briefly, and then reopened them. "Thank you for that information too, Your Grace. Do you know where he is now? Still in Vvardenfell?"
Sheogorath
"Thank you, anytime, day or night," Barenziah replied, and Loranna could see she was already plotting something. "I need ... I need to go. Contact me when you know more."
With that, Barenziah shut her mind to Loranna.
The last expression on it was easy to read. Anger.
Sheogorath
"Very few traders from as far away as Firsthold, at least not ones that come through Ald Raathim regularly," Kethiah replied. "But I will let you know what I hear ... I should get back to the Nymph and Noggin, in case there is any news about what Slyvos was talking about."
Kethiah went to the door.
Sheogorath
Two young Khajiti males stepped into the alley, watching, with wide, relaxed smiles on their faces.
"Looks like the slavers don't know who they're dealing with," said the first of the Khajiit, whose fur was lightly silver in patterns that ran down his neck and up his arms.
His companion, less distinctly feline than the other, with brown woad tattoos over his face, laughed. "I still bet ten gold they win out."
Sheogorath
"Pay up," the brown-woad-colored Khajiit said to the silver one, who grumbled and gave him ten gold.
"How much do you want for them?" asked the silver-furred Khajiit to the slavers.
Sheogorath
"Well," the brown-woad-painted khajiit said, smiling, and holding up the gold he had won from the silver khajiit. "I find myself holding a fortune of ten gold, and I have to spend it quick. It's yours. And if you act now, we won't tell our boss about you and your little operation."
"She'll find out on her own," the silver-haired khajiit added. "I mean, honestly, she will."
"Probably, but they'll have a chance to get out of town this way," the brown one nodded, still grinning. "Which is an excellent bargain, any way you look at it."
"True," said the other.
Sheogorath
The brown-woad-painted khajiit handed the Imperial the ten gold. "A pleasure doing business with you. The advice on getting out of town fast, by the way, would be wise to heed."
"By Jephre, what are you going to do with your new slaves?" the silver-haired Khajiit asked the other.
"You know, I have no idea," the brown one chuckled. "They're not exactly sexually desirable, are they? But you know me and money ... in one hand and out the other ..."
Sheogorath
When Dar'Tessir and Reeds woke up, they were soft silk cushions on an enormous balcony made of white marble, overlooking the Topal Bay. A gentle breeze was blowing. The two Khajiti they recognized from the alley were there as well, drinking wine.
An enormous white palace surrounded them.
Sheogorath
"Hello," said the brown-woad-painted Khajiit, and there was an awkward pause as he looked to the silver-furred Khajiit. "You say something."
"I don't suppose you're interested in a career in slavery, are you?" asked the silver Khajiit.
Sheogorath
The silver-haired Khajiit chuckled at this. "Well, that won't do at all. Sarcasm in a slave, who'd ever stand for it? No, the thing to do is free you."
"Is there some legal process we have to go through to do that?" the brown Khajiit winced. "I'll just keep them if there's too much paperwork."
"I think we can just say 'You're free,'" the silver one replied with authority. "There, that's done. Why don't you throw your chains over the balcony, I think you'll find they're unlocked. Have a glass of wine, and we'll toast your independence."
Sheogorath
"All the better," the silver-haired Khajiit laughed. "So who are you, and what brings you to Senchal, if not a desire to enter the profitable and rewarding world of slavedom? I'm Alas, and the handsome fellow over there is my associate, Alack."
Alack raised his glass to Reeds and smiled, handing Dar'Tessir a glass.
It was excellent.
Sheogorath
"Dar'Tessir really ought to cultivate friends in a better class of neighborhood," Alas smiled, pouring another round of wine. "Was it business or pleasure?"
Behind them, a Khajiit female stepped out onto the balcony. She was easily one of the most beautiful creatures they had ever seen, clad in a tight tawny-colored dress which matched the color of her skin and hair. She said nothing, but just shook her head, and poured herself a glass of wine.
Sheogorath
Kethiah finished her meetings with her merchants connections. It was frustrating. No new news. She stepped downstairs and saw Isidor. She stifled a laugh at his expression, sitting there with his eyes closed.
Sitting down next to him, she whispered. "What are you thinking of?"
S'reddit
An image appeared to Anya, and only Anya, in the shadows of the cave. A soft-faced young man, with a bright pink and white complexion, scarcely more than a boy, in a rich robe of black darker than darkness. His eyes were wholly black as the cloak. On his head was a spiky crown, each spike a bone.
He had a beautiful guileless smile.
Anya knew it was Mannimarco, and knew too he wasn't present, but in her mind.
He vanished without saying a word.
S'reddit
"There may be trouble brewing soon," Kethiah said. "We need to shore up defenses in Ald Raathim ... But we may not get a better time than now."
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is now known at Geht, emissary of the King of Worms, Mannimarco. He was last seen flying off on a dragon (!).
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and export/import manager (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern with her fiancee, Isidor.
"Shaka and the others are back," Kethiah explained. "They witnessed an army of soldiers and Sotha Sil's Fabricants amassing in Vvardenfell. We don't know where or when they'll attack, but no one's had an army like that without using it ..."
Sheogorath
"Hello," said the Khajiit woman with a slight smile. "Who are you?"
"They're some strays we picked up in the slums," Alas said. "They're enormously grateful for us keeping them from being sold into slavery ... I suppose ..."
"One of them has even told us his name when we asked," Alack added. "Just makes you feel good about doing good deeds."
"Shut up," the woman said to the men, and turned to Reeds and Dar'Tessir introducing herself. "I'm Ya'Tirrje. This is my home."
Dar'Tessir knew that name. The most powerful smuggler in Senchal, also known as Goldcat.
Sheogorath
"I don't know any more than that, but that's certainly what others are going to think, that Sotha Sil created them," Kethiah nodded. "In addition to whatever damage they do, they will bring true believers to Moonstone."
Sheogorath
"And you were saying you are in Senchal on business when I came in?" Ya'Tirrje asked. "I'm sorry it was interrupted. Senchal has gotten much safer in recent years, but there's still a rough element around, particularly in the slums."
Sheogorath
Kethiah grinned. "Like I said, there may not be a better time."
Sheogorath
"My dear, just because something is illegal doesn't mean there isn't a lively market for it. Quite the opposite in fact," Ya'Tirrje laughed, low and friendly. "The price for slaves has increased manifold since Helseth's proclamation."
"He thinks we've made light of your and his predicament earlier," Alas nodded, still smiling. "I guess in our business you develop a somewhat dark sense of humor."
Sheogorath
Ya'Tirrje grinned more widely, her eyes twinkling. The sunlight on her hair, skin, and dress, all the color of sand, made her look more like a Goldcat that ever. "What a sweet sentiment. I wish you luck in your business, whatever it is, provided it isn't in competition with mine. You do look familiar in fact ... You aren't a native, are you?"
Sheogorath
"I feel like I've seen you somewhere outside of Senchal though, more recently?" Ya'Tirrje said thoughtfully. "Well, Dar'Tessir and Reeds, I admire your ability to keep your mouths shut about your business. My employees could learn a bit about that."
Alas and Alack looked at one another.
"She's talking about you, mate," said Alack.
"I don't think so, mate," Alas rejoined.
"I'm sure our paths will cross again," the golden beauty smiled. "I need to get back to work, and I'm sure you do too."
Sheogorath
Alack laughed. "I'm sorry, I thought you were enjoying our company. No need for permission, lads. Your weapons are in the great hall on the way to the front door."
He gestured beyond the patio into the house. It was a palace, but simply laid out. They could see the ornate marble front door from there.
"Good luck to you and your business," Alas added.
Sheogorath
Goldcat smiled. "Enjoy yourselves. It was a pleasure meeting you."
She went back into the palace with a swish of her tail.
Alas and Alack both breathed sighs of relief. "She's in a good mood. Must have had a good day at the docks."
Sheogorath
A drunk scuffle had broken out in the Noggin, and Kethiah was there to toss the three combatants out on their ear onto the docks.
"A little roughhousing I can tolerate," she told them. "But go to the Bloody Sandal if you want to break furniture."
Seeing Isidor, she smiled. "Hello, killer."
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked at the netch, then looked at Shaka, then at Isidor.
"I assume you're going to tell me what's going on soon," she said with a smile.
Then, overhearing Shaka and Reeds, she looked back at Isidor. "Wedding party?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah was nearly hysterical with laughter. She touched her hair, which was half-undone. A smudge of grease from the kitchen was on her cheek. Her common dress was stained from beer.
She wrapped her arms around Isidor and kissed him hard. "This is perfect."
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked out in wonder. Isidor saw a little tear in her eye which she quickly wiped away.
"Unbelievable," Kethiah smiled. "I love you."
Sheogorath
Kethiah laughed. "That's what makes this so special, Shaka. I'm a natural organizer, and in my career as an assassin, I was never surprised. Isidor surprised me."
"I might take you up on the offer of flowers, but there's something oddly appropriate about wearing this old thing," she looked at the plain, stained dress. "Isidor knows I have plenty of faults, but vanity is not one of them."
And the truth was, she looked lovely. Disheveled but beautiful.
Sheogorath
"Lord, Lady, and Wizard," Kethiah laughed, almost choking on the kwama meat she was eating. "That's like a lily telling a dandelion she looks radiant. But do you know, I feel radiant. If I had planned this, I would have dressed appropriately for a bride, and I wouldn't have been comfortable at all. I also would have made it a small, intimate affair, but Isidor tells me he's invited everyone."
Sheogorath
"Actually, I told him to surprise me, and he did just that," Kethiah laughed. "You know me, I like to do everything, and it is an amazing feeling just to let go and be the person things happen to, rather than the catalyst. If you had told me a year ago that today I would no longer be an assassin, but be a pregnant tavernkeeper getting married in a dirty old dress, I would have thought it was a curse. Now I know what a blessing it is."
Sheogorath
"Speaking as an unrepentant Planner and Schemer," Kethiah grinned. "Nothing we expect will come to pass. But tonight I refuse to believe it won't turn out for the best."
Sheogorath
"That's true, but I have never identified with a hero," Kethiah nodded. Seeing Anya and Shaka, she waved. "That was a marvelous way of arriving to the party, Shaka, thank you. You even surprised Isidor!"
Sheogorath
"I was just telling Loranna it's hard to imagine where I was a year ago being here, or even wanting to be here," Kethiah smiled. "Given our history, Shaka, it's equally hard to imagine you hosting my wedding party."
Sheogorath
"And it's lovely too," Kethiah smiled, greeting Anya. There wasn't much she could say to her, but Anya could tell from her eyes that she knew everything. "Thank you for coming, Anya."
"I wish the same for you," Kethiah replied, kissing Shaka's cheek.
Sheogorath
Kethiah chuckled. "That's true. Bear that in mind if ever you doubt it: the course of true love never did run smooth. Of course, now I'm thinking about all the gold and weaponry that's probably still buried in the Dwemer ruins under my old cottage in Vas ... In a couple months, when I'm able to, I really should go back and reclaim it."
Sheogorath
"I couldn't be happier having been caught," Kethiah laughed. "Welcome, Nalion. Thank you for being here."
Sheogorath
"They're pretty treacherous, those ruins, and filled with all manners of Dwemer constructs," Kethiah nodded. "If the Redoran and Indoril did try to plunder it and weren't aware of what they were getting into, they probably lost more men than they gained by the treasure. Here's hoping, anyhow."
Sheogorath
"That'd be my guess," Kethiah replied. "Did you get any information about Almalexia from Goranthir, or was he ... unable?"
Sheogorath
"Not at all, his old nurse may be the way to get through to him when we face him again, which I have no doubt we will," Kethiah said. Seeing Slashes, she smiled. "Welcome, commander. Thank you for coming. How go the preparations to defend Ald Raathim in case of trouble?"
Sheogorath
"They're exquisite, Nalion, thank you," Kethiah gasped, a tear coming to her eye which she quickly wiped away. "I'm so sorry. I've been so emotional lately. What a wonderful gift."
She kissed Nalion's cheek.
Sheogorath
"Loranna, Your Grace," Kethiah looks at Loranna and then back at the goblets. "B'vek, they're amazing."
She picks one up, and holds it before the candlelight, its facets blazing. Her violet and red eyes almost are lost in them.
"Thank you," she said quickly with a laugh, kissing Loranna's cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't say thank you. I'm just overwhelmed. Thank you."
Sheogorath
"You know how I refuse to cut into the Nymph and Noggin's profits, and am notorious for my policy of no free drinks from the cellar," Kethiah said with a wink. "But maybe this one time ..."
Sheogorath
"Thank you, Loranna," Kethiah said, smiling, as Loranna called for more wine from the castle. "Though on this occasion, I wouldn't mind cutting into the Nymph's profits a bit. And I know Isidor wouldn't mind ... Makes me wonder what happened to Tris, though, speaking of whom. I suppose being Count Sternhart is a lot of work, but strange we haven't heard from him in a while. Or Allerleirauh, for that matter ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's own eyes, red and violet, were perfectly reflected in the stones. She looked to Isidor as if to say something, but couldn't.
Instead she kissed him, and let the tears flow, not bothering to wipe them away this time.
Sheogorath
Summary
Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, a.k.a Geht, is out of the picture for now, though his plight may still be discussed.
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her surprise wedding feast. It was such a surprise that she's there with dishelveled hair and a wine-stained common dress ... but she looks beautiful and she has never been happier.
"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Kethiah whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "It truly is. You overwhelm me, Isidor."
Sheogorath
"That would be a most welcome gift," Kethiah smiled, finally wiping away her tears of happiness. "Please continue."
Sheogorath
"It's the Merchant's Festival, of course," said Kethiah.
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled, looking at Tyradil and Tilitalia, who were transfixed by the tale. As well they might be, P'rassha was a fine storyteller.
Sheogorath
The group, particularly the children Tyradil and Tilitalia, applauded.
"Thank you, P'Rassha," said Kethiah, touched. "That is very kind of you. I don't think there's much risk of me forgetting the story, but I'll treasure it ..."
Her red and violet eyes narrowed. "It's not ... Vaernima's, is it?"
Sheogorath
"I think you're supposed to ask him if he'll honor and obey me," Kethiah laughed, a little nervously. "B'vek, this is really happening, isn't it?"
Sheogorath
"Where shall we go for this?" Kethiah asked. "Do you have somewhere set up? By the pond?"
Sheogorath
"Right here is perfect, darling," Kethiah smiled.
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled, and took from around her neck a small, finely crafted ebony amulet, with two sapphires placed in the middle. It glowed with a magical effect, and shined brightly. It was the healing talisman he had given her after the attack by Herwyn Brand that had nearly claimed her life.
"This was the gift you gave me when you saved my life," she said, and corrected herself. "The second time you saved my life. I would like you to have it back, not because I don't treasure it and you, but because it is symbolic of the healing power of love. And how you have proven that by giving, you receive."
She put it around his neck.
Sheogorath
Kethiah did too, but also whispered to Isidor, with a wink. "You'll recall, I think it was also the first gift you gave me that I actually liked."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled wildly, and held Isidor's hand. "I do."
Sheogorath
Kethiah grabbed Isidor and pulled him in for a kiss.
Then she kissed Loranna full on the lips, laughing.
S'reddit
Ald Raathim Mages Guild
A figure swathed in a dark dun robe paid the incurious Guild Guide, and stepped onto the streets of Ald Raathim. He was a young man in his early 20s, with a handsome face slightly scarred from battle, an Imperial with dark blond hair and friendly green eyes.
Through the streets of the city he walked, looking around, smiling at the sights of the battle preparations.
At length, he reached his goal: the castle of Daruhn. Pulling back his robe, he revealed the red armor of the Royal Guard of Morrowind.
"I am Pythus Angelicus, emissary of the King, and I would like to have an audience with the Duchess as soon as possible."
S'reddit
Pythus bowed. "Forgive me, your Grace, for using the Mages Guild transport. As you know, his royal Highness requests that his emissaries use his ships at all times so no one knows our comings and goings, but this could not wait ... I understand that her royal highness the queen mother communicates with you through the gift of the mirror she gave you, but she is at sea, and does not know what had happened ... Tel Silgrid is under attack."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
The newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, hand in hand. Immediately Kethiah was besieged by merchants, frantically telling her they had been waiting for a moment to tell her news. She laughed them off for a moment, but they were persistent.
"I suppose we return to life as normal, my husband," Kethiah smiled, kissing Isidor.
S'reddit
"It hasn't fallen yet," Pythus says quickly. "I'm sorry if I miscommunicated that. They may still ... hold out ... But we need troops from you to save it."
S'reddit
Kethiah gave him a kiss, and went off to talk to the merchants. A moment later, she returned, and gave Isidor another kiss.
"Sorry, I guess I wasn't finished kissing you," she grinned, and then went off to get the news.
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn
Kallen went off to tell Slashes the news, and to bring him to the castle. As always, his expression was calm, the ultimate professional.
The Imperial emissary was equally calm, and professional. "The reports are not corroborated, but there is an army, and as large a one as the Redoran have ever used ... And there is something else. Some sort of construct, perhaps Daedric ..."
S'reddit
Kallen escorted Slashes to Loranna's office. He usually offered Slashes or anyone else a drink as they entered. This time he did not. The commander needed his sobriety.
S'reddit
A few minutes later, Kethiah came running down the stairs, nearly falling. Her face was pale.
"We're in trouble," she whispered to Isidor. "I'll be right back."
She ran through the city streets towards the castle.
S'reddit
Kethiah stepped into the office a moment later, panting, holding her belly. She looked angry. The damned thing was slowing her down ...
Then she looked at the faces in the room.
"You have heard already," she said. "I am sorry I could not tell you before, but they couldn't find me ... At least I can corroborate. The flag of the Redoran is flying over Tel Silgrid again."
Pythus could be seen whispering. Talking to his master, the King.
S'reddit
Kethiah said. "Your Grace, the gossip will be spreading soon. The people will need a post from you about what is happening, and what they should do. The children know how to defend themselves, and what to do in case of trouble, Dragon and I have seen to that, but if you will write a notice, I will be post at the Nymph and Noggin."
Kethiah waited for Loranna to compose the post, and then hurried off to put it up.
Sheogorath
Pythus Angelicus blanched slightly as he received a soundless message from his commander, King Helseth. He told his sovereign what Ald Raathim was facing, based on the latest reports.
"Mournhold is under siege" he said to Loranna quietly.
Sheogorath
The royal army, such as it was in the two small garrisons west of the village of Ald Raathim, also fell back to the walls. They had taken heavy losses already, but one could look in the eyes of every soldier and see they would fight to the death.
Sheogorath
Archmagister Zadion flew through the skies of Ald Raatham, looking at the approaching army before floating up to the tower of the castle where Loranna's office was located.
"Make certain you put some archers and mages up here to repel any other mages or parraptons," the Altmer sorceror said as he stepped in through the window. "I should tell you that several people have tried to break in to the Guild to flee through the Guild Guide. If worse comes to worse, we'll help with refugees, but I've placed a powerful lock on the door to the Guildhouse for now. People shouldn't be huddling within when they can be defending the Duchy."
Sheogorath
A flight of parraptons flew high above the city of Ald Raathim, and paper showered down below.
Pythus Angelicus rushing to join the royal army in defending the city walls picked up one of the papers.
"THROW DOWN YOUR ARMS AND SURRENDER NOW AND YOUR LIVES WILL BE SPARED!"
It was written in Cyrodilic, and in the cants of Argonia and Elsweyr and Morrowind.
Pythus crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it away.
Sheogorath
Summary
Pythus Angelicus, Imperial emissary of King Helseth of Morrowind is in Ald Raathim, receiving intelligence from his commander through his mirror link. He has told Loranna that Mournhold as well as Ald Raathim is under siege.
Zadion, Archmagister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is keeping his guild's neutrality, though he has promised to allow refuges to use its Guild Guide if the situation becomes desperate ... which it rapidly is ...
And Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export liaison (and secretly the Spymaster) for Loranna, Duchess of Ald Raathim, and newly wed wife of Isidor ...
The Nymph and Noggin
The tavern was a good place to stay for now. Kethiah could keep her eye on her stepchildren while their father was fighting. It was frustrating to stay away from the fight, but in her condition, seven months pregnant, it was wise ... Besides, she could get additional intelligence from the merchants who were taking refuge in the tavern, and pass the information on ...
Sheogorath
Pythus did not know Reichi, but he was close enough to shout to him. "The King and the soldiers in Mournhold have found a weakness in the crab fabricants!" he shouted. The other Royal soldiers in the vicinity continued to fight, but they listened to him. "Roll under them, destroy the air tube with a frost or electric spell, and you can gain purchase!"
Sheogorath
"You're doing it the hard way!" Pythus cried, running towards Slashes. "Listen!"
He began to repeat what he had said before, but his attention was suddenly averted to something else. His eyes widened, and he turned in a different direction.
Sheogorath
Pythus Angelicus shrieked in pain as he was immolated, but he continued to rush forward. His armor was brittle from being at ground zero of the blast, and when he stepped between the barrage of arrows and the two Dunmer children who were huddling together, exposed, he was pierced through the heart.
He dropped to the ground, dead, his body still smoking.
Sheogorath
The seal in the seemingly impenetrable underbelly of the crab cracked, just slightly. It had been built for warm weather fighting, after all. A slight curl of gas leaked out from the tiny exposed hole, as the crab rotated around to stomp Shaka.
Sheogorath
The Atronach punched at the small opening with all his might, but it barely dented the area. The hole was wider now, a definite gap in the air supply of the crab, but Shaka only saw it for a second before the crab dropped down on the Atronach, crushing it.
Sheogorath
Kallen stepped up to Loranna. He too was bloody from helping heal the people within the castle, but as ever, he was calm and professional.
"Shall I stay in your office to relay messages to you from the mirror, Your Grace?" he asked quietly, to not be overheard by any but she. "Kethiah just sent word about some information she's gathered from a merchant who just came into port. Apparently, there are ships with the Redoran flag approaching from the east. They will be here in a few hours time."
Sheogorath
"Kethiah said her contact's best estimate is that they're a couple hours away still," Kallen replied. "They must be planning on entering our main harbor ... they can't land in the castle's bay, with the mangroves in the way ... But I will report back when I hear more."
Kallen hurried back to the office.
Sheogorath
The Archmagister of the Mages Guild, Zadion, met Nalion in the village, not far from the march of the crab fabricants. Indeed, not far from the Mages Guild.
"So, we're going to break a few eggs, are we?" the Altmer said. "We better make sure the buildings are unoccupied."
With a wave of his hand, he cast a vast Detect Life to see who was in the area.
"There are refugees inside," he said. "We need to tell them to go to the castle, or the Temple, or some other safe location."
S'reddit
Smoke still curled up from the roof of the Nymph and Noggin, but the fire that had caused it had been quenched some time ago. Inside both the elegant main room of the Nymph, the rougher main room of the Noggin, and all the guests rooms throughout, there were wounded people being tended to. Kethiah had been frustrated not to be able to join in the battle to save Ald Raathim, but as the refugees came, and then the wounded, she had found herself too busy to thnk about it. Her personality was one of a natural organizer, so in no time, she had found any who had healing skills -- either magical or mundane -- and had them treating the wounded.
Tyradil and Tilialia had proven themselves invaluable aides in this, getting food and water for the people. They too wanted to leave at first and see how their father was faring, defending the city, but Kethiah kept them in her sight. The stories they heard from the refugees were horrifying, and when the battle in the bay took place and the Ald Raathim fleet was sunk, they had had a terrible view of it from the windows overlooking the docks.
In a sense, the Nymph and Noggin had been lucky. The roof catching on fire was the deadliest attack on its structure, and Kethiah had made certain that was doused almost as soon as it happened. One need only look, however, at the moaning, weeping, and in some cases dying people within, and the haunted expressions on those whose homes had been destroyed, to see it would never be the same again.
Nevertheless, Kethiah put a notice outside the Nymph that read:
Though we drown in tears,
And our horrors threaten to overwhelm us,
We Have Survived.
S'reddit
Kethiah was tending to an injured child, praising him for escaping from the Redoran army, though there was a nasty laceration across his leg, and he held her, crying. Finally, a proper healer appeared from the back, and Kethiah let the boy go.
She saw the brothers enter and ran into Isidor's arms. It was hard to tell which one of the two of them was more blood-stained, sweat-stained, exhausted.
S'reddit
Summary
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah, former assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, the Duchess's excise and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster) is at her tavern which survived the Redoran attack. All around her are wounded citizenry which she, being 7 months pregnant and unfit for combat, has been nursing during the attack. She is embracing her new husband Isidor, though she has noted too the presence of his brother Ingmar.
Kethiah could not find the words, so she kept the embrace. Finally, she opens her eyes and sees not only Ingmar standing by, but Loranna.
"B'Vek," she said. "How bad is it? I have heard terrible things from the refugees. Does the castle still stand?"
S'reddit
"Quite a change, me being the last one to know about everything," Kethiah nodded. "No one will be coming into port for any business for a while ... Does Pythus Angelicus know what the situation is in Mournhold?"
S'reddit
"Then we can't waste time," Kethiah shook her head. "The defenses need to be built up again, even faster than before, or they won't need another huge invasion. And Diamond should create a monument honoring those who have fallen."
"I didn't know you were back in Ald Raathim, brother-in-law," Kethiah added, turning to Ingmar. "But I am glad to see you survived."
And she was, truly. Despite everything, she still remembered him as the sweet-natured cook she had left in Skyrim.
Sheogorath
Kethiah shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't know about that. Maybe that's something I can help with, since I'm fairly useless right now, with my contacts temporarily lost ..."
"You too, Shaka," Kethiah smiled. "I'm glad everyone is regrouping here. Saves a lot of worry."
Sheogorath
"Like I said, I'd be happy to organize ..." Kethiah began, and then was distracted. A Breton man of middle-age and undistinguished looks had entered the tavern, looking around at the chaos, bewildered. With him were several sailors.
"Oan!" she cried, running to him. "B'Vek, how did you get in to port?"
"I didn't have much choice," the merchant said grimly. "I had to avoid the Redoran warships, and this was the only way. What's happened here?!"
"The war," Kethiah replied. "What news?"
"There were attacks in Vivec and Mournhold as well," he said. "Both were repelled."
"There was still fighting in Vivec," one of his sailors said, shaking his head. "Might be too soon to say whether the fight was really repelled or not ..."
Sheogorath
"I meant it when I said I'm glad you made it through," Kethiah said, looking to Ingmar, not smiling. "But if you're angry, and want to do something more useful than drinking, you could help restore order to the city. I've heard there's looting going on, and Dram is trying to organize a group to protect the businesses that survived the Redorans from being dismantled by our own citizens."
Sheogorath
"Like I said, that would be useful," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar with her one red and one violet eyes.
He was a puzzle. First, he was the sweet-natured cook in Skyrim, whom she had dallied with and then left when her assignment was over. Then he was Isidor's lost brother, professing his love to her. Then, a drunk, a brawler when she rejected him. And now, sullen, but evidently fighting for Ald Raathim still ... A good guy, but an infuriating one.
Kethiah welcomed the opportunity to turn away from her former lover and current brother-in-law. "If you're looking to help, there's more than enough to do. We need to stop the looting going on in the city, and put our defenses back up. Dram is the head of the Duchess's guards, and he's doubtless in the city somewhere, dealing with the situation."
Sheogorath
"It's my tavern," Kethiah said, touching her belly which was almost eight months' pregnant. "And I rarely drink, but I appreciate the offer. What do you mean that you were partly responsible?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked surprised for a moment, and then smiled, pouring Sego another drink. "Your help would be much appreciated, and rewarded, of course ... But why don't you first tell me a little bit more about your story?"
Very few people knew that Kethiah was the Duchess of Ald Raathim's Spymaster. She wanted to keep that secret for the sake of her family. That said, she was very good at playing the part of the friendly tavernkeeper, learning what she could about Redoran troop movements from this source.
She would have to do some research into this fellow, she told herself. He may have the markings of a damn fine double-agent.
Sheogorath
"Very interesting," Kethiah replied, and looked around the tavern. Isidor, Ingmar, Slashes, Anya, Kiseena, many more ... Enough to get together a group to find this enemy encampment if it existed and rout them out -- while still keeping their eye on Sego. He seemed trustworthy enough, but one never knew ... She signaled for the heroes within eyesight to come over, and told them what Sego was saying about the possibility of Redorans still being within the environs of Ald Raathim.
Obviously, they would have to keep it secret, to avoid panic. But it had to be investigated and dealt with immediately.
Sheogorath
"I'd like you to meet Sego," Kethiah said. "He was apparently a reluctant member of the Redoran force, but he is interested in switching sides ... And he says that the Redorans likely made camp somewhere in the vicinity, instead of simply fleeing. If that's the case, they need to be routed out as soon as possible, as vulnerable as we are right now."
Her red and violet eyes told even more than her words conveyed. Sego may be trusted, but maybe not. They should go with him, but watch their backs.
(OOC -- Running out to lunch, but don't wait on me if you want to go kick some camping Redoran butt)
Sheogorath
Blacklight
Muthsera Hlaalu Mortillara, chairman of the Alliance Military Offensive, was an elderly Dunmeri female with steel-gray hair, a slight stoop, and eyes that made powerful soldiers tremble when they fell on them. As one of the independent Hlaalu nobles who had not sided with the King, she had assumed the position of Chairman because of her neutrality: she would not side with either the Indoril or the Redoran, but the side that was right.
Her much younger lover Hlaalu Daris helped her take her seat.
"I have been going over the reports," she said, her voice low and authoritative. "I think there is little need to celebrate our successes so soon. Let us first talk of our failures, why they occured, and what we can do to capitalize on our situation."
She took a moment to look over those assembled.
"Our first failure," she said. "Mournhold was not taken. The King and Queen still live."
Sheogorath
Blacklight
"Always an interesting conundrum," Mortillara frowned. "If the leaders of our Alliance do not go into battle with the troops, it hurts morale. If they do and are killed, it hurts morale. It would be wise in the future for us to have more than one charismatic commander to rally the soldiers, particularly on an offensive as essential as Mournhold."
The Chairman's eyes had gone briefly to Muthsera Barreth at his seat. The King's cousin, the mer they wanted to place on his throne, had not participated in any battles, claiming it was too important for him to stay alive. If any had any doubt how much the Chairman had respected his decision, it could be settled right there. She disliked him, but she hated the King even more.
"Another issue that seems to have occured in both Ald Raathim and Mournhold," she continued. "Is that the supposedly neutral Mages Guild took side against us. I will be lodging a complaint with the Emperor and Archmagister Hannibal Traven about that. If we are to respect the Guild and not treat them as an enemy, they must not involve themselves. What else led to our failure in Ald Raathim?"
Sheogorath
Blacklight
"From what I understand, I agree," the Chairman nodded her head. "The battle had already been lost by then, and there is no honor in compounding that. There was an addition defeat that should be discussed. While we were pushing into Vivec, Ald Raathim, Mournhold, Tel Silgrid, and other points, Helseth pushed into Solsteim, and took it. I think it's safe to say that he would not call it an even trade, but we were kept completely off guard by that. Our intelligence to the north needs to be strengthened. I am making connections with the Nords to facilitate that."
Sheogorath
"I will make certain it is viewed exactly as that, an act of aggression against Skyrim," Mortilla smiled slightly. "Windhelm has been watching Helseth's rise with smoldering concern that can easily be stoked. At this time, I only want to use them for intelligence gathering in the northern sea, but they may make useful if temporary allies in the future."
"We took Vivec," the Chairman said. "And annihiliated the Muatramer's hold on many shrines in Vvardenfell. We hurt Helseth severely, and if we act quickly and wisely, we can keep him on the defensive until he has nothing left. I do not want us to celebrate our victories too much, but let us not despair. The wind is turning in our favor ... As for Our Lady ... Moonstone assures me that she is still smiling on us with favor."
In truth, the Hlaalu noblewoman did not believe Almalexia was a true Goddess. But that was a discussion for her more inner sanctum, not this group of squabbling councilors.
Sheogorath
"That's what we're here to decide," Mortilla said, glaring at the Indoril whispering, though she couldn't tell what he was saying. "I do agree that the south needs to be aided, but we cannot afford another large scale assault."
Mortilla turned to him, her eyes quick and aggressive, as if to tell him to watch his tone.
"We must be bold, and we mustn't discount out of hand using Helseth's other enemies against him if they may be of use," she said. "Including his stepsister."
Sheogorath
"In the ancient days, which you and I remember well," the Chairman said, meeting the old Indoril's eyes with the same intensity. "The Great Houses were led by Dunmer of action and intelligence. They were capable of coming up with solutions, not mewing like insipid children over every misfortune, pointing fingers instead of taking responsibility. They also did not jump to conclusions. Try to live up to their legacy, serjo."
Sheogorath
Blacklight
"Noble friends," the Chairman said, her voice softer now. "We cannot begin every meeting with a reminder than we are an alliance, for it is a bloody waste of time, but these ceaseless arguments are an even greater waste. Remember, we share the same goals. We will destroy the usurper, his traitorous Dres wife, and all his villainous cohorts. We will place his cousin, good Hlaalu Barreth, on the throne, as the Imperial treaty of old demands, but he will give the power of rule to the Houses, as it always should be."
Mortilla's young lover gave her a flagon of mazte to help her with her throat which was sounding dry.
"We do not need to negotiate with the Queen of Wayrest, but she has petitioned the alliance to be of service," she continued. "I brought up the subject because before we decide our next strategic move, we must discuss not only where trouble lies, but what advantages we have that we can use. A man does not begin to build a house before counting his gold, and we should know what our fortune is before proceeding with what needs doing. Even if we decide there is some gold we do not want to spend."
Sheogorath
Blacklight
"If Ald Raathim is surrounded on all sides, they too should be helpless," the Chairman added. "I believe we still have spies in the Duchess's household, do we not?"
S'reddit
"That is true," the Chairman replies, looking briefly at the young Indoril, and then at his elder House leader. Instruct your Houseman to mind his manners the look said. Or I will. "But for the time being at least, Ald Raathim would be foolish to indulge in an offensive, and I do not think them very foolish. We should put scouts in their land to the west, as that is their only land path. Unlike the royalty of Mournhold, the Duchess and her people regularly make use of the Mages Guild transport system as well -- they should be easy to track."
S'reddit
Mortilla smiled. "I did not know that. Of course, I know the Queen's reputation, and I agree with all that she will be an ally whom one should not turn one's back on, but she smells her stepbrother's blood and will get involved one way or another, so we would be wise not to ignore her ... As for their transportation, like I said, I am lodging a complaint with the Archmagister about the Mournhold and Ald Raathim Guilds lack of neutrality in Morrowind's affairs. Since we know that door's open to the Duchess and her heroes, we should discuss whether it should be shut, or allowed to stay open so we can watch it."
S'reddit
For a moment, the Chairman thought of another possibility: wooing Ald Raathim to join the Alliance. It was something she had suggested close to a year ago, when the war was still one of words, not blood. It struck her then, as now, as eminently reasonable – after all, Helseth was no great friend of Ald Raathim. But the Redoran and Indoril had balked at the idea of an alliance with an outlander Nord claiming sovereignty over a territory in Morrowind. Ousting her and her allies had been the strategy embraced. Mortilla put that thought from her mind yet again.
"Keep them busy, but not desperate," the Chairman nodded. "That sounds like a good goal. We will have to turn our back on trade coming into their port, but send saboteurs in so that they are forever rebuilding."
S'reddit
"I think she will still hate us more, and we will have broken their alliance but not their enmity of us," the Chairman mused. "I agree with the strategy for now, to keep Ald Raathim wounded, but not destroy them completely ... But eventually, even if we have to wait until the ear-clipper is off the throne, we will have to formulate a plan to make Loranna give up her rule. The stalemate can only last so long, but time is on our side in this."
S'reddit
"Yes, the old ways will be restored to Morrowind, we just have to be patient and wear them down a bit," the Chairman nodded. "And speaking of which, I move for a break. We'll be receiving new intelligence shortly, but I think our plan of giving Ald Raathim some breathing room to keep them from being desperate, but initiating periodic raids and acts of sabotage to keep them busy is a very good one, to be initiated immediately."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
More merchant ships had begun arriving in the harbor. Evidently, the shipping lanes were not blocked by the Redoran. Good news.
The scene at the Nymph and Noggin was less anarchic. The wounded and dead had been brought out, either to recover at the Temple or their own homes, or to be buried.
The bells of mourning rang in the air as services were held for those who had fallen. The few graveyards in Ald Raathim would have to be expanded.
Kethiah had meeting after meeting with merchants, some of whom were legitimate importers, and some of whom were spies. She had no time to witness the bardic duel, but her feelings about it were much the same as Loranna's. With so much to be done, it seemed like an extravagance to sing songs while buildings need to be repaired, to tell tales while the defenses needed to be built up. But, on the other hand, people needed comforting beyond what a healing spell could do.
Sheogorath
"That sounds good," Kethiah replied. She looked tired. She didn't remember the last time she slept soundly ... It would have been back at Shaka's yurt, she imagined. "As far as the news I've managed to gather and corroborate, some good news, some bad, some interesting ... It seems the reports of Vivec being saved aren't true. All the cantons belong to the Redoran and Indoril now. Moonstone has set himself up in the Temple. Molag Mar successfully defended itself, as did Mournhold. The shipping lanes appear to still be open for the most part. One of my agents is going to transport an emissary of the King's here in the next day or two, so that we can plan next moves. They don't dare to sail under the royal flag again, just yet, until they know what the situation is in the Inner Sea."
Sheogorath
Kethiah accepted the healing gratefully. "Thank you, I took a restoration potion a little while ago," she said, touching her belly. "I get tired really quickly now, but there's no time for sleep ..."
"As for the questions, I think Helseth's envoy will be able to answer them hopefully," she replied.
Sheogorath
"I have another month of usefulness, I hope," Kethiah smiled. "And, yes, I think Helseth's emissary will think it more important that we're rebuilding and shoring up defenses, rather than putting together a great banquet for him or her."
Sheogorath
"My contacts are on the outside, but if we can get some scouts out there to analyze the situation immediately around us, that'd obviously be very useful," Kethiah nodded her head.
Sheogorath
"That sounds good," Kethiah agreed. "We need to survey the surrounded areas as quickly and as thoroughly as possible."
"We'll need to balance keeping our foes out with keeping the people sheltered," Kethiah replied. "I'm buying some material from the merchants so we can patch up the buildings that just need a little work, but everyone will need to work together ... Those who have a house that survived will need to take in the homeless ... And we need you or Kallen to organize the effort, Gistral."
Sheogorath
"We do still have a number of talented shipwrights," Kethiah pointed out. "Maybe some of the ships could be salvageable. At least better than starting from scratch. But you have a good point about defending the harbor, and making it harder for them to attack us, while still letting merchant ships in ... "
Sheogorath
"Do you, did you?" Kethiah said, looking at Isidor. "I guess I didn't realize ... Well, we do need our allies more now than ever ... Perhaps, it would be good for you and maybe some other to go to Mournhold now. We can see for ourselves what the situation is before the envoy arrives, and know what to expect from the King. And what he expects from us."
Sheogorath
"Yes," Kethiah replied, still looking concerned. "Just remember the first rule of statecraft: don't make any promises."
Sheogorath
"You know Loranna will let you do what you will, if you feel up to it," Kethiah replied. "But diplomacy is a delicate task, as you know. It's easier to help rebuild the defenses than to chat with the King about him aiding us, but both are necessary ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah laughed. "Well, that's what Isidor is going there to do. It's not tourism."
Sheogorath
"I didn't mean any offense by that," Kethiah smiled. "I just wanted to make sure, since you weren't here at the beginning of the discussion, that Isidor is volunteering for a very delicate assignment, not a simple scouting expedition. I'm sure you'd be a great asset to him, but I wanted you to know what you're getting involved in."
Sheogorath
Kethiah chuckled. "I do enjoy talking to you, Reeds. I like to plan things out meticulously myself, but still, pretty much everything that happened in the last year and a half took me by surprise in a good way ... So I have to respect your philosophy."
Sheogorath
Kethiah led a Nord merchant to Gistral.
"Horig Boarkiller," she said, smiling, looking at both of them with her red and violet colored eyes. "This is Gistral. Horig was worried after he heard about the sinking of our fleet that we would have no use for the tarpelin material he was bringing to our shipwrights for them to make into sails. You know the stuff: very resilent, waterproof ... I told him if he and his sailors would help in tent construction, we'd buy the lot."
The Nord shook Gistral's hand warmly. "Thank Kyne we can help each other out."
Sheogorath
It was a hot day for this type of work, and the Nord sailors sweared and sweated as some cleared rubble, others set tent poles, and others cut the tarpelin into sections better suited for tents. The townsfolk too joined in, the strong on the heavy work, the young and old bringing water to the workers.
It was slow work, but before many hours had passed, there was a tent village in Ald Raathim in the square, in the roads, and through alleyways.
Sheogorath
Kethiah came out with a group of the villagers' children to help bring water to the workers.
"Have you seen Isidor?" she asked Shaka. "I don't know if he's already left for Mournhold yet ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah spotted him. "I was afraid I missed you. I wanted you to have this."
She handed him a wrapped present.
Sheogorath
"A wedding gift, I just finished it," Kethiah said.
Inside was a beautiful cloak, deep blue with gold embroidery. Kethiah turned it around and showed that the reverse side was oil-treated leather.
"A diplomat needs to look good," she said. "But I wanted it to be practical too. Just turn it around if the weather gets nasty."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled warmly, pleased Isidor liked the gift, and shaking her head at Loranna's pun.
"Any instructions for Isidor and Reeds?" Kethiah asked. "The only thing I said was not to promise anything, but is there anything we want to find out from Helseth?"
Sheogorath
"I didn't think you liked diplomacy and politics, Slyvos," Kethiah said, surprised.
Sheogorath
The Mages Guild
The Mages Guild had been largely untouched in battle, but had been used as refuge for many people. Like the Nymph and Noggin, it was slowly being depopulated, though there was much confusion still.
It took some time for the acolyte to locate Zadion, and little wonder: he was just arriving through the Guild Guide. Evidently, he had been gone, though no one at the Guild had known it.
"Nalion," the Altmer said. "That was a pretty impressive display during the battle. Glad to see you're doing better."
Sheogorath
"It's been a madhouse lately, I had half-forgotten," Zadion said. "Come along with me."
As he led Nalion into the corridors of the inner sanctums of the Guildhouse, he spoke. "I've sent some of what we found on to the Imperial City for my Archmagister. Artifacts related to necromancy are a particular interest of Hannibal Traven's, as commited as he is towards stamping out that menace. But there are some interesting books related to the Old Ways of the Psijics you might find informative."
He brought Nalion into a subterranean laboratory and library, where the Sload's equipment was arranged in neat piles. Zadion handed Nalion a book from one of the piles, a black leather tome of obvious ancient age.
Sheogorath
"The Guild Guide is maybe not the most secretive way to travel," Kethiah said. "But it'd be safer than sea travel, which is pretty ... well, we don't know how bad it is. And it's probably best to get to Mournhold quickly."
Sheogorath
Kethiah moved among the men, smoothing out their hair (where applicable), dusting off their shoulders, making sure they were as presentable as possible.
Sheogorath
Within seconds of entering the Guild Guide chamber at the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, they were in the Guild Guide chamber at the Mournhold Mages Guild.
Stepping out into the city, they could smell the smoke long extinguished that marked that this had been a place of battle. There were scarred remains of buildings along the streets in the process of being repaired, but amazingly, the markets were already open. Mournhold had either not suffered as greatly as Ald Raathim, or was better able to repair itself.
Going through Plaza Brindisi Dorom, they saw that the Temples were full of people going for healing, or to mourn or give thanks.
The flags of the royal family hung proudly all over the city, but when they reached the palace, the evidence of the battle was strongest. Half the building was completely destroyed.
Sheogorath
The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim
"That'd be the first choice, of course, on matters of the Old Ways," Zadion agreed. "But all over Summerset, there are great libraries. The Crystal Tower is one. The royal library in Firsthold has some of the oldest books in the Empire ... And what they don't have, they know where it is."
Sheogorath
"Your Grace, I was counting on you to stop them," Kethiah laughed hard. "Oh well, we didn't need that alliance anyhow, did we?"
Sheogorath
"Of course," Zadion replied. "Take all the time you need. But if you'll excuse me, I have some matters I need to attend to."
As he left the room, Nalion noticed he had muddy feet.
Sheogorath
The red-armored royal guard at the palace were on duty as always. In fact, there seemed to be more of them than before.
"Your business, serjos?" asked the first guard, just a kid really.
Sheogorath
"Right this way, serjo," the guard said, bringing the three into the palace. A serving girl met them in a courtyard which was still lush with greenery as if a million miles away from a war.
"His Majesty will be informed that you're here," she said. "May I bring you some refreshments?"
Sheogorath
The serving girl smiled, and returned shortly with Reeds's drink. Evidentally, she was used to all sorts of international visitors at the palace.
"His Majesty is very busy right now," she said. "He invites you to stay, but it may be some time before he is free. If you wish, I can tell which tavern you're staying at, and he can send an emissary when he is free."
(OOC -- Which, unfortunately, is my way of saying I need to sneak out for the night. If someone else wants to play Helseth and do this meeting, feel free. Sorry all.)
S'reddit
The Winged Guar, Mournhold
A courier in the red armor of the King of Morrowind arrived at the tavern, asking about the three who had recently arrived, saying he was under orders to bring them to the palace for an audience with His Royal Majesty.
The innkeeper, impressed, began looking for them.
Sheogorath
The courier was polite, and asked whether it would be possible to awaken Isidor's companions. The King regrets that he is so busy, but there is a limited amount of time when he can speak with the diplomats from Ald Raathim.
Sheogorath
"His Majesty has many people to see during the day," the courier replied. "He must by necessity rise early."
There were more than a few Imperials in the tavern, and though all were in dark cloaks, Reeds did notice on one the emblem of the dragon of the Septim dynasty.
Sheogorath
The courier nodded and accompanied them to the palace. There was a short wait outside the throne room before they were ushered in.
King Helseth, Queen Dinara, and the Imperial Crown Prince Geldall -- a tall, middle-aged man of handsome, mild aspect -- greeted them. Helseth, they noted, had a scar across his neck, healed but still red. A very serious injury.
Sheogorath
"And you," Geldall replied, smiling. "Who am I addressing?"
"Representatives of the Duchy of Ald Raathim," Dinara replied. "Isidor, I believe?"
Sheogorath
"You may not have met Geldall, the Emperor's son and heir apparent," the King said. He was Helseth without a doubt, but he did seem tired. His neck must have been bothering him still. "I sent an emissary to Ald Raathim to assess the situation and offer help if need be, but I don't believe he's arrived yet. Perhaps you would be good enough to tell us what the news is, how things after the attacks."
Sheogorath
"What is most essential right now?" Helseth asked. "A standing army, shelter, food, a symbolic gesture to aid morale? We have also obviously suffered an attempted invasion, and are in the process of serious rebuilding, and we cannot aid you in all ways immediately."
The Imperial Crown Prince watched the delegation from Ald Raathim with interest, with said nothing, taking it all in.
Sheogorath
"A very reasonable request," said the Crown Prince, looking to Helseth.
"We will send the third royal infantry battallion to Ald Raathim today," Helseth said carefully. "Together with fifteen ships of the western fleet. That should be ample for your defensive purposes for now, I would think. We can strategize more once they are in place."
"How fares the Duchess?" Dinara asked.
Sheogorath
"You have seen the castle from the outside, I take it you can infer the rest," Helseth replied, with his customary lack of emotion. "Before he was slain, our emissary to Ald Raathim, Pythus Angelicus, a cousin of His Imperial Majesty, described the battle and the army you faced. Ours was similar in intensity: larger, but then our defending army was larger, so I have no doubt that our danger was neither less nor more than yours."
Dinara looked to her husband as he talked, and her eyes told volumes. There was pride and love there. Though she was married to Helseth as a political expediency, it was evident that he had proven himself to her, and handled himself during the war in a way that neither would discuss, but made her glad to call him her husband and king.
"Something you might mention to your Duchess when you return," Geldall added. "We think the time has come to put an Imperial embassy in Ald Raathim. Naturally in this matter, we will remain neutral, but it has become more and more necessary for there to be open communications between Daruhn and the Imperial City. Helseth's emissary will discuss the particulars with Her Grace."
Sheogorath
"We appreciate your sincere concern about our mother's well-being," Helseth nodded. "Fortunately, Queen Barenziah was away from Morrowind at the time of the invasion. She reports that she is well, and offers her prayers to us."
Sheogorath
"Merely accept our thanks for your continued loyalty," Helseth replied with a bow.
"I'll see you out, good sirs," Dinara added, joining the ambassadors. From the look in her eyes, she had more to say, away from the Emperor's son.
Sheogorath
"My husband couldn't speak frankly about our situation with the Emperor's son there," Dinara said in hushed tones. "He will do as he promised, but we can scarcely spare any more, and our resources will be stretched as it is. The Empire is meeting both with us, and with the Redoran and Indoril Alliance, and we must portray ourselves as the stronger side ..."
She looked back towards the closed door, and continued. "I must ask you a favor."
Sheogorath
"We need Queen Morgiah to send us troops and gold," Dinara said frankly, but her eyes showed how desperate the situation was. "My husband would send people himself to tell her, but we are being watched very carefully now, not only by our enemies but by our Emperor, and we cannot afford to look weak. Can I ask you to go to Firsthold and plea for support?"
Sheogorath
Dinara kissed the cheeks of the three ambassadors. "Thank you."
Just two words, but they spoke volumes. They said that the need was great, that it was essential the troops and gold arrived soon, and that this favor would not be forgotten.
Sheogorath
Kethiah accompanied Loranna to the Guild, as the Duchess's import/export agent (as well as her Spymaster) she knew all the merchants involved.
Sheogorath
Dinara smiled, relieved, and with a farewell, returned to the throne room.
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern with her husband Isidor, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent (and secretly her Spymaster as well) has been with Loranna, speaking with the troublesome merchant. She is impressed with Loranna's toughness, and when they are alone lets her know.
Meanwhile ...
Firsthold
The crystal and mirrored streets of Firsthold were even more shimmering than usual. Gossamer banners floated from every window and arch, so that passing through, one seemed to be floating through an ethereal spider web.
The citizens appeared even more ghostly than usual, wearing white in celebration of the Princess Rinnala's cotillion. Though she was but a child, she would be officially available for courtship this season.
S'reddit
Kethiah brings him a drink. It was not yet normal enough in Ald Raathim for her to charge for food and drink, which was odd for her. Isidor always gave out free drinks to his friends, but she never did. It was a business. But not these days it wasn't. Maybe in the future. Hopefully.
S'reddit
Kethiah kissed him in response. "What happened? How is it in Mournhold?"
S'reddit
One of the barmaids at the Nymph comes to serve the Argonian.
Sheogorath
"Not at all," the barmaid smiled. She was a pretty thing, a shoo-in, many thought, for this year's Harvest Queen at the festival.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's red and violet eyes opened wide. "You met Geldall? The future Emperor of Tamriel? B'vek ..."
She took Isidor's hand. "Well, let's get you to the castle to talk to Loranna."
Sheogorath
"He's apparently meeting with our future Emperor, whom Isidor and the lads met," Kethiah said, still looking at her husband, amazed that he was taking that brush with power so casually. "And apparently, he wants your help getting a loan of troops and gold from his sister in Firsthold."
Sheogorath
Kethiah turns to Loranna. "Any reason to wait for the emissary before sending people off to Firsthold?"
Sheogorath
"Ah, you'll be going," Kethiah nodded. "I didn't realize ... Well, Isidor, Slyvos, and Reeds's etiquette were good enough for a King, a Queen, and an Imperial Crown Prince."
Sheogorath
At that, Kallen knocked gently on the door. "The royal emissary has arrived. I've set him up in his room to rest, and told him I'd bring him to you as soon as you were available."
Sheogorath
The emissary, like most of Helseth's inner circle of confidantes, was an Imperial of quiet, serious aspect. He inquired about Ald Raathim, gathering detailed information about the impact of the attempted invasion and the current status. He also asked about Pythus Angelicus's body, and whether he might have it to return it to Mournhold.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Summerset
That was easier said than done. The finest taverns in town were fully booked. At last, Nalion was able to find a room at one of the more unfashionable taverns, the Honor Guard, because a minor Altmeri nobleman was unable to afford his room after gambling too much. He was looking for someone to share the room with in exchange for half the rate.
Sheogorath
"The Library?" the innkeeper thought about it. He was not someone who did a lot of reading.
"It's connected to the palace," the noble said. He was a young mer in fine but threadbare clothes, looking as if he had been drinking too much of late. "You need permission to use it. As for the celebration, it's the Princess's Cotillion, of course, the start of the social season in Firsthold. Innumerable social and charity engagements, ballroom dances, theatre, art exhibitions, a flower show, horse and boat races. Given sufficient leisure time, disposable income and stamina, it's quite fun."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Everything is open only by invitation, except the boat races, I suppose, and the best views have already been reserved," the noble replied, and then smiled slightly. "Though perhaps if you would loan me a little money, I could make inquiries for you about the Cotillion and the Library?"
Sheogorath
Kallen steps into Loranna's view quietly, giving her a slight nod to tell her that there was something on his mind, but it could wait.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, The Honor Guard Tavern
The noble thought a moment, which was clearly hurting his head, as hungover as he was. "Perhaps a slight loan as well? My needs are very modest -- perhaps a thousand? -- and I could pay you back in a day ... maybe in a few hours if I have a bit of luck, or can find a chum I know who owes me?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
The very pregnant Dunmer woman with one red eye and one violet eye brought him his drink and yam. "Welcome to Ald Raathim," Kethiah smiled.
Sheogorath
"Delighted," the noble smiled, shaking Nalion's hand. "I'm His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier. Ellec to my friends. I hope you have a few coins left over for yourself. You will need a white cloak and vest for the Cotillion and Library. And it should be of high quality, but I know just where to shop."
Sheogorath
Kethiah held out her hand. "You're in luck. The name's Kethiah. I'm the Duchess's excise and import/export agent. If you'd like to talk privately, we have rooms upstairs."
Sheogorath
Kallen began to speak, but seeing that Loranna was distracted by someone else, smiled, and stepped aside.
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled, pleased that anyone would consider her a potential threat at eight months' pregnant ... But that did suggest something about this Markir. He could recognize a killer, even dressed as a tavernkeeper, even carrying a child ... That was interesting.
She brought him into the private room, which was comfortable if spartan.
"What can I do for you, serjo?"
Sheogorath
The Honor Guard Tavern, Firsthold
"I pride myself on never refusing a drink with a friend," Lord Faormier laughed. "But do call me Ellec, at least when we're away from court, and this tavern, charming as it is, is as far away from court as one can be."
The young Altmer took a seat at a table, and ordered a Tanische, two clear liquids which when mixed together, turned red. The smell was grassy, but not unpleasant.
"I am rich in title, but not much else," Lord Faormier shrugged. "I need to find a wife who will support me before the season ends. So I will acccept your kind wishes on my endeavors, and I will wish you luck on yours with the ancient books."
Sheogorath
Kallen calls in a servant to show Erenius to a room.
"Your Grace, I just wanted to tell you, if you didn't know, that it is the Cotillion in Firsthold right now," the seneschal said. "If you and the other ambassador to court are not dressed in white, and finely wrought white as well, you will stand out. And not in a good way."
Knowing that a Nordic barmaid would have little knowledge of formal Altmer social customs, Kallen explained to Loranna about the social season beginning as the Princess Rinnala, Goranthir's sister, was being presented to the nobles of Summerset. As usual, he was thorough in his knowledge.
Sheogorath
"There is Cotillion every year, but when a Princess of Summerset comes of age, it is special time in that kingdom," Lord Faormier replied. "Many come to pay respects, and there are circles within circles. Because of my family's ancient position, I can get into most events, but because of my family's recent bad luck, I can't afford to have much fun once there. Rather defeats the purpose, I suppose. Still, there are many other young ladies presenting themselves at court, and surely one of them will have a nice, plump ... inheritance ..."
S'reddit
The Honor Guard Tavern, Firsthold
Lord Faormier (Ellec to his friends) was at the tavern when Nalion returned.
"Very fashionable," he smiled, looking at Nalion's new outfit. "Now, the thing is that there's a ball being held at the Library tonight. I know it seems like a strange place to hold a dance, but the main hall is very large, and there are so many young ladies who want to have parties during the Cotillion Week, a lot of them have to make due. This one is for Lady Venevria Koer, the only daughter of one of the wealthiest merchant princes in Summerset, and apparently quite a beauty. I got you an invite to it. I couldn't talk to anyone about getting you permission to go into the stacks yet since they were too busy, but we can talk to the Archivist at the party."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kallen took a seat next to Isidor. "Excuse me if you're busy, serjo, but I thought you'd want to know what is happening in Firsthold if you're intending to go there."
Sheogorath
Kallen explained the concept of Cotillion Week and the social season in Firsthold, emphasizing the dress code of all white clothing, though the style was up to the individual's taste. He explained that King Reman and Queen Morgiah were presenting Princess Rinnala's availability for courtship, but that was only one of many balls and celebrations scheduled.
"Her Grace is getting an appropriate gown for the occasion," Kallen said. "I thought you and whoever else is going to Firsthold should also plan accordingly. If you could let the other ambassadors know if I don't talk to them first, it would be much appreciated."
Sheogorath
"I don't think so, but I will let you know," replied Kallen, rising. "Thank you, serjo."
The seneschal left, continuing his duties as professionally and seriously as ever.
Sheogorath
"No reason to apologize then," Kethiah smiled. "I take no offense to offers of assistance. Then, let me rephrase: how can you help us?"
Sheogorath
"That is extremely generous," Kethiah smiled warmly, and then laughed. "Unless your men eat an extraordinary amount, or have very expensive tastes."
"We can accomedate you all at the Nymph and Noggin for now," she continued. "Are you and your men planning on moving to Ald Raathim permanently?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
They caught a coach to the ball, as it really wouldn't do to show up on foot. The royal palace of Firsthold was enormous. It was hard to get any perspective on it, at it was surrounded by parkland, but it shone like a white diamond for miles around. There were multiple gates, but Lord Faormier and Nalion passed the main palace gate, and continued on until they got to the line of other carriages at the gates to the Library. All the coaches were white, but some were extremely ornate.
A footman stood by the gate, and Ellec addressed him. "His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier. And His Grace, the Archduke of Tel Gorad, Lord Nalion."
As the footman went in to announce them, Ellec whispered. "Don't worry. It's not like anyone's going to check on your title ..."
Sheogorath
"No offense taken," Kethiah shook her head. "Though we will see at the end of the war which community is 'nicest.' You are free to stay as long as you like, of course ... I merely ask because, as much as I appreciate your generosity, as a tavernkeeper I don't want to promise free room and board indefinitely. Someday, hopefully someday soon the Nymph and Noggin will be a business again, and I'll need to take on paying guests as well ... I hope my wording isn't offensive."
On Markir's next question, Kethiah's smile did not drop, but she gave her practiced half-truth: "My stance? I suppose it's left over from my days before I was a tavernkeeper, bureaucrat, wife, and mother. I was a self-taught freelance adventurer."
No need to go into her history as the deadliest assassin in Morrowind with someone she just met, after all.
Sheogorath
The Royal Library Ball, Firsthold
Their names were announced, and Nalion and Ellec entered the main hall of the library, descending a wide marble staircase. Below them there were a thousand revellers, who turned their attention to the new arrivals.
An orchestra, also in white, with instruments of white, played under a fifty-foot tall metal statue depicting Julianos. Their tunes were stately and slow, not meant for dancing to, but a group of naked acrobats tumbled about in front of them to the beat of the drums.
Servers wound their way through the throng, bearing drinks. The liquid served in very thin flutes of crystal was pure black.
"Ebonille," Ellec whispered. "The first trick is not to spill any on yourself. And not to be caught if you spill it on others."
Sheogorath
The Royal Library Ball, Firsthold
"She hasn't made her entrance yet," Ellec replied, also taking a glass of ebonille. The flavor was dry and herbaceous, but delicious. Like many things in Summerset, it was impossible to explain by comparison to anything else. One simply had to sample it. "We should find her parents though."
It was easy to guess the location of Lord and Lady Estacirce, the hosts, for many were gathering around them. One could also not help but hear the various bits of gossip. Venevria was said not to want this party, and her brother Lord Thios, to whom she was very close, had refused to attend, objecting to the whole thing. Venevria's gown, the noble women whispered, was supposed to be very grand, even more beautiful and expensive than the Princess's. That would be a scandal if true.
The hosts were found: a grandly dressed couple with delicate, noble features. It was easy to see why their daughter would be beautiful with such a lineage. They were speaking with Heliothrax, the chief archivist of the Royal Library.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Upon arriving at the Firsthold Mages Guild, the Altmer Guild Guide there did not raise an eyebrow. She merely said. "I suppose you're going to the ball at the Royal Library? Better hurry, or it'll be over. You can catch a carriage outside."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The white carriages trotted through the streets of crystal and mirror and silk. Even the guards who patrolled the upper walkways wore white, and seemed to be ghosts floating above all.
The diamond-like Royal Palace was glowing by torchlight as the carriages pulled up to the entrance to the Royal Library.
"May I have you name, milady?" the footman asked. With him was a long scroll with many names on it. Evidently, it was by invitation only.
Sheogorath
Heliothrax looked at Nalion with a slightly amused smile, and shook his hand. He was an old fellow, even by Aldmer standards, and it was clear he had read most of the books under his charge. Difficult to fool, but evidently, he didn't mind Nalion's deception.
Lord and Lord Estacirce smiled and bowed to Nalion and Ellec.
"Tel Gorad, how lovely, I haven't been there in too, too long," her ladyship replied, beaming, which would have been more impressive had Tel Gorad existed.
"But there is the war now," Lord Estacirce tutted.
"Too, too sad," his wife tutted too. "I hope it has not been too tiresome, your grace."
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
A lot happened in a very short amount of time. The footman scanned the list, and then nodded almost imperceptibly to another fellow who seemed to be of a higher rank, who was in an alcove off the main entrance. He nodded in reply, and the footman bowed and said. "One moment, your grace, while I announce you."
It was a model of efficiency for sure. An unexpected guest had been approved and given entry in but a few seconds' time.
"Dres Loranna Pyrel, Grand Duchess of Ald Raathim of Morrowind, and her entourage," the footman called to the company within, announcing them.
Lord Estacirce looked to Nalion with a slight smile. It was obvious what he was thinking. He hoped that the Duchess and the Archduke weren't on opposite sides in the Civil War of Morrowind. That would be very awkward.
Sheogorath
"Yes, His Grace Lord Nalion is a great collector of books, his library is one of the most impressive in the east," Ellec said breezily, on his second ebonille. "I told him he had to see the Royal Library collection while he was in Firsthold."
"How long is your Grace staying?" Heliothrax asked. "Unfortunately, the stacks are locked up for the next week while the Cotillion is on ... We don't want drunken noblemen stumbling among the rare manuscripts, vomiting after all."
"Really, milord," Lady Estacirce tutted. "You're being purposefully gruesome."
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
Servers handed the guests the thin crystalline flutes of ebonille as they passed. And they heard much of the same gossip as Nalion had heard earlier, as well as the information that the young lady in whose honor the ball was being held would shortly be presented.
Lord and Lady Estacirce, Master Heliothrax, Lord Fiormier, and "Archduke" Nalion were easy to spot.
Sheogorath
The naked dancers in front of the orchestra began moving towards the marble stairs in formation. The Altmer moved out of their way. Evidently, Lady Venevria was about to make her appearance.
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
Ellec looked towards the staircase as the dancer ascended and the orchestra took a more lyrical, almost celestial tone.
"There's a door to the stacks under the stairs," he whispered to Nalion. "It's never locked. People use it for dalliances all the time."
Ellec smiled at Loranna, and waited for his introduction.
Sheogorath
Lord Estacirce bowed to Loranna and her company, smiling widely, and thanking her for her kind words. He was very relieved that Ald Raathim, wherever that was, and Tel Gorad, wherever that was, were not enemies.
"Ald Raathim, how lovely, I haven't been there in too, too long," her ladyship beamed.
All eyes then turned to the entrance as the orchestra swelled.
A whirlwind of white billowed forth from the doorway, carried on a magical wind. At first it seemed to be snow, but as it fell, and glistening in the candlelight, it was evident that it was crushed crystal. An almost obscene expense.
"Lady Venevria Estacirce," the footman called.
A pale thin figure appeared on the stairs. The gown appeared to be very simple, painfully bodiced, and she wore a wimple that covered much of her hair and face. It glowed like starlight, and as she walked slowly down the stairs, the train behind her spread out and cascaded like an endless sparkling river.
Even at a distance, Venevria's eyes, bright like amber, caught the light and the attention of all.
Sheogorath
Ellec had been in the process of bowing to Loranna when Lady Venevria appeared. He finished it awkwardly.
"A great pleasure to meet you, your Grace," he said to her, smiling charmingly. "If you'll excuse me ..."
Lord Faormier whispered to Nalion. "The door by the stairs, remember ..."
And then he hurried through the crowd to try to get a dance with Lady Venevria as the orchestra began its waltz music.
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
Lord Faormier, by impressive diligence and speed, considering he was halfway across the hall when Venevria entered, managed to get the first dance with her. Her ladyship took her train in her left hand and Ellec's hand in her right, and they began the slow, graceful dance. The train, as it was enchanted to do, rose above the floor and circled the couple like a sparkling mist. Other couples followed their lead, but for the pure spectacle of it, Lady Venevria and Ellec were the most dazzling.
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
The little room under the stairs housed a few beautiful marble statues which had evidently been moved from the main hall to make it more open for the ball. The torches lining the walls were out, but Nalion could make out the circular staircase leading down to the stacks below.
Sheogorath
Nalion had been in enough libraries to recognize the organization, and make his way through the maze of shelves towards the section he sought. It was an amazing collection, possibly the best he had ever seen.
There were the usual creaks and groans of an old structure, and echoes of the party upstairs, but Nalion heard something else, he was certain of that. Footsteps. They were soft, cautious, but definitely someone else was down here with him.
Sheogorath
The pretty Altmeri girl Reeds had asked smiled politely, and then burst into tears, running away.
"Don't mind her, she was holding out for someone else," said another Altmer noblewoman, with golden eyes and a cute crooked smile. "But I'm available."
Sheogorath
She took his hand with a little laugh. "Glacia of Tourton," she said, as they joined the dance.
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
"At this moment, I feel wonderful," Glacia grinned, glancing quickly at Venevria and Ellec. "But two minutes ago, when she stepped in, I felt like a scullery maid."
Glacia looked pretty more than glamorous, as Venevria did in her personal cloud of stars. Her white silk gown was loose, and comfortable, though her figure was obviously very fine.
Sheogorath
The footsteps also slowed, as if whoever it was also heard him, and was trying to figure out where he was.
There was silence for a moment, and then someone shoved against the bookshelf to topple it onto Nalion.
Sheogorath
Glacia giggled. "Not used to the entertainments of the rich and vapid? Are you from Black Marsh?"
The dance ended, and the orchestra began a new tune.
"Almost before we began," she said, disappointed. "Would you like to ask me to dance again?"
Sheogorath
The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold
Nalion cleared the falling bookshelf unharmed, and saw a shadowy figure in a dark robe run into the maze.
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
"I hope that wasn't an impudent question," Glacia said as she spun around him. She was a very good dancer. "You are only the second Argonian I've ever met, and the first one I've danced with."
Sheogorath
Lady Venevria looked to Isidor and bowed gracefully, taking his hand. Lord Faormier looked disappointed, but smiled charmingly, and withdrew with a bow of his own.
As Isidor and Lady Venevria danced, her train once again billowed around them, as if creating a wall of stars between them and everyone else.
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
"I was only six years old, and too shy to ask, I suppose," she laughed. "Most of us 'highborn' Altmer find Bretons and Nords to be exotic and rarely seen. When we see a man with scales and a tail ... Well, unless one is adventurous, it's safer to stare. I'm sure it'd be the same if I walked into a village in Black Marsh where no one was used to seeing an elf."
Sheogorath
Glacia frowned. "Yes, of course, how daft of me. I'm sorry," she looked to Venevria and Isidor dancing now. "It looks like your friend has his eye set on the lady of the ball."
Sheogorath
The Library Ball, Firsthold
"I would like that," Glacia smiled, kissing Reeds on the cheek. She joined a group of her friends.
Sheogorath
The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold
He did not have to follow the figure far into the maze. Some papers had fallen on the ground, and the cloaked character evidently did not see them. There was a crash as the shadow tripped and fell against one of the shelves.
Sheogorath
The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold
The figure struggled in Nalion's grasp, and he could tell right away it was a girl. A slightly built wisp of a girl, in fact. Her jet black hair tumbled loose as she squirmed to look at him. She was extraordinarily beautiful, with skin like honey, and she looked at him with frantic, and very familiar amber-colored eyes.
Her hands began to glow.
"Let go of me," she hissed.
Sheogorath
The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold
"Please," she whispered. "Don't tell anyone. I'm trying to run away."
Sheogorath
The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold
"I begged them not to make me go through with it, but they wouldn't listen. I want to go to Artaeum ... It's not so far away if I slip away at night," Venevria whispered, looking into Nalion's eyes. She was still frightened, but a little less so when she found goodness there. "My twin Thios is taking my place ... at least until the ball's over, if I can escape tonight."
Sheogorath
Venevria smiled shyly. "Yes, I do like it down here, and yes, I can help you find that book ... But only if you stop calling me Venevria, and call me Ria, after my aunt Ria Silmane."
Sheogorath
The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold
"Thank you, and thank you for not telling anyone I'm down here," Ria said, as she guided him through the shelves.
Sheogorath
Ria smiled again. "Would you tell me your name? Other than Thios, who agreed to wear a very uncomfortable dress to help me escape, you're the nicest person I've ever met."
Sheogorath
"I will do that, I promise," Ria nodded seriously. She took a book from the shelves carefully. It was so old, its leather threatened to crack with the slightest pressure. "Is this the book you wanted?"
S'reddit
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern with her husband Isidor, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent (and secretly her Spymaster) is in Ald Raathim, tending to business. She is 8 months pregnant, and feels it.
His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier (Ellec to his friends), a title-rich but cash-poor Altmer noble out to find a rich wife this social season, is at the Library Ball in Firsthold. He secured the first dance with the stunning Lady Venevria, and has been content to dance with other Altmer noblewomen of lesser wealth ever since. He is sharing a room at the Honor Guard tavern with Nalion.
Lady Venevria Estacirce has made the debut her wealthy parents would have hoped for, taking everyone's breath away in her gorgeous (albeit painful to wear) gown, complete with a face-covering wimple and a gravity-defying train of star-like crystals. She continues to waltz with suitor after suitor.
The real Lady Venevria Estacirce, who prefers to be called Ria after her namesake and aunt the legendary sorceress Ria Silmane, has run away after hiding in the library stacks, where she met Nalion and helped him find an ancient book. She is trying to get to Artaeum to become a Psijic. The person imitating her upstairs, unbeknownst to all but Nalion, is her twin brother Lord Thios.
And there is another in this convoluted tale we are yet to meet ...
S'reddit
The Library Ball, Firsthold
As the orchestra drew to the end of a song, one of the guards who had been watching the festivities stepped forward, lowering his white hood. A buzz went through the crowd. The orchestra, also startled, struck a series of false chords, and then ended the song.
The Altmer had a handsome, noble face with a serious aspect. He approached Loranna and Slyvos.
"Might I ask for a dance?" he said. "My name is Aedrin. I believe you knew my cousin."
Crown Prince Aedrin, of course, the heir to the throne of Firsthold, and Goranthir's cousin.
S'reddit
The Library Ball, Firsthold
There was precious little similarity between the two. Goranthir, having a Dunmer mother, had dark skin, and Aedrin was fully Altmer. Goranthir's good look had been almost pretty, while Aedrin with strong chin and broad nose was far more rugged. Then, she saw the Reman link between the two: the red-gold hair. Goranthir had kept his shoulder-length until he went undercover in Vvardenfell when he shaved it. Aedrin too was very short, but the hue was definitely the same.
Aedrin's personality too was not at all like his cousin's. He was not flirtatious or light-hearted or witty. He did not dance particularly well either, though he clearly knew the steps.
He came to the point as they began the dance. "What are you doing here, Lady Loranna?"
S'reddit
The Library Ball, Firsthold
"Is that true?" Aedrin asked rather gruffly, looking her in the eyes. "What do you know of Goranthir? Is he dead?"
S'reddit
Prince Aedrin pulled a piece of paper out from his robes and handed it to Loranna. It was the tract Maranda and Jelsia had written.
"Then all this tripe," he said, more quietly. "It's all true. My aunt is the monster it makes her out to be."
S'reddit
Aedrin's eyes filled with rage.
He stopped dancing, and walked out of the room up the marble staircase.
All eyes were on Loranna. What had she said to him?
S'reddit
"Don't let it worry you," Lord Faormier said to her as she rushed past. He was tipsy, as was the young heiress he was dancing with. "The Prince is an odd bird. Everyone knows that."
The heiress giggled.
The odd bird himself was stomping through the dark parkland towards the kitchen entrance to the royal palace.
S'reddit
Aedrin stopped. He had raised his hood, so Loranna couldn't see his face.
When he spoke, his voice sounded raw, choked. "What?"
There was something otherworldly about the park, almost like it was a dream for some reason.
S'reddit
"Goranthir and I never got along," he said quietly, taking her hands softly. "We were both odd, but in different ways I guess. Still ... the last time I saw him, I knew something was wrong ... Worse than usual ... He had a terrible fight with his mother, and then the tract came out, and even though everyone laughed and said it was nonsense, I wondered ..."
The park still felt strange, though everything in Firsthold did. What was it? The crystalline palace? The perfectly trimmed trees and bushes?
"I must tell the King," Prince Aedrin said. "He must know what happened to his son."
S'reddit
Prince Aedrin sighed and then pushed away. Though he had kept his hood on, Loranna found that her shoulder where he had put his head was wet from tears.
"You're the only person I can remember who has told me the truth about anything important," he whispered. "I will do as you suggest. My aunt will not know what I know until it is time to act."
He stepped away, and pulled back his hood. "Thank you."
The Crown Prince of Firsthold walked alone across the park, to the entrance to the palace where guards let him in.
Loranna could not shake the feeling of unreality, of artificiality, like she was watching a play which was perfectly performed, but something was off. Everything she saw looked solid and three-dimensional. There was a gentle night breeze which brought with it the scene of flowers. But she felt like something, some part of reality was missing ...
S'reddit
A small group of curious party-goers who have evidently followed Loranna and the Prince outside, hoping to witness a scandalous brawl, stand disappointed in the torchlight at the end of the park. From what they had seen, the argument -- whatever it was about -- between the Nordic Duchess of Morrowind ("They're letting Nords in Morrowind now? When did that happen?") and the odd duck Crown Prince had ended with a hug. How frightfully tiresome.
S'reddit
The Next Morning ...
Loranna woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains of the large room in the finest tavern in the city. It was not a room one that was usually rented out, but when the tavernkeeper understood who Loranna was and that she had business with the Queen herself, he gave her his room and went to stay with relatives.
It was hard to remember the unpleasantness at the end of the ball on such a glorious morning, as Loranna looked out over the grand plaza of Firsthold. It was truly a breathtaking city. The smell of flowers wafted from the park, with exotic birdcalls ...
It was at that instant Loranna understood the piece that was missing last night. It was not a sight or a smell or a feeling. It was sound, or rather, lack of sound.
The entire time she had been in Firsthold, she had almost unconsciously noted the birdcalls, so different from the animal noises out east.
Last night, in the parkland, surrounded by trees, there had been no bird or animal sounds of any kind.
S'reddit
As Loranna went down the stairs, she could hear bells tolling.
Downstairs, everyone at the tavern who was awake at that early hour was gathered around to talk about the news. Prince Aedrin, the heir to the throne of Firsthold, was dead.
"They just found him in his room in the palace tower," the innkeeper was saying in a hush tone. "They saw he was torn apart."
S'reddit
He nods solemnly. "Sometime last night or early this morning in his room. That's why the bells are tolling, your Grace."
S'reddit
"There's talk," the innkeeper replied cautiously. "But it's just talk right now, your Grace. Nothing but gossip ... but it's not very nice. Murder, definitely."
"Some maniac got into his room and butchered him," one of the other guests whispered, as if the maniac might hear them. "They found him in fifty pieces."
"Now, milady, you know that's just talk," the innkeeper frowned.
S'reddit
The people in the room nodded solemnly at Loranna's description of Aedrin, though the truth was, no one there -- despite their relative wealth and social position, as guests of one of the finest taverns in Firsthold during the height of Cotillion Week -- knew Aedrin at all. None of them had so much as spoken to him. He was a strange peripheral character, considering he was heir to the Kingdom. That said, no one had heard of him doing anything wicked, worthy of such a gruesome death as it was rumored he had.
The conversation continued as breakfast was served in the tavern.
And the bells of mourning continued to be tolled.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
A barmaid spotting Stre-krel, shrieks, attracting the attention of Kethiah. The Dunmer hurries over, her arms glowing faintly blue.
"Fetch a healer," she says, laying her hands on the Argonian. It was not a powerful spell, but hopefully it would keep him alive until someone who knew better came. Why, she asked herself, when you're dying, would you go to a tavern instead of a temple?
S'reddit
The Lady's Kiss Tavern, Firsthold
More news came around during breakfast, much of it gossip, but some of it substantiated enough that there may be truth to it. Aedrin had not been torn apart, but he had been stabbed to death, hundreds of wounds all over his body. Mysteriously, his bedroom door had been locked and latched from the inside. His bedroom window was open, but it would have taken a very talented assassin to scale a sheer tower two hundred feet up. Perhaps someone had levitated, some wondered.
The memorial service was to be held in a few hours. The question of dress was raised. The immediate family, of course, was going to wear black for it, but there was some consternation among those at the tavern who wanted to attend what they should wear? No one could remember a funeral during Cotillion Week ...
Fortunately there was an Altmer there who, being almost two hundred, could remember a funeral during Cotillion Week. He said that the family wore black, but everyone else wore white.
"That's the way it's done," he said with authority. "Even in mourning, the traditions hold."
S'reddit
A healer arrives shortly thereafter, laying her hands on him.
"If I'm not too late," the priestess tells Kethiah, as she casts her powerful spell of restoration.
S'reddit
"You're welcome," replied Kethiah, handing some gold to the healer, and instructing the barmaid to clean up the blood the Argonian had spilled throughout the tavern. "Why don't you tell me what happened, and why you came to my tavern instead of one of the Temples."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I see," Kethiah nodded. "Well, for future reference, there are three temples in the village, all of which survived the invasion. So, what happened?"
Sheogorath
"Not particularly, no," Kethiah frowned. "We haven't had much of that, and any trouble our guards have managed to take care of. Good of you to do it though, serjo. Drinks on the house."
Of course, drinks were always on the house at the Nymph and Noggin lately.
Sheogorath
The Mages Guild
"He's not here, no," the Guild Guide said dreamily. He was used to resisting charm spells -- many who came through the Guild tried to use it to get information from him, but this was different. "He used the transport to leave an hour ago ... "
Sheogorath
"I really shouldn't," the Guild Guide shook his head. "I mean, I barely know you. Why do you want to know that Master Zadion is in Tel Dresori?"
Sheogorath
"He's usually been here, in the Guild, up until just after the attempted invasion," the Guild guide shrugged. "But after that, he's spent a lot of time in Tel Dresori. Can't imagine why. There's a Guild there, but it's kinda a wasteland now, you know?"
Sheogorath
The Docks
Kethiah, as the Duchess's excise and import/export agent, and Kallen, as the Duchess's seneschal, organized groups of villagers to unload the boats Erenius had brought in, and put the supplies and food in the warehouses along the docks.
It was a lot of work, but the supplies were much depleted, and this was truly a godsend for Ald Raathim.
Sheogorath
The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
"Of course," said the Guild Guide, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, leading Anya to Zadion's offices down the twisted corridors of the Guildhouse. When they reached the door, his face fell. "They're magically locked ... And the spell's too powerful for me ..."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, The Temple of Auriel
A shimmering semiopaque curtain floated over the tower, shielding the mourners at Prince Aedrin's memorial service. Like all Altmeri nobles, he was buried above ground, in a slot in the wall of the tower. A crowd of thousands gathered around to sing the psalms of the Ehlnofey, words that were familiar but meant nothing today.
King Reman, Queen Morgiah, Princess Rinnala, and a dozen other members of the royal family appeared to be smudges of black in the sea of white.
Reman's speech, however, could be heard by all, for his voice was strong. He praised his nephew as an ideal heir, who was serious abot his duties to the people of Firsthold, and mourned him as a promise that was not to be.
Sheogorath
After the service, much of the crowd drifted away, while others went forward to pay their respects to Aedrin's family. There was still the Princess's Cotillion tonight, but people were wondering whether it was still going to be held or not. Opinions were divided as to whether that was appropriate, but most seemed to think she should have her party, if she still wished it.
Princess Rinnala was sobbing, holding her mother, who appeared in a simple dress of black.
Sheogorath
"Thank you, milady," said the Princess.
"Loranna is a Duchess now," Morgiah corrected her gently.
"Sorry," Rinnala corrected herself, wiping her tears. "Thank you, Your Grace."
"Thank you, Your Grace," King Reman said.
"We should talk later," Queen Morgiah added, looking at Loranna. "Come by the palace in an hour or two."
S'reddit
Zadion's Office, The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
If the large cavernous office had a system of organization, it was a mysterious one. There were books, papers, chests, and cabinets everywhere. Some documents were in languages Anya had never seen, and others were sealed with wax.
There was in the fireplace a large pile of embers with a few scraps of parchment. Evidently, Zadion was in the habit of destroying sensitive material after he had read it.
S'reddit
Firsthold
A few hours after the Prince's memorial service, Loranna received a summons to meet with Queen Morgiah of Firsthold.
Sheogorath
Zadion's Office, Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
The scraps contained a few words that seemed interesting: "disciplinary procedures against Magister Zadion" and "request for removal," and there were scraps that appeared to be part of a map of a castle, though it wasn't Loranna's or any other castle Anya knew.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
A cheerful barmaid, Liothah, brought Stre-Kel his drink. She had been beside herself with grief over the last week since the invasion of Ald Raathim, having lost her entire family, dead or missing. Her little brother, however, had just turned up the other day ... Apparently, he had run away during the raid and gotten lost. Liothah and him had spent all yesterday at the Temple, thanking the Gods for returning him to her, and now she was back at work.
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
Loranna could not help but think during the short walk through the parkland to the front gates of the royal palace how much different it was with birdcalls again. The creatures were everywhere, particularly the crickbeaks, beautiful dark gray birds, nearly three feet high.
The lower levels of the palace was where courtiers met, and was all crystal of various degrees of opacity. Some steps were nearly invisible, so emissaries were forever tripping over them (a little test to see how well you knew your way around the Palace), and some were almost solid white, showing only the merest dark shadow of movement. It made the whole place feel like walking through the clouds.
The group was ushered in through these lower salons to a meeting room which might have been pulled out of High Rock. A stone fireplace, a heavy oak table, half-timbered walls ... It was more Breton than Altmer ... But, of course, the Queen of Firsthold was neither, but a Dunmer who grew up in Wayrest.
"Her Royal Majesty will be with your shortly," the footman said to the group and withdrew.
Sheogorath
The Docks, Ald Raathim
"He speaks!" Kethiah laughed, and then groaned a moment, holding her belly. She looked a little faint, but recovered. "Remind me not to laugh anymore until this thing's out of me. He doesn't like it. But that's good news twice, Ingmar. You're speaking, and free mercenaries."
Sheogorath
"That should be no surprise, my clan in Morrowind was the Ra'athim," said Queen Morgiah, stepping into the room.
She was still dressed for mourning, in a simple black gown, but she had pulled back the veil so it cascaded, together with her ink black hair, down her back. She was sublimely beautiful, the image of her mother Barenziah at her age. Her cheekbones and chin resembled her brother Helseth's, features that she had inherited from her late father Symmachus.
Morgiah glided into the room, asking to be introduced to each person present.
When she had met everyone, she took a seat at the table, and motioned for everyone to do the same.
Sheogorath
The Docks, Ald Raathim
"I'll keep that in mind, but ... This business is leaking money faster than --" Kethiah began, and fainted, falling into Ingmar's arms.
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
"From what I've seen so far, you've picked up on a number of Ra'athim tricks and strategies, but I suppose that's why my mother and brother thought you'd be a finer ally than enemy," Morgiah said. "But we can talk about that later. There is something you're here to talk to me about on behalf of Helseth?"
Her tone was confident and conversational, and more subdued than Helseth, but that may have been the effect of the memorial service on her.
Sheogorath
The Tribunal Temple, Ald Raathim
The healers and priests rushed to help her, their spells and mundane healing crafts going to work.
Ingmar could tell from their expressions that it was very serious.
Sheogorath
The Temple, Ald Raathim
"She wasn't complaining of feeling unwell before?" the priest asked. "Well, complications at this stage of pregnancy can happen very suddenly ... Are you the father, serjo?"
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
"Oh, that fool," Morgiah frowned. "I offered him help at the beginning of all this, but he was too proud. Of course, whatever my brother needs he shall have. Gold and troops, I suppose? We can spare plenty of both. These are peaceful, prosperous times in Firsthold. What else?"
Sheogorath
Temple, Ald Raathim
"She's very ill," the priest said. "If you hadn't gotten her here so quickly, she'd be dead, I've no doubt ... If you worship any deity, now would be a good time for a prayer."
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
"Ships, of course, how else was I going to send a sufficient number of troops from an island nation?" Morgiah smiled slightly. "I'll have an armada sent off today. What else?"
Sheogorath
The Temple, Ald Raathim
"The child is very strong," the priest replied. "If we had to, we could force the birth now, and there's a good chance he'd survive ... I'd rather not though, of course ..."
Sheogorath
Temple, Ald Raathim
"I don't think we've reached the stage where we have to choose between the mother's life and the child's," the priest shook his head. "Don't worry unduly. I'll keep you informed on both their prognoses."
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
The Queen looks to Erenius and the others at the table with searching eyes.
"Please don't be offended," Morgiah said, looking back to Loranna. "But I don't believe you that there's nothing else. You arrived in Firsthold surreptitiously a day and a half ahead of schedule, you bring an army of followers, you attend a ball and are the last person to talk to the heir of my kingdom ... There are many things else."
The tone was never less than friendly, and the look in the eye was not hostile, but it was strong.
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
Morgiah looked to Shaka and Loranna.
"The investigations into the maniacs who stabbed the Prince to death have scarcely begun," Morgiah replied. "Arriving early is one thing, but purposefully misleading me ..."
Her eyes still on Loranna, she asked. "Tell me the truth. Did you send an empty ship to sea from Morrowind, so I would be watching that for your arrival, while you crept in some other route?"
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
"That's what I meant by a Ra'athim trick, sending a distraction while you arrive from another direction," Morgiah replied, looking in Loranna's eyes. "It is a ship that left from Morrowind, and when I heard you were coming, I assumed you were on it, as it is on a course for our port ... In fact, it should be here in a few hours, so we can see ..."
Sheogorath
Morgiah nodded. "I think ... Yes, the manner of death would be consistent with an attack by a flock of birds ... Thank you, that is a direction of investigation it might have taken us some time to pursue."
Sheogorath
It was not an unusual request. People brought messages to ambassadors to the royal family all the time.
"What is the man's name and what is the message?" the guard asks.
Sheogorath
"I will let you know if there is," Morgiah rose. "Thank you. I hope to see you at my daughter's Cotillion Ball tonight."
At that, a footman entered discreetly, and the Queen nodded to him to speak.
"Pardon me," the footman said. "I bear a message for Isidor. His wife is gravely ill."
Sheogorath
"A Nord gentleman at the front gates," the footman replied. "I believe he's still there."
Sheogorath
The priest Ingmar had met before saw them, and gave him a stern look: "Why did you leave? Oh, is this the father?"
Sheogorath
"Your wife is sleeping now," the priest said, looking Isidor in the eye. He was an excellent healer, but a kindly priest he was not. "So I cannot reprimand her for working herself near to death in the eighth month of pregnancy, so I will reprimand you. She and the baby are fine, but they will not be fine if she spends her days running around. I've asked around, and heard how many jobs she has ... You must tell her that she is to lie or sit down, and not to stand up for more than a few minutes at a time until the child is born. If you can't get her to stop working for a few weeks, she and the baby will be dead, and I won't be responsible. Do I make myself clear?"
Sheogorath
The priest brought the brothers to the room where Kethiah was sleeping. From the look of the sheets that were being carried away, there had been a lot of bleeding.
Sheogorath
One of the healers of a sweeter disposition than the head priest dabbed Kethiah's head with a wet cloth. She smiled at Ingmar and whispered. "You really did save her life, you know, serjo. Thank Vivec, you were around."
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
When the group left the meeting room, they found themselves in a completely different environment than the one of ethereal salons they had seen earlier. It was alive with workers constructing the scene for Princess Rinalla's Cotillion Ball, which was to happen in just a few hours.
Though it was too early to see quite yet, the concept for the Ball was simply Nirn. The guests were to be giants treading over its surface.
Furniture had been moved out, and the floor was being flooded. A series of temporary bridges let the workers create the artificial islands for the orchestra (a frozen mountainous region that was Atmora), the dancers (a desert island of Yokuda), the guests' dance floor (a shimmering crystalline island that was Aldmeris), the main island for refreshments and mingling (the varied landscape of Tamriel, overscale compared to the other islands, but of astonishing detail ... one could see the Imperial City, Red Mountain, the Wrothgarian Mountains as if one were a thousand feet tall), as well as smaller dotted islands, big enough for small groups to gather on each, suggesting the archipelagos of Akavir, Pyandonea, and Thras ... The guests would move through some of the islands by little bridges, and others by boat.
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion Ball, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
King Reman of Firsthold, of course, had a crowd gathered around him in his corner off of the main "continental" island of Tamriel. He leaned against an oversized replica of the Crystal Tower as he spoke with various courtiers and nobles, dressed a suit of white gold armor with a black fur cloak. All members of the royal family, in fact, were wearing black and white: white in observation of the Cotillion, and black in deference to the Crown Prince and Heir Apparent Aedrin's murder.
Queen Morgiah, unlike her husband, preferred to keep in continual movement, mingling among her guests. Rather shockingly, she didn't wear a gown at all, but a tight-fitted black suit, almost like a cat-burglar's uniform. Her white cloak, embroidered with silver and diamonds, was sufficiently regal, however, with a tall, spiked collar that rose high above her head.
Other kings and queens of Summerset were also in attendance at the ball, together with nobles the group had seen or met: Glacia, the friendly young Altmer lady who had danced with Reeds; His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier (Ellec to his friends) and Nalion's room-mate at the Honor Guard was there, talking to all the pretty (and wealthy-looking) Altmer noble ladies; Lord and Lady Estacirce and their son Lord Thios were there too, and seemed blissfully aware they were being talked about behind their backs.
The gossip, of course, tended to be around the subject of Prince Aedrin's shocking murder the night before. It seemed likely that King Reman would declare his daughter as the new heir very soon, perhaps even tonight as part of the Cotillion. Those less gruesomely inclined, however, talked of the Library Ball, and the surprising revelation afterwards that Venevria, who had not wanted to attend in the first place, had run away with some unknown noble afterwards. She had left a note to her parents that her twin brother Thios had found and delivered. The irony appealed to the Altmer: Venevria's parents had coerced into having the ball so she might meet a suitor and increase the family's power and wealth, and she had apparently met someone, and run away with him.
Meanwhile, the music began to swell and the guests turned to a ship which was coming from a nearby wing, floating on a sea of mist. They could not see the figure within yet, but it must be Princess Rinnala, in whose honor the ball was being given.
S'reddit
"I would like that very much," Glacia smiled, taking his hand. She was wearing a different gown made of layer after layer of translucent gossamer, with a simple white shrift dress under it for modesty's sake.
S'reddit
There could be no doubt that Thios was Venevria's twin brother, with the same eyes and thin physique. Considering that he, like she, didn't approve of the Cotillion balls, young nobles being traded between families like commodities, he was smiling slightly, as if he were enjoying himself.
S'reddit
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was trying to get out of bed, when Isidor entered.
"Hello sweetheart," she said, looking tired and frustrated. "How was Firsthold?"
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion Ball, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
The ship was a replica of that of the Niben, the ship that Topal the Pilot took in ancient days from Summerset to map out the vast continent of Tamriel. The Nibenay Valley and the Topal Bay still bore the marks of this historic voyage.
Some of the guests whispered fragments of the old verse they had memorized in school:
Only Niben returned to Firsthold, laden high with
gold and spice and fur and strange creatures,
dead and live.
Though, alas, Old Ehlnofey Topal never found, he
Told the tales of the lands he had visited to the
wonderment of all.
Rinnala herself was on the crow's nest of the ship, dressed in a shimmering gown, half black and half white, with a streak of silver that continued into her flowing cloak. She represented Auriel, as old tapestries had shown her (or him) to be.
The girl was only ten years old, and though she held herself with pose and elegance befitting someone of her lineage, it was clear she did not relish being the center of attention.
S'reddit
Glacia smiled. Together with the rest of the company, she bowed as Rinnala stepped off the ship into Tamriel. Ellec tried to get to her for a first dance, but he was out-classed in the competition.
As the Princess and the young Altmer, only a year or two older than Rinnala, began to dance, the others did as well.
"Nothing to understand," Glacia smiled. "If you are born into nobility, you gain much in the way of luxury, but possess little freedom ... It's all a compromise, like in all walks of life, I suppose ..."
S'reddit
Glacia chuckled. "You'll get no great defense of Altmer tradition from me ... After all, I am currently dancing with an Argonian, if you haven't noticed," her eyes twinkled. "The higher the noble's position, the earliest they do this to her. I was fifteen when I went through it, and it was horribly embarrassing."
S'reddit
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah's eyes were wide. "Is everything all right?" she touched her belly. It was clear what she meant: is everything all right with the baby? Does it still live?
S'reddit
"I don't know," Glacia shook her head. "Change is slow, almost imperceptible, especially when each generation may last a thousand years. But twenty years ago, it would have been unthinkable for a Dunmer to be Firsthold's Queen, but tonight many people are talking about her daughter Rinnala, who appears to be fully Dunmer even if she's not, becoming Reman's heir. The other traditions will change and die too, but we Altmer are naturally cautious about revolution ... for the most part."
S'reddit
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph And Noggin
Kethiah took this in, seriously, and nodded, letting Isidor help her back into bed.
"Yes, now I remember, I was talking to him on the docks when I suddenly blacked out," Kethiah nodded, a tear rolling down her eye. "Thank the Gods the baby is all right. And thank Ingmar."
S'reddit
"You wouldn't know it if you've only been attending cotillion balls in Firsthold, but there is a younger generation of Altmer who wish to break with all traditions," Glacia said, letting Reeds sweep her across the floor. "Some of them even try to change their bodies to make them look less Altmeri, and more like men, or orcs, or khajiit ... or even Argonians."
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion Ball, Firsthold
Queen Morgiah, Loranna noticed, was being approached by a group of her guards. The Queen looked in Loranna's direction, and directed one of them to her.
"Her Majesty regrets that you have not had the opportunity to dance yet," the guard said, bowing. "But she bade me to tell you that the ship you had spoken of earlier has arrived in port. We are on our way to meet it."
S'reddit
Glacia laughed. "And the second Argonian I've ever met is a charming conversationalist and a marvelous dancer."
S'reddit
"Thank you," Kethiah smiled wearily, kissing Isidor on the cheek. "I don't want to chain you to hearth and home. Like I said, you're an adventurer, and I love you for that ... But if I'm really stuck in this bed for weeks, I'll go crazy if you're not around."
S'reddit
The guard nodded and bowed, going to join the Queen and her men were already slipping out of the palace discreetly.
S'reddit
It was Glacia's turn to blush, which she did in lieu of any reply, as the song came to an end.
The first chords of a new tune were struck up. A livelier dance.
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
Twenty ships the King of Morrowind had promised pulled into port, and with them a legion of royal soldiers. Kallen was there to direct them to the royal fortresses on the outskirts of the village which had been badly damaged in the invasion, and were in the process of being restored.
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion Ball, Firsthold
Glacia nodded, laughing, and just then, an Altmer of bold physique, a warrior-noble clearly, tapped Reeds on the shoulder.
"May I take the honor of the next dance with Lady Glacia?" he asked politely.
Glacia stiffened slightly. It was obvious she knew him.
S'reddit
The military might of the Altmer was in its navy. Other provinces may boast larger, more powerful armies, but even Nord sailors admit that the ships of Summerset -- fast and sleek, strong and durable -- were the finest in Tamriel. As Morgiah had promised, a sizeable armada had already left Firsthold, bound for Morrowind, but there was still more than enough there to ensure that Firsthold had all the offensive and defensive capabilities it could dream of.
The harbor was also filled with merchant vessels and pleasure ships of all varieties. And one ship that looked different from any other. A great galleon with the royal crest of Morrowind proudly displayed.
As Queen Morgiah's group of guards and heroes made their way to the dock, they could see a figure on the ship. A white-clad female figure, surrounded by the red-armored guards of the royal house of Morrowind.
Morgiah was the first to identify her at a far distance. She seemed to sense who it was by her bearing rather than by the details of her face, and her eyes were wide with surprise.
"Mother."
S'reddit
"Of course," Glacia said, not looking Reeds in the eye. "May I present my fiance, Count Terilite?"
Count Terilite held out his hand to shake Reeds's.
S'reddit
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin
"I know he has, and I'm grateful to him for saving my life and our child's life," Kethiah nodded and added quietly. "But I'd rather count on you."
One of the chambermaids knocked on the door. "Sorry to disturb. I thought you should know Helseth's army and navy are in the docks."
S'reddit
The guards Morgiah had brought to arrest and interrogate whoever was arriving by ship became, instead, a royal welcome for Barenziah, the Queen's mother.
The Queen Mother of Morrowind's white gown and cloak whipped around her in the wind as she disembarked. Morgiah bowed to her, as did her men.
Barenziah did not return the bow, but for a small nod of acknowedgement, and then she glanced sideways at Loranna and the heroes of Ald Raathim. An eyebrow raised. "I had not expected to see you here, Your Grace, but I offer you my congratulations on Ald Raathim's success in the war. I have been at sea for some weeks now, but I've kept up on things, and you have reason to be proud."
S'reddit
If he did, he didn't show it, nor did Glacia do more than give Reeds a fast, sad smile before the couple began their dance.
S'reddit
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Just make sure the sailors and the merchants aren't getting into any fights, we need both of them," Kethiah smiled. "The sailors should probably be pointed in the direction of the Noggin -- they seem to like that more. You know, between Erenius's influx of goods, Helseth's men showing up, and all the rebuilding going on in town, we might soon be able to charge for food and drinks again, even if I have rented out all the rooms to Erenius's men ..."
S'reddit
"Poor Glacia," a young, thin Altmer lad, whose eyes immediately were familar to Reeds, said. "Terilite has been in Valenwood for the past two years. She probably hoped he had forgotten about her. Let me get you a drink, serjo."
S'reddit
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Of course," said Kethiah. Lying in her bed, holding her swollen belly, her hair dissheveled, she still looked lovely. "Thank you, Ingmar. I owe you more than my life."
S'reddit
"If you are here to ensure that the troops, gold, and ships that Helseth sent the Duchess here to bring to Morrowind have been sent, you have only just missed their launch," Queen Morgiah said to her mother, her eyes wary. "If you are here for your granddaughter's Cotillion Ball, it is underway right now ..."
"I am not here for either of those reasons," Barenziah said simply. "I am here to make certain you do your duty by your other child."
Morgiah stiffened. "I see. We should talk in private ..."
"When my grandson came to speak to you before, out of respect, he spoke to you privately," Barenziah replied. "It did not have a satisfactory conclusion. Why should I do you the same honor?"
The guards of both royal household stood at attention, but one could see that each and every one was staring at this rare sight, two powerful Queens preparing to do battle in full view of all.
S'reddit
"Thios," the youth said simply. "Perhaps you attended my twin sister's Cotillion at the Royal Library the other night? I am told we look very much alike."
S'reddit
"No, I'm glad to say you weren't," Kethiah smiled wearily. "Isidor says that you will be around, at least for the next couple of weeks?"
S'reddit
"Be careful, mother," Morgiah said, her red eyes narrowing. As if in sympathy to the mood, the wind off the sea was blowing strong, and the Queen's white cloak whirled around her like a live creature. "You are wroth, I can see that, but I will have no one speak to me rudely in my own kingdom, not even you."
"It is not your kingdom," Barenziah replied angrily. "It is your husband's kingdom, and your children's. It is only yours through a contract with a creature --"
"Mother," Morgiah growled. "There are road if you step down, you can never return ... Think on that."
S'reddit
"My future means nothing," Barenziah spat. "Your future and your brother's mean nothing. I could sacrifice us all without batting an eye if needs be."
"Think carefully, mother, before you act," Morgiah sneered. "Are you here to punish me, or help your grandson?"
"I am here for Goranthir," said Barenziah without a pause.
"I have done all I can for him," Morgiah replied, quietly. "I will discuss this with you in private."
"You have not done all you can," Barenziah hissed. "And the monster you have created is loosed upon the world."
S'reddit
"That's good," Kethiah smiled. She was bone tired. "I won't be getting around much I'm told, but I hope you'll take the time to visit me whenever you can. I have a feeling I'm going to be out of my mind, stuck in this room for weeks."
S'reddit
The War Room, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
Morgiah led the group back to the Royal Palace, but instead of going in the main entrance, they continued around through the parkland, through a silver door. It was here the generals and admirals of Firsthold prepared for war, and it was here, consciously or unconsciously, the Queen thought it best to fight with her mother.
If it was a conscious decision, its effectiveness was obvious. However the fight went, it was clear looking at all the maps and figures on the walls, all the weaponry and armor in display, that Morgiah held the ultimate upper hand: they were in her land, in her palace, surrounded by her troops. As powerful as Barenziah, Loranna, Nalion, Shaka, and all the others were, they would not stand a chance against these odds ... The message at the very least was be polite, for my sword is against your neck.
If Barenziah felt the threat, she didn't show it.
"Loranna," she said. "Tell Morgiah what has become of her son."
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion, Firsthold
"Do you now?" Thios smiled, taking a sip of ebonille. "You've only just met me ... what hidden motivation do you think I possess?"
S'reddit
Morgiah took in Loranna's tale with rapt attention, but little emotion on her face. On the walk from the docks, she had composed herself, and there were no traces of the anger she had shown.
Then her face fell, looking at the silvery table they were all at.
"Pyokos," she whispered, and clouds emerged on the mirror-like surface of the table. It was a mirror, like the one Barenziah and Loranna possessed.
No face appeared in the mirror, however, and again Morgiah whispered the strange name.
Finally, something materialized. It was a face, but not a human one. A misshapen creature, fat and warty, its mouth seemingly too big for the Cyrodilic it spoke.
"Your Majesty," Pyokos said. "All is lost. Mannimarco lives."
Morgiah gasped.
S'reddit
Summary
The Cotillion Ball for Princess Rinnala is in full swing in the main salons of the palace, which have been transformed into a full replica of Nirn, with the guests the size of giants treading over the surfaces of Tamriel, Akavir, Atmora, Aldmeris, Pyandonea, Thris, and Yokuda as they dance and make merry.
King Reman and Princess Rinnala are there.
As for Queen Morgiah and her mother, Queen Barenziah, just arrived from Morrowind to discuss Prince Goranthir ...
Morgiah took in Loranna's tale with rapt attention, but little emotion on her face. On the walk from the docks, she had composed herself, and there were no traces of the anger she had shown.
Then her face fell, looking at the silvery table they were all at.
"Pyokos," she whispered, and clouds emerged on the mirror-like surface of the table. It was a mirror, like the one Barenziah and Loranna possessed.
No face appeared in the mirror, however, and again Morgiah whispered the strange name.
Finally, something materialized. It was a face, but not a human one. A misshapen creature, fat and warty, its mouth seemingly too big for the Cyrodilic it spoke.
"Your Majesty," Pyokos said. "All is lost. Mannimarco lives."
Morgiah gasped.
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion, Firsthold
"I don't know Glacia well enough to have any hidden motivations," Thios laughed. "You looked dejected, and I am a naturally sympathetic person, so I thought I'd let you know that theirs is not a happy engagement."
S'reddit
"Like I said, I don't know her or her story very well, just from gossip," Thios smiled. "But the Count and Glacia's family made their arrangements at her Cotillion three years ago. Now, in the case of girls as young as Princess Rinnala, the arrangements usually call for a wedding in a couple years' time. But then the Count went to Valenwood after the war there to look after some property, and only got back now, so who knows, but I'd suspect if there's a date for the wedding, Glacia hasn't been informed, as surprised as she was to see him."
S'reddit
Morgiah looked at Nalion, and then back at the creature, who was also a sload, reflected in the mirror.
"And Goranthir?" she asked the creature.
"His soul is forfeit," the sload said hastily, looking around as if afraid to be overheard. "I do not understand what happened, but it seems that some powerful undead creature ignored the mark Mannimarco placed on him and tried to take the boy as her own. This transgression awoke the King from his slumber, and he reached out and took Goranthir then and there ... Now, I must go, or I will be found out ... I'm sorry ..."
Morgiah looked up from the table as the image faded. She looked stricken, tears in her eyes.
"Morgiah," Barenziah asked simply, shaking her head. "How could you do it? Tell me you too were possessed, and I'll believe it, I swear."
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion, Firsthold
Thios shrugged. He looked at the two of them dancing, the Count and his bride-to-be.
"No, but like I said, I don't know them well," he said. "But you've made up your mind to break up the marriage, have you? The Count is a wealthy and powerful Altmer ... what would you offer her in return?"
S'reddit
The War Room, Royal Palace, Firsthold
"I did it for survival," Morgiah said hoarsely, trying to compose herself but failing. "And don't you dare pretend sanctimony. Anyone who's read your book knows how many stupid, selfish decisions you've made in your too long life. I was not possessed. I made a calculated gamble, which I thought I had won. Mannimarco vanished after the Warp In The West, else I would not have had a child. Now, shut up, you withered old hag, unless you have a plan." The Queen turned to Nalion. "What is this about Scourg Barrow?"
Barenziah smiled for the barest of moments.
S'reddit
"After two dances, love?" Thios smiled, giving himself away. In truth, he was not supposed to have been present during the first dance at his sister's party in the Royal Library. He stammered a bit, and then turned away. "Well, I wish you luck, friend."
S'reddit
"You will have to be more specific," Morgiah replied. "Twenty years ago in Wayrest, I was a Princess in the court of King Eadwyre and my mother Queen Barenziah. My brother and stepsister were vying for the throne, and I lent him my support as I always did. But I had my own future to think of, and a Dunmer Princess has relatively few prospects. In High Rock, despite my family's high position, we were not welcome in Wayrest, a fact that was proven when Helseth lost his fight to become King. If I returned to Morrowind, I would be mettling in my mother and brother's alternate plan. So I set my sights elsewhere.
"Reman had just become King of Firsthold on the death of his brother, who had been slain by the necromantic forces of Mannimarco. The King of Worms has long plagued this land. But though Reman and I cared for one another, we could not be married, for his Altmer subjects would not allow a Dunmeri Queen on the throne. I told him that if he would fight for me, I would fight for him.
"He does not know what I did. I lied to him, telling him that the Gods of my people, the Tribunal, vanquished Mannimarco. In truth, I sought him out, and asked him what service I could perform so he would leave Firsthold, and he asked for my first born child.
"I did not agree at first, but I could see that Elysana would win Wayrest, and my possibilities were few. And so, Stendarr forgive me, I agreed.
"Reman was so overjoyed that Mannimarco had gone that he made the marriage happen, despite all opposition. And when my sources, such as the sload you met in the mirror, assured me that the King of Worms was gone, I allowed myself to get pregnant."
S'reddit
"That's all I can give you," Thios shook his head. "And you'll need all the luck you can get if you interfere with the Count."
S'reddit
"I didn't think Mannimarco was sleeping, I thought he was dead," Morgiah replied calmly. "The Sload was one I met years ago off the coast of Hammerfell. I knew he could be trusted, and I sent him to Thras to learn what he could. He said the sload believed Mannimarco to be sleeping, but the higher priests believed, secretly, that he was dead or ascended and no longer concerned with mortal affairs following the Warp in the Iliac Bay."
- Loranna pauses. "You say the King of Worms had often plagued this land, Your Majesty?" she asks, frowning thoughtfully.
"Ever since he emerged in the Second Era, aye," Barenziah answered for Morgiah.
S'reddit
"I'm sorry, friend, can't say much more," Thios frowned. "I have the next dance with Princess Rinalla ..."
He looked towards the dance floor. "Now, where'd she go?"
S'reddit
"Who knew Argonians were so selfish," Thios rolled his eyes. "They'll talk your ear off about their own love lifes, but have a problem yourself and you're on your own ..."
After making a few inquiries, Thios learned that Rinalla had stepped out with her guards to get a breath of fresh air. He returned to the drinks.
S'reddit
The War Room, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
"Aedrin is dead?" Barenziah asked. "Wasn't he heir to the throne?"
"He was Reman's brother's son, yes," Morgiah replied, looking to Loranna, trying to understand. "You're saying that Goranthir, or Geht or whatever he is calling himself, he killed Aedrin with this animal-controlling ability of his?"
"Who is the heir of Firsthold now?" Barenziah asked.
"There isn't one yet," Morgiah said. "Reman is going to announce that Rinalla is later this evening."
S'reddit
The War Room, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
Morgiah turned to her guard. He was well-trusted. She knew he wouldn't tell anyone, even her husband, what was being discussed.
"Make sure the Princess is being well watched," she said. "Don't spoil her fun, but double ... no, triple ... the number of guards watching her."
The guard bowed and withdrew.
"There's a real danger of paranoia here," Morgiah said. "As you've said, we have no proof of anything, except that Goranthir has changed and that Mannimarco has returned. Which, admittedly, is enough to make anyone paranoid. But you say that Goranthir can still be saved. How?"
S'reddit
"I have a suggestion," Barenziah said simply, turning to her daughter. "Break the contract with Mannimarco, so he no longer has a claim on Goranthir. He said he would take your first born's soul, and you would be Queen of Firsthold. If you are no longer queen, if you divorce Reman and relinquish the throne, the King of Worms has no more claim on Goranthir. The contract is void. Goranthir must be released."
S'reddit
The War Room, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
"Mannimarco puts himself in the company of Clavicus Vile. Once a contract has been set, it must be honored," Barenziah replied.
"Loranna's right," Morgiah shook her head. "It wouldn't make any difference now. And regardless of what you think, I love my husband. I won't divorce him on a theory of yours that --"
Morgiah's guard came back into the room. "Your majesty, we have ... The Princess apparently stepped out of the ball for a moment. We don't know where she is."
The Royal Gardens
Rinalla walked through the gardens which some called the sleeping gardens, for the flowers all swooned at night and rose again fragrant and blossoming by day. Her silver train trailed behind her, and occasionally was snagged on a root or a rock, so she had to pull it to keep from being caught. She heard that Lady Venevria had a train that floated ... if only she had thought to ask for that.
The Princess didn't mind parties. At the masquerade last year, she had gone as a harpy, and been given a costume that allowed her to fly. That was fun. Plus, her brother Goranthir had shown up unexpectedly. That was a good party.
The Princess wasn't shy. She didn't mind dancing or talking, or even, necessarily, being the center of attention. She was ten years old, and it was fun to play dress up.
But she was likely to meet her future husband tonight, and that was scary for reasons she didn't fully understand.
And her cousin Aedrin was dead. And her brother Goranthir was still missing.
In short, Princess Rinalla, ten years old and subject of a Cotillion Ball in her honor, was not extremely unhappy, but she wanted to get away from the crowds and be among the flowers.
It was a beautiful night. And still. There were no birds calling.
S'reddit
The Sleeping Gardens, The Royal Palace, Firsthold
The three guards following the Princess put their hands to their swords, but kept them sheathed. A guest of the party. Nothing to be alarmed about.
"I just wanted to think about things, and every time I tried in there, someone came over and tried to talk to me, or get me to dance," Rinalla shrugged. "Just for five minutes, I wanted to see the real world, not the fake real world, like inside."
S'reddit
"Well, out," the guard replies. "She might be elsewhere in the palace. My men won't leave her, and they'll make sure she isn't gone for long ... But I've already ordered dozens of guards to look for them."
S'reddit
"What about all the pretty and nice things in the world? Didn't you say you were from the Order of Dibella?" Rinalla asked.
One of the guards added. "If you'll pardon me for saying so, your Majesty, we should be getting back. Your father and mother will be worried about you."
"My father is talking with people, and my mother left an hour ago," the Princess frowned.
S'reddit
Barenziah and Morgiah rose simultaneously and together said. "Let's find her."
They looked at one another, but there was no amusement in saying the same thing at the same time. It was something mother and daughter had in common, at least one thing, the desire to see Rinalla was safe. Paranoia or not.
Barenziah stepped outside, where her red-armored royal guard stood, and ordered them to begin searching the parkland surrounding the palace.
Morgiah did the same with her royal guard.
Both queens told the guards to be discreet. No sense in inciting panic, just yet.
S'reddit
It had been the barest creak in a tree. Miranda, looking up, had seen a figure in the branches. It was Goranthir, or Geht, as he was now known. He was crouching, looking down at them, his now golden-colored eyes narrowed in hate.
Before Miranda could react, she heard one of the knights scream. A huge worms had rocketed out from the ground and encircled around him, crushing the life from him, despite his armor, before he had unsheathed his sword.
Rinalla screamed too, and ran for the fountain in the center of the garden as the ground erupted and more of the worms emerged. One of them made a grab for Miranda.
The other two guards ran after Rinnala.
Overhead, the moons vanished. The sky was filled with birds.
S'reddit
Rinalla had almost made it to the fountain when she stopped on Maranda's words. "My brother? Gor -"
The worms beneath her coiled around her in a second, but her knights leapt on it with their swords, slicing it apart.
Maranda could scarcely tell that by mentioning Rinalla's brother, she had stopped Rinalla in her tracks. She was busy fending off the birds which had begun their attack on her.
S'reddit
The birds moved as one, each of the crickbeaks the size of a human child, and each equipped with razor-sharp beaks and talons, they moved in on Loranna.
Loranna's protective magicks shielded Rinalla as birds from above and worms from below struck at her.
Still, she didn't move from her spot, shrieking at Maranda. "Don't you hurt my brother!"
One of Rinalla's guards fell backward, shielding himself from a crickbeak's attack, and the second he landed on the ground, a worm circled around his neck, decapitating him. Now only one guard of Rinalla's royal guard remained.
S'reddit
The Flame Monarch's fist pulverized the tree Geht was in, and it exploded it a fireball.
"Oh, Maranda" Geht's voice could be heard. He knew this garden well, all its hidden corners.
The ground around "Flamey" crumbled, and the Flame Monarch dropped into a pit the worms had dug.
S'reddit
Rinalla screamed as dead, blackened birds fell from the sky all around her. Her knight grabbed her in his arms and ran for the fountain.
'Miranda!' a familiar-sounding voice called out from the corner of the garden.
S'reddit
If she was dead, she didn't seem to know it.
'Maranda,' Shardie said, smiling, stepping out from behind a trellis of gray leaves that scarcely shook at her movements. She was exactly as Miranda remembered her. She even had the white-gold sword in her hand. 'And Loranna, fighting together. What would Meridia say?'
S'reddit
The knight and Rinalla, with Loranna's spells, had reached the fountain. They leapt into it, as worms lashed out at them, trying to grab hold.
"She's trying to hurt my brother!" Rinalla cried to Loranna. "Can you stop her?!"
The girl was hysterical with fear, but for her brother as much as herself.
S'reddit
'You killed me,' Shardie said, as matter-of-factly as if she had named her favorite color or song. 'But you loved me. And you mustn't fear death. It is beautiful beyond all life's beauties.'
She raised the sword. 'Close your eyes, and you will truly see for the first time.'
S'reddit
At that, a worm, twice as thick as a man's arm, had grabbed Loranna around the neck, and yanked, hard, to either break her neck or pull her into the ground.
S'reddit
'"Close your eyes, friend,' Shardie whispered sweetly. Her eyes were as calm and mild as ever, and as filled with love. '<span style="color: #ff0000"Close your eyes, and open them to beauty.'
S'reddit
At the palace gates, the guards stopped him.
"I'm sorry, sir," the first guard said. "You need an invitation for tonight's event."
S'reddit
Rinnala screams, and the guard grabs for Loranna as she is pulled out of sight.
The red-armored guards of the royal house of Morrowind are the first of the searching guards to hear, and then run through the parkland to assist ...
S'reddit
The party guests stopped to stare.
Some of them laughed. "Well, of course he's in a hurry. Not even dressed properly."
'I love you,' Shardie as she swung the sword at Maranda's neck.
Mannimarco's laugh echoed forth in the garden, mixed with Rinnala's scream.
S'reddit
Rinnala grabbed her, as the red-armored royal guards of Morrowind reached the fountain.
"Maranda! Wake up!" the Princess called. "I'm sorry! Wake up!"
'Oh really?' Mannimarco, unseen, chuckled.
The guards of Firsthold, on arriving and hearing his voice, stopped in fear. They knew him. The King of Worms. The former scourge of Firsthold.
'When do you fancy a Duke outranks a King?'
A column of bone rose up from the ground, encasing Drevious.
S'reddit
Rinalla wraps her arms around Loranna, crying, but less scared than she had been before.
Barenziah coming in from the parks, and Morgiah coming in from the palace, together with their guards, stares out across the ravaged place of burning embers and upturned earth which had been the Sleeping Gardens of Firsthold.
S'reddit
Morgiah ran past the Daedra, grabbing Rinalla from Loranna's hands. Mother and daughter held each other, and wept.
King Reman could be seen now, looking into the garden from a window, together with more than a few guests. His face was plainly horrified by what he had witnessed.
S'reddit
Morgiah looked to Loranna and nodded. There was, in this moment at least, no pride or defiance or selfishness in her. That would change, surely, but at this instant, it was raw emotion as she held her child.
Barenziah joined them, and Rinnala reached for her, crying, "Grandma!"
S'reddit
Rinalla buried her head simultaneously in the group of Loranna, Morgiah, and Barenziah.
"Goranthir hates me and wants me dead," Rinnala sniffled.
"No, that is not true. I will do what needs to be done," Morgiah said at last. "I only ask one last favor. It is not for my sake, but for Goranthir's. When you speak of this to anyone but those you trust, do not speak of his involvement in it. If we are able to save him, I do not want everyone to know that he was here this night. We know that was not him, but ..."
Barenziah nodded. "We do not want to free him of this curse, and have it linger. He may yet be King of Firsthold."
S'reddit
The Royal Cotillion, Firsthold
The King made the announcement to the assembled guests that the party was over. There had been an attempt on Princess Rinnala's life, possibly from the same people who had murdered Prince Aedrin.
The crowd, disappointed but fascinated by this, left quietly. It was not as long of a party as they had hoped, but they would always remember the time where they danced across Nirn, while an assassination attempt was made against a 10-year-old girl.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Kethiah's Room
Before Isidor can reply, there is a gentle knock on the door.
"Begging your pardon, but there's more people asking to see Mistress Kethiah," the barmaid said, smiling a little. "This time it's two mighty funny Khajiit. What should I tell 'em?"
Sheogorath
The guards respectfully took Maranda's body, putting it in the vault of the palace until arrangements could be made for its burial. Morgiah had volunteered that, if Maranda had no family or others requesting her body, she could be buried in the palace walls as befitting a hero of Firsthold.
Sheogorath
The Lady's Kiss Tavern, Firsthold
From the dress of the patrons, it was clear that most had come directly from the Cotillion Ball. Gossip was running wild. Who had tried to kill Princess Rinnala and why? There was a daedra involved, that was for certain, but some of the guards swore they heard the voice of Mannimarco.
Sheogorath
The gossip in the tavern reached a fevered buzz.
"If that's true," one skeptical noble Altmer female was saying. "It will take an act of the royal parliament to be ratified."
"Why would it happen? Why now?"
"I heard she was in league with the Daedra who sought to slay Rinnala."
"I never trusted the Dark Queen, not for a moment."
"It will not take an act of parliament, but special committee to find that the request had merit, the marriage would be dissolved."
"What will happen to the children? Will they be disinherited?"
"I don't believe it."
"I do."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Come in," Kethiah called, sitting up straight in bed.
She looked much better, if still a little more pallid than usual. "Has anyone been asking for me?"
As a matter of fact, many had. Most Isidor had been able to deal with on his own, but a few said that they would come back when Kethiah was feeling better. These were no doubt not merchants but spies.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Kethiah's Room
Kethiah tasted the soup, and smiled. "Tell him thank you from me. It's delicious."
"Isidor," she said more seriously. "You are one of the few people who know that I'm involved in things other than collecting excise and negotiating trade with the merchants ... I have a network of spies, and we can't let their intelligence gathering lie fallow just because I am. I need to find someone to take over those duties, as well as all the ones you're doing in the inn ... I just wish I knew who to ask."
Sheogorath
A Street In Firsthold
It was a quiet residential street, filled with palaces of the rich. They were silver, so the light reflected back to be defused in the silken white tapestries that hung across the avenue.
White carriages bumped down the street, picking up and dropping off passengers. Reeds recognized one figure who stepped out of her carriage, and began the walk up to her front door. It was Glacia.
Sheogorath
Glacia turned to him, surprised at first, and then embarrassed.
"Reeds," she said, looking down. "I was just thinking about you, and whether to visit you at the tavern ... I hadn't quite made up my mind ... Auriel, what you must think of me. After all that talk about how wrong the Altmer system of arranged marriages are, and I didn't tell you that I had one ..."
Sheogorath
A Street in Firsthold
"Of course not," Glacia said. "I don't even know him. I've probably spent more time in conversation with you than with him. The truth that I didn't want you to know is that I'm a coward. I've never left Summerset, and I've always had whatever I wanted ... And the Count will provide all that for me ... I don't want to marry him, but I'm afraid of my future if I don't ..."
She started for the house again. "I'll always remember our dances, Reeds. Thank you for that."
Sheogorath
A Street in Firsthold
Glacia listened to him, meeting his eyes.
The door opened to the mansion, and an imperious looking couple -- obviously Glacia's parents -- were standing there. Glacia looked in their direction, and then to Reeds. And then she kissed him.
"I hope you're not wrong about me," Glacia smiled.
She walked past her shocked parents, who slammed the door shut behind them.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
The two mighty funny Khajiit entered the room, bowing. They were both dressed in their best dandy style, complimenting one another (one wore a checkered cloak with crimson lining, and the other wore a crimson cloak with a checkered lining). A silver-furred Ohmes-Raht and a brown-woad-painted Ohmes, clearly related by their features and physiques.
"We heard you was expecting, Kethiah, so we thought you was expecting us," the silver-furred one said, kissing her hand. He turned to Isidor. "Alas."
"Alack," said the painted other. "Have we met, serjo?"
"What are you doing here? Is Ya'Tirrje around?" Kethiah asked.
"We has parted company with our former employer; indeed, we has parted company with all employment," Alack beamed. "We is gentlemen of leisure now, looking for a place to retire, and Ald Raathim is rumored to be very affordable right now."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"And half the town being rubble," Alas nodded. "But me old mum used to say 'If you want to make your gold go further, pet, buy in an area with smoking ruins.'"
"That were actually me mum, not yours; your mum couldn't even talk," Alack corrected him. "Besides, we've met your Duchess, and she were a lot more friendly than a lot of rulers to people like we."
"Lotta rulers think since we do illegal work, we're criminals or something," Alas added sadly.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Don't worry, we ain't going to be stealin'," Alas shook his head, grinning. "Stealin's hard work, and we aim to do as little work as we can."
"Well, except ..." Alack frowned. "The House of Dibella? That didn't get blowed up in the invasion, did that?"
"Baan Dar, we couldn't live nowhere without a House of Dibella," Alas hastily agreed.
"No, it wasn't damaged at all," Kethiah smiled. "Open for, um, business."
"Capital," Alas laughed. "So, we're gonna leave ya now, let you rest, while we pays our respects on the Duchess and Dibella."
Sheogorath
Kethiah thought a moment, and then said, "Wait, darling, stop. You know, those two wouldn't be bad Spymasters. They know a lot about the criminal underworld, but they're interested in retiring, so they're not necessarily crooked anymore ... I guess we should talk to Loranna about it first when she comes back, but it ... might just work."
Sheogorath
"I suppose that depends," Kethiah said thoughtfully, touching her belly. "I'm sure this one will keep me busy, but ... I guess we'll see, depending on how well they, or whoever else takes the job does, and whether I'm bored or not ..." She winked.
"Why don't you go after them and see if they'd be interested in the position? They're on their way to the castle, and we forgot to tell them that Loranna's away."
Sheogorath
The Lady's Kiss, Firsthold
The next morning, there was a light tapping on the door.
"Your Grace," the innkeeper said. "A courier has arrived from the palace. His Majesty King Reman would like to see you at the earliest convenience."
Sheogorath
Alas and Alack slowed down, and looked at one another.
"What kind of work would that entail?" asked Alack.
"We're not fond of ... work," Alas frowned.
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
The lower salons at the Royal Palace, where the ill-fated Cotillion Ball had been the night before, were similarly ill-dressed. Workers were tearing apart the islands, and while Loranna and her entourage waited for the King, they could watch Nirn crumble around them.
Sheogorath
"We do likes to hang around taverns," Alas admitted, looking to Alack.
"And we do likes to gossip, which is what it sound like this be," Alack admitted, looking to Alas.
"This is a great honor," Alas said to Isidor. "Unless you're just runnin' down the street, askin' everyone if they wants to be Spymaster, in which case, it ain't such a great honor. We will think about it."
Sheogorath
"Well, we're off to meet to meet with Her Duchiness now," Alack said. "And then Dibella."
Sheogorath
The Royal Palace, Firsthold
A footman escorts the group to a private room to meet with the King. It is different from the one they used to meet with Morgiah. Very Altmeri in design, all silk, mirrors, and crystal.
Reman looked tired, as if he had little sleep the night before, but bade them all to be seated.
"I wanted to thank you," the King said seriously. "From my deepest heart for rescuing my daughter last night."
Sheogorath
"Ah," said Alas. "We was going to visit her then the House of Dibella. Business then pleasure."
"We could go in reverse, though," Alack suggested. "Pleasure then business. Not that meetin' with her Dutchhood weren't be a pleasure."
"No," Alas agreed, and then looked at Isidor with a smile. "You busy at the tavern now, Isidor? Feel like a nice ... bit of religion?"
Sheogorath
"No, she is not," Reman shook his head sadly. "But she will heal, though I imagine some wounds will stay fresh forever. My daughter and Hlaalu Morgiah left last night for Mournhold with Queen Barenziah, but they asked me to thank you as well for your kindness ... and your sacrifice. Though, I imagine our gratitude scarcely makes up for the loss of your friend Maranda Biennie."
Sheogorath
The King took this in and nodded. "I understand that with my head, but you will understand me if my heart doesn't see the goodness yet."
Sheogorath
Reman nodded. "Yes, Hlaalu Morgiah sent an armada to help assist the Civil War in Morrowind. I approved it, though she may have suggested that it was all her doing. We will have to discuss down the line whether we will make the situation permanent and have them build a garrison or two in Morrowind, or if they are to be sent home when the situation betters itself."
Sheogorath
"Sir?" the King turned to Erenius with a weary eye, which was nevertheless practiced in reading the expressions of all he met with. "You seem like you have something to say?"
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"Duty calls," Alas grinned. "But don't forget your own spiritual needs, Isidor."
Alack slapped Alas on the back of the head, and added. "We'll think about the offer, Isidor. And in the meantime, if you hears about someone selling a wee palace."
"A big wee palace," Alas corrected his brother.
"We're in the market," Alack said, and the brothers waved as they walked off, back towards the village and the House of Dibella.
Sheogorath
"Yes, they're sending a representative here," the King said. "They were apparently agreeable to having her buried in the tower with the other heroes of Firsthold."
Sheogorath
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer to any of your concerns," Reman frowned. "I was asked to give aid, and I gave it freely. I said that down the line, there would be a discussion about how long my troops would be needed and what arrangements would be made then. They will remain my troops, however, if that answers your question. I am not dismantling my navy for this project. If you know how long this war will last, I would like to know as well, so I can plan accordingly how this aid is to be given."
Sheogorath
"I confess that never before have a group of petitioners come to me, had their request granted, and then complained that I had done so," Reman glared. "It's a novel and not altogether pleasant experience."
Reman turned from Erenius to Loranna, his angry expression melting considerably. "Of course. I do not know when the service will be held, or even if it's certain it will be held here, but I will make certain that you are kept informed. The family will doubtlessly be happy to have you."
Sheogorath
"Lord Landon of Daggerfall to see you, Your Majesty," said the footman, bowing and entering the room.
"Tell him I'll be with him in a few minutes," said the King. "I think we're almost done here."
"And as I said at the start, I will be forever in your debt for saving my daughter," Reman also smiled.
Sheogorath
King Reman of Firsthold bowed to the group, and then turned to his footman. "Show Lord Landon in."
Sheogorath
"The honor is mine, milord," Reman replied with a bow. "Please rise. I must offer my condolences on your loss, and thank you, for Maranda Biennie died defending my daugher."
Sheogorath
"I never met her, but she is a hero of Firsthold for her actions," Reman replied. "Our tradition here for the honored dead is to bury them in the walls of the palace with a plaque giving honor to their name. I would like to do this for your step-sister, and invite your family to attend the memorial service. I would understand, however, if your family had other arrangements they wished to make in Daggerfall."
Sheogorath
"There will be no expenses, and the memorial service will be as simple as you'd like," the King concurred. "Her family will attend, I assume? And Maranda Biennie's companions from Ald Raathim also expressed an interest in attending if they could."
Sheogorath
"Then we have merely to decide on a date and write an epitaph to be put on the plaque," King Reman replied with a sad smile.
Sheogorath
The King also bowed. "I shall look forward to hearing from you soon, Lord Landon."
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin with her husband Isidor, is taking a hiatus from her job as the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster). She is recuperating from a near fatal complication in her 8th month of pregnancy, and is stuck in bed, reluctantly given up her responsibilities.
Alas and Alack, former associates of the smuggling kingpin Goldcat, are Kethiah's first choice to take her responsibilities as Ald Raathim's Spymasters. They are enjoying themselves in the House of Dibella in Ald Raathim.
The Royal House of Firsthold has been torn apart, just when it was celebrating the Cotillion Ball of Princess Rinnala. King Reman and Queen Morgiah's first born child Goranthir now known as Geht, returned home as a pawn of Mannimarco, King of Worms. After killing the heir apparent, his cousin Aedrin, Geht turned on Rinalla. Though the 10-year-old girl was saved by Loranna and Maranda's sacrifice, Morgiah apparently decided the only way to save her son was to void the contract with Mannimarco she had made 20 years previously. Her marriage to Reman had been voided, and she and Rinalla are en route to Mournhold with her mother Barenziah.
On the other hand, the mission to Firsthold was a success: they are sending troops, ships, and gold to aid the effort against the Redoran and Indoril. An armada is en route now.
Sheogorath
"Loranna!" Kethiah grinned when the Duchess came to her door. "Forgive me for not getting up. Healer's orders. Tell me everything. Isidor said that Morgiah agreed to send troops?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah blinked, a little overwhelmed. Throughout Loranna's tale, she had been nodding, frowning, even smiling at times.
"Poor Maranda," Kethiah whispered. "What was the name of her girlfriend? Jelsia?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah had been listening to Loranna seriously up until the end when her throat got a little hoarse. That made Kethiah laugh out loud.
"I'm sorry, that's mean of me," she said, motioning at the pitcher of water by the bed. "Help yourself. I wish all my spies gave me information as efficiently as you do ... Ah, speaking of which ... You might've heard I'm not in the position to do my intelligence-gathering duties right now. But I have someone else in mind as a replacement. Actually, two persons."
Sheogorath
"First, let me tell you what I was looking for," Kethiah said carefully, smiling a little in anticipation of telling Loranna who she had in mind. "I wanted someone who no one would suspect, by virtue of their appearance and personality. I wanted someone who had a shady background, for their contacts, but who is resolved to put that behind them. I wanted someone who is planning on settling down in Ald Raathim, so we can rely on them to be loyal ..."
She took a deep breath. "And then they walked in. Alas and Alack. They've left Goldcat, and want to settle here."
Sheogorath
Kethiah wasn't quite sure what Loranna would make of her suggestion, but the reaction stunned her, and made her laugh and laugh.
"Ow," she moaned, still laughing, holding her stomach. "He still doesn't like it when I laugh. Or maybe he's laughing too ... I hope so ... Oh, Loranna, I don't know. I only talked to them for five minutes. I had Isidor check their interest in the job, and they seemed pretty ambivalent, which is probably good. If they were too ambitious, I wouldn't trust them ... But if you want to interview them about Ya'Tirrje, you'll find them at the House of Dibella. Isidor told me they were on their way there. Poor thing, I think he wanted to go too ..."
Sheogorath
"Oh, Loranna," Kethiah wiped her forehead, exhausting from laughing, but still giggling a bit. "If only you had slept with whichever one was flirting with you ... Then you could show up pregnant, and really hook him ..."
She laughed some more and managed to get herself to stop. "I'm sorry, Loranna. Truly. I'm going insane from boredom cooped up in this room. It's good just to be silly about really serious things somethings, you know?"
Sheogorath
"I know," Kethiah sighed. "Isidor's been great, running the tavern, running all sorts of little errands for me ... His brother Ingmar, with whom, I think you'll recall, I have a 'history,' well, he's back, but he's been very sweet too ... I have absolutely nothing to complain about. And that's why I'm complaining. I feel I'm just a baby oven right now, lying here, waiting for the damn thing to pop out ..."
She winked. "Oh, I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end. It better be."
Sheogorath
"Oh, I would have," Kethiah smiled. "Don't beat yourself up too much, Loranna. Other people will do that for you."
Sheogorath
Kethiah shakes her head. "No one's relaxing much with the war, Mannimarco rising, and everything else going on, but this is the way it's always been ... They call Tamriel an Arena for a reason. You're going to have Slyvos take over some of your duties now too, like I've done with Isidor?"
Sheogorath
"Our men have such a lot to learn," Kethiah smiled and yawned. "Good thing we love them. I'm sorry, your Grace, I really need to rest now. I'm glad to hear the trip went well ... I mean ..." she frowned. "I'm glad the mission was accomplished."
Sheogorath
The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim
Alas and Alack rested in the temple pool after an afternoon's debauchery. It was a mixture of water and oil that magically held together, softening and cleaning naked flesh. Candles lined the edges of the pool, casting a warm glow.
"'Zounds and 'Struth," Alack smiled, closing his eyes, and floating along the water's surface on his back. "What I really likes the most about Ald Raathim be the devotional spirituality of its citizenhood. They be very accomedatious."
"Aye," Alas nodded, lazily propped up on the pool's edge. "D'ye know, I thought for a mo I seed Isidor, like he decided to answer me invitation. But, no, it were another Nord, but it coulda been his brother."
"Aye?" Alack grinned, not opening his eyes. "And how warm be yer Nord?"
"I ain't found out," Alas sighed. "I were distracted by a Breton lad what had a remarkable grasp of Dibellan theology."
"Bet he weren't nothing as good as the Dunmerian lass I met," Alack laughed. "Such warm, supple convictions she had."
"'Struth!" Alas laughed, a little too loud, causing some priests and priestesses to shush them.
Sheogorath
The House of Dibella
Loranna had a history of surprising Alas and Alack. When she told them who she was after Alack had flirted with her at the Nymph and Noggin, it caused the Khajiiti to fall backwards in their chairs. Revealing herself suddenly in the pool caused Alas, who was half out of the pool, to fall in, and Alack, who was in the pool, to leap out of it.
They made more of a racket, forcing more shushes from the priests and priestesses.
"Your ladyhood!" Alack cried.
Alas, rising from the water, cried. "Your Dukess!"
"Me brother and me, we was just discussing how archeologistically interesting this temple be," Alack said hastily. "And the finer, suppler parts of the Dibellan philosology."
"Like," Alas added, looking to Alack. "Like?"
"Beauty be ... pretty good," Alack suggested. "And you, your Dutchiness, you looks very good. Yer belly be so ..."
"Alack," Alas interrupted him, just shaking his head.
Alack got the hint and shut it.
Sheogorath
The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim
Alack decided, belatedly, to cover up his appreciation of Loranna's naked belly, using both hands. "Ya'Tirrje? She bides well. Shouldn't be too long afore she be back in Ald Raathim with her extralegal merchandization."
"Alack and me, we had enough of rolling around in the water," Alas added, rolling around in the pool. "I means, on a boat. And we gots enough gold that we ain't gonna be a burden on no one. But Kethiah --"
Alas looked around, and noticed that the priests and priestesses, wanting to rest somewhere quieter, had moved off. Still, he paddled over to Loranna to speak softer.
"We hears Kethiah is takin' a vacation from the dirty business. Her lad Isidor said we was bein' considered to take her place, least for a little while?"
Sheogorath
The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim
"To be honest, we wasn't even thinking of workin' when we got here," Alas said. "It'd just be to help our mate Kethiah out. Though if you're askin', there's a couple lads in here what could vouch that I'm qualified fer most positions. We're lazy cats, but Alack has already confididated in me that he'd love ta work under you in any capacity."
"Why doesn't you tell us what you wants," Alack said. "And we can tells you if we gots it?"
S'reddit
"So, ye wants us to shows you our hands," said Alack, holding up his hands to demonstrate, and thereby, no longer covering himself up. "And show ye how willing we be to go deep undercover?"
"See, Alack be salutin' ye already," Alas grinned, propping himself up on the pool's edge again. "We gots all kinda means of meetin' folk. Why, I were only just a while ago meetin' a friendly lad, and under vigorious interrogatorions, he tole me he sawed the body of that Indoril Councillor they be looking for. Thedas. The bloke what tried to kill the Queen Mum. He seen him buried in our own Memorial Service, but were too shy to say nothing."
"Loosin' tongues be our speciality," Alack smiled.
S'reddit
Alas swam over to Loranna, and pulled himself out of the pool, wiping the moisture out of his fur with his hand, while he stretched himself out luxuriously. "Goldcat put us through the motions. She wouldn't had kept us on if we hasn't an eye for detail. We know how to prod our contacts, and push just a little bit more, not too much, but just right."
"The other thing we knows," Alack added, kneeling in front of Loranna. "Is discretation. Never kiss an' tell."
S'reddit
"Oh, we was just waggin' our tongues," Alack smiled. "What we can still do, but maybe ye'd help us delve deeper into Dibella's mysteries?"
"We're gentlemen of leisure," Alas added. "But we works hard, as you can see."
S'reddit
And FADE OUT.
(The boys ace their rigorous interview, in case you're wondering)
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
When he asked, Shaka was told that Kethiah was in her room, and not only well enough to see visitors, but eager to as well.
"I think she's going out of her mind with boredom," the barmaid smiled. "She's not herself at all."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Ah, Shaka," Kethiah smiled from the bed. "They're beautiful! Thank you. How are you?"
It was evidently true that Kethiah was bored out of her mind. Right now she was balancing one dagger on her finger tip, and another one on top of that one.
Sheogorath
"Don't worry, you're here now," Kethiah grinned, throwing the daggers up so they impaled in the ceiling. "Tell me, how was Firsthold? Are you happy to be back? Loranna told me about Maranda ... Such a shame. I keep feeling sorry for her girlfriend, Jelsia ... "
Sheogorath
"You're a threesome consisting of a sorceress who used to be a man, a Bosmer who is now a vampire, and an Argonian who wants to be a Redguard," Kethiah winked. "If something goes as planned in your relationship, I'd be very alarmed. Were they more saddened by Maranda's death than you expected or what?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Oh, we're fine," Kethiah smiled. "Don't worry about us. There was a little scare, but Isidor's taking good care of me. And don't worry about your ladies too much. I can tell you from my perspective, my emotions are all over the place, and I'm just having a baby. I'm not a man turned woman, or a Bosmer turned vampire ..."
Sheogorath
"I don't know how wise I am," Kethiah laughed. "But if you think so, and it makes you want to come to me for advise, I'll keep up the pretense of knowing what I'm talking about. Come back anytime, Shaka."
Sheogorath
"See you soon," Kethiah smiled.
"You heard me saying nice things about you behind your back, darling?" Kethiah grinned, giving Isidor a kiss.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"You have plenty to do without having to worry about keeping me from going insane," Kethiah laughed. "I was thinking that right now wouldn't be a bad time to learn a little magic. Maybe we could get someone from the Guild to come in once a day, and teach me, and Tyradil and Tilitalia too?"
Sheogorath
"Plus, if I'm confined in here, I might as well bond with our children," Kethiah grinned. "Whether they like or not ..."
Kethiah yawned. "I'm sorry, darling. I'm tired again."
Sheogorath
Kethiah smiled and went to sleep.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Alas, a silver-furred Khajiit, and Alack, a brown-woad-painted one, walk into the tavern, and inquire about meeting with Kethiah. A barmaid goes to check on her, but reports back that she's sleeping soundly.
"That be fine," Alas shrugs. "We can wait. Two skoomas and whatever ye got that's fried."
"We don't serve skooma!" the barmaid replies, shocked.
"That's good, because it be illegal," Alack nods seriously. "Two brandy and branch waters then."
Sheogorath
"We was interviewed rigorishly by Her Duchiness," Alas said mildly. He was always discreet. "And she were gonna talk it over with you and Missus Kethiah, but we're happy to do it."
"At least temporary-like," Alack adds. "See how we all likes it."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Kallen was there to take the letter and have it sent by courier to Molag Mar, a circuitous route in this day.
"There are also the royal troops sent by Helseth to visit," the castellian said. "And the royal ambassador is in residence at the castle, and would like to meet with you too, when convenient. He understands how busy you are, and is likewise much occupied building up the new embassy."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Alas narrowed his eyes. "I remembers ye. Litter Ratperson."
"No," Alack corrected Alas thoughtfully. "Loverov Booques."
"I think it be," Alas rubbed his chin. "Biblyo File?"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"His name is Diano Asprenas," Kallen said. "He has a wife and two children back in the Imperial City which he might call for, if he believes it's safe here. He enjoys rich food and has a physique to match. I believe him to be a snob, but not a fool."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Oh, I remembers the circumstances, just not yer name," Alack replied, holding out his hand. "Yer our ten mark investiment."
"Actually five mark, one fer he, and one fer his mate," Alas added, also holding out his hand. "I thinks I remembers yer name! Tome Raeder!"
Sheogorath
"He's been taking most of his meals at the Nymph," Kallen replied with a shrug. "It seems to suit him. We have a few cases of the Wayrest wine left. It hasn't been touched since Isidor and Kethiah's wedding."
"Shall I fetch the ambassador and a bottle of wine?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"I ain't sure I remembers you sayin' you was from Ald Raathim," Alas smiled, shaking Reeds's hand.
"You doesn't happen to know any palaces on sale right now?" Alack asked, shaking Reeds's other hand. "We're Gentlemen Of Leisure now."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
The wine was brought in and opened before the ambassador arrived. As Kallen suggested, Diano Asprenas was a fat, middle-aged man but with aristocratic hauteur and a sort of finicky elegance of movement. He greeted Loranna with an extravagent bow that belied his corpulence.
"Your Grace," he said to the floor. "It is a rare honor to meet the legendary Dres Loranna Pyrel."
Sheogorath
"We likes Ald Raathim," Alack smiled. "The friendly people, the House of Dibella, the charming streets, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the House of Dibella, the gentle farmland, and, of course, the House of Dibella."
Alas shook his head. "There ain't no palaces around fer sale? Nothin' with meaningless successions of drawing rooms, carved from dado to cornice, white marble chimneys, coffered ceiling, great staircases, gilded columns, multi-story libraries, and a huge parkland for entertainin'? I mean ... not to be too specifical?"
"We mights have to builds it," Alack frowned.
"Sure lookin' that way," Alas agreed.
Sheogorath
"Hmm," Alas added. "Maybe we shoulda thoughts about that before we come."
"We gots gold," Alack added. "But buildin' takes time and workers. And I ain't that patient. Hmmm."
"Can we buys you a drink, o former slave?" Alas asked Reeds. "Though don't ask for no skooma, they ain't got any."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"Quite all right, Your Grace," replied the ambassador, taking a sip of wine, and then smiling. "Oh, I say, isn't this special? ... What was I saying, you have bedazzled my senses, including my palate ... Ah, yes, I too have been busy. We have begun construction of the Imperial Embassy next door to the Mages Guild. I hope that location is acceptible to you? We have only barely begun, and can easily find another more suitable site ..."
Sheogorath
"Ah, fillin' a library, you must be a booksella," Alas nodded. "We'll look into the warehouse idea ... Not a bad one at all."
Sheogorath
"I can show you the plans, Your Grace," Diano said, bringing some sheets out from his robe. The style of the building would, of course, be Imperial, but with some Dunmeri influences. Not too ostentatious. A villa-like structure surrounding a large open courtyard in the center. "It will take some months to complete. Your man Kallen said I might be able to stay in your castle before then, which I truly appreciate."
Sheogorath
"Of course, Your Grace," Diano smiled. "I have no agenda at this time rather than to make your acquaintance. What questions have you?"
Sheogorath
Alas and Alack looked at one another.
"Can ye sleep aboard a ship?" Alack asked.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
While Alack waited for Llana's response, Alas turned slightly ...
And smacked Alack's arm lightly, whispering. "That be the big slab o' Nord I saw last night. Cor ..."
Sheogorath
Alack was slapping Alas back. "Extually, we has a little job we could use you fer. We was hoping to meet someone just like you. Why doesn't we show you the ship, and you can decide fer yourself?"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"I agree, Your Grace," Diano bowed. "A most satisfactory meeting. I think we will make good partners, the Empire and Ald Raathim."
Sheogorath
The Senchal Rose, The Bay of Ald Raathim
It was not a very big vessel, but big enough to have taken Alas and Alack from Elsweyr to Morrowind, skirting the coast of Black Marsh. There were two cabins, but one was being used for storage.
"We can clears it out and put it in a warehouse," Alas said. "And you could has this cabin, and he takes the other ... At least until we builds our palace."
Sheogorath
The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim Harbor
Alas began rummaging through the boxes in the second cabin, looking for something.
"Well, Llana of Cyrodiil, we has two jobs for you exactually. One what's secret but legal, the other what's secret but --" Alack said. "Unlegal. The legal one be we needs someone to let we know when people like us come along and asks you to do unlegal things. Say, they wants you to forge something for examples. You tells us when that happens, and you gets paid."
"Now, for the unlegal one," Alas added, handing Llana a sheet of paper. "We needs you to forge something."
"Like I saids," Alack smiled.
Sheogorath
The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim Harbor
It was pretty sophisticated. But within her abilities.
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, the very pregnant ex-assassin, ex-co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin with her (not ex, but current) husband Isidor, ex-excise (ex-excise?) and ex-export/import agent (and secretly ex-Spymaster) for the Duchess of Ald Raathim, is in her room, sleeping. When she wakes up, she will be doing precisely nothing on Healer's orders until she gives birth, and it is driving her crazy. The one plan she has so far is to get a Mage tutor for her and her stepchildren, Tyradil and Tilitalia.
Alas and Alack, Khajiti former smugglers turned "Gentlemen of Leisure" (and secretly Loranna's new Spymasters, in theory) are on their ship "The Senchal Rose" in Ald Raathim's harbor, making some kind of a deal with Llana, a document expert.
Diano Asprenas, the new Imperial Ambassador to Ald Raathim, is staying at the castle while his embassy is being built next to the Mages Guild.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
Magister Zadion stepped out of the garden with his small pouch. For some reason, the herb garden at the Nymph grew fire fern much more prolifically than the herb garden at his own Guildhouse or at the castle. Kethiah had given him permission to harvest a bit when he was running low.
He gave the barkeep a few gold for it, and squeezed his way through the crowded tavern, and into the night.
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
Down the dark streets Magister Zadion walked, ducking down an alleyway which was relatively untouched by the invasion. It was an area of Ald Raathim which resembled Caldera more than a Dunmeri village, with building abutted next to one another.
Zadion knocked on one darkened building, and a candle came alight on the second floor. A moment later, the door opened, and Zadion slipped inside.
S'reddit
Zadion could be seen through the dirty window handing the parcel of herbs to a man. A Breton or an Imperial, it was difficult to tell, for he was an usual specimen of any race. He was pale to the point of opalescence with a face that looked like it had once been very handsome before some unspeakable suffering. The dark circles under his eyes bespoke exhaustion, but the eyes themselves were alert.
Together, the two men walked up the stairs to the second floor, talking.
S'reddit
With Anya's vampiric senses, she could hear the conversation through the door as if she were in the room. Zadion was talking to the man, who definitely had an Imperial accent.
"Could it be a Keerilth?" Zadion asked.
"Very unlikely," the man responded. "They don't travel far from northern Valenwood. Montalion or Garlythi from the west. Volkihar, perhaps, though I don't think they like the warmth ..."
Then the voices faded as they went to the second floor.
S'reddit
It was a bare bedroom with a very uncomfortable looking bed. A second bed was in the room, with a dirty sheet covering was seemed to be a human body. It was still, not even breathing from what Kiseena could see. A corpse.
The two men, still talking, stood over the body.
It twitched. The man was still alive.
S'reddit
"It's an effective spell to stun them for a day," the man was saying, as he and Zadion stood over the covered form which had begun thrashing. "And then it wakes up, and it's mad."
Zadion pulled back the sheet, and there was the "man," such as he was. His face was hideous, pallid, twisted, all fangs and fury. A vampire.
"He looks like a Berne or any of the local varieties," Zadion frowned. "The ones in Tel Dresori --"
"It," said the man seriously, changing Zadion's use of the pronoun. "Is not of Morrowind. It only looks like this because it has not fed in seventy-two hours. Beast!" he said, addressing the vampire. "Do you know who I am?"
The creature growled, still thrashing. The chains that bound it glowed red, obviously enchanted. "Movarth Piquine."
"That's right," the man nodded, not smiling. "So you know you will die the final death tonight. The only question remaining is how long you will suffer. That is up to you."
S'reddit
The vampire snarled and writhed, but Movarth merely looked at it with cold hatred. "I have three questions for you. Answer them all fully and truthfully. What clan are you?"
The vampire hissed at him. "Bonsamu."
"Really?" Movarth said. "Zadion, would you fetch me the candle?"
Zadion brought it. When Movarth put it next to the vampire's head, a greenish skull could be seen beneath its skin.
"So you are," Movarth nodded, still not smiling. "Very good. Has your Clan infiltrated Tel Dresori?"
The creature shook its head violently. "No! It is not us!"
"Do you know who it is?"
"The Karath!" the creature answered.
"Is that possible?" Zadion asked Movarth.
"Even likely," the pale man answered. "And one more question --"
"You said three!" the vampire hissed.
"Did I? Well, I'm having such a good conversation, I don't want it to end," Morvath said. "How many vampires are there other than you in Ald Raathim, and who do they have influence over?"
The vampire looked at him with wide eyes. "I don't know."
A black mist drifted down from Movarth outstretched palm, and at their touch, the vampire howled in immortal agony.
"I don't know!"
"I don't believe you," Movarth said quietly, and continued the torture.
S'reddit
The torture continued, with the vampire shrieking, "I don't know!" as the black mist from Movarth's hands seeped into him.
"It's possible he doesn't know," Zadion said, looking a little nauseated.
"Unlikely," Movarth said coldly. "We sometimes don't recognize them, but every vampire can spot another one easily. This beast has been in Ald Raathim for weeks now ... He's surely --"
"In the ruins of the Drunken Guar!" the vampire screamed. "There's one! I don't know his name or clan, but he sleeps in the ruins of the cellar during the day!"
"There we are," Morvath nodded, still not smiling. "Who else?"
"That is the only one!" the vampire screeched. "Please! You said you'd kill me!"
"I'm in no hurry," the pale man said. "Who else?"
The vampire never spoke again, only screamed. Eventually, the mist drifting down from Morvath's hands turned from black to white, and it lay still.
"I think we got everything out of that one we could get," Morvath said to Zadion. "Maybe the one in the Drunken Guar knows more. I'll take him tomorrow morning."
S'reddit
From Kiseena perspective outside the window, the two men continued to talk, as the body which had been the vampire slowly, slowly disintegrated into nothingness, less than dust.
S'reddit
Much of the Guar had already been torn away by the workers, using its stones to rebuild Ald Raathim's defenses. In the cellar, though, much remained. It took over an hour to search the place thoroughly, particularly knowing that a vampire would be good as evading detection. Eventually, Anya had to conclude that it was not there. It was doubtless somewhere in the night, hunting, unaware that its sanctuary had been found.
S'reddit
Eventually, Magister Zadion left, and walked back through the dark city streets to the Mages Guild.
Sheogorath
After Zadion had left, Movarth Piquine spent the night going over a large map in his room. It showed the shape of Morrowind, but it seemed divided up by regions Kiseena had never heard of. It was almost like there was a different political system of states that he know of, and the borders were in flux.
Sheogorath
The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night
Anya could feel it when the other vampire was near. Piquine had been right. It wasn't just her sense of smell, though that detected a slight sweet smell of undeath in the air, but it was her instincts as well. She was a predator, and she detected another predator in the area. The part of her that was a creature of instinct said it is feeding from our territory, and it is not family. Fight or flee.
Then her sense of hearing kicked in, and she heard the tap of clawed feet in the ruins above. There were four of them.
It was a dog, but it was a vampire that squeezed its way between pieces of wreckage and came down into the cellar. A skinny, bedraggled-looking animal, pathetic really, the kind you see in every alleyway without taking much notice.
Its muzzle was slick with blood.
Sheogorath
The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night
The dog turned to Anya, its eyes alert. It had not been surprised to find her there. Doubtless, she was as easy to smell as it had been.
The transformation from dog to man was almost instaneous. If Anya had blinked, she would have missed it.
The man was tall, muscular, bearded, and, of course, naked. He took a seat on the dirty floor, and looked at her.
"Lahkbar," he said. "Is this a social visit, or a fight?"
Sheogorath
The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night
Lahkbar stood up and wiped his bloody face with a dirty cloth, looking Anya over.
"I don't want to fight, and I don't want to tell you everything I know, but I want to know what you're doing in my sanctuary," he said. "So we're at an impasse. You tell me what you're doing here, and if I can, I'll answer a specific question if you have one."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was awake, and currently reading the 36 Lessons of Vivec. She put it down after a page.
"This is slow reading," she said, rubbing her head.
Sheogorath
"Good morning," Kethiah smiled, and then looked to the window. "Oh, it's night ... My clock is all messed up."
Sheogorath
The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night
"These people? What people?" Lahkbar snarled, also narrowing his eyes. "What's happening here is that I'm a dog of war, and I found a nice little town where I can pick off the wounded or the little ones without being bothered. It sounds like you're saying someone's hunting you. Tough luck, sweetheart. I don't share my den."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah shook her head. "Oh, no. He can't, sweetheart. I just got through talking to Loranna about how she was going to get him to take some of her burdens from her, like you're doing for me. I'd be like Slyvos hiring you to teach Loranna axe-fighting instead of working here at the tavern ... I couldn't possibly accept. Did he already agree to it?"
Sheogorath
The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night
The vampire chuckled. It was not a pleasant sound. "So, first you come to my lair threatening a fight and seeking information. And now you complain that I am not sufficiently grateful for your charity. Why in the world would I trust a fellow predator, when I have seen no sign of even one vampire hunter in Ald Raathim? Believe me, I've been around long enough to smell them coming from a long way."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Yes, he's the best, no doubt, but the kids and I can make do with a much lesser mage for our training," Kethiah said. "Please thank him for me, but tell him that if I accepted, Loranna would kill us both. He's promised to be less of a bookworm for her, and I wouldn't want him to trade books for tutoring, when there are more important things."
Sheogorath
"Actually, yes," Kethiah smiled. "I would like Shaka to be his godfather. We have a long history: you and him, and him and me. Plus, he brought me lovely flowers."
Sheogorath
"I was thinking about Loranna too, but she'll have her own child soon enough," Kethiah smiled. "Though I'm sure she'd do a good job."
Sheogorath
The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night
"Aw, leaving already?" Lahkbar smiled, some blood from the night's victim was still on his lips. "Well, I suppose it's for the best. It'll be sunlight soon, and you'll want to take shelter with your copious 'resources' which I could never dream of. Sorry I couldn't be more help."
Sheogorath
"I'm sure you'd tell me what they are, but you're much, much too mysterious and discreet," Lahkbar rolled his eyes. "Good luck, sweetheart."
He turned back to the cellar, transforming once again into a dog, and crawling into a little hole in the corner.
Sheogorath
The Senshal Rose, Ald Raathim Bay, Morning
They were indeed in the cabin next door, fast asleep, it being very early morning. Alas and Alack did not prefer to rise in the early morning, nor in the mid-morning. From time to time, they would arise in the late morning, but early to mid afternoon was far more civilized for these Gentlemen of Leisure.
Still, when Llana peeked in, Alas said, without opening his eye. "You done already?"
Sheogorath
"Thank you," Alack mumbled. Neither of them slept hard. "We'll give your gold ... in a ... little ... bit ..."
S'reddit
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, ex-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, ex-excise and export/import agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and, secretly, her ex-Spymaster as well) is in bed. Bored. She is to stay there until the birth of her child with Isidor, in a few weeks time.
Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers, currently Gentlemen-of-Leisure (and secretly the Duchess's new Spymasters) are finally out of bed after sleeping in late. They're on the docks, inquiring after purchasing several warehouses, after paying Llana, a document authenticator (read: forger).
Zadion, Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is also awake and doing business at the Guild. He and his vampire-hunter comrade, Morvath Piquine, had tortured one vampire last night to find the location of a second. When they went there this morning, it was gone, so Zadion is notably frustrated.
Sheogorath
Zadion left the letter he was writing unfinished, and left at once for Castle Daruhn.
Within a few minutes, he had been ushered to Loranna's office.
"Your Grace," he said with a bow. "You wished to see me?"
Sheogorath
Zadion also looked tired, and at Loranna's question, he frowned a moment, as if not sure how to respond.
"Truthfully, I know, well, not enough," the Magister replied. "There are doubtlessly some of the traditional Morrowind clans present, and, more disturbingly, some infiltrating western tribes. I am trying to learn more to see what their aims and influences are, while I can, but time is running out. I wanted to talk to you about it when it was first brought to my attention, but that was unfortunately an impossibility."
Sheogorath
"The most important discovery that I've made so far is one which won't come as a great surprise to you," Zadion replied quietly. "I discovered that the Duchess of Ald Raathim, unlike the Lord of Tel Dresori, is not a pawn of the vampires. That is why I couldn't bring this to your attention. I had to do my own inquiry to make certain that, frankly, you could be trusted, Your Grace. Other than that, most of our discoveries are fairly minor in importance or very preliminary."
Sheogorath
"I brought in an expert on matters vampiric," Zadion said. "Morvath Pisquine is his name. The thing he keeps emphasizing to me is the nature of the Immortal Predator. They are eternally patient with their goals, but they have immediate needs to be met -- for shelter and for food -- which how they can be defeated ... I am curious, though, Your Grace: did you hear me when I mentioned that the Lord of Tel Dresori is a pawn of the vampires? Did that not surprise you, or had you been aware of it for some time, and not sure if I could be trusted with that information?"
Sheogorath
"You've heard of Pisquine?" Zadion asked, surprised. He clearly interpreted Loranna's words to mean that the vampire hunter's methods were known to her, not that an agent of the Duchess's had witnessed last night's torture. "Well, I have witnessed these methods first hand, and I can tell you, they are disturbing. But they are also effective ...
"On the subject of Tel Dresori," Zadion frowned. "I went there the day after the invasion to see how they had fared. As you know, I have some history there with Dres Minsero. It seemed to be utterly deserted, but I found people huddling in their homes, afraid to leave. The estate, they said, had been overrun by vampires. I went to the castle, and found Minsero. He seemed to be in a kind of a daze, unaware of the horror that had come to Tel Dresori. As I tried to ask him questions, I missed how late it had gotten, and was not aware that the sun had set until I was attacked. Minsero aided the vampires in their attack on me, but did not seem to be a vampire himself.
"I managed to escape, though it was a deadly gauntlet through a town filled with vampires, some of whom seemed to be soldiers of the Redoran and Indoril who had apparently attacked Tel Dresori only to be killed and embraced into darkness.
"I've returned there several times during the light, and there are fewer and fewer townspeople left. They've either fled during the daytime, or been fed upon, or become vampires themselves. Minsero has also disappeared. I don't know his fate either ... I contacted Morvath Pisquine to aid me, and he suggested seeing how far the infestation had gone, and whether Ald Raathim was soon to fall to them."
Sheogorath
"I had begun looking into that, but Pisquine thought it important that we make sure all is well in Ald Raathim first," Zadion nodded. "Minsero's estate is enormous, though, and whether he is control of his own faculties or not, there are many secret passages for him to hide in ... There is another issue that is forcing me to chose my battles. I have been resisting a summons to the Archmagister in Imperial City, telling him that I have work that I must finish before meeting him. I believe he will have me replaced here, as he did to the Magister in Mournhold because of abandoning neutrality during the invasion there ... Right now, I can use the Mages Guild to aid my research into these matters, but later, that may not be an option."
Sheogorath
"Yes, I heard the gossip," Zadion nods. "The Mages Guild is, of course, very concerned about all matters pertaining to Mannimarco."
Sheogorath
"He's a frightening fellow, no doubt about it," Zadion frowned and nodded. "He's single-minded in his pursuit of the vampire. That said, there is nobody more knowledgable in the field, and I did not know when I contacted him how dire the situation was. Perhaps --"
There was a polite knock on the door.
"Pardon me for interrupting, Your Grace," Kallen said. "A gentleman by the name of Morvath Pisquine would like an audience."
"Speak of," Zadion smiled slightly. "I was going to say 'Speak of the Devil.'"
Sheogorath
Morvath Pisquine was as Anya had described him. Somber and serious, with flesh paler than white and the darkest of eyes. Suffering and anguish had marked him early in his life, destroying the features which would have otherwise been handsome.
He bowed to Loranna and nodded to Zadion.
"I heard at the Guild that Magister Zadion had been summoned here," Pisquine said. "It seemed an excellent opportunity to introduce myself."
Sheogorath
"Yes," Pisquine replied, taking a seat. "We have been tracking down the undead in your domaine, and interrogating them to try to find how many there are, and what their aims are here. Zadion has allowed me to search the Guild for them, and I would like your permission to search the castle."
Sheogorath
"Of course," Morvath Pisquine nodded seriously. "I have a number of specialized spells at my command which allow me to detect and immobilize the vampires. They work best at close quarters, so it is also valuable for me to interrogate the ones I have captured, to find the general location of others. I use other spells at those times to get this information. Some vampires give up the locations of others easily, and others need to have the very stolen blood in their veins boiled before they can confess all that they know."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"There are a very few of them," Pisquine acknowledged. "I was once one myself. Chances are, we would never have to deal with them, because if they were so horrified by their monstrous nature, they would be spending their energy trying to track down a cure, not involving themselves in infiltrations of places like Castle Daruhn. But if they are caught, they must be disposed of. They may not be malevolent like their willing brothers and sisters, but they are dangerous nevertheless."
Sheogorath
Vivec
A dozen skiffs, gondolas complete with sails marked with the emblem of House Ra'Athim, floated up to the canton. Muthsera Barreth, cousin of Helseth, and hopeful King of Morrowind, was at the head of the formation. His guards helped him out of his skiff, and grandly wrapped in the ancient clothes of the House, he nodded to Faryon.
"I believe we're a bit early, serjo Faryon."
Sheogorath
"Y-your Grace," Zadion stammered. "How could I ask your permission before we knew whether you, like Minsero, were controlled by the vampires?"
Morvath Pisquine held up his hand. "Your Grace, I understand your ambivalence towards my methods. Truly, I do. I was one of the monsters once, and afterwards, I sought to bring them to salvation, not destroy them. It has taken me many years to become the man you see before you, devoid of the slightest sympathy for them. I could describe to you all the horrors I have seen, the cruelties that these creatures are capable of, but I know that I would not convince you."
He went to one knee. "I would beg you once more, humbly, to allow me to search your castle for the sake of your unborn child. There is a clan to the west whose members particularly crave the flesh of newborns, and if any are in the vicinity, waiting for you to give birth, and I didn't ask one last time, I would not forgive myself."
Sheogorath
Vivec
"Indeed, she is," Mortillara said, coming over the bridge, also unescorted. "What is this, Barreth? You're trying to bring back the Ra'Athim?"
"'Twas something I wanted to discuss," Barreth replied, a little offended at Mortillara's casual tone. "Not a major object, but of interest to me."
Sheogorath
Vivec
"Well," Barreth said slowly. "I was thinking that since the Alliance is all about bringing back the ancient traditions of Morrowind, the House Ra'Athim, of which my family was a member, is one of them. Instead of being King of Morrowind, I might take the title Duke of Mournhold instead. I and my descendants will still be Morrowind's representative to the Empire, but there will henceforth be no more questions about whether House or King has authority, because there will only be Houses."
Sheogorath
Morvath Pisquine stood up and bowed. "I sincerely hope there is not some terror lurking in the shadows of your castle which I might have helped you at the very least to find. I do not agree with you, Your Grace, but I have no choice but to respect your decision to spurn the help I offered."
He went to the door and bowed again. "I beg your leave."
Sheogorath
Vivec
Mortillara was frowning too. "I don't know. There are issues to be worked out, and it is too soon to see them all before the war is over. Would Ra'Athim claim their ancient land, which is divided among other Houses now? Who would be a member of the House, any with a blood ancestor in the Dukes of Mournhold? I myself have one, am I to leave Hlaluu to join you? As Serjo Faryon says, it may be a good idea, but we must mull on it for now. I would not bring it up in the meeting."
Sheogorath
Morvath Pisquine adds. "And you, Your Grace." before leaving, closing the door behind him.
Zadion frowns, but stays behind as Loranna's eyes had suggested for him to do.
"I wish you had allowed him to search the castle, Loranna," Zadion says quietly.
Sheogorath
Vivec
"Very difficult subjects indeed," Mortillara agreed. "Made more difficult in our council's stubborn refusal to accept any outsider alliances. You will recall I suggested speaking to Helseth's other enemies, his step-sister and the Nords, but the practicalities of modern warfare hurts the Alliance's pride. So they form alliances, while we sit and argue."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
The whole area around the Drunken Guar was filled with buildings in various stages of disrepair. After a few hours of searching the old tavern and the surrounding buildings, she got her first cold touch which said he, or another vampire, was nearby. Anya was near the site of the former Mages Guild, the wooden barn which now a pile of rubble.
Sheogorath
"Yes, indeed," Zadion replied, glumly, taking a sip of wine. "I will never forget the sights I saw in Tel Dresori, the vampiric children ... I find it very difficult to think first of showing mercy to the undead above our own safety myself ..."
Sheogorath
"We flatter another of Uriel's heirs," Mortillara said. "Enman or Ebel. But if I even suggest speaking to the Empire, I will be shouted down as talking to an outlander group. Would you suggest it?"
Sheogorath
The Ruins Of The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
Where the foundation of the barn had cracked, she saw two bright red eyes gleam.
"Hello, sweetheart," Lahkbar voice floated up from the darkness. "As you see, I decided to take your warning after all ... I figured that sooner or later the workers would want to tear down the Guar anyhow, and this would be more comfortable. And it is very nice."
Sheogorath
"I wish I could share your optimism, Your Grace," Zadion frowned. "I know there are hundreds of different vampire clans throughout Tamriel, and Morvath Pisquine would have been able to identify their powers and their weaknesses, while your companions -- for all their strength -- will have to improvise as best they can when they witness for themselves what they're facing. That lack of expertise may be deadly ... I just wish ... I knew what to do now ..."
Sheogorath
"I agree that the moderate faction should stay united, and if anything, find a way to send the radicals out of council, on other errands of state. " Mortillara smiled. "And yes, a visit to Wayrest would be very helpful. But let me suggest this -- Elysana should not think that she's doing us a great favor by this alliance. It should be understood that we are helping her out by foisting her hated stepbrother from the throne, and she should aid us to thank us for going to that trouble ..."
Sheogorath
The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
Over the roar of flames down below, there came the piteous howl of a dog. For a moment thereafter, it was silent.
Then something burst from the wreckage some distance away. It was the dog, black from smoke, and as it ran across the square, more fire leapt from its crisped fur. A group of workers, spying it, cried out, "Oh, poor animal!"
It disappeared into the darkness of a smithery across the square.
Sheogorath
"Have you heard what happened in Tel Dresori?" Barreth asked.
"It wasn't a target of the invasion," Mortillara shook her head. "But I have heard rumors of a squadron getting lost near there and disappearing ..."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"The letters from the Imperial City display a lot of impatience with me, taking too much time finishing my affairs here," Zadion said. "If I'm not there in a week, I can see the Guildmagisters coming here to collect me."
Sheogorath
Smithery, Ald Raathim
The place was filled with ironworks in various stages of completion, surrounding an open fiery kiln, which belched forth smoke. It was difficult to differentiate a smoking dog in such a place. She was able to determine that there were no exits from the place, at least not on the first level. There was a loft, however, above.
Sheogorath
"We have the north, the south, the west ... Why not begin an assault to the east, in Necrom, for instance?" Mortillara replied. "Squeeze the royalist forces on all sides until they pop?"
Sheogorath
The Smithery, Ald Raathim
Anya's sense of the vampire's presence increased dramatically, and with a shiver, she knew what she was sensing: there was more than one vampire up here.
Something shuffled through the hay, and then something else. Scratches against bare floor board.
Lahkbar stood up. He was no longer in dog form, but his entire body was blackened and still smoking. His eyes were bright red and furious.
"Goodbye, sweetheart," he hissed.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Zadion grinned, relieved. "Thank you, Your Grace. I confess, I thought you were angry ... I didn't hope to ask you for your help in this. Perhaps, I should ask the Guildmagisters to come here themselves, to see what the situation is, so they can appreciate it?"
Sheogorath
The Smithy, Ald Raathim
The blindness struck Lahkbar just as he shot off a fireball. It struck the hay instead of Anya, and it quickly erupted into flame.
"You miserable (censored)!" he screamed as her claws dug into him. "You're no better than the rest of us!"
Something behind Anya scampered away, half-jumping and half-falling off the now-flaming loft.
Sheogorath
"Let me ask you something else then," Zadion gave a half smile. "I don't know quite the polite way to ask this but ... Would you know anything about anyone spying on me at the Guild? While I was traveling back and forth to Tel Dresori, a young Altmeri girl came to visit me, I was told by the Guild Guide who I believe was Charmed. And there was some signs that thing in my office had been looked over ..."
Sheogorath
As the fire bloomed up in the loft, Anya could see the bodies of several village children in various stages of decomposition. Lahkbar and his friend had been using this loft to store their prey for some time.
Lahkbar burbled up a last spout of black blood, and fell back, torn apart, dying the final death.
A group of workers ran in from below, yelling about fire.
The second vampire had apparently gotten away.
Sheogorath
Zadion chuckled, and drank the rest of his wine in one relieved gulp.
"You can imagine how that played on my paranoia," the Altmer grinned. "Coming back from a village overrun by vampires, unsure whether Ald Raathim was next to go, and then small, subtle signs someone was watching me ... Perhaps considering that frame of mind, you'll understand me bringing in Morvath Pisquine as soon as I could ..."
Sheogorath
Putting out the fire in the smithy took the efforts of several workers, and it wasn't long before the gruesome discovery was made in the loft. The rumors began to fly: something was hunting the children of Ald Raathim.
At the Nymph and Noggin, some hours later, even Kethiah, bed-bound as she was, heard the rumors. Immediately, she got from her bed to fetch Tyradil and Tilitalia, and could only be coaxed to lay back down when she saw the children with her own eyes, and knew all was well.
Sheogorath
"I'm afraid I know little more than I did when Pisquine first came," Zadion frowned. "We only captured one vampire, and Pisquine identified him as belonging to a tribe that hales from northern Valenwood ... What made me most nervous, however, was the threat of the tribe that is native to Cyrodiil ... They are the masters of subterfuge. Even other vampires do not recognize them if they are fully fed ... Pisquine knew a spell to ferret them out, but I do not know it."
Sheogorath
"Pisquine said that vampires like civil wars because they hide much of the blood the undead spill, but you're right, the situation in Tel Dresori is unusually bad. Even Pisquine thought so," Zadion nodded. "There is something else. The vampire identified another one he knew of in the ruins of the Drunken Guar, but when Pisquine and I went there this morning, it was gone. It's possible that it was never there, and the first vampire lied, but I'm also afraid that despite our precautions, whatever vampires there are in Ald Raathim may be aware of our heightened awareness of them. Whether that means they are inclined to flee or attack, I wouldn't like to guess."
Sheogorath
"Obviously, anything I can do, Your Grace," Zadion replied, seriously. "Just ask."
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
As usual, Alas and Alack slept in, not rising until the late morning. They greeted Llana and Erenius, who were also on their boat The Senchal Rose, and then went to town.
There was a tailor shop who could provide them with what they needed and pretty quickly too with ample gold expenditure.
Then the two Khajiit met with Kallen, discussed their plans, and went to the Nymph and Noggin for mid-day drinks.
Kallen went to see Loranna, Duchess of Ald Raathim.
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"The Khajiit who call themselves Alas and Alack would like to petition you for permission to expand the docks," Kallen replied. "They tell me that they have bought the warehouses there, plan to create more for improved commerce, and to create a Temple dedicated to Zenithar, the God of Business ... With your permission."
S'reddit
"Of course, Your Grace," Kallen replied, withdrawing, and going to the Nymph and Noggin to set up a time for a meeting.
He escorted them back to the castle an hour later, after he knew Loranna had dealt with other day to day issues. Kallen knocked on Loranna's study door.
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"Good day to ye, Your Grace," Alas smiled, eyeing Loranna's bottle of Wayrest wine.
"Your mate tole ye about we buying up the warehouses?" Alack asked, eyeing Loranna's other assets.
S'reddit
"Yes, we thought Zenithar's blessings be welcome in Ald Raathim to help commerce begins again," Alack nodded, taking a sip of wine.
"We has the warehouses now," Alas added, taking a sip of wine. "And the Holy Zenitharnic Father am sendin us workers an supplies ta complete a full complex. We was thinking it would stretch over the wharf to the village. Big place. Temple, warehouses, the works."
"That is, if it's okay with ye," Alack added. "What else be on yer mind?"
S'reddit
"Discreet we be," Alas nodded, drinking the rest of his wine. "We'll let ye know what we find."
"So, is it well with you that we build the Temple complex?" Alack asked. "It won't cost you a septim. We ain't using no one but Temple faithful, brought in from Cyrodiil."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah, Tyradil, and Tilitalia had just finished their second lesson with Uardia, an Imperial sorceress they had hired from the Mages Guild. She was an old Imperial woman with wild silvery hair, and her appearance had at first frightened and then fascinated Tyradil and Tilitalia before they understood was a kind-hearted though eccentric mage she was.
Their first lessons were on spell absorbtion and reflection.
"I think your boy's also learning something," Kethiah smiled, touching her belly. "He's definitely knocking around in there."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Absolutely," Kethiah grinned. "I might even -- ooo." She winced a little, and took Isidor's hand and placed it on her belly. The kicks were regular and strong. "Feel that? He definitely has some Atmoran barbarian blood in him from his dad ... Ooo."
Sheogorath
"If he's not in a hurry," Kethiah laughed. "And decides to join us earlier, which it almost feels like ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"He's come to visit me from time to time, like he said he would," Kethiah replied. "Why?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"He says he's happier," Kethiah smiled. "I'm glad. Actually, I have a theory that he fancies someone, but I didn't want to pry too much ... It would certainly explain it."
They continued talking, Isidor, Kethiah, and the kids, until Kethiah felt too tired to continue. The baby had been very active lately, and it was exhausting. She sent her family off so she could get some sleep.
S'reddit
Summary
Kethiah, the ex-assassin and formerly busy co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin (as well as formerly Loranna, Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent, and secretly, her Spymaster) is asleep in her room at the Nymph and Noggin, grateful that her unborn son is not kicking her quite so hard right now.
Alas and Alack, Khajiti ex-smugglers and currently (secretly) the Duchess's Spymasters, are waiting at the docks, because ...
The Docks of Ald Raathim
Two boats sailed into harbor, flying the symbol of the Anvil, the symbol of the Resolution of Zenithar. On board both ships were fifty men and mer dedicated to their God, and to the temple they were building to him.
Alas and Alack looked at one another. They had picked up their uniforms at the tailors, and looked every bit the part of Priests of Zenithar.
Immediately, they put the men to work on the warehouses.
S'reddit
The Docks of Ald Raathim
A most impressive object was being unloaded carefully from the second ship: a hundred-foot tall obelisk made of alabaster so finely polished, it reflected back shades of the sea and sky. A crowd of villagers, sailors, and merchants had gathered among the docks to watch it be unloaded, and carried to the warehouses where it would stand above all, welcoming commerce to the Resolution of Zenithar.
"It be very good to unburden yerself of your sins, my child," Father Alas nodded seriously to Llana. "We wants you always to come to we on spiritual matter suchly."
"Forsooth and verily," Father Alack agreed, as they found a quiet spot near the Senchal Rose to talk.
S'reddit
"Mmm," Alas said thoughtfully.
"Ah," Alack added.
They paid Llana as agreed for her information, and took a peek at the map that Erenius had commissioned. It was a mite queer, but perhaps it was just his desire to get things moving that caused him to overpay for the work.
"Some peoples only has two speeds," Alas said. "Full speed ahead or dead stop."
S'reddit
"I like it too," Alas nodded, smiling. "Even if it do look like a [censored]."
"Prolly because it look like a [censored]," Alack suggested.
"Prolly," Alas agreed.
They went back to marvel at it, as the workers continued to construct a massive temple around the warehouses.
S'reddit
"Ah," Alas nodded approvingly. "As the Good Book say ... 'Trullaly, thou canst not havesth too many [censoreds].'"
"Aman," Alack bowed.
S'reddit
Much Belated Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, on hiatus as a tavernkeep and as Loranna's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and, secretly, her Spymaster) is in her room, learning magic from Uardilla, sorceress of the Mages Guild, as she comes into her 9th month of pregnancy.
Alas and Alack, ex-smuggler Khajiiti and currently the Duchess's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and secretly, her Spymasters) are supervising the construction of a Resolution of Zenithar temple on the waterfront where they will act as priests.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"Your Gracity," Alas bowed low, his priestly vestments sweeping grandly. "Has you seen the Resolution of Zenithar's constructation? 'Twill be a grand additation to Ald Raathim's worfs."
"Forsooth and 'sblood," Alack agreed with another bow. "Though the House of Dibella still reigneth supreme."
S'reddit
"There be ever so many faithful in need of absolutation," Father Alack sighed. "Such a lot of confession from them merchants at sea that is coming into harbor again. Specially now that Tel Dresori ain't trading anymore."
"There be a couple Redoran ships in the harbor there," Father Alas added. "But they looks abandoned apprently. Musta sent some troops in who didn't return ..."
S'reddit
"Oh, the Alliance ain't finished yet," Alas shook his head. "They're sending in more ships soon, word be."
"And this be interestin'," Alack added. "There's a river now that weren't there before. Sorta sprung up over the course of a couplea nights ... Goes north to south, cuttin' off Tel Dresori from the west. Not too deep or wide ... Hard ta tell what it's used fer."
S'reddit
"Yeah, Tel Dresori be cut off, but like I says, it ain't a deep or a wide river," Alack replied. "Queer that. No good reason fer it, as far as anyone can say."
"Pisquine hanged around for a little while," Alas added. "Tried to get in to see Magister Zadion, but didn't have no luck. Then he took off into the trees to the south, and ain't been seen since ..."
S'reddit
"No, no word 'bout he," Alas shook his head. "Though they says his ship's still in the harbor --"
"Though it's flag is down," Alack added, frowning a little. "Instead, there's a flag with a symbol of a Wheel. Ain't got a clue what that's means."
S'reddit
"I can do better 'n that, Your Gracitude," Alack replied, taking out a scrap of paper. "I had me contact write it down. Now, he didnt wanna get too close, right, but he swore it looked as this."
It was a wagon wheel, with spokes that went slightly beyond the circumference, turning into spikes. There were twelve of them, and the middle of the wheel looked like an eye.
S'reddit
"Of course not, Duchness," Alack grinned. "I got it for you."
"Tryin' to think of anything else of innerest," Alas scratched his head. "You know the Queen Mother and Morgiah, who be Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah now, and 'er daughter Rinnala is all in Mournhold now? One big happy family in the palace."
S'reddit
"Always hard to tell with the King, you know?" Alas smiled. "If Helseth's happy, he don't smile. If he's sad, he don't frown. Only thing you can tell be when he's angry, and he ain't that. When he bellows, you can 'ear it from the harbor, and no one says they heard nothing."
Magister Zadion had entered the tavern, and Alack touched Loranna's elbow subtly to draw her attention to him.
"That's all the news that's fit to tell, and more," Alack grinned.
S'reddit
Magister Zadion was not heading to the bar, but through the tavern en route to the garden where there were a number of herbs that wouldn't grow in the Mages Guild herbarium. He was startled for a moment by Loranna's approach, and then smiled.
"Of course, Your Grace," the Altmer smiled. "Would you come out with me to the garden? You can probably spot the choicest blooms as well or better than I."
The garden behind the Nymph and Noggin was almost a jungle. Kethiah had begun it, but as she was used to the poor conditions of horticulture in Vas, she was not used to pruning anything back. Bob took what was needed for the kitchen, and Isidor had tried to keep it well weeded in his expanded duties, but it was still very overgrown.
"What can I do for you, Loranna?" Zadion asked.
S'reddit
"A little of both, plus any interesting mushrooms you see ..." Zadion replied, then he took a look at the paper, the color draining from his face. "Yes, I recognize it. It is a mark of a vampire tribe called the Diodata. By the Nine, don't tell me that's been seen here!"
S'reddit
"Very soon," Zadion said, as seriously as Loranna had ever heard him. "As you know, I'm no expert in matters of the vampire. But Morvath Pisquine told me about the Diodata. They are an abomination, even among the undead, for they are bolder than their brethren. This is about Tel Dresori, isn't it? That was something that Pisquine thought might have been the tribe responsible ... They are very powerful, but there exists another tribe which is even more powerful, which requires their blood to live. The Diodata usually take over islands, because their enemies, the Korgari, cannot cross over water. It is usually only a matter of a few weeks before the Korgari find a way to get to them ... and then there is a bloodbath like no other, and it always, always crosses over to neighboring lands."
Zadion took a deep breath. "You will need all the help you can get to stop this before it escalates beyond the borders of Tel Dresori."
S'reddit
"The Diodata have the usual weakness of the vampire, with regards to sunlight, silver, and the touch of the holy," Zadion replied. "Their power seems to be in their physical strength. The Diodata Ancients, they say can watch through the eyes of the others ..."
"The Korgari have none of the weaknesses of the vampire," Zadion continued. "They do not fear the sun, or holy places, or any weapon but the mightiest. Water does burn them however, and they cannot cross over it, like I said. Not surprisingly, their power is heat. They can even transform themselves into living flame, and even teleport into nearby fires. You can see between the Diodata's strength and the Korgari's flames how destruction follows in the wake of their war."
S'reddit
"While I am in control of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild," Zadion said, not bothering to add the disclaimer for not much longer. "We are at your disposal. In fact, if we're able to act quickly, I can dedicate the entirety of the Guild to this endeavor. Archmagister Traven cannot look unkindly on such an endeavor against the forces of the undead. I have to tell you, in all seriousness, that if we don't stop the Diodata, we will be at the mercy of a vendetta between two tribes which will spread throughout the east."
S'reddit
The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
Magister Zadion nods, and the two (not forgetting their herbs and mushrooms) leave the tavern, and make their way to the town center. The construction of the Imperial Embassy is still under way as they make their way into the dark musty interior of the Mages Guild.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Anya felt it again. The unmistakable chill, and scent of the vampire in the vicinity.
Opening up her eyes, she immediately knew the other creature was close, but the tavern was crowded. Helseth's royal soldiers, the former Muatramer warriors, the Zenithar faithful, the locals, all crowded together.
Then she saw the vampire.
He was a Breton with blond hair that fell to his shoulders, tan living flesh, not at all the portrait of the undead. But his dark eyes had found her too. He was talking with a group of soldiers, sharing a laugh, but he was looking directly at Anya.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
The vampire walked over to her, an enigmatic smile on his lips.
"Greetings, sister," he said quietly. "Awkward situation. I looked for marks, but I didn't see any that said this tavern was someone else's domain. Are you new to Ald Raathim as well?"
Sheogorath
"Of course you don't," the vampire nodded, flashing his own fanged smile at her. "Why would you want others to share your hunting grounds and risk exposing you? Don't worry, sister. I'm only here for a day or two, and then I'm moving on. Kingston is the name."
Sheogorath
"Do you mind if I sit?" Kingston asked, taking the empty seat before Anya had a chance to give a yay or a nay. "I guess you'd say the winds of war brought me. But I don't think I usually have a reason for anything. Mostly I just go on instinct. Serves me pretty well. But you're right -- we're not the only predators in Ald Raathim. I don't think it's quite overhunted yet, but there is that risk, of course."
Sheogorath
"My plans are in flux," the vampire smiled and gave a shrug. "Before I realized that this tavern was your domain, I was thinking about luring one of those soldiers out for a bite, and then finding a place to sleep. Then, like I said, in a day or two, I'd move off. If you'd like to make sure others don't hunt in your territory, Cheryl, I'd recommend affixing your tribe mark somewhere. Won't guarantee you won't have any trouble, but at least creatures like me won't invade your domain out of ignorance."
Sheogorath
"It's completely about my own safety," Kingston chuckled. "If we fought, under the best of circumstances, I'd win. But what would I win? I don't want your domain, Cheryl, or your blood. I think we would be wise to take one another's advice."
He stood up.
Sheogorath
Kingston laughed. "I'm going to assume you meant that as a compliment, and I'll take it. You're not a Diodata, that's clear. I would count this as a pleasant meeting, Cheryl. I sincerely hope that when and if we meet again, it will be the same."
The vampire with a wink left out the front door.
Sheogorath
Kingston's departure left Anya with two seemingly contradictory feelings. When his vampiric presence was gone, the slight psychic chill also left. But she also realized that while he had been sitting at her table, there had been a comfortable warmth, and the candle had glowed with a mellow, complimentary golden light. It had not even flickered. Thus, she felt both the absence of one chill, and the absence of another warmth and light.
Sheogorath
"If we attack during the daytime, expect many battles indoors," Zadion replied, stepping quietly into the room. One of Loranna's servants had fetched him from the Guildhouse. "If we attack at night, expect hell."
Sheogorath
"If you have not been there before, Tel Dresori is not like Ald Raathim," Zadion said, addressing the group. "It is essentially a rural community, a very large plantation, on rugged semi-mountaineous terrain. It is arranged in a circle, with ring after ring of farmland separated by hedgerows, leading to the center where the village marketplace, Mages Guild, and Dres Minsero's castle is located. The farms are infested, but I could only go into the castle a little before I fled, there were so many bloodsuckers within. There is a Tribunal temple in the marketplace as well which appeared to be abandoned ... It is likely that the creatures cannot enter it."
Sheogorath
"It is, but the Guildhouse itself is abandoned," Zadion replied. "I can bring in a Guild Guide so you can use it to escape. If you try to teleport with a Guide, you risk losing yourself forever."
Sheogorath
"Perhaps, but there was no one in the Temple when I went in there," Zadion frowned.
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin currently on hiatus as co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin (her husband Isidor is assuming the duties), and the Duchess of Ald Raathim's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and secretly her Spymaster) is resting in her room, while learning the arts of magic with her stepchildren Tyradil and Tilitalia. She is nine months pregnant, and not allowed to leave her bed.
Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers Khajiiti "brothers" (though their parents are not the same) are currently Priests of Zenithar, supervising the construction of a massive temple called a Resolution of Zenithar on the harbor of Ald Raathim. They are the Duchess's Excise and Import/Export Agents (and secretly her Spymaster) while Kethiah is on maternity leave.
Zadion, Altmer magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is with the group at the Nymph and Noggin, telling them what he knows about Tel Dresori, the Diodata, and the Korgari. Additionally, he knows he will soon be facing his superiors in the Mages Guild on grounds that he abandoned neutrality in the current war.
Kingston, Breton vampire, has left the Nymph and Noggin after exchanges a few fairly friendly and barely hostile words with Anya. Whether he left Ald Raathim or is just keeping out of her "hunting domain" remains to be seen.
Sheogorath
Anya's "Mine"
The moment she did, she felt the familiar chill of another vampire's presence. The mine itself was dark, but she could see movement ... It was only the "cattle" shuffling about in the gloom.
But there was a vampire in there somewhere.
Sheogorath
Anya's "Mine"
The vampire was somewhere hidden, possibly invisible as well. The chill Anya felt only told her that there was one nearby, not precisely where it was.
There was only one light in the gloom, a burning torch.
Sheogorath
Anya's "Mine"
"Cheryl?" a voice called out from nowhere. The candle flame spouted upward into a roar of fire.
Kingston stepped out of the flame, looking around.
"This is your domain too?"
Sheogorath
"I don't have claws myself," Kingston said, looking at his fingernails, and then cleaning them a bit. "Sorry about invading your place and hiding like that. I didn't know it was you until you turned visible ..."
Sheogorath
"You liked the candlestick trick?" Kingston grinned, pleased. "It's a very basic Korgari maneuver, any neophyte of my tribe learns it early on. I wasn't actually resting here ... I took your advice and tried to keep a low profile by getting out of town. I was thinking about going to the royal forts on the border, but I smelled your cattle and I thought they might be prey before I realized they were already enthralled. I was just about to leave when I sensed you come in, and not knowing it was you, I decided to hide. So, no, I'm not looking to rest just yet."
Sheogorath
Kingston smiled. "I haven't slain a mortal in fifteen years. You have a deal ..." The smile faltered a moment. "Though, I do have a question about your tribe ..."
Sheogorath
"You can manipulate your shape, and I've seen the mark on your cattle ..." Kingston returned Anya's searching look. "I guess, I just have to be blunt and ask: what tribe are you? The evidence seems to point towards the impossible ..."
Sheogorath
The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim
Zadion had gathered a meeting and spoken to his Guildmembers, telling them what they were facing.
Twelve members volunteered to accompany Loranna's group to Tel Dresori.
VITUS, a Cyrodilic battlemage, perhaps a bit past his prime fighting condition with his paunch, but who had the most beautiful old ebony armor that made him fast, strong, and sturdy.
LHERES, an Altmer sorceror, particularly skilled at healing.
BAORIAH, a Dunmer battlemage, beautiful and dangerous in her armor, the spitting image of Boethiah.
ANDRYK, an elderly Breton enchanter and alchemist, whose billowing robes hid a variety of herbs and soul gems, capable of "field enchanting" to repair and recharge magickal items.
ZARA, a female Khajiit nightblade, quiet and quick.
MUTHOG, an Orc shaman, wielding a massive enchanted ax.
DOLKIRRE, a very eccentric Dunmer mage whose destruction magicks were unpredictable even to himself.
FRAGON, Dolkirre's brother whose job it is to make sure others are shielded if Dolkirre's destruction effects are too strong.
WARD-BACKS, another eccentric, an Argonian mystic, master of the withershin.
XYLLINA, a female Altmer master of Illusion. Pale and serious.
EGIN, a Dunmer mystic, trained to act as Guild Guide.
and, of course, ZADION, Altmer master of the schools of Destruction and Restoration.
Sheogorath
Zadion and his eleven mages met the group at the Guild.
"We are ready," he said, simply.
Sheogorath
Kingston took Anya's hand, and brought her to the Argonian brothers.
"Look at them closely, on their chests near their hearts, there is a symbol there but you have to use all your new senses to see it," the vampire said.
It took Anya a few minutes to see what Kingston was talking about. Three curved lines intersected to form a loose triangle. It was actually quite beautiful.
"That is the symbol of a tribe of vampires who could change their bodies into virtually anything," Kingston said quietly. "Their name has been whispered for a thousand years, but it is believed that the last of them disappeared in the 2nd Era ... They are called the Bathogorgen."
Barely had those words left his mouth when the vampire started, looking towards the door.
"Someone approaches!" Kingston snarled. "A warm blood!"
In a flash, he transformed into a spark of fire, traveling quickly across the cavern floor and under the door where Loranna stood.
Sheogorath
The flame rose into the air, dancing, and attached onto an extinguished torch. There it bloomed up into a burning facsimile of a face: Kingston's face to be exact.
"This is a friend of yours, Cheryl?" Kingston said, looking at Loranna. "Anya?"
Sheogorath
A shower of flame poured from the torch to the floor, and Kingston stepped out of it. He looked at Anya, eyes narrowed.
"For a creature who does not know her tribe, you are very comfortable with the warmbloods," he said, and then turned to Loranna. "What raid is this you're going on, Your Grace?"
Sheogorath
"I am interested in her because she is a rarity, indeed, most of our kind would think those such as she are no more," Kingston replied. And then he smiled at Anya's words. "And I am amiable because she is. I believe in responding in kind. Now, what is this about a raid?"
Sheogorath
Kingston's eyes went wide. "Is that to the south?" he asked. "I felt drawn there. Korgari always are drawn to the Diodata, even if we don't know exactly where they are ... What are you going to do? Destroy them?"
Sheogorath
"It may already be too late," Kingston replied quietly. "If there are Korgari closer to Tel Dresori, they may already be gathering, ready to attack ... Are you confident in the force you're sending against the Diodata?"
Sheogorath
"Well," Kingston shrugged. "I was going to head down south anyhow. If you want me to come along, you might find me useful. For one, I've fought the Diodata before, and secondly --"
Fire enveloped his body, and the vampire smiled.
"I can be useful in other ways."
Sheogorath
"I can't believe Anya's true nature is known to all either," Kingston replied. "I wouldn't tell them that I'm a Korgari. I'd say I'm an expert on matters vampiric ... With a few neat fire spells ..."
Sheogorath
"That's true," Kingston nodded and smiled. "I don't have any particular reason to trust you more than you have to trust me, except that neither of us have attacked each other so far. I told Anya that I haven't killed a mortal in fifteen years -- there's never been a reason to. If I'm found out, and the mages unwisely decide that it is in their interest to attack me ... I'll escape. I won't fight them unless I have no other choice."
Sheogorath
Kingston nodded. "Well, I hope that any who are smart enough to figure it out will be smart enough not to attack us while there are more dangerous adversaries about."
He followed Loranna and Anya through the woods back towards the village and castle, to find the rest of the heroes.
Sheogorath
"Kingston Mune," said the Breton with the shoulder-length blond hair and the ruddy tan complexion. His handshake was warm and solid, as he introduced himself to P'Rassha and the other heroes present. "Her Grace thought I might be useful on this expedition. The study of the vampire has been a hobby of mine for some years now. Hopefully, I can prove myself useful."
Sheogorath
"If you're a fish expert, you head for the sea. If you're a vampire expert," Kingston said with a wink. "You head to Tel Dresori."
Sheogorath
Zadion stepped onto the platform, and told the Guild Guide. "Send me to Tel Dresori, and then bring me back right away ... I want to see what the conditions are ..."
In a twinkling, the magister of the Mages Guild was gone.
In another moment, he was back.
"They're in the Guildhouse," the Altmer said. "Be prepared to go in fighting."
Sheogorath
"Be careful," Zadion said. "Remember, the Diodata's special power is their strength. You're used to being the strongest person in the room, friend, but you may not be in this situation."
Sheogorath
"I think an area damage effect spell would be more useful," Zadion replied.
"Or maybe Silence to keep them from calling for reinforcements," Kingston suggested.
Sheogorath
"I don't think they did see me," Zadion replied. "We should still have the element of surprise ... I hope ..."
S'reddit
The Altmer Xyllina, a master illusionist, finally stepped forward, looking at the others. Her dark eyes against her smooth marble-like skin surveyed the group.
"I will go in and cast silence over the Guild and blind everyone I see," she said, pulling back her white-yellow hair as she stepped onto the platform. "Don't dawdle."
Zadion nodded, and in a moment Xyllina shimmered out of sight.
S'reddit
"A nice large fireball?" Kingston grinned. "I think I can handle that."
He stepped in after Xyllina, and in a flash, he had disappeared.
Sheogorath
All who entered thereafter witnessed a most strange and peculiar sight.
The Mages Guild, what was left of it, of Tel Dresori was built on a mountain peak. Any windows they found looked out over an expanse of steep farmland, every parcel of land divided and separated by trenches and bushes. Water spilled through them all, created a rolling swampland.
In the Guildhouse itself, vampires crawled like cockroaches along the ceiling and walls, stumbling and bumbling, unable to call out because of Xyllina's spell. A pile of them lay dead, burned to a crisp at the floor of the tranportation room, because of Kingston's fireball. The smell of burning undead flesh hung in the air.
S'reddit
Kingston's hands burned with fire and he reached out, grabbed the spellcasting vampire. Smoke poured out of the open neck of the armor as the interior became an oven.
S'reddit
Xyllina the illusionist cast a light spell down the tunnel, Dolkirre, Fragon, and Ward-Backs behind her.
S'reddit
"Blessed Syrabane," Zadion shook his head. There would be time for mourning later.
S'reddit
"Reeds and Reichi and Anya also agree," Kingston replied. "If we go down there, they can collapse the tunnels on us ... and the tunnels if they lead anywhere will go somewhere we will have more of a chance against them -- above ground. I think we should collapse the tunnels, and fight the Diodata in the houses."
S'reddit
Stepping out of the bakery, the group surveyed the marketplace for the next location which seemed to be sealed from within.
S'reddit
Xyllina casts a light spell to illuminate the interior of the school house, while the others help clear away the barricades, stepping in.
S'reddit
Kingston does not pause a moment, and no one sees even a glimmer of consience in his eyes about attacking vampiric children. He launches a wave of fire into their midst.
Something drops on him from above, in the rafters. He curses as the little girl knocks him to the ground. He should have thought to look up.
S'reddit
Lightning and fireballs rocketed through the school house as the mages defended themselves. The Orc Shaman's axe made sickening thuds as it sliced through the horde.
"Use it on the windows!" Zadion cried out. "Let's get some sunlight in here!"
The flames on the desks and chairs that had caught fire seemed almost alive, reaching out and grabbing at children. Kingston was able to concentrate on this since Anya and Reichi had destroyed the little girl who had knocked him down before.
S'reddit
Unable to concentrate on it, Kingston lets the fires on the desks and chairs burn normally. Instead he defends himself by creating a long whip of flame to push the children back, towards the wall of the schoolroom where the windows are being broken open.
One of the silence spells strikes Andryk, but he had herbs to counter it.
Lheres, the Healer is overwhelmed by the children, and torn to pieces.
S'reddit
Kingston immolates one of the Dremora with an intense blue-white flame that almost seems alive. He starts to turn towards Slyvos to help, but he catches sight of one of the men heaving what seems to be a bucket of water at him. Kingston rolls out of the way of it, cursing.
Wards-Back casts a burning sigil backwards in the air, trying to counteract the charm on the Nord.
S'reddit
Xyllina screamed as her hair caught fire, but at a glance from Kingston, the fire extinguished itself instantly. All around the room, the fire seemed to back away from the heroes as if it had a mind of its own.
Wards-Back, disappointed that his anti-charm withershin hadn't cured the Nord, casts its reverse, trying to overwhelm the charm with another one.
The mages concentrate their fire on the Dremora, being careful not to hit Slyvos.
Sheogorath
Update
Also with the party in Tel Dresori are ten members of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild: VITUS, a Cyrodilic battlemage; BAORIAH, a Dunmer battlemage; ANDRYK, a Breton enchanter and alchemist; MUTHOG, an Orc shaman; DOLKIRRE, a Dunmer mage; FRAGON, Dolkirre's brother; WARD-BACKS, an Argonian mystic; XYLLINA, a female Altmer illusionist; EGIN, a Dunmer mystic; and, ZADION, Altmer magister of the Mages Guild.
Two members have been killed: the nighblade ZARA and the healer LHERES.
KINGSTON MUNE, "Vampire Expert" (and secretly a KORIGARI vampire himself) was the last to flee the schoolhouse. The front of his shirt is stained with blood ... as he drank deeply from some of the schoolchildren before leaving ...
In Ald Raathim, former assassin and current very pregnant bedridden KETHIAH is greeting her husband Isidor ...
'Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
When Isidor walked into the room, he found Kethiah bathed in sweat, her eyes wide open.
"Isidor," she gasped. "Fetch the healer quickly. I think it's happening ..."
Sheogorath
Kingston's senses were heightened and he winked at Anya, stepping up to her and whispering. "Don't worry. No one saw me. Now what were you talking about before? Who is this 'she' and 'her' you're referring to?"
Sheogorath
"So, it's more than just the Diodata that are here," Kingston frowned. "I wonder if they are allied, or if your mater is using them ... I take it you would not mind if some harm came to this Dayla?"
Sheogorath
"The tricky thing is going to be to doing that while avoiding letting everyone here know what we are in the process," Kingston nodded. "Clearly, they know a lot already. Arrows with silence spells are more effective against mages than vampires ... And they came in with a bucket of water in the school room, so they must have known there was a Korgari vampire in the group ..."
Sheogorath
"I will," Kingston smiled. Anya could see in his eyes how little he was troubled by these events.
Sheogorath
Kingston had overheard the conversation with Shaka and Anya as he moved into the Temple with the others.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Tyradil and Tilitalia were in the room when Isidor returned with the healer. They were both looking frightened towards Kethiah, for there was a bit of blood.
"It's okay, everything is natural," the healer smiled, moving into position to help Kethiah with it. "Wipe her head with a cool damp cloth to make her more comfortable."
Sheogorath
"I hope so, but no one answered my calls before," Zadion replied, as they stepped into the echoing chambers.
Sheogorath
The Temple, Tel Dresori
Cold, beautiful blue and gray marble formed the interior of the sacristy, and the heroes footfalls echoed within the empty space. There were wooden benches for a congregation to sit, all of them empty.
At the back of the temple were steps leading down to the crypt. At the center was a twenty foot tall obsidian statue of a woman of great beauty and benevolence.
"This is not a mere temple," said the Dunmer battlemage with a gasp. "It's the tomb of Saint Meris the Peacemaker."
Sheogorath
Kethiah reached out and grabbed Isidor's hand, squeezing hard. And she was a strong woman.
"All right, my dear," the healer said quietly and calmly. "Don't push too hard. Just get your breath, and relax ..."
Sheogorath
Nalion's voice echoed back. Xyllina cast a light spell down the steps.
"I don't hear anything," she said, after a moment of listening.
Sheogorath
The Temple Crypt
Baoriah followed Shaka down the twisting stairwell leading to the crypt below. A series of intricate carvings lined the walls, showing Dunmer at war with one another. It was allegorical, but it was easy to tell by their emblems and their actions that they were all the Houses, Redoran, Dres, Indoril, Telvanni, and Hlaalu. It was an ancient war between the Houses, but one need hardly comment that it was precisely the same as today.
The stairway opened up into a low-ceilinged room with many pillars. The motif on the wall were still basreliefs of Dunmer of the various Houses, but they were hand-in-hand along the walls, having achieved peace. Raised sepulchers lined the walls, each marked with a different crest, as different members of different Houses were buried here. In the center of the room was a white marble sepulcher of Saint Merris.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"I can't breathe," Kethiah gasped, trying to relax, but the way the muscles on their neck were standing out taut showed how difficult that was. "Is ... there something wrong?"
The healer from her position shook her head, but looked serious.
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"Sometimes achieving peace requires a complexity of --" Baoriah began before she noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye. "Shaka, look out!"
Two teenagers, a boy and a girl, rushed at them, holding glowing white swords. The girl swung hers for Shaka's head. "Die, vampire!"
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Kethiah gave a loud cry, which was matched by another one as the healer held up a tiny child.
"You can welcome your son," the healer smiled. "You are a richer man today, Isidor."
Sheogorath
The Temple, Tel Dresori
The girl had dropped the sword, and was holding her arm, rubbing the bruise.
"Prove it," the boy said suspiciously, holding out his own blade. "Touch it."
"These are the weapons of the House members brought to peace by Saint Meris," Baoriah said quietly. "Holy relics."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
Tyradil and Tilitalia crowded to see their new half-brother. He was dark, though a little lighter in color than Kethiah, and though his eyes were still closed, they knew that he would be red like hers. Still, there was something about Isidor to him as well.
Kethiah, tears in her eyes, held out her arms to hold him.
"Do you have a name for him yet?" the healer asked.
Sheogorath
The Temple, Tel Dresori
As Dana, Nalion, and Shaka each touched the sword, they felt its holy power. It was a relic of peace, and the blessing it bestowed on them was one of clarity and calm. All their inner conflicts and anguishes seemed to melt, and they felt ... well, they felt good. In all the meanings of the word.
Baoriah also touched the blade, and asked the children. "The vampires, what happened to them when they were touched by it?"
"It made them terrified," said the girl. "They ran away."
Kingston had entered the crypt as well, but stood some distance away, not choosing to touch the blade.
"My name is Evorde," the boy said. "This is Carana."
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"Or an 'I' name to go with Isidor and Ingmar?" Kethiah chuckled, holding the child, tears of joy flowing freely now.
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Evorde and Carana looked at one another.
"Our grandfather told us about the swords," the girl said. "There are five of them. They will bring despair to the undead, but if they are used in war, against the Redoran or the Indoril, it will be a sacrilege."
"We shall return them when the vampires are gone," Baoriah nodded.
Evorde reached out for the scrolls, smiling. "Thank you for saving us. I don't know how long we've been down here ..."
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Baoriah nodded. "And we will return them to the crypt when this town is free of this unnatural menace."
"Ditto," Kingston added, smiling, and not coming any closer. "I swear and all that."
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"Well, if we're going to take them, we should get on with it," Kingston said. "We've got a lot of town to clear out, and still have the castle ..."
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Baoriah took up the katana.
"Now you should go, children," she said to the teenagers.
Evorde and Carana nodded, and thanking the heroes, once more, read their scrolls and vanished away.
(OOC -- Outta here, but I think there's a spare sword or two in here if any one wants it)
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"Her name was Zara," said the illusionist Xyllina, fading from view. Her voice continued. "And she wasn't the only mage capable of sneaking around."
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"No," Xyllina replied, appearing at the opposite end of the crypt. "But I can silence opponents while you slay them."
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"Again, my only concern is that in the tunnels during the day, the Diodata have most of the advantage," Kingston added. "Maybe we should go survey the castle, and at least get an idea of what we're dealing with."
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"Yes, Zadion's right, they can see through other vampire's eyes," Kingston added. "Some of the most powerful ones have even been known to be able to see through mortals' eyes as well ... Knowing that they know they're dealing with mages, we should cast Dispel as well as Blind at any we encounter, because they're probably casting Reflect. I know I would if I were fighting a bunch of mages."
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The mages and others who had been upstairs came down.
"We should go," Andryk the alchemist said. "The sun is still in the sky, but when it goes down ..."
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Andryk looked to the sky. It was cloudy, but that estimation seemed about right. He nodded.
The central plaza in front of the castle consisted of a fresh-water well and stalls for selling produce, all in dilipidation. Rotten fruit, vegetables, and meat lay strewn about.
The castle itself was an ancient Chimer structure, complete with a drawbridge that was currently up, and a dry moat. It had been drained to add to the river about twenty feet beyond the village, which as had been learned before, was a recent addition to Tel Dresori. It curved through the trees, thin, but stretching down into the woods, doubtless for miles.
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Andryk did. Opening his robes, he found small metal vials, one for invisibility, one for healing. They were much smaller than usual potions, and in their metal casings, unbreakable.
"There are three doses each in these," Andryk said, as he passed them around. "They're highly condensed. Be sure to sip, not gulp."
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"There are creatures ahead of us," Kingston whispered as they slipped into the darkness. He didn't tell how he knew. Let them assume it was the expertise of a "Vampire Expert," and not the senses of a true vampire.
The others too cast invisibility on themselves as they moved forward.
Xyllina prepared to cast Dispel, Blindness, and Silence on the vampires as soon as she saw them.
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Xyllina launches her Dispel, Blind, and Silence spells at them, one after the other.
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There was a sudden cracking of thin wood, and a puff of dust. A trap hidden beneath the tunnel floor. Then a splash.
Kingston suddenly became visible as he emerged from the water, a few feet below. He was shrieking in agony. The flesh on his skin burbled as if he were immersed in acid.
All others who fall into the water, of course, will find it wet and cold, but scarcely acidic.
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As he thrashed in the water, Kingston's eyes burned bright white, and his vampiric fangs extended.
An explosion of steam billowed up around him.
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As he reached the water, the mist dissipated, and Kingston was gone.
Vitus, Dolkirre, Fragon, and Zadion also cast offensive spells at the Diodata vampires, while Baoriah and Muthog held back, preparing to engage in hand-to-hand combat if needed. Angryk, Ward-Backs, Egin, and Xyllina prepared spells to protect those on the front lines.
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"It seems we had a Korgari vampire in our midst," Zadion frowned, looking to the well. "The ancient enemy of the Diodata. No wonder he knew so much about them ... Other Korgari may be on their way ... 'Tis best we keep moving, for they can survive in sunlight better than the others ..."
It was clear from his tone that Zadion did not consider Kingston's fate as tragic as the deaths of Zara and Lheres.
S'reddit
Summary
Kethiah, former assassin and currently co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim is in her bedroom atthe tavern, nursing her new baby boy.
Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, stepped into a water trap in a tunnel in Tel Dresori and revealed that he was no mere "Vampire Expert." The water burned him, as it burns all members of his peculiar tribe, the ancient enemies of the Diodata Tribe who have taken Tel Dresori, and he is apparently dead, even for the undead.
The Volunteers of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild are awaiting their fate in the dungeon of the castle in Tel Dresori with the rest of the heroes. Four of the twelve are definitely dead, and more likely met that fate ... We shall see ...
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
The celebrations in the Nymph and Noggin were loud and raucous, everyone toasting the new child, and arguing whether his name would be Dunmeri in deference to his mother or Nordic in deference to his father.
Loranna was led up to her room by one of the tavernmaids.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was nursing the child for the first time, and Tyradil and Tilitalia were by her side, chatting about their new half-brother.
"Ah, welcome Your Grace," Kethiah smiles. She is tired, but radiant. "Come to say hello to Ald Raathim's newest adventurer?"
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Kethiah holds out the baby boy so Loranna can see him better. His eyes are only half-open, showing little slits of Dunmeri red behind them. He is large for a Dunmer babe as well -- no doubt he will be a Dunmer with the physique of a Nord. Fine black hair is on his head, and his tiny fists grab at Loranna's fingers in a firm grip.
"Feel that?" Kethiah laughs. "You can tell both his parents are good with a sword."
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"No doubt we're going to need all the help we can get," Kethiah grinned. "We asked Shaka to be his godfather, and he agreed. Then, there is the issue of the godmother ..."
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"Anya, for one. She would certainly be a ferociously devoted godmother," Kethiah smiled a little uneasily, and then chuckled as the baby took a handful of her hair and pulled. "But she has not exactly been herself lately. The other person who seems the most obvious choice is a wise noblewoman who might be too overwhelmed with her own upcoming childbirth to accept ..."
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"I think Isidor was going to talk to her, but he hasn't done it yet," Kethiah replied. "It's a difficult subject to broach ... I doubt Anya even knows if she's up for the responsibility, as overwhelmed as she is by her new condition ... But I wanted to know if you'd consider it too. I don't want to put you on the spot. I know you have your own overwhelming responsibilities ..."
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"Take all the time you need," Kethiah smiles, and then looks more concerned. "Have you heard from Slyvos and the others about how the mission is going?"
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The Diodata lieutenants, the Argonian, Nord, and Dunmer vampires that were fighting the party earlier, step into the dungeon. Without speaking, they began taking the limp, weak bodies of the heroes down from their chains, and slapping slave bracers on them to keep them weak, but able to be transported.
Two Elders, a haughty male and female Dunmer in ebony armor, who had before been hacking at the mages, joined them. They each carried a heavy iron chest, seemingly effortlessly.
"Come along now," the lieutenants said to each hero as they pulled him or her down. "It's time for your death."
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"Come on, stop stumbling," the Argonian Diodata hissed at him through the fog, pushing him to his feet and down the stone corridor towards Anya's cell. "Our mistress will want to see you before you die."
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The Nord had Shaka and Dana in one powerful hand each. It was like being held by steel. He pushed them into Anya's cell.
"Mistress," he said to Ashana. "Do you want them to die here?"
The other lieutenants and Elders followed in, with the rest of the prisoners.
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Four mages guildmembers were brought into the room by the lieutenants as well: Vitus, the Cyrodilic battlemage; Xyllina, the Altmer illusionist; Ward-Backs, the Argonian mystic; and Zadion, the Archmagister. They looked around as they entered, as if hoping to see more of their company arriving.
Sheogorath
The barely glowing torch on the opposite wall suddenly sparked, and then exploded outward in an audible boom.
The flames enveloped around the male Diodata Elder, and he shrieked as fire arched through every joint and crevasse in his ebony armor, roasting his undead flesh. Smoke poured out of his helmet and with his last effort, he managed to pull it off.
The fire burst once more and the blackened face of the Elder cracked and fell away to dust. Behind it was another burned and scarred face, the blond hair mostly burned away from the scalp, fangs fully exposed behind splintered lips.
It was Kingston Mune, now wearing the armor of the Elder who was no more.
He was closest to Zadion, so he unlocked his slavers chains.
Zadion, in turn, cast a massive unlock spell that enveloped the room.
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Nalion's fireball flew out at the Nord, and midway in its flight, it caught Kingston's eye. It suddenly expanded to twice its size, and when it struck the Nord Diodata, it hurled him across the room, past Erenius, smashing him against the door. It continued to burn, like a giant hand holding him, as his flesh crackled and the door began to give way ...
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Wards-Back sigil is completed, and he seems as surprised as everyone that it went off successfully. Along the wall, fissures of light leap forth and a ten foot by ten foot section of it simply vanishes, filling the room with the last dying light of the setting sun.
Zadion seeing what Ashana is trying to do, using telekinesis to pull the blade back and stop her from freeing herself.
Vitus casts a drain health on the remaining Diodata Elder.
Xyllina cast Blindness on the Argonian Diodata.
Kingston Mune concentrated on the fire holding the Nord to the door, giving it one last burst of power to vaporize the creature, calling out to Erenius, "Get back!"
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Kingston walked past Ashana, Dayla, and the blackened corpses of the Diodata vampires and looked out the barred window facing west. The fires were raging across the river.
"They'll be fording the river soon, and be across," he said, and then crossed the room, knocking Zadion aside.
Looking through the square open hole in the wall that Ward-Backs had crafted, he could see east and the last of the setting sun. He could also see sails in the Tel Dresori harbor below.
"The Redoran have arrived," he added. "There will be a hell of a clash soon. Even worse than this one."
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"What about Dres Minsero?" asked Zadion, looking to Kingston and then Erenius. "He could be anywhere in this place ... and is likely dead ..."
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"Foolish, I know," Kingston smiled, his face burned and ghastly, a true monster. "But like I told Anya, a predator has to rely on his instincts."
"Yes, my brethren will be shortly," Kingston replied. "You should not be."
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The sounds of fists hammering against solid wood echoed off through the hallway.
"Help me! Father, Mother, and Wizard, help me!"
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The hammering continued.
"Let me out! By all that is holy, let me out!"
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Dres Minsero was not as Shaka had remembered him. He was gaunt, wild-eyed, frightened, close to madness. He was dressed in rags, and chained to chunks of wood which must have once been an item of furniture but which he had undoubtedly destroyed.
From the window of the tower, they could see down into the village, and a mighty battle. The Redoran battlemages were clashing with someone in the farmlands -- undoubtedly the Diodata that were stationed there.
"Please help me, friend!" Minsero begged them. "I don't know what I'm doing here!"
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"Loranna?" Minsero asked, bewildered, taking the scroll. "I don't know who you're talking about, friend, but thank you ... "
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Ingmar heard footsteps, soft and quick, running along the upper story of the Temple. A Redoran scout.
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"I find that very unlikely," Zadion sighed, stepping into the crypt from above. "I would imagine this temple will be razed to the ground when the two side collide."
In the distance, there were indeed sounds of battle coming closer.
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Xyllina joined them. "We could magically lock the door, and cast an illusion to disguise it," she said.
"It's marble," said Kingston Mune, joining them in the crypt. "Maybe it'll survive the fire if there isn't a battle inside ..."
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Xyllina, Zadion, and Kingston joined him, and after Nalion and Zadion had most cast Lock spells on it, Xyllina used her mastery of illusion to make it vanish from sight.
Outside the sound of the battle was coming closer. The very ground in the Temple was trembling.
"You need to go," Kingston said, looking at them, his face still burned and blackened. "Now."
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Zadion first checked on Minsero before heading up to the castle.
On being informed that the Duchess was with Slyvos, he told the servant to give them some time. He'd wait. They had a lot to talk about.
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"Yes," said Zadion awkwardly. "Can I ask you -- does Her Grace know about ... your condition?"
Zadion doesn't have a chance to get his question answered before he is ushered into the office.
"Hard to know where to begin ..." Zadion replied.
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"Yes," Zadion nodded slowly, looking at Anya and then Loranna. "And we've brought back a handful of survivors including Dres Minsero, who is at the Tribunal Temple here right now. His mind has suffered from the ordeal ... He doesn't seem to know who he is or what has happened. Besides what happened to your husband and Anya here ... We lost eight of the twelve Mages of my Guild."
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"Slyvos's daughter, Ashana, is dead," Zadion said quietly, looking at Loranna and then Anya. "Anya and Slyvos killed her together in the dungeons at Dres Minsero's castle."
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"Yes," Zadion nodded slowly, looking at both Loranna and Anya. "Had I known the full extent of what we were facing, and who was on our team, who Anya, and Slyvos, and Kingston are ... I might have done things differently ... And might not have caused offense ... But overall, as terrible as it was, it seems to be a hard-fought victory."
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Zadion nodded. His expression was equally mixed. He had always thought of vampires as monsters, and recently had his belief in that strengthened by the horrors of Tel Dresori. On the other hand, he saw two vampires who fought bravely beside him ... Thinking of that, he added. "Kingston Mune, your Vampire Expert, is still in Tel Dresori. He's keeping his eye on a holy site, the tomb of St Meris, to try to protect it in the battle that must be raging around it at this very moment."
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"It's a very special site, worth protecting," Zadion replied. "You should see it, your Grace. It is dedicated to peace between the Houses ..."
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Zadion nods sadly. "There were tragedies on top of tragedies, your Grace. Slyvos in revenge for the slaying of his wife abandons his daughter Ashana. Ashana in anger at her father rejects Dayla and attacks Anya and her both. Dayla out of loneliness and desperation embraces Anya ... So much hate born out of sorrow ..."
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"This is all none of my business," Zadion said, feeling uncomfortable. "I should probably go."
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"Thank you, Your Grace, I'll take you up on that," Zadion bows, and then bows to Anya. "And thank you, Anya, for showing me that undeath, like life, is rarely simple."
With that, the Magister of the Mages Guild leaves Castle Daruhn.
S'reddit
Tel Dresori
The battle had lasted some hours, but it was still nightfall as Kingston Mune made his way through the ruins of the village. You wouldn't have known the time of day, for the fires burned high. The schoolhouse, the marketplace, all would be nothing but ash, but for now they were a glorious inferno.
He was gluttonous, feeding on the dying Diodata, Redoran, and his own Korgari as he wound his way through hell. From time to time, he'd find a healthy mortal soldier or Korgari, and he would leave them alone, let them go about scavenging like him, eventually leaving east or west, wherever their fate demanded.
He could have healed himself, but the burns on his face he felt suited him right now. There was no pretense about being a "Vampire Expert." He could be the monster tonight.
Eventually, he found himself at the foot of the castle. Like the Temple he had watched over during the battle, it would survive the cleansing flames that swept over Tel Dresori. Its sturdy rock would be around for many years to come.
Still, there were parts of it that were destroyed. The wooden stairwells. The doors. The stables.
Up a stone stairwell then he went, until he found himself on the topmost tower. And there he found he was not alone. Dayla was there.
He took a seat next to her, not saying a word, but smiling through his burned, scarred face, as they watched Tel Dresori burn below them.
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As soon as he stepped in, Kethiah grinned.
"Eodir," she said to the baby in her arms. "Say hello to your Uncle Ingmar."
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"No," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar's expression. "Tell me."
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Kethiah nodded soberly throughout the tale, asking questions for clarity, but not making many comments.
"He has to find his own way, with Loranna's help," Kethiah replied quietly. "Though this is much to burden them both with. If he won't talk about it, we should talk to her and see what we can do to help. I know he was helping her with some diplomatic work ... Maybe we can lighten that load for a while ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin
"Yes, got a couple people filling in for me there, and Isidor's doing the work of two people in the inn," Kethiah smiled. "Though I imagine he's getting antsy ... No, I was just thinking if there's something that Loranna needs help with ..."
Sheogorath
Tel Dresori, Night
"We vampires are a bit of contradiction," Kingston said thoughtfully. "We're predators, creatures of instinct. But we're also immortal, so we'll take eons to make our plans ... and then ruin them with our passions ..."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin
"Just meeting with various people, the Mages Guild, the Imperial Embassy, the Royal House of Morrowind," Kethiah replied. "Diplomacy takes up most of a noblewoman's time."
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"I will, and thank you," Kethiah smiled, holding her baby close to her.
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Tel Dresori
"She had been dead for a long time, in my view," Kingston nodded. "A member of a tribe capable of changing her body, but not her soul. An immortal who thought only of the past, not the future ... I hope you and your fila learn from her, Dayla, and do things differently."
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"That's the spirit, break some things!" Kingston shook his head. "Did you hear nothing I said, Dayla? You have to stop obsessing about the past, or you'll end up like Ashana."
He stood up.
"I think the sun's coming up pretty soon, best to get inside."
Sheogorath
Tel Dresori
"Maybe what you'll be is free for the first time in your life," Kingston smiled, his blackened scarred grin lighting up as he cast a small ball of fire in the palm of his hand. "You know, we Korgari think of our fire as being a great cleansing force. We wipe away what is weak and untrue, and leave behind only what is strong and real. Sometimes that's nothing, but it's better to begin again, clean and clear, that to build yourself on what cannot last."
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"A little of both," Kingston winked, blinking out the flame. "Frankly, there's nothing more tiresome than 'The Tragic Vampire.' And I find cheap metaphors are good medicine for that ..."
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"To which I would say, be careful, you're playing with fire," Kingston laughed, and walked with her back inside. Once there, he put a blue glowing hand over himself, and healed. There were still a few marks on his face and neck, but his handsome features had replaced the monstrous visage. "That better? I sometimes like to play the monster."
Sheogorath
Summary:
Kethiah, ex-assassin and new mommy, is in her room at the Nymph and Noggin, the tavern she owns with her husband Isidor.
Eodir Isidorsen is the name of their new little boy.
Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire who was part of the Ald Raathim expedition, is in Tel Dresori with Dayla, the Bathogorgen vampire, discussing the future and the past among a present of desolation.
Sheogorath
Tel Dresori
In the smoking ruins of the tower, away from the sunlight, the Korgari vampire and the Bathogorgen sat down and continued their chat.
"So, is it just you and Anya now?" Kingston Mune asked. "Anya didn't know much about your clan when I asked her, or didn't trust me enough to tell me ..."
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"Long enough," Kingston replied. "I was pretty weak, close to death in fact, and I knew I had to be at fully capacity before acting ... So, I heard a fair amount ... Though to be honest, my concern was mostly for me and hoping no one blew me out, not on you two."
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"Yes," Kingston grinned. "I have two bits of advice, and they're contradictory, so you can take one or the other, or neither ...
"Shortly after I was born into darkness, I asked my pater when I would be ready to create a filus of my own," Kingston continued. "And he said, 'You'll be ready when you can think about someone else before yourself.' Since I never have, I never have. No great loss, I think. Less predators and more prey is a satisfactory arrangment to me.
"So my advice: choose to only think about yourself, and leave Anya alone, and let her come to you when she wishes to, or be a proper mater, and stop worrying about your feelings when she looks at you with hatred, or says she is angry with you, and start thinking about what's best for her, what she really wants."
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"Ah," Kingston smiled. "Well, I'm 131, and I was born into darkness at 37 ... so I've been a vampire for 94 years ... Still a youngling, I suppose, giving advice to my elders."
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The docks had undergone a lot of changes in the last week, with most of the warehouses now being incorporated into the massive Resolution of Zenithar. A hundred workers still labored on the enormous complex, but its shell was very impressive, and merchants were already using it to pray for good profits. And to store their goods, of course.
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Tel Dresori
"I don't try to make plans," Kingston smiled. "But my immediate thought was going to Ald Raathim to see how Anya and the others survived. Just for a night or two ... It's a delightful town, but I'm afraid they would try too hard to influence me for the good there. And then, who knows? I'll follow the warmest breeze I feel."
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The barmaids and servers looked at one another nervously, beginning to approach the drunk woman. Usually Isidor or Kethiah threw unruly customers out, and they were prepared to do the same if necessary ... They just didn't want to act too soon if it was going to blow over ...
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Tel Dresori
"There you have it," Kingston smiled. "That's thinking. You tell her a bit about her heritage, she tells you a bit about herself ... Get to know each other."
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"You try and swallow me, Bathogorgen," Kingston said, kissing her. "And you'll have a whole new meaning of heart burn."
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She started to pass by a blackened torch, when she suddenly felt the familiar cold chill of another vampire's presence.
The torch sputtered to life.
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A stream of fire dripped from the torch, and Kingston Mune stepped out of it.
"I wanted to make sure you were well, Anya," the vampire smiled. The scars on his face now gone completely, and his healthy tan flesh tone returned from his gluttony of feasting. "We did not have a proper goodbye in Tel Dresori. Not that I blame you. It was an emotionally as well as a physically treacherous ordeal."
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"No, I'm not alone," Kingston replied carefully. "I thought I would be the diplomat, and make the introductions if I may? Anya, this is your mater, Dayla ..."
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"Well," Kingston smiled pleasantly. "We're off to a good start. No blood spilled so far. What I told Dayla, Anya, is that she needs to tell you about herself, and the Tribe which you are now a part of. And you should listen and learn. And you should tell her about yourself, and Dayla will listen and learn that you are more than just her filia."
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Kingston bowed at the compliment, and then looked at Dayla. "Is this the sort of thing I shouldn't be present for? Trade secrets and all that?"
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"I'll be in town for a night or two, I think," Kingston smiled, withdrawing from the chamber. "Thank you for your kind offers, ladies. And good luck."
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Kingston went to the center of the town to look at the new construction continuing on the Imperial Embassy. It would be a stately building when completed, and the park in front made a lovely square, with the Mages Guild, the House of Dibella, and the Temple of the Tribunal all in close proximity. Very elegant, he thought.
Sheogorath
The Imperial City, Cyrodiil
Indoril Faryon was led through the palace, past chambers and antechambers, courtyards and ballrooms, staterooms and thronerooms. He passed couriers, courtesans, Moth priests, mages, knights, ladies, and many, many guards.
Finally, they went out to a back piazza which opened to a vast private lawn. There were two Cyrodilic ladies, dressed in the latest fashion, lounging under an umbrella while they watched Imperial Prince Ebel practice his archery. The target, Faryon noted, was larger than regulation, and closer to the Imperial Prince that tradition required.
But considering that he was cheating, Ebel was an excellent shot.
"Lord Faryon," said the courier, using Indoril Faryon's "western" title.
"Pleased to meet you," said the Prince turning to him. He was an affably, reasonably handsome middle aged man, in casual but very well-wrought clothing.
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"Please rise, my Lord," Ebel smiled, gesturing towards the two ladies. "May I present Mnaeta, Marchioness of Thios Major, and Princess Kolympa of Riyleel?"
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"Yes, of course," the Prince replied, turning casually back to the archery for a moment to score a bullseye, and then looking at Faryon. "You want Imperial support for the Redoran and Indoril Alliance in the civil war in Morrowind, yes? What specifically do you want, and what specifically will you give for it?"
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"You would reinstate Caldera, Fort Buckmoth, Moonmoth, Pelagiad, Gnisis, Wolverine Hall in Sadrith Mora, Vivec's Foreign Quarter, and Ebonheart as Imperial holdings in Vvardenfell immediately?" Ebel asked.
Sheogorath
The Imperial Palace, Cyrodiil
"My Lord Faryon," replied the Prince after a pause. "I have done my research into you. My agents tell me you are a honest, honorable noble. And I know my father, my brothers, and I always want to be fair to our subjects. But you must recognize that it is damned difficult to negotiate an arrangement when you are not able to truly speak for the Alliance you represent. I merely asked whether the situation could be restored to what it was before this conflict, and you could not promise me that, as there are influences within your group who are hostile to my interests ..."
Sheogorath
The Imperial Palace, Cyrodiil
"I would highly recommend getting your house in order," Ebel nodded. "Regarding Helseth, I am no friend of his. I find his eternal grasping unseemingly in a king -- it would better suit an ambitious swine merchant. But I know that his mother, his closest advisor, is a friend of my father, and so I do not believe him and his rise to power to be a threat to us ... If you had evidence against this, I would be interested in seeing it. You did ask, however, that the Mages Guild, Fighter's Guild, and other organizations be forced to be neutral in this conflict. To that, I will agree, but they will insist that if they are bound to neutrality, then they will be allowed to reorganize their Guildhouses in Alliance-controlled Vvardenfell."
Sheogorath
"No," Ebel shook his head. "Helseth has agreed to allow them to build fortresses on the mainland, and retake their old properties should Vvardenfell become his again. It is in our interest to fight with him to simply regain what we had before. You will need to make concessions for us to give up that struggle."
Sheogorath
"Very good, my lord," Ebel smiled. "If we have no losses, we have no reason to fight. That would be very satisfactory."
S'reddit
Update
Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is taking in some of the lesser known sights of the town of Ald Raathim, particularly the new village green, the elegant square where the new Imperial Embassy, the Mages Guild, the House of Dibella, and the adjunct Temple of the Tribunal are located.
Kethiah, ex-assassin and new mother is resting in her room with her new baby, Eodir, while her husband and co-proprietor of the tavern runs the Nymph and Noggin.
S'reddit
The Village Green, Ald Raathim
The wealthier merchants of Ald Raathim had discovered the square, and were fond of making promenades around it during their leisure hours. The Nymph was still a popular place to dine, but the village green was becoming the place to live. Among the construction were several townhouses for the upper classes.
The fashionable people bowed as the Duchess passed them, and among them was a young Breton man with shoulder length blond hair and a deep tan. She recognized him at once as Kingston Mune.
S'reddit
"Ah, Your Grace, I heard things were hot in Ald Raathim, and I'm always attracted to that," Kingston replied, offering his arm to the Duchess as they began to walk around the parkland. The plantings were still young, but it promised to be a lovely place. Already there were flowers in abundance. When they were a distance away from the rest of the strollers, Kingston added. "There was a vampire in one of the Imperial Legion's fortresses to the west, feasting on soldiers while they slept. Not enough to kill any of them, but enough to make them wake up late for duty. Seemed like a security risk, so I ate him."
S'reddit
The Village Green, Ald Raathim
"It had its ups and downs," Kingston nodded, and continued on casually. "But overall, it was quite satisfactory. My enemies the Diodata were annihiliated, your enemies the Redoran suffered a major rout. Anya and her mater have made steps towards understanding one another. Slyvos's old unseen nemesis was destroyed. Yes, quite satisfactory, overall ..."
The vampire knelt and picked a flower for Loranna. It was a deep red rose. "I think it goes with your hair very nicely ... Oh, your question about how long I intend on staying? Not long. Another night at tops, I think. Why?"
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"Some would say one is too many," Kingston laughed. "There was a nasty little anonymous note left on poor Anya's door last night. She must be more careful. Just because she's being more comfortable with her dark nature doesn't mean everyone is ... Of course, I'll tell you what you want to know about vampire clans. So far, I've only spotted in your area Aundae, Cyrodillics, Bonsamu, Keerilth, and, of course you know about your Bathogorgen. There may be other varieties, but those are the ones I witnessed and could easily identify. I sensed other vampires, but they may be the same tribes, or different ones ... "
S'reddit
"The Cyrodillics," Kingston replied, warming to his subject. "Obviously, they're the dominant tribe of the Imperial Province. Very tricky. They can appear so human if they've fed often enough, that even other vampires don't recognize them ... If I hadn't come across that one in the act of feeding on that soldier, I wouldn't have known it was there ... The Bonsamu feed on innate magicka as well as blood, and what they take can never be replaced ... the Keerilth are rather pathetic curs. The dogs of war we call them, and they call themselves. They just appear as mangy mutts most of the time, and they're the first scavengers in a time of conflict ..."
"As for the animal blood question, I'm not sure," Kingston replied thoughtfully. "I've heard about vampires who do that solely, but they don't last too long ... I don't know if it's the nutrition, or that the ones who do that tend to hate their condition so much, that for one reason or another, they don't make it. Oh, don't tell me that's our Anya! I've seen her cattle!"
S'reddit
"Candelight usually keeps them away, but I don't know if it's because it exposes them as skeletons, or they just don't like it," Kingston smiled. "And as for what they take, I mean everything. Any wounds they inflict can never be healed. They say some of their more powerful members can drain away a victim's intelligence or strength permanently as well ..."
When the vampire mentioned the candlelight, Loranna may have remembered the creature Zadion and Morvath Pisquine interrogated, as Anya reported. It was exposed as a Bonsamu when they brought the candlelight to its face.
S'reddit
"Their Elders can become quite horrific beasts, I understand, but they're pretty rare. The pups usually take out anyone who gets too big, in a pack if need be," Kingston replied, smiling in the sunlight. "I don't know the Cyrodillics too well, though ... But they're a powerful group. Strong enough that other vampire tribes know well enough to stay out of the Imperial Province."
Then he frowned, looking to Loranna. "I understand your concern about vampires who feed on newborns ... I wish I could tell you they don't exist. But I can think of at least four tribes with just that as their specialty ..."
They had made a circle around the park, and Kingston Mune frowned even deeper when he saw Magister Zadion walking up the path towards them.
S'reddit
"Loranna," Kingston says seriously, looking at her, before Zadion comes into earshot. "I've been happy to talk to you about vampire tribes, and what I know. Everyone likes to pontificate. But I think you need to understand that in the large picture, you don't have a vampire problem. You have thousands of people in this town of yours, and maybe a dozen vampires. That's normal. It's scary, perhaps, but if you think about all the other types of characters who are attracted to a growing city, freelance assassins, thieves, psychotics, we're a small minority ... Oh, here he comes ..."
S'reddit
"Has he now?" Zadion looked at Kingston. "What a helpful chap you are. I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Magister Zadion is annoyed," Kingston sighed. "Because I paid him a call after I discovered the note on Anya's door. I thought he had left it. I might've been a little ... brusque."
"Yes, threatening to roast me for hours while you dined on my innerds is brusque," Zadion replied. "I think I satisfied him that I did not leave the note. If I have a problem or concern with someone, I will tell them."
"Your Grace," Kingston said with a bow to Loranna. "I should leave. There is little point in continuing this."
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The vampire left, walking out of the village green and towards the wharfs.
"I'm sorry about that, Your Grace," the Altmer mage frowned. "Perhaps, Anya is one thing, but that creature ... He is only helpful when it suits his purposes. And he has no sense of horror for the monster that he is. Surely, you noticed, that the worst something is, the more he smiles?"
Zadion composed himself. "Yes, the company ... None other than the Archmagister of the Mages Guild Hannibal Traven will be coming to Ald Raathim to decide my fate with the Guild. They did not give a time, but they said it would be within a few days ..."
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"No, I've never met him before," Zadion shook his head. "He's relatively new to the position of Archmagister ... But from what I hear, I will certainly not be revealing anything about friendliness with any vampires of any sort, mortalish or not ..."
He took a moment before continuing. "I am somewhat concerned with what his reaction will be about your husband, to be frank, your Grace."
S'reddit
"Is it ..." Zadion frowned, trying to find a way to express himself. "Is it well-known that your current husband is possessing your first husband's body?"
S'reddit
Zadion groaned a little. "Yes, that's what I had heard ... but I hoped it wasn't true that it had been so publically announced. Your husband is no longer a lich, but he is a four thousand year old soul in another man's body by means of a necromantic ritual. I fear ... Your Grace, there is no other way to put it, but I fear that my lack of neutrality in the conflict will take me out of this position. And I am afraid that when Traven hears about Slyvos, there will no longer be a Mages Guild in Ald Raathim."
S'reddit
"Your Grace, he can close down a Guildhouse on a whim," Zadion shook his head. "We must do more than fight. I can show him that the Guildhouse is engaged in serious study, and that this peninsula is an essential point of magickal interest, as it is. I can show him what we've found in his own area of interest, necromantic artifacts from the sload ... but Slyvos must be ready, he must be sane and he must be able to politely and diplomatically show that he is a boon not a bane on this land."
S'reddit
"Fathers" Alas and Alack were, it being fairly early morning, asleep in their beds aboard the Senchal Rose.
But they awoke upon hearing the news.
"Shall one tells the Dutchiness?" Alas asked Alack sleepily.
"Aye, this would be the kind of thing what she'd want to know," Alack replied, as they got themselves together.
S'reddit
"I hope we have a couple days to ready for this," Zadion replied. "And I sincerely hope I've panicked you for no good reason at all. If it's that, I'll do whatever I can to make it up to you. A woman in your condition shouldn't have to worry about more than she had to ... but I wanted to tell you the worst that I feared ... And now, I need to go back to the Guild, and make sure everything is as he might expect it to be."
Zadion bowed. "By your leave, Your Grace."
Sheogorath
When Loranna returned to the castle, Alas and Alack were there to tell her the news they had received from Llana (and double-checked with other sources). The Altmer armada had launched a devastating attack against Tear, and was on its way northward. They would be in the Inner Sea in but a few days.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
An Altmer with a strong physique, clad in silver mail, walked into the tavern, and began asking around for the location of a bookshop owned by an Argonian named Reeds. He introduced himself as Count Terilite.
Sheogorath
"Thank you," Count Terilite replied with a bow, and left to find the bookstore. It was not too far away, as she had said. He knocked briskly on the door.
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah came downstairs, holding Eodir, and wearing the gold kanet Slyvos had sent her in her hair.
Sheogorath
There was a knock on the door.
"Your Grace," Kallen said. "Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah has just arrived."
Sheogorath
The former Queen of Firsthold was in the grand hall. She was wearing a distinctly Dunmeri gown of black and gold, and looked beautiful, not at all the stricken, wounded creature they had seen in Summerset. Kallen had supplied her with a glass of Wayrest wine, which she was drinking with a smile.
Sheogorath
The Grand Hall, Castle Daruhn'
"Your Graces," Morgiah bowed, showing deference. "My mother suggested that I come here straightaway through the Mages Guild. I had meant to come here at some point, but she thought now would be a good time to show, presumably, that there are many persons of influence who come to your city. I understand that the archmagister has already arrived."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Yes," Kethiah smiled proudly. "This is Eodir Isidorsen, your godson. Would you like to hold him?"
Sheogorath
"I left word at the Guildhouse that I would enjoy seeing Traven again when he was available," Morgiah smiled. The old glint of wheels turning were in her eyes. "Best not to rely on Guild gossip to get him here ... Rinnala's quite well. I think our little voyage at sea was beneficial to her, and she has never been to Morrowind before, so her mind is on the adventure and seeing new things, not on her brother and all the other matters of Firsthold. It is kind of you to ask about her."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Indeed he was not. Eodir's eyes, now fully open and taking in everything all around him, seemed entranced by Shaka's Argonian features. He reached out with one pudgy hand to touch his godfather's snout, and giggled.
"An instant bond," Kethiah smiled.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"You should feel his grip, he'll definitely be able to handle a sword," Kethiah laughed. "Anyhow, I thought it was time to bring him out and show him the world outside of one little bedroom. How are you, Shaka?"
The Khajiit "brothers" Alas and Alack entered the tavern, immediately heading towards Kethiah, Shaka, and Eodir.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"I'm at your disposal," Morgiah replied. "If you need me to involve myself in something, or get out of your hair, I'm happy to help. I understand you have a lot that you're trying to deal with, and you might need a diplomat."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Is this the little what was up in you for nine months?" Alack asked, looking to the baby, and giving it a big toothy grin. "What does you call it?"
"He is called Eodir Isidorsen," Kethiah replied, rolling her eyes.
"Bit Nordic," Alas nodded, peeking briefly under the baby's blanket. "Yes, he's got some very Nordic features."
"All sorts of new arrivers today," Alack said. "Though this is the most distinguishing, of course."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"Of course," Morgiah nodded. "My mother filled me in on all the specifics. I've met him before, you know, at the Guild in Firsthold. What would you have me do?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"These ain't secrets you won't hear elsewhere," Alas shrugged. "The former Queen of Firsthold ain't skulking around, everyone's gonna know Morgiah's in Ald Raathim ... same with the Archmagister of the Mages Guild."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Morgiah also looked at Slyvos with appraising eyes. "Your background should be a positive boon ... Maybe ... Is there anything that you can tell us that Hannibal Traven himself wouldn't know? For example, the present location of Mannimarco?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I doesn't know, I ain't never met him," Alack replied. "Apparently, he don't do a lot of smuggling."
"Though I bet he has," Alas shook his head. "Most Mages does. You gotta gets yer weird herbs, unguents, oils, and phasmagor from somewheres."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"Fighting fire with fire," Morgiah smiled. "Can you imagine Hannibal Traven shutting a Guildhouse out of a town that was preparing a major offensive against the King of Worms? I couldn't. He can't be a fool, or too much of a fool."
Sheogorath
"Is there a way to light the fire now, but not get too close to it yet?" Morgiah asked. "For example, could you find the closest Necromancer's lair, not necessarily the God of Worms's location? It might be good enough for now to show what you can do ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Thank you," Alack replied pleased. "We is just doing the good holy work."
Sheogorath
"Good day to you, sir," the former Queen of Firsthold said, with a bow.
Sheogorath
"After we find whom?" Morgiah asked. "I'm afraid you've come in at the tail end of a conversation, sir. We are currently discussing finding Necromancers in the nearby vicinity."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"You are part of our family now, Shaka," Kethiah smiled. "So bless you too."
Alas and Alack bowed to Shaka, grinning.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"Since our aim is to show Ald Raathim's intolerance for necromancy," Morgiah replied, looking at Arynel curiously. "I would advocate slaughter."
Sheogorath
"Yes," said Morgiah simply. "So have I. But we cannot compound our problems with inaction."
Sheogorath
"I understood that from the start," Morgiah replied. "And I believe that Hannibal Traven will have heard of it as well. After all, eight of his Guildmembers were killed there ... But as vampirism and necromancy are closely intertwined, I think that he will consider that a fair sacrifice for the cause. I also think Traven is well aware of how scalding these energies are, thus his desire to stamp out necromancy ... But Slyvos is better able to handle them, and use them against liches and dark sorcerors even in his current state, than any one else. That is what we must make Traven understand, one way or another."
Sheogorath
"And what will you do if he does not show you courtesy?" Morgiah asked cooly. "What would be considered incourteous? Whispering, sighing?"
"Perhaps I've done more harm than good with this line of thought," Morgiah admitted. "I did not mean to aggravate you, your Grace."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"I have not forgotten that," Morgiah replied calmly. "Losing a child is difficult, particularly through your own hands. I know a little something of that. But if I did not ask what he was able or willing to do, where would we be?"
Kallen came into the grand hall. "Your Grace, I believe the archmagister is coming."
Sheogorath
"Nothing like expediency to kill indecision," Morgiah said, with a grim smile. "I suppose now we improvise."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"Magister Zadion has brought the Archmagister into the herb garden to show it to him," Kallen said, opening the door for the group.
Zadion was indeed there, with Archmagister Hannibal Traven, a tall, affable-looking Breton. With them too was a Dunmer woman in a dark robe. What flesh that could be seen was covered in white tattoos, which Slyvos noted were wards against the undead.
"The archmagister was just admiring the flowers of your Noble Sedge," Zadion said, turning to the group.
"We don't have that in the Imperial Province," the Breton said, with a bow. "Hannibal Traven, your Grace."
Sheogorath
"Both practical and beautiful, I can see why it would be so," the Archmagister replied, as he bowed to the others. "My lady Morgiah, 'tis good to see you again. I heard about your recent troubles, and it's good to see you've weathered them admirably."
"You are kind to say so," Morgiah gave a small smile. "It was a pleasant surprise that you chose this time to visit Ald Raathim. I have not been here before, but I am looking at purchasing a property near the village green."
"Is that so?" Traven replied. "Mournhold too dull for you?"
"You know me well, archmagister," Morgiah winked.
"And you, Duke Slyvos, how are you?" he continued. "I have heard something of your ordeal in Tel Dresori."
Sheogorath
Morgiah blinked, looking to Loranna.
"I'm fine too," the archmagister replied, still smiling. "Thank you for the details you were able to spare, your Grace. I understand that besides the herb garden, your library is an impressive feature of Castle Daruhn. I wonder, might I be permitted to see it?"
Sheogorath
The group stepped into the library, and Traven whistled in appreciation. "I could spend a lot of time here," he said, smiling.
The Dunmer woman thought of pie.
Sheogorath
While the tattooed Dunmer mage walked towards the door to Slyvos's private library, Hannibal Traven turned to Loranna and Slyvos. "Are most of these books yours, your Graces? Or were they left by the previous Lords of Ald Raathim?"
Sheogorath
"It's an impressive collection, but I don't see much that would reflect your former interests, your Grace," said the archmagister, looking towards Slyvos. "Did you destroy your old tomes?"
Sheogorath
"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce you," the Archmagister said. "This is Charroah."
Charroah Chane. A very famous hunter of the living dead and those who would control them. She was the bane of liches and vampire ancients throughout Tamriel.
"I would consider it a great honor if I could see your library, your Grace," Hannibal Traven added, as Charroah bowed to the group.
Sheogorath
Hannibal Traven and Charroah walked past the heavy door into Slyvos's private library. Charroah's eyes went to the strange carvings on the desk, and Traven's to the books on the shelves. There were not very many, but passing the chests along the side of the room, he noticed a few that were interesting.
"Chimer?" he asked, smiling. "What are your areas of interests these days, your Grace?"
Sheogorath
"Old methods?" Hannibal asked. "Mysticism or Necromancy?"
Charroah walked to the desk, looking intently at the carvings on it.
"Slyvos does not practice necromancy anymore," Morgiah said quickly, looking to the others for support.
Sheogorath
"What prompted this change?" Hannibal asked, frowning. "I have not heard of very many former liches leaving their craft."
"Archmagister," Zadion said. "We should be going. You wanted to see some of the other necromantic artifacts we recovered from the sload's lair?"
Zadion definitely seemed as nervous and unsure as anyone had ever seen him.
Sheogorath
"You would be the first," Hannibal smiled. "That is why I'm so curious about it, but I can understand if those are among the details you don't want to discuss."
"Yes, we should," the archmagister nodded, turning to the group. "I will be around for a couple of days, if you would like to see me. I'll be at the Guildhouse. Thank you for your hospitality, your Graces."
Sheogorath
Zadion, Charroah, and Traven left with bows and well wishes. If one was to judge from Zadion's face, it was the end of the world. But he was a worrier.
"I think we need to make our case better, and really, like you said, make it so the Mages Guild have no option but to keep it open," Morgiah said as they left. "That was some considerable scrutiny."
S'reddit
Summary
A lot of characters to keep track of ...
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin is in the main room of the Nymph with her newborn son, Eodir.
Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroah Chane, and Magister Zadion are at the Mages Guild.
Hlaalu Morgiah, former Queen of Firsthold, has gone to visit the Imperial Embassy.
"Fathers" Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers and currently (secretly) Loranna's Spymasters are on the wharfs, receiving confession from their agents at the Resolution of Zenithar.
Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is also on the wharfs, checking out the latest merchants and sailors.
And Count Terilite of Firsthold ...
"My apologies, in Firsthold one has to knock at the better shops to be let in," Count Terilite said. "I was wondering if you had something, or someone. An Altmer by the name of Glacia who has gone missing."
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"You weren't the first person I went to, Reeds," said Count Terilite. "But she left some time after the ill-fated Cotillion Ball for Rinalla, and I know you were friendly with her during that, and the ball before that as well ... I hoped you might have some idea where she might have gone to. I had hopes she might be here."
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"I appreciate frankness," the Altmer noble nodded seriously. "May I ask what leads you to those conclusions? It appears you know my fiancee well."
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"I would appreciate it," Count Terilite replied proudly, also taking a seat. "She left without telling anyone. If you know anything, I think I can handle it. You may be intimately acquainted with Glacia, but you don't know me. I am a professional warrior. I do not quake and quail when given bad news."
S'reddit
"I see," Count Terilite replied stiffly, standing up. "Thank you for you for being so informative."
Without another word, he left the bookstore.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
Mid-morning the next day, Morgiah came to the tavern for a meeting with Count Terilite, one of her former subjects from Firsthold. They found a private area of the Nymph to talk.
Kingston Mune was in the rougher Noggin section of the tavern, talking with several drunk royal soldiers.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Count Terilite cannot help but look his direction with sharp eyes, while he carries on his conversation with Hlaalu Morgiah.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Count Terilite's voice was low and angry. "I don't see him anymore, but he's here, blast him."
Morgiah's voice was also low, but unlike most of the rest of her family, she kept her emotion out of her voice, so it was difficult to read. "Now, what did he say, again? That Glacia was planning on leaving you before, and that he encouraged that?"
"Words to that effect, yes."
"And you don't believe him?"
"Her family was as surprised as I was, and as worried, though her father did say that she kissed that creature. At least in a friendly way ... I don't know what to think. She has no resources outside of Firsthold. If she had another lover, and no one knew about him ... I suppose she could be with him. But the other very real possibility is that she's been kidnapped."
"But you haven't been given any ransom demands."
"No, but there a number of groups in Summerset who would love to have a young noblewoman for their disgusting sort of sport ... They might not want her for money, but for their own 'fun,' as horrifying as it is to imagine it."
"I'm sure His Majesty is doing all he can to investigate that possibility."
"Yes ... but if the Argonian is right, and she was thinking of leaving me, that's a whole different scenario ..."
"But," Morgiah pointed out. "She may be in trouble either way."
"If she left of her own device, and has gotten into trouble, that's not my concern."
S'reddit
The Resolution of Zenithar, Ald Raathim
Alas and Alack, not twins or even strictly speaking brothers, were in their temple complex, and easy to find, especially as the walls were not completely built up yet. They were consulting with a smuggler who had a lot of information to get off his chest in "confession," but they smiled when they saw Llana. Always interesting info from the forger.
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She felt a vampiric presence chill her, not in the elegant Nymph part of the tavern, but coming from the more proletarian Noggin section.
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"I've been searching for her for weeks now," Count Terilite grumbled. "It has reached the stage where I am going to hire the Dark Brotherhood to track her down."
"The Dark Brotherhood?" Morgiah replied, her voice taking on an edge.
"You've employed them yourself, I've no doubt."
"You should have some doubts. You're a fool if you don't."
"Very well, I've hired them already. I must know either way. And then I'll decide what to do about it. My honor is at stake here."
"Your honor," Morgiah chuckled.
S'reddit
The Noggin
She could tell that Kingston had also been slightly on edge -- no doubt sensing a vampiric presence himself, and relieved that it was her. He was with a group of soldiers well into their stages of inebriation, but he himself was sober.
The Noggin section of the tavern was rowdy and loud, with many songs and good-natured but rough play. There were several women there who were certainly prostitutes, bawdy and joking with the rest of the crew.
"Look who it is," Kingston smiled at Anya. "I think this part of the tavern in much more congenial than the stuffed-shirts in the other. No one brooding in here, eh, Kortyr?"
Kortyr, a drunken soldier at Kingston's side, nodded, and sized up Anya with appreciation. "Fwaaa. She a fend of yourn, Kinnstin?"
"And a friend of the Duchess's too, Kortyr, so hands off."
S'reddit
The Resolution of Zenithar, Ald Raathim
"Very interesting," replied Alas, handing Llana gold from the sleeve of his robe. "I thinks we need to a consultation with Her Dutchitude about how to proceed."
"Forsooth and forthwith," Alack agreed. "But tells him you'll do it, and we'll get back to ya."
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"An eavesdropping Argonian complains about honor," Count Terilite sneered, standing up. "Did it ever occur to you that she has been kidnapped and is being assaulted as we speak? What if you are wrong? If you care so very much about her, what have you done since our conversation to determine her health and happiness?"
"Gentlemen, please," Morgiah said quietly. "Let us speak with civility. I think you, milord Reeds, have mistaken the Count's intention to use the Dark Brotherhood. Never has he suggested he wants his fiancee dead, only to determine her location and her situation. The Brotherhood is well equipped to do that, as I'm sure you're aware."
S'reddit
The Noggin
"The usual crowd in the Noggin," Kingston replied. "Sailors, prostitutes, field hands, and the King's finest soldiers."
"You gut that right!" Kortyr shouted, egging his fellow soldiers into a rousing if most incoherent army fighting song.
While they were doing it, Kingston took Anya aside. "I'm not hunting anyone, at least not here, if that's what you're worried about."
S'reddit
The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
The mood in the Guildhouse is certainly tense. The place is neater than Loranna had ever seen it, like children cleaning up their room before their parents come to see it. Loranna is told by the chief alchemist, with whom she has become very familiar, that Zadion is in his office in a foul mood. The Archmagister and Charroah Chane are in the main library.
They bow upon Loranna entering.
"Ah, your Grace, we had not expected to see you so soon," Hannibal Traven smiles.
S'reddit
"No, it isn't your job to do that," Count Terilite sniffs. "Merely to interrupt conversations and be enormously unhelpful."
"You seem to assume the very worst of the Count," said Morgiah quietly. "Something he has in common with you."
S'reddit
The Mages Guild
Alas and Alack went first to the castle, and hearing that the Duchess was at the Mages Guild, went there instead. As she was in a meeting with the archmagister, they waited.
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"If you want to make this about you and your wounded pride, I don't think we have anything to talk about," Count Terilite glared at Reeds. "I am talking about means of finding Glacia, and you are only talking about yourself."
"Terilite, stop it," Morgiah replied cooly, turning to Reeds next. "And you too. My own resources are depleted right now, as I'm sure you know. If you would like to mock me for that, pray pick a time when we aren't discussing more important matters than my misfortune. If, however, you have a plan or a thought or a suggestion we can discuss in a civil way, we would be happy to hear it. You are volunteering yourself and your friends?"
"A bookseller is better equipped to track down people than the Dark Brotherhood?" the Count chuckled.
"I told you, Terilite, be quiet or this meeting you requested is at an end," Morgiah said, with a flash in her eyes.
S'reddit
The Noggin
"Was it a good meeting?" Kingston smiled, pleased. "I wasn't sure it would be. She wanted to see you, and I think I did my best to discourage it, unless she was willing to get to know you, as you, not as the pretty thing she saw you as, a being to give her love. She's not a terrible sort as vampires go. I've seen ... oh, Gods, have I seen worse."
The song having finished, Kortyr grabbed up Kingston in a drunken bear hug.
"What'd ye say? Fancy a trip ta the House of Debellyah, Kinnistin?"
Kingston looked to Anya and then back to Kortyr. "I'm just talking to an old friend I haven't seen in a while. Give me a few minutes, and I'll show you a short cut."
Kortyr laughed and joined his mates.
"I know," Kingston smiled. "Drunken soldiers. Hardly a challenge, eh?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Count Terilite stood up. "If you want to find her, be my guest. But I am not going to abandon my search for Glacia on your word alone, Argonian."
As the Altmer strode out, Morgiah sighed. "Well, you better get on it, Reeds. He's already hired them."
S'reddit
The Mages Guild
"Not at all, not at all," Hannibal Traven replied, gesturing to a seat. "What is on your mind, your Grace? We were just comparing the Guild's library with yours, and saying that this one needs quite a bit of work to be your equal."
S'reddit
"I didn't get much of a chance before you interrupted him and refused to have a civil conversation," Morgiah replied coldly. "By Arkay, why you men can't put your pride aside to discuss important matter is beyond me, always has been."
S'reddit
The Noggin
"Always be happy if given the choice," Kingston laughed. "Have I ever sought a cure? For what?"
S'reddit
The Nymph and Noggin
"There were two fools arguing here," Morgiah said, raising an eyebrow. "And I'll address the other one when I see him. As I'm talking to you, try to see it from his perspective for a moment. His fiancee goes missing. He tears Firsthold apart looking for her, fearing the worst. You come along and say she didn't love him. That may be true, in fact, it almost certainly is, given what I know about them. But would that wound you? And then you interrupt a conversation after hearing a bit of it, accusing him of trying to have her killed. I ask for civility, as both of you want the same thing, Glacia found safe and secure, and you refuse."
Morgiah stood up. "You seem so confident that you know better than anyone else. You find your own direction. But you might try the Firsthold Mages Guild. That's where he began, but I didn't get any more information than that before you burst onto the scene."
The former Queen of Firsthold left the tavern.
S'reddit
The Mages Guild
"Oh yes?" Hannibal Traven replied. "I don't think we had any questions that I'm aware of. We asked if your husband still practiced necromancy, and you said no, he was against it in principle. You and Hlaalu Morgiah and Magister Zadion all agree that he has abandoned the habits of the lich, and I have not unearthed any evidence that contradicts that. But you loved him even when he was a practicing necromancer, yes?"
S'reddit
The Noggin
"Gods, no," Kingston replied, beginning to smile and then letting it die when he saw that Anya was serious. He kept his voice low, though the tavern sounds easily drowned out all but the loudest of conversations. "I am proud of it. I always have been. True, there are some very rascally individuals of our type ... maybe the majority of our species is not to be trusted ... But, frankly, that could be said for mortals as well. If you can't find happiness in being a vampire, in the joy of the hunt and the feast, I don't know how one could find it anywhere ..."
S'reddit
"Very impressive that you succeeded in turning him around," Hannibal replied. "Necromancy is a drug that very few can cease to take."
An apprentice of the Guild stepped in with a note for Loranna from Alas and Alack outside, briefly outlining what Llana had told them.
S'reddit
Not an hour later, the Khajiit had a name for Loranna: Valdroon Tradas, former member of the thieves guild in Ald Raathim. Checking with the thieves, it seemed this was not a scheme of theirs.
Sheogorath
"It has been fascinating for me too, Anya slash Cheryl," Kingston laughed. "I'll be around for another night, I think, and then I should be leaving ... Anyhow, as you say, the prey awaits."
***
Kintyr woke up the next morning in the woods, feeling groggy, much as he always did after a late night carousing. He tried to remember, but he didn't think he made it as far as the House of Dibella last night.
His neck also hurt a little bit, but he didn't think much of it as he made his way to the royal fortress to the west. Fortunately, he wasn't expected on duty for a couple hours yet.
Sheogorath
The Nymph
Anya nearly collided with Hlaalu Morgiah, who was leaving while she was entering.
"Pardon me," the former queen said quickly, moving on.
The atmosphere of the Nymph after being in the Noggin was palpable, almost hushed. While the people in the Noggin sang, the ones in the Nymph whispered, and Anya's senses picked up the major subject: the fight between the Altmer noble, the former Queen of Firsthold, and the Argonian bookseller.
Kethiah was in the corner, watching her husband Isidor talk with Reeds and Erenius, while she nursed her baby. All her instincts had been to get involved with the argument. Well, all her instincts, but the most powerful one.
When she saw Anya, she smiled and waved.
Sheogorath
"I didn't hear any of it," Kethiah replied, with a slight smile. "But Morgiah and an Altmer male with some aristocratic pretensions were having a quiet conversation in the corner, and Reeds went over to listen in on it. He then interrupted them, and voices were raised. Erenius and Isidor went over to make sure everything was all right, and the Altmer left, and then Morgiah left ... I guess everything is all right for now ..."
"But here, I don't believe you've met Eodir yet," she said, her smile widening. The Dunmer babe looked up at Anya with sleepy eyes. "He's always a little tired after feeding."
Sheogorath
Kethiah nodded. "Oh, I know. I hope he gets most of his personality from Isidor, or it's going to be hell ... Isidor asked you to be his Godmother? Um ..." She frowned. "We talked about you and Loranna as ideal people to ask, but in both cases, we were worried that you wouldn't be interested. Loranna because she is going to have her own child to worry about soon, and you because ... well, you know, you haven't quite been yourself of late. And I went ahead and asked Loranna, and she's thinking about it. Is this something you're sure you'd want to do, Anya?"
Sheogorath
"B'vek, no, no, I never wanted any," Kethiah shakes her head. "I never even liked other people's children, but for some reason, I would never accept any assignments to kill children ... And believe me, there are plenty of them out there for the Morag Tong and the Dark Brotherhood. People wanting this heir out of the way, or the evidence of this liaison taken out ... Anyhow, that's as maternal as I thought I was -- just enough not to kill children."
"And then I met Isidor's children, Tyradil and Tilitalia, and they were lovely. It was good having that practice with children who were already raised to a certain degree. And now, my life before motherhood just seems so far away, though it's only been a few days ..."
Kethiah looked dreamy for a moment, before returning back to the subject. "I do trust you, Anya. I think perhaps I might have been leaning towards Loranna being the Godmother simply because I think you and I are too similar, and Loranna could provide something with her tender heart and healing ways that you and I, dark ladies that we are, would not. But I want you involved in Eodir's life, one way or another, however you're most comfortable at whatever time ..."
Sheogorath
"I didn't plan any of this, any more than you planned what happened to you," Kethiah smiled, taking Anya's hand. "You and I aren't sharp women because we have ever thing planned out, and all the answers at hand. We're sharp because we do the best with what we have. I'm sure I'll make plenty of bad choices as well as wise choices in raising Eodir. My life and his are works in progress, just like yours."
Sheogorath
Kethiah laughed softly, trying not to wake Eodir up. "No, my stomach did enough churning in the first couple of months. Now I'm content ... Isidor's the restless one now."
Kethiah grinned when she saw Loranna, and waved her over.
"Speaking of prospective Godmothers."
Sheogorath
"Some rumbling between Reeds, Hlaalu Morgiah, and an Altmer aristocrat of some kind," Kethiah replied. "I'm afraid we don't know the details. I was out of earshot, and Anya just came in. We're on to more pleasant conversations now ... Like whether you or she would be willing and able to assume the awesome responsibilities of being Eodir's Godmother."
Sheogorath
"Loranna, what do you think?" Kethiah asked. "I told Anya why I asked you first, how I think Anya and I are similar, and Eodir would benefit from a Godmother like you ... But I know that like Anya you have a lot you're dealing with right now. Have you given it more thought?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah shook her head, and gently cradled Eodir to pass him to Anya.
Sheogorath
"Amazing, isn't it?" Kethiah whispered, smiling.
Sheogorath
Kethiah nods, whispering to Anya. "Is that all right with you, Godmother?"
Sheogorath
"No, it's for me to thank you," Kethiah smiled softly. "Both of you, really."
"Hello, Reeds," Kethiah welcomed the Argonian. "We were just talking about you and the little scene with you, Hlaalu Morgiah, and the aristocratic Altmer a little while ago, wondering what that was all about."
Sheogorath
"Who is this damsel in distress?" Kethiah asked. "An Altmer? Who wants to kill her?"
Sheogorath
"Your tavernkeep is right here," Kethiah replied, confused. "What do you need?"
Sheogorath
"Did he now?" Kethiah's eyebrow raised. "Yes, this is the first I've heard of it. Isidor and I seem to be having a speechcraft problem lately ... How long did you say you thought you'd be gone?"
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked to Anya, rolling her eyes. "Didn't I just say that I feared Isidor was getting restless?"
With a smile, Kethiah turned back to Reeds. "Good luck with your quest. If your damsel-in-distress is burdened with a tavern, three children including a two-day-old son, and a missing husband, she'll have all my sympathy."
Sheogorath
"No doubt, I've told him often enough that I knew he was an adventurer not a tavernkeep when I married him," Kethiah replied, her smile tight. "But if he thinks he can sneak off without a word to me, I'll remind him gently he married an assassin."
Sheogorath
"Don't worry, you're not in quite as much trouble as my husband is," Kethiah smiled, after draining her drink. "Ah, thank you, Loranna. Anyhow, I'm not going to stand in the way, Reeds. You just might be a good friend to remind Isidor of his other obligations as soon as he starts volunteering for the latest quest. You'll find he lives longer that way."
Sheogorath
"I was not talking about Isidor being killed on the quest," Kethiah smirked. "But by his loving wife."
Sheogorath
"I don't kill people for exercise anymore, Loranna," Kethiah chuckled. "And I'm not depressed, I'm annoyed ... Anyhow, I'm just glad we settled a little of the support structure for Eidor around here before this little shake-up."
The tavern was steadily being filled by the well-to-do merchants and military types who frequented it. The noise volume while not quite that of the Noggin next door was rising.
"Speaking of whom, I should probably take him upstairs before all this wakes him up," Kethiah said, holding out her hands to Anya. "Unless you'd like to do it."
Sheogorath
"Would you?" Kethiah smiled. "Thank you. He'll probably sleep for a couple hours anyhow, if he has some quiet ..."
"Why don't you two go on to Firsthold, and I'll send Isidor along after I've had a few words with him?" she added to Reeds and Erenius.
Sheogorath
"Men," Kethiah shook her head. "Who can say?"
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern, looking for her husband Isidor for a lovely little "chat." She was just informed that he volunteered himself for an adventure without telling her.
Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is looking particularly tanned and rested, having just feasted on a drunken royal soldier (don't worry, he lived, no permanent harm done).
Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroah Chane, and Magister Zadion are all at the Mages Guild.
Hlaalu Morgiah former Queen of Firsthold has returned to Castle Daruhn after a heated talk with Count Terilite and Reeds.
Sheogorath
The Woods Beyond Ald Raathim
If anyone inquired at the Mages Guild, Archmagister Hannibal Traven had gone on a walk. He found he needed to that from time to time when pondering.
He had followed a random road in town, which as it stretched into the farmland and woods was no other than a footpath. It straggled onward into the mystery of the primeval forest.
Darkness and vegetation hemmed it in so narrowly, so black and dense on either side, and disclosed imperfect glimpses of the sky above. Overhead was a gray expanse of cloud, slightly stirred, however, by a breeze; so that a gleam of flickering sunshine might now and then be seen at its solitary play along the path. This flitting cheerfulness was always at the farther extremity of some long vista through the forest.
In short, it was a gloomy area of the woods that the mage walked alone, with only his thoughts.
Sheogorath
Firsthold Mages Guild
"That's me during the day-time," the Guild Guide, a painfully thin ascetic of an Altmer replied. "Hleoa handles the duties at night. Why?"
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim Mages Guild
Zadion had him shown in. The Altmer looked tired, and he bade Nalion to have a seat.
"What can I do for you?"
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Ald Raathim
The two mages met at a crossroads.
"Hello, Your Grace," the Archmagister smiled, though he was a little startled at the Khajiit's sudden presence. "Are you on your way somewhere or just wandering?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold Mages Guild
"Yes, you're not the first person to inquire about her," the mage replied. "Count Terilite was also trying to find her, as I recall ... She came in here, in traveling clothes, carrying a bag, and asked to be transported somewhere called Ald Raathim in Morrowind. She seemed very nervous about something, and as soon as I had been paid and she was in position, I guess she changed her mind, and she hurried out, saying she'd be back later ..."
"Before you ask, I never saw her again, and Count Terilite already asked Hleoa if she remembered her. She said she didn't, but there are so many people using the Guild in the evenings lately with all the balls and social events that last well into the night, she doesn't remember everyone who comes through. Lady Glacia may have come through later that night and gone to Ald Raathim, or somewhere else, or she might not have returned at all ..."
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Of Ald Raathim
"I would presume your duties as Duke would take you all over your territory," Traven replied. "I spoke to your wife earlier, and I must thank you again for letting me have a peek at your private library. It certainly puts the one in the Ald Raathim Mages Guild itself to shame."
Sheogorath
The Ald Raathim Mages Guild, Zadion's Study
"It is an Imperial concern, not merely a local one," Zadion nodded. "And it is much on the archmagister's mind, I can tell you. For some time, Mannimarco has been presumed dead, but there is plenty of evidence that it is not so anymore. Not only in Ald Raathim and Firsthold, but in other areas of the Empire, it appears that the Necromancers are on the rise again. Have you spoken with Morgiah about this?"
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Ald Raathim
"Your wife is charming indeed," Hannibal Traven replied before launching into a long discussion about the mystical energies that are involved in the teleportation system of the Guild. The two of them walked for some time in the woods deep in discussion, and Slyvos was reminded that Hannibal Traven was a very wise and very powerful sorceror in his own right, not merely a politico of the Mages Guild. It had been some time since Slyvos had met anyone so knowledgable in the actual workings of the Mages Guild most remarkable but least understood process, nor talked to someone who in many ways was his equal in the magickal arts.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim Mages Guild
"The expedition was lost," Zadion said soberly. "And then ... Ephesus was. Not just the Guild there, the whole area. Much like Tel Dresori, but any who come within a few miles of the territory in the mountains has died ... The King of Sentinel has requested assistance from the Archmagister on dealing with it ..."
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Ald Raathim
"I do have my own personal bias, I'll grant you," Hannibal Traven nodded thoughtfully. "But when I took over the Guild, I held a symposium where Magisters from all over could debate the Guild's position on the Dark Arts. We came to the conclusion that Necromancy is inherently dangerous. One cannot 'dabble' in it. The simplest spell requires the spilling of blood, and immediately begins to corrupt the caster's soul. It has has proven itself, time and time again, to bring nothing but terror and misery on the practitioner and world. Certainly one can be a terrifying, 'evil' for lack of a better word, mage merely knowing the school of Destruction, but one can also be a good, noble Battlemage. I have never known a necromancer ..." Traven paused, smiling at Slyvos. "And by that you know a practicing Necromancer whose power was used to benefit any but himself."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
A servant answered the door.
"May I help you?" she asked.
Sheogorath
The Ald Raathim Mages Guild
Zadion returned the handshake.
"I would advice discussing these matters further with Hannibal Traven particularly while he is still in town," the Magister replied. "He can tell you what has been tried and what hasn't in these matters."
Sheogorath
The Firsthold Mages Guild
Hloea was not difficult to find. The Guild was understaffed, with most people being at the boat races. A pretty but serious-looking Altmer, she was in the garden, picking herbs.
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Ald Raathim
"I understand a little of what caused you to abandon the ways of the necromancer," Hannibal Traven replied. "But what caused you to take them up in the first place, if you don't mind me asking?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"They're at the boat races," the servant replied, but her eyes opened wide at the mention of the daughter of the house. Clearly, there was no matter more pressing. "I could send for them immediately, or tell you where to find them there ..."
Sheogorath
Firsthold Mages Guild
As Reeds described her, the young Altmer replied. "Oh, you must work for Count Terilite? I can only tell you what I told him -- I don't remember anyone like that who came through here. But like I said, it's been very busy here lately with the social season and all ... "
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servant told Erenius that Lord and Lady Rysleire would be at the King's pavillion during the boat race. He could ask anyone and they would be able to point it out.
"Have you found her?" the servant asked, obviously concerned herself.
Sheogorath
The Firsthold Mages Guild
"In traveling clothes?" Hloea asked. "No, I suspect not. I would have noticed if someone was casually dressed, with everyone being so dressed up these days."
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Ald Raathim
"It's a personal question, yes, but I think the dark road to necromancy is a personal one in itself," the archmagister nodded. "It is often something like revenge that prompts it -- anger, jealousy, that sort of thing ... But sometimes it is simple curiosity, even an innocent desire to resurrect a lost loved one. It is inevitably sad. I think that there are two battles to be fought against necromancy. The fight against those who practice it, and the fight to save those who might go that path ..."
There were more rain drops.
"Perhaps we should head back," Hannibal Traven said. "It is a long walk to shelter ... But I have to ask -- do you not miss any aspect of your old ways? The power and the immortality?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold, The King's Pavillion
The gentlemen all wore blue, and the ladies all wore red. It was a glorious day for the boat races, and all Firsthold was gathered in the tiers above the harbor to watch. No one was more elegantly dressed than the nobles in the King's Pavillion.
Erenius was stopped by the royal guards after a few steps onto the Pavillion.
"What is your business here, sir?" the lead guard asked, looking at Erenius's outfit.
Sheogorath
The Woods Outside Ald Raathim
"I appreciate you being honest with me, your Grace," The Archmagister smiled. "I know it probably feels like I'm asking you too many questions about your past, but I'm only doing it so I can understand ... You're a unique case for me. I seldom am able to ask questions of someone who was involved with necromancy, and expect the answers to be truthful. If you want to turn it around on me at any time, and ask me questions, I won't take offense."
They were walking fairly quickly, though the rain was still relatively light, little more than a heavy mist.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, The King's Pavillion
"They aren't here," the guard shook his head. "This is only for the nobility, not the aristocrats. I imagine they have their own pavillion somewhere, but I wouldn't know where it is."
Sheogorath
"That would be nice, I would take a glass of brandy," The Archmagister nodded. "The matter of Ephesus has much been on my mind of late."
The three entered the Nymph and Noggin, taking a table.
Sheogorath
The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold
It took the better part of two hours to do just that, until Erenius finally found the right pavillion. It was also well-positioned to see the race, which was just coming to a conclusion among much cheering.
Erenius was led directly to Lord and Lady Rysleire, an attractive and opulently dressed couple, who raised eyebrows at Erenius's approach, until he told them he was there about their daughter.
"Who are you and what news do you have?" His Lordship demanded. He was a pompous sort certainly, but there could be no doubt that he was worried.
Sheogorath
"Thank you," The Archmagister replied, as the two tables came together.
"If that were easier to do, Nalion, I would have done it myself," Hannibal Traven replied. "Do you have a suggestion about how this could be done?"
Sheogorath
The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold
"You cannot mean that the Count intends to assassinate our daughter," Lady Rysleire replied, eyes wide.
"No, he means they are being employed to find her," her husband shook his head. "Well, certainly, my lord Erenius, if you are able to find her, the reward will be yours. I thank you for your interest in this family matter of ours."
Sheogorath
The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold
"Not at all," Lady Rysleire replied. "Go ahead."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Pavillion
"Glacia's never been outside of Firsthold," his Lordship replied. "There are some relatives, but we've already enquired of them and none of them have seen her."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Mannimarco appeared to you?!" The archmagister looked astounded. "Who are you that he would do that?"
Sheogorath
"I see," The archmagister replied, blinking. "How extraordinary. I don't know if it is a bad idea, I rather suspect it is, but do you think he will return to you?"
Sheogorath
"Hard to say," Traven frowned. "If Mannimarco showed an interest in you, then that interest has likely not died just based on your wise refusal to do business with him. As Nalion said, I am assisting King Lhotun in trying to find a way to Scourg Barrow, but the aura of death is very strong. Even with powerful healers in the group, no expedition has made it very far into the domain of Ephesus without having to turn back. Your health is just drained from you ... and all around, the trees and wildlife have died out ... The Dragontail Mountains are lethal for miles around ..."
Sheogorath
The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold
"It will be two weeks tomorrow," said her ladyship. "I'm afraid virtually all paths are turned out to be cold ... But his majesty has his guards searching the countryside for any sign of her."
Sheogorath
"My mages are trying all of that, but the spell is powerful and the effect is shattering," the archmagister replied. "If there is an easy way of doing it, we don't know it."
"It does, however, seem likely your former friend Goranthir is somewhere other than there, though, doesn't it? What good would it be to control living things if everything around you was dead?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"I don't believe she took anything," Lady Rysleire replied, frowning. "But we're not sure. Her maid reports that nothing was missing, anyhow. It's possible she might have bought something for the journey ..."
"Or that she was kidnapped and did not pack a thing," His Lordship added, frowning. "No message, no info from the docks ... and nothing unusual, except that she kissed a certain Argonian before leaving ..."
Sheogorath
Anya got a quick shock of a chill to her soul as the Korgari vampire, Kingston Mune, entered the tavern quickly. He looked urgently in her direction and mouthed the words "GET OUT," as he exited through the garden.
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah, he found, was upstairs, nursing Eodir. She raised an eyebrow at Isidor's appearance before looking back at their child.
"Reeds and Erenius are in Firsthold," she said coolly. "They told me you volunteered to go there for a couple weeks and look for a damsel-in-distress."
Isidor knew his wife well enough to know when she was angry.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"They've been asking everyone in the city if they've seen her," Lasy Rysleire shook her head sadly. "No luck. But it was a busy time in the city ... Perhaps you could inquire specifically at the Guild ... I don't know if anyone has or not."
"Yes, I know it was you," his lordship replied. "And that shocked Altmer in the doorway? That was me."
Sheogorath
Kethiah's Room
"Yes, it's pretty easy to be busy in this place," Kethiah nodded. "I don't know how I'm going to handle it all while you're gone, frankly. With your two-day-old son needing to be fed every couple of hours, I'm pretty exhausted ... Isidor, why couldn't you have talked to me about it before you volunteered? I would have told you to go ahead and go, but I like to think I'm at least a factor in your thinking."
Sheogorath
Anya had barely stepped outside, followed by Shaka, when Charroah Chane entered the tavern. She walked over to the table silently and motioned to the archmagister.
"I am sorry, I'm needed at the Guildhouse," Hannibal Traven said, frowning. "I truly think we've got some interesting directions. We will have to meet again soon. You know you have my full support on any plan involving the eradication of the King of Worms. And with my support, of course, you have the support of the Mages Guild of Tamriel."
He bowed and left.
Out in the garden, Kingston Mune watched with Anya and Shaka.
"She's gone," he said. "I don't think she detected us."
Sheogorath
"Run of the mill vampire-hunter," Kingston grinned. "We could have taken her out, but I got the impression you don't want to have full-fledged battles in your domain. That would be it."
Sheogorath
"I know, and I know you were getting restless," Kethiah sighed. "Okay, get going. I told them I wouldn't keep you long, yelling at you."
She winked. "But don't do it again, and don't get killed, all right darling? I actually love you, even when you're a [censored]."
S'reddit
Firsthold
"You must have misheard her," Lady Rysleire replied. "We have always had our own pavillion for the boat races."
"Or she misspoke," His Lordship offered. "Perhaps she was trying to give directions about how to get here, what direction to go when you reach the King's Pavillion, and simply got muddled ..."
S'reddit
Firsthold
"A dislike to our culture?" Lady Rysleire looked shocked. "Certainly not. And we are very close, mother and daughter. Are you certain?"
"Lady Glacia was a very happy girl, she had everything she ever wanted," Lord Rysleire frowned. "There is no reason for her to have taken a dislike to us. No reason at all."
S'reddit
Firsthold
"Of course they're made for political alliances," Lady Rysleire said, taking the hand of her husband. "That is no secret, anymore than any contract or negotiation is made for political alliances. But she certainly never expressed any rebellious thoughts to me about it."
"Our daughter had, or I should say has many friends," Lord Rysleire added. "Who wouldn't want to be a friend to a girl as pretty and happy as Glacia? Lady Delphina Daille was probably her best friend, yes, my dear?"
"Oh certainly," Her Ladyship smiled. "But we've talked to her, and she doesn't know anything. Poor girl is as distraught as we are."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Of course," Lord Rysleire replied. "There is nothing more important to us than finding our daughter."
On that, at least, Erenius could see that that the aristocratic couple was speaking truthfully. They were pompous, vain, and perhaps clueless about who their daughter was ... but they wanted her safe.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
It took some time for anyone to answer the door of the stately Daille residence. When the door finally opened, it was a servant with a stolid, superior expression. Upstairs, it sounded like a brawl was happening, a high-pitched female voice was screaming at the top of her lungs.
"Yes, gentlemen?" the servant asked, unmindful of the tumult behind him. "How may I help you?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Lady Delphina is a girl of strong opinion, as is her mother, and they are discussing a social engagement of which they are in disagreement," the butler replied, as if it were perfectly normal. "Can you tell me what your business is here?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Now would probably not be the best time," the servant replied gravely. "Could you come back --"
There was the sound of a door slamming upstairs, and a young woman, her hair in disarray, her expensive gown only half-on, flew down the stairs, screaming. "I hate you!"
She rushed past the adventurers on the doorsteps and into the streets.
Immediately she was followed by a noble-looking older Altmer, obviously her mother, and two female servants, who gave chase.
"Yes, now would not be the best time," the servant continued, nonplussed. "Could you come back again later?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Lady Delphina Daille raced through the city with her mother and servants behind her, and she was quite a good sprinter. Her mother ran out of breath before the girl had passed the first corner, and run down a set of stairs that took her along the path of the river.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servants were being passed quickly by. Overhead, Isidor could see the Firsthold guards, those robes figures who took pathways above the city and could see all. They had not yet spotted the pursuit.
The girl ducked into a dockhouse where river boats were kept.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Alas and Alack, the Khajiiti smugglers turned priests of Zenithar, entered the Nymph and Noggin. With their drinks in hand, they bowed to Loranna and the company.
"Blessings of Zenithar be bountiaciously upon thee," Alas grinned.
"And that thing what you wanted to know about," Alack said cryptically to Loranna. "It's all done, Your Gracitude."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Boathouse
"[Censored] off, you [censored] sons of [censored] [censored] who like to [censored] up a [censored] pig's [censored] [censored]!" a young lady's voice called back, throwing a lantern from the boat's bow down on them. "Who the [censored] are you anyhow?!"
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"Of course, it's big," Alas nodded solemnly. "Come with us to the Resolution, my Dutchness, and we'll lets you puts yer hands on it."
They guided her over the wharfs to the temple complex, where deep in its depths, they showed her Llana's forgery. It was impressive.
"So, do we lets him have it?" Alack asked.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"You look like her kind of friends," Delphina said, looking over the ride of the boat, with a rather petulant expression. It was evidently not a compliment. "What do you want from me? I don't know anything."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Well, you're not aristocrats, that's for sure."
"What are you, freelancers?" Delphina giggled, coming down from the boat. She smoothed out her hair a little when she saw them closer. "I'll tell you what I know, but it's not much ... so the favor I'll ask will just be a little one in return."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"You have to take me home, and tell my dad you saved me from being ravaged by brigands," Delphina grinned. "Then I'll tell you everything I know."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"They'll break down in tears and ask me if I'm okay, and I'll get my way," Lady Delphina replied, as if it were so obvious it didn't need to be said. "And they'll probably give you a reward for saving me. Everybody wins."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"Ain't a good idea to takes too long with it," Alas suggested. "Pleasure deferred be pleasure denied, you know."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Drunken sailors, perfect," Lady Delphina beat her little fists together in girlish glee. "You have a knack for this!"
And so she did.
Upon arriving at her parents' doorstep, she burst past the servant into her mother's arms.
"It was horrible! Horrible!" Delphina sobbed. "If it weren't for these heroes, I shudder to think!"
"What happened?!" Lady Dialle cried, holding her daughter, and looking to Erenius, Isidor, and Reeds.
"What's all this fuss?" roared his lordship, coming downstairs. "Delphina, stop your caterwauling at once!"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"By Auriel, my angel!" Lord Dialle threw his arms around mother and daughter, stricken. "Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"
"I'm fine!" Delphina wailed. "I'm sorry I ran away!"
"Oh, sugarblossom," Lady Dialle sobbed. "It was all my fault. Of course, you can wear whatever you like to the theater ... What a horrible mother I've been, can you ever forgive me?"
"Mother, of course!" Delphina hugged her tighter, winking over her shoulder at the three adventurers. "Daddy, don't these men deserve some kind of --"
"By Auriel, yes, I am so sorry, gentlemen, please," his lordship turned to his butler. "Please bring them to the north drawing room, and give them whatever sustenance they require. I will be with you shortly."
The butler gestured for them to come to the north drawing room, an opulent room of gold and silver.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The butler took their orders for drinks, left, and a moment later, Delphina entered with a wide smile.
"That worked brilliantly," she giggled. "Now what would you like to know about Glacia? I did warn you that I don't know very much, right?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Well, here's the truth, and I didn't really tell all the truth to Terilite and his men because ... I didn't like them," Delphina replied. "Glacia and I aren't friends. I mean, I like her all right ... We went to school together, but ... she's a little weird. She used to pay me to tell her parents she was out with me, and I always thought she maybe had a secret lover or something she didn't want them to know about, you know? ... So I asked her, and she confessed that some nights, she just wanted to stay home. She would hide from her parents and they thought she was out! The exact opposite of what every other girl is doing! How weird is that?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"We really didn't talk all that much," Delphina replied. "I don't think she really thought of her engagement to Count Terilite as real, 'cause you know he was out in Valenwood for two years or whatever ... I think she thought he might change his mind ..."
Lord Dialle and his butler entered simultaneously. The butler brought the men the drinks they asked for, and his Lordship brought three perfect six-karat diamonds and handed them to each.
"For rescuing my jewel," he said, very pompously.
"Oh, daddy," Delphina smiled shyly. "Would you leave us for a few minutes? I was just thanking them again, and you make me blush."
Lord Dialle smiled and kissed his daughter's forehead before leaving.
"I really didn't get the impression Glacia was unhappy," Delphina continued. "But then again, who really knows?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Like I said, she was a homebody, she really pretty much kept to herself," Delphina shook her head. "Any time I saw her in town, she was alone or with a servant."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"It was a pleasure," Delphina smiled, showing them to the door.
Sheogorath
Update:
Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin is running the tavern, and caring for three children including a two-day-old son, while her husband Isidor is off on some quest in Firsthold.
Khajiiti ex-smugglers, "Priests" of Zenithar, and Loranna's Spymasters Alas and Alack are preparing to follow a forgery to where it leads.
Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is enjoying his last night in Ald Raathim.
Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroal Chane, and Magister Zadion are at the Ald Raathim Mages Guild.
And Lady Glacia Rysleire is ... somewhere ... Only Erenius, Isidor, and Reeds can find her, or her fiancée Count Terilite's Dark Brotherhood contacts ...
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah breathed a sigh of relief, and immediately set Ingmar onto six different tasks, while she ran upstairs to feed Eodir. She returned a short time later.
"Thank you, you're a life-saver."
Sheogorath
The Village Green, Ald Raathim
Goldcat always said Alack was good at not being seen. Sometimes, she said, he would not be seen at work for weeks. But he also was good at subterfuge, and the Khajiit used it to follow Raven, using his natural stealth and an illusion spell or two to follow him.
Sheogorath
The Village Green, Ald Raathim
Goldcat always said Alack was good at not being seen. Sometimes, she said, he would not be seen at work for weeks. But he also was good at subterfuge, and the Khajiit used it to follow Raven, using his natural stealth and an illusion spell or two to follow him.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"He didn't tell me until the last minute," Kethiah grinned, shaking her head. "But believe me, if he's not back in a week or two at most, you're going to have to hold me back."
S'reddit
Alack had seen enough. He could tell his contacts, merchants who sailed between Blacklight and Ald Raathim illegally, to report info about this Thadas character. From Ald Raathim to Cyrodiil to Blacklight, it had taken much time to follow this link ...
Alack used the secret routes of the smugglers to get back to Ald Raathim in a day's time.
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn
"There's a Breton fellow to see you," Kallen told her as she neared the castle. "He didn't give me his name. Shoulder length blond hair ... I asked him to wait, but he went out to the cliffs overlooking the bay. I daresay he's there now, Your Grace."
S'reddit
Castle Daruhn
"You're glad it didn't rain," the Korgari vampire chuckled. "That's fire from the skies for me. But I do like looking at it, isn't that funny?"
The vast expanse of the Inner Sea was indeed a breathtaking sight from the cliffs next to Castle Daruhn. A strong wind was blowing, and tuffs of mist were torn from the crests of the waves like errant ghosts.
"It's perverse, but I'm always drawn to it. I suppose we can't help but look in awe at what would destroy us, eh?" Kingston smiled. "In any case, I came to say goodbye. I told you I wouldn't outstay my welcome, and I wanted to thank you for extending me your courtesy. It is a rare thing."
S'reddit
"Ah, Anya," Kingston smiled, shaking his head. "I'm glad she's found herself with mortals who don't hate and fear her, and it is good if she doesn't hate and fear herself ... but she should not become so comfortable that she puts herself and others in danger. If I hadn't come by the Nymph at that moment, and seen that nasty woman with the tattoos, she would have walked right to your table and known what Anya was and attacked. And besides the possibility that Anya would have been killed -- a slim possibility for a Bathogorgon, even a neophyte, I'll grant you -- it would have been quite a diplomatic kerfuffle ... And then there's the note ..."
Kingston sighed, but the smile was still on his face. "To be a vampire, living in mortal society, is to always be on edge."
S'reddit
"After a few centuries of undeath, vampires cannot be cured," Kingston replied, flicking his fingers, producing little bursts of flame. "At least, that's the common wisdom among my kind. There are stories about exceptions to this, but they're legends ... Truthfully, cures have never interested me, though it is said that the King of Worms with a snap of his fingers can turn a vampire mortal ... and vice-versa too, for that matter."
S'reddit
"He can exert control over you too, my dear," Kingston winked, and then launched a fireball high into the air. It exploded into a beautiful flower of yellow and red.
"The fire, of course. The heat of it. The crackle, and burn, and sheer glamor. Even its ephemeral mortality," he added as the flower faded from the sky. "I think Anya would agree that using her power, stretching out her claws, changing her face, that is what tantalizes and teases us ... But the reality is, for all vampires, it's the blood."
It seemed Kingston was a little closer to her that Loranna had first realized.
S'reddit
"No, it is the blood alone," Kingston replied, extending his fangs. "Oh, the tease, the hunt, the moment before, all can be exquisite, but feeding ... it is the greatest meal and the greatest sex you've ever had, rolled into one, every time, and then some. It does more than sustain us. It inspires us."
S'reddit
"You asked the questions," Kingston laughed, his fangs receding. He took a couple steps back. "I've left a short letter for Anya, but if you have any dire need, write the letters K.M. on a piece of paper and throw them into a fire ... I'll come when I can, but it's not instant, by any means ..."
The vampire bowed. "Fare thee well, Duchess of Ald Raathim."
He began the walk away from the cliffs.
S'reddit
Kingston looked over his shoulder and saw Loranna, and smiled.
He continued on to Anya's mine. Finding her not at home, he left the note he told Loranna he would.
Then he continued to walk. North and west.
And he fed.
On royal guards, and Redoran, and Nord in the days and weeks that followed until he crossed into Skyrim ...
Sheogorath
My Sister Anya,
I am off for parts unknown. I've felt the winds luring me north towards Skyrim for some reason, but who knows if they may change? Regardless, I felt it was time to leave Ald Raathim. A charming town, but I am not the sort of predator to stay in one place for very long.
I spoke to Loranna about you, and how important it is for you both not to get complacent, and believe that your existence is acceptable to all. Remember the tattoos on that vampire hunter: many of their kind have them, and if you are alert, you can spot them before they spot you.
There is a little trick I don't share with many, but I told Loranna and I'll tell you. If you need me, write my initials K.M. on a piece of paper and burn it. I will know who wrote it and where the burning took place, and I will come if at all possible.
I wish you well on your journey of discovery. May your amorphous limbs be limber, and the blood you find be sweet and hot.
K
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servant of Lord and Lady Rysleire who had opened the door earlier for Erenius opened it. "Can I help you?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"I'm afraid Lord and Lady Rysleire aren't home right now and won't be home for several hours," the servants shook her head. "I couldn't let you in without their approval."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servant handed back the diamond. She didn't look offended, but she shook her head.
"I'm sorry, gentlemen," she said. "I can't."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servant blushed, averting her eyes. "I made a mistake. I'm sorry, sir. Please come back later."
She shut the door.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Shortly after they began to encircle the mansion, they heard the sound of the front door opening and closing. And then a woman's heels as someone ran down the street.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Their quarry lost them very quickly, seemingly well used to slipping into the city streets, but not before they could see it was the servant girl who had opened the door earlier.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
A different servant, a male Altmer, answered the door this time. "Yes, how may I help you gentlemen?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Gram found himself in a marketplace, filled with people, and asking any of them if they had seen a young Altmer of the servant girl's description, he found that few had noticed her. After a few false starts, he was able to track her down to the river and a small flotilla of fishing boats. Someone said they thought they saw her talking to one of the fishermen there, but neither he nor she were there now.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servant frowned. "My master and mistress aren't home right now ... They would not be happy about having their home searched while they are away ... Which they will be for a few hours ..."
Isidor recognized right away someone who wouldn't be averse to a bribe.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Let you in, sir?" the servant's eyes bugged at the gem. "I'll tear the place apart with you!"
The vast interior of the mansion was like most architecture in Firsthold. Magnificent. Reflective. Cold.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
"Oh, Thrandra you're looking for?" one of the fishermen replied. "She's here all the time, getting produce for her household ... I think her cousin gives her a good deal, not that those people need it or nothing ..."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Manor
"This'll take you some hours," the servant nodded. "Best get started ..."
There was a whole closed off wing of the mansion ("It's the winter wing," the servant explained) with ballrooms, suites, and libraries. Glacia's room was enormous, filled with clothing neatly hanging in closets, a huge view over the plaza -- everything a rich girl could want.
And then was the wine cellar, fruit cellar, wood cellar, three attics, and storage rooms to search ...
But no Glacia was there to be found.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, The River
"Himble don't have a shop, he sells right here," the fisherman replied, looking around. "At least, he does when he's around. But I'll sell you the freshest, choicest meat of the briny deep you ever wanted, and give you a good price, sir."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Manor
"No, sir," the servant replied, shaking his head. "I'd tell you if I did. She just disappeared."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, The River
"Not 'round here," the fisherman replied, smiling, as he sold Gram the fish, which was indeed of a very fine, very fresh quality, and at an excellent price. "He's got family down south river, in Bourrill or therebouts. He just comes up here daily to sell his stock. But he ain't got nothing on mine," he added proudly.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The servant girl who had answered the door earlier came up the road, bearing fish.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Manor
"Excuse me?" the servant girl replied, blushing furiously. "I didn't run away! I have errands to run. By Auriel, I don't know anything!"
She went past them into the house.
Sheogorath
Rysleire Manor, Firsthold
"Leave me alone!" the servant girl cried, continuing on to the kitchen. "I ran because if I don't, I don't get my chores done in time, and I get in trouble. I don't have anything to say to you!"
Sheogorath
Rysleire Manor, Firsthold
The girl burst into tears. "I don't know anything! Why do you think I do? What do you think I've done with her?"
Sheogorath
Rysleire Manor, Firsthold
The servant girl wiped her eyes with the handkerchief Gram provided. "Thank you."
She nodded. "I know how worried everyone is. If I knew anything, I wouldn't have anything to gain by holding back, would I?"
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Manor
The girl turned to Gram, and then to Isidor, and sighed. "She's in Lillandril."
Suddenly, the men noticed the face at the open window to the kitchen. A dark-hooded figure, who upon being spotted, turned and fled.
S'reddit
Firsthold
As they ran out the door, they thought -- once again -- that they had lost their fleeing quarry. They were in the expansive back lawn of the Rysleire Manor, and no one was in sight. Then they heard it. Footsteps running across the roof of the next manorhouse to the east. Actually, there were three pairs of footfalls.
S'reddit
Firsthold
It was a circuitous route alongside the manorhouses of Firsthold, passing shocked aristorcrats and their retinues, as the men kept pace with the figures on the rooftops. From time to time, they would catch a glimpse though the alleys between the manors, seeing the dark cloaked characters leap effortlessly through the air.
Finally, at the end of a long row of manorhouses, there was a wide boulevard with a park running down the middle of two streets, and no more manors. The figures leapt from the roof, breaking their falls in the boughs of a tree.
One of the figures continued to run down the street, while two of them stayed behind to greet their pursuers. Under their dark robes, they were indistinguishable in race, gender, or age, but one pulled out a curved saber that glowed with a dark light, and the other pulled out a barbed whip.
S'reddit
Firsthold
Here, as everywhere in Firsthold, there were upper walk-ways for the use of the city guard. Two of those guards seeing the fight about to happen, ran along the walk-way to prevent it.
On the boulevard meanwhile the figure with the whip cracked it at Erenius in an arc, to disarm him, and by the look of the barbs on it, deliver a vicious blow as well.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The other dark-cloaked figure met Gram's admonition with nothing but silence and a rush forward. His technique was impressive as he swung his glowing blade at the Nord. A Dark Brotherhood assassin to be sure.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The assassin's hand flew from his body in a bloody arc, as he bellowed in pain.
The guards joined the heroes, but all were held at bay by the remaining assassin, whipping at them, keeping them at a distance.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The assassin did not deflect it, but elegantly dodged, allowing a moment where --
-- Reeds could slip past him and race down the street. The third assassin had slipped down an alleyway off the main boulevard.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
One of the Firsthold guards had also charged at them, and the assassin snapped his whip around the guard's neck, getting it between the helmet and the armor. With a flip of his wrist, the whip returned, and the guard's head tumbled to the ground.
He turned quickly to face Isidor and Gram, but there was an opening.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Alley
It was a deadend alleyway, filled with refuse, large and small, a nasty little place just off the clean, pristine streets of Firsthold. Reeds's vision immediately placed the assassin, skulking behind a bag of garbage, a blowgun to his lips as he watched the Argonian carefully.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The assassin turns to face Gram, whipping his weapon around before the axe strikes him, hacking into his shoulder and freezing him. The whip flicks against Gram's cheek -- another bit of force from the assassin would have decapitated the Nord, but it is the tiniest of lacerations now.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Isidor slices through hard, frozen flesh, killing the already half-dead assassin.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Alley
He saw the assassin get into position to blow the dart, and he was still quite a distance away -- too far to reach him before the dart reached Reeds ...
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Alley
The action surprised the assassin, who dropped his blowpipe, and made a run for the wall, starting to scale it with surprising skill.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Alley
The assassin cursed, and a short thing blade slipped out of his sleeve ...
But before the assassin could strike Reeds, he was impaled against the wall.
S'reddit
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, mother, and tavernkeep, is at the Nymph and Noggin, tending to business and grateful that her brother-in-law Ingmar is there to help her.
Alas and Alack, Khajiiti ex-smugglers, false priests of Zenithar, Loranna's excise and import/export agents (and secretly, her Spymasters) are compiling reports about activities in Blacklight, where the forged letter Llana had copied was brought.
Summerset: The River to Bourrill
Erenius, Reeds, Isidor, and Gram in their race to find Glacia Rysleire finally found a link in a servant girl named Thrandra at the Rysleire Manor. Though the girl claimed that Glacia was in Lillandril, the heroes decided to follow a different path first, knowing that Thrandra has a cousin named Himble, a fisherman with a family "down south" in Bourrill. After dealing with a trio of Dark Brotherhood assassins who were scoping out the Manor, they began making inquiries about Bourrill.
There was no Mages Guild transport to Bourrill, of course. Nor, they discovered, any roads. Bourrill was a village on an island in the river, about half a day's journey, and there was no other way to get there than by fishing boat. After talking to several fishermen who at first thought they were joking ("No one goes to Bourrill, what do you think there is to do there?"), they found an Altmer fisher by the name of Quilge willing to transport them.
The skiff brought them out of Firsthold into the southern forests, which were an astonishing change from the beautiful but very unnatural cityscape they had been in.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Kethiah, holding her baby Eodir in one arm and a long wrapped bundle in the other, made her way through the village to the Castle Daruhn. She asked Kallen where she could find the Duchess. She had something for her.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim, Castle Daruhn
"Hello Loranna," Kethiah smiled. "I don't know if this would be useful to you at all, but I just came across it today. As you know, after the attempted invasion, the Nymph and Noggin was filled up with refugees, and we had to clear out a number of rooms that we usually kept for people -- including Goranthir's old room. I put everything in the cellar, and I was looking for something for the kitchen today, and I came across this. I guess he left it behind when he went to Vvardenfell."
She handed the long wrapped object to Loranna. Inside was Goranthir's sword, the Kynarine Blade.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim, Castle Daruhn
"Possibly, it's mostly clothing, and I think I do remember a ring," Kethiah nodded, looking at Loranna curiously. "Something special about it?"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"I'll do another search through his things, and see if I can find it," Kethiah nods. "Of course, it could also be on the Akarvina. You know, it's been restored by the same Nordic shipwrights who built it, so we at least have one warship in the harbor again ..."
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
"I'll walk back with you to the harbor, and look in the cellar while you look on the ship," Kethiah smiled.
The Harbor
Kethiah went into the tavern, and Loranna could see how busy the harbor had become. Among the freetraders, Nords mostly, the word can been spread about the Resolution of Zenithar in Ald Raathim, and even those whose business was elsewhere came to make prayers for favorable negotiations and good profits.
The Resolution itself was nearing completion, thanks to work around the clock by the temple faithful. It had changed the skyline of Ald Raathim with its enormous obelisk, set upon the top of the Resolution, nearly a hundred feet above the sea.
Goranthir's warship, The Akarvina, was in dry dock while the Nord shipwrights worked on restoring it. Two hundred and fifty feet long with a displacement of three thousand tons, and a fifty foot tall forecastle, it was an impressive sight to behold again. Diamond's unfinished figurehead of Kynareth still graced its bow.
The shipwrights bowed to see their Duchess.
Sheogorath
Drydocks, Ald Raathim
"Of course, your Grace," said the head shipwright, helping the gravid Duchess on board the ship. Besides, the familiar lines, there were still scorch marks from the Akarvina's role in the two battles against the Butcher Of The Bay, which were being sanded down and restored. In the captain's quarters, she found Goranthir's armor, and the three skimpy outfits and body make-up he, Tris, and Allerleirauh had worn when they dressed as Vivec, Hircine, and Almalexia for the masque in Firsthold.
"We'll be done with it soon," the head shipwright added. "Perhaps your Grace would commission us for another ship?"
Sheogorath
Drydocks, Ald Raathim
The shipwright nodded and grinned. "Of course, your Grace. I have a lot of work to do yet ..."
He returned to his men as they continued to work on the deck. As she passed them, Loranna remembered the last time she had been on the deck of the boat, and the vision of Sheogorath came to her:
As I look down from my golden path,
Whom do I spy in the bubbling bath?
She's grown a flower what was but a bud
From the sea to the ashfields of blood
A Goddess behind thee, and a Goddess ahead,
Death crawls behind, and before thee doth tred,
I tell thee the truth of which thou dost fear
Thou willst bury two thou love most dear
Do not fear the dark, for here comes the sun,
And it 'twill not set 'til the fight's lost and won.
Sheogorath
The Akarvina, Drydocks, Ald Raathim
After more wandering, over the ship and through her memories which it invoked, Loranna was ready to give up. Perhaps Kethiah had better luck in the cellar at the inn, among Goranthir's belongings there? As she started for the steps, she saw something glinting between the floor boards of the deck.
It was the ring. Evidently, it had been swept from the captain's cabin, and become lodged in the floor. With a little effort, Loranna pulled the ring out of the crack.
S'reddit
The bustling squares of Wayrest were like no bazaar Faryon had ever seen. Here more than any other place, the merchant-prince ruled. Anything that could be had anywhere, could be found in Wayrest. From the east up the Bjoulsae River, or from the west down the Iliac Bay, commodities and ephemera of every variety collided.
Had Faryon been used to the city, he would have noticed how much it had changed. It had always been a wealthy, mercantile center, but now there were nearly as many orcs wandering the streets and selling their goods as there were Bretons. The alliance between Elysana and Gortwog gro-Nagorm had changed the culture enormously.
The great royal Dome of Wayrest dominated the skyline. Upon arriving there and giving his name, Faryon received a much different reception that at the Imperial Palace, where it had taken him weeks to receive a reception with the Emperor's son. Only a few minutes went by, and the guard hurried back.
"The Queen will see you immediately," he said.
S'reddit
The Royal Dome of Wayrest
Two Breton children, a boy and girl, walked past Faryon, together with a well-dressed, handsome Breton man, who from the look of him was obviously their father. They were engaged in conversation, and merely looked in Faryon's direction with a smile as they passed. Though he was not introduced, they were the Queen's consort and their children.
Faryon was escorted into the dining room, where the Queen sat as food was being carried away.
"Would you like to eat anything before it's taken away," Elysana asked. Faryon knew who she was instantly. A beautiful, blond Breton with confidence and authority which would put Mortillara to shame, and likely rival that of Queen Mother Barenziah, who, as he recalled, had once been Elysana's stepmother. "You're from the Alliance, yes, Lord Faryon?"
S'reddit
The Royal Dome, Wayrest
The Queen smiled widely. "How marvelous. Do take a seat, Faryon. I have been watching your Alliance with great interest, and I know even a little something about you ... I'm a little offended that no one from your association came to me earlier. Together, we could have ended that miserable cur's reign months ago, I've no doubt."
Even while she was talking about being offended and destroying her stepbrother, the wide, innocent smile was on her face.
"Now, tell me your aims and ambitions, and what you need of me."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome, Wayrest
"All right," the Queen of Wayrest chuckled. "Really, I don't need to be talked into despising Helseth, Barenziah, and Morgiah, Faryon. The only reason I haven't sent emissaries to your Alliance before is that I didn't think the group as a whole likes outsiders. Some of your councilors would rather lose the war than join forces with someone such as me. But I have considered myself your ally for months, though we have only met just now. So, I repeat, what are your aims and ambitions? What can I do for you?"
As they spoke, Elysana's war councillor came into the room. She was probably a she, but undoubtedly the ugliest, toughest-looking orc Faryon had ever seen. She looked at Faryon with emotionless, beady eyes as she took a seat.
"This is my war councillor," Elysana added, by way of introduction. "This is Sera Indoril Faryon of the Indoril and Redoran Alliance of Morrowind. Faryon, this is Beauty."
S'reddit
'The Royal Dome, Wayrest
Beauty looked over Faryon's maps, tracing the boundaries and borders with a thick, warty finger.
"Surrounding Morrowind will be impossible," she said, her voice surprisingly soft and cultured for so repulsive a creature. "You will need to draw Helseth out ..."
The orc fell into thoughtful silence, pondering the various maneuvers.
"Yes, you are in need of allies," the Queen nodded, also studying the maps. "The fortunate thing for you is that political connections are forever in flux. It was not long ago that I was investing considerably in those 'heroes' of Ald Raathim. They haven't joined Helseth because they like him, I can tell you that. They have formed an alliance with him for the same reason anyone does -- he offered them much in return. Have you considered trying to turn them to your side, rather than destroying them?"
S'reddit
The Royal Dome, Wayrest
"Perhaps," Elysana nodded, the smile fading from her face. "You're closer to the situation than I am. But your method of dealing with the radicals in your own Alliance struck me as both creative and wise, so I was curious if, just as you purge yourself of unhelpful elements, enlisting the heroes could be managed. I still say that they have no emotional commitment to Helseth. Kill him, and you eliminate a resource of theirs ... but I still think they would fight you as long as they felt threatened ..."
Beauty waited until her Queen had spoken, and then said. "I would need some time with you to discuss possibilities. I don't know Morrowind well ... But I think the King would respond quickly if he thought there was a crack in your defenses. Invent the illusion of one, somewhere in the south perhaps, far from where the Altmer and Imperial forces could aid him. And then surround and crush him there, not in Morrowind ..."
S'reddit
The Royal Dome, Wayrest
"It will need to be set up carefully," Beauty replied, thoughtfully. "Helseth is not so great a fool as to fall for an obvious trap ... He must be led to believe that it is his own ingenuity that detected this crack, not something obvious."
Another councillor stepped into the dining room, and Elysana saw him at once. That was something Faryon could not help but notice: the Queen's preternatural ability to see everything, almost in all directions.
"My Lord Faryon," said Elysana, standing up. "I have other business I must attend to. But you must stay the night in our finest room. Tomorrow we can discuss specifics of our plan."
The Queen left the room with the councillor.
"Faryon, I am curious about something," Beauty said after Elysana had left. "Our Spymaster has been reporting back that these heroes of Ald Raathim are engaging in some movements against Mannimarco, the King of Worms ... Do you know anything about that?"
Sheogorath
The Royal Dome, Wayrest
Beauty shook her head, and smiled, revealing off-color tusk-like teeth. "No, not in Gortwog's territory, but in Lhotun of Sentinel's territory ... Very interesting."
The war councillor also stood. "You are tired, no doubt. Why don't we continue this conversation tomorrow?"
A servant appeared at the door to escort Faryon to his room.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Loranna returned to the Nymph and Noggin with Goranthir's ring in hand, and found that Kethiah had not returned from searching the cellar, but there were other people of note in the tavern. Hlaalu Morgiah, Archmagister Hannibal Traven, the undead hunter Charroal Chane, and Magister Zadion were at a table together. The men stood up and bowed when Loranna came in.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Quite well," the archmagister replied, gesturing to a chair which telekinetically rolled into position for Loranna to sit in it comfortably. "We were looking for you earlier, but your man Kallen said you were heading to the wharf. We assumed he meant here."
"The archmagister has concluded his investigation of the Guild, and has come to say farewell," Morgiah said.
"Good news and bad news," Zadion added, a slight smile on his face. "It has been determined that it is vital for the good of the Guild that Ald Raathim has a Mages Guildhouse here, and the archmagister is determined to increase its prominence and expand on its library and laboratories. The bad news is that I will not be here to see it expand. I will be going back to Summerset, as soon as my replacement arrives here."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Zadion blushed slightly and smiled. "Thank you, your Grace. But the decision had been made. I will try to come back here when I can ..."
"Zadion is not being punished," the archmagister added with a slight frown. "I recognize that he has done a lot of good here. The Guild would not be what it is without him and his leadership. But there are a great many issues ... By the way, we will be reopening several Guildhouses in Vvardenfell. They will be under strict instructions to be neutral in the matter of the war, but I wanted to let you know so it would not be a surprise to you. The question that remains is whether non-Guild-members should be allowed to transport using the Guild Guide between enemy territories."
"The archmagister is talking to the Redoran and Indoril about their preferences in the matter," Zadion said. "But I'm sure you can see it's a complex issue. On one hand, we believe in freedom to travel where one likes. On the other, you don't want Alliance agents using the Guild to infiltrate Ald Raathim; and they don't want your agents in Vvardenfell ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Wise words, your Grace," the archmagister beamed approvingly. "Of course, there are others who will need to be consulted about this, but I will keep you apprised."
Hannibal Traven and the silent Charroal Chane rose from the table.
"We will be going now, no need to walk us to the Guild," he added. "It has been a pleasure, Duchess Dres Loranna Pyrel."
They left, leaving Zadion and Morgiah behind.
"Glad that's over," Zadion sighed, taking a sip of his drink.
"It went better than could be expected," Morgiah nodded.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Lack of neutrality, as you might expect," Zadion replied, shrugging.
"Or at least the appearance of lack of neutrality," Morgiah suggested.
"No, I am partisan in this war," Zadion corrected her. "The archmagister could see through that right away. And concessions had to be made if the Guildhouses in Vvardenfell are to be reopened."
"And you're the sacrificial lamb," Morgiah said.
"So it would seem," Zadion nodded. It was interesting to note that Zadion did not seem overly distressed about being removed from the Guild, particularly as worried as he had been about it and the fate of the Guild before the meeting. "But it will be a few weeks before my replacement arrives, and until then, I have permission to aid you on the matter of Mannimarco. Whatever you need, you only have to ask."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Loranna, the soon-to-be-former-magister-of-Ald-Raathim, and the former-queen-of-Firsthold ordered more drinks and continued the discussion, hoping all was well with the adventurers across Tamriel on their various quests.
Sheogorath
Summerset: Bourrill
As the skiff had floated southward, the river had twisted and turned, and finally widened, so the shores could only just been seen on either side. Night had fallen, and the riparian islands were looming up in the distance, always floating above the water, not resting on it. The stars came out with magnificent brilliance and the wind was soft and cooling.
There was no time any more, just the skiff and its passengers drifting along.
"That's Bourrill up ahead," said Quilge, but there was no discernible difference between the pile of lightly forested rocks in the river, and any of the others they had passed. It did occur to them that if one wanted to disappear and not be found, this would be a good place to do it. They had not passed another fishing boat in some hours.
Quilge brought them to the island, rowing standing up, pushing instead of pulling. He seemed absolutely tireless, moving his heavy burdens about at will with deft and almost imperceptible movements of the wrist.
As he turned around the island, Isidor, Reeds, Erenius, and Gram saw that there were other similar skiffs anchored in the rocks, but there was no sign of anyone. The trees, wild, curling, and thick, like giant vines defying gravity, blocked off the secrets of the island of Bourrill from any on the water.
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"Just squeeze through," Quilge grinned. "You can't miss the settlement. It ain't like it's a big island ... So, you want me to wait for you, or you got a way back?"
Sheogorath
Bourrill
The men squeezed through the trees around the periphery of the island, and they found themselves in a clearing, composed of massive boulders tumbled upon one another. The small community of fishermen consisted of little more than a dozen shacks built on the rocks, under the shelter of the flowering twisted trees that grew between the cracks between the boulders.
Altmeri children peeked out from their play among the boulders, looking at the four curiously. A couple fishermen walked over and asked whether they were lost.
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"That's me," said one of the men, a gray-haired Altmer with a weathered, sunburnt face. "What do you want?"
Isidor noted that several of the men were carrying hooks and clubs on them, not holding them menacingly, but they seemed ready if need be.
Sheogorath
Bourrill
Himble did not take Gram's hand, and merely shook his head. "Sorry, someone told you wrong -- ain't no one here by that name --"
A young woman in a gray robe stepped out from behind a rock. "Reeds?"
She lowered her hood. It was Glacia. "It's all right, Himble. They're okay."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
Glacia was frozen with surprise as Reeds embraced her. "By Auriel, I didn't think you'd – How did you find me?"
Then she held him tight.
"Good friends to my cousin," Himble smiled. "Thrandra told you where to find us? Where is she?"
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"I was going to go to Ald Raathim," Glacia said, her face buried in Reeds's shoulder. "But they would have tracked me down there. Someone at the Mages Guild would have talked. It seemed safer to take the long way ... But when we tried to get into a city, they were looking for me there too ..."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
Himble grinned, and slapped Gram on the back, taking his hand now. When it was obvious that they were friends of Glacia's, he was no longer the grim, gray-haired Altmer, but a jovial oldster.
"Aye, she sent word that she had some visitors she sent on a wild goose chase over the pavillions of Firsthold," he chuckled. "Hope you enjoyed the tour. There weren't no way of knowing who you was, you know ... Anyhow, you gonna take Glacia off our hands? Sweet girl, but she don't even know how to bait a line ..."
He looked over at Glacia and Reeds fondly, a broad grin on his face.
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"Nowhere in Summerset or Valenwood," Himble replied. "The Count has property there, and they'll be looking for her that close to Firsthold ..."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"Depends on who the Count has looking for her," Himble replied, shrugging. "How well does he know you? If we disguised her, but he had his men looking for you too, it wouldn't do much good."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"I'd take you, but my boat's not really built for sea travel," Himble grinned, and then his smile faded. "So, you did have a run-in with the Brotherhood ... Thrandra warned us that they were about."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"It would have to be a big distraction," Glacia said quietly. "Thrandra said the Mages Guilds would the first place they'd expect me to leave by ... "
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"They are watching the house?" Himble shivered. "Thrandra wasn't certain ..."
"It would certainly attract the attention of the Brotherhood to make a scene there," Glacia nodded. "But if you were the Brotherhood, wouldn't you just keep some agents watching the Mages Guilds of Summerset, regardless of other distractions? There are that many of them ... I don't know what to do ... I guess that's why I just stayed here."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"Of course I do," Glacia smiled. "Where else am I going to go?"
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"I told you I do want to go there, more than anything," Glacia replied to Reeds unhappily. "But Terilite won't give up, no matter what ... And even if we're safe in Ald Raathim thanks to the Duchess, he'll take his revenge on Thrandra and everyone in Bourrill if he ever finds out they helped me ..."
She shook her head. "I've been a fool. I should never have left. I've caused too much trouble already."
Sheogorath
Summary
Lady Glacia Rysleire is on a riparian island south of Firsthold (vocabulary word of the day -- Riparian = of or on a river) called Bourrill, having been found by Reeds, Erenius, Isidor, and Gram. She is worried that her running away from her fiancee Count Terilite and her family is putting too many people in danger.
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"Nonsense," Himble said, taking Glacia's hand. "You deserve your chance at happiness, same as anyone. Better you stay here, than go back to Firsthold and be miserable for the rest of your life ..."
"I couldn't bear it if you or Thrandra were hurt because I didn't want to marry Count Terilite," Glacia said, embracing the old fisherman.
Sheogorath
Bourrill
"Bourrill was too small for Thrandra," Himble laughed. "That's why she up and went to Firsthold. If she don't jump at the chance to see more of the world, then I'm a sload ... But as for me, I don't want to go nowhere else. This is my home. And as long as no one followed you here, it'll stay my home."
"Of course, this means we'll have to go back to my family's house to see Thrandra," Glacia grimaced. "And if you fought the Dark Brotherhood there before, there will be more there now, and they'll be expecting trouble."
Sheogorath
Bourrill
Quilge was right where they left him, napping sitting up on his skiff, which rocked gently in the river. As they approached him, he got lazily to his feet.
"Seen what you need to see? Taken in all the sights?" the fisherman smiled, on seeing Glacia. "Oh, I see you grabbed a souvenir."
As the now five passengers got aboard the boat, Quilge pushed off. It would be morning before they returned to Firsthold, and whatever awaited them there ...
Sheogorath
The Temple of Healers
The healers' asylum was a clean, humane place for housing the citizens of Ald Raathim who had been kissed by Sheogorath over the years. That did not make it quiet. Throughout the halls echoed screams and laughter, snatches of songs, babbling ...
Egalius Soccitus led Loranna through, quietly nodding to the workers who brought the inmates their food and tried to comfort them to little avail.
Finally, they arrived at the cell where Dres Minsero lived.
Magister Zadion was in there with Minsero, who was rocking back and forth on his bed.
"I don't understand," the Dres nobleman was saying, his eyes dark and haunted. "Who are you? Where is this place? I don't understand, I don't understand."
"Loranna," Zadion said, standing up quickly.
"Who are you?" Minsero asked plaintively.
Sheogorath
The Temple of Healers, Ald Raathim
"You know Dres Loranna," Zadion said to Minsero. "Remember, you recommended me to her?"
"I don't know who you are," Minsero shook his head violently. "I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE!"
There was a soft, rose-colored light that leapt from Egalius's hands to Dres Minsero, calming him down, but he continued to mutter, "Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? Who are you?"
"Magister Zadion visits Sera Dres Minsero every day, sometimes twice a day," Egalius Soccutus said to Loranna, his voice low. "And Minsero still doesn't know who he is, or what he's doing here ... Magister Zadion actually asked me today if I knew of any asylums in Summerset which would treat him well, and might know of a cure ..."
Sheogorath
The Temple of Healers, Ald Raathim
Zadion looked back at Loranna, with equally sorrowful eyes. In fact, Loranna could see with Zadion and Minsero next to one another, with eyes of desperation, how similar the Altmer and the Dunmer looked. Their brows and the shape of their eyes were identical, even if their eye colors were not.
"Egalius says they may be able to help him in Artaeum," Zadion said quietly. "That is the only hope ... that, or time ..."
Sheogorath
The Temple of the Healers, Ald Raathim
"I think he will like it in Summerset," Zadion smiled through tears. "He did like it years ago, when he met a young Altmer sorceress there, my mother ... It will not be a strange place to him, no more than here, when he recovers."
Sheogorath
The Temple of the Healers, Ald Raathim
"By Stendarr's blessing, that will be soon," said Egalius Soccitus, eager to move on, and get a drink.
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Dawn
Another half day's journey over the river ended with the sun rising over a bend in the river, its light blindingly bright, caught in the silver and crystalline prisms of the by now familiar skyline of Firsthold. Quilge's skiff joined other boats coming in from the straits to the west, forming a virtual armada of fishing boats entering the urban waterways of the city. The quietude of the country was replaced with the cries of sailors hailing one another in familiar and sometimes profane terms.
Quilge brought his boat to dock, and accepted payment for the trip.
"Now we go on to my parents' house," Lady Glacia Rysleire said, stepping onto the low walkway along the riverside. She was trying to be brave, but in her heart, she was imagining not only her parents being home, but also Count Terilite ... and a host of Dark Brotherhood assassins.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
When the Duchess returned to her home, her seneschal Kallen sought her out. He had a letter with him.
"This is something you should see, your Grace," he said, frowning just a touch.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Kallen had read the letter. As trusted as he was, Loranna let him read all her correspondence. When he handed it to her, she noted that the broken seal was the mark of House Indoril.
The letter read:
To her Grace, Dutchess Loranna Pyrel;
It has come under my knowlage that you are sending fowarth an expedition against the king of Worms. There are few things worse in this world that the Tyranny of Hesleth, but the King of Worms is one of them. I would like to offer any support I can give, troops or weapons I would gladly give to rid the world of such evil.
I hope to hear from you soon
Yours truly
Councillor Indoril Faryon, Councillor House Indoril, Governer of Kragenmoor
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Summerset
"I don't know if Thrandra will come with you, just based on your assurances that you're my friends," Glacia frowned. "I might need to come along ... Besides, I don't know where in Firsthold I'd be safe without you."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"That is what I've been wondering, your Grace," Kallen nodded. "I'm perplexed. If it is a trap, it is a strange one. I think there's a distinct possibility it may be an honest offer."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Summerset
As they talked, they could hear applause coming from the town.
"It's the theater festival beginning," Glacia said. "My parents and the Count will be there ... And no one should be at the house except servants."
As the sun rose, there were more expensive pleasure crafts that were pulling to the dock. Well-to-do Altmer disembarked chatting with one another. Apparently, Baloth-Kul's new play would be debuting.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Glacia grinned, but it was a nervous grin.
The group skirted the edge of the city, trying to stay a distance away from the palace grounds where the theater festival was being held. It was like working one's way against the current of a strong river, but soon, they found themselves in the elegant residential boulevard where Rysleire Manor stood.
Glacia looked it, shivering a little, and then summoned up her courage, walking forward to knock on the front door.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The door opened, and for a moment Thrandra and Glacia just looked at one another, and then the servant girl grabbed her in a tight embrace.
"What are you doing back here?" Thrandra cried. "It isn't safe –"
"I'm here with my friends," Glacia replied, gesturing to the four behind her. "How would you like to go with us to Ald –"
Glacia stopped speaking, and slumped forward as Thrandra tried to keep her from falling.
"My lady?!" Thrandra cried. "My lady!"
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Gram immediately spotted them in the trees, clad in black. Assassins. At least ten of them, dropping down into the front garden of the Rysleire Manor like leaving, swords and whips flashing out.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
A tiny quill, scarcely bigger that a hair, was sticking in Glacia's arm.
She was breathing, it was only a knock-out drug in her.
The assassins came closer as Reeds's poured the potion in Glacia's mouth, and Thrandra screamed.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
Glacia coughed, her eyes fluttering open. Thrandra grabbed her around the arms, dragging her into the house, away from the assassins.
"Step away from the girl," a dark, deep voice came from the first assassin, spinning his whip around to the left and right. "We aren't being paid extra for blood."
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The assassin that Reeds was addressing had nothing to say, but groaned as he lay on the lawn. Another assassin ran to him with glowing blue hands to heal him.
The assassin dodged Isidor's axe swing, and fell against Reeds, to knock him off-balance, pushing him towards the open door.
Thrandra had pulled Glacia into the foyer and was calling for help. The sound of servants' footsteps could be heard from within.
The assassin dodged Erenius's blow unsteadily, caught a bit off balance by having his whip snapped in half while it was taut.
Of the nine remaining assassins (not counting the one Isidor and Gram both swung at who fell into Reeds, the one with his guts out, the one healing him, and the one caught off balance by Erenius), five ran directly for the open door, two (both with swords) went for Isidor and Gram, and two (one with a barbed whip, one with a sword) charged at Erenius.
"Get inside!" Thrandra cried out.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The assassin Reeds is on top of knees the Argonian, trying to throw him off.
Four servants, a thin maid, a thinner valet, and two burlier handy men run into the foyer from all directions, staring at Lady Glacia groggily getting to her feet, staring at the Argonian and the assassin wrestling on the floor, staring at the big Nord blocking the door with his shield.
A powerful volley of blows reigned against Gram's shield. They may not be able to split the shield, but by sheer force, they could push their way in.
"The kitchen door!" Thrandra cried, pulling at the heroes. "Hurry, before they circle around!"
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Manor
"I meant," Thrandra shouts, supporting Glacia. "We should escape through the kitchen door! That's the Plan B!"
"What's happening?" the valet cried. "Lady Glacia, are you all right?"
"We can go out through the stables ..." Glacia murmurs.
The two brawnier servants ran to help Gram with the shield against the door.
Thrandra began pulling Glacia towards the back of the manor and the stables. "All right, Plan C ..."
Sheogorath
Firsthold, Rysleire Manor
Thrandra shakes her head. "Only five."
"What is going on here?!" one of the brawny servants shouts, holding onto the pounding door. "Who are these people?! Who are you?!"
"The guards will be here any moment!" the valet cries. "Leave us alone!"
He grabs at Lady Glacia, who slaps his hand away.
Sheogorath
Rysleire Manor, Firsthold
Thrandra leads the group through a courtyard to the well-appointed stables, where five beautiful horses were housed. Only one of the servants followed them, the thin maid who kept wailing. "What are you doing? Who are you? What do we tell the master?"
Glacia ignored her. "Take the alley, and go left. We'll be going towards the theater festival, but away from the assassins ..."
Thrandra ran to the gates to throw open the bolt.
Sheogorath
Rysleire Manor, Firsthold
The skinny Altmer maid weighs less than Gram's favorite sword and is easily scooped up, even while she struggles and screams.
The gates are flung open and everyone runs for a horse.
"Um," Thrandra says. "It's worth mentioning now, that I don't know how to ride ..."
From down the alleyway came the sound of running footsteps, coming closer, from the right, just where Glacia said the assassins would be ...
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The horse behind Reeds is fortunately occupied by Isidor, so Thrandra clings to him and shuts her eyes as the four horses (one with Reeds and Glacia, one with Gram and the shrieking struggling skinny maid, one with Isidor and Thrandra, and one with just Erenius) charge left down the alleyway. One assassin is immediately trampled by them, and the rest give chase.
The alleyway opens to the main boulevard where there is a parade in progress. The four horses leap over marching soldiers in a mad dash for the Mages Guild.
Sheogorath
Firsthold
The soldiers in the parade turned against the four horses and their riders, and the only route open was through a tent just off the royal park.
At that moment, Baloth-Kul's play was reaching its climax. In a dark, haunted house, two actors were huddled together, whispering. The audience, enraptured, was leaning forward to hear every line.
At that moment, the four horses broke through the set and galloped up the aisle to screams and applause.
Hours later, the playwright, well-pleased, took all the credit.
On the other side of the tent was the small plaza that contained the Mages Guild of Firsthold.
Sheogorath
"Please," the skinny maid whispered, grabbing Reeds, still unsteady from the ride. "Please, let me go ..."
Glacia turned to her, and handed her a few gold coins. "Stay here and send word back to my parents' house that you're here. They'll make sure you're safe."
She looked at Reeds, smiled, and turned to the Guild Guide. "I'm sorry, my friend misprounced it. Alcaire."
"Ah, High Rock," the Guild Guide smiled. It was the Altmer woman they had interrogated before. "Good thing you corrected him. I almost sent you to Morrowind."
Sheogorath
Mages Guild, Alcaire
"Let's make it at least a little difficult to track us," Glacia explained, as she, Reeds, Gram, Thrandra, Erenius, and Isidor arrived. "Six for Senchal, please."
The heroes popped around Tamriel for quite some time before arriving at last in Ald Raathim.
S'reddit
Ald Raathim
None of the trips through different capitols where there was a Mages Guild was very long. The heroes would step out onto the streets for a few minutes, perhaps for a walk of a few block to get a sense of the place. At a few key locations, they paused long enough for a drink in the local tavern.
Glacia and Thrandra held each other's hand and gasped at the sights, large and small. The Altmer had never travelled but a few miles away from Firsthold in their lives, and they had questions about everything. Their knowledge varied from astonishingly astute, as befits people who read a lot, to amazingly wrong-headed, as befits people who have never been anywhere.
In Skyrim, they quizzed Gram and Isidor about everything. Erenius showed them where he was stationed in Elsweyr, as well as showing them the wonders of the Imperial City, while Reeds showed them the quieter charms of Bruma.
Glacia also asked many questions about the life and people of Ald Raathim.
Thrandra had already made up her mind. She was going to be the head housemaid either at the Duchess's palace or the Nymph and Noggin.
"Either will be lucky to have me," she said confidently, and then she told a dirty joke so no one would think she was stuck up.
Glacia seemed less sure of her future, but swore it didn't bother her.
Finally, they arrived in Ald Raathim, and stepping out of the Mages Guild, they wanted to see everything. The Arena. The Village Green. The Resolution of Zenithar. The Nymph and Noggin. The Royal Fortresses. The Bay. The House of Dibella (said Thrandra, giggling). The Castle of the Duchess.
"Or is that not what people do?" Glacia asked, carefully. "I mean regular people don't go to see the Duchess, do they? I'm no one."
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, tavernkeeper of the Nymph and Noggin, and new mother is working with her brother-in-law at the tavern. Her adventuring husband Isidor should be arriving back from Firsthold anytime.
Zadion, magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is dividing his time between the Guild house, where is gathering resources to fight Mannimarco and preparing for his own replacement, and the Temple of Healers, where he visits his father, Dres Minsero.
Glacia Rysleire and Thrandra, Altmer women out of Summerset for the first times in their lives, are getting the full tour of Ald Raathim.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
The Nymph area was quiet. When Isidor entered, the barmaids who were serving the few customers present told him Kethiah was next door at the Noggin, dealing with a fight.
Entering the rougher tavern, he found that the fight was over. There was a broken table, a couple bloody noses, but Kethiah was lecturing the group. It was obvious that the majority of the bloody noses had been inflicted by her.
"Oh, hello, darling," she said, jumping into his arms and kissing him. "You're back early!"
The patrons looked at one other, and sullenly got back to drinking.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I'm not still mad, no," Kethiah grinned. "I told you I was angry at the time, and that's it. But you said it might be a week or two, and it's only been a couple days, so right now, I'm happy. How was it? Did Reeds get the girl? Eodir is upstairs with Ingmar, Tyradil and Tilitalia are at school ..."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was an appreciative audience, laughing at the image both of the wild ride through Firsthold and of Erenius barricading the door Thrandra meant for them to use to escape. ("The stables were better anyhow, clearly," she added.)
"'Nice to get out of the tavern occasionally,' I'll bet," she laughed at the end. "So, you wouldn't mind if I left suddenly, leaving you to care of the tavern and the children?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah shook hands with Glacia and Thrandra.
"So, you're the damsels-in-distress who took my husband away," she joked.
"We were indeed in distress," Glacia smiled. "Thank you for loaning him."
"You weren't the first and you won't be the last," Kethiah replied. "Come, let's go to the Nymph side of the tavern. I think you'll find it more comfortable."
"I like it here," Thrandra grinned, winking at one of the soldiers, but following the group to the more refines environs of the Nymph.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Off on various quests dealing with the situation with Geht," Kethiah replied. "Unfortunately, I'm a little out of the loop on information right now ..."
She turned to Thrandra. "So, you're looking for work?"
"Yes," Thrandra nodded. "I was head housekeeper at the Rysleire Manor in Firsthold. I think I can handle working here, or at the castle ..."
"Why don't I show you around?"
Kethiah and Thrandra walked off to take a tour of the Nymph and Noggin, while the others stayed in the Nymph to order drinks.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"I've given thought to nothing else," Glacia laughs, taking the drink from Reeds. "Thank you. I keep thinking about it, and it's terrifying. I have no skills of any practical kind to earn a living with. No place to live. I hardly know one anyone. But I'm glad to be here, very glad."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Glacia smiled. "She should know that my vocational training thus far in life had consisted of going to parties, dancing, and making conversation. I have never so much as picked up a sword, or learned the simplest magical spell. I was expected to marry, have children, and train them to be equally useful members of society."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"To the aristocracy of Firsthold, nothing is truly friendly beneath the surface," Glacia shook her head. "It's all a game, and it's a vicious one ... We learn about music and art and poetry in order to mask our intentions. I suppose it's politics as usual the world over."
Sheogorath
Glacia looks surprised. "Please, don't think I'm being modest, your Grace ... I really have no other skills besides --"
"Pleased to meet you, your Grace, Serjo Kena Slyvos Araberith," Glacia smiled, bowing to Slyvos. "All my gratitude to you and your wife for giving me shelter in your wonderful city."
Sheogorath
Nymph and Noggin
"Truly?" Glacia's eyes lit up. "By Auriel, that would be wonderful! I've been quizzing Reeds, Erenius, Gram, and Isidor about everything about Ald Raathim, and it really wouldn't take me long to learn the details. You do have so much going on, keeping relations with Mournhold and the Imperial City ... I should meet with your seneschal Kallen right away, yes?"
Sheogorath
Glacia turned to look at Reeds, wondering what he was thinking. He almost sounded angry ... At her? A line of worry rose on her forehead. The last thing she wanted was for Reeds to be unhappy, just after having saved her life ...
"You're inspiring a lot of trust in me, your Grace," Glacia said, turning to her. "I don't have any preferences about accomedation. Whatever is most convenient for my responsibilities ... I'd say the castle if there was room, but maybe close to the Village Green since the Mages Guild, Imperial Embassy, and everything is there ..."
Sheogorath
"That'd be wonderful, and the location would certainly be convenient," Glacia replies smiling. "The only thing I'd be worried about is whether it'd be a problem to bring representatives of the Empire and the King of Morrowind in and out of a room above a bookstore ... Maybe I live there, and have an office at the castle or somewhere else in the village for meetings? What do you think, your Grace?"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Kallen came to the door.
"Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah is here to speak with you," he said.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Morgiah stepped into the study. "Not on my account, my dear."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Morgiah took Loranna's hands, but did not smile. "You can tell me how the plans are developing towards destroying Mannimarco and rescuing my son, your Grace."
Sheogorath
"I don't see what they would have to gain by lying to us," Morgiah replied. "The Indoril and Redoran are sanctimonious buffoons, but they wouldn't ally themselves with the King of Worms. What I want to know is, how soon are we going to go to Scourg Barrow, and what can I do to aid the effort?"
Sheogorath
"I will make certain that they do as needed when it's needed," Morgiah nodded. "The House of Mournhold and the House of Sentinel will surely lend their aid as well ... So, is it my understanding that the plan is to send a smaller group, made invulnerable to the death aura by the Hist sap, into Scourg Barrow, and then do what is needed to end the death aura so the larger army of the Mages Guild, the Temples, the Alliance, and whatever Imperial and Royal armies we can assemble comes in?"
Sheogorath
"His sword?" Morgiah frowned, thinking. "You mean that blade the Psijics gave him? I didn't realize he still held onto it ... You think giving him back his sword will cause him to abandon his allegiance to Mannimarco? It won't just make him a more powerful adversary against you?"
Sheogorath
Castle Darun
"You mean Taolle?" Morgiah replied, looking surprised. "She still lives. Probably not up to stomping through the death auras of the King of Worms, but ..."
Sheogorath
"Perhaps," Morgiah frowned. "But his love for Rinalla was not so great to prevent him from actively trying to kill her in Firsthold ... I'm not sure if a token would be more powerful if she herself was not able to subvert his intentions."
The former queen of Firsthold sighed. "I'm sorry, Loranna. This disaster is largely my doing, and I come here demanding solutions from you ... I was just hoping that you had a definite plan for saving him, and I was disappointed that you don't. I don't mean to be a monster, I've just had a lot of practice at it."
Sheogorath
"That's for certain," Morgiah nodded, but her mood didn't lift. "Well, I should go and assert myself on the various factions involved, so at least they are prepared to jump when we tell them to ... By the way, there's a girl in town, an Altmer, who looks very familiar to me ... Someone from Firsthold?"
Sheogorath
"Ah, I knew I recognized her, even with those horrible clothes," Morgiah smiled a little. "You must get her a new wardrobe if she's to be your adjunct. I mean, nothing to outshine you, of course, but you can't have the Duchess of Ald Raathim represented by a girl in traveling rags ... If you'd like, I can have her accompany me to the Mages Guild, the Embassy, and all the other places so she meets the people who matter."
Sheogorath
"An admirable idea," Morgiah nodded. "Let us make your protege shine."
The women stepped out into Ald Raathim to begin their good work.
Sheogorath
Ald Raathim
Glacia, Morgiah, and Loranna went to the tailors, and then Morgiah and Glacia went on to the Imperial Embassy, the Mages Guild, and the Temples of the city, to introduce Glacia as the Duchess's ambassador. Loranna noted that Glacia treated Morgiah with the same deference that would be afforded a Queen, though she always got her new title quite correct as well. The Altmer, though young, was very serious about her duties, and the importance of the mission against Mannimarco.
The wardrobe bought for Glacia initially was very "mainland Morrowind" for lack of a better word. Glacia felt that in time she could buy outfits that would allow her to fit in at court in the Imperial City, Mournhold, or wherever her work took her, but she must look the part of the representative of Ald Raathim always.
Sheogorath
Summary
After a long day buying new outfits for her duties as Ald Raathim's adjunct and meeting with the important factions within the region with Hlaalu Morgiah, Glacia Rysleire makes her way back to Reeds's shop. She is aware that he is upset about something, but is too excited about the possibilities of her new future to think about it much ... Until she is at the doorstep.
Glacia steps into the shop, and looks to Reeds with a shy smile. "Is everything all right?"
Sheogorath
"That would be nice," Glacia smiles. "Are you sure everything's all right? You seemed a little tense at the Nymph and Noggin ... not that I should assume that has anything to do with me, but you want to talk about it?"
She looked around the room. "Oh, Reeds, it's charming."
Sheogorath
"The uniform of the office of ambassador," Glacia grinned. "I can hardly believe it ... Just a few hours ago, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, and now I have more work and more responsibilities than I could have imagined ... Speaking of which, are you the only person who works in the bookstore? Is it just closed when you're out of town?"
Sheogorath
"Seems like you could use an assistant," Glacia said. "At least when I'm not doing my work as Loranna's adjunct ... I'm a voracious reader. That's about the only thing I could do in Firsthold to get away."
Sheogorath
Glacia hugged him back. "Well, I can't do much else to thank you for saving me. I still can't believe you just showed up in Bourrill like that."
Sheogorath
"I'm afraid I'm going to be frightfully bored then," Glacia laughed, but then grew more serious. "Are you going to be going to Scourg Barrow?"
Sheogorath
"I'm helping organizing the front against Mannimarco, and I didn't know if you were going to be involved," Glacia nodded. "I'm relieved that you're not."
Sheogorath
"I think that a number of the people here are going to be going there," Glacia frowned. "And you're right, it will be life-risking. I'm afraid many of your friends won't be coming back ... People you love. I don't even know, do you have wife or a significant other?"
Sheogorath
Glacia looked startled, and then sat down. "How could you? You don't even know me."
Sheogorath
"I could understand that you like me," Glacia said, a tear running down her face. "I like you very, very much ... I need ... some air ..."
Glacia walked slowly out of the bookstore.
Sheogorath
"No," Glacia shook her head, wiping her tears. "I've been an idiot."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Glacia nodded, and the two of them made their way to the Nymph and Noggin. The Altmer ordered a mazte, as she was trying to develop a taste for all things Morrowind.
"It's Reeds," she said after a moment. "I should have recognized it from the beginning, but I don't Argonians well, what their emotions are ... He says he's in love with me."
Sheogorath
Glacia shook her head. "I told him I really liked him a lot, which I do, but I don't think I know him at all. Everything I know about him is wonderful, but ... I don't want to reject him, I don't want to lead him on, I don't want to be less that completely grateful that he saved me, I don't want him to be afraid to tell me his feelings ... It's horrible. Here I am, Loranna's adjunct, supposed to deal with sensitive diplomatic issues, and I don't know how to talk to Reeds."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I wouldn't tell him I love him unless I do," Glacia nodded, and another tear formed in her eye. "He's given me a place to stay, and I told him I'd help him in the bookstore, but now ... I don't know if it's going to be too uncomfortable for him for me to be there, or it'd be worse for me to find somewhere else to live ..."
Thrandra came down with Kethiah, and seeing Glacia and Isidor at the table, joined them.
"What's happened?" she asked.
Glacia shook her head, wiping her eyes, and then looked at Isidor. "I hate to drag you into this, but would you talk to him? Just make sure he's all right?"
Sheogorath
Glacia gave Isidor a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for caring about me and my problems again."
Sheogorath
The Resolution of Zenithar
The vast temple complex dedicated to commerce was nearly completed. There were already decorations within, antiquities illustrating commerce and agriculture, profit and loss, allegorically represented. As befitting such a temple, it was opulent, gold and silver and ebony glistening on the walls.
Alas and Alack welcomed one of their agents, a particularly well-connected merchant, and he told them his tale, which underscored a similar tale told by another agent.
"Well," said Alas. "We best tell Her Graceness before everyone's talking about it on the docks."
"Let us proceed with alacritude," Alack agreed.
The Khajiit set off to the castle to find Loranna.
Sheogorath
"In and out, in and out, you're --" Alack began.
"Not now," snapped Alas. "First, the Dutchessa should knows there's been a battle. The Altmer fleet splashed into the Inner Sea, and the Alliance met them. A huge armada of Indoril and Redoran ships, staggering belief, like a storm of death --"
"Not now," Alack snapped. "Just tell 'er."
"Oh," Alas said. "We wons."
Sheogorath
"Two days be the estimate," Alas replied.
"As for how they did it," Alack shrugged. "The best beats the most. Casualties is pretty high, especially for the Alliance. They doesn't want to retreat, you know."
Sheogorath
"Not so big, but ... You know that fella Indoril Faryon?" Alas asked.
"Indoril fella by the name of Faryon?" Alack added. "Apparently, he's be touring around quite a bit. Got confirmation he's gone to the Imperial City to meet with Ebel, the Emperor's middle kid. And then he went to Wayrest to meet with Elysana what's there."
"And we met yer new emissary, Glacia," Alas said.
"Has you already 'interviewed' her thoroughly?" Alack asked. "And if not, can we at least watch?"
Sheogorath
Alas and Alack nodded. There were two known agents of the Queen of Wayrest in Ald Raathim, and they were regularly watched to see who they talked to. The Spymasters had considered approaching them to see if they would turn double-agent, but they wanted to wait first to see if they had anything that could be used on them -- a skooma addiction, some strange behavior at the House of Dibella, perhaps a little light Daedra worship, but so far nothing had come to light.
After some brief veiled discussion of appropriate interviewing techniques, the Khajiits moved on to their duties.
S'reddit
Thrandra told him where to find her. She was just finishing a meeting with the Imperial Ambassador, and was on her way from the Village Green.
"I told her to meet me here afterwards," Thrandra said. "Would Reeds mind if I talked to him, you think?"
S'reddit
"Well then I better talk to him," Thrandra winced. She walked over to Reeds's table. "Glacia's on her way. I was hoping I might have a word with you first?"
S'reddit
"I'm a servant, milord. I speak sarcasm," Thrandra smiled a little and sat down. "I'm upset because my best friend is upset. And she's upset because she's made you upset. So it seems to me that we need to make you happy so we can all be happy. You're quite sure you're in love with her?"
S'reddit
"I'm biased because she's my best friend, but you're right, she is wonderful," Thrandra replied, looking at Reeds with sharp eyes. "Were you under the impression that she loved you too before you told her?"
S'reddit
"That's good," Thrandra nodded. "Though it certainly confirms what Glacia fears, that she led you on. Just think of it from her perspective for a moment. You're being forced into a marriage to someone you don't love. A stranger appears who tells you that you don't have to do it. You're inspired by this, and escape ... and then it turns out the stranger wants you for himself. You're still grateful for all he's done for you --"
Glacia appeared in the doorway, and walked over to the table.
"Please, just stop," the Altmer said quietly. She was dressed for meeting Diano Asprenas in a simple yet elegant dark dress which set off her golden skin and hair. "Thank you, Thrandra, but I should have talked about this with Reeds instead of running out like I did ... Would you leave us alone?"
Thrandra nodded, and walked away, while Glacia took her seat.
S'reddit
"Like I said, I'm sorry for running away like that," Glacia said, looking at the table. "I owe you more than that. I owe you my life. I was just so surprised, and I couldn't tell someone I am so fond of that I don't share the depth of his feelings right now ... It just wasn't a confrontation I was prepared to have. I understand that I hurt you, and I hate myself for that."
S'reddit
"You weren't an idiot," Glacia looked up, smiling a little. "I am so flattered that you feel that way towards me. Maybe in time, once I get to know you more, and myself more, I'll feel the same."
She frowned. "But there is also the possibility, I won't. Can we still be friends if I never do fall in love with you?"
S'reddit
"I can't imagine anything which would make me less happy than never seeing you," Glacia frowned. "I want to stay in the room at your bookstore, and help you as an assistant like I said. Nothing's changed for me, but would that be hard for you, having me work and live so close, but knowing that, right now, I am not in love with you? Honestly, Reeds?"
S'reddit
"You always tell me the truth," Glacia smiled. "From Firsthold to Ald Raathim, you have been honest, and I truly am grateful for that ... Then it's agreed, I'll stay at your bookshop and help you with it when I'm not doing my duties for Loranna. And you must tell me if it gets too difficult, and we'll make other arrangements then. Deal?"
S'reddit
Glacia laughed, and Reeds could see a great weight had been lifted off of her. If it were true that she wasn't in love with him, it was obviously equally true that she cared about him a great deal.
As the food arrived, the conversation turned to other matters: books, business, and the Imperial ambassador who, when Glacia had made certain no one was listening, she compared to a finicky water buffalo.
Sheogorath
Summary
Kethiah, ex-assassin, tavernkeeper, and new mother is at the Nymph and Noggin, dividing her time between work and caring for her new son with her husband Isidor, Eodir.
Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers, "priests" of Zenithar, the Duchess's import/export agents (and secretly, her Spymasters) are at the Resolution of Zenithar, compiling reports on the war and the arrival of the Altmer ships.
Glacia Rysleire, displaced Altmer noble and the Duchess's new diplomat envoy has had a conversation with Reeds about their feelings for one another, and is dividing her time between learning how the bookshop works, and preparing for the battle against Mannimarco with Hlaalu Morgiah.
Hlaalu Morgiah, former Queen of Firsthold and sister of the King of Morrowind, is in Ald Raathim, but is preparing to leave for Sentinel to help organize the battle where it will occur.
Letter sent today by fast courier
Serjo Indoril Faryon, Governor of Kragenmoor,
I have recently been honored by the Duchess of Ald Raathim, Her Grace Sera Dres Loranna Pyrel, and appointed her diplomatic envoy, and as such it falls to me to reply to your letter offering assistance in the battle against our mutual foe, Mannimarco, the so-called King of Worms. It would indeed be in our best interests, and in the interest of all of Morrowind and Tamriel, to lay aside our arms against one another, and face this threat as brothers.
Might I suggest a meeting on neutral territory? The district of Tel Dresori, as you know, lies in ruins and is uninhabited. I have been informed that in its center is a temple that survived the cataclysm that befell it, a temple dedicated to St. Meris, a monument to cooperation between the Houses.
Our plans to do battle with the Worm King are nearing fruition, and it would be best for us to meet soon if the offer still stands.
Yours respectfully,
Glacia Rysliere of Ald Raathim
Sheogorath
Tel Dresori
The fires had long since burned out, but the wind blew black ash billowing up over the shroud that covered the former plantation and city of Dres Minsero. Glacia Rysleire arrived at the ruins of the Mages Guild, accompanied by two others. A Dunmer sorceress named Xyllina who could activate the Guild transport system, and a Dunmer priest of the Tribunal Temple, Kena Nerim.
The three walked silently through the desolation until they arrived at the Temple of St. Meris. It was as Xyllina remembered: a somber sepulcher containing the remains of the saint, and basreliefs of the Houses, showing peace through cooperation. They hoped the symbolism would prove prophetic as they waited for their enemies in the Civil War of Morrowind to arrive.
Sheogorath
Tel Dresori
Glacia bowed. "Glacia Rysleire, envoy of the Duchess of Ald Raathim," she said. "These are not henchmen, my lord. Kena Xyllina represents the Mages Guild, and is here as an interested neutral party, as well as someone who survived the devastation here. And Kena Nerim represents the Temple, on whose grounds we are meeting. If you would prefer to meet without them, they can be dismissed. I meant no disrespect for asking them to come along."
Sheogorath
"The Duchess was surprised and delighted to receive your letter," Glacia replied, and then began explaining what was known about the situation in Scourg Barrow, the death aura that stretched across Ephesus, and the parties who had volunteered their assistance. She explained that Loranna and the heroes were finding a method of combatting this aura, and that a combined army of the various parties was being organized to take position in the Dragontail mountain to move against Mannimarco when the defenses were done.
"It will be a dangerous mission," the diplomat said simply. "And we will gratefully accept any help you can give."
Sheogorath
"Will you be going into battle against Mannimarco yourself, my lord?" Glacia asked. "And will you be able to transport your troops to Sentinel yourself, or do you need assistance in that?"
Sheogorath
Tel Dresori
"And to think he's one of the more decent members of the Alliance," Glacia grimaced, looking to Xyllina and the priest. "Well, let us finish what we came to do."
The three went down into the final resting place of St Meris, as the priest of the Temple began his prayers ...
In an hour, they were back in the Mages Guild of Ald Raathim, with the blades of St Meris in hand. Glacia Rysleire set off for the castle.
Sheogorath
Kallen found her in the dining room.
"Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah asked to see you," he said. "Shall I tell her you're indisposed right now?"
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Can I help you?" Kethiah asked him, politely, not recognizing him.
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Morgiah met Loranna in her study a few minutes later. The former Queen of Firsthold was dressed in an elaborate gown of red and gold which cried of wealth and taste, and a deep decolletage which whispered of more. She wore a lavender-colored veil as well. Not the sign of mourning, Loranna knew. It was the sort of things well-bred women often wore in Hammerfell.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"B'vek!" Kethiah stared and then laughed, a little nervously. "Shaka?"
She held up a candlelight up to him. "I can't believe it. You did it."
Sheogorath
"B'vek," Kethiah said again, shaking her head and smiling. "I have to confess, I halfway forgot about this personal quest of yours ... Wasn't there something you had to sacrifice for it? Your grotto where we had the wedding?"
She poured him his stout. "How does it feel? I was going to say it looks good on you, but that sounds like I'm talking about a new cloak, not a new you. But it does. It suits you."
Sheogorath
Kethiah looked at Shaka confusedly as he explained what he did. "I don't understand. You gave up your love of Anya for the transformation? Isn't that much harder than giving up your land?"
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"Thank you," Morgiah smiled. "I am leaving for Sentinel now. I think your protege Glacia is more than capable of organizing things here, but she needs someone to set things into motion near Ephesus. I'm going to meet with Lhotun. He apparently remembers me from years ago, though he was only a little boy when I left the Iliac Bay for Firsthold."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"So the goddess wanted nothing in return for the gift," Kethiah asked. "That's extraordinary. I'm glad you were able to keep it, but it was quite a gamble. You must have been terrified."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
"She didn't," Glacia said, stepping into the room. "We have the swords, and we have a pledge from Faryon for fifty troops. Rather officious fellow. He was so offended by me being there instead of you, and for me having other people with me, he left even before I had a chance to give him the present of peace you were offering."
Glacia put the sash down on Loranna's desk.
"But we have his pledge. He is sending his men to Sentinel straight away. So I suppose mission is accomplished."
Sheogorath
"I'm sorry for all the questions. In Morrowind, it is the Daedra, not the Aedra we're used to, and when they ask for sacrifices, they do not give you things for free," Kethiah said, smiling. "But even if you lost both of your loves, it would be worth it to be yourself at last."
Sheogorath
Castle Daruhn
Morgiah chuckled, looking into Loranna's eyes. "Pray, don't force on me a gift that was rejected by the Indoril. Now, I should go. I hope to see you both in Sentinel in a few days."
The former Queen left with a bow.
"She seems to think you're going to Sentinel too," Glacia frowned.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Kethiah laughed. "Sorry to be so suspicious. I hope you can teach Eodir a little of the faith that is obviously lacking from the poor lad's mother."
Then she turned to Isidor with a wink. "Don't start thinking you can go to Dibella and ask her to make you into a sload, and offer my love as sacrifice, sweetheart."
Sheogorath
"I would love to go to Sentinel as well," Glacia sighed. "But I can see now that it would be best for me to stay behind, and help Kallen keep things running smoothly. Not to mention run Reeds's bookshop. He swears he isn't going on this adventure, but I bet when he sees that all his friends are going that he'll change his mind."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Well, it would be easier to keep you at home," Kethiah laughed. "I presume you're intending to go to Scourg Barrow, my husband?"
Sheogorath
"That someone is me," Glacia smiled. "If you don't think you're up for the trip, of course I'll do it, but I suspect there will be just as much work here as there is there, if not more. I suggest if you feel up to it, you go to Sentinel, ask for a few extra silk pillows for your comfort, and be at hand for the attack. My need to see the world can wait."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Oh, really?" Kethiah looked surprised. "Well, we can talk about it. I don't want to deprive you of a chance for an epic adventure, Isidor ... And I daresay they could use you both."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"I'd be heartbroken," Kethiah replied softly, and her eyes said she meant it, no joking. "But I told you before, I knew when I married you, I was getting an adventurer, not a tavernkeeper. The only thing I don't want is for you to avoid a quest because you want to please me, and then getting unhappy or bored, and blaming me as a result."
Sheogorath
"Of course, your Grace, I know just where we're going," Glacia said, and the two ladies walked to the Nymph and Noggin.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"I'm being serious and wonderful and self-sacrificing!" Kethiah exclaimed, her frown turning into a giggle. "How dare you, you cad ... All right, stay, but remember -- I fully expect you to wander from time to time. I just don't want you to do it without discussing it with me first."
She heard a tiny cry, almost indistinct to anyone but a mother, from upstairs, telling her that Eodir was awake and hungry.
Kethiah gave Isidor a quick kiss and hurried upstairs, just as Loranna and Glacia came into the tavern.
Sheogorath
"You assume correctly," Glacia nodded, not smiling, and looking to the Redguard who had addressed Loranna so flippantly. "Sir, this is the Duchess of Ald Raathim. Show respect."
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Alas and Alack, the Khajiiti dressed in their ecumenical finery, also entered the Nymph and Noggin.
"The fleet is arrived," Alas said.
"And there was a dragon sighted over Makiburea, Totambu, Hammerfell," Alack added. "And then there be no more Makiburea, Totambu, Hammerfell."
Sheogorath
"My apologies, Shaka," Glacia said, frowning. "I did not know it was you."
Her curious expression turned serious again as the talk turned to battle.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
"Running away be also an option," Alas added.
"So be kissing your [censored] goodbye," Alack offered.
Sheogorath
The Nymph and Noggin
Glacia glared at the Khajiiti before speaking.
"You will not be going alone," the Altmer said. "The finest knights of the Imperial army, the royal army of Morrowind, the royal army of Sentinel, the Mages Guild, the Tribunal Temple and the Temple of the Eight will also be there ... and even some from the Indoril Redoran Alliance. Not every threat must be personally defeated by you heroes."
Sheogorath
"With enormous certinitude, sera," Alas said. "Has you any talents, like being delicious to dragons?"
"Or zombies?" Alack added.
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"I'll be the judge of that," Alas winked.
"Your intelligence is useful, your jokes not so," Glacia said, looking towards Alas and Alack. "This is a very serious quest."
Sheogorath
"The plan as I understand it," Glacia said quietly. "Is to bring in a group of heroes, anointed against Mannimarco's death aura, to Scourg Barrow. The armies will wait on the periphery, and wait for the signal that the King of Worms's defenses are down. And then the archlich will be destroyed utterly."
Sheogorath
Glacia said nothing, but merely watched. These heroes had accomplished great things, and she herself was new to the group. Their ways worked for them, clearly.
But still, to offer Spellbreaker or one of the swords of St Meris to someone who didn't know what it was?
Sheogorath
"Also, as I said, there will soldiers of the Indoril and Redoran Alliance fighting with the army," Glacia added. "We think they will be honorable, but if they prove treacherous, you cannot use the swords of St Meris against a knight of one of the Houses. To do so would be to invite calamity."
Sheogorath
"There is also Ingmar, Slashes, Dar'Tessir ..." Glacia rattled off the names of the other heroes she had met in town. She blushed a moment when she thought of Reeds Saloat. She had talked him out of volunteering, but she wondered if that was wise. They could use him, no doubt.
Sheogorath
The tavern had filled up with the usual crowd of merchants and aristocrats, locals and visitors, and Alas and Alack, not being much good at planning battles, had drifted away from the group to chat with the others in the tavern. Apparently, there was something interesting going on, by the sound of the buzz.
Alack and Alas, intrigued by something they had heard, stepped out of the Nymph and Noggin.
Sheogorath
"A naked woman?" a merchant was chuckling. "Where?"
"Three naked women," a shocked merchant was saying. "Came a-wanderin' out of the woods and into the village. A girl, a grown woman, and an old crone ..."
"Coulda done without seeing that old crone," a farmer sighed.
"Why? Who are they, and why ain't they got any clothes on?" a barmaid asked.
"Wrong in the head," the merchant replied. "Egalius Soccotus better lock 'em up in the Temple of Healers is all I can say ..."
Sheogorath
If her aim were to catch them before anyone else saw them, she was too late. She merely followed the crowds to the Village Green, where the three women were surrounded by a moving circle of locals, whispering and wondering as the followed the three naked women in their somewhat rambling wanderings.
It was the three witches from the woods, who tended the shrine of Nirn. The merchant who said they were "wrong in the head" may have been unkind but he wasn't inaccurate. Their expressions seemed dazed, terror-struck by sights that only they seemed to see, clutching at one another, as they murmured words that made no sense.
"Arena-bound, cradle torn, she is the Life," the girl whispered.
"She walks blind, she walks dying, she walks without pause," the woman murmured.
"She has the Life of Dawn's Beauty and the Dragon Land, the Elder Wood and the Coral Kingdoms," the crone moaned. "But death is all around her!"
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"Elloat ohw sklaw ni Susehpe," the crone whispered, her eyes clouded, as if blind.
"Elloat ohw sklaw ni Susehpe," the woman, also blind, also whispered.
"Elloat ohw sah deltnam ... " the girl, also blind, said, her voice hoarse, and then she spoke again. "Elloat ohw sah deltnam ... Nirn ..."
Color rose in her eyes, like the rising sun. As it did for the other women, and they embraced one another, shaking in terror.
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"Duchess Loranna," the woman whispered. "We have seen it. She walks through death, nearer and nearer, with each blind step. She has been walking for weeks, for months, and she will face him soon."
Sheogorath
The girl grabbed Loranna's hand. "Come, come!"
"Gently," the woman whispered to the girl. "The Duchess blossoms soon."
The crone looked to Loranna. "Come quickly as ye can. We will show you in the woods."
Sheogorath
The Shrine of Nirn
Deep in the woods beyond the village, there lay a twisted tree, its branches and roots clutching at a collection of boulders, forming a rude circle around a tiny, muddy garden. The three witches led Loranna into the circle ...
The Dragontail Mountains
Loranna was suddenly on a mountain peak. A dark wind blew over it, through blackened, dead trees and withered mummified bones. She could see for miles around, and there was nothing but death.
But she felt no breeze, and when she looked at her hands, they were transparent. She was but a spectre. Her soul was thousands of miles away, but her body was still in Ald Raathim.
The shades of the three witches were with her too. The crone pointed off to the east.
"There she walks," she said.
Taolle was a tiny figure in the vast mountain range, an ancient Bosmer, wrinkled and weak of flesh. Her eyes were white and blind. She barely would take one step and then fall, and groaning, pull herself up and continue her relentless journey.
As she touched the dead, black ground, grass would spring up. As she touched a tree for support, it would bud and then bloom.
The moment she passed, however, the ground and tree would darken and die in the cold power of the death aura.
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The three witches as one shook their heads.
"That is Mount Nombaje," the girl said, her voice high over the keening winds. "She will reach that in two days, and face the unholy minions of the Worm King. She is blind and has no power to defend herself, and she will die."
"Even if we were truly here, she hears no one but the Goddess in her ears," the crone added.
"With her, hope will die," the woman whispered.
Sheogorath
The Shrine of Nirn
The mountains melted before her eyes, and Loranna felt the warm, moist breath of the grove. Her feet were deep in the soft mud and the redolence of the delicate flowers filled her senses. The beat of life was all around her, and within her as well: the heart-beat of her child, and the movements of its tiny body was as strong as her own.
Still, the witches looked at her with striking, serious eyes.
"Stones of death have formed a necklace around the throat of the world," the crone said.
"The future King's blood mother cursed him, but his soul mother gave him power and goodness," the woman said. "Her life's journey has brought her where she is, stumbling and blind, inflused with the spirit of life while her body dies, and soon that journey will be at an end."
"The future king must meet again with his soul mother," the girl said. "Or the dark spirit that calls itself his father will have him and the world evermore."
Sheogorath
The Shrine of Nirn
"When your heroes meet Taolle, they must call her Nirn, for that is where she finds the power that keeps her alive even now," the girl said, and the three witches bowed to Loranna.
"Lady," the crone said, tears in her eyes as well. "May your feet and the feet of your heroes be fast, for there is precious time."
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