User:TheRockWithAMedicineCupOnHisHead/Loranna's RP

Ted Peterson

A scullery maid, fat, gray-haired, wrinkled like an old apple, hobbles in, supported by a walking stick. Her eyes are blazing blue with a barely restrained wildness like a caged animal as she cleans up the mess. With a sack full of spilled food and the unscathed wooden bowl in hand, she moves back towards the kitchen, muttering under her breath.

Ted Peterson

And somewhere in a dusty, unused room in the palace, the old scullery maid licks the empty bowl … her tongue bleeds raw on the rough wooden surface … tears run down her face, but her eyes stare blankly forward … she cannot taste anymore, but she can still see … all sorts of things ...

Ted Peterson

Off in the distance in the woods comes the sound of music. A traveling bard and his musicians. He is singing but you can't heard the words just yet.

Ted Peterson

The song that seemed to fade away into the chirruping of crickets last night has never entirely disappeared. Though it’s easy to miss unless you listen for it, it sounds like the single voice has turned into a chorus. Still the words cannot be heard, though the melody is somewhat familiar …

Ted Peterson

It's still far, far away, but the words can now be heard, as if sung by demented children ---

Be a good sin-izen from birth to burial
Just follow the lead of our lecherous Uriel
Embrace your ardor with a lack of fear
Bravely, like U the Fifth off in Akavir
A few prissy Imperial think that it’s wrong
But the rulers have ever sang this rude song
The atmosphere’s always hot, even when the wind is chilly
If you hope for a bit of a grope, you must go cyrodilly.

Ted Peterson

The second stanza begins:

From doomed Kintyra to Pelagius hysterical
There’s something naughty in Imperial empirical
Of sex and rumor, sex and humor, Cyrodiil is rife,
Uriel Lariat he mistook a horse for his wife,
That horror Katariah liked it a bit rough an’,
They didn’t call him Magnus for nothin’.
Oh, yes, U. Lariat sure loved his brown-eyed filly,
They are fine with love equine in central cyrodilly.

Ted Peterson

The third stanza is quieter, as the throng seems to have moved farther away into the woods:

We must end round the bend before it does bore us
No time for a worse verse of perverse Cephorus
Ten races, two genders couldn’t satisfy the lust
Of our most unruly rulers like randy Antiochus
More heliopause Morihatha, many men had to buy her
Twisted and free, the family tree of old Emper Tiber
Perhaps this song has gone on too long, and is less rude than silly
And all these lays are libelous lies of the chief family cyrodilly

Ted Peterson

The chorus continues faintly:

But fancy a dally or dilly
In a land that’s quite hilly
Wearing underclothes frilly
You’re just gilding the lily
And it’s so rudely cyrodilly

… Before becoming too distant to be intelligible …

Ted Peterson

The servants whisper in the corridors, watching their masters and mistresses comings and goings:

“Certainly a lot of people paranoid around here,” chuckled the third footman, Kajab Bwac. “I ain’t never seen anything like it in all my days.”

“Hauntings, possessions, people bein’ foils of this and foils of that,” agreed Rotha Ogashe, a pretty parlormaid. “Why can’t people be more reasonable? That sort of stuff never happens.”

“Oh, Tales and Tallows brings out the crazies,” said the cook’s assistant Bolud Gydamp . “I mean, honestly, what kind of a silly God is that fond of anagrams? Makes no sense to me.”

Ted Peterson

It is a beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky.

But it's a little humid and smells like rain.

Ted Peterson

Thunder growls overhead, though the sky is still cloudless. There is a charge in the air that tingles the skin. A thunderstorm is definitely coming.

Ted Peterson

Outside, the wind picks up intensity. You can hear it whistling through the eaves, though the manor is well-built, no draft is felt. The candles continue to burn up right without a flicker.

Against the panes of the window, the first few drops of rain strike. Any who arrive much later are going to be wet.

Ted Peterson

Lightning flashes through the window lighting the candle.

It had been so quiet, you hadn't even realized the window was wide open.

Ted Peterson

A thunder clap shakes the barred windows, and wind whistles through from nooks throughout the manor, extinguishing all candles.

For a moment the ballroom is plunged into darkness.

Ted Peterson

One candle at the far end of the ball room had remained extinguished, far away from where the group is gathered.

It flares to life, and a man stands behind it with a match which he gentles blows out, before looking over the assembly.

He is a perfectly ordinary man, trim, well dressed in a beautiful waistcoat, leaning on a walking stick.

“I’ve had my fun,” he says in a quiet voice. His eyes seem to glow brighter than the candles, but it is his smile that charms. There can be no danger from anyone with a genuine smile like that. “And now it is time for me to collect the debt I’m owed. You promised me a dance, Azura, for that priestess did go mad.”

Ted Peterson

"I should release my proxy from his semi-voluntary servitude," Sheogorath says, looking at no one except Loranna/Azura.

Ted Peterson

"Dnah ym ekat. Uoy fo ti dnamed ot em rof si ti."

The Mad God take Loranna/Azura's hand and leads her to the middle of the ballroom. Their footsteps echo in the large hollow place.

Ted Peterson

“Oh, she was mad before,” says a friendly voice in Allerleirauh’s head. “The experience shattered her to sanity, which is just as good.”

Out loud, in reply to Loranna/Azura he says, "The mortals must do as they wish. That is the whole of their charm."

Ted Peterson

"Cakes and coffins provided for the guests according to their needs now and hereafter," agrees Sheogorath with a smile. "We'll be needing a little of both before the evening is through."

It begins as a slow, stately waltz, very formal. The Mad God holds himself rigidly, each step with precision, as he gently begins to spin Loranna/Azura in circles.

"Speaking of coffins, my dear, I wonder why Attrebus didn't open the one he found in the road ... I would've liked to see the look on his face if he had."

Ted Peterson

The Mad God's dance gathers tempo, following the lively tune, but is still quite precise, measured, restrained, proper. It is a complicated dance, highly ritualized, which both Princes know as if by instinct.

Ted Peterson

"Look to the windows," Sheogorath whispers.

Outside, standing in the storm which had become a tempest, was a legion of zombies. Their slack, pale faces stared in through the windows, dozens of them, perhaps a hundred. Behind their dead eyes, there was the glimmer of understanding that they were witnessing something extraordinary. Their minds did not function, and yet they knew.

"The living, the dead, and the never alive sharing a dance."

Ted Peterson

"I'm afraid poor Nelecar will never be completely sane after this," Sheogorath whispers. "The human mind is not something one can take and return unmarked. But your other guests will recover."

He smiles: "I might even grant them each a gift."

Ted Peterson

"You do get confused, don't you, my dear?" smiled Sheogorath, shaking his head. "'Twas I who asked you for the dance, don't you remember? Don't feel bad. I get confused sometimes myself ... occasionally ..."

The two begin whirling around faster and faster.

"I will grant each mortal here one act of great genius, which would only be possible by an illogical leap, a spark of madness. It may be a great piece of art, a new understanding of magicka and mundus ... one revolutionary idea for each, that is my parting gift to these creatures who have been so kind to be my playthings and to accept a goddess among their midst."

Ted Peterson

The Wabbajack and The Mad Platter fly from Attrebus's hands, drawn into the vortex around the whirling Princes.

"My favorite gift! What already belongs to me!" Sheogorath laughs drawing back from the kiss. "Thee who gives shall soon forgive what they who got forgot!"

The Mad One looks to the windows and whispers, "One last gift for those who never ask."

Eyes locked with the zombies, he speaks their language, lips moving with no sound.

Ted Peterson

Sheogorath is no longer visible in the whirlwind, but his voice, always calm, a little mocking, can still be heard: "Goodbye, guests. I will dance with each and every one of you all in good time ..."

There is a flash of lightning outside the window, bright enough to turn the whole room white, and when it dims, the Mad God is gone.

Ted Peterson

Sheogorath in his land of shadow and obtuse ascent,
Can’t be seen but listens down to the manor and dell.
To him dancing sweetly and crushing the innocent,
These are simply acts done poorly or done very well.

I came to you with a dance of death and a guileless song
I bring life and death, my mad black banner unfurled.
Real or illusion, the guard only got this part wrong --
The caravan’s but a cog: my machine is the world.

Ted Peterson

a dank, sad nap. eels sleep and ask nada.

(sorry, i accidentally wrote that backwards)

Yzarc era elpoep uoy...

Ted Peterson

So she thought, rather foolishly.

Ted Peterson

Deeper in Oblivion than ever, the Mad God pauses a moment, counts on his fingers and then his toes, subtracts twelve, nods sagely, and then continues on ... so much more that needs to be done for ... it all it to work ...

Ted Peterson

The bar wench, whose body and face suggested a girl, but whose eyes are much, much older, the eyes of The Crone, brings Allerleirauh her drink. It is perfect.

"I wouldn't worry about things much if I was you, pretty lady," she says. "They has a ways of working themselves out, you know?"

The wench returns to the bar, and staring at herself in the mirror.

Ted Peterson

An old healer kneeling next to Solom, stands up, shaking his head.

“What is it?” asks his assistant.”What was he whispering to you?”

“It was the injury to his head,” the old man says. “He’s delirious this close to death. Some say when a head wound festers, it is an invitation for … the Mad One to come inside. I would pay him no mind. Just make him comfortable, and wait …”

Ted Peterson

"Good sir," says the kindly healer, shaking his head, not seeing the lich's form. "It is kindness to let him go."

The assistant, mopping the blood from Solom's brow, listens to the man's mumbling rants. "Who? I don't know the names of your friends ..." He smiles sadly. "Goddess, indeed ..."

Ted Peterson

Louis can hear Solon wheeze the word, "Goddess ... Goddess ..."

To which the assistant healer says softly, "Yes, let the Goddess Kynareth baths thee in cool breezes, and the mother Mara comforts thee ..."

Ted Peterson

The last spark of life is in Solom’s eyes as he takes Loranna’s hand.

“My lady, the healers are wrong, you do not go mad at the moment of death,” he whispers, blood frothing at the corner of his mouth. “You go horribly sane. And I have seen much, and I’m afraid for you – that you may go horribly sane long, long before you die …”

Ted Peterson

On his last breath as a mortal man, Solom whispers softly: “The pain I feel is nothing … compared to the pain that is waiting for you … I fear for you …”

With that, Solom dies and far away, there is the sound of thunder.

Ted Peterson

A bar wench comes in, soaking wet, miserable.

"Sorry I'm late," she says to her employer. "Freak storm right over the hill near me home. Near to drowned meself."

Ted Peterson

Arynel's merry tune has attracted attention, a crowd of people from the village peer in through the windows of the tavern ... mostly children it seems ...

They are smiling, clearly captivated.

Ted Peterson

"Should children be listening to a song like this?" one of the mothers whispers, smiling despite herself.

"Oh, they don't understand the words," her friend replies. "They're just responding to the melody."

Ted Peterson

The children break into laughter and applause. Their parents come in and lay gold out on the table in front of Arynel in payment. A pretty appreciable sum.

"What a deliciously rude song," says one of the younger mothers with a wink. "You're very good."

Ted Peterson

The townsfolk, intimidated by Melauns, and hearing that no more songs are being sung, leave the tavern, heading back into town, many of them singing and humming the tune.

The young mother who winked at Arynel before leaves last: "I hope you'll be around for a little while longer," she smiles.

Ted Peterson

Far away, the Mad God hears this and chuckles. It was, in its own way, almost as funny as Rilis's soup attack. He mustn't remind himself of that, Sheogorath chided himself. The temptation was far too great to compose an epic about the soup wars ... and there was more work to be done ...

Still, he laughed.

And the thunder growled.

Ted Peterson

Outside, there is a flash of lightning, as in Oblivion, Sheogorath throws up.

Ted Peterson

Wind whistles shrill through the eaves of the inn while in Oblivion, Sheogorath shakes his head, "No, child of moonshadow, watch yourself."

Ted Peterson

To Azura, not to Loranna:

You haven't a heart of ash anymore, sister, you have a real human heart, and if I drank that sour milk of pity, it would be the girl I would pity, and destroy to end her suffering ... But you move amongst the earthbones now, creature of Mundus, and if you do not fear ... you are less wise now than ever ...

Ted Peterson

You think you are strong enough to rise when you could not after our dance?

Ted Peterson

Your time is not without limit anymore, Azura. Your vessel will break, perhaps before you are ready ...

But perhaps I overreacted ... a bit. I had cause for my fury. And I am not finished yet, but ... Well, you seem more like yourself now, and I shan't despair. Nor torture your girl. For the time being.

The sound of the storm begins to recede.

Ted Peterson

Outside, the night birds begin calling to one another to announce the end of the storm.

Ted Peterson

The pretty young mother from the night before comes into the tavern, smiling at the group, and walks to Arynel. "I left my son home today. Are you performing again?"

Ted Peterson

“I’m no patroness of the arts like my queen,” the woman smiles. “Play what pleases you, I’m sure it will be delightful. My name is Tynnea Castellian.”

Ted Peterson

Lady Castellian laughs delightedly and claps her hands. You can see the ring on her finger is golden, intricately carved into a flower, a rose.

Ted Peterson

“A song about piggies,” she laughs. “How frightfully romantic.”

Ted Peterson

"Me too," laughs Lady Castellian. "A bit bawdy though. Are you all friends here? Have I interrupted a private party?"

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," she says. "You are foreigners I take it ... Well, you, sir -- I'm afraid I didn't hear your name -- you are a Breton like myself."

Ted Peterson

"And you are not from here, I must assume, or we would have met," she smiles, offering him her hand. "All the locals are whispering about the people at this tavern, you know."

Ted Peterson

"The sorts of things a lady doesn't repeat," she smiles, an eyebrow raised. "Daedra, witchcraft, madness, murder ... So, what do I find but old friends telling stories and singing songs? Have you drunk everything in the place or is there a bit of wine left?"

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I'm not fretting. It's been fearfully dull here for such a long time, I was hoping for an adventure."

The tavernkeep pours her a glass of wine, nervously.

Ted Peterson

"Would you be so kind as to introduce me to your friends?" she asks, taking the wine.

Ted Peterson

"Tynnea Castellian," she says, smiling, offering her hand. "Forgive me for interrupting your gathering. As I was telling Arynel, it's been very dull here lately, and I had to see what was happening at this little tavern."

She stops, realizing that not only is her hand not being taken, but the person she was talking to is gone.

Ted Peterson

She tries to look shocked, but bursts out laughing. "You're wicked."

Ted Peterson

Tynnea winks back, "Dull as it is here, we've had a few of that type as well."

Ted Peterson

"A worthy quest for any man, old or young," she says with a nod.

Ted Peterson

"Now, where did you learn to sing like that?" she smiles. "Let me guess ... You're from Daggerfall? Am I right?"

Ted Peterson

"I didn't mean to be too nosy," the lady says, blushing. "I only meant to compliment your playing. I haven't heard music so expertly played outside of the court of Daggerfall ..."

Ted Peterson

"I must admit I like a man who can handle both a sword and a lute," Tynnea sighs. "Most of the men around here, however, can handle nothing but a plough or a pen."

Ted Peterson

"Beautiful," the lady says. "You have a gift, Arynel. But it is not entirely true. Some of us are shackled to a home when it is the road we crave."

Ted Peterson

“Prettily said, but impractical,” Lady Castellian says with a little frown. “So you’re bound and determined to be mysterious and not tell me anything of where you come from, of the world outside, just so I can escape here for a little while in my mind?”

Ted Peterson

"Well, where did you come from before this? Tell me what adventures you've had? Indulge my romantic notions ..." Tynnea adds with a wink. "And what do I get if I solve your riddle?"

Ted Peterson

"I’ve heard of Lord Darius – there are even whispers that he’s in the area, but why would a great Imperial like himself visit our little corner of High Rock? As for the riddle, I need a few more clues … Right now, it’s all a jumble."

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"It is only an illusion, but a beautiful one, to think of freedom ... To abdicate my responsibilities ... my family ..." she whispers. "But sometimes the illusion is so comforting."

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"You see?" she says, smiling sadly. "Things are no always as simple as you would have them. Sometimes you don't need to invent riddles -- there are enough of them in life. Ones without a really satisfying answer. But maybe someday I'll be able to leave and attend a ball of Lord Darius's. Or perhaps go to Morrowind. I've always dreamed of visiting there ... it seems so exotic ..."

Ted Peterson

"That is not so different from the way it is here," Lady Castellian said. "We had Dunmer in our court once, our queen and her children. The people hated them ... perhaps it is not as different there as I would've hoped ..."

Ted Peterson

"This conversation has turned very serious," Tynnea smiles. "Surely you were not talking about futility and racism when I came in ..."

Ted Peterson

"If it must, it must, but let us have more wine," she says, and with a gesture, the tavernkeep hurries over to refill her glass. He seems extremely nervous.

Ted Peterson

The tavernkeeper staring at Loranna/Azura, spills the wine he's pouring.

"Oh, no, oh, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," says Lady Castellian with a laugh. "Unless I'm expected to clean it up."

She extends her dry hand to Allerleirauh: "Tynnea Castellian. Pleased to meet you."

Ted Peterson

"O Mara, no," Tynnea laughed. "These are scholars?" She whispered. "Well, some of them are rather quiet, and the one in the back has a book ... but I thought I was entering a den of adventurers. Imagine my despair."

Ted Peterson

"What a relief," she looks to Arynel. "A fellowship, eh? I never knew a man who bragged so little. Will you have a drink? I think there's some this tavernkeep hasn't spilled on the floor ..."

Ted Peterson

"Excellent," says the lady, gesturing to the barkeep. "Drinks all around. Let us toast scholarship, modesty, and our erstwhile unlucky host."

Ted Peterson

Tynnea follows Baxter's eyes to the man at the bar.

"You are Lord Darius?"

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“I’ve never met a group like this. Scholars with rough hands. Modest bards. And aristocrats who don’t want attention,” she giggles. “Now I believe all the stories about you people, even the ones about the daedra.”

She curtseys to Rilis: "Your highness."

Ted Peterson

"Are you a relation of Lady Medora Direnni, the former court sorceress of Daggerfall?" asks Tynnea.

Ted Peterson

"Well, she's certainly distant," Tynnea says. "No one knows what became of her. They say she went to an island in the bay to live out her life after her ... you know ... lover, the king was killed ... but she's not been heard from since."

Ted Peterson

"An illustrious, well-connected group here in our little corner of High Rock," says Tynnea, impressed. "Now I'm wishing I had dressed more befitting the occasion ..."

She looks at the wine-spattered sleeve of her dress. "Or worn something red ... "

Ted Peterson

Thunder rumbles in the heavens.

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The sky turns white with a blast of lightning, and the rain begins. Gentle rain.

Ted Peterson

The wind picks up to almost a human cry, whipping the rain around in a dance.

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The trees bend. The rain feels like spears. The cry of the wind has turned into a roar. Shutters are being tied tight. Prayers being said in hovel and palace. This is no mere storm, it smells of calamity.

Ted Peterson

"I'm heading down to the cellar," the barkeep says. "Help yourself. Be honorable and leave the money you owe on the counter."

With that, he hurries off.

Ted Peterson

To all who are experiencing the storm, there are words that are irresistible that ride in on the rain and thunder, and they say, very kindly, "Do it. Let it hatch."

Throughout the region, each denizen hears it, and interprets it differently. But each person acts.

Ted Peterson

Lightning strike after lightning stike lights up the sky. Old rivals are settling scores they thought were behind them; people who had resisted are now finding love in one another's arms, huddled in their storm cellars; and, ominous cyclonical clouds, black as death, circle still overhead, as if looking for a target to strike.

Ted Peterson

A shrill, piercing sound rattles the foundation, and for an instant, all are blinded within. A bolt of lightning has actually struck the building. A sheet of flames spills through the masonry and the woodwork where the lightning touched ...

Let it hatch.

Ted Peterson

The rain might fight the fire, but the storm's wind only fuels it. It leaps from joist to joist, until blue flames are licking the roof beams.

Hatch.

Ted Peterson

An explosion down below. Screams. A cask of brandy has caught fire in the cellar. Flames are encircling the building from without and within.

Ted Peterson

Almost as an answered prayer, the storm begins to die, drifting to visit the next region south-eastward ... but the building is still on fire.

Ted Peterson

Any minds pushed to extremes by the storms are now released ... Unless, of course, your mind has been pushed past the point where it can ... comfortably call home. In which case, though the storm has ended, the chaos within you rages on.

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"Of course not," chuckles Sheogorath, turning his attention elsewhere for the time being.

Ted Peterson

An elderly scribe runs in from the book stacks in the back; 'Oh dear, they're at it again ...'

He sees the two women. 'Oh, sorry, are you the libromancers?'

Ted Peterson

"Wrong place, the story of my life," the old man says with a cough. 'Sorry to interrupt your conversation. I was expecting someone else who could interpret this Elder -- thing that we've had for some time. A libromancer, you know, a book mage. One of the moth priests.'

Ted Peterson

"Weeks ago," the old man sniffed. 'So I was told. It is a most extraordinary thing, I suppose that's what drew them out.'

Ted Peterson

"I will,' says the old man. 'Sorry to disturb.'

He goes back to the back stacks of the library.

On Allie's words, he comes back, 'Yes, very extraordinary. Would you like to know your future?'

Ted Peterson

'That's the thing,' the old man laughs. 'I'm no precognicient. The thing told me my future, or perhaps not, but ... Well, if you're intersted, come back to the back stacks and I'll show you.'

The old man goes back into the recesses of the library.

Ted Peterson

The old man pulls a scroll off the stacks, and looks around to make sure no one's looking.

'I don't know how long this has been here in this library,' he says. 'But a couple months ago, I was cleaning up, and I cut myself, and ...'

The old man takes a small knife out of his pocket. With a sigh, he drag it across his arm, bringing up a trickle of blood.

He dribbles the blood on a scroll that seems to be blank.

'You have to wait and see.'

Ted Peterson

'Hmm,' said the old man, as he looks at the scroll and the words that appear on it. 'My future has changed ... And not in a good way ... Oh, dear ... Perhaps I shouldn't have shown you this.'

Ted Peterson

'You're sure, you want to know?' he asks. 'The truth is not always nice.'

Ted Peterson

The blood strikes the scroll, and sizzles on impact.

The old man watches as the blood rolls over the blank surface, finding its way into forming word.

'You will slay what you love the most.'

'You will die giving birth to your child.'

'You will die and never die.'

Ted Peterson

A strange prophecy ... like mine,' says the old man. 'That is why I called for the libromancer. You aren't by any chance .. expectant, are you?'

Ted Peterson

'The scroll needs your blood for the prophecy.'

Ted Peterson

'Well,' the old man says. 'I wouldn't worry. You have years ahead of you before you have to worry about that. Perhaps it isn't even your first child birth, but your last?'

Ted Peterson

'Not very much blood,' the old man says. 'That means not very many words. But let's see.'

Slowly, words form ...

Ted Peterson

'bite'

'drown'

'madness'

'war'

Ted Peterson

The last drop slowly forms th word: 'Love.'

Ted Peterson

'You give it more blood, and it tells you more truth.'

The scribe shakes his head. 'But my truth has changed. Since this morning, when last I checked. A daedra has it in mind to kill me now. Within the day.'

Ted Peterson

'I don't know what the difference is,' says the old man, picking up his scroll. 'If a daedra wants you dead, then you will die. Sorry. I should go. I shouldn't have troubled you.'

He walks further into the library stackjs.

Ted Peterson

The old man closes his eyes and drops to the ground, his lips moving, forming words ...

Ted Peterson

'Not lain with a man,' he murmurs, as breath leaves his body. 'but you are with child. Loranna is pregnant.'

Ted Peterson

'You will have love,' the old man gasps, looking at Allie. Then, looking at loranna, he dies.

Ted Peterson

Ot tup eht eslaf dog no lairt
Si nosaer, dna ton nosaert
Tub rof slatrom ot egduj eht enivid
Neve fi no reH ym noinipo sedivid
Si eht yrev tsehgieh fo ssendam
Hcihw I nac ekamnu sa ti si edam.

Ted Peterson

Besides... as dramatic as throwing rocks at Azura might be... it's really Loranna, Demon Queen, who Ciel arrested.}}

Did she not say she would answer charges as Azura?

If this travesty happens, there will be drama, and comedy of the very, very blackest kind.

Ted Peterson

ooc: Oh no. I say she said what she said. And there will be no order in the court, and hell to pay.

Ted Peterson

Ooc (I don't really want to speak in rhymes and riddles): Queen Elysana has, over the years, become one of the most powerful rulers in Tamriel. Wayrest has spread its reach, and she is a tyrant of the first order. Still, she cannot command a trial of a Daedra Prince by the Princes of Oblivion. Ciel arrested Loranna, and that is where – in my opinion – we begin.

Now when we get closer to the session, we can discuss the particulars. I am not even certain Elysana wants a trial. Ciel may have outstepped his authority by suggesting that, and she may be in an awkward position herself. I haven’t given it much thought, but what would she gain by finding Loranna guilty or not guilty? Does she think she is really going to try Azura? The Queen is not absolutely insane. Lots of questions to be answered, and I think it will be fun to explore them.

Ted Peterson

Ooc; Hold on. You’re talking about holding the trial in Morrowind? One of Wayrest’s guards arrests Loranna in Skyrim and they’ve agreed to hold the trial in Morrowind? How was that agreed to?

edit ... oh, maybe it's craftier than I thought. Morrowind is run by Elysana's despised stepbrother and former rival Helseth. If the trial is held there, she will be killing two birds.

Ted Peterson

ooc -- Well, like I said above, it's so crazy it might just work ... But is crazy. Like a criminal in Arkansas surrendering on the understanding he'll be tried in Rangoon.

Ted Peterson

Sheogorath lazily opens one eye: "The mad one?"

He lazily closes it, and opens the other one, and goes back to sleep, murmuring, "I'll cure that insanity anon ..."

Ted Peterson

A bridle appears at Celezar's feet.

Ted Peterson

ooc to Loranna: I'm actually signing off for a couple days for TG myself. Have yourself a good one.

ooc to Celezar: Probably need to come up with some peculiar powers for the Bridled Joy Of Sheogorath. Something next to useless, but fun to play with ...

ooc to all: Have yourselves a crazy Thanksgiving if you celebrate it.

Ted Peterson

Elysana
Age: 41
Height: 5’8”
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
Occupation: Queen of Wayrest
Notes: The daughter of the late Queen Carolyna and King Eadwyre, stepdaughter of Queen Barenziah, stepsister of King Helseth of Morrowind and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold. She won the throne of Wayrest after a bitter struggle with Helseth, an impressive feat, proving her political acumen and strength.

She has been queen for over ten years now, and has two children by her consort prince. Under her, Wayrest has expanded its territory. A cold war exists between Wayrest, Daggerfall, and Sentinel, and a much warmer one between Wayrest and Orsinium.

It is said a serpent once bit her and died. Her admirers and enemies alike routinely call her the new Wolf Queen. She is powerful and paranoid, utterly ruthless and very, very smart.

Sheogorath
Age: Banana
Height: 48000 feet (in heels)
Hair: Luscious and brown and perky
Eyes: Two, roughly parallel, and blue
Occupation: Daedra Prince of Madness and Banker
Notes: A storm usually but not always precedes the arrival of the Mad God, otherwise known as the Dam Dog. His personality veers between a charmingly eccentric uncle and a blood-spattered homicidal maniac.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest, High Rock

Queen Elysana was the portrait of sweetness and light as she knelt before the statue of the dragon god of Time, Akatosh, in her private chantry in the royal palace. Akatosh had always been the patron of Wayrest, though the merchant classes who made the city and kingdom great were often more devoted to Zenithar. Elysana was praying for Akatosh’s help, and her advisors knew that meant either one of two things. She needed a delay, or she needed something to happen fast.

They also knew better than to disturb her, for in her own way, she was a very devout woman.

“Would you speak with Lord Ciel who has arrived from the east?” Thryrl Castellian, spymaster and replacement for his sister, asked her when she emerged.

“Oh, yes,” she said with a smile of great warmth, her eyes twinkling. “I will enjoy giving him his honors. Any other matters of interest?”

“A letter,” said Lord Castellian, handing her Aricyn’s letter.

She read it, smiling, her face never showing even a hint of a reaction.

“Will you be writing a reply, your majesty?”

“Yes, but not to him. I need a scribe and the fastest courier to send word to Lord Liris.”

When she had finished her dictation and send the courier on his way, sweetly murmuring that he would please her if he traveled very quickly, she turned to Lord Castellian, “Now, bring Lord Ciel to me. I am ready to give him his honors for disobeying my orders.”

Ted Peterson

Lord Castellian reported to his queen, his head bowed low, trying to keep his blood from dripping on the marble floor.

When he looked up, he met her face, a perfect match for the marble floor. He had never known her to lose her smile before, no matter her anger.

“I have already directed a full search of the city,” he said, quickly. “No shop, no hovel will be exempt from a full search. Any who offer resistance will learn the price of disloyalty.”

“Blood spilled in my palace,” she said, her voice steady and dull. “By someone disappearing and reappearing as if by magic. It is worse than an affront to me. It is an impossibility. My very sanctum has been invaded. My palace may be filled with spies even as we speak. I will speak to my sages, and see what might have transpired here … I will not have a power like that present in my land without my control. It will either be brought to me, or destroyed.”

She rose, and left the throne room, pausing only to say, without looking at Castellian, “Do not heal yourself until you have brought me a satisfactory report. Let your wounds fester until you have proven to me your competence.”

Ted Peterson

ooc: It might be a good idea when we begin the next thread for each player to start off with a brief introduction to help people follow the action. Something of the "When we last left Elysana, she was talking to her sages about the sudden" blah blah blah variety.

Obviously we can't resummarize every page, but it'd be helpful for all of us to keep track of what's going on, especially since the action is so spread out. Knowing where Aricyn is, what Loranna is doing, who Allie is with ... All that would be nice to know as we begin a new thread.

Ted Peterson

The sun rose on Elysana’s summer estate in the Wrothgarian Mountains. The queen, her guard, and her sages had traveled all night through treacherous, curving roads, and from there over unpaved, unmarked path to get to the secret location. It was where she retreated when feeling most paranoid, for no one but her most trusted knew of its location.

In the summer, the trees blossomed and the land had a wild beauty all its own. In Evening Star, snow blanketed the mountain, and ice sparkled from the trees boughs. It was lovely but cold, like the face of the queen.

Before they had reached the palace, she was already hearing her sages’ theories.

“There are a great many possible explanations,” said Agamys. “Even the best shields of dispel magicka have warps in them that may be exploited …”

“Have you considered the possibility that it was not one lone rescuer, but a group, perhaps identically dressed, giving the illusion of a single man?” suggested Vonnod.

“There are powers that even the great mortal mage cannot prevent,” said Canthorme darkly. “The hand of Oblivion. That affair with the girl who some say is Azura.”

This gave Elysana pause. She had considered her many, many enemies, from Orsinium most obviously, to the other powers of the Bay, to her step-siblings in Firsthold and Morrowind, but not that. It made sense. This man Ciel under her command is sent to kill the group that includes the girl, he disobeys her orders and spares the group, she moves to kill her disobedient guard, and Azura or one of her minions reaches through the walls to save him.

It was a discomforting thought. She was a confident ruler. She would stand up to the Emperor if need be, but a Prince of Oblivion?

“Other possibilities?” she asked.

“Well …” said Naphiticles uncertainly. “It’s pretty unlikely, but –“

“If you’re going to suggest what I think you are,” snorted Vonnod. “Don’t waste Her Majesty’s time.”

“I would hear what you have to say,” the queen said, eyes flashing. “And then tell you if it is foolish or not.”

Naphiticles told Elysana about the Void Rangers, and she listened.

Ted Peterson

Queen Elysana of Wayrest was preparing to receive Lord Ciel in her audience chamber, presumably to give him honors in capturing Loranna, but, let’s face it, she was transparently going to have him executed for disobeying orders and complicating her political position. Her spymaster, Lord Castellian, reported to her than Ciel had escaped with the help of an unknown man (Tris, a.k.a. Mirror) who seemed to appear and disappear in locations in the palace at will.

She also received a letter from Aricyn, suggesting that Loranna’s presence in Morrowind was bound to have deleterious effects on that province, which is ruled by Elysana’s hated step-brother, Helseth. She has accordingly sent new orders to Ciel’s replacement, Liris, the nature of which have not been revealed.

Castellian is turning the kingdom upside down searching for Ciel and his rescuer, motivated in part by Elysana’s orders that Castellian cannot visit a healer until he gives her a satisfactory report about their wherebouts.

Elysana meanwhile, understandably worried about palace security, is in her hidden fortress in the Wrothgarian Mountains, conferring with her advisors about the nature of the threat. The most reasonable explanation that has been given is that a daedra aided Ciel’s escape.

But she is also learning for the first time of the existence of the Void Rangers. Whether she believes they are real has yet to be revealed. What she does with this knowledge is likewise unknown. But as one of the most powerful and tyrannical rulers in Tamriel, it won’t be anything nice.

Ted Peterson

The sages and Queen Elysana sat round a rough wooden table in the simple central hall of her Wrothgarian palace and talked long into the night. Their faces grew long and weary, but she refused to end the meeting until they had come to a consensus.

"We will visit the witches as you suggest," she said at last, turning to Vonnod. 'We will see the truth behind this daedra.'

'And, surely we must reconsider ... your other plan ...' said Vonnod. 'Your Majesty, that palace has been a part of Wayrest, your family the Gardner clan for millenia, since Wayrest was a tiny trading town.'

'And Akatosh knows how many spies have been watching all that time,' said Elysana, her girlish grin breaking out. 'No, I have decided it will be razed to the ground. We will build a new palace there, according to Naphiticles's plans. I will remain here until it is completed.'

Naphiticles smiled.

Ted Peterson

Wayrestian Menevia, High Rock

Wayrest controlled the entirety of the eastern Iliac Bay, but to reach her goal, Queen Elysana had to pass through territory which bordered Orsinium, and was not very clearly hers or Gortwog’s. It was a benefit of traveling lightly with only a few guards to defend her that she could move quickly and quietly and without incident.

The company made good time, traveling northwest of Tamborne, west of Whiteflower Garden and Lysandus’s Tomb, until they reached their goal deep in the woods: Tamarilyn Coven.

The dance of the witches was feverish, chaos only barely restrained. The queen looked to her guards, but they knew better than to leer at the naked flesh before them. Elysana entered the circle and addressed the matriarch directly.

“You will have to wait ‘til the 15th to seek counsel of Molag Bal,” the crone replied.

“No, I will not,” said Elysana. “If you want protection from orc raids and pirate attacks, you will help me tonight.”

“Great lady, we also have need of funds,” said the old woman after a pause. “We are a poor coven.”

“Tonight,” said Elysana with a nod and the sweetest of smiles.

“Look yonder, over the mountains, a thunderstorm approaches. It will be here in a few hours time. I will bring you your Daedra Prince …”

Ted Peterson

The wind howled over the treetops as the first drops of rain began to fall. Lightning flashed, casting horrible, unearthly shadows on the assembled group of witches, soldiers, and the Queen of Wayrest.

"I feel more than one Daedra Prince has interest in this affair," the crone hissed, her eyes rolled back, rocking back and forth in a trance.

Elysana felt something she hadn't felt in years. Genuine fear.

Ted Peterson

Thunder explodes in the sky, and a bolt of lightning strikes a tree on the edge of the circle. Flames roar up through the branches. The witches do not pause in their ritual, but the guards and the Queen instinctively draw back.

Elysana backs right into the arms of a thin man, elegantly dressed, with wild eyes.

“And what will you do for me?” Sheogorath asks, bending down to whisper in the Queen’s ear. “Anything I ask?”

“I will not make that bargain, even with you,” she replied, refusing to let her terror show itself. "Tell me what you want, and I will counter."

The Dam Dog laughed.

Ted Peterson

The guards drew back from the sight of their queen in the embrace of the God of Madness, and the witches were deaf to their conversation.

Sheogorath’s words, whispered sweetly in Elysana’s ear, were bizarre, nonsensical, like words spoken backwards, but somehow the queen seemed to understand them. She shook her head.

“I am ambitious, but I love my children. No.”

More babbling like a brook running up stream.

“That is a request I will consider … But I must ask you a question …”

Sheogorath grinned, “No. Ask the question after …”

As Elysana considered the request, the group noticed that the trees had a strange, slight phosphoric glow to them. All exposed flesh on the dancers, and even the faces and hands of the well-armed guards began to pulse with light in the storm.

“What is happening?” Elysanna gasped.

“Sgniht gnivil fo rewop eht,” smiled Sheogorath.

Ted Peterson

Elysana dared to step away from Sheogorath's embrace. The Prince looked amused.

"I have two questions," she said. "What is your price for answering them truthfully?"

Ted Peterson

"I mean this with the greatest of respect," said Elysana, her voice steady, daring to meet Meridia's eyes even as rain poured down her face. "I cannot promise to buy until I know the price. I will tell you the questions, but I ask that you tell me the price before you answer -- I want to know if the woman they call Loranna is truly possessed by the Daedra Prince, your sister Azura ...

"And I want to know if she or any other Daedra Prince has designs against my kingdom of Wayrest."

Ted Peterson

"She has powerful allies, and she is far across the Empire from me now. I know my guards are loyal, but they can be overcome ... as I have learned recently. A man escaped from my wrath right from my palace. The girl, if she has the same resources, might easily do the same.

"I am afraid of not being able to fulfill your contract, Prince Meridia. I can only promise you that I believe my man in Morrowind, Lord Liris, is loyal to me, and I believe he will not let Loranna go free ... Ever ..."

Ted Peterson

"I will send to word this very night that Loranna is not to leave his sight," Elysanna says, "This I swear. Thank you."

Ted Peterson

Elysana slept in her coach as it traveled the bumpy, treacherous road back up to her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains. She had already sent a new letter to Liris, informing him of the information she had gathered about the strange creature that called itself Loranna, and the promises she made. It was nothing to keep her promise to Meridia.

Keeping her promise to Sheogorath would be more of a trial.

But since Meridia had answered the questions she had for him, in a simple and straightforward manner than Sheogorath would never have done, she felt free to ask him for a different favor. It seemed that Azura had no designs on Wayrest then or now, but things had changed. She had not been in danger before, but she was now. She needed protection, and her only hope was to use one Daedra Prince against another.

Brokering deals was something she did every day of her reign. Finding ways to make contracts work for her was nothing new. But she knew, as proud as she was, that she had never dealt with beings such as these.

And though Elysana slept, her dreams were not sweet.

Ted Peterson

There was always laughter in the maze that was Sheogorath’s palace in Oblivion, but it was not always merry laughter. Now it was. He had never met anyone like the Queen of Wayrest before. Rotten to her core, and curiously, wonderfully sane.

Oh, not completely sane, of course – no one was. Her plans for the new palace in Wayrest … that alone was enough for an hour’s worth of laughter. A perfect sphere, a globe of wood and mortar and stone, with no right angles within or without, plopped down in the middle of the ‘Jewel of the Bay.’ It might be either beautiful or hideous, but it was quite, quite mad. The product of a paranoid mind.

Though perhaps rightfully paranoid. Perhaps Elysana’s understanding of the dangers that surround her was the very mark of sanity.

Oh, Sheogorath would keep his end of the bargain. He would do for her as she asked. And as for what he asked of Elysana, that was something she could not negotiate.

Ted Peterson

Update -- The Queen of Wayrest, Elysanna, has abandoned her palace and it has been razed to the ground, as she no longer thinks that it is safe from a group she has just been informed about, The Void Rangers. Currently, she is in her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains, consulting with her sages. She has already contacted two Daedra Princes, Meridia and Sheogorath, and struck deals with both. For Meridia, she has sworn that she believes her man in Morrowind, Lord Liris, is loyal, and will keep Loranna under close watch.

She is currently talking to Naphiticles, who has successfully found someone who might know something of the Void Rangers.

‘Excellent news,’ she said. ‘I will meet with him tomorrow.’

There is a knock on her door.

‘Lord Castellian, Your Majesty,’ said the servant.

Though it had only been a flesh wound in his encounter with Mirror, it had festered in the days since the fight, and on Elysana’s orders, Lord Castellian had not healed himself. Now he was feverish, pale, stuttering as he talked.

‘We believe we have found Lord Ciel,’ he said. ‘Our spies, in, in Hammerfell. Even as we speak, they are closing the noose about him.’

Elysana did not smile. ‘Heal yourself. If he is taken alive, bring him to me.’

Ted Peterson

No sooner had Lord Castellian hobbled out of the room, than Elysana felt a warmth on her arms and face. She looked, and yes, they were glowing, ever so slightly.

'Please leave, Naphiticles,' she said to her sage. 'I will shortly have a visitor, and I wish to talk to her alone.'

Ted Peterson

"Something about Loranna, I would imagine, Prince Meridia?" said Elysana. "I trust you know something new?"

Ted Peterson

"I am terribly sorry to have given offense," said Queen Elysana, her eyes open wide. "I doubt my latest letter with my specific instructions have even reached Lord Liris. Even by magical means, it is impossible for we mortals to cross Tamriel in less than two days' time, and it was only yesterday we struck our deal ...

"It is the difficulty of time and space which for we mortals is a barrier you Daedra do not face, My Lady. I swear to you I have no intention of dishonoring our deal.

"Can you tell me what your agent has seen? Has Liris actually released Loranna?"

Should Meridia wish to read Elysana's thoughts, she is fearful in Meridia's presense, but she truly does not think her letter has arrived in Gnisis, and she still believes Liris to be loyal to her.

Ted Peterson

Elysana hastily adds, "I hope to be better informed in the very near future. The situation in Gnisis is only one of many I am trying to control at a distance. I hope to have eyes there soon, as well as investigating a matter in Hammerfell with a treacherous former soldier of mine ... Trust me, this is a matter I take very seriously."

Ted Peterson

As Meridia faded from the room like a ghost, Queen Elysana suddenly bolted from the table, and vomited. For a moment, she thought she was going to faint, but then she heard the knocking at the door.

"Your Majesty?" It was Naphiticles. "Are you well?"

"One moment," said Elysana, more weakly than she wanted. She straightened herself up, tightening the belt around her waist, and concentrated again on assuming her icy, confident demeanor. Perhaps it was understandable for mortals to be overwhelmed while making deals with Daedra Princes, but she was not given to showing any weakness.

"Enter," she said at last. On seeing the sage, she smiled. "An expected visitor arrived early. I hope the meeting was satisfactory, but she is not very patient. Something we apparently have in common. Has the Ranger arrived?"

"Not yet," said Naphiticles.

Ted Peterson

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, sits in her audience chamber, talking to Naphiticles, one of her sages, who has told her about the Void Rangers, and promised her a meeting with one. She is not a patient woman, waiting, but other things have kept her busy.

She is going over plans for her new palace in Wayrest, which will take years to construct. She is also awaiting word of the (unbeknownst to her unsuccessful) attempt to capture Lord Ciel in Hammerfell. And she has received a visitation from Meridia, one of the two Daedra Princes she has made deals with. Meridia is concerened over Loranna’s abundant freedom, something that Elysana assured the Prince that Loranna would not have. She has assuaged the anger of Meridia, saying that Liris is loyal and when he receives the latest letter, he will know his orders. If Liris isn’t loyal, there will be great trouble.

“This Void Ranger you know,” Elysana said, smiling at Naphiticles in a way he knew registered her displeasure, as she poured herself a glass of wine. “Where is he?”

“She, actually, Your Majesty,” said the sage. “She is coming. She will be here soon.”

“What is her name?”

“Bosriel,” said Naphiticles.

“That name sounds familiar,” said Elysana thoughtfully, and then returned to her plans. “Well, show her in when she arrives.”

“That won’t be necessary,” said the sage. “She’s here.”

Elysana looked up, but she and Naphiticles were still alone in the chamber. Before she could speak, she felt the gentle touch of a small hand on her back. The Queen spun around, knocking over her wine glass. Still, there was no one there.

“Where is she?” Elysana demanded. “Is she invisible?”

Naphiticles shook his head, and pointed to the spilled wine. The liquid shivered and pooled into the words “BEHIND THE WALLS.”

Ted Peterson

“Show yourself,” said Elysana calmly. “I wish to speak, not witness your tricks.”

“She cannot,” said Naphiticles. “She cannot live outside of the Void.”

“Is she … human?” asked Elysana.

The wine bubbled and ran to form the words. “DUNMER.”

“She can move small things with great precision in our world to communicate with us,” said the sage. “As you can see.”

A thought horrified Elysana, though she did not let it show on her face. It was the feeling of the small hand. “She is a little girl. A child?”

“Yes and no,” said Naphiticles. “She is thousands of years old, but she entered the Void as a child, and never aged. Some call her a Void Vampire.”

“A vampire?” said Elysana, trying to repress a shiver. “How does she get blood?”

The wine told no answer.

“I wouldn’t advise standing too close to a stairwell or where walls meet when she is around,” said Naphiticles. “She is voracious. And Arkay protect any Rangers she meets in the Void … or not …”

“You will swear loyalty to me?” asked Elysana.

“YES.”

“What do you want in return?”

“FREEDOM.”

Naphiticles explained to the Queen what Bosriel, the Void Vampire, needed. It would not be easy, and it would not be cheap. But Elysana knew value when she saw it.

“You cannot be everywhere at every time to report to me,” said Elysana. “I will need other eyes. Do you know someone else whose loyalty I can buy?”

The wine formed the word: “LESETH.”

Ted Peterson

Elysana, her sage Naphiticles, and a host of soldiers began the ride down the mountain directly west to the land of Alcaire, another of Wayrest's conquests in the Iliac Bay.

Though she was traveling in her own kingdom, Elysana could not help but feel a chill, for she knew that walking the Void nearby, watching them, was the girl, the Void Vampire, Bosriel, watching them.

Ted Peterson

Wayrestian Alcaire, High Rock

‘No one goes near the house,’ said Naphiticles, as they dropped from their horses, and walked past the Temple Of Dibella, into the shadow of the city wall. ‘The locals think it’s haunted.’

Elysana nodded and said nothing. The house looked perfectly ordinary enough. A little decrepit, run-down, but not so sinister.

On the snowy ground, the words ‘ENTER’ melted through, as if drawn by an unseen child’s finger. The Queen drew her fur cloak around her closer.

At Elysana’s nod, one of her soldiers opened the door. It was dark inside as they all entered.

‘Her Majesty, your Queen commands the presence of the man called Leseth,’ Naphiticles called into the gloom. His strong voice seemed to hang in the air and fall dead. It was a large room they were entering, but there was no echo.

And no furniture. It was barren, but for the undisturbed dust that hung in the air but refused to settle.

‘No one lives here,’ said Elysana, shaking her head. ‘You have the wrong house, fool.’

‘Look up,’ one of the guards gasped.

Ted Peterson

‘Leseth,’ a little girl’s voice says from the blackness above. ‘I told them to come to you.’

Elysana’s guard had already stepped forward, as if to put a blade between the hideous black orc and the Queen.

‘You do not talk so to your sovereign, the Queen of Wayrest and Alcaire,’ the closest guard said. ‘On your knees, brute, and beg her forgiveness.’

Elysana opened her mouth to speak, but smiled instead. She wondered what kind of a man this Leseth was.

Ted Peterson

Alcaire

‘I have need of a man such as you,’ Elysana nodded. ‘I need people to protect my interests, to guard me against incursions from others like you who can travel through the Void. To act as eyes and ears in places and distances my spies cannot take. To kill my enemies if need be. The girl Bosriel and I have spoken, and I have agreed to her price. She seemed to think you might be agreeable to an arrangement as well. It is a valuable service you would be performing for me, and I would hear your price.’

Ted Peterson

Alcaire

Elysana’s face was still for a moment, and then she burst into laughter, which was sweet, not at all mocking. ‘You think I don’t know monsters? There are many people who would say I am one. I am sorry, good sir, but if you think I am a meek and frightened woman, your powers of observation are not among your strongest qualities. I do not seek a friend, I seek a worker. I can grant you whatever you wish, but it will be a payment for services rendered.’

Ted Peterson

Alcaire

‘Please, Leseth,’ Bosriel called from the darkness above. For a moment, all below could see her, floating in the nothingness, like a doll in a dark ocean. Long dark hair, white ashen skin, eyes of pure fire, the blood of Elysana’s guard on her lips. ‘I am afraid I will not be able to do it alone. Until she has freed me, will you help?’

Ted Peterson

A Dark House in Alcaire

Naphiticles drops to his knees in front of his Queen. He grasps her right hand, and weeps in terror.

‘You have been right when my other sages were wrong,’ she said, stroking his face with her other hand. ‘When they said an army of men had invaded my palace, or I had offended the daedra Azura, you told me of the Void. You advised me on the construction of my new palace, showing me how to create a sanctuary which the Void Rangers could not enter. You found this extraordinary girl, this Bosriel for me. I am grateful for your service and your wisdom.’

She pulled her hands away from him, and Naphiticles collapses to the floor, sobbing.

‘You have one thing left to offer me,’ she said, a smile of an angel on her face. She turns to Leseth. ‘He’s yours.’

Ted Peterson

A Dark House in Alcaire

‘Most satisfactory,’ Elysana thought.

She looked to her guards, some of whom were staring at the floor, white-faced, jaws agape. When they saw her look their way, each one straightened up, freezing their faces into masks of professional disinterest.

‘Bosriel, Leseth,’ Elysana called to the Void. ‘I must know what transpired in Hammerfell, in the inn in Rihad where my men went to apprehend Lord Ciel. If they did not find him, or let him get away, I would have him found. Him, and the man who helped him escape from me. You do not need to capture or kill them … yet … I would first wish information on who he is, and whether he is working alone or with others.’

With that, the Queen of Wayrest and her men left the haunted house of the void, and began their way back to her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Where we last left the Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, she had just made her fourth contract with a powerful ally in a few days’ time, in a dark house in Alcaire, with a ceiling that opens to the Void.

The first was with the Daedra Prince Meridia. In return for knowledge about Loranna, the truth about her connection with Azura, and the knowledge that she has no designs against Wayrest, Elysana agreed to order her seemingly loyal man Lord Liris to keep Loranna under his watchful eye and not to release her. The letter to this effect has only now arrived in Gnisis, and Elysana does not yet know of Liris’s epiphany in the Temple.

The second was with the Daedra Prince Sheogorath. The details of this contract are not known.

The third was with a little girl named Bosriel, a Void Vampire who cannot leave The Land Between, but who can devour any who pass staircases, the juncture of walls, or anywhere else that is a connection to the Void. She can also move small things with great precision telekinetically to communicate with the world outside. In return for being Elysana’s spy and assassin, the Queen has promised to construct something – the details of which are unknown – to free Bosriel from her ‘prison.’

The fourth and latest was with Leseth, a monstrous dark orc and Void Ranger. The Queen gave to him her trusted advisor Naphiticles, who he said knew too much about the Void. Leseth has sworn allegiance to Elysana, and together with Bosriel they have been ordered to go to Hammerfell. At an inn there, Elysana’s men were closing in on her former knight Lord Ciel, and she does not know what transpired. They will shortly discover that Ciel and his allies killed the men, and escaped. Leseth and Bosriel are expected to find them, and tell their queen their wherebouts and who their allies are, so Elysana can plan her revenge.

And now the Queen is sleeping in her hidden palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains. Though her appearance is of an icy, cruel, and calculating sovereign, the things that she has seen trouble a part of her that she barely knows exists. She has nightmares.

Ted Peterson

Elysana's dreams increased in their horror. Of all the contracts, of all the deals that she had struck, the one that troubled her most was the one with Sheogorath. Would it destroy her, or give her more power than she had dreamed of?

All the while, she felt she could hear footsteps between the walls, people watching her, always ... waiting ...

She woke up with a start, and seing the girl in the dark, her first thought was, 'Bosriel!'

Then she awoke more completely, and knew who it was.

'My Lady Meridia,' the Queen says. 'There is news?'

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

'It may be a trick to gain her confidence,' said Elysana to the Prince. 'I now have agents who can move without the limitations of time and space, who can report what they see. But if I have lost the loyalty of Liris, then I assure you, whether I had a contract with you or not, he will die.'

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana sat in her bed, staring into the gloom, unable to sleep. Had she made a miscalculation? It was possible. She always had plans, and contingency plans, but she did not have the information yet to know if the time was right. She had promised Liris much for his loyalty, but had Loranna promised him more? Was it possible that he had a true religious conversion, or was it merely politically expedient to pretend to have one?

She had spoken the truth to Meridia – if Liris failed her, or faltered in his loyalty, he would die, as surely as Lord Ciel would, or perhaps already had.

Soon the Queen would hear from Leseth and Bosriel, and know whether to send them to Morrowind or elsewhere in pursuit of Lord Ciel.

Ted Peterson

Ooc – For FireMaster

I think this is worth stating for people moving through southern High Rock and northern Hammerfell. Things are different in the Iliac Bay since the days of Daggerfall. Daggerfall, Wayrest, Sentinel, and Orsinium have been busy, and there are few small kingdoms left.

Use this map as reference -- http://www.jceason.dircon.co.uk/dagger/dfgprov.htm

Daggerfall controls south-western High Rock – the former independent lands of Tulune, Glenumbria Moors, Glenpoint, Ilessan Hills, and Shalgora. They retain their old names, but are referred to as Daggerfallian Tulune, et cetera.

Anticlere is a buffer between Daggerfall’s land and Wayrest’s.

Wayrest controls Dwynnen, Bhoriane, Koegria, Alcaire, and parts of Menevia, Gavaudon, and the Wrothgarian Mountains.

Orsinium has consumed Mournoth, Menevia, and huge portions of the Wrothgarian Mountains, as well as the inland parts of Gauvadon and Menevia.

Sentinel controls all coastal Hammerfell west of the Dragontail Mountains.

Ted Peterson

ooc: No problem. Expect to be searched when you enter Wayrestian territory though. The Queen is very paranoid about strangers lately ...

Ted Peterson

Outside, there is the rumble of distant thunder.

Ted Peterson

Dark clouds on the horizon.

In the cave, something stirs. Foot-long claws crack the stone walls.

It rises, smelling food outside its lair.

Ted Peterson

Lumbering towards the entrance of the cave, the creature moves slowly, stooped over, its back grinding along the rough ceiling of the cavern …

Its eyes are golden, as are its jagged teeth, and its wild, tangled hair. Black barbs run up and down its arms and legs, like spines. It is humanoid, but enormous and misshapen, dripping with dust and slime, its growl deep. It would be twenty feet tall if it stands, but now it crawls towards the light and the storm and the smell of blood.

Lightning flashes over the hills, and the wind begins to howl to match the creature’s growling.

Ted Peterson

Two joints on the sides of the creature’s jaw unhinge, and the bottom half of its mouth dropped down four feet. There was no intelligence behind its blank eyes and it focused on its prey – the khajiit.

Moving with a speed that belied its size, it swallowed Celezar whole.

Ted Peterson

The creature’s jaw snapped shut, and its gullet showed the shape of the struggling Celezar for just a few seconds while it chewed, and the acid dissolved the meal. The shape shrunk and ceased to struggle.

The beast turned towards Dane, claws outstretched like twelve swords.

It began to rain.

Ted Peterson

The creature bounds at Dane, fast, its feet shaking the ground, claws cocked back to eviscerate its next meal.

Ted Peterson

The rain is falling faster, water running in rivulets all over the ground, like open wounds.

The creature opens his jaw, and spews forth a spray of acid and dried chunks of its last meal, showering it in Dane’s eyes, blinding him, as its claws rake across his chest, deep.

Ted Peterson

The creature’s jaws unhinged and attempted to swallow Dane whole, but he was struggling too hard. They clamped tight on his arms, letting the acid dribble down their length, splashing on Dean’s face and chest.

The fireball makes it release its prey momentarily, more surprised by it than hurt.

Ted Peterson

The daggers crumple against the creature’s hide, dropping to the ground, as it snaps at its prey, Dane, who manages to roll out of the way of the monstrous jaws.

Ted Peterson

The electricity does not bother the creature at all, but its eyes shift from Dane, who close as he is, is still hard to catch, to Zaldaar. The next meal after this, it seems to be thinking, and then turns its attention back to the struggling beast beneath it.

Ted Peterson

The creature reared up to its full height, dwarfing any tree or human built structure for miles around. Its spines bristle up, glistening with poison.

Suddenly, it vomits a jumble of mummified bones and skin which might vaguely look like Celezar if he were compacted to a few feet long. It rockets forth, striking Dane in the head with a solid, bone-breaking crack.

Ted Peterson

The creature falls back with a deafening crash, and then shakes itself, rolling to its feet again.

Ted Peterson

The creature roars in anger and pain. Spines fly from its body in every direction. Anyone who is hit by one is instantly paralyzed.

Ted Peterson

The sword knocked the creature back, as it sprays acid into Aricyn’s face.

Ted Peterson

The creature narrowed its eyes and rushed at the girl, its jaw dropping wide, claws swinging back, hissing through the air and rain.

Before anyone can react, it devours Loranna in a single gulp.

Ted Peterson

The storm becomes nothing more than a light, gentle rain. Barely more than mist.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, with a wave of her hand, sent the architects away. The foundation of the new palace had been laid. Artisans were gathering from around the kingdom to begin construction on the Dome of Wayrest.

Lord Castellian had died, despite the ministrations of the healers. It was a pity, but he might have moved faster to find Lord Ciel. He was not an effective spymaster, clearly. There was another Castellian – a young lad named Ryvan, who would replace his brother … and his sister who had come before. She had already sent for him.

Now, where were Leseth and Bosriel with their report from Hammerfell? It maddened the Queen that she wouldn’t know if the Void walkers were miles away or in the room with her.

When she heard the creak on the floorboards, she thought it might be them.

But when she turned, it was Sheogorath.

“My sweet Queen,” he said, walking slowly towards her. “I’ve come to collect the first part of our bargain.”

Elysana screamed and her world turned to darkness.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Vonnod barred the door, locking the Queen in her study.

Within, he could hear her laughing, weeping, and singing, as she threw chairs at the door.

A voice that could have been Elysana’s when she was but a child sang:

But fancy a dally or dilly
In a land that’s quite hilly
Wearing underclothes frilly
You’re just gilding the lily
And it’s so rudely cyrodilly

Ted Peterson

(In the Void just outside the inn in Hammerfell)

Leseth could feel the hand on his arm, though no one was there. She was between the walls. The little girl with lank black hair floating in a sea of nothingness, the Void Vampire Bosriel.

The dust in the air seemed to form words just for Leseth’s eyes and then disappear.

‘I smell blood in the Void. Not very recent, but within a few days. Someone passed through here, and he or she was injured.’

Within the Void, at but a gesture, tiny red droplets rose from below where they had been endlessly falling. She touched them, and licked her fingers.

‘A young man,’ she said, closing her eyes, biting her lips in an ecstasy of hunger. ‘I will know him when I see him.’

Ted Peterson

Casketmaker’s, Somewhere in Hammerfell

Coins dropped from the casketmaker’s pocket noisily to the floor. He froze, petrified that he’d been heard, but there was silence from the other room. Keeping his eye on the door, he quietly picked up the coins, one by one. The last one had rolled into a corner of the room.

As he bent to retrieve it, he felt his arm go numb. The skin paled in a wave from his hand to his face, as his veins and arteries burst, a stream of crimson pouring out, in a straight line into the corner of the room. He could hear, or he thought he could hear, a sweet, lady-like sipping sound from the shadows behind. He pulled back, as best as he could but he was held as if by a vise. He tried to scream, but nothing more than a piteous groan escaped his lips as he collapsed to the floor.

Bosriel paused while drinking to answer Leseth, ‘Yes, let us tell the Queen everything. I want her to be pleased with me.’

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Ryvad Castellian waited in a small, undecorated antechamber in the Queen of Wayrest’s hidden mountain palace. The atmosphere in the place was hushed, the servants looking at him and one another with frightened eyes, the keepers of secrets. They were cleaning up a room that he couldn’t enter, but he could see through the half-opened door that the place had been torn apart. All the furniture was in tatters, and the walls were scored with scratch marks. What wild animal had been in there lately?

At last, the Queen was ready to see him. He was escorted to an outside courtyard, blanked it in snow. The Queen was bundled in fur, held steady by her sage Vonnod. Her eyes were circled in black and unfocused as if she hadn’t slept.

"Pardon me for meeting you outside, sir. I needed some fresh air."

“Are you ill, Your Majesty?” he asked, bowing.

Elysana laughed weakly. “You are not going to flatter my beauty? That’s an excellent start. Let me begin by saying that you have my condolences for the death of your brother …”

“I thank you, Your Majesty,” said the young man. “But I did not much care for him. He was arrogant and ineffective. I hope to someday give you an opportunity to prove myself as your chief spymaster.”

“The opportunity is now,” smiled the Queen.

Ted Peterson

"Remember Celezar," said the statue in a tiny little voice. "Let Celezar do all the talking. He is the master of speechcraft and persuasion."

Ted Peterson

Where we last left Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest was in her hidden palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains, talking to Lord Ryvad Castellian. He is the third and youngest of the Castellian siblings to become Elysana’s spymaster in a very short time (his sister was killed in the fight in the inn in the Noble Seamstress RP, his brother died after sustaining injuries in Ciel’s escape for which Elysana refused to let him be healed).

Elysana does not look well herself. She had an episode of madness last night, tearing apart her audience chamber after a visitation from Sheogorath, one of the Daedra Princes she has made a contract with. Her councilors and servants are keeping this secret, for obvious reasons.

Her Void Ranger spies Leseth and Bosriel are en route back from Hammerfell, having investigated the cause of Ciel’s second escape from Elysana’s wrath …

Ted Peterson

Sheogorath, appearing as a small fluffy cloud, puffily rolled his eyes, “If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s people who don’t give straight answers.”

He hitched a ride on a Cliff Racer, and drifted towards Balmora to see how Celezar was proceeding.

Ted Peterson

Sheogorath drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and stops for a glass of wine and a pipe and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and ...

Crashes to the ground with a bone-snapping crack. Dead.

Ted Peterson

ooc: Sorry, no, that didn't happen. We must rewind.

Sheogorath lay still in the ground, blood trickling from his mouth, dead eyes staring up, his neck broken.

At Dar'Var's approach, he grabs him and kisses him, and then drops back for his heart-wrenching self Requiem:

Oh, Azura, Azura, the dust and the dawn,
My guts fill with worms, my body their pawn,
Oh, death cometh to stop my immortal dance,
Alas, alackaday, and, aye, what an annoyance
But weep for me not, we soon will laugh and laugh hearty
Don’t dawdle, in the stone wood to the Ear-Clipper’s party

With that, he dies (again), and disintegrates rather nastily, devoured by worms.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

“You have much work to do,” said the Queen of Wayrest to her new spymaster, Ryvad Castellian. “There are hundreds of spies in my kingdom alone, and then there are those in the lands beyond, who will be sending their reports to you now. You must return to the city, and learn your job.”

“I know you expect nothing short of excellence,” said the young man. “And you will get it.”

Elysana gave him a tired smile. “Now leave me. You too, Vonnod. I would be alone.”

The stone benches in the courtyard had been wiped clean of snow, but they were cold. She shivered as she looked at the frozen fountain. There were frogs and fish in there during the summer, but in the winter, they buried themselves in the mud, and slept. She was jealous of them. If only she could sleep during times of death and madness as well …

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, Wayrest

Elysana got up from her seat. She had been there for hours, refusing to talk to anyone, trying to get her mind sorted out. It was a difficult thing, even for a Queen as strong-willed as she, to go from being a raving lunatic to a woman of strong reason. She worried that she had not interviewed her new spymaster as assiduously as she ought.

As she reached the door to go back inside, her breath fogged the the glass of the window, and formed words:

YOUR MAJESTY, WE

Elysana stood back, surprised. She took another breath, and fogged the window again.

HAVE RETURNED

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, Wayrest

The Queen of Wayrest held strong. Her eyes were still dark-circled and haunted, but she smiled with all the sweetness of a young princess.

“I don’t suppose I could, or even should, ask you to announce yourself to my seneschal before you arrive,” she said. “I know it is what I hired you for, this ability to move yourself about undetected, but I must admit, it’s not what I’m used to.

“What do you know of this void-walker?”

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana smiled, ‘No, I am running on a third of the number of servants than I am used to already. I only took forty-three of the most trusted here to attend while the new palace is being completed.’

‘You have forty-two left,’ said Bosriel, to no one in particular, wiping the blood from her lips. It was a clumsy maid, unlikely to be missed.

‘So, no need to announce yourself,’ said Elysana. ‘In fact, I have a new spymaster, Ryvad Castellian, but I haven’t told him about you yet, since I know how you don’t like people to know about the Void.’

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

‘Who does this Mirror work for,’ the Queen asked. ‘Who would want to protect a useless, feckless knight like Lord Ciel?’

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

‘No,’ said Elysana. ‘I do not go after minnows. I want to know what spawned him. Does he work for Orsinium, or Daggerfall, or my stepsiblings in Firsthold and Morrowind? Is he a freelancer? Before you kill him – which I will ask of you, soon – I want to know, who will come after him? Who am I fighting in this war?’

Ted Peterson

‘Do not tease her,’ said Bosriel whispering to Leseth from the void, her voice that of a young girl, even if her eyes told a different story. ‘You know what she’s asking. She wants to know if killing Mirror will solve her problem. She wants to know about Mirror’s associates.’

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

‘You better be right,’ said the Queen of Wayrest. ‘If there is some way of torturing him in the Void, you should do so to see what he knows and whom he has talked to. See that no one else, no other void-walker particularly, thinks that he can enter my palaces and decide justice here besides me. If possible, I would interrogate him myself. But, yes, either capture or kill this Mirror ... and Lord Ciel as well …’

Elysana sat back down upon the stone bench, ‘But, first, I have another thing that must be done. In Morrowind, which is far from me, but close for you.’

Elysana told them what must be done about Lord Liris.

Ted Peterson

The Void

‘I do pity her, but I would never tell her that,’ said Bosriel, accepting Leseth’s affection gratefully. ‘I thought it would be nice if I killed her when she frees me, but … I doubt even death will make that woman happy.

'Let us go on to Morrowind. I'm hungry.'

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel cannot take the touch for too long. She pushes Leseth gently away, as if she is shy, but her eyes tell a different story.

‘I cannot be too close to a warm blooded creature for too long,’ she says, almost as an apology, but, really, not quite. ‘I don’t know why I am always hungry. I don’t know how many people I have killed over a thousand years of constant hunger … Every day, I wish that I had never … when the Montalion … Well, it doesn’t matter.’

Bosriel laughs, trying to cheer herself up, but it sounds hollow in the void.

Ted Peterson

The streets of Balmora smelled of spices and grilling meat. The townfolk gathered in wonder, watching wagonload after wagonload of foodstuff carting through to the Hlaluu stronghold. The finest cooks of Vvardenfelll came from Vivec, from Caldera, from Ald’ruhn, to prepare this feast for the King of Morrowind.

They did not know when he would be arriving, but it would be soon, and there was so much to do.

Ted Peterson

In the Void, he sees a little girl with dark, unruly hair, and blazing red eyes, who smiles at him sweetly.

“Hello,” says Bosriel.

She floated closer to him.

"What's your name?"

Ted Peterson

“What’s your name?” the girl repeats, floating closer, and Arynel cannot look away from her eyes.

He does not want to move.

Ted Peterson

"You're beautiful."

The girl was feeding on him before he even knew what was happening. It was ecstasy, feeling death come upon him. Dimly, he could see her last victim, a guard of Liris's, floating in the void behind her.

Suddenly, it was over.

She was gone. He was alone.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest, High Rock

When the palace in Wayrest was torn down, it was a destruction not only of the Queen’s home, but of her administrative offices as well. Her treasury and bureaucracy had to find new and secure lodgings all over the city.

The new home of the spymaster was in a poor section of the city, beneath a block of shops, in a secret dungeon they called the Oubliettes. The prisoners there were awaiting trial, some of them for many years, but Elysana simply had them all executed. Its clandestine location suited Ryvad Castellian very well. It was impossible to penetrate even if one knew its location, which no one did. Anyone could come and go out of the offices, through trap doors and false walls in the alleyway, and no one would be the wiser.

It had not taken Ryvad long to go through most of the records, for as exhaustive as they were, they were very well organized. And he had discovered something that his liege would need to know, about a spy in the court named Tirin. Castellian immediately began the letter.

Ted Peterson

A Dunmer lad tending his herd on the outskirts of the town was the first to see them. He ran through the town as fast he could, banging on doors and windows, "Get up! Get out in the streets! They're coming, we must welcome them to Balmora!"

Ted Peterson

The lad disappeared around a corner in front of the Hlaalu Manor House and when he had emerged, he was no longer a boy, but an Ordinator Guard. He knocked heavily on the door.

"The king has not yet arrived," he said formally, and then paused. "But his honored guests are here."

Ted Peterson

The highest point in Balmora was the Silt Strider station which was filled far beyond capacity with a cheering crowd. When they saw the procession, they roared and applauded.

"I don't see the King," one woman in the group whispered to another. "Do you?"

"Yes! Isn't that him there?" her friend answered, pointing to no one in particular.

"Oh yes!" the woman applauded, looking around and seeing that everyone else must have seen him as well. "He's so handsome! Huzzah!"

Ted Peterson

“Yes!” cried a drunken man, hearing Teleran, and ceased his cries for his sovereign “King Helen.” “Lornaura! Long live Lorggura!”

Ted Peterson

“It is the King and the Goddess!” cried a woman kneeling on the ground, almost unable to breathe from excitement.

“Have you heard?” a man cried as he ran past. “King Helseth intends to marry the Goddess incarnate, and together conquer all of Tamriel!”

Ted Peterson

‘Ooh, it’s an orgy,’ cried one of the women on the silt strider ramp joyfully. ‘Hoorah!’

‘No, it’s not an orgy,’ said her friend. ‘You always think it’s an orgy. It’s just a couple men tussling.’

‘Oh,’ she said, disappointed and then cheered up. ‘Well, a fight is pretty good too! Hoorah!”

Ted Peterson

Nileno Dorvayn stepped out of the front steps of the Hlaalu Manor House, noting the twin pyramids of sweetbuns looked stable (finally!) and together with his men began the march through town to greet the King's noble guests.

Ted Peterson

Nileno Dorvayn strode toward the procession, all smiles, while she tried to understand who it was she was greeting.

“There is a woman who seems to be the center of it all,” said her chief advisor, trying to keep up with her.

“Ah, the dowager queen Barenziah,” Nileno nodded. “I will address her as ‘Glorious Queen and Mother of Kings …’”

“No, it is not Barenziah, unless she has bleached her skin and is with child …”

Nileno couldn’t help but grimace in frustration before turning it back to a smile. “I will address her as ‘Glorious Lady and …’ what?”

“’Mother-to-be?’”

“’Great Mother,’” Nileno nodded. “Well, every mother wants to hear that.”

Ted Peterson

"Glorious Lady and Great Mother!" cried Nileno Dorvayn at the sight of Loranna and her retinue, bowing humbly. "Your visit brings honor to Balmora! We are at your disposal and have a feast which we hope and pray will please you, and our other honored guests!"

Ted Peterson

"Then let us feast!" cries Nileno, and the crowd roars. Even if they are all not going to the feast, food is being prepared all over the town, making it a wide celebration.

The group is escorted to the Hlaalu stronghold on the far (western?) side of town.

Ted Peterson

The leader of House Hlaalu in Balmora, Nileno looked over the crowd, trying to keep her smiling from becoming uneasy. This did not look like the kind of retinue who would travel with the King of Mournhold. These looked like rabble.

“Anything you need, My Lady,” she said to Loranna, banishing such snobbery from her mind. “You need only ask and it will be provided. You must excuse me, though, I have to make certain all is going smoothly with the servants.”

Ted Peterson

“It is so much better to have a good meal,” said an Ordinator guard next to Loranna in a voice only she could hear, the voice of Sheogorath. “Than to be one. You have had occasion to experience both of these in the last couple of days. You may be Queen of this cursed land yet.”

Ted Peterson

“It should have been easy,” said Bosriel quietly. “I was worried you were more hurt than you were. I almost didn’t see you in time … I was feeding … I’m sorry …”

Ted Peterson

“You ponder too much, my dear,” said the Guard, raising his mask to give her a wink with one mad eye, before disappearing into the crowd.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel nodded, looking like a good, if solemn, little girl. “He was beautiful, and even more beautiful when he was afraid ... Arynel ... But I still did it because I was afraid for you than out of hunger …”

“Should we visit Liris again, or search out Lord Ciel?”

Ted Peterson

Bosriel nodded, and dark hair flowing behind her, she followed him into the darkness. She would need to feed again soon. If only she could hunt the beautiful man again, but she did not want Leseth to be displeased with her.

She sent out a telekinetic touch across space, brushing Arynel's face gently.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana lay in bed, reading the correspondence from her new spymaster, Ryvad Castellian. The lad was efficient. She still felt tired and ill, but hopefully tomorrow she would have her strength back.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen jumped, but, in truth, she was not surprised by this visitation.

“Yes, My Lady,” she said. “I know why you’re here. For once, I do not think you bring me news that I have not already heard.”

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest felt faint, but she looked the Daedra Prince steadily in the eyes. “With all humility, my Lady, if you have forgotten exactly what our contract was, I can restate it for you, and you will understand that I have not fallen on my promise.”

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana nodded solemnly, but the look in her dark circled eyes was not at all foolish. There was, however, still a spark of madness.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana shuddered as the Prince disappeared. Slowly, the glow melted away from the flesh of the potted plant and her own skin.

“She’s right,” the Queen of Wayrest said to herself in the darkness. “One shouldn’t make contracts with people one can’t assassinate.”

She sank into her bed and slept, surrounded by the clutter of papers from her spymaster.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, flung her bedsheets to the side and rang for her servants. They were still frightened, expecting the most maniacal of madnesses, but instead she gave them something that was merely mildly crazy.

'Pack,' she said. 'I would travel tomorrow.'

'For how long would you be gone?' her maid Yrgnella asks.

'A couple weeks,' said the Queen. 'I will be visiting Morrowind.'

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock.

“Where did you find it, girl?” the Queen asked, shocked by how soft her own voice sounded. Almost girlish.

It angered Elysana, this weakness, and she snatched the note and the letter out of the maid’s hands. “Go back to packing. Leave me.”

When the maid left, the Queen put the necklace on and looked at herself in the mirror. She hadn’t realized before then that there were tears in her eyes.

Ted Peterson

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Mirror’s assessment is somewhat altered when the Queen of Wayrest angrily throws a vase into the mirror, shattering it.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel smiled and licked her lips, which were suddenly as red as her eyes. "You've never seen me before, but I know you completely. It sounds like the Mirror has broken. Want to play?"

Ted Peterson

The Void.

Bosriel remained silent, and did not come closer to Mirror, but moved in a circle around him, her eyes never leaving his, her dark hair floating about her as if she were suspended in water. Her face was still, but there was hunger in her eyes.

Ted Peterson

The Void.

The concentric circles of Bosriel’s rotation about Mirror were becoming tighter. She was perceptibly closer each turn. He could field a child’s fingers running through his hair, pulling at his shirt.

Reacting to a touch, he had turned around, and when he turned back, she was face to face with him, an angelic smile on her dark red lips.

"Leseth says you have been a bad, bad boy."

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel’s sweet smile widened, and now Mirror could see the fangs.

"Look at me for a little while, and you won't feel any pain."

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel floated towards the two, shaking her head as if in sadness, but still smiling brightly. "Time to play."

Ted Peterson

The Void

Mirror felt cold breath on the back of his neck, and then something sharp dug into his shoulder. Bosriel had lied. There was some numbness, but there was plenty of pain as well.

Ted Peterson

Nileno Doravyn walked up the stairs to the uppermost tower of the Hlaalu Manor where she had a sentry planted. She crept carefully to catch him if he was asleep, but he wasn’t. And he had company, one of the men who had accompanied Loranna was with him. She didn't know which one, they all looked equally scruffy to her.

“No sign of King Helseth still?” she asked, no longer hiding her irritation. The party had been expensive, and if the King was not coming, it bothered her that she was only entertaining his friends.

The sentry shook his head.

She stomped back down the stairs. It had come to the point where she would have to hire a scout, to see where the King was.

Ted Peterson

A young Breton, former soldier of Wayrest, now pledged to Loranna, approaches the group. He says nothing, merely waits for a moment to speak with Lord Liris.

Ted Peterson

"Sir," said the Breton. "The crowd outside has grown even larger. And they're not just Dunmer ... Altmer, Argonians, Khajiit, even Bretons like us ... They are being peaceable enough, so far, but I thought you should know."

The young man paused and then added, "And also this too. The lady of this House has sent out a courier to find the King."

Ted Peterson

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil

The Queen of Wayrest’s small fleet of ships moved swiftly down the Corbolo steadily eastward towards Morrowind. They were not her grandest vessels, built as they were for river travel not war, but they impressed the simple peasants and fishermen they passed. Elysana was not their queen, but they knew the reputation that came with the red rose banner, and they murmured amongst themselves, wondering what business she had so far from her land.

“Your Majesty,” said her sage Vonnod. “We need to stop for food and supplies.”

“Make it quick,” said Elysana, touching her necklace as she stepped below deck. “Time is not our ally.”

Vonnod bade the captain to stop at the first village of any note along the route, and in a few hours’ time, the fleet anchored.

Ted Peterson

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil

Elysana started at the sound of Leseth’s voice, but she didn’t let her face show any surprise as she turned around to face him.

“Is the gift breathing?” she asked simply with a smile.

Ted Peterson

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil – The Queen’s Ship

The Queen of Wayrest had a strong stomach for gore. She looked at the gifts carefully and then smiled.

“Death for New Life. What a delightful gift,” she said sweetly.

The thick glass windows clouded with condensation by invisible breath. Slowly the words formed as if drawn by a child’s finger.

NOW

MY

FREEDOM

“You must have patience, Bosriel,” said the Queen. “I have begun construction on the shrine that you need in the Wrothgarian Mountains. You have investigated whether the owners of these body parts had any allies, other spies?”

Ted Peterson

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil – The Queen’s Ship

“I am a mother, and I know how children are,” the Queen said. “But children who ask the near-impossible must be patient, and be good as they can be for a little while longer. I am going to the court of my step-brother Helseth, but before I do, I require information. I mut know what is happening with the cult of Azura in his kingdom, and then I must know what he intends to do about it.”

Ted Peterson

A golden bird fluttered onto the window sill and began singing.

It was said that the first bird of New Life answered prayers.

Ted Peterson

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil – The Queen’s Ship

Elysana smiled. She liked Leseth’s bravado.

“For now, yes. The hawks will have a more worthy kill,” she said. “But before I ask for blood, first I ask for information. That is all for now.”

Ted Peterson

The Void

The little girl with the long black hair and fiery eyes nodded. Though the Void Vampire appeared to be a child, she was old, and had observed the ways of royalty for years in her travels, stalking prey in the Void.

“She has other spies, she will learn the truth someday,” said Bosriel. “Let’s go to the Wrothgarian Mountains and see if I will be free before she does.’

Ted Peterson

The little bird sang as if in response, and watched the knight leave. It cocked its head towards Tris.

Ted Peterson

The bird sang, and Tris immediately recognized the tune. It was an old Breton song that went –

Running, I pant and pant
My true love’s far ahead
Always more and more distant
I’ll gladly run until I’m dead
But my true love I choose
That we might again meet
I don’t need my shoes
I just need my feet

With that, the bird flies down under the windows’ eaves into the cellar.

Ted Peterson

He looked down into the cellar. Not easy to get down there on crutches. But he managed it.}}

The dark, moist root cellar was filled with crates stacked on top of crates, thick with dust and webs. The golden bird could not be seen, but there was rustling and singing in the far corner, behind some tall boxes.

Ted Peterson

There was no bird.

A woman in golden armor sat cross-legged on the floor. Though her face was covered with a golden mask, she continued to whistle the song, and then stopped. She cocked her head toward Tris in a jerky sudden movement, very much like a bird.

“Happy New Life,” said a hollow voice from within the mask.

Ted Peterson

But it was New Life. It was his singing bird. He dared himself to believe.

"And a Happy New Life to you," he said, and almost bowed, before he remembered that the motion was not nearly so graceful without two feet to stand on.}}

The Golden Saint stood up in one very graceful movement. She was very, very tall. Her head tapped against the cellar ceiling, as her hollow voice sang --

A wish may be granted after a test
Giving you speed only east to west
Madness may root
I’ll give you a foot
And on circle's end, I’ll take the rest

Ted Peterson

The woman removed the mask. A familiar, beautiful Nord woman’s face was revealed that he knew well. It was Allerleirauh, the General herself.

“Ah, Mirror,” she smiled. “No good at riddles, are you? Funny, you being a puzzle yourself, isn’t it?”

Ted Peterson

“But fools who know they’re fools are rarer than ebony,” Allerleirauh winked, and touched his cheek with her golden, armored hand. “That is why you are still interesting to me. Poor Mirror, or should I say Tris now that you are such a limping little wretch? You may have your foot back anytime you wish. But you must know there is always a price. If you haven’t learned that after this, your idiocy may be deeper than even you think.’

Ted Peterson

“I like you, Tris,” said Allerleirauh. “I think the world is much madder with you in it, being impulsive, taking risks, tempting fate. Since the General is plain-spoken, I will tell you my price without riddles. You will have your foot back. You will be able to do all that you could before. But you can not repeat the circle. You will be like a slug with an invisible trail you cannot cross. You can never retrace a step you have taken before, step where you have stepped, for the rest of your life. If you do so, your mind will belong ever more to Sheogorath.”

Ted Peterson

Allerleirauh frowned. 'I think you have one foot too many as it is,' she said, as she put her helm back on. She swung her sword at Tris, aiming for his good leg.

Ted Peterson

The dagger jutted out of the Golden Saint's armor, deep but not deep enough. She stumbled backwards a moment, and then charged forward, still aiming for Tris's leg.

Ted Peterson

"May the Honorable find good end," the Golden Saint said in her hollow, soulless voice, swinging her sword at Ciel.

Ted Peterson

Update:

The Void Vampire Bosriel and the black orc Void Ranger assassin Leseth are en route to Morrowind to spy on Loranna and Helseth (after a brief trip to the Wrothgarian Mountains to check on the preparations for setting Bosriel free from the Void).

The Queen of Wayrest Elysana is in Cyrodiil, about to continue her voyage to Morrowind with her fleet.

Her spymaster Ryvad Castellian is in Wayrest, finding all sorts of spies and double agents and reporting their activities to his liege. He has just found one very high up in court named Tirin.

Sheogorath is watching all, after unsuccessfully trying to tempt the crippled Tris with a new foot (disappointing since the replacement would have had very handsome toes).

Ted Peterson

The Void

The structures in the Wrothgarian Mountains had been an impressive sight indeed. It was obvious that the Queen of Wayrest was keeping her promise to Bosriel, the Void Vampire. Soon they would be completed. Soon she would be free. If Elysana didn’t learn the truth about Ciel and Tris, and the mercy that had been shown them.

Now Leseth and Bosriel were in the east.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel was always hungry. She had fed just a few hours before on the blood of a child in Skyrim she had lured from his bed by telekinetically sliding his favorite toy into the corner of his room where she could reach him. But still she wrinkled her nose as she smelled the scene she was witnessing.

‘There is some blood here I would not drink,’ she said to Leseth.

Ted Peterson

Though one of the Ordinators seemed to be curiously bloodless, like a hollow husk.

Ted Peterson

'The innocence of the children,' smiled Bosriel, her lips red with the blood of the Ordinator. She turned to Leseth, 'We are only to watch, yes?'

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel giggled and shook her head.

She floated around and below the crowds, to look into the faces and forms of those assembled. They were warriors all, many encased in armor, but still there was exposed flesh, fair and dark, young and old, male and female, man and mer. Most were well-muscled, and the blood pumped strongly through the veins as they fought or prepared to fight.

The little girl, the Void Vampire, was sated, but she was floating in a sea of the senses, and it was all she could do to watch, and be good.

When the children appeared, she tore them to pieces.

Ted Peterson

The Void

The little Void Vampire floated in darkness, her dress dripping with the blood of the children. Her face was red as well for she had feasted with passion.

With a thought, she sent the blood flying off into the Void in millions of particles, so she looked like a red sun bursting. Her simple white dress and her face were clean again.

‘When the King hears about this, won’t he be mad?’ she asked Leseth.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel nodded. She was looking into the face of Liris.

‘We can wait ‘til this one's alone too,’ she said, and then followed Leseth through the Void towards Helseth’s palace in Mournhold.

Ted Peterson

Western Mountains, Morrowind

The small fleet of the Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, slipped through the narrow mountain channels in a slow, careful approach. Though she had been assured by her spymaster that this part of her stepbrother’s kingdom was underpopulated and unguarded, she took the precaution of lowering the standard of the red rose. No reason to announce her presence until she was ready.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Leseth and Bosriel had been watching the King of Morrowind plot and plan for some time now. Not everything he said and did was very interesting. Much of the daily business of sovereignty is in the details. Reviewing laws and wills and ministerial appointments. Discussing taxes and harvests, mining contracts and court gossip of no interest to anyone.

Bosriel was a child when she was made into a Void Vampire a millenia ago. She had aged in many ways, but she still possessed the patience of a little girl. The minutiae of government bored her, and as the hours passed, she began to feel hunger again. She had gorged herself not so very long ago, but with nothing to distract her, she found herself watching the king's counselors and even the king himself, and smelling the blood pumping through their veins. She knew better than to act on this instinct, but it was difficult.

It was interesting when the one called Ayum or He-Who-Hunts-Elves met with the King though. That might be something that Elysana would want to know about.

Still, they waited in silence in the Void for some hours after, just watching.

Leseth was patient, but Bosriel finally asked him, 'How long should we watch?'

Ted Peterson

Bosriel nodded. Perhaps a thief breaking into someone's home. A beggar sleeping in a dark alley. An adventurer investigating an ancient dungeon. A lost child. The banquet of Tamriel's doomed citizenry.

But she could still taste Arynel's blood. She would not hunt him, for Leseth told her not to. But the part of her that was savage and didn't care yearned to devour the beautiful man.

Still, she obediently followed Leseth towards more suitable prey.

Ted Peterson

“Pardon me, sir,” said a Dunmer, whose clothes were simple, but his accent unmistakably noble. “I couldn’t help overhearing. My name is Dres Gaor. I come from the mainland together with many others to follow our Goddess. We assumed that there would be a tithe towards the construction of Azura’s temple, and were only waiting to be asked. If that would help you financially.”

Ted Peterson

"Forgive my impertinence on the matter. I know that money can be a touchy subject but we would consider it an honor to contribute," said Dres Gaor, with a bow, moving back into the crowd with a hearty. "Hail Azura!" which was echoed over and over again.

Ted Peterson

The jar begins to fill rapidly, and many are the voices who ask, as they contribute, about the possibility of a temple. Has Azura chosen the Towers of Dusk and Dawn to be the center of her kingdom in Mundus? They seem sturdy enough, only some slight modifications need to be made … This man is a carpenter ... And so is this man ...

(It is a sad fact of fund raising that everyone contributing a drake feels his or her opinion should be considered)

Might a wing of the new Temple be dedicated to a family member of mine, now deceased? What should be its colors? Will it need a knightly order to defend it? How can I join as a warrior or a priest?

Before long, the jar is full, and once emptied, is filled up again.

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor approaches, bowing low, averting his eyes, "And, in addition to coin, I would donate my season's crops to feed your people, and my land to build another temple on the mainland ... if it pleases you, Goddess ..."

Ted Peterson

"I only think of your followers too old or infirm to journey with you, if they could have some place to learn of you and worship, I know many more would come," the Dunmer said, his eyes still averted to the ground. "But you are wisdom itself. I only speak what seems clear to me. Forgive the intrusion."

With that, he walks back into the crowd, still bowing as he goes.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel had fed. A drunken prostitute slouched against the corner of a building in Mournhold had suddenly felt her life drain from her, mercifully quickly.

With Leseth, she had tried to find their patron, Elysana. But the Queen was still over water, unavailable to meet.

So they stayed in the Void outside of the palace and waited.

Ted Peterson

Tel Dres, Morrowind

Only two ships of Elysana’s fleet rounded the bend in the river. From the prow of the first ship, the Queen of Wayrest saw the skyline of the capitol of House Dres territory looming ahead.

“Where are you to meet them?” asked her sage Vonnod.

“They told Ryvad,” the Queen said, referring to her spymaster, “That they would meet me in the palace.”

“Doesn’t it make you nervous, being in your stepbrother’s kingdom like this?”

Elysana laughed girlishly. “The number of times I’ve slipped in and out of this land, setting snares for that fool …”

Ted Peterson

The Void

"The Queen's spy has been found," whispered Bosriel to Leseth. "This, she will want to know ... And, that there's a trap."

Ted Peterson

Tel Dres, Morrowind

The Queen of Wayrest wore a heavy dark cloak, and her small band of guards were similarly disguised as they wound their way through the streets of the city. They needn’t have bothered. No one was on the streets who might’ve recognized them – no one was on the streets at all.

“A quiet town,” said her sage Vonnod, a little nervously. “Perhaps they’re all still recovering from New Life …”

Elysana said nothing in reply. When they reached the gate of the palace, she rapped on the door. It didn’t open, but she could hear armored footsteps in the street behind her, and she knew a trap when she saw one. She had set up enough of them herself.

“Helseth,” she said to no one. “You’ve learned a thing or two about manipulating your enemy, haven’t you.’

Vonnod fainted when the King’s guards took him. Elysana merely smiled sweetly.

Ted Peterson

The Inner Sea, Morrowind

Elysana had been separated from her guards and her sage Vonnod. They might have been alive or dead. She was alone, in chains, in the hold of a ship sailing across the sea.

Throughout it all, she kept smiling.

“Are your chains too tight, milady?” asked one of the younger guards.

“No, my dear,” she sighed and gave him a wink. “I’ve felt tighter. Can you tell me where we’re going?”

“I don’t know if I’m supposed to,” he said. “But I suppose it won’t do no harm. You’ll know soon enough. Vivec.”

“Oh, good,” the Queen of Wayrest said. “I haven’t been there before. This should be very educational.”

Ted Peterson

From her vantage point, it is interesting that while most of Loranna/Azura's followers are Dunmer, it is actually a surprisingly multicultural group. Bretons and Imperials are working on the structure, together with Orcs, Redguards, Argonians, Khajiit, Altmer, Bosmer, and, yes, more than a few Nords.

"Sorry about that," says one of the Nords to the Dunmer working next to him. "You know, we Nords tend to drink too much sometimes."

The majority of the Dunmer looked at her with hostility, however. And many drew their weapons.

Ted Peterson

Dres Gaor looked at the Dunmer next to him. "Does anyone here know how to cast fireball?"

Ted Peterson

"B'Vek," said one of the Dunmer, before clapping his hand over his mouth. That oath was just a force of habit. 'I mean, by Azura ... you can hardly hear the hammering with all the shouting going on.'

Ted Peterson

"Apparently what we have here is a cliffracer from Skyrim," laughed Dres Gaor. "Hail Azura!"

The crowd echoed this back.

It is impossible to tell who did what in the crowd, as massive as it is, but a fireball and two arrows shoot out towards Allerleirauh. One of the arrows is fired very poorly, but the other and the fireball are on course for the floating Nord.

Ted Peterson

'I have already pledged my land to Azura,' Lord Dres Gaor said simply. 'And my crops and my gold. If she would have it, I will lay down my life for her. But not for you, Redoran lackey of the King.'

Ted Peterson

sorry, ooc: I'm outta here for the night. If anyone wants to play 'The Crowd,' go ahead. My 'mass motivation' was that if you get a bunch of worshippers in a location, and hang around without giving them anything else to do, and some of them start making the place into a temple, they're all going to join in. And a floating Nord woman insulting them, and a few guards aren't going to dissuade them. So, do with it what you will, with my blessing.

Ted Peterson

“My Lord,” said Dres Gaor, joining him. His head was bandaged, evidently from the scuffle. “I have been looking for you. I know that the Goddess did not expressly give permission to make these Towers into a temple to her glory, and I would not like you to think that I encouraged their construction. It was an outpouring of love from her worshippers, and I hope she will be pleased.”

He pointed towards the Towers which were still being worked on. Above the parapets were permanently cast spells of light which illuminated the sky with an ever-changing blend of pinks, blues, and purples, sunset and sunrise captured.

“That, I have to admit, was my idea,” the Dunmer said modestly. “The colors of Dusk and Dawn. People will be able to see it for miles, and know where the house of the Goddess is.”

Ted Peterson

“My Goddess,” says Lord Dres Gaor, falling to his knees at her presence. “I hope it pleases you. If it does not, we can tear it down – though the workers have put much heart into its construction. It began as but shelter for your loyal worshippers, and I cannot say who began its transformation into a holy shrine to your own pilgrimage, but it has happened, and I hope you find it beautiful as we do.”

Ted Peterson

“Thank you for your blessing, Mother Goddess,” said Lord Dres Gaor, still on his knees, eyes on the ground. “We hope only to serve you and proclaim your name to all. I know your journey has not ended, and that you will lead us on, but I pray here and elsewhere we can keep permanent remembrances and shrines to this great time. If you inspect the interior, you will see artisans are already creating tapestries and icons to represent the return of Azura. The blessing at Gnisis, the monster of the cave, the holy dinner at Balmora … All will be remembered, this I swear.”

Ted Peterson

“It would be my great honor,” said Lord Dres Gaor, rising. His face is beaming from the honor.

Dozens of artists are working in the halls, transforming them. They are still obviously works in an early state, but already Loranna can see that they will be beautiful, composed in rich reds, pinks, purples, and blues, befitting dusk and dawn. They are not perhaps accurate representations. Loranna appears as she does now, with ashen face and fair hair. The creature in the cave is even larger. The crowds in Balmora are already numbering in the thousands. And people who were not even present – like the King of Mournhold and Vivec himself – are shown in the tapestries, wailing and defeated.

Ted Peterson

The Dres nobleman bowed to Lord Erenius, and continued the tour.

The holy feast in Balmora was, of course, phantasmagorical. Not only were the meats dancing about, in completely disregard for gravity, but living animals were poking their heads in through the windows, fish, fowl, and beast alike, as if delighting in it as well.

The dusk tapestry was much darker in nature. It showed the trial of Vivec, and his attack on Azura. But Dres Gaor was quick to point out, “It also shows the sacred conception of your most holy daughter, too, my Goddess.”

Ted Peterson

“There are many other works the artists are eager to begin, my Goddess,” says Lord Dres Gaor, taking note of Loranna’s reaction, not certain whether it is critical or not. “The dance with the Dam Dog, the triumphant destruction of the unbelievers in High Rock and Skyrim … We have heard many stories of your miracles before you returned to your holy land, and we would show them all …”

Ted Peterson

The Void

Arynel feels a chill. Fingers reaching out for him.

Ted Peterson

The little girl with the flowing black hair, red eyes, and redder lips, looked at him.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered.

Ted Peterson

“I know that you have many more important things to do, but the artists appreciate your interest in their work,” said Lord Dres Gaor. And, indeed, the artists had all bowed humbly as Loranna inspected each tapestry and icon. “Any direction you give to them will be followed implicitly.”

Ted Peterson

In a blink of an eye, Bosriel was face to face with Arynel, her breath cold against his face.

“Soon, when I am free, you will make time,” she said, her eyes hungry.

And in an instant, she was gone, swallowed by darkness.

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor and the artists drop to their knees at the compliment, and shout in perfect unison, "Hail Azura!"

Ted Peterson

“A thousand pardons I could not meet with you before,” says Lord Dres Gaor. “I could not very well leave the Goddess without her permission. What was it that you wanted to talk about? Do you still want me to have my crops sent in from the mainland? I know several other land owners who would do the same.”

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel returned to Leseth.

"The Void is becoming an overgrown garden," she said. "It needs to be trimmed back ... Now, where is the Queen?"

Ted Peterson

"Many thanks, milord," said Lord Dres Gaor. "I will not rest until Azura's glory dwarfs all other powers in the land. I think it would be wise to have some of the shipments sent here as well, to support the pilgrims until they can farm and raise animals to feed themselves and those who come after."

He paused, "Perhaps it is too soon to ask this, but since the Goddess is pleased with this temple, mayhap she will agree to have more built? We might even get one started in Vivec before we arrive there!"

Ted Peterson

"I'd gladly approve of such an action," Erenius replies. "But it is not my descision to make. And yes, do send a shipment of food and other supplies here as soon as would be possible after we leave."}}

"I understand. I will send word at once, milord," said Lord Dres Gaor with a bow.

Ted Peterson

Lord Gaor smiled. “Force of habit. It is unclear to most of us if there is a hierarchy or not. I would not presume to give advice to the Goddess, but as our group grows, that might prove to be a problem. We have been given no rules or rituals or laws or holy scripture, and in the absence of them, the worshippers will make up their own. Which may be exactly what the Goddess wishes. I could not say.”

Ted Peterson

Update:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is in a ship in the Inner Sea, bound in chains, heading for Vivec. She was ambushed on a clandestine trip to Tel Dres on the mainland, and is now a prisoner of her step-brother, Helseth, the King of Morrowind.

Bosriel, a Void Vampire who appears as a little dark-haired girl with red hungry eyes, is with Leseth. Together they have been spying on Loranna’s group, and the King of Morrowind. They have read a letter, telling them that the Queen of Wayrest has fallen into a trap.

Lord Dres Gaor, a noble Dunmer following Loranna, has pledged his land, his gold, and his crops to the service of the Goddess. He has issued orders for his crops to be sent from his plantation on the mainland to Ghostgate to support the worshippers there, and to Vivec, the next stop on the pilgrimage.

Ted Peterson

Vivec, Morrowind

The ship landed in Vivec, and Elysana was escorted to the Hlaalu canton. The citizen looked at her without curiosity. She was not dressed regally, and Breton prisoners of the King were regular enough. For her part, Elysana acted the part of the tourist, looking around in wonder, asking questions of her guards.

“How long ‘til the King arrives?” asked the Queen of Wayrest as they brought her to her cell.

“We won’t keep you waiting long,” laughed one of the guards, locking the door, leaving her alone in the dark.

Ted Peterson

Vivec, Hlaalu Canton

"Leseth!" cried the Queen of Wayrest. She hadn't let herself recognize in herself how frightened she had been. She tried to control herself, as she always did, but she couldn't stop trembling. "Have you killed them? The guards?"

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec, Morrowind

"I know," Elysana said. "I was greedy and impatient, very unlike me. Helseth knew just how to play the game, and I forgot. Someone has betrayed me. Liris."

She paused. "Or someone else ... Now, the question is -- is there any way to escape from here without destroying all my plans ..."

Ted Peterson

"I told him what to do if he needed to contact me," said the Queen. "If that is too much information for him to have -- well, you can deal with him when I no longer need him. But that means someone else who works for me is my betrayer ... Now, what do you think about the possibility of escape from this place? I don't know this city at all.'

Ted Peterson

“Tell me what you witnessed in Loranna’s camp,” said the Queen. Her eyes no longer were afraid. She was thinking again, planning.

Leseth told her what he had seen at Ghostgate.

“They are causing quite a bit of trouble for Helseth now,” Elysana giggled girlishly. “Very good. And if Liris heard about the ambush, then some of my men must have joined Loranna’s group. And they are coming to Vivec … What about Helseth? Have you spied on him?”

Leseth told her about what he had seen, including the torture and execution of her spy Tirin.

“He knows too much,” Elysana said. “I need to know why. Leseth, I need you and Bosriel to find the spy and destroy him. I will stay here and talk to Helseth. That is the only way I can learn for certain what he knows … He will be happy to brag about it all when he thinks he has me in captivity. By then, my men who are traveling with Loranna will be here … That will be our plan … But when you have found the spy, I need you back. I’ll need you to get away.”

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec, Morrowind

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, sat in her cell, in the darkness. She could hear the guards outside wake up. Was she a fool to stay here when escape was possible?

She banished self-doubt from her head. She had to talk to Helseth, and this was the only way to do it. But still, it was hard not to be a little bit afraid, in the dark, in a prison in her hated stepbrother's land ...

Ted Peterson

Update

Bosriel and Leseth are in the Void, searching for the identity of the spy who tricked Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, into falling into the trap she now finds herself in.

Lord Dres Gaor has ordered half his crops to be sent to Ghostgate to support the temple there, and the other half to Vivec to support the pilgrims when they voyage there. His knights guarding these supplies have just arrived in Vivec.

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, has been captured by her hated stepbrother, Helseth, King of Morrowind. She is in a cell in the Hlaalu Canton, and thus we begin –

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

‘My Goddess,’ said Lord Dres Gaor, approaching Loranna, and bowing low. ‘My crops will be arriving here in two days time, and I’ve received word that half have already arrived in Ebonheart, where they are being stored. I thought it better to keep them there, where they can be easily guarded by my knights, than in Vivec itself. Will you be leaving for Vivec shortly, or will you be continuing your business in Ghostgate for a few days more? ... If it is my place to ask, I merely want to know so I can arrange for storage in Ebonheart ...’

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

Lord Dres Gaor frowned. “That is a route heavy with Imperial presence, my Queen. I do not doubt your wisdom, but they are allied with the King, who bears my lady no good will. It will be difficult to find a place to store the supplies near Pelegiad, but I will find a way, this I swear.”

Ted Peterson

"I could not agree more, my Goddess,' said the Dunmer, and paused to think. 'Perhaps, what we need is a distraction closeby, to keep the Imperial legion occupied while we move in ... Perhaps something in Seyda Neen ... Rest assured, you can rely on your obedient servants to get the supplies to Pelegiad.'

Ted Peterson

‘I do not know why the Goddess chooses to surround herself with people such as you, who mock the very people who revere Her,’ Lord Dres Gaor said stiffly. ‘Her wisdom is much greater than mine, and sometimes difficult for me to understand. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned. Perhaps it is further proof of her power, that she can lie in a nest of snakes such as you and the impudent Breton and survive. But whatever the reason, I do not see any reason why I must be polite to you.

You, a Nord, presume to lecture my people on freedom, as if slaving for an Imperial puppet of a King and an impotent, absent God would make us free. I put it to you that you are trying to trick us, to make our people weak so your people can try, again, to destroy us. If my Goddess wants me to discuss with you how the worship of Vivec has brought no freedom to the land I love, I will do so for her. If it is my decision, however, I will take my leave and do the work for which I have been charged.’

Ted Peterson

‘Forgive me, my Goddess, for speaking so. You are immortal and can be betrayed time and time again and always rise, but we creatures of Mundus cannot. If you tell me that this Nord’s vision of peace in Morrowind is at all like mine and yours, I will believe you. I will do what you say without question, but I cannot trust someone who so nakedly disdains all that I hold dear, and spits on me and my people.’

Ted Peterson

“You are benevolence itself, Prince of Dusk and Dawn,” said Lord Dres Gaor with a deep bow. “You can accept offerings of peace from known enemies such as that accursed sword, and smile when you are betrayed yet again. Perhaps I can understand it someday. But today, I must make preparations for your journey. I will, as I said, arrange for something to happen in Seeda Neen to distract the Imperial troops, so the supplies can come to Pelegiad … May I take my leave, Goddess?’

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor frowned slightly. Clearly he was originally planning something quite nasty in Seyda Neen to distract the Imperials from Pelegiad … up to and including the complete destruction of the town ... But that wouldn't be considered benevolent.

“Very well, as you wish,” he said. “I will be creative. No one will be harmed.”

With a bow to Loranna and a last suspicious sideways glare at Allerleirauh, the Dres nobleman takes his leave

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

Lord Dres Gaor walked through camp. whispering with one of his knights.

“We could hold one of the ships there hostage, or the whole harbor,’ suggested the knight.

‘Too risky,’ said Gaor. ‘A high likelihood of bloodshed, and the Goddess wants this to be done with kindness.’

‘Burn down the excise office?’

‘Hmm, we could make sure that no one was there,’ Gaor nodded, and then shook his head. ‘No, they wouldn’t send out too many legionnaires for something like that. We need something bigger.’

As they passed Solin and Arynel, the knight started to draw his sword, but Lord Dres Gaor took his arm and stopped him. He looked at Arynel with pure hatred, and they continued on.

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

“I don’t doubt that I’ve grown dull,” the Queen said with a smile. ‘I haven’t had someone of your quality to battle with for twenty some years now. One tends to get lazy as undisputed master of one’s kingdom. But you have no cause to go soft. I can’t imagine a sovereign with less actual power than you, dear stepbrother.”

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

“You know a great deal about current events in Wayrest,’ said Elysana. ‘I congratulate you on having such a well-placed spy in my court. I even hear that you’ve found and executed poor Tirin. Pity. He was always a fount of fascinating information about you. Still, you don’t know how many more men I have in your palace, watching you, advising you, your most trusted men … “

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor is easily found, separated from camp with a group of his knights. On Loranna’s approach, they all bow deeply.

“My Goddess,”said the nobleman. ‘I think we have an interesting plan for distracting the Imperial legion. Would you like to hear about it, or do you like surprises?’

Ted Peterson

‘We were inspired by the tale of the Crimson Ship,’ said Lord Dres Gaor. ‘And plan to fabricate another ship filled with plague victims off the coast of Seyda Neen. The population will panic, fearing that they will dock, and the Imperial Legion will be called for. But it is only a ruse …’

Tell me, my Goddess, what new plans you have.

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

“I know I’ve changed since you’ve seen me,” said the Queen of Wayrest. ‘I am forty-one years old. I have given birth to two children. I have lines on my face and my flesh is not as supple and thin as it once was. My kingdom is twice the size of the one you were banished from, and governing it is sometimes very difficult. I have, as you point out, grown slightly complacent, perhaps a bit lazy.

Male elves don’t change as much physically as female Bretons in twenty years. Except for your ears and eyes, you look the same as you did as a young man. You are still very handsome. I remember having quite an infatuation with you as a little girl when you and your mother and sister first came to my father’s house. But there is more fear in you than I remember, even more than in the days when you were a mere princeling vying for a throne you never could have. You are more afraid, but your other traits have remained the same I see. You are still loathed by your people, as you were in Wayrest. You are still the most contemptible egomaniac I have ever met. Truly, it is good to see you again.’

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

‘Panic is not the word I should have used, Goddess,’ said Lord Dres Gaor. ‘I beg your pardon for that. A ship off the shore should inspire more of a feeling of dread. The town will be seeded with my men, to insure that the fear is kept up, and the people come to the proper solution of calling the Legion in. The simple town folk should not be hard to manipulate.’

I understand your fears, Goddess, and I would assuage them if I could, but you are right to be careful. I think I expressed my reservations about the quality of the people you surround yourself with closely. I am only afraid that if you separate yourself from your worshippers, and rely on people like that Nord woman and the Breton lad, you may be putting yourself right into the midst of assassins … Who will you take with you?

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

‘I am very glad our plan meets with your approval, Goddess,’ said Lord Dres Gaor with a formal bow and an informal grin. ‘This the the sort of a mission my men enjoy.’

You know best, Goddess. I only express my fears that the Nord woman is too conflicted to defend you as rigorously as she ought to. I have even heard rumors that she attempted to poison your child, though they are likely only that, rumors. Perhaps I am just too simple, thinking that the most obviously loyal men, Aricyn, Liris, and Dagoth, should be your chief bodyguards, not she …

Please, do tell me a way I can communicate with you. And anything else I can do to help the cause. I am at your disposal.

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

Elysana laughs delightedly. ‘Oh, Helseth, darling, darling self-adoring dunce. Only you could read flattery into my words. So, I am to be executed, am I? Will it be in secret or out in the open? Am I to be tortured for information first? What would I do in your position?

Come, play the game with me, playmate. We spy on each other daily – surely we can read each other’s minds by now. I could have guessed, for example, that the stupid Nord girl was on your mind. Surely you have means of dealing with little cults like that.’

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

Elysana turns in the direction of the voice, but still watching Helseth's face.

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

“No, you wouldn’t want to execute me in public, not you. Appealing to the crowd was never your strong point. They might decide to put your neck on the block instead of mine. You might want to work on that. It is possible for a ruler to be feared without being hated. It’s not a hard trick.

It is quite a quandry with that resilient little cult. I don’t see how banishment would help your dilemma, but your ham-handed, clumsy attempt to discredit Azura with those pathetic little dremora-raising witch children?” Elysana laughed. ‘I thought you were better than that. You should hire on the spy at my court to come up with your strategies for you. He at least knows something about manipulation.’

Ted Peterson

There is a knock on his door, and Loremaster Celarus enters. He is not smiling.

'You are doing better, I see. Responding well to the herbs and healing spells, that's good,' he said, and removed a small gem from his pocket. 'I have something to return to a friend of yours, and a message for her about it. But I would like it if you could explain yourself to my satisfaction. Your actions seem to me, at the very best, impulsive and irresponsible.'

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor in conversation with one of his knights passes Lord Erenius, and bows to him.

Ted Peterson

"Of course," said Lord Dres Gaor. "I have been informed that half my crops should be arriving here tomorrow morning. Afternoon at the latest. The others are in Ebonheart, where they will remain until we can arrange a distraction in Seyda Neen so they can be safely brought in to Pelegiad.'

Ted Peterson

"I only spoke of the shipments I've arranged,' said the Dres nobleman. 'Three other of my brothers in my House have pledged their crops to Azura, and are sending their shipments in as well. If we can survive for the next day or two, there should be plenty enough for all. Provided, of course, that they can learn to be self-sustaining at the Temple, raising kwama perhaps and any crops that can be grown in this desolate place.'

Ted Peterson

'Not at all. I understand that the Goddess plans to start her pilgrimage again tomorrow, so the crops that are coming in can be stored for the journey, and the remainder left behind to support the worshippers who are staying here to sustain the Temple itself. I assume there will be some scouts sent ahead along the journey to procure shelter for the pilgrims?'

Ted Peterson

While many of Lord Dres Gaor's men were well-known and carried with them the emblems of their House, many more were hidden away, in cloaks and common clothes, among the worshippers, the guards, the artisans, the entertainers, the slaves. He quietly sent out word that the thief must be found. If it could be done without injury to any, that would be preferable, but a sizeable reward would be given to any who found the guilty party -- regardless of what happened to the thief thereafter.

He also sent word that he needed to speak with Lord Liris.

He also had to procure a ship and some fine plague victim actors and send men to Seyda Neen to insense the crowd, in a reasonable way, to incite fear but not panic ... The day was looking to be a busy one.

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is imprisoned in the Hlaalu Canton in Vivec. She is discussing the situation with the Loranna/Azura cult and her own impending execution with her stepbrother and captor, Helseth, King of Morrowind. Another man is present in the jail cell as well ...

Celarus, the Loremaster of Artaeum, is waiting on B, who is recovered from his experience in Oblivion, to explain his actions. He is furious with the Psijic.

Lord Dres Gaor is very busy. He is coordinating shipments across Vvardenfelll to feed the worshippers of Azura, planning a ruse to allow the shipments to pass secretly under the Imperial noses, and trying to rout out the thief who stole the offerings to Azura.

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

"Any luck on your end?" asked Wyrloc, one Gaor's knights to another, a disguised Ohmes-Raht in rags named Razbet.

'No,' said the Khajiit. 'No one saw a thing that I can find. Maybe it's an inside job. Perhaps Azura herself took the gold.'

'Watch your tongue, cat.'

'I'm just saying, it's possible,' Razbet shrugged. He was in this for the money, not for any devotion to the Daedra or loyalty to one group or another. 'But I know some people who could be coerced into confessing if it comes to that.'

'It might,' Wyrlock nodded. 'But let us try to find the real thief first.'

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

Rooms for the pilgrims had been set up in the towers of Dusk and Dawn, and Lord Dres Gaor took one of them to be his temporary office and bedroom. It had been taken hours of planning and considerable expense to set up the ruse in Seyda Neen, and he had been meeting with his spies in camp about the spy. So far there hadn’t even been the coldest clue about what had happened to the money in the temple.

Finally, he had slept, but only an hour later, he was awoken.

‘Serjo,’ said his man Wyrloc. ‘They have been sighted! The supplies are here!’

‘Already? All of them? Eight wagonloads have made it through in but a few days, from the mainland to this desolate place?’

‘Not eight, serjo,’ said Wyrloc. ‘Twelve! Lord Dres Carvelys’s supplies have arrived also, and joined with yours.’

‘Find Erenius and Liris and Aricyn,’ said Lord Dres Gaor, rising from his bed. ‘And tell them that the food crisis has been averted.’

Ted Peterson

'Ah, Aricyn!' said Lord Dres Gaor, greeting him in his chambers. 'I take it you heard the excellent news! Do my men know how to drive a caravan through treacherous terrain, or what?'

Ted Peterson

‘Damn and blast her to Oblivion!’ Gaor snarled. ‘I have spent nearly my entire fortune and every contact that it has taken my family generations to build to set up a distraction in Seyda Neen and she changes her mind?’

The Dres noble stopped suddenly and stared at the floor. ‘This is a test, I can see. I suppose I can cancel all my previous plans, and instead have the supplies shipped directly to Suran … And, in truth, it won’t cost me more. I might even save a penny or two. But, if the Goddess or anyone here thinks my abilities and treasury are limitless, and that my time is best spent on plans that change on a whim or a change of counselors, please let them know they are much mistaken …’

Ted Peterson

‘Please forgive my outburst, Aricyn. And if you feel you must mention my lack of faith to the Goddess, I can only plea that I have not had much sleep lately. My men and I had been working hard on what we thought was Her will. That is my only excuse,’ the Dres noble smiles tiredly. ‘But you are right. I do not have the faith that I show, or the faith that I should. But I am trying.’

Ted Peterson

'It is taking me some time to learn the nature of the Goddess's champions,' said Lord Dres Gaor. 'I had thought, perhaps, that you were the one who had the faith. It is a strange thing, that She prefers the company of people who do not believe in Her to the thousands who do. But I appreciate your kind words, and I promise not to disappoint now, or in the future. Now, I should talk to my men. They will be disappointed too that their work has been wasted, but I will explain to them it is the Goddess's will.'

Ted Peterson

'Oh yes,' the Dres nobleman nodded. 'You are very right, sir. I think if you checked, most of the worshippers here came out of desperation, willing to accept anything, any God is better than the one they have been given. Any government is preferable to the one we have. Any Temple but the one we have. And then fellowship is formed, and this is as good as any. I don't, in truth, know how long lasting this faith in Azura will be. She has not told us what to do, or what to believe, only that if we follow, things will be better. Perhaps the simplicity of that message is what is most effective. But it is short-term. If she does not tell people what to do when she is not there, I am afraid it will always be a cult, not a true religion.'

Ted Peterson

'I have devoted more than my life to that belief,' said Lord Dres Gaor, very seriously. 'My land and fortune has been in my family for generations, long before there was a Morrowind or an Empire or a Tribunal, and I am meant to pass it to my heirs. It is a serious thing to devote it instead to a pregnant Nordic tavern maid with ashen skin who claims to be the incarnate of Azura. My faith may shake, but I do believe just what you say. This is an investment in a brighter future for my land and my people -- and me.

Now, I really should talk to my men. Thank you, Aricyn. I am glad that the news of this change came from you.'

Ted Peterson

Ghostgate

As Lord Dres Gaor had predicted, his men were bitterly disappointed that their plans for the distraction were scrapped. As one of them pointed out, they had been asked to do the impossible, rose to the challenge, and then held back. Gaor explained to them that it was Azura’s will, and it was heretical to question it, and they fell silent.

‘The actors we hired to play the plague victims are gathering in Seyda Neen,” said Wyrlock. “Who should go there and tell them that there will be no performance?”

Lord Dres Gaor started to answer, and then stopped, a smile crossing his lips: “Perhaps there will still be a performance. Merely a change of venue. Tell me, is the playwright Baloth-Kul still looking for a patron for his next work?”

“I believe so … Why?”

“I have a farce in mind for him,” said the Dres nobleman. “If he can write it quickly.”

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor clapped Lord Erenius on the back, and pointed towards the caravan of a dozen wagons laden with foodstuffs as they rolled into camp.

"A beautiful sight, wouldn't you say?"

Ted Peterson

There is something like a blush in the Dres nobleman's dark skin. "Thank you. But most of the worshippers here have sacrificed their livelihoods to be here. Some of us were just lucky enough to have more to give ... I have had less luck so far finding the temple thief ..."

Ted Peterson

"Yes, the slaves are being interrogated," said Lord Dres Gaor. "But I have other suspicions. There are elements in this camp who are boldly disrespectful of Azura and her followers. It may not be simple greed, but a purposeful attempt to stop this pilgrimage. Perhaps by agents of the King ..."

Ted Peterson

"Just keep me informed about any information you come across, and I will do the same for you," said Lord Dres Gaor, and then smiled. "In the meantime, let us get these people fed!"

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

“It’d be a neat trick, if you could do it,” smiles Elysana. “Your new spy in my court is capable enough to fool me, but taking the throne of Wayrest isn’t so easy, as you yourself learned many years ago … Who is your friend here?”

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"When it comes to executing foreign queens, I understand that you like to do it in secret," smiled Elysana, looking at the King of Morrowind. "Do you like murdering priests in public? How stands the population on king versus temple?"

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Cantons, Vivec

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, did not say a word. Her eyes flicked from the King to the messenger, and she wondered where this was going. Will the Temple's interference help or hurt her?

Ted Peterson

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

Elysana let herself be helped up, and she tried to look at Helseth.

"It would seem your authority is in question, stepbrother," she said, now trying not to smile.

Ted Peterson

Vivec

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, had surely be in more absurd situations. Surely. But she could not remember one.

Unlike her earlier walk through the city in chains, where no one paid much attention to her, now she felt the eyes of all on her and Helseth. What, she wondered, was her position as the captive of a captive? If only she could see the King’s face, she could know what he thought of this. Was he amused, furious … frightened?

As much as it pleased the Queen to see her much-despised stepbrother captured as she had been, she was apprehensive. The situation was too unpredictable for her tastes. At least before, in the cell, she knew it was either escape or execution. Now, she felt she must stand back and watch to see how her fate turned. That was not something that came naturally to her personality.

Ted Peterson

The Queen bowed, keeping her eyes on the archcanon and the king. 'Elysana, daughter of Eadwyre, Queen of Wayrest.'

Ted Peterson

Temple Canton, Vivec

"The second Dowager Queen of Daggerfall?" Elysana asked. "No, she went to her ancestors some years ago. But the first Dowager Queen, the grandmother of King Gothryd, Nulfaga, she still lives."

Ted Peterson

Update

Temple Canton, Vivec

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana stood in chains, watching her captor, her stepbrother, Helseth, King of Morrowind, arguing with the Temple Archcanon Tholer Saryoni. The argument had turned into a discussion of religion and the position of the Cult of Loranna/Azura in Morrowind. She was not certain whether the King was now a captive of the Temple, and where this left her as his prisoner.

Suran

Lord Dres Gaor is traveling with Loranna's group, having supplied the pilgrims with many wagonloads of foodstuffs. He is still concerned with the thief who stole from the Temple at Ghostgate, and he seems to have an interest in acting as patron for a famous playwright.

Ted Peterson

Mournhold, Morrowind

Baloth-Kul sat in Plaza Brindisi Dorom, listening to the Knight of House Dres. They were far from the crowds moving through the city, the Knight had made sure of that.

‘Yes, Castle Xyr is still being performed,’ the playwright nodded. ‘But it has made me famous, not rich. Thus, my need for a patron for my next play.’

‘The House Dres would be happy to support you and act as your patron for your next two plays,’ said the knight.

‘That’s very generous,’ said Baloth-Kul, trying to keep from sounding too surprised. He had been searching for a patron for so long, it seemed unbelievable that fortune would have leapt into his lap so suddenly. ‘But I only have an idea for one. It is a bloody tale of revenge and lust, set in the Imperial City during the reign of Cephorus –‘

‘Not to worry,’ smiled the knight. ‘I will tell you the story of the first play you will write. And then, your tale of revenge and lust will follow. What my masters have in mind is the tale of an idiot king, a puppet of the Empire. It will be a farce, a broad comedy, specifically targeted to amuse the lowest orders.’

Baloth-Kul nodded, trying to be polite. ‘That sounds very interesting, and something I could do in my sleep. But – how should I put this? – it does not sound like the sort of genre I would be proud to put my name on.’

‘No, it is probably best for you to be anonymous, not only for your reputation, but also for your life,’ said the knight. ‘And it is good that you could write such a thing quickly. We would want production to begin as soon as possible …’

Ted Peterson

Among the slaves, Razbet, the Khajiit Dres Knight, rolled his eyes and whispered to himself, "She would do better to teach you to speak properly ...'

Ted Peterson

‘Why does Adjani want to leave Morrowind so much now?’ asks Razbet, stepping forward. ‘Will the gold she stole buy more for her in Elsweyr?’

He looked to the crowd gathered, and locked eyes with another Khajiit slave. ‘Does Ryjoo recognize her as the one from the Temple?’

The brawny Khajiit looked at her, narrowing his eyes. ‘Yes, she Khajiit in Temple, taking jar. Ryjoo see Adjani!’

Another Khajiit, a woman slave, piped up unprompted and cried, ‘Yes! She thief!’

Ted Peterson

Guards seized Adjani, shaking her. Gold spilled from her rags to the ground.

Ted Peterson

‘She took all the gold I gave to the Goddess’s pilgrimage!’ cried one Dunmer, outraged.

‘Freedom is not freedom to commit heresy!’ cried a Breton.

Ted Peterson

One of the guards picks up the gold. ‘Funny sort of bread this Khajiit fancies. I wonder what she likes for water.'

The joke brings out some chuckling in the crowd.

Ted Peterson

A few random thoughts in the crowd:

Good. Obviously, the poor creature was set up.

Apparently, all a thief has to do is say she didn’t do it, and she gets off …

It was a trap.

Won’t our economy collapse?

That dirty Khajiit! Wait ‘til she’s alone …

Slavery is barbaric. This is long past due.

All the Houses will ally against us now …

I should tell her about my problems …

Does she have to give back the gold now, or can she keep it?

Maybe she was innocent. But she deserves freedom? For what?

Ted Peterson

The slave-owners came forward in a grim procession, handing over the keys to the Khajiit shackles. Some of them wore emotionless faces, many looked angry, a few were actually crying. Loranna could hear their inner voices, full of unhappiness. Many worried that they would be economically ruined now, some feared being murdered by their former slaves.

And some slave-owners did not come forward at all. They had left camp.

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor is among those who brings the keys to unshackle his slaves. He does not look unhappy at all, but Azura can read his thoughts. And he is miserable.

Ted Peterson

If that is true, then I will be a very wealthy man, for today, I am ruined. My children ...

‘If you will pardon me, My Goddess,’ Lord Dres Gaor said with a deep bow.

Ted Peterson

My children will not suffer worse in the long run if they starve to death in the short. I understand your anathema for slavery, My Goddess, truly I do. And I trust your wisdom. But it is a complex thing changing the economic model of a nation, and you must forgive me if I am not ready yet to destroy my progeny for you. Perhaps one day I will have that level of faith, but today, I must beg your leave to return to my plantation …

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor bows again, deeper and withdraws. He has no further thoughts. Only hatred.

Returning to the crowd, he seeks out Lord Liris.

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Gaor’s chief lieutenants, the Dunmer Wyrloc and the Khajiit Jazbet, were with him. He had been talking with them, quietly, solemnly.

‘Liris,’ said Lord Gaor with a bow. ‘What news is there from the Queen?’

Ted Peterson

‘The Goddess is doing what She will,’ said Lord Dres Gaor, his face a mask, as he took the glass of brandy and drank deeply. ‘I hope history will prove it to be wise.

There are many plans soon to hatch, Liris. You should know that temples devoted to Azura are being constructed all over Morrowind. If you went to Bal Ur nearby, you would see one. A grand cathedral is being set up on my land. I have commissioned a play ridiculing King Helseth to be performed in Vivec. It is my theory that the masses will not fear a king once they have learned to laugh at him. Half my plantation’s foodstuff is at Ebonheart. It is more essential than ever that Loranna’s cult grows, so that Helseth will fall …

There is doubtless more that you need to know, but Jazbet and Wyrloc here will be able to tell you anything you need to know. I have one request of you.’

Ted Peterson

‘I need you to get your Queen to save my children,’ Lord Dres Gaor said. ‘She needs to make them rich, for their father has given away their inheritance, freely, and, I hope, wisely.’

Ted Peterson

‘Jazbet and Wyrloc will see to it that anything you need to help the Queen will be done,’ said the Dres nobleman, and the two Knights nodded.

‘Thank you, my friend, for your promise’ said Lord Dres Gaor with a bow, and without a further word, he withdrew.

Alone, he walked through the camp, looking at the faces of the worshippers and the jubilant slaves, to the dias where Loranna stood.

‘I am here to make a confession to all,’ he cried in a loud voice. No one had ever heard him shout before. It seemed he had the Nordic gift for making his words echo.

‘It ‘twas I who stole the gold from the Temple. It ‘twas I who set up the poor Khajiit slave. It ‘twas I who arranged the assassinations. It ‘twas I who ruined the foodstuff with pestilence. I tried to inspire you to riot, to disband, to lose your faith. My true master has not been my House, or my men, or my Goddess, or Morrowind itself. Unbeknownst to my men, I have been a spy for his terrible majesty, King Helseth, planted to destroy this religion and the Goddess herself.

And in his name, I have one last act to do!”

With that, Lord Dres Gaor pulled his sword from his belt. It was a black blade with a black flame. He took a step towards Loranna, looking her directly in the eye.

Ted Peterson

And then drew it hard across his throat.

Ted Peterson

The guards moved in quickly to take the body. 'We will bury him as befitting a trait --' one of them said, and then paused. Gaor's lips were moving, he whispered in the guard's ear, before breathing his last.

Ted Peterson

The guard who heard the last words looks at Azura. And she can hear the words in her mind as Gaor says them: Praise the Goddess.

The worshippers spit on the corpse as its dragged through the camp and into the wilderness.

Loranna can hear the hatred for Gaor and Helseth in the minds of the people.

And three days later, when the word of the death reached the Temple at Ghostgate, a new tapestry was begun, depicting The Sinner At The Hands Of An Angry Goddess.

Ted Peterson

"Good morning, Lord Erenius," said Wyrloc, the Dres Knight. "I assume you have heard the news?"

Ted Peterson

Temple Canton, Vivec

Elysana continued to watch the two men, and listen to their debate. The Queen of Wayrest understood that this was more than a philosophical or a theological debate. It was a battle over power. Wayrest had never had a fanatical religion like the Temple. The people there worshipped Akatosh, as did she, simple as that. But she knew something about fighting for power. She had fought with Helseth for the throne twenty years before, and she knew his mettle. The Queen of Wayrest wondered if the archcanon knew who he was up against.

Ted Peterson

"He confessed to the theft of the gold from the Temple, spoiling the foodstuffs, attempting to assassinate Azura, all for his true master, the king of Morrowind," said Wyrloc stiffly. "And then he cut his throat before Azura. Before everyone was talking about Azura freeing the slaves, but now, as you can imagine, there is a new topic on everyone's mind."

Ted Peterson

“Well, those are the facts of what he said and did,” Wyrloc nodded, relaxing somewhat. “You can interpret them as you wish. I can tell you that Jazbet and I, and all of the knights who served with Lord Gaor, did not always truly understand his motivations. He seemed fanatically devoted to the Goddess, so much so, some of us wondered if it was merely an act. Perhaps he was touched by Sheogorath. But what’s done is done. And I have already examined the supplies he provided to make certain they were not tampered with, and they seem to be fine.”

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit Dres Knight Jazbet approached the dias, and bowed before Loranna, pulling back the tattered hood he always wore. He was an Ohmes-Raht, and could have passed for an elf. Only on closer examination could one see that his flesh was covered with a short, soft fur, and the pupils of his eyes were slightly feline. He was a beautiful man, almost too pretty.

“You have little reason to trust me, Goddess,” he said simply. “But I would beg a moment of your time.”

Ted Peterson

“You may be right,” Wyrloc said, nodding. “There are many reasons why a man would confess to a crime he did not commit. He may have been protecting someone. He may have been forced into confessing, perhaps by threats to his family, to whom I believe he was devoted. He may have been insane or magickally charmed. But if you are correct, and there is another thief, the investigation must be conducted carefully. Most everyone believes Gaor was speaking the truth, that the thief has confessed and taken his own life. Of course, this gives us an advantage now, that we didn’t have before. The real thief thinks he is safe.”

Ted Peterson

"The theft is known now," said Wyrloc. "Gaor made his confession public. And before that, a Khajiit slave was accused of the theft -- again, in public. But if you and I have doubts about Gaor's guilt, we are likely not the only ones. Like I said, the thief may think he's safe now, and may be sloppy ... Perhaps it would be good for us to bait another trap ..."

Ted Peterson

"That is assuming that the thief's motivation is indeed to destroy the pilgrimage, and not just simple greed," said Wyrloc, thinking. "An assumption that, by the way, I agree with. I will think on this matter."

Ted Peterson

“Gaor lied when he said he acted alone,” said the Khajiit, looking Loranna in the eyes, and speaking softly, for her ears only. “I thought you were not going to free the slaves, and the only way to keep there from being a riot was to shift the focus. Perhaps it was cruel to accuse a defenseless slave of such an act, but it was honestly the only thing I could think to do. I acted foolishly out of fear of acting too late.

It was an unpardonable offense, and shows my lack of faith in your wisdom. I do not have Gaor’s strength of will to fall on his sword when faced with dishonor, but if you wish, I will leave camp and never return. If you let me stay, however, I will show you my worth. I will help you with your … situation, for one.”

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit drew closer. "If it is not a personal question, have you given birth before?"

Ted Peterson

"I will go, if you wish me to," the Queen said. "But I would prefer to stay. I have always been fascinated by politics and religion, but I confess I do not understand the ways of the East very well. This is quite an education for me."

Ted Peterson

"We Khajiit know something about providing comfort for expectant mothers," he whispered. "For my people, it is always a blessed event, but always unpredictable. A woman may give birth to a teacup sized kitten, or a babe, or a tiger, and we must be prepared for all. Perhaps if I might be permitted to show you something of what I know, to relax you and provide comfort for the child within ... If it is not presumptuous of me to ask ..."

Ted Peterson

"The secrets are in the details," he smiles, his eyes shining. "What I would suggest depends on what you feel comfortable with. Massage, certainly. Some light exercise. A careful diet. A glass of wine once every two days ... Whatever it takes for you to feel good ..."

No malicious intent can be seen in his mind. Only a desire that she not look so tired, that her baby be born well ... and perhaps a hint of a deeper, more physical desire of his own ...

Ted Peterson

Temple Canton, Vivec

Elysana relented. She would have preferred to stay behind, and understand all about this rivalry between King and Temple, so she could use it. But she was in no position to refuse.

She allowed the servant to escort her to a room. It was not large, but it was luxuriously appointed. The servant drew her a bath, and the Queen of Wayrest decided that if she had to be captured, she might as well be comfortable.

Ted Peterson

"It may or may not matter indeed," the Khajiit whispered, grinning, and then carefully took her hand. "Will you come with me?"

Ted Peterson

Jazbet led Loranna to a tent on the far end of camp. It was a slow walk, for worshippers always gathered wherever Loranna was, asking her blessing, begging her to touch them. Finally, they arrived, and Jazbet brought her in.

“Lie down on your back,” he said, soothingly. “The first thing you must learn is how to breathe.”

He placed his hand gently on her chest, and took her hand and put it through the folds of his ragged shirt onto his own bare chest.

“Follow my breathing,” Jazbet said, inhaling and exhaling deeply. He began to rub her temple with his other hand.

Ted Peterson

When Loranna is keeping the breathing rhythm regularly, Jazbet moves slightly, and begins rubbing her feet and ankles. His hands are rough, but he uses oil to soften his touch.

"Tell me if it's too hard," he whispers. Each stroke sends a wave through her body, so it not her ankle he is touching, but her neck; not her heel, but her arms; and he moves up to her calves, and even more powerful waves of release follow.

"Your skin is beautiful," he gasps.

Ted Peterson

"Do you think I am trying to seduce you?" the Khajiit said, sitting back. "Let me assure you, yes, I am. In Elsweyr, we believe that a pregnant woman should be made love to twice a day, to be properly relaxed and at ease. Perhaps Nord women are different ... but not that different," he adds, smiling.

"You should let me continue the massage though, if not now then later ... Or having some other lover of yours do it, though I say with all modesty that I am peculiarly talented in that ..."

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit shakes his head. “I would never force myself on anyone, least of all you. Know that. And I will be ready to continue your lessons … anytime.”

He somewhat awkwardly wipes the oil from his hands, then takes her hand and kisses it. “If you would follow one last piece of advice, remember that you are human. Your baby could not be born to a Goddess, only a woman. You should laugh, you should dance, you should make love … We Khajiit having a saying, ‘Woe to the child who is born to a sorrowful mother.’”

Now, he seems shy and he looks to the ground as he opens the tent flap for Loranna to leave first.

Ted Peterson

"Forgive you? No, I cannot do that," Jazbet grins again. No longer shy. "You see, that would mean that it's over. And I have hope still that I can touch you again. In fact, it is more than hope. I see that it will happen someday, and I have a touch of the fortune-teller to me ... "

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I don't prophesize that at all. But in case I'm wrong, we definitely shouldn't wait too much longer," said Jazbet, bursting out in laughter.

Ted Peterson

“As it suits you,” Jazbet smiled at her serious expression. “I would like you to take my advice about the pregnancy, though. I am not all ulterior motives. Not all … So, we are agreed? I will understand that as the Incarnate, you are a woman but also a goddess,” And here he laughed again. “And you will understand that as a Khajiit, I am a man … but also an animal.”

Ted Peterson

Jazbet takes the risk, and kisses her quickly, softly on the lips. "Nord-Demon," he whispers. "I think I like that."

He motions to the tent flap. "After you."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled as he watched Loranna disappear into the crowd. He did not have a “type.” He had made love to all the races of Tamriel, and found something beautiful and exciting about each one. There was hardly anything he hadn’t done, and nothing he wasn’t looking forward to do doing again. But this woman/Goddess/Nord-Demon was fire and ice. He had not been lying when he said he wanted to give her comfort and teach her how to care for herself in her pregnancy the Khajiit way. And he still did. But now, now there was no denying it – he wanted her.

And so the Dres Knight, the handsome Ohmes-Raht Khajiit dressed in rags, began to plan his seduction of the Goddess.

Ted Peterson

He is just one more raggedy figure in the crowd, but Loranna can feel his eyes on her.

Jazbet does not know she can read his mind, but she hears from him, as if he is just talking to himself She needs to rest now. And then, find the stream, and bathe. It is soft water and very soothing. She needs to take care of herself.

Ted Peterson

Temple Canton, Vivec

It would have been heaven to any other woman in Tamriel but Elysana, Queen of Wayrest. She was in a beautiful apartment in the Temple Canton, had taken a bath full of rose oil and petals, and was now lounging in on the most comfortable couch she had ever touched.

But she was annoyed. A strange reaction from a prisoner of the King of Morrowind, but nevertheless true. She wanted to be where the men were discussing matters of state. It was not her way to sit in comfort when important issues were being discussed.

When she saw the candles flicker, and one by one go out in her apartment, she knew that Bosriel was near. And with her would be Leseth. For the first time, she was not the least bit frightened seeing Leseth. She was looking forward to it.

Ted Peterson

Temple Cantron, Vivec

‘Good evening, Leseth,’ she said, and turning toward the wall. ‘Boriel. No, the accomendations have improved, but I don’t know if my situation has or not. I am being shut out of the most important meeting I could imagine happening, to decide the fate of Morrowind … Have you had any luck finding the spy who betrayed me?’

Ted Peterson

‘Do I intend to remain at his mercy …’ said Elysana thoughtfully. ‘I never thought I was. Here is the crux of it, Leseth. I think I can get the most truth out of him, the more vulnerable I am. He has shown to me how much he fears the cult of Loranna, which only impels me to finance it further. He has admitted by his lack of denial that the spy I must find is high in my court – if he weren’t, he would have mocked me with it. And he has shown with his conversation with the archcanon how weak his position is with the Temple. It has been a most educational experience. Now, the question is – will I survive it?

How difficult would it be for me to escape now?’

Ted Peterson

‘You have peered through the walls that surround us?’ asked the Queen. ‘I know that I cannot travel through the Void … Can you see if any of my men, or my sage Vonnod, still live? I am ready to leave, but I must know what I will face.’

Ted Peterson

'I would leave with the surviving men I brought with me,' Elysana said. 'If you can help me do that, then let us begin.'

Ted Peterson

'Home,' the Queen of Wayrest said. 'By way of the camp of this Loranna-Azura. I would see for myself, in disguise, of course, whether she will topple my brother's empire.'

Ted Peterson

The Void

'Don't tell her,' said the little dark-haired girl, wiping her blood-red lips. 'That she would have had one more guard, but for me ... I couldn't help it ... I was hungry ...'

Ted Peterson

Elysana screamed in her sleep. She faced nightmares she had never seen before. It was death, pure and simple. A cold land, where even the ambitions of the most ambitious Queen in Tamriel seemed absurd. She screamed

And screamed

And screamed

Ted Peterson

And screamed

Ted Peterson

UPDATE

Well ...

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is God knows where. Once captured by her step-brother, Helseth, the King of Morrowind, she has called on her Void Rangers to send her home by way of Loranna's camp, and now she is asleep, having horrible nightmares.

Bosriel, the little girl Void Vampire is sated, floating in the Void, having devoured one of Elysana's knights.

Lord Dres Gaor, R.I.P., is dead, having cut his throat after confessing to all manners of horrible things in Loranna's camp, including stealing gold from the Temple at Ghostgate. He was hung upside down as a traitor, but currently resides as ashes in a canoptic jar, being sent to his children ... awww ...

Wyrloc, one of Gaor's knights, is still alive. He has been speaking to Lord Erenius, and they both suspect that Gaor was not the thief of the Temple's gold. They are planning a trap to catch the thief.

Jazbet, another of Gaor's knights, has been trying to seduce Loranna. He has gotten far as an expert on techniques of relaxing pregnant women, but still she resists, which only drives him on ...

Ted Peterson

Suran, House Of Earthly Delights

The nightmare was never ending. It was if she was drowning in utter darkness, impossibly cold, colder than death, but she could somehow see all the world around her, and no one could see her to help. The only ones who could see her were Leseth and the girl. Bosriel. She had never seen the little girl Void Vampire before, never met her hungry eyes before. And this evil creature, this remorseless predator, Elysana thought in rare moment of rational thought in the nightmare world, was what she was going to set free on the world?

When she awoke, it was in the horrible normalcy of a simple room. Where was she? Her skin felt cold, unnatural. She was still wearing the robes she had put on after her bath in the Temple Canton. Where were Leseth, and Vonnod, and the guard (which one?) that had survived Helseth’s torture?

There was a knock on the door, and Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, who was frightened of nothing, jumped at the sound of it.

Ted Peterson

Suran, House Of Earthly Delights

The door opened, and Vonnod, Elysana's sage, entered. He had cleaned himself, but still there was a limp, and bruises about his face, evidence of Helseth's tender mercies.

"You're awake, Your Majesty," he said with a bow. "I thought it best to let you sleep ... though if you had nightmares like I did, perhaps that was not kind ..."

"Where are we?" Elysana asked, and was immediately annoyed at how shaky her voice sounded. Steel yourself, woman, you are a queen.

"Suran, it seems, not far from the camp of Loranna-Azura. I took a short walk around to gather information. There is talk of revolution, I thought would please you."

"And how are you?" the Queen asked.

"I am a sage, and not used to physical ... pain ..." he said, touching his face. "I'm sure it could have been worse, but I don't like to use my imagination in that direction ..."

"We should get you to a healer.'

Ted Peterson

The House Of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana had conducted many small wars in her reign, and executed many men and women, but Herwyn's injuries even startled her. She went to him, and gently pushed the hair from his face so she could get a better look at him.

"Go to Loranna's camp and find Liris, as quietly as you can. Have him help you find a healer. Take care of yourself first, and then bring him here."

"Your Majesty," said Vonnod, shaking his head. "I cannot leave you alone in this tavern, unarmed, unguarded ..."

"Do you think you would do a good job defending me?" the Queen laughed. "I will make certain this knight does not die. Now, go!"

Vonnod bowed and left the room.

Elysana found a jug of water in the room, and some cloth, and began to dress the young man's wounds. She knew something of the art.

Ted Peterson

(THE HOUSE OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, SURAN:)

"Of course you didn't," said Elysana simply, as if the suggestion was absurd. It was not her way to sweet talk the injured. They would simply get better, because she knew they were the best.

She unbuttoned his shirt, dabbing his bruised and broken chest with the wet cloth, which was already turning red. "Tell me where the pain is, and where the numbness is ... I need to know where the most serious injuries are."

Ted Peterson

(THE HOUSE OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, SURAN:)

"Quiet," Elysana hissed fiercely. "No soldier of mine mews like a baby. Cry when you are no longer in my presence if you must, but I would not see it, sir."

She turned her attention to his arms, tearing the shirt away. They were black from when a flame had been turned on them, but she couldn't tell whether they were broken or not. His fingers clearly were. And the nails were gone. He had gone through a lot.

"You'll feel your arms soon enough, and probably miss the numbness,' she said, her anger cooled. "And as for me having other matters to attend, my schedule is surprisingly open for the time being.'

Ted Peterson

Suran

The Dres Knight Wyrloc is nearby. He comes at her beckon.

'Yes, Goddess?' he asked, bowing, but not as deeply as Lord Gaor had done.

Ted Peterson

"Your shoulder looks to be dislocated," the Queen said. "I need you to sit up, and grit your teeth. This is going to hurt, and you are not to cry out.'

Ted Peterson

Suran

"I haven't been there myself, but, yes, I have heard that a few dozen of your worshippers are indeed there, setting up a shrine to your glory," the knight replied. "I believe they think the shrine to be abandoned. The work has been going on for some time now."

"I remember you, Lady. You were the one who spoke so oddly at the creation of the Temple in Ghostgate. Well, a talent for tearing things into pieces is ... good to have, I suppose. I will keep it in mind if we need that sort of thing. I do not have any talents to match that, so I hope we will become friends," he smiled.

Ted Peterson

"The Queen bade me to find you," the sage said, out of breath, though he had not been moving very fast. His leg felt like it was going to drop off. 'She is in Suran, at the House of Earthly Delights. She told me to find you, so you could discreetly find a healer for me, and for another in the inn ..."

Ted Peterson

"I had heard that too," said Wyrloc. 'And I asked the same question. Apparently, it is such a well-known vampire haunt, that the vampires found it best to move elsewhere. Of course, I am afraid that their defenses are weak if there are any vampires there ... a couple knights, a couple mages ... The best warriors are here, to protect you."

Ted Peterson

Suran

Wyrloc returned a few minutes later with a band of a dozen guards. They certainly looked capable -- well-armored, well-armed.

They joined Allerleirauh and Aricyn on the march to Bal Ur.

Ted Peterson

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, was setting the broken fingerbones on Herwyn's left hand, having finished with his right. She saw the plant, and her eyes opened wide.

'Close your eyes,' she said to the battlemage. And when he did, she said, 'Hello, Lady.'

Ted Peterson

House of Earthly Delight, Suran

"I am well as could be expected, Lady,' said the Queen of Wayrest. "Considering that I have been betrayed and captured by my stepbrother Helseth, and most of my escort has been slaughtered. I have not forgotten our deal, of course. It has never been far from my mind. That is why I am in Suran, instead of safely home -- to see this Loranna-Azura and her situation with my own eyes.'

Ted Peterson

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"I still believe that he is loyal, Lady. As for the other matter, I could tell you, but not now. Some secrets,' she motioned toward Herwyn. 'Are not for all ears.'

Ted Peterson

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana sighed. Where was Liris, and the healer?

'You can open your eyes,' she said to Herwyn, returning to her task of mending his fingers.

Ted Peterson

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, willingly gave up tending to Herwyn, and nodded towards Lord Liris.

“These accomendations are adequate. I do not want to draw attention to my presence here,’ she said, and frowned, noticing the guards. ‘Speaking of which, send some of these men back. People will wonder why there are soldiers in the House of Earthly Delights … Let us talk in the hall …”

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

“Vonnod has seen a healer too, has he?” asked Elysana, Queen of Wayrest. “I want all men who have served me well tended to before I hear how well you have served me. This healer you’ve brought, is he one of my men? Is he discreet?”

Ted Peterson

The House oF Earthly Delights, Suran

“No,” said Elysana said briskly, not noticing the wolf at all, but turning her head at the sound of the click. “All my men were tortured to death by Helseth, save Vonnod and the battlemage, Herwyn. If your healer is trustworthy, then, perhaps it would be better to continue this conversation in the room. This hallway has too many doors. It is too easy to be heard -- ’

Elysana and Liris return to the room, as she finishes her sentence, making certain the healer hears her. “I still have a body part of two from the last person who displeased me by his lack of loyalty.”

The healer bows in her direction, and continues casting his spells over Herwyn Brand’s body. The physical signs of the torture he endured were slowly fading. The mental signs would take longer, she knew.

“I would hear about how you have been keeping an eye on Loranna, making certain she is in never out of sight of you and your men,” said the Queen to Liris.

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana listened, and as she did, she thought, Meridia, you said you'd be keeping a close eye on me. I hope you're doing so now. Liris is loyal, and has been keeping Loranna under his watch this entire time, as per our contract.

"It won't be the first time a madwoman or a fool has inspired a cult and a revolution. They've been doing that since Alessia's time," said the Queen, smiling. "The question remains -- has the cult become truly a threat to Helseth's reign, and will it withstand an assault by his forces? I would like your thoughts, and then see for myself."

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Though Meridia's thoughts weren't directed towards her, Elysana's mind goes to a similar topic. She notices Liris's habit of thrumming his belt.

"And how has that been working?" she asks.

Ted Peterson

Suran

Jazbet was also asleep, having an erotic dream where the massage he was giving Loranna had progressed as he hoped it would have. He was touching her, she was touching him, they were making love. Then he realized he was not with one beautiful woman, but two. The vulnerable, tender, but sensual woman, and the demanding, imperious, icy Goddess. He kissed them both, and then felt another presence join them. The most exciting one of all. The Nord-Demon.

The Khajiit knight of House Dres awoke, his heart beating fast.

Ted Peterson

Suran

Jazbet sat in his tent, thinking, unable to sleep.

He was no amateur at seduction. But there were different techniques and approaches that worked well for barmaids, virgins, mothers to be, queens, and witches – and this one was all of these, and much more. He could not be aloof, or send her flowers, or write her poetry – none of these approaches would work. Why was it that he couldn’t stop thinking of her?

There were other beautiful women in the camp, ones whose eyes never left him as he walked. Was it because he said no to him? Was it because she laughed with him? It was difficult to understand her, but it was impossible to understand himself.

Ted Peterson

Suran

Jazbet leapt to his feet, recognizing the voice instantly. He opened up the tent flap, and looked out, but no one was there. "Hello?" he whispered.

Excellent he thought to himself. Now, you're hearing her when you're not asleep. Well done, boy. Time to making an offering to Sheogorath and cut your losses.

Ted Peterson

What?! ... Oh, no ...

Jazbet's thoughts instantly turn to images of puppies and rainbows.

He runs his hands over his hair quickly, but even though there is no mirror present, he can tell it's all askew and stubbornly refuses to be moved. He had slept with it wet, and now it was half sticking up, half flat against his head.

Oh, and there're some bones left over from dinner on a plate in the corner of the tent ...

Perfect.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

“More than one word, I hope,” the Khajiit said, opening the tent flap, smiling, and blushing.

When Loranna was inside, he put one hand on her arm, tenderly, tentatively.

“I just wanted you to know” What? That I am more than a frisky kitty? “—That I really do want to help you with your pregnancy” This is true. “And I don’t want you to shy away from my help because –“ Kiss her “- I –“ Jazbet stammered, shook his head. “I’m sorry, you know I’m not fully awake. You had something to – Please, you first.”

Ted Peterson

Jazbet laughed, embarrassed. "Oh, I know I need to invest in a mirror. I had one at my old house on the mainland, but I didn't really think I'd need one here -- And a comb won't do me any good. The only thing to do is to get my hair wet again, and not sleep on it ... And the only thing that will wake me up ..."

Go on, you idiot ... It's perfectly innocent ... Well, nearly perfectly ...

"Would you like to go for a swim?" the Khajiit asked, his eyes shining.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

Skinny-dipping by yourself? Where's the fun in that?

"Oh, I can take a quick dip here," Jazbet said, and poured a water jug over his head. "It's freezing!"

He pulled his shirt up to wipe his face, and then sheepishly ran his fingers over his hair, smoothing it out.

"Well, I'm awake now," he laughed, eyes wide. "Is the hair a little better?"

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

“As long as what I’m honestly thinking about doesn’t embarrass you too much,” Jazbet said. “I don’t mind if you peek in from time to time. I’m a simple creature. There shouldn’t be much difference between what is in my head and what comes out of my mouth. I don’t know. Perhaps there are dark thoughts I have occasionally, but no darker than –“

Offer to rub her back, idiot. No, she’ll think it’s a ploy … Oh, hello, Loranna. Welcome to my thoughts. As you can see, my carnal and noble motives are both agreed that I should rub your back. I can hold the bad kitty back, and I do think I can do you some good there …

“No darker than – what was I saying?”

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiles and turned his back to Loranna.

"Take off your blouse. Lie on the bed on your belly or your side, whatever is more comfortable. There is a blanket to cover yourself, and when you are ready, say, 'Jazbet, rub my back now.'"

I will be a perfect gentleman. But I cannot do this without a little bit of intimacy.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

The Khajiit’s hands are as she remembers them. Rough, but slightly padded, like a cat’s. He is not tentative. With the soft, furry back of one of his hands, he warms her skin slightly, and then he rubs the muscles with his other. It is sensational, and not entirely unsexual --

I’m sorry. I’m trying to make this as medicinal without … you know …

There is pressure, but never too much. He doesn’t have to ask if he is being too rough or too gentle. And, as before, she feels his touch in other areas of her body besides her back, though his physical hands do not reach beyond the boundary of her neck, shoulders, back, and hips. He rubs with his whole hands, just his fingertips, and sometimes his whole arm.

His thoughts do not remain pure, always, but they are always on giving her comfort and pleasure.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

I would think Jazbet thinks, his thumbs gliding together up and down Loranna’s spine That the madness of pure desire would appeal to the Dam Dog. I am not afraid. Perhaps that is madness in itself.

And Loranna could tell this was true. For what lover ever thought of consequences?

But just as I waited until you said, ‘Jazbet, rub my back,’ I will wait until I hear the words ‘Jazbet, make love to me.’ And I told you. I was born from a family of prophets. Someday I will hear that from you … That will be … a very, very happy day …

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

You are complicated, and your needs are too. If I can help with … some of them, I will be grateful.

Jazred was not a saint. Loranna could sense some slightly lingering petulant jealousy (He had better know how to make love to her), and, of course, his own needs … but it was true. He would be her nurse without being her lover, if she wished it. Unhappily, perhaps, but willingly.

His hands were on the small of her back, pushing the muscles there with just the fingertips. It was a superfluous gesture. There was no pain or pressure remaining anywhere in Loranna’s body.

“I have some wine here, if you would have a glass,” he whispered. “I think I told you my people recommend one glass every two days …”

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

Jazbet stands up and pours two glasses, keeping his back to Loranna.

"We can talk about anything you'd care to talk about, provided it's not serious. There's too much of that lately, and I don't approve. If life is not allowed to be occasionally frivolous, what is the point?" he says. "Oh, and tell me when I'm free to turn around."

... Oh, why are you being so coy, idiot? You think she didn't know you were sneaking peeks all through the massage ... Oh, sorry, Loranna ... I am trying to be good ...

Ted Peterson

UPDATE

Lord Dres Gaor, RIP, commited suicide.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in her room in Deselle's House of Earthly Delights, with a loyal healer who is tending to her wounded battlemage, Herwyn. Lord Liris, Loranna's head of security, is with her.

Wyrloc, Dunmer Dres Knight and Gaor's lieutenant, is leading his men back from Bal Ur, per Loranna's call.

Jazbet, Khajiit Dres Knight and Gaor's lieutenant, is sleeping in his tent, having another naughty dream about Loranna.

Bosriel, the little girl with red eyes, the Void Vampire, is floating in the Void with Leseth.

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"How much does she trust you?" Elysana asks. "If she has many followers, and they're disorganized, what they want is organizing. Whip them into an army for the greater good of their Goddess. And if the situation is hopeless, and they are doomed to be nothing more than a distraction to Helseth, let us make sure they are a worthwhile distraction.'

The Queen of Wayrest turned to the healer. 'How is the patient? You noted his fingers and his dislocated shoulder ... Please, also pay attention to the burns on his feet. I want him mobile as soon as possible.'

Ted Peterson

The Void

"We were too kind before," she said, her blank red eyes watching, as hunger grew. "If she find out, and refuses to free me ... It will be worse than anything the General would do ... They must die.'

Ted Peterson

(THE VOID:)

"They are in disguise, perhaps she will not recognize them even if she sees them," said the Void Vampire. She smiled, trying to reassure herself. But in truth, she was frightened. Her freedom was in jeopardy. If they caused this curse to continue, she would destroy them, and anyone, Allerleirauh and Leseth included, who tried to stop her.

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delight, Suran

"Perhaps you can introduce me as a worshipper who has come from far away, and I can see for myself --"

She paused at the knocking, and whispered, "Are your men not guarding the hall, Liris? That's not their knock ..."

'Who is it?"

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Wayrest

Elysana grabbed Liris and pulled him to her, her lips to his ear, anger in her eyes.

"When I said to send most of your men back to camp," Elysanna hissed. "I did not mean to leave only the stupid, blind ones behind to make certain there are no unexpected interruptions. We will discuss his early retirement from my employment anon."

The Queen of Wayrest pushed Liris away, and assumed a smile of perfect grace.

"Please come in, Aricyn."

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"People give their names at Deselle's?" Elysana smiled back. 'What a delicious, old-fashioned bit of chivalry.'

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana laughs. "I'm certain no one has ever held out on you, Aricyn. You are a companion to the Prince? How fascinating. I have never met a Goddess before."

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"High Rock, of course," the Queen replied. "I didn't come all this way only for that -- I have business concerns in Morrowind, family business -- but I am interested, now that you mention it --' she added on Liris's words 'In paying homage, as they say.'

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana's smile does not fade upon the door shutting.

"So, I am to bide my time and wait, am I?" she laughed. "Come, Liris, and show me the camp. I want to be informed before my audience with the holy tavern wench.'

'Do not leave him alone,' Elysana says to the healer. 'The guards will get you anything you need. Food, herbs ... no expense is to be spared ...'

As the Queen leaves the Tavern, she tells the same thing to each of Liris's men. 'If you wish to have a future, and it not to be peculiarly painful, keep a tighter watch on that room. If anyone enters it again, I will be displeased. And get the healer anything he needs, without question.'

'Show me to the disorganized rabble,' she says, taking Liris's arm.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet’s Tent, Suran

The Khajiit Dres Knight thrashed in his sleep, trying to get away from images beneath his closed eyes. That beautiful ashen skin surrounded by death. Lithe, supple limbs entwined in putrescence. Ecstasy and undeath. Jazbet awoke with a start.

‘Sanguine,’ he said, with a gasp. ‘What a nightmare.’

Ted Peterson

Jazbet left his tent, wrapping his simple robe around him. It was early in the morning, and the camp was largely still asleep. An excellent time for a swim in the river, the best cure he knew for a night of restlessness.

The Khajiit saw the red-haired Dunmer walking towards his tent. He had never met the mer before, but had seen him in camp, so he raised a friendly hand in greeting, and then turned towards the path to the river.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet stopped dead, and slowly turned around. His eyes were wide, but his voice didn’t shake when he spoke, “I am unarmed and know no magic.”

Ted Peterson

"Believe me, it was no great pleasure to have those visions," Jazbet said, taking a few involuntary steps backwards at Dagoth's approach. "I cannot help what I dream. A man's imagination is beyond his control. Do you mean to kill me?"

Ted Peterson

"I talked with her last night, about love in its many forms,' said the Khajiit. "She told me about you. I guess there is no real reason why she would have told you about me. I have simply been trying to comfort her in her pregancy by the ways of my people ..."

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit put his hand to his head and closed his eyes, but there was no way to keep the lich’s skeletal fingers out of his mind.

‘My thoughts are my own,’ he hissed, his eyes opening, furious, and thought I have not lied to you. I desire the woman you love. It is that simple. If you are jealous or want me dead, know that I cannot rifle through your head, like you do to mine. I can only ask that as I have not called you a monster, you do not behave monstrously, as you are doing right now.

‘I will hurt myself long before I hurt her,’ he said simply, and Dagoth Lich knew that to be true. 'If I have offended you by my dreams, I apologize. But you must know what people's honest reactions to liches are, or you would not be in disguise.'

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit blinked once, and then again, and then grinned. 'I knew you couldn't be that bad of a fellow, considering her feelings for you. It will take some getting used to, all these telepaths. I like to have a few dirty thoughts I keep to myself ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled and closed his eyes, picturing the tavern in Loranna's dream. Hey, friend, care for another drink? It's on me.

Ted Peterson

The dream tavern vanishes as Jazbet takes a last sip of mead.

That was amazing. I could actually taste it, wide awake, dreaming someone else's dream ...

He looked at Dagoth. 'Maybe you should talk to her. I'm going for a swim, and she's told me that she can't join me in anything so public ... Not that I don't know a secluded spot or two ...'

Ted Peterson

Ah, another friend of yours who will see me as a flea on a dog Jazbet chuckled, and with a wave to Dagoth, continued on the path to the river. Tell me when you want to introduce me to someone more my speed, like your hatmaker ...

Ted Peterson

The Swimming Hole

It was just a shallow inlet in the river, where trees hung low, dipping into the gentle current. A low waterfall joined the flow.

'I suppose so,' he said with a wave. 'Are you coming in?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet hung his robe on a nearby bush, and dove off the waterfall into the river.

'Isn't it nice here? For some reason, it's warmer than in other parts of the river. It just gets more sun,' he said, swimming towards her. 'Yes, I knew your name even before Loranna mentioned it to me. You've been discussed nearly as much as she has, as I'm sure you know.

I was born a slave, but I have been free for many years now.'

Ted Peterson

"You must not be a telepath like the rest of Loranna's friends,' he laughed. "You mean people still ask questions and answer them, vocally? Extraordinary!"

He splashed her back. 'Are we sparring now?'

Ted Peterson

So I'm learning. But since I've never lived in a place that had many rooms, I'd compare it instead to being always naked, which never something I've minded,' he said, laughing back. 'I can see we have that in common.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet pretended to be shy, as well, looking down, and trying to summon a blush that wasn’t happening. 'Oh, my goodness. You saw me ...'

He gave up, and laughed instead, ‘Shy? You? If you so say so, lady, if you say so.’

He began swimming circles around her. ‘You were the one who said that women shouldn’t experience the physical act of love while pregnant, right?’

Ted Peterson

"I would be grateful if you would clarify that point for her, then,' Jazbet smiled, stopping his swimming, and now only treading water. 'For some reason, that particular point, coming from me, doesn't sound so ... objective. Though I understand her other worry is about the reaction from Oblivion. Apparently, a mere kiss she enjoyed earlier had some time ago provoked quite firestorm ...

And I do not mean to only speak of my own romance. You mentioned that you have children. Is the father the other Nord who is Loranna's companion?'

Ted Peterson

"I am sorry about your family, but I'm delighted that you are living still," the Khajiit said. "The Breton is handsome, and passionate too. I'd say you were a good match. If I weren't otherwise smitten with three women in one, which is exhausting my inexhaustible resources, I daresay I would try to give him some lively competition.'

Ted Peterson

"It was good getting clean with you, Allerleirauh,' Jazbet smiled, now floating on his back, enjoying the sun. 'I hope we can do it again soon.'

Ted Peterson

The Camp of Loranna, Suran

Liris led Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, through the camp, pointing out people of interest from a distance, as they wound their way towards his tent. They were, as he told her earlier, a disorganized group of rabble, and she made certain she fit right in, in a common cloak and hood she had picked up in town.

‘Do they have a time for worship, any rituals?’ she asked. ‘You can’t have a religion that lasts long without some order, some guidelines for behavior …’

Ted Peterson

The Queen nodded, her face showing no emotion, as they entered Liris's tent.

'Let us have a tabulation of assets,' Elysana said. 'How many of these people directly or indirectly work for me? As much as a thousand, a third of them? Do they have weapons? A stronghold to repel attacks? What of House Dres?'

Ted Peterson

Liris's Tent

This was the second time Aricyn had interrupted Elysana's meeting with Liris, but if she was the least bit irritated, she didn't show it. She merely nodded to Liris, and took Aricyn's arm, letting him lead her to the temple.

'It was very kind of her to agree to meet me on such short notice,' the Queen said. 'I imagine she must get many, many requests ...'

Ted Peterson

"It was a very fortunate thing for me you are in the habit of knocking on strange doors," Elysana returned the charming smile, times two. 'Or else I wouldn't have this opportunity, thank you, sir.'

Ted Peterson

Elysana bowed low, studying Loranna. She was certainly beautiful. And exotic, with all that ashen skin. Was that make-up? It was certainly convincing, though with that hair, she could stand to go a shade darker …

‘Greetings from the west, Goddess,’ the Queen said. ‘You honor me by allowing me into your presence.’

Ted Peterson

Elysana's thoughts were clear -- Helseth thinks this cult is a threat? There's a powerful person or two here, but I've seen knitting circles with better defenses against a siege ...

The Queen adjusted her robe as she rose. 'I hope it is not impolite to ask, Goddess, but might I inquire what goals you have for Morrowind? The people I've spoken to talk of a better future, but they are not more precise than that ...'

Ted Peterson

The little Void Vampire Bosriel nodded. It seemed strange, being sent away from him like this ... Why would he not want her around? What was he planning?

Paranoia was a side effect of hunger, she knew. And there were people in the camp who were still asleep. Sick people who had not yet gone to Loranna for a blessing. If one, or maybe two of them died, no one would be at all surprised, and she could think clearly again ...

The dark-haired girl floated off, swallowed up into darkness.

Ted Peterson

'I have caused offense, I fear,' smiled the Queen sadly. 'It is an unfortunate Breton characteristic to want to know specifics. When told there are good things to eat, we want to know what meats, and how they are to be prepared. When told that someone is in love, we ask for the lovers name and how it came to pass. When told a brighter future is rising, we want to know what it is and how it will happen ...'

In Elysana/Lady Farrine's mind the question is more succinct: Why are so many people following her? Is it because her message is so ... generic?

Ted Peterson

Goddess,' said the Queen. 'You asked me what I would ask of you, and then thought it strange that I have questions? I am sorry, I was not trying to be rude. But when told to worship something, is it unreasonable to ask how?'

Perhaps she's insane ... That would be interesting. They think they're worshipping Azura, but it is Sheogorath instead?

Ted Peterson

UPDATE

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in audience with Loranna, and it seems to be going really awfully well. eek7.gifShe has been introduced as a noblewoman of High Rock, who is perhaps over-inquisitive about the particulars of Loranna's plans, and how one goes about worshipping her.

Bosriel, the dark little girl, the Void Vampire, is feeding on the sick in the camp, trying to assuage her fear that the presence of Ciel and Tris in Suran will mean her freedom's loss when the Queen finds out they live.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Dres Knight, is finishing his morning swim, and is making his way back to camp from the river.

Ted Peterson

Suran, Temple

The Queen sighed, and bowed her head. 'It would seem that all my questions have merely irked you, Goddess. I truly did not mean to cause offense, but it would seem I have. I do, however, have one last question for you, and it is a simple one.'

The question came in her mind before it came to her lips, and it was phrased exactly the same.

'Do you know that the King of Morrowind is planning to crush you and all of your followers?'

Ted Peterson

Soon enough? Does she know it is only a matter of days before his army marches in and obliterates everything and everyone in its path? Can I ask her that, or is that like asking Azura the contents of a box?

'I thank you for your patient audience,' said Lady Farrine / Elysana, with a bow.

Ted Peterson

The Queen of Wayrest bowed again and left the Temple. She opened her cloak on leaving, and tapped on her belt, instinctively imitating Liris's habit.

'I must check on Herwyn, the injured battlemage,' she said to Liris, simply. 'Meet me back at the Inn this afternoon, and we'll discuss the plans for moving forward.'

Elysana set off through Suran towards the House of Earthly Pleasures, thinking to herself and herself alone whether the Cult of Loranna-Azura was still a prudent investment.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel joined Leseth. He could tell by the mildness in her eyes, and the redness of her lips that she had fed recently and well.

'I have not lost sight of the Queen,' the Void Vampire says. 'She is moving through the town, there, towards the Inn ...'

Ted Peterson

People were racing through the town, this way and that. Some, horrified, were fleeing away from the direction she was going. Some, excited, were running her way. The Queen of Wayrest continued to move forward, with some caution. Perhaps I should have brought some guards with me, though that might have looked suspicious, she thought.

Elysana stopped in her tracks outside the House of Earthly Delights in time to see the end of the battle, the creature melt into goo.

'What a place this Morrowind is,' she thought, and stepped past, into the Inn.

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana had sent the healer away hours ago. The Queen had simply been sitting, alone with her thoughts, accompanied only by the occasional snore from the battlemage, Herwyn, who seemed to be recovering nicely from his ordeal at Helseth's hands.

She opened the door quietly, and whispered, "Keep your voice down. Was is it, Faril?'

Ted Peterson

The House Of Earthly Delights, Suran

The Queen of Wayrest took the note from Faril, broke the seal, and read it. Her eyes never showed a hint of a reaction, positive or negative to the contents. Then she tip-toed to the fireplace and burned it to ashes.

‘Liris was kind to put you at my disposal like that,’ Elysana whispered, smiling, returning to Faril. ‘Tell me, sir, how long have you been working for him? Have you found it a rewarding career?’

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

‘Liris obviously relies on you for quite a lot,’ Elysana smiled. ‘You must have ambitions of your own. Would you have, hypothetically, handled the present situation differently if you were in his position, do you think?’

She laughs, and then, remembering Herwyn is still asleep, lowers her voice: ‘This is not a trick question, my dear Faril. I only like to know a little more about the people I am entrusting my life to in this dangerous place …’

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana nodded, not smiling, but her eyes were friendly. ‘I appreciate your candor. Yes, I can see a bright future for you, should you be given the opportunity to rise in the ranks … That will be all for now, Faril … Please, do not hesitate to visit again if there is any news that I should hear about.’

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

The Queen of Wayrest heard the trumpets. She opened the door, and signaled to one of the shabbily dressed, undercover guards in the hall.

'What is that sound?' she whispered. 'Who is arriving?'

Ted Peterson

Wyrloc enjoyed directing people to do things, particularly if it took little imagination. He had been ordering his men around all morning, making certain that everything was packed up and ready to be put onto the ships. There was a lot. The foodstuffs from Lord Gaor's plantation needed to be put here, weapons there, tents folded up and put here ...

Jazbet enjoyed physical labor. It gave him pleasure to do the work voluntarily which he would have been forced to do as a slave. And he knew he could do it right. Tents could be folded tighter, and he showed the soldiers how. There was no reason to show off, carrying too much stuff, and hurt one's back, but there was no excuse for carrying too little ...

The docks came to be filled with people and the miscellany of a pilgrimage.

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"Already?" she sighed, exaspirated. Liris told her that they would be leaving for Vivec, but he didn't say it would be happening so soon.

She closed the door, and touched Herwyn's shoulder gently.

'Are you awake?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet, struggling with loading a box onto the boat, passed Loranna, and started to say something -- his expression turned to surprise Your face -- and then dropped the box on his foot.

'Rajhin!' the khajiit hollared in agony.

Ted Peterson

"I don't doubt that you're physically capable," the Queen said, her eyes steadily on Herwyn. "I've watched the healer work, and he did as fine a job as any in my court. But what you've been through takes a while for the mind to heal, and I need you to be honest with me, and tell me if you're capable of doing what I require. We're leaving on a trip, to a place we've been before. I don't believe the King will be there now ... but it was the last place I saw him. Would you be able to return with me to Vivec?'

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit was still stunned, first looking at Loranna and then Allerleirauh. He burst out laughing.

'I am sorry, I am sorry,' he gasped between laughs. 'Something just --'

You have been practicing he thought to Loranna Don't deny it. I know the change in a woman's face, the afterglow ... Was it by yourself or did you find a suitable ... Rajhin, was it the lich?!

Ted Peterson

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana chuckled. 'No, not the same way. We will go by boat this time ... And we will certainly only be there for a short while. I have no interest in staying with this pilgrimage any longer than it takes to ... Well, do what must be done. But we need to get up and out of here or we'll miss the boat ...'

She looked around the empty room, and smiled. 'Fortunately, we packed light.'

Ted Peterson

"The Nord?!" Jazbet cried out loud, and then slapped his hand over his mouth.

So sorry he thought, returning to the dock with a slight limp to help carry more boxes on board the ship. This telepathy takes some practice. I don't know why, I never thought he would be a proper lover to you. Your friend Allerleirauh might've told you, but I originally thought they might be together ... looking so similar and all ... But ... Well, marvelous! ... Practice makes perfect ...

And you even look like you enjoyed it ... sort of ...

Ted Peterson

'I might need something else from you,' Elysana whispered as they hurried down the dock towards the ship. 'You don't know the people who have been at camp, and they don't know you ... And I need to learn where some loyalties lie ... I'll explain more when we have a moment of privacy, assuming that's possible on this tiny little ship ...'

Ted Peterson

While the Khajiit Dres Knight listened to Loranna’s thoughts, he was preparing to lift a large, but not particularly heavy box, that rose almost as high as his chest. He tried to lift it as he listened, but put it down instead.

See that? You make me weak, Loranna.

He peeked over the top of the box, looking at her, while he pretended to struggle to lift it.

My heart and more? … Ah, woman – and I speak to the woman now, not the Goddess or Nord-Demon, though you know they intrigue me as well – but woman, I am sorry you felt regret, but that too is part of being human. But when you are ready, and you say, ‘Jezbet, make love to me,’ I will take you –

One of Jazbet’s men came to help him with the box, but Jazbet shook his head and directed him to another one. ‘I, um, need this one right now … Where it is …’

If this box were moved, it might be a little embarrassing right now the Khajiit winked.

Ted Peterson

'My affairs, before I've even had them, are seldom this public,' Jazbet grinned. 'But I do think you're right. Where would the world be if every act of love was a unbelievable, soul-expanding ride to Aetherius and back?'

This I promise you he thought to Loranna.

'And if your Breton ever needs any directions, and he gets lost on the path of where you keep things,' the Khajiit winked to Allerleirauh. 'You tell him to speak to me. I'll be the inside-out cat.'

Ted Peterson

'Pardon me,' said the Queen of Wayrest, stepping onto the boat with the battlemage behind her. She smiled at Loranna. 'Clearly, I've found the right boat to be on. I'm Lady Farrine -- we met yesterday? You look well. Oh dear, what chaos ... If you'll excuse me ...'

Elysana and Herwyn moved to the rear of the boat to allow room for more passengers and boxes.

Ted Peterson

"Well, one cannot very well be a follower on a holy pilgrimage if one doesn't work on one's missionary work,' Jazbet laughed, and with a final wink to Loranna, joined his men getting the boats fully loaded up.

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Wyrloc hails Erenius from the ship with the Dres flag.

"Everyone wants to be on the Incarnate's ship," the Dunmer laughed. "We've had to turn people away, even people with quite substantial bribes, because it'd certainly be a bad impression on one and all if Loranna's ship was the one that sunk. Come on aboard. We'll follow them and keep a close eye."

Ted Peterson

"Ah, not to worry, my friend," Wyrloc said, clapping him on the back. "The other half of Gaor's foodstuffs and supplies are in Ebonheart, quite near Vivec. We should be able to get everything we need shortly on arrival.

As for why she chose to go by ship, well, it's all a bit complicated ... Many issues had to be worked out ... No one simple answer ..."

Wyrloc was well used to pretending to be smart about things he had no idea about.

Ted Peterson

The boxes loaded onto Loranna’s ship ultimately need to be unloaded and put on the other ships, as crowded as the first ship becomes with worshippers not wanting to be far from their beloved Incarnate. Jazbet leads the men carrying the equipment, and when he returns to the Incarnate’s boat, he is exhausted.

“Is that it?” the khajiit Dres Knight calls out. “Anyone we’re missing? Ship’s ready to sail!”

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is aboard Loranna’s ship with her battlemage, Herwyn. Known now as Lady Farrine, she has recently received a note which has prompted her to grill Faril, Liris’s man … She is still trying to decide whether the Cult of Loranna-Azura will turn out to be a profitable investment for her.

Lord Dres Jazbet, Khajiit knight in the service of House Dres, is aboard the same boat, exhausted from moving the boxes back and forth all evening. He is looking forward to some private time with Loranna, but that may have to wait, as crowded as the ship is …

Lord Dres Wyrloc is aboard the ship trailing Loranna’s, pretending he knows much more than he does about – well, everything.

Bosriel, the dark-haired little girl, the Void Vampire, is alone. In the Void.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet stretched atop the roof, enjoying the breeze and the sun. He couldn’t move a muscle, but he felt good. At the sound of Allerleirauh, Aricyn, and the wolf tussling, he turned his head slightly and watching, grinning. It was a good thing. Too much seriousness, altogether these days …

Ted Peterson

Jazbet shook his head, and thought to himself, There's her love. Talk about too much seriousness ... Allerleirauh was right. He could stand to have more of the cat about him ...

Ted Peterson

Elysana saw the group playing around, and noticed Aricyn right away.

She started towards them, and then stopped. The silver-haired woman looked familiar ... The Queen stepped back, and walked away, waiting 'til she could remember where she knew her from. Many years of memories to sort through, but she never forgot a face. It was one of her chief skills as a sovereign.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet, his eyes closed, soaked up the sun, and sang along:

Oh, it’s not so hard
Being a bard
You just strum fine
And sometimes … rhyne …

Oh, it’s not so hard
Being a bard
When you sing a song
It-doesn’t-even-matter-if-one-or-two-of-the-lines-are-far-far-too-long

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit, mostly asleep on the roof, continued the tune:

I asked my love where we could live without the slightest care?
She said, “Love, Elsweyr.”
I asked my love where we could love and no one would ever stare?
She said, “Love, Elsweyr.”
I asked my love where can I shed my clothes and walk about bare?
She said, “Love, Elsweyr.”

So I moved my eager feet
To the land of the Khajiit
But we soon had a spat
Caught her with a frisky cat
“We are not a loving pair,”
I said, “Shove, elsewhere.”

Ted Peterson

Elysana remembered where she had seen the silver-haired Nord woman before.

Allerleirauh, that was her name.

She had been good. Very good. And she was evidently even better now.

What was Allerleirauh doing with the divine barmaid? Merely work for hire again?

If the Queen wanted to protect her identity as Lady Farrine, she would need to avoid this woman ... But that was the question, wasn't it? Was it time of the masquerade where the disguises were dropped? Was there anything to be gained by this subterfuge anymore?

As always, Elysana made certain to camouflage her thoughts with the aid of her magickal token. Who knew how well these things worked -- but still, with telepaths about, any protection was better than none ...

Ted Peterson

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, had found herself a good position to watch Allerleirauh. She was forever with one person or another, but when she was reasonably alone, and there was a time to talk in some privacy, she would greet the adventurer.

The Queen was not someone to sneak around, forestalling the inevitable. If the masks must come off, it would be at a moment of her choosing.

Ted Peterson

ooc: Thanks, Tarik. The more the merrier -- if anyone wants to join in, we know it can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we try to begin each thread with a summary ...

Allerleirauh still seemed busy, but Elysana spied Faril, walking by himself. The Queen slid quietly by his side, and began whispering to him. He nodded, and went on his way.

Elysana returned to her old vantage point, smiling.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet pulled himself out of the water, where he had been going for a swim around the slowly drifting boats. As he dried off, he sang:

In a remote little village in far flung High Rock
A handsome young Breton resided
On his talents singing and tending his flock
Opinions were sharply divided.

He would croak his songs like a lisping sload
The sheep thought it was quite a bore.
They baaed, “Oh, no, it's the damned road
Again? Can we have a new metaphor?’

Ted Peterson

"There's quite a bit of it under us," smiled Jazbet.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet watched the dreugh as he finished drying off and sang:

‘Cross the silvery lake, there sailed a fleet
Towards Vivec they were speedily cruising
Aboard one ship was a Breton and a Khajiit
And the Breton thought the cat un-amusing.

Back and forth, they sang off-key verses
Packed so tight, there was no room to wiggle
The cat thought, through the Breton’s curses,
That he’d stop, if he could just get a giggle.

Ted Peterson

"I saw some dreugh lounging about near the bottom if you want someone to spar with," said Jazbet, and with a wave, went off to get dressed. It was shaping up to be another beautiful day, but he still felt a little tight after yesterday's exercise. The swim had done him no end of good.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet dressed quickly – it was impossible to find privacy anywhere on this boat, as crowded as it was, but he wasn’t shy. The good thing about having been the person to carry most of the supplies on board was that he knew where the cask of wine was hidden away. Making sure no one was watching him, he found it, tapped it, and poured two mugs of wine.

The Khajiit went to Loranna’s quarters, and realizing that both of his hands were full, knocked on the door with his head.

“Ow.”

Ted Peterson

"Lor --" Jazbet starts to call, and then stops himself. A bit too casual if she's having a conference with someone. "Um, Goddess Azura of Dusk and Dawn? Are you free?"

Ted Peterson

"It's been two days, so, yes, you should have a little wine to help the blood and the nerves," Jazbet smiled, and nodded towards Dagoth. "Have you lost weight?"

Ted Peterson

"They say the first thing to go is the sense of humor," Jazbet winked. "Can you drink? I can get another glass of wine ..."

Ted Peterson

"I fare fairly. My activities thus far have been lying around, singing songs with that very dour Breton bard, and going for a swim. Which is really the sort of exercise you should be getting, but I can understand that the Incarnate can't leap naked through the waves like some sea nymph without raising the collective eyebrow of the Temple," the Khajiit said, his eyes shining. "Much as that would earn my worship ..."

He looked to Dagoth, "Are you sure, sir? No wine?"

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Lord Dres Jazbet, Khajiit knight of House Dres, is in Loranna's quarters on her ship with her and Dagoth Lich, drinking wine.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is also on the ship, undercover as Lady Farrine of High Rock. She has been watching Allerleirauh, who she remembers from years ago, waiting for an opportunity to speak to her in private.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is alone in the Void.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet laughed also. "They are clearly wrong. A pity though. Sounds like the sort of thing an alchemist could work on ..."

"I'd characterize his sound as unhappy," the Khajiit says, smiling. "He seems to fancy himself more of a soloist. Poor Allerleirauh."

Ted Peterson

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, turned from her vigilance of Allerleirah, and noticed Aricyn, standing by himself. He was watching her.

"Fair day to you, Aricyn," she said, smiling charmingly. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Ted Peterson

"This telepathy," said Jazbet, shaking his head but smiling. "It's hard for a man to have impure thoughts with you mind-readers around ..."

Ted Peterson

"I wouldn't characterize you as any type at all," the Khajiit said. "You're something unique ... Though, in truth, you still scare the fur off of me ..."

"I would like nothing better ... And I think Arynel would appreciate it if I didn't provide counterpoint to his songs for a little while ..."

Ted Peterson

"So many things benefit from a little perspective, I always find," said the Queen. "But I will be returning to High Rock very soon. Directly when we land in Vivec. I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to the -- what is the word? -- Incarnate?"

Ted Peterson

"Do you?" the Queen says with a nod. "Perhaps. War often has good long term benefits. You don't think Helseth will embrace the Incarnate, do you?"

Ted Peterson

"You should get out occasionally for some fresh air," said Jazbet, looking around. "Though privacy is important too ... and relaxation ... When I came in, you looked a little -- well, not tired exactly ... Anxious?"

Ted Peterson

"Well, if you wanted to run away with me, you know where you'd have to go, don't you, my dear Aricyn?" Elysana smiled. "I have no gift of telepathy, but I know men. And if I'm not very much mistaken, you have not been fooled by me ever."

Ted Peterson

What have I told you about discussing serious things with me? Jazbet thought, while grinning. Surely you have enough serious discussions during the day without the need for one more?

Ted Peterson

"Entertaining, certainly," said Elysana. "But a general who always stays behind the lines never gets an accurate report. My men need to know that I can be anywhere at any time ... In truth, though, my presence here was not altogether planned. In short, I was tricked. That is why I wanted to speak frankly with you. This pilgrimage is in great danger ... and, in case you wonder why I care, the danger affects me as well ..."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet listened to her, and didn't grin anymore.

I won't try to dissuade you. It is not a pretty image, you in prison, but you have made up your mind. That was the hard part. Now, we need to talk about how you and your child can survive locked up ... You must tell them that the terms of your surrender include good, healthful food; a glass of wine every two days; regular times when you can get out into the sun and get exercise; and ... visits from friends ... such as me ...

Ted Peterson

"The fact is that this stone you speaking of, Helseth, was in Vivec only a few days ago, right where this fleet is sailing," Elysana said. "He may not be there now, but he can't be very far away, close enough to roll over us as he falls ... As far support, I have invested heavily in this enterprise, and I would be loathe to pull it all away at a loss of profit. But I am afraid that this cult is where Helseth's eye is directed now. He may lose the battle with the Temple, but he has his arrow cocked at the weakest runt in the litter ... Which is here ..."

Ted Peterson

You give yourself too little credit. You see the future nearly as well as I do ... Which can be frightening, thus my determination to remember that we live in the present.

Jazbet puts his hand on Loranna's heart.

I am glad I taught you to breathe.

He kisses her and thinks, not consciously, If you're ready, say the words.

Ted Peterson

They made love, Jazbet and Loranna. Though he saw shades of Azura and the Nord Demon in her eyes, it was man and woman, in the little room in the gently rocking ship.

It was slow and tender, sometimes tentative, and sometimes they both fell into laughter, when a supplicant knocked on the door, asking if Loranna needed anything.

It was passionate. It was shattering.

He knew how to make love. Sometimes he called himself, with self-mockery, an artist in such matters. But he never thought it could be like this. It was a masterpiece.

Ted Peterson

"Don't be defensive, it doesn't suit you," said Elysana, smiling. "I don't blame you for questioning my motives, or my honesty. I plot and devise strategems and manipulate people, I know. That is what a Queen does. And I may be wrong. Like I said, I was tricked very recently, and it's quite likely I'll be fooled again in the future. This cult of yours looks very disorganized to me, the sort of thing that the disenfranchised rabble put together and abandon at the slightest trouble ...

That was why I asked your Incarnate so many questions, which she took offense to. I wanted to see if there was a secret strategy behind it all, and I found nothing. I think there is power here, but it is unfocused. And if nothing else, I wanted you to know how close the danger is, if there was any doubt about that at all ..."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet lay still for a while, staring at the ceiling, breathing hard, and then he turned to Loranna with the khajiitiest of grins: 'Want to do it again?'

Ted Peterson

We all have to join our ancestors some time, and there can't be a better way to die than that ...

Taking it slow, of course, was no way to assuage the 'hungry moments.' Of this, both of them were well aware ...

Ted Peterson

You should feel confident. I told you, I'm a fortune-teller, and I know you will live ... Now, let's do that thing we did an hour ago, you know the one -- and I don't even want to know where you learned it ... Heh heh heh ...

Fade out (again).

Ted Peterson

The boat rocked, and Elysana gripped the railing to catch herself. She saw Allerleirauh a moment before the woman turned and saw her. After waiting some time for a moment to catch her alone, it was suddenly almost too soon.

“Hello, Allerleirauh,” the Queen of Wayrest said with a smile. “It has been many years, but you have hardly changed at all. You must tell me your beauty secrets.”

Ted Peterson

'Kind of you to say. My family is well, but no one you would know is at the palace now,' Elysana said. 'My father passed to his ancestors long ago. And, of course, Helseth and Barenziah and Morgiah ... well ...' She chuckled, rolling her eyes. 'Not all family members are missed. But I have two beautiful children and a fine husband, so I would say my family is doing very well indeed. It has been so long since I've seen you, I thought you must have retired yourself, if you were lucky enough to retire ... But imagine my surprise seeing you here, of all places.'

Ted Peterson

‘Oh, the teacher has become the student, in more ways than one,’ the Khajiit chuckled.

'I do have one thing to say to you, which is serious, even for me,’ said Jazbet, who was still smiling nevertheless. ‘What you don’t see, but I can, is that Azura is not your antagonist. I see and I feel her strength and power in you. Don’t let her control you – like I said, a Goddess cannot give birth, only a woman can. But you can call on her. I saw you do it unconsciously today. And for your own sake, and the sake of Sen-Yedda, don’t forget that power.

'You know I will be with you when I can, and Dagoth, of course, too; but remember, you have a crutch to lean on within you. She will keep you from feeling some of the pain and sadness which I know you sometimes feel.’

Ted Peterson

‘I’ve seen him recently too,’ said the Queen. ‘A most satisfactory meeting where he burbled and cursed about this cult. Why he cares so much about this scruffy kingdom of his is a wonder to me. I mean, the sheer acreage is impressive, but really ... Of course, then I had to see with my own eyes the thorn in his side, but until I saw you, I didn’t think it had much of a fighting chance. Are they paying you well for your services?’

Ted Peterson

'Then perhaps it is the Nord-Demon I see in you,' said Jazbet, kissing her. 'I am sorry, I didn't mean to make you frown. You are on a throne now, and people will blame you for everything that has gone wrong with their lives. And you are human, and it will hurt you. But do not let it hurt you so deeply than it hurts your child ... Wherever you get that power to shield yourself, use it ...'

Ted Peterson

‘Well, it certainly will come to a fight, sooner rather than later,’ said Elysana. ‘I have seen enough battles to know when one is brewing. Without being elusive myself, I should tell you what I told Aricyn. Helseth is on Vvardenfelll, and he is a caged animal. Count on him to act when you get too close. When I saw him last, he was in Vivec itself. He has no fear of the Temple, more fool he, but he is a dangerous fool.’

Ted Peterson

'Do you want me to stay or go?' Jazbet grinned. 'Certain women want to be held all night, but I don't think I see that in your eyes ... I will, of course, but I don't want you to grow tired of me ...'

Ted Peterson

'Then the Incarnate might want to do that telekinetic thing she does with her hair. Which by the way, might have other uses we can explore,' Jazbet winks, as he gathers up his clothes.

Ted Peterson

‘I appreciate you speaking frankly, Allerleirauh; in fact, I count on it,’ the Queen also smiled. ‘We are not so very different, you and I, though I would understand it if you didn’t take that as a compliment. I have had to make strange alliances too. As for Lord Liris –‘ She faltered a bit, Allerleirauh notices, losing her smile. ‘I will take your advice under advisement. Things have not always gone as I intended, ever since Lord Ciel decided to capture Loranna rather than kill her, but we must always be prepared to improvise, mustn’t we?’

Ted Peterson

Jazbet grinned, kissed her once more, and opened the door, letting in the fresh fresh.

Do promise you'll let me know when you have no more use for me, he thought I'll understand, but I don't want to make a bigger fool of myself than need be.

Ted Peterson

Elysana lost her smile, but she did not frown. Her face was simply still as she looked out to the water. ‘Were you there? That’s interesting. In that case, certainly he and his troops might have been killed. But I have retreated from battle before. I may take my troops and retreat soon as we reach Vivec, I do not know. All survivors know that not every battle is to be won.

'Ciel did not ignore my orders and make up his own rules out of bravery and loyalty, but out of stupidity and arrogance and … I don’t know what else. He decided to flee and slay my guards instead of answering my charges. I might not have had him executed if he would have pled his case with half the sincerity that you’re showing … But murdering my guards in my own palace … What an ugly topic for a pretty day …’

Ted Peterson

"Despite what some, no, many say about me," said the Queen, smiling again, but not merrily. "I am not a vampire who relishes pain and suffering. If I merely wanted him dead, I have assassins. I called him home for an explanation. Was execution possible? Certainly ... Death is always a possibility ... But, like you said, let us leave him in peace."

Ted Peterson

The ship sails onward, and the mood continues to be bright. The motion of the water is gentle, the breeze refreshing, and people seem to be very comfortable, settling in. Very comfortable.

There is more space to move on the ship, for one. A couple people, such as Ciel and Tris, have left, but it might be noted, by especially observant people, that there are more people missing than that. At least a half dozen guards seem to have vanished without a trace. No one of any importance, of course, no one whose name you know, but if the crowd looks thinner, and there are more private places to talk, that is the reason why ...

Ted Peterson

Wayrest, High Rock

In the morning, Ryvad Castellian, the Queen's chief spymaster, had met with her council. Despite Elysana's absence in court, there was a well-maintained mechanism to keep the kingdom running smoothly. He and the Queen's Minister of War had then taken a tour around the site of the new palace. It was still hard to tell whether it was going to be magnificent or absurd, this dome she had eccentrically ordered built. The framework was in place, and artisans worked day and night building and building on it.

In the afternoon, Ryvad toiled in the coverted dungeon which was his temporary headquarters.

"What is this?" he wondered, looking at a new archeological report. He researched it thoroughly, and then sent word on so his sovereign would know what he had discovered.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet, asleep on the cabin roof, woke up at the sound, Something's loose on the ship!

Ted Peterson

Jazbet saw the horrible, shambling family of undead creatures and leapt from the roof to the mast. He began ringing the alarm bell over and over again.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet ceased the bell ringing.

'Flying dreughs and shambling monstrosities,' he grinned. 'Next time I'll have to take the first class ship.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet jumped from the roof to lead the group in moving the sail, "Come on, lads! Lift!"

Ted Peterson

"Was there anyone else in the water?" Jazbet called to him. The yardarm was very heavy, and the men grunt against the strain, but it was lifted.

The injured were taken out, but only one man was dead. Lord Liris.

Ted Peterson

Receiving no answer, the Khajiit ran to the railing and looked out into the water. There were more people who had leapt or fallen overboard.

Jazbet leapt into the lake.

Ted Peterson

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, stepped through the crowds with Lord Faril and Herwyn, her battlemage. Her face was a stony mask.

She knelt by the side of Liris's broken, bloody body, and said to Faril, "Find out what happened."

Ted Peterson

From his vantage point in the water, Jazbet could see no more people to move to the ropes. They had either all been saved ... or some of them were unaccounted for.

"Can you see anyone else?" the khajiit cried to the people in the boats holding the ropes.

Ted Peterson

"Do it now," Elysana said again. "You are in charge, Faril. This was caused by a human, either by accident or design. And if by design, I have a good idea who it was."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet climbed nimbly up the rope the guard had thrown down. He starts helping the clean up immediately.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest, High Rock

The Queen's Spymaster Ryvad Castellian received his orders. He arranged for shipment immediately to Morrowind. He smiled. His sovereign appeared to be pleased with his work.

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is kneeling by the side of the dead Lord Liris. She has told his second-in-command in no uncertain terms to find out if his death was by accident or by design.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is helping clean up the wreckage, after swimming around the lake, looking for survivors.

Ryvad Castellian, the Queen's Spymaster in Wayrest has sent his sovereign an important archeological find recently unearthed.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, waits in the Void, alone. She is growing hungry.

Ted Peterson

It is easy to find Elysana. Still calling herself Lady Farrine, she is with the injured, having at last left the body of Liris. Though not a healer, she knows something of setting bones and treating cuts. Not that there are any great injuries -- a broken finger here, a sprained ankles there, abrasions, bruises ...

Ted Peterson

"Let us get this sail repaired as best as we can," the Khajiit Lord Dres Jazbet told his men. "It doesn't have to be pretty. It only has to get us to Vivec, and that's not far away now ..."

Ted Peterson

Elysana smiles in Loranna's direction. Well, that's practical. So, she isn't completely a figurehead, she thinks.

Ted Peterson

"I wish I could do more," says the Queen, and goes to Aricyn.

Ted Peterson

"Your 'funny feeling' notwithstanding," Elysana said. "There are many possibilities. The cutting of the sail may have been sabotage to delay our arrival to Vivec, and Liris's death still an accident. He might have been killed by someone wanting an official in Loranna's group dead. But why him, and not you?

"He was an ambitious man, in good and potentially negative ways. No one like that is entirely beloved by all. His assignment from me was simple. Keep an eye on Loranna. Try to keep her following strong and well-protected. That by itself would be no reason for an assassination.

"My enemies and yours are well-known. Helseth is the most obvious one."

Ted Peterson

"I was just speaking to Liris about that earlier and he was investigating it," said Elysana. "They seemed to have simply vanished. No one has seen a thing. One would think that if they were defecting or running away, they would have waited until we got to Vivec. Only a very desperate man would literally jump ship.

"No, their disapperance was surprising, but not yet alarming. The death and presumed murder of Liris changes things considerably."

Ted Peterson

"That is true, I had forgotten about those Almsivi scrolls everyone around here seems to have," the Queen nodded. "The solution to the mystery may be found in Vivec. As for myself, like I said, I am conducting my own investigation, but the simplest explanation would be that whoever was responsible for the disappearance of the other soldiers killed Liris before he got too close to the answer."

Ted Peterson

If Aricyn thought Elysana was being interrogated, she certainly didn't act like she was. She looked serious but not guilty. Not that she had a guilty look anyhow ...

Ted Peterson

"I am certain I can expect the same favor in return," the Queen said. "I have a feeling that my idea for just punishment will be different from yours ... But we will deal with that issue when it comes up."

Ted Peterson

It was an ugly, ungainly, and unstable thing, but a sail it was nevertheless.

"It catches wind," said Jazbet. "That's the important thing. I'll show you men a hidden cask of wine ..."

He passed Allerleirauh, Arynel, and Loranna with his crowd, gave them a wink, "Well, we're moving."

Ted Peterson

Don't be said, love. Jazbet said, looking back. Remember to find your strength ... and I hope you don't mind me rewarding these men with the wine. There's more to be had from Lord Gaor's supplies in Ebonheart ...

Ted Peterson

Jazbet was out of Loranna's sight now, filling mugs for the men who helped raised the sail, but he kept his mind linked to hers ... though he still had not mastered the art of having a mental conversation while thinking about what he was doing too ...

A card? From Sheog -- From Him? Well, that sounds ... friendly, I guess ... Oh, oops, on the floor, sorry I'll get you another mug ... You expected something from Him if I recall ... Hey, let the little guy through -- he climbed the sail and hooked it up ... Do you think, um, 'He' is angry?

Ted Peterson

I don't know the ways of the daedra very well, until recently, but a waltz with the Mad One sounds ... Hey, hey, that's your fourth mug, buddy, why don't you savor a little ... Rajhin, these guys can drink ... Um, um, well, I'm quite out of my depths on that subject, my love.

Ted Peterson

Elysana conferred with Lord Faril. When they landed in Vivec, they would take the men aside and tell them about Liris. Then there would be a head count. It was important to be organized, whatever the next step would be.

Ted Peterson

Broken sail, spilled wine ... I doubt the Temple will trust us with their vessels again ... Oh, for Rajhin's sake, man, keep your clothes on. No one needs to see that.

Ted Peterson

Can you ... actually see through my eyes? If so, I apologize -- I'll look at one of the more handsome of the naked drunken soldiers if you'd like ...

Ted Peterson

Well, I couldn't fully recommend the sight before me now, and if you were a barmaid, then I doubt it's anything you haven't, um, seen before -- Hey, guys, put that Bosmer down now! -- but it might be a nice talent to have if you're still serious about allowing yourself to be locked up ... Not to bring that up again ... I'm sorry, love, my mind is currently occupied with trying to keep these guys from dancing on the railings ...

Ted Peterson

Clothes on, boys. No, your own clothes. No, pants below, shirts above ... Um, Loranna, walk slow ...

Ted Peterson

Come on, lads, get it together ... Um, yes, Myricles, if you can't find your pants, best that you get in the barrel ... Just try to stand still and don't talk, and ... Remember, if she is displeased, fire will shoot out of her eyes and incinerate the whole lot of you, so keep your mouths shut ... Sorry, love, snapped there ... I'm just kidding, lads, but don't embarrass me, okay? ...

Well, they're as good as they're gonna be ...

Ted Peterson

The men swayed, looking at her with half-focused eyes and purple-smeared grins. Jazbet buried his face in his hands, but his giggling could still be heard.

One man bowed awkwardly and his pants fell down.

Ted Peterson

"HAIR ARUZA!' They cry.

Jazbet falls weakly to the floor, trying to hold in the laughter.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet can't wink back, he can only blink, his eyes filled with tears, as he lies on the floor, gasping.

Okay, lads, there better be some wine left for me ... I need it ...

Ted Peterson

The sun rose on the cantons of Vivec, now visible on the horizon. The fleet of ships was just an hour or two away from port.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, watched from the rails. She had an uneasy night, pondering recent events and the uncertain future.

Ted Peterson

Head throbbing, Jazbet stumbled into the sunlight, squinting and mumbling curses under his breath.

"We will be there soon," said one of his men who had wisely not participated in the drinking party last night. "Where will we be setting camp?"

"Oh, I suppose I better find out," said the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, and wandered off, still suffering, to find Loranna, or Aricyn, or Allerleirauh, or Lord Faril, or anyone at all who would know what they were planning on doing once they reached Vivec.

Ted Peterson

It wasn't the sort of thing that occured to many to notice. Though the sky was pure blue, only dappled with a few fluffy clouds, the horizon was dark ... as if a storm was brewing, far, far in the distance.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel watched the procession from the Void. Her dark hair floated around her like a shroud, and her red eyes darted from person to person, smelling their life, their energy, their blood. She had fed well, but she was hungry again.

'Leseth,' she called, her voice echoing in eternity. 'I need you!'

Ted Peterson

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, had no beautiful clothes to wear for the occasion. She had but one dress, and a cloak, and a belt, all very simply wrought, but tailored well. The crowd surged around her, and she might have been invisible, but there were many eyes still on her, and her own eyes were everywhere.

Ted Peterson

The Void

The little girl floating in a sea of nothingness didn't embrace him as she had done before. She floated at a distance, and he could see tears of blood in her eyes.

'I watched Helseth for a while,' she said. 'And then, I went to Wayrest to see if things were progressing well ... and I went to where it was ... and it's gone ...'

Ted Peterson

Elysana looks to Loranna, smiling. Exactly what I would have done. She has more promise than I thought ...

'I wonder where one stays in this place when not under arrest,' she said to Faril. 'I should speak to Tholer Saryon if he is available. I owe him an apology for leaving so suddenly before ...'

Ted Peterson

Elysana finds Allerleirauh in the crowd.

'Your Azura is a little tougher than I thought,' she says with a laugh. 'Do let me know if I can be any help with interrogation. It's something of a hobby.'

Ted Peterson

'The last time I saw him, it was him and Helseth screaming at each other,' Elysana smiled. 'So, obviously, I'm well-disposed towards him as well.'

---

'That sounds lovely,' she said. 'The more foreign the better. I would kill for some Breton beef and barley stew,' The Queen looked to Allerleirauh. 'But don't worry, I won't.'

She looked up at the lightning strike. 'Oh dear. That happens sometimes with informants, you know.'

Ted Peterson

'That's the Foreign Canton there?' Elysana asked Faril. 'That does seem to be where all the action is, which suits me well. Now that we have a complete count of all the men, divide them up, and make sure we have eyes in every corner of the city. I will be up early, and we will do another count to make sure no one new is missing, and another report then ...

Now, I should get some sleep. I should make arrangements for my trip back to High Rock in the morning.'

And with that, Elysana left with Herwyn to find a room at the Black Shalk cornerclub in the Foreign Canton. It would not be fancy, but she had been through worse lately.

ooc -- That's it. I'm out for the evening. Have fun, yawl.

Ted Peterson

"Yes," said Jazbet, also stepping forward. "You have given no authority, other than this nebulous 'The Association.' Hardly legal grounds, I can tell you as a representative of House Dres."

Ted Peterson

"I do not know this order of yours," the khajiit replied. "It is, I hope, sanctioned by the Emperor?"

Ted Peterson

"Then it would be proper for you to appeal your case directly to the Temple," said Jazbet. "It is for them to determine whether to give the accused sanctuary or not, if he desires it."

Ted Peterson

"Hall of Wisdom in the Temple Canton, straight ahead, you can't miss it," smiled Jazbet. "Has a big rock hanging above it."

Ted Peterson

"Well done, brother," said Lord Dres Wyrloc, joining his fellow knight. "It almost sounded as if you've been to Vivec before."

"Well, I've read about it. Maybe it was the Hall of Justice?" Jazbet shrugged, and smiled. "The Werebeast Hunters Of Tamriel? Appreviation: W.H.O.T.? Who knows, maybe they're legitimate. Not our problem."

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Lord Dres Jazbet, though uncredited, also took part in the conversation that led to the W.H.O.T. legion to the Temple to petition for Reichi's arrest. He and his House brother Lord Wyrloc are at the reception.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is resting at the Black Shalk cornerclub in the Foreign Canton with her battlemage, Herwyn. (No, no, no, just resting -- sheesh)

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is in the Void with Leseth. She is very upset. Something has disappeared.

Ted Peterson

"I wonder if this is supposed to me more a religious occasion than a serious party," said Jazbet, his face a little green at the prospect of another night of drunken shenanigans.

Ted Peterson

Foreign Canton, Vivec

In the murky little room in the Black Shalk cornerclub, Herwyn slept. He had, after all, endured a not-very-comfortable voyage across the water without complaint only hours after recovering from his near death by torture at Helseth’s hands. The battlemage twitched in his sleep. Elysana knew he was dreaming not only of the torture, but the strange, nightmarish images that they had both seen after leaving Helseth’s cells. The images that she knew were of Leseth's world, and Herwyn knew better than to ask about.

She knew she should speak to Vonnod, and Faril … And quite possibly attend this absurd reception they were having for the Incarnate. But the Queen of Wayrest was tired. She was afraid if she put her head down, she would sleep until tomorrow. And there was still so much to do …

Ted Peterson

Jazbet slipped through the crowd, looking for Aricyn. He was not near the Incarnate, but surely the Nord was somewhere at the reception.

Ted Peterson

"Pardon me, Lord Aricyn. I hope I'm not ... interrupting anything," the khajiit Jazbet said, smiling.

Ted Peterson

'The Lady Farrine ...' Jazbet began, looking around. 'Oh, why am I protecting her? You know, the Queen of Wayrest, asked for my help. Or the help of House Dres. It seems that when she came into Morrowind, she brought a fleet of ships, and at several points along the route, a ship would dock, and her soldiers would be let out, to join your group in small numbers. You understand, to be as surreptitious as possible ...

She asked if the ships that were docked in Dres territory were still in our possession, and I told her I'd check. She wants any that remain to be sent here. There is one. But I didn't want to tell her, until I talked to someone else about it. And you seem like the most reasonable to seek counsel with."

Ted Peterson

'I don't know,' said Jazbet after a moment's pause. 'She has been supporting my House for some time now in our efforts to usurp Helseth. She has been, in a way, the greatest ally to the Incarnate's cause ... But her ways are ... I do not know what she intends to do, and she won't tell me or Wyrloc. I know she talked to you too aboard the ship. I thought perhaps that you had pieces of the puzzle which would make it clearer to me.'

Ted Peterson

"The throne is an imperial invention, specifically for us,' says Jazbet. 'There is no king of Skyrim, or High Rock, or Sumurset, or any of the other provinces. There are a collection of rulers, each of whom the Emperor must deal with. It is the way it should be here. The Emperor should hear the concerns of the Houses, not one magnianimous, omnipotent king who speaks for all. While the power is central, no justice can be done.'

The Khajiit blushes, and laughs out loud. 'Or that's the official line. Frankly, once the King is dethroned, there's no reason why the Houses shouldn't fall. And that wouldn't be so bad either ...'

Ted Peterson

'I would guess that is because you were never a politician ... or a slave,' Jazbet nods.

Ted Peterson

Someone has entered the reception and caused quite a stir. A crowd quickly gathers around him. Perhaps not as large of a crowd as the one around the Incarnate, but an impressive one nevertheless.

He is a Dunmer man of middle age, but wearing makeup to appear younger, dressed in fine frippery. He chuckles and fends off compliments with practiced skill.

Ted Peterson

'What a welcome,' the Dunmer says, beaming. 'You needn't have done all this for me, like I'm some sort of incarnate ...'

The crowd around him chuckles.

'She is pregnant, and not just fat?'

The crowd oohs over the blasphemy and giggles.

Ted Peterson

'I'll introduce you, provided you don't mind if I find an excuse to slip away immediately after,' Jazbet rolls his eyes. 'A poncy old playwright named Baloth-Kul.'

Ted Peterson

'Lord Jazbet! You naughty kitty, I thought you were avoiding me, or dead,' the playwright. 'Where have you been? We have to catch up on old times.'

'Absolutely, just as soon as I can,' the khajiit smiled slightly. 'Really busy. Terribly, terribly. I just wanted to introduce you to Lord Aricyn, one of the Incarnate's chief companions.'

'A Nord,' Baloth-Kul said, straightening up, and looking Aricyn over. 'You remind me of my friend Julgen. It was years ago, he was set on by a gang of thieves. He fought them furiously, but in the end, they beat him into semiconsciousness. They searched his pockets and discovered that he only had three gold pieces on him.

"Do you mean to tell us you fought us like a mad lupe for three lousy gold pieces?" sneered one of the thieves.

"No," answered Julgen. "I was afraid you were after the four hundred gold pieces in my boot."'

The crowd giggles with the playwright.

Ted Peterson

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

Elysana had been half-asleep herself, resting her eyes, when she heard the voice. The Queen leapt to her feet, her spine prickling with sudden fear.

'Leseth,' she said quietly after a moment to steady her voice. 'I was wondering when I'd see you again.'

Ted Peterson

'It sounds like a riot outside,' said the playwright, turning to the sound of the prison break. 'Or maybe Lord Dagon is an Incarnate too ...'

Ted Peterson

The crowd chuckled back at Aricyn's retort. The playwright smiled as well.

'Yes, I - ' Baloth-Kul glared at the door as if it were a heckler on opening night. 'If the revolution would quiet down a moment ... I am. I wrote a piece you might have heard of called 'The Horror at Castle Xyr'? Rave reviews, my dear boy. It has even played I believe in your northern climes.'

Ted Peterson

It took Elysana a moment to understand. 'The Eidolon? That's impossible. No one knew about it, and the security I set up to protect it before I left was impenetrable. You are certain?'

Ted Peterson

'I can take any criticism, provided it is unqualified praise,' Baloth-Kul said. 'I would like to meet the Incarnate. I was just trying to find a proper way to do it, and these people' he said, beaming at the crowd who beamed back at him. 'Were trying to get me to talk about my latest play ... which opens very soon ... but I would never talk about it beforehand.'

The crowd groans, dejected.

'Seats are still available in Arena, I believe.'

Ted Peterson

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

'Since the spy I asked you to find earlier has been detected without your help,' said the Queen. 'That should simplify things.'

Ted Peterson

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

'I am in a foul mood, I apologize,' said Elysana. It occured to her that she had never said the words 'I apologize' before. That was an exaggeration, of course, but she had said it seldom and not easily. She touched her necklace.

The Queen told Leseth about the artifact, how careful she had been to keep its discovery secret, the guards she placed on the site, the mystics hired to decipher it ... Yes, a few people did know about it, out of necessity. But the guards did not know what they were guarding. And it was large -- large as a rowboat -- surely it could not be stolen so easily ...

Ted Peterson

'Lead on, dear boy,' said Baloth-Kul, waving to his fans and following the Nord to Loranna. 'A red dress on an ashen-skinned Nord. She looks like Dagoth Ur.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet is across the room, but Loranna can hear his thoughts as he sees Aricyn bring Baloth-Kul to her. Read the playwright's mind and tell him what his play's about, if you'd like to see an apoplectic fit.'

Ted Peterson

'Delighted to meet you,' Baloth-Kul said, kissing her hand. 'We have much in common, my dear. We both command large audiences. We both feel the spark of divine inspiration. I would love to use you in a play, but I don't know yet whether it is a comedy or a tragedy ...'

Ted Peterson

'He is dead now,' the Queen said. 'Tragic accident aboard the ship on the way in. Crushed by a falling sail. Very sad. We lost the wind.'

Ted Peterson

'Ah, a bit of bawdy action,' Baloth-Kul said, his eyes sparkling. 'That reminds me of my current play -- though I should not talk of it ... It's bad luck to discuss it ... But perhaps, if your humor lies that way, my lady, you might commission a play from me about your life and loves ... There are certain delicious rumors I would love to ask you about ... But there are so many priests around here to say tut-tut ... Could we talk in private some time? Will you be in Vivec long?"

Ted Peterson

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

"Herwyn!" the Queen cried. "No!"

Ted Peterson

Across the room, Jazbet is thinking, Oh, the hack is still smiling. You must not have broken his heart and told him you know whatever idiotic twist ending he has in mind ... I love how good you are, but believe me, he's not ...

'I do hope you'll be able to make the opening night of my play in the Arena,' said Baloth-Kul. 'It will be shocking to some, but I have a feeling you have seen worse. The people will never want to see a common fight in the Arena again after it, I assure you.'

Ted Peterson

'Oh my dear,' said the Queen, trembling, holding her necklace. 'You should have pretended to be asleep. You have seen what you should not have seen; and, worse, he has seen you seeing him. I am afraid you have signed your death warrant ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet sighs in his mind. You play fair, and the rest of the world doesn't.

'And not only for the audience,' the playwright grinned conspiratorily. 'No, the surprise should be heard around the province, perhaps the Empire ... But I have said too much. You must come, or I will throw myself on my pen.'

Ted Peterson

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

'You should fear him, you are unwise not to,' Elysana said, finding a smile on her face quite unexpectedly. 'Don't bow. You have not forgotten your place. You have earned yourself a place above where you began, and you may ask me anything you like, whether I choose to answer it or not.

'I would answer that question if I could,' she said, more quietly. 'It is complicated. I suppose the more monstrous you are, the more monsters are in your life.'

Ted Peterson

'In two days' time,' Baloth-Kul said excitedly. 'I will save you the best seat. Well, several seats, of course, for you and your companions ...'

Ted Peterson

'If they do not riot, then I haven't done my job,' Baloth-Kul said, kissing her hand. 'What beautiful calluses, my dear. Speaking of riots, what was that earlier in the streets outside? The Incarnate's rowdier admirers? I should get them tickets as well ...'

Ted Peterson

'Oh, I wouldn't worry,' the Queen said, smiling. 'There will be plenty more danger for days to come, opportunities to fight on my behalf, it comes to that. In fact, we might be walking into one now, if you'd accompany me to the reception ...'

Ted Peterson

'I like a woman with a grip,' said the playwright. 'Though the Incarnate's are lovely too. Very soft, as if burnished by the stroking of fur ... I do hate not to know everything that's going on, though. Would you excuse me while I inquire about the commotion?'

Ted Peterson

ooc: Posting to all who go to the Arena. It's locked up, and the set in the middle looks like Castle Mournhold.

Ted Peterson

The Queen of Wayrest and her battlemage Herwyn left the Foreign Canton.

'Are you well enough to walk?' she asked. 'I'd rather see the city from above, and not on one of those gondolas ... The last time we were here, as you recall, were much different circumstances ...'

Ted Peterson

Elysana smiled, but her eyes were on the strange buildings on the canton. So many shadows, and the echoes of footsteps. The Queen could have sworn she saw figures in the distance in the sky ...

Ted Peterson

Elysana saw the two men ahead of her. Just two more strangers in the strange city. She continued on towards them.

Ted Peterson

They were not strangers at all. Elysana knew she knew them from somewhere, at least slightly. It must have been the ship. Passing acquaintances on a long, crowded voyage ...

'Pardon me,' the Queen asked. 'Do you know if the reception is still going on?'

Ted Peterson

The lad she definitely remembered from the ship, though she had only spotted him once or twice. Handsome fellow. The other ..?

Ted Peterson

As they continued walking, the Queen said to Herwyn, "The only danger it seems that we're in tonight is being bored to death."

She smiled a little, but she still seemed to be in thought.

Ted Peterson

The Queen nodded, and they continued their walk to the Temple Canton in silence, to join the reception.

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, has just arrived at the reception with her battlemage, Herwyn. She is traveling incognito as Lady Farrine, though she has told Aricyn and Allerleirauh her true identity. A number of events have occurred recently of possible interest: she has run into Tris and Ciel (who as her former soldier she believed she had assassinated), but did not recognize him in disguise; she has learned from the Void Ranger assassin Leseth that an artifact called The Eidolon, which she had ordered excavated in High Rock had gone missing; and her former chief agent in Morrowind, Lord Liris, was killed in an ‘accident’ aboard the ship to Vivec, an event that is being investigated while Liris’s second-in-command Lord Faril takes charge.

Jazbet, khajiit knight of House Dres, is also at the reception. Elysana has asked him as a member of House Dres to bring one of her ships she sailed to Morrowind to Vivec. Currently, he is acting busy to avoid …

Baloth-Kul, a Dunmer playwright of dubious talents, who is also at the reception. His best known work is ‘The Horror at Castle Xyr,’ but he has a new play with a premiere at the Vivec Arena in a few days. Considering that he considers it bad luck to talk about the play, it is all that he can seem to mention in conversation. Baloth-Kul considers the Incarnate’s arrival in Vivec an excellent opportunity to bring attention to his play.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth. She discovered that the Eidolon is missing, and it has upset her greatly for some reason. They are currently searching for it.

Ted Peterson

Two ships of Wayrest design entered the Inner Sea, coming from opposite directions.

From the north through the Sea of Ghosts came a ship bearing but one package, a sealed box, fifteen feet long and four feet tall . It had been sent from Wayrest and its destination was Ebonheart.

From the south came the second ship. It had been part of Elysana’s small fleet, and had been anchored in the port near Tel Dres for some time. By order of Lord Dres Jazbet, it was sailing for Vivec.

Both ships would arrive tomorrow morning.

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, silently accompanied Loranna on her various pilgrimages, along with her battlemage Herwyn. She was present when Loranna became Azura. No one knows what has become of her, whether she bowed to the Prince or not.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, also accompanied the group, and was present when it all happened. No one knows what has become of him, whether he bowed to the Prince or not.

They have both, for all intents, disappeared in the chaos that ensued.

Ted Peterson

The Arena Canton, Vivec

The set representing Castle Mournhold was very elaborate. Trapdoors, false walls, mirrors and hidden ropes had been set up for the ghost special effects, sophisticated pulleys had been mounted allowing certain rooms to be revealed and concealed. At one point in the play, the walls ooze blood, and hundreds of little packets had been hidden throughout the set for this effect.

Baloth-Kul watched the set being demolished the day of the play's premiere, before one performance had been done. No one would have attended after what had happened -- and anyone who would have would not be as shocked as the playwright would have wished: much more horrifying things had occured in real life in the past few hours. He couldn't follow an act like Azura.

There were many methods of suicide available to him. He thought and thought about the one that would hurt the least.

Ted Peterson

Roof of the Arena Canton

"Why not?" the playwright bellowed very dramatically. "Someone should tell the tale for posterity, how Baloth-Kul turned his back on mediocrity and flew headfirst into ..." He paused, looking the girl over. "You're not planning on eating my body afterwards, are you, Bosmer?"

Ted Peterson

Roof of the Arena Canton

Baloth-Kul touched his belly at Mirea's cruel words. He was very sensitive about his weight.

"The stuff inside was to be the set for a play, the greatest lampoon of contemporary politics ever created. A back-prickling festival of laughter, an indictment of regency and privelege with a great many jokes about flatulence and some gratuitous violence and nudity to make it beloved by the simple people," the great playwright sighed. "O, the tragedy when the destruction of a city means the destruction of Great Art ..."

He paused, took a deep breath and continued: "No one would even notice, is that what you said? My dear girl, I am an artist. When I am dead, my art will live on. And I will probably get a good many more bookings ..."

Ted Peterson

The Roof of the Arena Canton

"Baloth-Kul," the playwright said, taking Mirea's hand and kissing it. "You would no doubt know my play 'The Horror at Castle Xyr.'"

He took a look over the side of the canton. He wasn't crazy about heights.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, my dear," said Baloth-Kul with a modest grin and a self-deprecating shrug. "It does my weary heart good to know that -- well, I hadn't really thought about aiming. I'm hopeless with spatial relationships ... The ground I suppose would be ideal. I've always disliked water because I can't swim."

Ted Peterson

"It would be just my luck if my aim was true this one time,' Baloth-Kul sighed, peering over the edge. "The water looks particularly filthy. Do be a dear, and when you speak of this, tell people I meant to hit whatever I do ... I don't want my death to be any more risible than absolutely necessary ..."

The playwright walked back from the edge, smiled. "A running start, I think is what the situation calls for."

He got into position, tensing his flabby muscles ... four fast steps and that would take him sailing right over the edge into posterity ...

Ted Peterson

"It is too late, the curtain has risen, remain in your seats," Baloth-Kul said with a wink, and began running. "I embrace eternity! And I spit in the face of medioc -- AHHHH! WHAT AM I DOING?!"

But he ran and he leapt.

Ted Peterson

The playwright Baloth-Kul sailed off the Arena canton roof without quite as much grace as he would have liked. Arms and legs flailing, his colorful foppish robe whirling about, screeching in terror, he looked like crippled cliff racer festooned in bright feathers.

When he began to plummet, he noticed the ship sailing up to the docks below, some distance away. It occurred to him they were audience members with cheap seats, far from the action. Still, the more people to witness, the better.

Though he was falling quickly, he did have time to think that he didn’t really want to die. Actually, he had a new play half-written at home, and he didn’t like the character of the witch’s daughter very much. Undoubtedly, it would be posthumously produced, and not really do much for his reputation.

Ted Peterson

It took three sailors to drag the sputtering, thrashing playwright-and-main-sail combination aboard the boat. They were not the kindest of rescuers.

'You idiot,' said the captain. 'Trying your first levitation scroll and ran out of juice, did you? The queen will --'

'Queen?' the playwright repeated, his eyes shining.

'Sorry, I meant, her ladyship, Lady Farrine, will have your guts for garters ...' the captain stammered miserably, realizing that it was really his guts at stake now.

A queen in the guise of a lady, Baloth-Kul thought. This sounded promising. It was a good thing he was alive to investigate this matter. A new subject, or a new patroness rose on the horizon, now that Azura's usefulness in that regard has set.

Ted Peterson

"That's what's left of my fleet," said Elysana, shaking her head. She couldn't help but smile. "One ship. With a broken sail."

Behind her on the river bank stood her men. Hundreds of them, wearing the scars of battle with the winged twilights. They had found a place some distance from Vivec to meet. Some had died in the fight, and a few had bowed to Azura and become the enemies of their brothers, Akatosh only knows why.

Lord Dres Wyrloc was there too. "You're abandoning us?"

'There is nothing any person of reason can do in this madhouse of a province of yours. Perhaps there never was, but certainly not now. You will likely get your wish, Wyrloc, if these Azurites grow in number to fight Helseth ... but you may wish you hadn't."

If Elysana had her choice, she would send the entire army home now. It was all a game, and she knew when it was time to walk away. Unfortunately, with but one boat, the army was marooned.

"Take the army up north, toward the area they call Sheogorad. I'll send a fleet to pick you up there,' the Queen of Wayrest said to Lord Faril. 'And I'll depart as soon as the ship this fool crashed into is fixed."

The fool she was referring to was Baloth-Kul, the playwright, finally in dry clothes but nursing a terrible cold. Still, he shrugged and smiled. He had had worse introductions to royalty before. And no one could resist his pitch to be a patron.

Ted Peterson

There was an unusual sound on the plains. A dull clip clop clip clop.

A figure on a horse, of all things, galloped into camp.

A horse? Yes, a brindled stallion with a beautiful black mane.

"Greeting from House Dres," said Lord Dres Wyrloc. "It took me some time to find you ... Though I suppose that was the point ...'

To the unspoken question, he answered, 'The horse was a parting gift from the Queen of Wayrest. I gave her my honor, and she gave me ... a horse.'

By the way, there's quite a thunderstorm on its way. It might be smart to get inside.'

And indeed, creeping over the horizon like a dark shadow were black clouds and flashing lightning. A storm was definitely on its way.

Ted Peterson

“He’s called Kynidius. I don’t know what it means – something Imperial about child of the wind or some such thing … Certainly fast, and seems to like the vegetation of Morrowind well enough, particularly hackle-lo leaf,” said Wyrloc, dismounting, and patting the horse’s flank.

Ted Peterson

Leading his horse into the ruins, Wyrloc sees Loranna and shakes his head, smiling sadly.

"I did not anticipate ... events as they happened," he said. "Are you well?"

Ted Peterson

"We are scattered to the four winds," said Wyrloc cooly. "The Queen of Wayrest has pulled her support. The Azurites and the King both want us dead ... Not well do we fare, I'm afraid, not well at all."

Ted Peterson

"Sorry, I thought you would have known, or at least been told by now," Wyrloc frowned. "That's a fair summary of events. Her supporters are called Azurites: I imagine you'll be seeing them soon enough. The city is in chaos, and all our allies have either abandoned us or are too stunned to know what to do ... Like I said, not what I had anticipated. More fool, I."

Ted Peterson

A peal of thunder from the storm shook the very ground, and Wyrloc's horse Kynidius whinnied nervously. The Dres Knight stroked its side, trying to calm it down as the first drops began to fall.

"We all have good intentions," Wyrloc said quietly, not looking at Loranna. "I suppose your friends are trying to spare you the details of what transpired, so you do not know about the plague of Winged Twilights that fell on the city ... and what befell my brother Lord Dres Jazbet ... "

Ted Peterson

"The distress is only the beginning, there is much more pain to come to this land," the Dunmer said, meeting her eyes. "Many of my men turned to Azura, and are my enemies now. The others fled ... or died. I don't know how we will return to our territories, but that is where I am bound for when this storm passes ... As for Jazbet ... He was a good man. I was proud to call him my house brother, though he was a betmer, born a slave ... He was strong, but not a fighter. The Winged Twilights simply tore him to shreds."

Ted Peterson

Wyrloc nodded. "I am tired and perhaps more frank than it is kind to be. Once I have some food and some rest, and get out of this rain," he said, looking up, and wiping his face. "We should talk again. I do have some thoughts about how things may be made better which I would discuss with you. Until then, Godd -- Loranna ..."

He bowed slightly, and led his horse into the ruins to shelter.

Ted Peterson

Wyrloc left Kyndius in the courtyard of the ruins, tied to a post. It was a gentle creature, and though the storm made it nervous, he knew it would not try to run away.

The Dres Knight had never been to Ald Sotha before, but he knew its reputation. He unsheathed his sword, and the black blade glowed slightly in the gloom, helping him find his way. It was eerily quiet, undisturbed, though he knew many a fool had met his death in its halls. He passed the magnificent statue of Mehrunes Dagon, and continued on. There was no fooling himself: he felt that he was being watched. And doubtlessly he was, by the daedra who made their home there.

It was only his nerves not his blade that were exercised by this trek. He found his way up to the highest tower, and there, with a full view of the surrounding land, confident that he would not be ambushed, he ate and slept.

Ted Peterson

The rain was still light, sporadic, but sunlight was drowned out by the dark clouds overhead. The wind whistled in high tones and lightning arched across the sky ...

Ted Peterson

Wyrloc walked slowly across the courtyard to the rock outcropping, the wind catching his cloak as he tried to wrap it around himself. It had grown so dark -- it was practically night in the storm. But he was sure that he saw her by herself. And he was right.

"I saw you from the tower," the Dres knight said, joining Loranna. "Perhaps you don't want company, but it is dangerous for you to be alone here."

Ted Peterson

"I hadn't planned on discussing this quite yet with you," Wyrloc nodded, and looked around into the darkness. "But perhaps this is the sort of discussion that should be had with some privacy."

He took a seat next to Loranna and sighed. "I want you to know this. I bear you no ill will. I know I was ... well, a little surly before ..."

Ted Peterson

Wyrloc nodded sadly. "Yes, I am still alive."

Suddenly, his sword was unsheathed and its edge pressed to Loranna's neck. His eyes had turned bright blue.

"Do you deserve this?" the Dres Knight hissed. "This is my plan for saving Morrowind. I meant it when I said that I bear you no ill will, but while you still live --"

He stopped, mid-sentence. His eyes were open in pain and surprise.

Behind him stood the cloaked figure, standing on uncertain feet in the dark, holding a blade wet with blood.

Ted Peterson

Wyrloc falls back, dead, his sword dropping to his side.

The stranger in the soaking wet, blood-streaked hooded cloak stands still for just a moment before dropping to his knees. His own sword falls to the ground.

Ted Peterson

"You sound ... unharmed. Thank Jephre. I didn't know if I'd be too late ... I had to follow what I could ... see ..."

It is Jazbet's voice beneath the hood.

The cloak still covering his head, he drops unconscious into the mud.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet is unconscious, breathing, but irregularly.

His clothes are bloodied and torn by dozens of claw marks. Wyrloc had not lied. The Khajiit knight had been torn to shreds – only not fatally.

Jazbet’s once handsome face is very white, and torn by two savage slashes forming a lopsided X: one from his left temple to his chin, and the other intersecting it. It was this second one that gouged out his eyes. He is blind.

Ted Peterson

SUMMARY

Elysana the Queen of Wayrest, her sage Vonnod, the playwright Baloth-Kul are all near Vivec while their boat's sail is being repaired.

Lord Dres Wyrloc, R.I.P., killed by Jazbet before he assassinated Loranna. His horse Kynius is still tied up in the courtyard.

Bosriel, the dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is searching for a mysterious object called the Eidolon with Leseth.

Lord Dres Jazbet, grievously injured and blinded in the attack in Vivec, is currently unconscious, but coming to ...

Ted Peterson

Ald Sotha

It wasn't dark, exactly. There was blackness, but also red and blue streaks in a sea of gray. Figures and scenes would appear to him, some blurred to be unrecognizable, some very specific but so alien to be incomprehensible.

They were his visions he had had all his life. The touch of the fortune-teller, a term he much preferred to mystic or seers, because he didn't take it very seriously. But now, they were all he had. Jazbet didn't know what had happened to him.

He remembered the coming of Azura. He remembered her ordering the crowd to bow down before her. He remembered the Winged Twilights, and the pain.

The Khajiit couldn't tell if he was awake or asleep. He saw the same things as he would in a dream or a vision, but ... he felt an ache that ran all over his body ... and a hand in his ... and he heard a humming that was not part of any vision ...

And he knew Loranna was near him. He knew the feel of her hand, and her scent.

He tried to open his eyes, but failed.

Instead he spoke, and his voice was a little weak but still his own: "I told you you wouldn't die, didn't I?"

Ted Peterson

I wish I could see your face," the Khajiit grinned. "I hope you're smiling ... Where am I? I followed a vision here, just stumbling along, because I thought -- I knew what Wyrloc was planning. I could see the overhanging rock, and I knew what the last thing was he would say before he hurt you ... But I didn't know what I could do to stop it ... It's like I'm not really here ..."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet himself hums after the kiss. "Now I really know it's you. I didn't feel hungry until you mentioned food. I didn't feel much of anything until just a minute ago ... Now I could an ogrim on toast ..."

Ted Peterson

"No, I can only smell the food ... My eyes ... Are they completely ..." The Khajiit paused, having trouble finishing the sentence, as if articulating the reality would make it more real.

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit gasped as he touched his own face, his lips forming the word "Monster" but no sound coming out.

He swallowed hard, and then said simply: "Thank you ... May I have some of that food?"

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's brow furrows. "Is there a piece of cloth handy I can use as a blindfold? ... I want to inspire no pity ..."

He began to eat.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet tied the cloth around his face like a blindfold.

He smiled at Allerleirauh's words. "Perhaps it looks better than it feels to the touch. But I have seen open wounds and bandaged wounds, and bandages look better ..." He took another bite of food. "There is still some sex appeal to the masked bandit ... Please, go on with what you were doing before ... I'm fine ..."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet kept eating while he heard Allerleirauh's words. She was being kind -- it was not smooth skin. They were definitely wounds. Still, her words were sweet medicine. Inspiring curiosity wasn't nothing new to him. He took pleasure in being handsome, certainly. It was no more deserved that another man who was born with strength or intelligence or wealth. Just simply one of life's advantages blessed on some. And like a strong man made suddenly weak, he knew it would take some time before he truly understood his loss and dealt with it.

For now, he ate and watched the visions in his eyeless heads.

Ted Peterson

"Don't apologize," Jazbet said, wiping his mouth and smiling slightly. "I gave you some bad advice myself. I remember I said to lean on Azura's strength ... maybe that wasn't the best of plans ..."

Ted Peterson

"Old Khajiit saying," Jazbet grinned. "'You know how to make a God laugh? Make a plan.'"

Ted Peterson

"I saw a lot of things. I have these visions, but I don't understand all of them ... I did see the Queen on a boat, sailing west. I do not know about my House ... except my brother Wyrloc, who -- he was not evil, you know. Just wrong."

Ted Peterson

"I have other visions about you as well, Bard, but I don't know how to express them ... a path over a gold-colored sea, a cut white flower wilting, a face without features ... Things just appear which I don't understand."

Ted Peterson

"His family is on the mainland," said Jazbet, frowning. "I don't know any practical way of delivering his body to them, without ... well, without the risk being greater than the goodness of the deed. I will say a benediction for him. That is the least I can do, and possibly the most as well ..."

Ted Peterson

"And Helseth still lives, I can see," nodded Jazbet. "So I have a ways to go myself."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled, and squeezed Loranna's hand back, but said nothing.

Ted Peterson

(The shore, near Vivec:)

Elysana gasped and turned. "Yes, I am. I am making preparations to leave ... as you undoubtedly know ..."

Ted Peterson

"We should collapse -- we need to start over," Jazbet began to reply, and then stopped, thinking about Allerleirauh's second question. His face whitened. "Because I've killed my brother ..?"

Ted Peterson

(The shore, near Vivec:)

"The men who excavated it, none of them know its purpose. They merely dug where I told them to," the Queen said. "The mystics who examined it were three men from the Chantry of Julianos -- Brevard Dinatos, Camyn Uym, and one merely named Fadeusyr. They reported their findings directly to me ... In my absense ..."

She frowned. "I have dealt with them before. I do not think that they would tell anyone else, but they might have felt the need to report other findings to my household or ministers ... If there was anything new to tell."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet accepted Loranna's embrace, and gave her a smile which said he was fine.

Ted Peterson

"There was not a choice," Jazbet shook his head. "I know that is an expression, an opinion, but in this case it was a certainty. As I stumbled along, I saw Wyrloc attack Loranna, and I saw all the futures it represented, layering on top of one another like some nightmare. I could see coming too late to the outcropping of rock -- and Wyrloc running away, and you finding her dead ... I could see me trying to talk to him, to somehow get him to stop ... and him cutting her throat regardless ...

"The only way left was the third vision. I only wish now that I can forsee where this will take me ... But I do not understand ... I do not know ..."

Ted Peterson

"Who is it here who is not meeting your standards, Bard?" Jazbet asked. "Or was that a universal 'You'?"

Ted Peterson

(The shore, near Vivec:)

"This is insanity," said the captain as Elysana and her men boarded the boat. "Who would sail in this weather?"

"The sun seldom shines on a retreat," said the Queen with a misleading smile. "The storm will give us cover. But please, don't tip us over, or I'll be displeased."

Twenty soldiers boarded the boat. The rest of the army had been sent on to wait for a fleet to pick them up, up north. Elysana looked to the shore and saw the playwright Baloth-Kul.

"You," she said. "Come on aboard."

"Really?" said the Dunmer, scrambling on. He had been trying to persuade her of the advantages of being his patron, but she had not been overly receptive. Probably still sore about him destroying her sail. But this was a nice sign.

"Of course," the Queen said. "I'd like to hear more about this amusing play about my stepbrother while we sail ... And who knows? We might run out of food, and you look like good eating to me."

Baloth-Kul touched his belly. Another fat joke. How much was he expected to bear?

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled. "No, that was one of Lord Gaor's plans that never came to fruitition. He cancelled it when you made a change in plans, instead hiring that playwright Baloth-Kul ... But between here and Seyda Neen is Ebonheart, is it not?"

Ted Peterson

"How many people are here?" Jazbet asked. "I keep hearing new voices, but I don't know ... Are there any still missing we should try to find?"

Ted Peterson

Lliryth had been waiting for the king's return with unsurprising patience. The Altmer was cold to the point that his subordinates called him 'The Dwemer Machine" behind his back. They might as well have called him that to his face. Provided they were competent, Lliryth did not care what his men thought of him.

In simple robes, marked with an absent-minded inkstain or two, the mystic came to the King and bowed.

"What was it that you wanted me to examine, Your Majesty?" he asked. "And what do you want to know about it?"

Ted Peterson

"Your visit would certainly supply a good distraction, allowing everyone else to escape," Jazbet said, and paused. "If that is your intention."

Ted Peterson

Ebonheart

The mystic looked at the device, and took his time. He did not offer guesses merely to look clever. Helseth was a patient man who wanted his answers to be correct not rushed.

The thing was roughly cyclindrical with ridges of hexagons encircling it. The surface was metallic, but worn, old. It was not ebony. Mithril perhaps.

His first comment was non-commital: "A very rare gift, Your Majesty."

He passed his hands over it, casting a spell, and frowned. Lliryth gripped one of the ridge and pulled hard, tilting it on its side.

"Don't worry," the mystic said. "It will not be activated by accident."

Casting another spell brought forth tiny blue etchings along the surface, just faint marks that lasted but a second before fading away.

"It is Dwemer, but not entirely Dwemer," Lliryth said. "Rourken Dwemer adjustments to a much older design ... Much older ... Aldmeri. As for its function, I couldn't say for certain. Not for certain. But I know where to look ... I take it you want to know very soon?"

Ted Peterson

"If you have seen better days," said Jazbet simply. "You should not go to see the King. Some quests demand your best."

Ted Peterson

The Inner Sea

Elysana's boat headed east to avoid Ebonheart and skirt the coastline before turning north into the Sea of Ghosts. Elysana thought of Morrowind and what would become of it. The rules to the game had changed it seemed. It was hard to tell if she was losing or winning.

The storm rocked the boat. The Queen was happy that Baloth-Kul had accompanied her. He was occasionally witty, such as now, bent over the prow, vomiting copiously.

Ted Peterson

A slim figure stood silhouetted on the ruins of Ald Sotha. At a flash of lightning, Arynel could see his wild hair, natty vest, cane, and even at a distance, somehow, the look in his eyes.

"Nice day," said Sheogorath, as the storm billowed around him. "You were expecting me, I believe?"

Ted Peterson

"Has it?" the Prince said, jumping down from the rock and strolling towards Arynel, tapping the puddles of mud with his cane as he went. "Well, your world, certainly. You have two questions for me, and I have three answers. And a half."

Ted Peterson

The mystic nodded. "In 24 hours, I should have a good guess. In 48, the precise nature and use of the thing, and how one activates it."

The King knew that Lliryth's estimations were neither optimistic nor pessimistic. He was always precisely on schedule.

Ted Peterson

"Are you mad, what is my take, and what am I doing here?" Sheogorath laughed and continued forward until he was eye to eye with Arynel. "I said you had two questions and you give me three. So, to answer your first question, yes, you are mad as an Emperor, or sane and simply a very poor mathematician.

To answer one of your second questions, to look for reason and rationale in me is, to again answer your first question, a sign that you are mad as a porcupine. I do what I have always done, bring enlightenment to the unimaginative."

The Dam Dog smiled wide and toothily. "Now which one of your unspoken questions shall I answer?"

Ted Peterson

"Listen to the voice inside," Sheogorath says. "He is always right. Precisely when he's wrong.

And that is my last answer. How about a riddle, and you supply the answer?

A raging storm boils over land like a war
Like a cleanser unearthing that lost before
Disgourging like vomit the sins of the past
Sinking in mud that not meant to last
Oh, sudden the change, despite your ability,
The liquification on old stone is a liability
Horrible processes, diseased mind think.
And now I ask you, what will soon sink?"

Sheogorath kissed Arynel full on the mouth and slipped feet first into the mud, vanishing completely as if he had never been there.

Ted Peterson

A shudder ran through the ruin. And a death groan of stone crushing against stone.

Ted Peterson

Suddenly there shot along the path a wild light. The radiance was that of the full, setting, and blood-red moons which now shone vividly through the fissures and cracks of Ald Sotha, in a zigzag direction, to the base.

Ted Peterson

The fissures rapidly widen --there came a fierce breath of the whirlwind --the entire orb of the satellite burst at once -- the mighty walls rushing asunder --there was a long tumultuous shouting sound like the voice of a thousand waters --and the deep and dank tarn at closed sullenly and silently over the fragments of Ald Sotha.

Ted Peterson

The dark clouds still hung in the sky, and thunder grumbled, but the rain ceased all at once.

Ted Peterson

'What's happening? Are we under attack?' Jazbet cried out. Why did I not see this? he thought. What good are these visions if I don't see disasters like ... this?

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

It was late in the evening and the vast library was still as a tomb. Brevard Dinatos moved his aged body past stack after stack of books, holding his small stub of a candle as the only illumination. Who organized this system? he thought irritably.

He had a strange feeling of being watched, and whirled around quickly.

No one was there. But it was no relief, for the feeling still lasted.

‘Your mind is going,’ he said aloud, trying to find comfort in the sound of his own voice. But it was no good. He would not stay there any longer, growing more paranoid. It was time for light and company.

It was then his candle went out as if blown by a small child’s lips.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet laughed until his sides ached worse than they ached before.

'We have supplies and foodstuffs to feed a legion,' the Khajiit gasped. 'I'm sorry. It's not funny. But remember? Lord Gaor's second shipment? All we have to do is ... you know ... go to Ebonheart and pick it up ...'

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

'Julianos protect me,' Dinatos gasped. His body began to glow.

Ted Peterson

The old man screamed and a wave of flame erupted from his body in all directions, instantly igniting the ancient books and scrolls on the shelves, while he himself remained unburned.

Across the room, the door swung shut, and the latched locked by a child's invisible touch. No one was going to come in here to rescue him.

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

Horror paled Brevard Dimatos’s face as he feverishly tried to think of something, anything to do. He could do the sign of Recall, of course! Where had he set his Mark? Oh, yes, of course, this very library, down near the stacks on necromancy, which were a merry inferno now. Classic scenario: the frying pan or the fire?

There was a chance, and he took it. He made the sign of Recall, and appeared on the floor, his already broken arm in the fire.

He screamed and ran blind through the smoke.

Ted Peterson

"If we can make it to the mainland, I have a house there," Jazbet said. 'It is not large, but there is a lot of property, and it is well-fortified.'

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

The smoke curiously did not travel under the door to alert the other members of the Mages Guild that their library was burning down. It was fanned by Bosriel’s unseen hand back into the room. They continued to slumber soundly,

“Please, I don’t want to die,’ Dimatos whimpered, still more in fear than pain. ‘I don’t know what happened to the Eidolon. Guards of Wayrest came to claim it, saying the Queen had need. I objected – I told them we had not finished our study of it … Please … I am telling the truth …”

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

“We were told it was the Queen’s orders,” Dimatos gasped. “I don’t know. I had just sent her word that we had discovered the code for activating it – only the day before it was taken. We all thought she must be ready to use it elsewhere … But I don’t know where it was taken, or by whose orders if not the Queen’s …”

The smoke had risen high into the room, and the mystic began coughing.

Ted Peterson

"The guards," Dimatos groaned, his blood-shot eyes opening wide as he remembered. 'One of them I knew, his name is Gallymer ... Gallymer Faer. He would know who gave the orders!'

Ted Peterson

Update

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is on a ship cruising out into the Sea of Ghosts, leaving Morrowind far behind, talking the long way home to Wayrest. On board are twenty of her soldiers and one rather poncy playwright named Baloth-Kul. The rest of her army is marching north to set up camp in remote Sheogorad and await more ships to bring them home.

Lord Dres Jazbet, blind and beaten, is with the group outside of Ald Sotha. His visions helped him save Loranna from his house brother Lord Dres Wyrloc, whom he slew, but did not show him that Ald Sotha was about to collapse in the storm.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is with the Void Ranger assassin Leseth. They are interrogating people in the fashion one would expect from creatures without (normal) consciences, attempting to find what became of a device called the Eidolon which Elysana had unearthed. A (late) mystic named Dimatos told them that a guard named Gallymer Faer had told them it was the Queen’s orders to remove the device. They know this is not true, so he is next on the list.

Ted Peterson

The water off Sadrith Mora

The water was calm again, and Baloth-Kul had ceased vomiting. The Queen of Wayrest began again to ask him about his play.

'I like some of the scenes,' Elysana smiled. 'I think your decisions to make King Smellseth extremely flatulent and borderline retarded are sound artistic decisions. On the other hand, you have been cautious in other areas that would appeal to the hoi polloi. It may have been a blessing in disguise that your play as written was not performed. Let me share with you some of my thoughts ..."

The Queen gave the playwright her notes as his new patroness. Though he was not one to take kindly to criticism, Baloth-Kul had to admit that her sense of humor was diabolical.

Ted Peterson

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

The young Breton man stumbled drunk out of the tavern. It had been a very nice night. Free ale. Free food. Free prostitute. The merchants in this little town knew how to treat a representative of the Queen. They probably would have done right by him had he simply shown the emblem of the Rose, but that system took too long. Gallymer Faer preferred to be frank, explain to them that if they wanted their businesses protected, they better show how much they loved their Queen’s men.

Word had already reached them of the fire at the Wayrest Mages Guild, and he had used it.

“That’s what happens when you aren’t protected,” Faer had said very seriously.

Truth was, it was obviously an accident. Some old fool who should have died long ago had knocked over a candelabra when he was researching … whatever dull thing old wizards study. But it worked.

The sun had not quite risen as Gallymer Faer made his way through the quiet streets to the stable where his horse was being lodged – also free, of course.

Ted Peterson

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

The guard gasped and instantly emptied his bladder. He threw all his gold to the ground.

"Don't hurt me!" Gallymer Faer whimpered.

Ted Peterson

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

Gallymer felt the air grow thin, and he thought he was going to faint. He fought it. As tempting as it was too lose all consciousness, and awake when this was all over, he knew that if that happened, he would never wake at all.

Still, it took him a moment to understand what the man behind him was asking about. Something he took from mages for the Queen? He had done many things for the Queen, some of which involved mages ...

'Th-the artifact, the metal thing? Just recently, or wh-when?' Gallymer stammered. Whoever was behind him didn't sound like he was too patient.

Ted Peterson

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

The guard who was so good at intimidating merchants and innkeepers made a noise like an injured kitten. 'Please don't hurt me -- I don't know where exactly. The spymaster Lord Castellian made all the arrangements. It was put on a ship to go east -- I don't know where ... please ... please ...'

Gallymer began blubbering, snot and tears running freely.

Ted Peterson

THE VOID:

Bosriel nodded. She was hungry, but she felt something much stronger. It was hard to categorize -- excitement, apprehension ... She was an unreal creature to the world at large, and reality was a beautiful unreal place to her. For over a thousand years, she had been the dark child, looking through the window, tasting but unable to touch ...

Tamriel would soon be her playground.

The dark-haired little girl with the hungry red eyes smiled like an angel at the thought.

Ted Peterson

The Oubliettes, Wayrest

On a dirty little street in the slums of Wayrest, down an alleyway that looked neither sinister nor particularly welcoming, Elysana’s chief spymaster, Ryvad Castellian consulted with the Queen’s Minister of War.

‘She is returning?’ Ryvad said, surprised. ‘Already?’

‘That is the message I’ve received just this hour,’ the Minister, a large brutish Breton of middle age, replied. ‘We are sending a fleet of boats to pick up the army in Sheogorad. Only one of her boats survived, and she is taking that to come home.’

‘How fascinating,’ said the Spymaster. ‘I should really be returning to work, but I thank you for thinking to keep me informed about this.’

Ryvad and the Minister bowed to one another, and then Castellian took the secret passage into his office, the former secret dungeon of the Queen’s political prisoners, the Oubliettes. There were a few assistants he kept on, but the place was large and their spacement was sporadic. From time to time in the dank, cavernous halls he would hear an unintelligible echo, but he knew it to be a bureaucrat, not a ghost.

The Spymaster walk the halls towards his office, his metal boots striking hard against the stone. His true master, the King of Morrowind, would find this new information very useful.

Of course, if Elysana had known that they’d be childhood friends in the court of Wayrest, Helseth and him, she would never had made him Spymaster. Hell, she would have had him executed when she took the throne if not sooner. No, the greatest lesson Ryvad ever learned from his illustrious family, supporters of the crown of Wayrest for generations, was to keep your enemies close and your friends secret.

He turned the corner. Up ahead was the spiral staircase leading down to his office, lined with torches to keep the treacherous walk safe.

It was a good day to be alive. Ryvad Castellian began to whistle.

Ted Peterson

The Oubliettes, Wayrest

Still whistling, Ryvad Castellian began the walk down the stairs. Even with regular spaced torches, it was easy to slip. He slowed his pace down, though he was eager to hurry, to send word to his Master. Perhaps soon, he would be asked to come to Morrowind itself, now that he had proven himself so useful … He would have to leave Wayrest before long. Elysana was not quite such a fool for him to escape detection as a double-agent for very long …

He stopped and held his breath.

It was not a sound that anyone would identify. A thin, ethereal noise. Not a footstep or a breath – it touched his heart stronger than his ears, but it was a sound that said there was presence.

There was someone in his office.

Moving quickly, but with as little noise as possible, the Spymaster went back up the stairwell. There were two soldiers just down the hall, well-trained, well-armored, well-armed. They were more than a match for anything.

The torch next to him blew itself out.

And then the two on either side of it, and the next two, on up and on down, like a wave emanating from just where he was standing.

Still, Ryvad Castellian, the Spymaster of Queen Elysana of Wayrest and double-agent to His Majesty, Helseth, the King of Morrowind, felt no fear, just surprise.

The fear did not strike him then.

Until he felt the touch of a hungry child reach for him from the Void, so easily accessible on a staircase.

Ted Peterson

Telasero, Andasreth, Gnaar Mok, boat, home ...

Jazbet sat by himself on the ashen shore, trying to force his vision to come, as his blind eyes, hidden beneath a fold of cloth, stared out at nothing.

Talasero. There would be fighting. Of course. Nothing too disastrous.

Andasreth. Nothing. It was all dark.

Gnaar Mok. That was what troubled him. He did not know what he was seeing. It was blood. It was death. But who? And how? And if it was preventable, what could be done?

He concentrated harder, and ignored the visions that came to him about the boat and home ... He must understand ... He must do his part ...

The Khajiit felt his breath grow shallow as he reached deeper into his visions towards the face and form of death ...

Ted Peterson

Gnaar Mok

Jazbet was there, though he knew he wasn’t. All around him was fire, but it didn’t hurt him. Except it burned his eyes, which was madness. He had no eyes.

Through the flames he could see the charred corpse of someone. Who was it? He couldn’t see through the smoke and flames whether it was male or female, man or mer … As he reached his hands into the fire, to touch it and find some identifying mark, the flames melted away to the familiar gray nothingness of his blind world.

‘Who is it?’ he cried, standing up on the ashen shore. ‘Who is going to die?’

Ted Peterson

'There's going to be a fire,' Jazbet said breathlessly, turning his head in the direction of the voice. 'In Gnaar Mok. Someone is going to die ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet grips her hand a little tighter. 'We need to get inside. There will be trouble here. Azurites coming swiftly. They don't see us yet ... but they will ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet nodded frantically. 'Hurry, hurry, they're almost here ...'

Ted Peterson

'If we stay and fight, some of us will die,' Jazbet said quickly. 'Loranna and Tris and me. You will be grievously injured, before they are all slain. Please, I can see it. We only have to get inside and they will pass us over ...'

Ted Peterson

The unmistakable march of footsteps could now be heard. And a black cloud of Winged Twilights filled the air.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet breathed heavily.

'Sorry to frighten everyone,' the Khajiit grinned. 'If you could have seen that future we just missed, you would have moved much faster ... But Tris, you would've fought well. Glad it never happened.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled, but thought You did fight well in the future I saw. And if you saw the same look I saw on Ciel's face when you died, you would not be laughing now. Thank Jephre it was not a future that would happen now ...

'I do not know what can be done to stop the fi --' he began when the chaos broke out. Again, he cursed his vision -- why did I not see this? Like Ald Sotha, I miss the biggest disasters ...

Ted Peterson

Jazbet took off his filthy, mud and blood sodden hooded cloak, and handed it to her.

"I'm sure it's not very nice," the Khajiit smiled.

Ted Peterson

'I don't think you were outside when I said I had a vision about Gnaar Mok,' Jazbet said to Allerleirauh. 'There will be a fire, very big, all along the docks ... And someone, at least one person, one of us, will die ... Unless the future can be changed somehow, that will happen.'

Ted Peterson

"I can feel that,' the Khajiit whispers. 'They say a blind man gains new strength in all his other senses, including the sense of touch. I can feel your whole body through your hand. Tell me when we're somewhere safe ... and private ... and I can help you relax the pain ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet concentrates and shivers.

"I see many dead if the party is split in two ... Only one body that I can see if the party stays together. I'm sorry. I've been trying to understand what happens, but it won't come to me ..." The Khajiit grimaces with frustration.

Ted Peterson

'Thank you,' Jazbet whispered back. 'For the first time, a nice vision ... I see it, but since for the first time you can't read my mind, forgive me if I decide to keep it a surprise when it's going to happen ...'

Ted Peterson

"You will be surprised how quickly ..." Jazbet begins, and then shakes his head. "I'm not going to give anything away. And besides, like you said, there are slightly more important matters at hand. But only slightly. After all, there must be reason why we fight to survive."

Ted Peterson

"I'm a Khajiit," Jazbet laughed. "I've known what you had in your pocket as long as you've been here. But, no thank you. That is the only vice I've managed to resist."

Ted Peterson

'It addles the brain too,' Jazbet laughed. 'You've seen the addicts. I don't want to be talking like -- "Do you have sugar for Jazbet, Serjo? Jazbet neeeds his sugar.'"

He turns to Loranna. "Though perhaps, this once, I should try it ... Just so we know what awaits us in Gnaar Mok?"

Ted Peterson

Jazbet thought a moment.

'I should touch each of you," the Khajiit said. "When I touched Loranna just now, I saw ... well, a vision of her future. If someone here is doomed to die in the fire, I should see it ... That will be something to know ..."

Ted Peterson

"Get into a circle," Jazbet said.

When the group had shuffled itself around into a rough circle, the blind Khajiit knight walked from person to person, touching their hands and their faces lightly. For some, he saw brief flashes of a future full of triumph and glory. For others, sadness, trouble … He was careful not to show any reaction, good or bad ... It was not fair to tell people their fates unless he had to ... and he was only looking for one event.

Touching Allerleirauh’s face, he stopped.

“I see you in the fire,” Jazbet said, his voice slightly dreamy. “No, you would not die, but you’re … on fire … You’re burning, badly, oh, it hurts, but you're trying to … You know whose body it is … You know the person is dead, but you must get through, and touch him or her … I can see part of the sign on the building, though it’s mostly blackened … Wait, Druegh-jigger's Rest …”

The Khajiit tried again to reach into the vision and see the figure, but, again, it vanished.

“It makes no sense,’ he says. “One of us will die in Gnaar Mok unless the future is changed … But I do not see that death on anyone here.”

Ted Peterson

Jazbet stopped short at her words, his breath becoming shallow. 'He is hiding. But they've found him. He's drugged ... he can't fight them ... They've set fire to the place ...'

The Khajiit grabbed Allerleirauh: "We have to be there now! It's about to happen!"

Ted Peterson

'She must move quickly,' Jazbet whispered to Loranna. 'The future is still true. He will die.'

Ted Peterson

Gnaar Mok

No one was watching, and those who were would swear they were never there. The six assassins surrounded the building, torches in hand, and touched the rough dry surface. Flames smoldered at first and then began to spread, reflected in the gentle water of the quai.

Ted Peterson

'Yes,' says Jazbet. 'Very quickly.'

He feels Loranna's body shudder. The Khajiit doesn't know why -- fear? The pain? He smiles at her, but he knows it is not very reassuring. The man will die. The dock will burn. There will be no boat for them.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet shook his head and squeezed Loranna's hand. 'I'm afraid I can't,' he whispered. 'It's not like reading minds. I can't tell intention. I can only tell what fate has in store at this moment ... And if we don't get away from Vvardenfelll soon ... It won't be kind to anyone. The two men you feel you hurt will not be hurt any worse than the future I see now for all of us ...'

Ted Peterson

Gnaar Mok

The fire spread to the roof. It was catching fast.

The six assassins saw the new arrivals and took up position. They hadn't expected a real fight, but they were ready for one.

Ted Peterson

'Loranna,' Jazbet gripped her arm and started. He laughed. 'He -- Aricyn is not going to die this day ... There is still danger. The boat may burn, and we may all be trapped --" he shook his head, no need to go into all the gruesome details of their future. "It might be all right. It might be. There are suddenly multiple futures ...'

Ted Peterson

The ‘cat’ stood facing the water, breathing the air. It was perfumed with soot, but he could smell the sea. What he wanted to do was swim. That was what he always did, for exercise, for peace.

But it was too dangerous now, being blind. The Khajiit knew there would be slaughterfish in the water and dreugh, and he would not know they were there until he felt their attack. Better to wait until he was home.

Jazbet pictured it, home. A small keep on the cliffs, overlooking the sea, with a gently sloping path down to a small rocky beach. It was a plantation house, though worked by peasants not slaves, big enough to house twenty comfortably, and then there was the village of Ald Ra'athim only a few miles away. That too was his domain. It was only a few stone buildings, some modest shops, and a tavern that made the best food of anywhere in Morrowind …

The Khajiit didn’t know what awaited them there. There were too many possibilities now. Visions washed over visions like a restless ocean, some of them sweet, and some of them … very frightening …

Jazbet concentrated on the sweet images, and smiled.

Before anyone else, he 'saw' the boat come in.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet squeezed Loranna's hand and pointed out to sea. On the horizon there was the boat, on course to come into the harbor at Gnaar Mok in but a few minutes.

'The ship is coming in, isn't it?' the Khajiit asked. 'I hope you'll like my home. Remember, the servants there are not formal, but don't be afraid to ask for anything. Anything at all.'

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit laughs and whispers. 'Where did you learn that?'

'I might need to attend to some business when we arrive, but you will find yourself a bed. Tell Razbiah -- he's my housekeeper -- who you are, and you'll get a finer bed than, well, frankly, better than mine. And in a few days time, perhaps we can share and compare ...'

Ted Peterson

‘That’s quite a tale,’ Jazbet said to Allerleirauh.. ‘Your bard has serious competition.’

The Khajiit slips the captain a few extra gold pieces.

‘You know the cluster of mangrove cays just south of the Ald Ra'athim dock? Go through them carefully, and straight west, and you’ll be at my private dock.’

The captain nodded. A few hours later, they were in view: rings of mangrove trees seemingly sprung up from the sea, like sentinels, forming a natural barrier to the bay of Jazbet’s estate.

‘We’re almost there,’ the Khajiit smiled to Loranna.

Ted Peterson

'We can take a boat out later and explore them,' Jazbet said. 'There're a couple sunken ships, or if you want something more relaxing, you can just string up a hammock and enjoy the breeze.'

Once past the mangroves, they entered the bay. A sheer cliff of rose and gray colored stone encircled them with sporadic rock-strewn beaches. A small castle stood on the highest of the cliffs, above a beach with a small port and two other boats.

'Welcome to my home,' the Khajiit smiled. He didn't need to see it to know where he was.

Ted Peterson

'Excellent fishing too,' said Jazbet. 'And no slaughterfish.'

The ship pulled into the little port, and as the passengers began gathering their belongings, a stout old woman and a tall, thin lad came down the steep pathway from the castle to the beach. They waved when they recognized their master, but the woman’s face paled when she could see him in more detail.

‘Oh, sweet Mara,’ she cried. ‘What has happened to your face, Lord Jazbet? Why are you wearing a blindfold?’

The two hurried down the dock to the ship.

‘My lord, are you all right?’ asked the boy.

‘I’ve been better, to be honest, Kallen,’ Jazbet said, but with a smile. ‘I need rooms made up for all these people … Think you can handle it?’

‘Of course,’ Kallen shrugged, as if a surprise visit with a pile of people, arranging shelter and food for all was as simple as passing the boiled asparagus.

‘My lord,’ the woman began to cry, looking at his face.

‘Razbiah, please, compose yourself,’ the Khajiit said, kissing her forehead.

‘I can’t help it,’ Razbiah wailed. ‘Your eyes …’

‘I know,’ Jazbet sighed, embracing her. ‘It will take some getting used to.’

To all on the ship, the Khajiit said, ‘My house is your house. Razbiah, Kallen, and the rest of the staff will see to your meals and shelter. Only treat them with respect. There are no slaves in this part of Dres territory.’

Ted Peterson

'It looks bigger than it is,' Jazbet whispered back. 'But I think it's very comfortable. I'm sorry,' he said as Razbiah took his arm. 'I should attend to business now. I will join you as soon as I can, friends.'

Ted Peterson

ooc: I'm heading out for the evening, but feel free to explore the place and improv.

The castle is not a huge palace, but it’s beautiful, well-maintained, with a bunch of friendly, not particularly formal servants.

It’s a working plantation, and Jazbet was not among those who gave up his profits for the Incarnate. The workers are not slaves, but simple peasants. He is the lord of about fifty miles of land, which is mostly wilderness, with a few villages, the largest of which is Ald Ra'athim, your typical quaint village, with an excellent tavern and a few shops.

The bay is safe for swimming and fishing, with no slaughterfish or dreughs, and there are, like Jazbet said, a number of shipwrecks near the mangrove barrier of island cays.

Should be plenty to occupy one and all.

Ted Peterson

The castle had thirty-six rooms, more than enough for everyone to have their own bedroom, particular when parlors were converted. A team of housemaids worked furiously to get them into the proper condition for the distinguished company.

Two of the rooms were off limits, however. Jazbet’s bedroom was in the tower, and his study was on the floor above.

It was here he had been for hours with Kallen, his seneschal. The lad was only seventeen, but he instinctively had a knack for organization and an inherent sense of gravitas – very rare among Jazbet’s servants, who were generally of the casual type – which prompted his elevation in rank.

‘Read to me again the fourth page of expenditures,’ said Jazbet. ‘I’m sorry. The numbers got mixed in my head.’

‘Certainly, my lord,’ said Kallen, taking up the book.

Running a castle and plantation and the lands that surround it was an effort mired in the details. With the lord of the manor blind, it was an even slower process than ever.

An hour later, the Khajiit decided to take a break, and walk the grounds. He could not see, but he could experience. Jazbet began in the herb gardens, where the smells alone were intoxicating.

Ted Peterson

'Not at all, Allerleirauh,' Jazbet smiled. 'I was just reacquainting myself with home again, and this garden doesn't require sight to be enjoyed. I'd like the company, so long as we don't talk about numbers, which is all I've been discussing today ...'

Ted Peterson

'We're in the minty section,' Jazbet called back.

Ted Peterson

'Lucky? With Kallen, you mean?' Jazbet nodded. 'He's amazing. It's out of sheer force of habit that I go over the books with him. He never makes a mistake ...

---

'I don't produce the sheer volume that my brothers do,' the Khajiit said. 'With free men, you can't. But they are free, and so they do a better job, and ultimately, I can sell my harvest on quality.'

---

'Of course not,' said Jazbet, holding out his hand. 'Join us.'

Ted Peterson

'I suppose so,' the Khajiit replied, smiling. 'No one's complained yet. But Razbiah's cooking is ... there's a lot of heart in it, and some of it is quite edible. We will, however, need to take a trip into town to taste the best food in the east.'

---

'I have complicated feelings about slavery,' Jazbet nodded. 'If this were a bigger plantation, I might have to be a hypocrite. But fortunately, I am not so rich to be conflicted. Thank you for the kind words about my home. It is designed only for my own pleasure, not to impress anyone else, so it is a happy accident when other people appreciate it as well.'

Ted Peterson

'Thank you,' Jazbet said, raising Loranna's hand to his lips. 'It's peaceful enough for recuperation. I only hope no one gets bored and causes trouble. I have to be the voice of the law in these parts.'

Ted Peterson

'There is nothing worse,' Jazbet smiles, though there is little humor in his voice. 'I would give up all my senses to stay free. Now tell me more about your days as a stripper, that sounds very interesting ...'

Now the humor is back in his voice.

Ted Peterson

'I try not to issue threats I can't deliver,' the Khajiit laughs. 'A week and a half, you say? Tell me when I've earned a fortnight.'

Ted Peterson

'That's a hard question to answer,' Jazbet replied. 'I thought of that myself, which is why I had the boat land at my house, where I knew the servants were loyal. I doubt word has even reached Ald Ra'athim that we've landed ... But I don't doubt that some of the villagers took the oath to Azura. You have to remember that her pilgrimage was successful because people needed something to believe besides the King and the Tribunal ... Anyone could have pledged himself to Azura out of desperation.'

Ted Peterson

'I'll be happy to pipe up if necessary,' Jazbet shrugged. 'But so long as everyone's relaxing and having a good time, I'm not going to be the blind old grouch marching around, telling everyone to be good ... No sense in worrying about things in the one moment when there's nothing pressing to worry about. By the way, speaking of which, how is Aricyn?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet is speechless.

He just grins, and beneath the light, soft fur on his face, there is a rush of blood. She has made the unblushable Khajiit blush.

Ted Peterson

'I can say, in all honesty, that I'm not feeling sorry for myself anymore,' Jazbet said after he had regained his breath. 'I wouldn't be anyone else at this moment.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet groaned in an exaggerated manner.

'Once again, I fail to see the disasters coming,' he grinned. 'I'm glad to hear your voice, Aricyn. Your timing is ... impeccably bad ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet laughed. 'Yes, I was being made aware of some vulnerable spots I hadn't noticed before.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet ducked before the water hit him, and pushed Allerleirauh and Loranna out of the path as well.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet shakes himself, surprised, and walks toward Aricyn.

'I actually saw that coming,' the Khajiit said. 'Do me a favor. Punch me.'

Ted Peterson

The blow connected, and Jazbet flew back into an aromatic hedge.

'Ouch,' the Khajiit said, after a moment, sucking hard to get air back into his lungs. 'Well, I saw that coming too, but it didn't do much good. Who hits their host that hard? Who hits a blind man that hard? ... I'm beginning to think that vision I saw of you in Gnaar Mok wasn't a bad future at all.'

He didn't get up, but he was smiling.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet groaned and got to his feet, rubbing his chest. He took a piece of the bush he had landed in and put it in his mouth.

'A convenient landing spot,' the Khajiit smiled. 'Good medicinal qualities.'

Ted Peterson

'No, I'm fine, just a little sore,' Jazbet smiled, still rubbing his chest. 'You ought to try some of these leaves too. They're excellent for cramps. A bit bitter though ... Razbiah could brew some up in a tea ...'

Ted Peterson

'My 'fortune-telling' sense is stronger now than it was when I had sight,' Jazbet explained. 'It showed me a couple events before they happened, so something could be done to prevent them. Wyrloc's assassination, some Azurites coming to Telaraso, your little adventure in Gnaar Mok ... the water can ...'

Ted Peterson

'Think nothing of it,' Jazbet smiled, patting the Nord's arm. 'I actually am glad you weren't flash fried. I never did hear how your meeting with our goodly king went ...'

Ted Peterson

'I should get back to Kallen,' said Jazbet. 'I'm barely half done with going over the books ... I just felt like a little break,' he rubbed his chest again, grinning. 'Just not a break like that. On the other hand, I don't think I'm ever going to think of this little herb garden quite the same again ...

'But you should eat. And, like I said, if there's nothing here to your liking, try the tavern in Ald Ra'athim. You won't be sorry.'

Ted Peterson

Update:

Jazbet, Khajiit knight of House Dres, is the hosting the remnants of the cult of Loranna/Azura at his estate on the coast of mainland Morrowind. He lost his eyes at the coming of Azura in Vivec, but is gradually learning to get along without them, with the help of his precongitive visions. He is also trying to catch up with his estates finances, a slow process since his seneschal Kallen must read the copious accounting books to him aloud. (Don't worry I'm not RPing this tedious process)

Kallen is a 17-year-old Dunmer, peasant-born but a prodigy with numbers and organization. Despite his youth, he is Jazbet's right hand man at the running of the estate.

Razbiah is a stout, middle-aged Dunmer woman, in charge of the house itself, organizing the servants and (unfortunately) supervising the meals, which she thinks are most healthful when they're as bland as possible. Think of her as your favorite aunt: friendly and easy-going, but there are rules ...

The centerpiece of the estate is a thirty-six room castle, filled with many parlors and libraries, a central tower which is Jazbet's living quarters, and -- though no one has discovered it yet -- a dungeon beneath (which is currently used for storage, though the keep itself is ancient and may contain many secrets). It is perched atop a beautiful bay which is safe for swimming and fishing, shielded from the sea by a chain of mangrove trees.

Beyond the castle are fields of saltrice and wilderness. The people who work the fields are peasants, not slaves, as Jazbet was a former slave himself.

Several small villages are in the fifty mile zone of Jazbet's domain. The largest of which is Ald Ra'athim, only a few miles down the road, which has several shops, an excellent tavern (for those of who who grow tired of Razbiah's cuisine), and port with regular boat services to Vvardenfelll and Mournhold.

Whew. Enough of Fodor's guide ...

Out of the area, Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is on her boat, heading for Wayrest. She has twenty of her best soldiers with her, and a playwright named Baloth-Kul who she is considering sponsoring. The rest of her army, hundreds of men, are waiting in Sheogorad for more ships to come.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with hungry red eyes, the Void Vampire, is in Ebonheart, watching Lliryth, Helseth's mystic, examine a mysterious Dwemeri/Altmeri artifact.

Ted Peterson

Ebonheart, Morrowind

Lliryth put down the ancient manuscript. It did not seem possible. As he passed his subordinates in the halls, they saw on his face something the icy professional mystic never showed: amazement. The Altmer even seemed to grin -- a peculiar working of unused facial muscles -- a little at his discovery.

'Where is the King?' Lliryth asked one of the royal guard, once again the consummate professional. 'I need to speak to him immediately.'

Ted Peterson

‘Your Majesty, the artifact you have been given …’ The mystic swallowed and began again. ‘Your Majesty, when the great Kagrenac forged the tools to tap the heart of Lorkhan, he had a model in mind. An artifact that was fabled even in his own time, capable of safely siphoning the pure energy, the magicka of the worlds beyond ours. Unable to locate this famous device, the Eidolon, he created his own imperfect variations.

What you have here in Ebonheart, the gift you’ve been given, is The Eidolon.’

Ted Peterson

Morrowind Mainland, Jazbet's Estate

A bell was rung from the kitchen.

'There ain't enough room for everyone to sit down at once,' said Razbiah to the other servants. 'Just feed 'em whenever and wherever they show up.'

Jazbet's housekeeper and her staff had put together quite a feast. Boiled meat, boiled vegetables, and it was hard to tell which was which. Everything was the same warm, wet, soft texture, and just about the same shade of beige.

The wine, by contrast, was excellent.

Ted Peterson

‘Lord Jazbet had a lady friend who came to Daruhn who tried to put a little pepper in the food,’ one of the maids, an Argonian female with emerald-colored scales, whispered to them, giggling. ‘Razbiah threw everything away, including the food that hadn’t been ‘poisoned’ by the pepper. So, be careful.’

Ted Peterson

'What's funny,' the Argonian whispered. 'It actually has all kinds of spices and herbs in it from the garden, and Razbiah is somehow able to boil all of the flavor out of them while keeping their medicinal value. And it is very good for you. None of us are ever sick.'

The maid giggled, shrugged, and continued on, cleaning the room.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah watched the woman from the kitchen, smiling, 'Beautiful women. You can never predict whether they're going to be rude or stupid, but it's always one or the other ... And in rare cases like this, both ...'

She returned to the kitchen. The larder would need to be replenished. They were eating everything she was feeding them, bless their hearts.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah chuckled, very pleased, and dished up another plate for Loranna. 'Pardon my manners, Sera, but I was going over the larder, and I was wondering if you knew whether there would be more people coming and for how long? It helps me to plan things out.'

Ted Peterson

'You're already trying to get my guests so leave after one day,' said Jazbet, stepping into the kitchen. He was wearing a suit of black, trimmed with midnight blue, as befitting the lord of a Dres manor house. The Khajiit also wore a new blindfold of black silk. 'You are the finest house mistress in the land, Razbiah, but this place could use some etiquette lessons.'

Razbiah slapped the master of the house with her wooden spoon, and he grinned, and tasted it.

'Definitely needs pepper,' Razbet said.

'Pepper,' groused the Dunmer, returning to her larder. 'That's why men don't like as long as mer. Too much pepper.'

Jazbet turned to (roughly the direction of) Loranna and Allerleirauh: 'Hello.'

Ted Peterson

'The castle wasn't originally built for comfort,' replied Jazbet, nodding. 'It is solidly constructed to withstand a siege. I believe long before your time, some of your ancestors tried to raze it without success ... But I agree. We can meet in my study for privacy.'

Ted Peterson

Lord Dres Jazbet’s study was on the highest level of the tower, up a narrow stone stairwell. Its wide windows looked out to sea beyond the bay, and into the woods, as far as the lights of Ald Ra'athim in the west.

In between the windows, tapestries hung to keep out the chill on winter nights. A huge double-sided desk dominated the center of the room, with several smaller tables and chairs scattered throughout. The papers and ledgers were neatly organized by Kallen. The fireplace was already lit.

Ted Peterson

Kallen poured a glass of wine for each guest as they arrived in the office, while Jazbet took a seat behind his desk. As Kallen started to pour him a glass, the Khajiit waved him away.

'I should have my wits about me,' he smiled.

Ted Peterson

Would you like to begin the topic of discussion, Allerleirauh, since you suggested this meeting, or shall I?' asked Jazbet. There was little of the playful cat to him now. He was all business.

Ted Peterson

'These are fair concerns,' Jazbet nodded. 'I suggested this place because I thought it secure. Large ships cannot enter the bay but risk being sunk in the mangrove. An enemy approaching from any direction would be seen from this tower. The walls, as I've said, are sturdy. What weak points do you see, besides, obviously, the lack of a serious attitude?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled, not altogether happily. 'You will laugh. No more than fifty. And they're largely peasants. We are surrounded by Dres territory, and my brother house men do not generally attack one another, so there has been no need of an army, only occasional guards to handle criminal matters. I would agree that that needs to change.'

Ted Peterson

'Kallen,' said Jazbet, turning slightly to where he knew the seneschal was. 'She is right. We should begin by bringing all the guards together to see if any of them have succumbed to Azura. Once we have determined that, we can begin a thorough search of the domain. Now, where we're going to get weapons to arm a thousand peasants, I have no idea.'

Ted Peterson

'Are there not,' Jazbet chooses his words carefully. 'Some skilled in the school of Illusion among us?'

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit frowned. 'That is not acceptible. We are discussing trust.'

Ted Peterson

'You are in my house,' said Jazbet quietly. 'I do not know you. This is not a time for games and secrets. If you would accept my food and shelter, and play coy games, you will find my capacity for warmth and generosity has its limits.'

Ted Peterson

'We should arrange our defence, obviously, that is clear,' said Jazbet thoughtfully. 'But Loranna has brought up an interesting angle. The Azurites are enemies of all. We should not be lacking allies. Even the King himself would join with us against them ... Not that I'm suggesting going to that extreme, but we should also consider going on the offensive.'

Ted Peterson

'Yes, I meant soldiers,' said Jazbet. 'I have about a thousand citizens scattered throughout my domain. Once we have determined who among them is still uncorrupted, we can arrange for arming them. Wherever we can find that many weapons is another question.'

Ted Peterson

'There, my good fellow,' Jazbet smiled to Seltzer. 'Doesn't it feel good to trust a little? If this Celeste is still in my domain, we will find her again.'

Ted Peterson

'I meant it in relation to hiding Loranna's identity,' explained Jazbet.

Ted Peterson

'What has he thrown down?' Jazbet asked, hearing only the sound.

'A bag of some sort, serjo,' said Kallen.

Ted Peterson

'Exactly, Jaster,' the Khajiit nodded. 'Telling the peasants to sharpen their pitchforks and find nice big sticks won't be good enough. We have one smith in the village. I don't see him supplying weapons for the entire population. We will have to find a way to buy a large supply ... or procure them by other means ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet shivered and then smiled. 'I'm really glad I didn't see that.'

Ted Peterson

'How will we move your stockpile here?' asked Jazbet.

Ted Peterson

'I am happy to delegate jobs,' Jazbet nodded. 'Tell Kallen or me if you need anything from us. In the meantime, we will round up the guards, and then search the area for any Azurites. I will need every here to join in the search, or it will take forever to comb all fifty miles of wilderness. There are many caves and out of the way places to search.'

Ted Peterson

'That would be appreciated, Jaster. I have maps in my office somewhere,' said Jazbet, and immediately Kallen brought them out as the Khajiit continued to speak. 'We should divide the domain into sectors and search it thoroughly in groups.'

Ted Peterson

"Ald Ra'athim is not big enough for a Mages Guild,' said Jazbet. 'There is one a few days ride north, in Blacklight. It is Dres territory, so it should be reasonably loyal ...'

Ted Peterson

Well,’ said Jazbet, trying not to smile. ‘There’s that one you brought on the ship with us, assuming no one’s eaten it … So that makes, altogether, one. Kallen, how many parraptons do we have in the stables?’

‘Sixteen adult,’ said Kallen quickly. ‘The queen Sanja’s just hatched four, but they’re too young … Do you think they can ride them?’

‘I don’t know,’ said Jazbet, turning to the group. ‘How are you with heights?’

Ted Peterson

'Why don't we go down to the stables and you can tell me what you think?' asked Jazbet, smiling.

Ted Peterson

Kallen lead the group down the tower stairs, and Jazbet touched Allerleirauh's arm. 'That is a thought that has not been out of my head for one minute.'

Ted Peterson

The stables were located a few yards behind the castle. The first thing that the group notices on seeing the building was how much taller it was that a traditional stable. If anything, it resembled a saltrice silo, which is what any who explored the area would have assumed it to be.

The vibrations, the ceaseless buzzing was evident before Kallen opened the door.

It was dark inside, but the stable master, an Argonian, stepped forward, surprised. He was polishing a saddle. More were strapped up on the walls.

'We wanted to see the parraptons,' said Jazbet.

The Argonian rubbed his dry hands together in a clumsy sort of a buzz, and the darkness above came alive.

Wasps the size of horses lit down from above. Twenty of them, as Kallen said, sixteen adults and four little ones, huddled around the monstrous queen.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet couldn't help himself. He pulled Loranna closer to whisper something in her ear. It described the experience, and the specific vibration of the beasts which was, apparently, potentially enjoyable.

Ted Peterson

'No, but if you're going to ride, you must first slowly approach the queen,' Jazbet said. 'Sanja must approve of you, and then her lads and lasses will let you ride them.'

Ted Peterson

'Okay, I was bad,' Jazbet grins and shakes his head, getting serious. 'This is not the time to joke around. The queen needs to be approached like, well, a queen. She will sense if you are too frivolous or drunk or in any way unworthy of her patronage, and might hurt her children. You need to approach her with respect.'

It was hard not to respect the behemoth queen, a creature twice the size of the other parraptons, as she looked over the group with her black multi-fauceted eyes.

Ted Peterson

The Queen looked at Teleran intently, and then Tris.

One of the parraptons stepped out from her side, standing next to Tris.

‘You’ve been accepted,’ said the Argonian. ‘Shall I saddle her up for you?’

The Queen returned her gaze to Teleran, flicking her antennae around him …

‘Serjo,’ the Argonian whispered. ‘Forgive me, but have you had a lot to drink?’

(ooc: Just in case some of you didn’t know this is legitimate lore. For pictures of parraptons – thanks to Allerleirauh - http://til.gamingsource.co.uk/rgbooks/page.shtml?15)

Ted Peterson

The Queen turns her attention away from Teleran a second time, looking to Loranna.

In a moment, a parrapton scurries around from her side. She has picked the one best suited for Loranna.

'Sera, would you like to ride now?' the Argonian asks.

The Queen looks back to Teleran.

Ted Peterson

The Queen's antennae dance in the air above Teleran for a few more seconds. Finally, a parrapton emerges from her side for Teleran.

'She trusts you,' said the Argonian. 'Don't disappoint her.'

(ooc: I don't really need to play the wasp queen. If yawl want to ride, you can assume you get one, as long as they last ...

Oh, and I suppose we're locked now ...)

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is temporarily out of the story, still on her boat for Wayrest, with twenty knights and the playwright Baloth-Kul. Her army awaits their own fleet to bring them back in Sheogorad.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is watching Lliryth examine something called the Eidolon in Ebonheart. It is an ancient artifact of mythic power, in the King of Morrowind’s hands.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is hosting the remnants of the parade of Loranna-Azura. He was blinded in the Coming of Azura in Vivec, but has precognitive visions that allow him to cope, somewhat. They are organizing a search for Azurites, and Jazbet has brought them down to the stables to see their transport, sixteen giant wasps called parraptons. In order to ride them, you must approach the Queen, an enormous beast, and be judged worthy of being trusted with her children.

Ted Peterson

'Would you help them out, Jaster, and make sure no one crashes into anything?' Jazbet asked. 'Kallen and I will go organize the guards so we can have a proper search party.'

With a wave, Jazbet let Kallen lead him into the castle.

Ted Peterson

Two hours later, after the group has had more practice riding the parraptons, Jazbet and Kallen returned. With them were thirty-nine guards, armed and armored.

'I have news,' said Jazbet. 'The Azurites cannot conceal their eye color naturally. They must use illusions to do so. I had forgotten that Wyrloc's one area of magickal knowledge was in that area. So they may try to hide themselves if they know spells of illusion -- which very few of the peasants do -- but a simple magicka dispel will reveal them ...'

It could be noticed that the remaining guards, though cleaned up, have fresh knicks on their armor, as if they've been in combat very recently.

Ted Peterson

"I think the trouble should be pretty self-evident," said Jazbet. "From what these men have told me, there have been fights throughout the area. The Azurites, for the most part, are not hiding their identities, and the peasants are fighting them as best as they can. Luckily, only a relative small percentage of the people succumbed to the call of Azura, but that still means as many as a hundred Azurites to be dealt with."

Kallen brought out several maps of Jazbet's domain, detailed out to show noticeable features, such as known ruins, and, in the main village of Ald Ra'athim, the actual names of the families inhabiting each house.

"Things are apparently quiet in the village right now," said Kallen. "Any Azurites remaining there have gone undercover. They will only be flushed out with the dispel magicka spells."

"What I'm worried about now," said Jazbet. "Is neighbor turning against neighbor. Paranoia. I will be going to the village so that people know that the situation is being handled. I shudder to think what would have happened if I waited even a day or two later before returning home ..."

Ted Peterson

"And I need those weapons from you as soon as possible," Jazbet said, and smiled. "A lot of weight on your shoulders."

Casts-The-Bones brought out two parraptons, one for Jazbet and one for Kallen. He 'talked' to Jazbet's parrapton with his hands, rubbing them together, giving it instructions since the Khajiit would be unable to direct it to the village.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet was not alarmed by Allerleirauh's appearance. He did not see it. But he heard the gasps of his men, and he waved his hands to calm them down. Whatever they were looking at, they had been warned.

'Friends,' said Jazbet, getting on to his mount. 'You know what you're best suited for -- interrogating and unmasking Azurites in town, or fighting them in the wilderness. Take with you at least one of the guards. They are good fighters, and they know the land. We can supply you with horns or drums, or whatever you need to communicate ... Jaster will see to it that you have whatever you need.

If you need me, I'll be at the tavern in Ald Ra'athim. I must speak to the people and offer them reassurance. Good luck, my friends.'

The two parraptons flew up, disappearing over the trees, heading due west.

Ted Peterson

(ooc: sorry, Attrebus, I'm 'borrowing' Jaster for a post)

Jaster watched people scurry off in all directions, frowning.

'I thought we were going to go about this in an organized manner,' he scowled. 'That was the purpose of the maps, and organizing the guards as guides ... Everyone's running off as if this is a game of hide and seek ...'

He set about organizing the guards and remaining adventurers into groups according to outlined sectors on the various maps.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

At this time of day, the village but a few miles from Jazbet's castle was always busy. There was a port generally filled with fishing boats. Depending on the haul, they might be moving back and forth from the sea to the port all day. Carts filled with saltrice from the plantation and the smaller farms would bump their way through town. Some festivals, you would swear you were in the middle of the Imperial City.

Today, all windows were shut, all doors locked. It was as if the village had died.

Jazbet and Kallen's parraptons landed in the center of the village square, and the lord of the manor and his seneschal entered into the tavern. The giant wasps floated back into the air to circle the village until they were called back.

People began peeking out of shutters, looking towards the tavern. What was happening? Slowly, a few brave souls began to emerge, and then others, encouraged, stepped into the village square. They knew if Jazbet had instructions to give them, to organize them for an evacuation, it would be from the tavern's second story balcony ...

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Jazbet, Kellen, and a small collection of the more respected merchants of the village stepped out on the balcony. More and more villagers came into the square to hear the Khajiit speak.

"Good people," said Jazbet, his voice strong and clear. "As you can see, I have returned to you different from when I left. I am blind. But I do not need my eyes to see the menace facing us.

"Nor do I need to tell you the nature of the threat -- you have seen it first hand yourself. I have spoken to some of you in this tavern already, and heard tales of terror, and tales of great bravery.

"As we speak, some of the mightiest warriors in all of Tamriel are accompanied your own courageous lads and lasses in the Guard, scouring the countryside for these Azurites.

"Our first goal is to cleanse the land of these dangerous cult members. Our second is to defend ourselves from further incursions.

"In these goals, we must stand together. We must find the scourge where it lurks, and drive it from this fair land. And shortly, every able-bodied citizen will be given arms and training, so we can defend our freedom and our lives from this menace. I know you will not let me down.

"As you know, I am one of you. I do not want to be a warlord and rule you with a martial land. Some day, I hope soon, we can return to our peaceful ways. As of this moment, however, we at war with a terror from without and within.

"We will prevail."

The crowd cheered. They would do what it took. It was their patriotic duty.

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

It took hours for Elysana's ship to skirt the massive ice floes in Winterhold's harbor. At last, it came to dock, where it was met by the harbor master and a dozen of the biggest Nord warriors the Queen of Wayrest had ever seen.

Her own twenty soldiers tried not to shiver as they stood behind their mistress.

'No alien ship is being admitted to Winterhold during this time of trouble,' the harbor master said.

'Take us somewhere warm and bring us food, and the Queen of Wayrest will tell her second cousin, your King Oftor, that you did your duty well,' said Elysana, looking him in the eye.

He did as he was bade. Very quickly.

Ted Peterson

Flashback

The Void

He was sleeping. So beautiful. Bosriel reached forth, and her telekinetic touch ran through his hair like a cool breeze.

The bard Arynel had rolled onto his side, and she could see -- though no one else could -- the mark. He was healed, but he was hers. The Void Vampire smiled, and she felt her hunger grow. She had been trying to be good in Castle Ebonheart, but now, with so much death throughout Morrowind and elsewhere, who would notice if a few more people were found missing?

The Akaviri girl had appeared without warning. She and Bosriel, the little girl with the red eyes and the flowing black hair had stared at each other for an infinity that was the beat of a fly’s wing.

Then Bosriel had her and began to feed.

Ted Peterson

(The Void, a few hours ago:)

Bosriel's face was contorted in a snarl, blood streaming from her lips, spattering on her white robe, dropping into the nothingness below.

For that moment, she was not a little girl, even in appearance. She was the Void Vampire, a monster driven only by hunger and rage. She was the predator whose meal had been interrupted at the moment of ecstasy.

Then she blinked.

'I -' she began, but no apology would do. She bowed her head, and flew rapidly away, swallowed up by darkness.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

This had to be the worst part.

That was what Jazbet kept repeating to himself. This had to be the worst part. Going door to door, interrogating people like it was some sort of inquisition, routing out people, casting spells to find illusions, executing so many people, some of whom had simply made the wrong decision at the moment when Azura had coming calling. They were not bad people. They were people he knew.

They were the funny guys he told jokes with. They were women he had slept with. They were mothers, they were priests, they were good people he couldn’t take a chance with.

It had to be better when he was killing people he didn’t know. Invaders, that was the war he wanted to have, if he had to have one.

Once again, he was glad he was blind, and he refused to see his visions. The Khajiit did not want to see the faces of his people, the ones he had sworn to protect, at the moment he had them killed.

At the tavern, he drank deeply.

Overhead, the wasps circled.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Already the town had come alive, simply on the news that so many dangerous cult members had been killed.

The people were in a mood for celebration. They played their traditional songs in the square beneath the moons, which were showing bright tonight, as if to mark the occasion.

‘When will I get my weapons to kill the wretched usurpers to our land?’ asked one merchant Jazbet had previously known to be the quiestest, most peaceful man in his village.

‘Soon,’ said the Khajiit, returning to his drink.

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

Elysana, in truth, had never liked her second cousin, Orthor. He was a terrible drunk and a famous sex fiend, two traits she had never suffered from, among the many evils she had been accused of.

The Queen of Wayrest, swathed in the furs that were her gift, stepped out into the courtyard. Throught the civilized modes of discourse, she had heard from her court that the insurrections of Azurites, largely from witches and other unusual characters, had been dealt with. She was finally warm and well-fed. So were her men.

When the rivers were a little more clear, in a day or two, they would pass on south.

Elysana wasn’t tired yet, but she wasn’t in the mood for a Nord drinking hall. She stood out in the courtyard, and looked at the two full moons, Jone and Jode, Masser and Secunda ….

Ted Peterson

'In the village, at the tavern,' the guard said. 'We will take this child. Don't worry, she won't be harmed.'

The girl found biting armor to be difficult, but satisfying.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet turned towards the two.

'Good evening,' he said. He was not slurring his words, but he was right on the cusp of having too much. 'Would you care for a drink?'

Ted Peterson

'I am at my leisure currently,' said the Khajiit with the darkest of smiles. 'I have executed twelve of my subjects today. Now is a time for a drink.'

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

'I don't think I would get privacy even if I wanted it,' the Queen smiled. 'I am not alone.'

She gestured casually to the woman also in the courtyard.

'Have you eaten enough? Are you warm?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet feels Loranna's hand and holds it tight.

'Tell me your report,' the Khajiit says to Dram. 'I am not too drunk to hear it.'

Ted Peterson

'No, I don't,' said the Queen with a smile, and complete lack of modesty. ' Are you a prostitute?'

Ted Peterson

'Thank you, Dram,' Jazbet said, somewhat coldly. 'I knew you would have the strength to carry this out. These were your people as much as mine, as I know it was much more difficult for you to do, as for me to hear. Please, have a drink on me.'

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

As Maranda moved away, the Queen felt free to speak to Herwyn.

'Did everything proceed as I planned? No. Do I think it was a complete victory? No,' Elysana said, smiling. 'Am I glad I went? Oh, yes.

'Are you still having nightmares?' she asked.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet listened. He was sober suddenly.

'Should I talk with her?' he asked, very unlordly. 'Do you think ... she is beyond redemption?'

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

'Do not repeat this,' Elysana said, her voice low. 'But I will have those terrors, for the rest of my days too. But do you consider our excursion a failure? I am curious why you ask. Please, speak freely.'

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Jazbet smiled in Aricyn's direction, making a signal to the barkeep that all the mead the Nord ordered was to be on his tab.

Ted Peterson

A tear ran down Jazbet's face. Apparently, though he did not have eyes, he still had that capacity.

'I know, and I know my responsibility,' the Khajiit said, as they walked into the night. 'But it is not a nice world we live in.'

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

'Why do you think we've made enemies with daedra?' asked Elysana. 'Azura, whose cause we've supported with blood and gold?'

Ted Peterson

'Everything,' Jazbet replied after a pause. 'I remember everything. You want to know ... what?'

Ted Peterson

'The disturbances in our lands are minor, and the disturbances in the land of our enemy are major,' replied Elysana, pulling her furs closer around her. 'It is a victory. Albeit, for now, a small one.'

She smiled. 'Your death sentence is temporarily commuted.'

Ted Peterson

'It needn't,' replied Jazbet, only looking forward, as if he could see the road ahead.

'We've seen each other naked. I did not plan our swim to seduce you, though you are an exceptionally beautiful woman, but because it meant, to me, as a simple metaphor, truth. Unadorned, unashamed, naked truth.

'I made a mistake.

'I confused the goddess for the woman. I have done this before ... I thought to bow before her, meant to bring down the kingdom. I realized my mistake, but only ... only later ...

'My eyes were torn out by a Winged Twilight, as I said. But under my orders.

'I am nevertheless dedicated to bringing down the Azurites, though I am one myself.'

Jazbet continued looking forward, for though he couldn't see Allerleirauh's face even if he had eyes, he did not wish to even pretend.

Ted Peterson

'Yes, let us go in,' said the Queen of Wayrest, her hand on Herwyn's arm. 'As we've discussed, there are many difficult choices, but sometimes you take the best you are given.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet hissed. 'I do not wish to be an example!'

The Khajiit backed away from her, though he could not see where he was, he knew the path enough to know where was tree and where was path.

'Dres Gaor was a fine example, and he sacrificed himself to prove it,' he said. 'I am alive. I will not be an example. I am a man.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet continued on the path, trying to smile though it was hard. As he walked he said, 'We are the same, and I will consider you a friend forever. However, you can choose not to bring arms to my people as you promised ... you can decide not to visit the families of Lord Gaor and Lord Wyrloc as you said you might ... but the obligations I have must be fulfilled.'

The Khajiit turned to face her. Though he could not see, he knew he was near to her. 'What do you want? What will make you happy?'

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit also opened his mouth, but he quickly closed it. There were visions he saw, dancing before his eyes, about these very sons ... But he remembered how uncertain these visions were ... And how, in truth, he truly liked Allerleirauh, and did not want to hurt her, like she had hurt him. On any other day except the one where he had arranged for the death of a hundred people, he would have wanted her frank opinion. He might still laugh at it, but still.

But tonight, there was no laughter: 'I forget sometimes that you're human. Many people do, I'm afraid. Loranna particularly. Now that I can't see you, I identify your voice as that of someone from beyond, a Goddess I suppose ...

Maybe because we saw each other naked, we must be truthful to one another. That in itself could be a blessing or a curse, but let us make it a blessing.

'I told you that in Vivec, I made the mistake of confusing the goddess for the woman. I have resolved to myself not to make that mistake again. I will do what needs to be done, without ideology, without calling on a higher source. If I must slay a child because she has blue eyes, I will do so. Call it hypocrisy. Call it reality. I hope to meet with your approval, but that is not required.

I have told you the one secret I have ever kept from you. I suspect you have many others. Do what you will, and I will do the same.'

Jazbet continued down the path into the dark. Eventually, he reached home where he was brought in to his bedroom.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

It was a new day, and the village which had been so dead had sprung back to life. The fishermen and farmers, merchants and peasants were back, conducting business as they had always done. There had been a tone of celebration the night before, but now, the atmosphere was a more sober, realistic optimism.

There was a strange new word being whispered about. No one knew who coined it, or what it truly meant, but the persistant rumor was that Lord Jazbet had an ally of soon-to-be-legendary status. An outsider of great power and vision. They called him The Tiberarine.

Ted Peterson

They look him in the eyes, and speak politely but with authority. "What is your business in the domain of Lord Dres Jazbet?"

Ted Peterson

"We will be happy to escort you to his lordship's castle," said the guard captain. "I must ask you to submit to one test we are administering to everyone, native and visitor alike, to guard against infiltration by the Azurites."

Another of the guards takes out a scroll. "It is a spell to dispel magicka, such as illusions. We must make certain you are who you appear to be. Will you submit to it?'

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is in the Skyrim court of her second cousin, Orthor, the King of Winterhold. With her are twenty of her soldiers, the playwright Baloth-Kul, and a battlemage, Herwyn.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with the hungry eyes, the Void Vampire, is in the Void outside of Ebonheart again. She was watching Arynel sleep when the Akavir Void Ranger Doll appeared to fetch him, startling Bosriel. Bosriel attacked Doll and nearly drank the life out of her, but Leseth broke them apart, saving Doll.

Jazbet, the Khajiit knight of House Dres, is hosting the remants of the cult of Loranna-Azura in his estate on mainland Morrowind. He was blinded in the Coming of Azura, and has precongitive visions which help him cope. The Khajiit has also recently admitted the truth to Allerleirauh, that he bowed to Azura, and is an Azurite himself. Please note: this is not common knowledge. The main features of the domain are fifty square miles of wilderness and farms, with only one village of any size, Ald Ra'athim. The Azurites have been flushed out, thanks to the adventurers and Jazbet’s guards, but the Khajiit is currently in his room in the castle tower, thinking about the fate of a little girl, an Azurite child that Allerleirauh couldn’t bring herself to kill.

Ted Peterson

Castle Tower

"Come in," said the Khajiit.

The room was simply furnished, but everything was finely crafted.

Jazbet was sitting on his bed, still fully dressed, facing the window, feeling the wind.

Ted Peterson

'Your pain,' Jazbet says, touching Loranna gently. 'You're still feeling it a little, aren't you? Did you talk to Razbiah about some herbal remedies?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled and pulled her even closer, touching her hair, kissing her hands. It was not an act of seduction. He touched her because he could not look at her.

‘You heard about the little girl?’ The Khajiit asked.

Ted Peterson

"Not always, but today, yes, it is," Jazbet smiled sadly. "But ... I have been looking at visions, trying to see what should be done. You have heard the tales of what became of the children of the Sixth House after the war? How they were not killed, but brought into the other Houses? I was hoping to think of a way to do that with the children of the Azurites, but ... The visions are not offering me sweet scenarios."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet nodded. "I am afraid I have two choices. I can be ruthless and run the risk of becoming a despot. I can be merciful and run the risk of endangering everyone. Right now, I am inclined towards risking despotism. Maybe we will find a way to save the children, but this girl, I'm afraid ... it's too late for her ..."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet nods. "We both have hidden capacities, untapped, sometimes with good reason. People can change, for better or for worse ... Thank you for letting me talk about this out loud. I know what I need to do, as impossible as it seems to do it."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet touches Loranna's face, feeling the tears.

He shakes his head. "Something so monstrous, so unfair, that I cannot say the words."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet shakes his head. "It is my responsibility. And it must be done soon. She is too dangerous. I'm sorry."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet tries to interrupt Loranna several times in her rant, but finally shuts up and listens.

He kisses her.

"Thank you," the Khajiit says. "Perhaps there is time to discuss this. I know she, the child, is sleeping, and well-guarded. The mages can keep her sleeping for a little while longer at least ... Only promise me that if we cannot come to a solution, and soon, that you will not do as you said, and 'do it' yourself.

If the terrible thing must be done, I will do it. That is my responsibility and my decision. But I hope you're right, and there is another way."

(ooc: Unfortunately I'm out for the night, so Jazbet won't be able to 'weigh in' on another solution at least not until tomorrow ... 'Night, all)

Ted Peterson

It was going to be a bear of a day, and Jazbet had resolved not to make it worse by growling.

After getting up quietly and getting dressed, he had spent time with Jaster creating schedules and patrols for the guards on the domain's most easily accessible borders. Some craftsmen from the village were creating towers to shelter the patrols.

There was the prisoner in the dungeon he needed to see. Someone who claimed to know him, but had baulked when asked to submit to a dispel magicka. They had tested him once he was unconscious, and he was not an Azurite, but still, he might be a spy from Helseth or someone worse ...

There was the issue with the Azurite girl, but Jazbet had promised Loranna a little bit of time for an alternate solution to her execution.

But first, a meeting with an emissary from Lady Dres Zara, his neighbor to the north ... The Khajiit smiled and welcomed the diplomat into his study on the top floor of the tower.

Ted Peterson

A figure runs across the wide green lawn in front of the castle, and plummets off the twenty foot tall cliff into the bay below.

A few seconds go by, and Jazbet surfaces. He can hear from the sound nearby that someone is treading water, and breathing, very nearby.

‘Good morning,’ the Khajiit says in their direction. ‘Sorry, I hope I didn’t startle you.’

Ted Peterson

Jazbet laughs, surprised, "You're awake! I was going to come in and see you after a little swim. Speaking of paperwork, was my note legible at all? I'm sorry I had to leave you. Trust me. Nothing I would have liked better than to spend all day locked away with you."

Ted Peterson

'And who do I owe that to?' Jazbet smiles and kisses her. 'The water feels delicious, doesn't it?'

Walking down the path to the beach was Kallen, Jazbet's seneschal, carrying with him a robe.

Ted Peterson

'Already?' Jazbet smiled, affecting a whine. 'Five more minutes, dad!'

'My Lord,' Kallen yelled. 'You told me to come for you in ten minutes, and --'

'No sense of humor,' the Khajiit whispered to Loranna. 'Enjoy the private swim while you can. This time tomorrow, this place is going be very crowded.'

Jazbet began swimming back to shore.

Ted Peterson

'The two neighboring domains are overrun with Azurites,' Jazbet called back. 'We're going to be tripling out population with refugees, at least. I have to arrange for shelter and some kind of order ... Feel free to let people know that they might have to share a bit ...'

If it worried him, the Khajiit did not show it. He acted more like a host being ever-so-slightly put out because more people had come to his party than he had enough snacks for.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet was on shore, putting on his robe, and called back to Loranna, "I don't think there's much anyone can do right now. I'll tell the people I run into, and feel free to do the same. It's not a secret," he laughed. "I guess anyone who doesn't hear about it will sort of get the idea when Ald Ra'athim is a sea of tents."

The Khajiit blew her a kiss (roughly in the right direction of where she was), and followed Kallen up the path towards the castle.

Ted Peterson

Winterhold, Skyrim

After a meeting with the King, Queen Elysana of Wayrest concluded that she would have to continue her voyage towards her kingdom by the ocean. She had hoped that the rivers would be clear, but they were frozen solid.

With her soldiers well-fed, her ship restocked, and her playwright Baloth-Kul well into the second act of the revision of his play, Elysana boarded the boat and set sail for the west.

They would try again to break through to travel inland at Solitude.

Ted Peterson

The wilderness of mainland Morrowind was not as dense as it was in Valenwood or even Cyrodiil, but it was not as sparse as on the island of Vvardenfelll, where the volcano made the ground inhospitable to normal plant life. One could get lost in the woods here, and people did. The refugees came trudging in groups of ten and twenty, avoiding the main roads where the Azurites could see them.

“I never thought I’d see the day when I would set foot in Daruhn,” said one rather fastidious Dunmer to his wife, spitting out the last word as if it were dirt in his mouth. They were both carrying all the belongings they could, their pockets filled with gold.

His obedient wife nodded placidly, but her heart soared when she saw the guard tower ahead through the trees, and knew they would be safe.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

A group of five strangers, four Dunmer men and one woman, entered the tavern. They were weary-looking and dirty from travel. One of the men approached the tavernkeeper.

‘Pardon me, good sir,’ he said. ‘Is this the only place where one can get a hot meal in Daruhn?’

‘Yes, it be,’ the tavernkeeper said, gruffly. ‘And you’d be best get used to calling it Lord Jazbet’s domain as a well-mannered guest.’

‘I beg your pardon,’ said the Dunmer, returning to his friends who had already taken a table.

Ted Peterson

The five stood and bowed politely.

'We are grateful to be granted sanctuary, my lady,' said the woman, who though bedraggled and travel-worn. 'If the rumors we have heard of the Tiberarine are true, we are truly safe.'

Ted Peterson

The five looked at one another, confused and concerned.

'Perhaps we have heard wrong,' the woman frowned. 'The hero who slew Azura, who destroyed the cursed city of Vivec ... He is not among you?'

Ted Peterson

The Dunmer sighed in relief, and looked to one another, smiling.

‘Oh, I would not presume to ask to see him,’ said the woman, pulling her fingers through her hair and taking out a leaf. ‘At least not now. I’m sorry, where are my manners? I’m Balensyna, and these are my brothers.’

The others rose, giving their names and greeting Loranna and the others in the tavern.

As they did, ten more Dunmer strangers entered the tavern. It was a large room, but already it was beginning to feel crowded.

Ted Peterson

Kallen actually smiled.

Allerleirauh had never seen that on his young but austere face before.

‘B’Vek,’ the seneschal said. ‘I will let Jaster know immediately so we can begin the arming. His lordship is in his study. I believe his conference with the latest ambassador has just ended and he’s alone.’

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

In the village square outside the tavern, tents were being set up by the villagers. They had heard the order of their lord to make the refugees welcome. More produce from the farms was coming in.

There were more than two hundred refugees who had found their way to Ald Ra'athim, and relations were cooly friendly. There was much history between neighboring domains, and not all of it was good.

For the time being, there was peace and order.

Ted Peterson

'That's wonderful news,' Jazbet beamed. 'Of course, our population, as you may have heard, is booming right now. We'll doubtless need to find other means of procuring weaponry beyond your generosity, but ... What is on your mind?'

He knew where the bottle of wine was and was able to pick it up with some grace. 'Would you like a glass?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's eyes could, of course, not be read, hidden behind the black silk blindfold. But from the lines on his forehead and the expression on his face, it was clear, he would've been staring.

Then he chuckled.

'If a Khajiit had your power,' he smiled. 'There would be no gold left in anyone's home. It is magicka, some kind of a spell? Like Mark and Recall?'

Ted Peterson

'The child is showing signs of awakening, my lord.'

Jazbet did not want to think about it. It was truly, of all his troubles, the most personal -- the ones he most wanted to avoid dealing with.

'Put her back to sleep,' the Khajiit knight said.

'Muhsera, after a certain number of spells ...' the mage began to say.

'I know,' said Jazbet. 'Would you tell Bones that I'd like my parappton now?'

He turned his attention back to his guest.

Ted Peterson

'I didn't really want to talk about it,' Jazbet said after a pause. 'My visions ... are not optimistic. If the child lives, many people will die ... So ... so ...'

Ted Peterson

'You know that I was once a slave,' said Jazbet. 'And now I fear being a tyrant. But I would much rather be a tyrant, famous for killing a child, than to doom hundreds of people ... and that is the vision I have if the child lives.

I talked to Loranna about this, and she begged me not to kill the child until she talked to you and other people. I have seen what she has done. I saw her ask Arynel, who asked her what crime the child has commited.

The answer is none. But at this moment, the child is a mad dog, a poisonous serpent, and one does not say that the dog or the snake has commited a crime. They are killed because they will hurt people.

I am reluctantly the leader of this situation, and I know the worst thing a leader can do is not to act. Even if it is wrong, I must do something. If there is any practical solution, I would beg you, no riddles, no philosophy ... Just something I can do to spare the life of this girl, but also, more importantly, eliminate her threat.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Castle

Jazbet laughed and laughed hard.

'I could not imagine this subject would give me any cause to laugh, but ... are you serious? Give the child to Arynel, your dour bard?'

The Khajiit sat still for a moment, letting the visions come to him.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled. 'Do you know what I was planning to do? I was going to toddle down to her cell, blind as I am, and choke the life out of her while she was still asleep. I couldn't ask anyone else to share my guilt with me. But, I had this strange vision ... if you and Arynel actually took the child under your wing ... it might turn out okay. Actually better than okay. The child has vast promise ...'

---

'I would sooner kill her,' said Jazbet, losing his smile.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet was serious. 'I must make some decision about her by tomorrow morning. If my mages continue to cast sleep spells on her whenever she is waking ... well, no one is normal after that. Too much fantasy from dreams, and you are a slave, albeit without braces, of the dam dog.

'I do not understand how my visions work yet. I know that when I saw Aricyn burning, I knew, completely, that would happen. When I see you, Allerleirauh, and Arynel adopted this child -- I see something good. It is not definite, things can go wrong, but ... it is right ...

But you must tell me tomorrow what is your decision. And I -- or we, if you have a suggestion -- must decide what to do about all the other Azurite children we run across. If we could be like the five houses and bring them in, and assimilate them, that would be perfect ... and perhaps it is possible still ...'

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

It was inevitable.

Fights were breaking out between the refugees and the locals. At first, they were not serious fights. Someone did not acknowledge someone else who should have been considered of a higher caste in a different domain. Someone used the word 'Daruhn' around someone who respected Lord Dres Jazbet. Someone doubted the existence of the Tiberarine.

There were hundreds of reasons why the fights would have happened. Jazbet would have set extra guards to facilitate, but they were busy at the borders, so the fights continued, locals against refugees.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled at first. 'You know, Arynel has been someone I've tried because of you to form some attachment with. I've sung duets with him, I've tried to make him laugh ... And yet somehow, I feel that the combination of you and him as 'parents' to the girl will neutralize her destuctive tendancies ...

You shall have the alchemist you need for your trip. Perhaps you need a diplomat as well to go to the estates of Gaor and Wyrloc? I wish I could go with you, but that is impossible with my duties here ...

I was planning on going to the village, to help assuage the situation with the refugees ... if that is at all possible.'

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is on a ship skirting the sea on the northern edge of Skyrim. With her are twenty of her knights and the playwright Baloth-Kul. Their destination is Solitude, to gain entry to the river system that will eventually lead to the Bjoulsae River and Wayrest.

Bosriel, the Void Vampire, is in Ebonheart.

Jazbet, the Khajiit knight of House Dres, is in Ald Saathim, trying to quell fights that have broken out between his people and the refugees from the neighboring domains. He has had a lot to deal with: the refugee situation; an Azurite girl who is currently sleeping under guard, her fate uncertain; organizing the defence of his own domain; learning about the world of the Void from Allerleirauh; and, yet, his mood is bright. Perhaps it’s the sex.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Jazbet found dealing with the fights curiously easier than he thought it would be. When he had his eyes, he would look rather than listen, and listening was what these situations called for. The guards were keeping some order, but there were precious few of them, and they were needed at the borders. It was essential that the people understood that for all their differences, they had much in common. At a deep level, they understood this.

As he spoke to them, Kallen approached. “Serjo, Jaster has seen to it that the guards are armed. We have weapons enough to give to the people.”

“I’ve talked to a number of our citizens and our new friends, who should be deputized to join the guards,” said Jazbet, and he gave their names to his seneschal. “Give the weapons to them first. They are level-headed and will keep order, as well as protect us from any invaders.”

That accomplished, Jazbet went into the crowded tavern. His throat was dry.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet laughed. "Marvelous news! Drinks are on me, all around!"

The crowd roared.

Ted Peterson

Every road in Jazbet's domain was now lined with tents. It was impossible to say how many refugees there were, but the guards had kept a list of names to try to have some degree of organization to the chaos.

The formerly quiet little domain was very loud, and then it began to become still, quite suddenly. People were whispering and pointing down the road.

Ted Peterson

They stared and they pointed. He heard them whisper the word 'Tiberarine' and 'savior' and 'slayer' and one little girl, before she was hushed, say, 'I thought he'd be even taller.'

No one approached, but they all smiled.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

The town square in front of the tavern was where the refugee camp was most chaotic. Still, even here, the noise died down to whispers, and when Aricyn came around the bend, entering the town, they parted like a wave to give him room.

People came out of their tents and houses to point and whisper and wave.

Word reached the people in the tavern.

'He's coming!'

People crowded to the door to see.

Ted Peterson

The Castle

The door opened. It was not Jazbet, but the Argonian chambermaid, straightening up the room.

‘He’s upstairs in his study,’ she smiled, motioning to the second stairwell, the private entrance from the room. ‘You should tell him it’s time to go to bed.’

The woman left with a wink.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet opened the door, his brown eyes sparkling as he kissed her.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet coughs in the force of the bearhug, crossed his eyes, and then they vanished.

‘Apparently among the refugees is practically the entire Mages Guild from Blacklight,’ the Khajiit smiled. ‘I was talking to their archmagister about the idea of disguising you, since that was an issue we talked about before, and it occurred to me that it might not be a bad idea if I had the illusion of eyes when I needed them. Of course, they don’t function, but if I don’t want someone to think he can get away with something because I’m blind … well … could be useful …’

He wrapped his arms around her giving his own tight hug. ‘I’m sorry I left the tavern so suddenly. I would say that I’m almost done with work, but that would be a lie. Shall we go downstairs and … talk?’

Ted Peterson

Jazbet picked her up and carried her downstairs to the bedroom, where they did talk ... a little ...

Ted Peterson

Summary

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is on her ship, together with twenty of her knights and the playwright Baloth-Kul, nearing Solitude, Skyrim. She plans to take the rivers home to Wayrest if they are not frozen over. The remainder of her army is in Sheogorad.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is in the Void, alone, waiting for Leseth to return to her … and waiting for freedom.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Knight of the House Dres, is waking up in his room. He gets up quietly to avoid waiting Loranna. He has a great many things to do today. As much as possible, he has seen to his domain’s defense, and now he is planning to look to taking offensive action against the Azurites.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet sat in his study with a strange noble, and his seneschal Kallen.

'Please find who you can,' he said to Kallen. 'Allerleiruah, Aricyn, Arynel ... Why does everyone's name begin with an A? ... Loranna, Solin, Tris ... you know who to look for ... I would like to have their thoughts on this matter of offense."

Kallen bowed and left to find members of the party to confer with his lordship in the castle tower.

Jazbet offered his guest a glass of wine. As before, she refused.

Ted Peterson

As each person arrived, Jazbet introduced him to his guest.

She wasn't what you'd call beautiful, because there was no softness to her. Her face was long and angular, her hair cut in a short style like a man's, her body visible beneath her light armor muscular and well-defined. She was a Dunmer who could have been Boethiah incarnate, but Jazbet introduced her as Kethiah of the Morag Tong.

"She is a refugee," the Khajiit said. "But she can get us more weapons, and has many hidden associates, obviously. I thought the time had come for us to talk about launching an offensive against the Azurites, and see who will stand with us.'

Ted Peterson

'The Azurites are not fleas,' said Jazbet. 'At least, the ones that are really dangerous aren't ... They make a lot of noise, they organize themselves in groups, in the practice of the true fanatics. They will not be difficult to find everywhere.'

Kethiah said nothing. She had a dagger in her hand she carefully balanced fingertip to fingertip, sizing up each person as he or she walked in the room.

'I would like to hear people's opinions on the matter,' said the Khajiit. 'Its seems to me that the longer we wait, the stronger their grip. We need to start with spies in the enemy territory to gather intelligence on their movements.'

Ted Peterson

ethiah looked to Allerleirauh, the knife leaping from thumb to forefinger to middle to ring to pinky, and traveling back again. Her expression was cold.

Ted Peterson

'Exactly,' said Jazbet with a smile. 'We have some advantage over them right now. They have no allies. But the longer they have, the more they will possess. We are right now in a prime spot to be the nucleus of a resistance, or the last great stand. I would hope we will resist.'

Ted Peterson

That's true,' said Jazbet. 'They have a beacon call there, regrettably thanks to my departed brother Gaor. I wouldn't be surprised if that were a hive of their activity.'

Ted Peterson

'We must issue them a clarion call,' said Jazbet. 'We have a Mages Guild here now, and the Morag Tong,' he added, gesturing toward Kethiah. 'The Fighters Guild would be a natural ally. The Imperial Legion may need a place to camp ... We need diplomats as well as spies ...'

Ted Peterson

'I agree, of course,' said Jazbet. 'You know that I do not wish ill on anyone who does not wish ill on us ... But wherever they're organized, as you say in the Temple or the Towers, let us learn what they are doing, and plan accordingly.'

To Ciel, the Khajiit said, 'I do not know if what we have assembled is a sufficient fighting force until we know what we are up against.'

Ted Peterson

Finally Kethiah spoke. It was with a laugh. 'You look for fighting allies among the Psijics?'

Ted Peterson

The Sea of Ghosts

From the north, a fleet of twenty ships with the Wayrest flag moved towards northern Morrowind. The wind was favorable and they would be there within a day or two.

Ted Peterson

'Without us,' said Kethiah. 'There would be no Tamriel as you know it. It would have been destroyed many times over, starting with the Akavir potentates ... And some of our very best agents have been Nords ...'

Jazbet raised a hand, and Kethiah, who seemed to be getting ready to fight, silenced at once. Her expression for the Khajiit was nothing but respect.

'Of course if Master B will come, we would be greatly enriched by his help,' said Jazbet. 'You think there is a central leader to the Azurites, Allerleirauh?'

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled and nodded. 'As an assassin, I am only unpleasant to my allies. To whomever I am about to kill, I am sweetness and light.'

Ted Peterson

Ebonheart, Vvardenfelll, Morrowind

Lliryth, the King's mystic, had lost all semblance of his normal sangfroid. The quiet, introspective Altmer ran through the echoing halls, asking each person he came to where he could find the King.

Ted Peterson

'A combination of stealth and illusion it would seem to me would be ideal,' said Jazbet. 'But I am open to any and all suggestions. The purpose of this meeting is not for me to order anyone to do anything. You are not my subjects, you are my guests. I must regrettably act the part of the lord outside these walls, but in this room, among this group, we are all equal.'

Ted Peterson

(The Void:)

'You're back,' the little girl said, her dark hair swirling about her, her red eyes slightly dull. Though there was no blood on her lips, Leseth could tell she was sated, calm, having recently fed.

Bosriel did not have to say that she was surprised that he had returned, that she thought herself alone again. It was in her eyes.

'The High Elf knows something,' she said, pointing to Lliryth running through the halls excitedly.

Ted Peterson

'Just simple stealth,' Kethiah said. 'Like Jazbet already said. And you're right, they won't be expecting infiltration. People flee from them not to them, so you won't have the same trouble you've had in Daru -- Lord Jazbet's domain ..."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled. 'Psychotic and partial to daggers. I want this one on my reconnaissance team.'

Her own dagger was on her thumb when she snapped it into the air. It turned over once, and fell back to drop onto her outstretched palm, where it balanced without a scratch.

Ted Peterson

(The Void:)

'No, he found something in a book, but I was too far away to read it,' the Void Vampire said. 'I can show you where it was, and you can look ... '

Ted Peterson

Kethiah flipped her dagger into the scabbard on her belt.

'That was not a formal invitation to join,' she said coldly.

'I am open to suggestions,' said Jazbet. 'But I would suggest three fold action.

'Those of us most suited to combat, use Ald Ra'athim as a staging ground to take back the land surrounding us. We know there are Azurites in the surrounding domains to start with.

'Those of us most suited to stealth and subterfuge should get to Ghostgate, Vivec, Mournhold ... Though we must first find a means of communicating ...

'Those of us most suited to diplomacy, we should find means to get them to the Imperial City, to the various Guilds and Houses, so we can find allies to support our struggle.'

Ted Peterson

'I'm not sending any of you anywhere,' Jazbet smiled. 'I merely wanted to talk to you about what has been on my mind, in dealing with this crisis. Allerleirauh, I know you, for example, while skilled in combat and subterfuge, have in mind a diplomatic mission. If that can be coordinated with our other activities, all the better ...

'We needn't decide our strategies now. I only wanted the trusted few to begin this dialogue ... and now ...'

Jazbet touched his forehead. The visions were coming on fast. He could make no sense of them. He needed to be alone without distractions.

'I should excuse myself ...'

Kallen helped the Khajiit to the door.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet didn't reply, he just stumbled into his room. He was sweating, reeling. Gasping, he fell to the floor. His skin was hot to the touch.

Ted Peterson

The heat had almost completely passed by the time the cool, damp rags had arrived. Jazbet was breathing normally but evidently in a deep sleep. One of the servants carried the Khajiit to his bed.

Kallen addressed the group of servants: "I do not want to hear any gossip about this. His lordship is fine."

As they left, the Argonian chambermaid put her hand on Loranna's shoulder: "He'll be all right, serjo. Just watch him and call us if you need anything ..."

Ted Peterson

"Of course I know your name," she says with a smile. "I'm Wisp."

Ted Peterson

'It's short for Whisper,' she said, and then actually whispered. 'Which is short for a much longer name, of course. I'll tell you sometime.'

Ted Peterson

'If all the Aedra, Daedra, and Tribunal decided to lay siege on Daruhn, I would wager that his lordship would still be standing here, laughing,' said Wisp fondly. 'You needn't worry. I can assure you that I don't, and I've known and loved him longer than you.'

Ted Peterson

Wisp actually laughs loudly, and then covers her mouth, looking at Jazbet. He still sleeps.

'No, no, no,' the Argonian giggles. 'Get the image of his lordship chasing the chambermaids around the castle right out of your naughty head. Oh, my, no. Not that most of us wouldn't go to him willingly and enthusiastically, but ... He would consider sleeping with a servant to be abuse, no matter how delightful the experience. I meant "love" in completely a different way."

Ted Peterson

Wisp gives Loranna's shoulders another pat and smiles before moving to the door. 'My lady Loranna shouldn't worry so much. I should return to my work, but I will be nearby if you need anything.'

With a wink, the Argonian left the room.

Ted Peterson

Some hours later, Jazbet awoke. He heard the breath next to him, and he put an arm around Loranna.

Ted Peterson

'Confused,' Jazbet said. 'I don't remember anything ... Oh, Jephre ... Tell me I didn't faint in front of the Morag Tong. That would be bad.'

Ted Peterson

'I don't know. The last thing I remember was feeling like I was on fire and smelling ash all around me, I just couldn't breathe,' Jazbet smiled. 'Thank you for staying with me. I hope you weren't too worried.'

Ted Peterson

"Not a thing," Jazbet shrugged. "Except the smell and feel of fire, and ... footsteps ... Heavily armored footsteps, metal on stone. I don't know. I'm just glad I didn't embarrass myself."

The Khajiit kissed Loranna. "Tell me what you've been doing."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet chuckled. "I think you have found your calling rather neatly. Do you fancy a swim ... or any other exercise?"

Ted Peterson

The Khajiit answered her without words.

Ted Peterson

Solitude, Skyrim

Queen Elysana made a sacrifice to Akatosh in His chantry in the palace. The patron of Wayrest was clearly at last blessing the voyage. The rivers south had an egg shell’s worth of ice on their surface. It would take them no time at all to break through, join with the Bjoulsae river into High Rock. Only a few days more …

Ted Peterson

Ebonheart

‘Your Majesty!’ cried Lliryth, seeing the King walking away from him down the marble hall. ‘Wait!’

The Altmer, not looking like himself at all, face flushed, eyes wild, ran to Helseth and immediately bowed. ‘Forgive me. I must speak to you privately on an extremely urgent matter. I know everything about ... the matter we were discussing before …’

Ted Peterson

Ebonheart

‘The Eidolon is a battery, a heart, like I said,’ Lliryth said, trying to remain calm, his voice succeeding but his eyes looking like he has delved into the very edge of madness. ‘Crafted by the ancient Aldmeri and then altered by the genius of the Rourken Dwemeri. But the energy it stores … it is hard to explain … It is … a hole in reality. Maybe it is better to call it an unholy siphon than a battery. It will warp and implode all living energy for miles around. Complete and utter annihiliation.

‘It needs a key of sorts to operate, much as the legendary Mantella needed the totem. According to my research, this key is a gem called Flamekiss, a magnificent red diamond. Where it is now, no one knows. In ancient times, it was held by the Queen of Hegathe, but it was stolen by an Argonian thief who brought it … well, no one knows …’

Ted Peterson

‘There is an interesting lack of information, which is, in its own way, informational,’ said Lliryth, a little too excitedly. ‘Nothing disappears forever in Tamriel. If a gem such as Flamekiss has not been heard from since the first era, it may be assumed that the Argonian thief hid it somewhere not only hard to find but supremely dangerous. A pocket dimension, I’d guess, or a dungeon of such horror, the mind reels. The Argonian’s name has, alas, been lost to history … but I can continue to research and see if I can unearth it …’

Ted Peterson

Summary

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is in Skyrim, her ship slipping through the icy rivers en route to the Bjoulsae and home. With her are twenty of her knights and the playwright Baloth-Kul.

A fleet of twenty ships will be in the Sheogorad region of northern Vvardenfelll to pick up the remainder of her army by early tomorrow morning.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with the hungry red eyes, the Void Vampire, is in the Void with Leseth. They have recently overheard Helseth speaking with his mystic Lliryth about a mysterious object called the Eidolon, which he had stolen from Queen Elysana. It is essentially a spiritual siphon, capable of destroying all sentient life for miles around. It is activated with a gem called the Firekiss which has been missing for millenia.

Leseth has said they are going to Allerleirauh with this information and for Bosriel to be on her very best behavior. In other words, don't eat anyone.

Jazbet, the blind, precognitive Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is the host for the group in his estate on mainland Morrowind. Notable features of the place are the village of Ald Ra'athim -- currently filled to capacity and beyond by refugees fleeing from the Azurites in the neighboring domains -- and the castle itself. All else is farmland, wilderness, and sea.

The domain's defenses more or less arranged, he has pitched a move towards launching an offensive against the Azurites. The first move is to get some spies throughout Morrowind to report on the Azurites' movements. With him is a new force, a cold Dunmer woman who is a member of the Morag Tong named Kethiah.

On leaving the strategizing meeting, Jazbet was overcome with a vision, and fainted. He remembers nothing of the vision on awakening except for the smell and feel of fire, and heavy metallic footsteps. When last we saw him, he was in bed with Loranna, and there was a discreet fade out..

ooc: I won't be on tonight, so these characters are more or less in a holding pattern until tonight. Have fun!

Ted Peterson

The Void

The Void Vampire looked at Allerleirauh, her red eyes wide. She had seen her at a distance before, and heard Leseth talk of her power, and had in mind a horrible, ugly giantess.

'She's beautiful,' Bosriel said, and instinctively reached across the space with her telekinetic touch to 'feel' Allerleirauh's silken white hair. Thinking better of it at the last moment, she held back, causing the candle in the room to flicker and gut out with a plume of black smoke.

Ted Peterson

The Castle

Jazbet woke alone in his bed. It had been a dreamless night, or he could not remember his dreams. It bothered him that his visions did not always stay in his conscious mind.

He did remember one thing a little more clearly. The color red, intensified around something, a round object, like a gem. It meant nothing.

He rose, drank his tea, and went to meet again with Kethiah in his office.

Ted Peterson

'It was not -- ' Bosriel began with a stammer. It was too late. Leseth was gone.

Many times over the centuries, she had peered in on mothers and fathers and happy families. They always infuriated her in a way that she could not and never tried to understand. This odd group of people discussing a child only fascinated her. For one more time in an infinity of times, Bosriel longed to step through the coldness and join them.

She would not hurt anyone ... well, no promises ...

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Jazbet, his seneschal Kallen, and the Morag Tong assassin Kethiah walked through the village. Kallen described the activity, and Jazbet spoke to a few people, hard at work.

'They are working, so they they have less time to get in trouble or fear or complain,' said Jazbet. 'And they are actually helping the situation. We may have a functioning economy for the first time in years.'

'Lord Aricyn might've told your lordship what he was planning to do,' Kallen frowned.

'What does it matter?' asked Jazbet. 'It was something good. You talk as if he's led a revolution against me, when he's merely helped these people help themselves.'

'Something bad always begins as something good,' said Kethiah. 'It is the way of things.'

Jazbet laughed and shrugged off the voices of doom.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled and withdrew into the crowd.

'Privately is a hard adverb these days,' smiled Jazbet. 'Walk with me back to the castle. I tried to help the woodsmen and the fishermen, but I'm really just in the way. Tell me when you spot privacy ...'

It was sometime down the road before the crowds cleared and no one was in sight.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet smiled at the mention of oranges.

'I was in Black Marsh, and they have something like oranges there, which were delicious ... I was told that the real things are even better. Thank you, I can hardly wait ...'

He laughed at the update on Tamne.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet took Allie's arm gratefully but with an embarassed groan. 'I know it's not real, but I can't quite believe it. I still trust what I see and feel. I will have to work on that ...'

The Khajiit concentrated and found that he could distance himself from the screams and the heat, rising above the vision.

'I don't know what must be done, but I can say that if we do nothing, we will certainly die.'

Ted Peterson

'I don't see ... I don't see anything,' Jazbet stammered. 'Wait ...'

The Khajiit stopped and stared in the direction of a wildflower meadow, but what was behind his blind eyes was a series of overlapping visions he had to concentrate on to make sense of.

'The one possibility I don't see is the Flamekiss being taken by the acts of Void Rangers alone ... I see many people of different skills and abilities ... They will find it, whether it is the people with us, or Helseth's men ...'

Ted Peterson

'No,' Jazbet smiled. 'Not everything is our fault or our responsibility. So many of us -- you, me, Loranna, Aricyn, many others -- need to remind ourselves of that from time to time.

'Yes, another meeting would be good, and this one should end with a plan ...'

Jazbet and Allerleirauh continued their walk into the castle.

Ted Peterson

Sheogorad, Vvardenfelll, Morrowind

An armada of Wayrest (though without flags flying), twenty ships, manned by the barest skeleton crews, set anchor. They at once began launching row boats to shore to meet with Elysana’s army’s camp.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

The seneschal Kallen began the slow process of finding people to bring to the strategizing meeting at the castle. He knew many people would be found in the castle itself, many more in the tavern and town. It was a moment where he must exercise discretion, but emphasize the urgency -- a duality he was an expert at conveying.

'You are requested at the castle in Lord Jazbet's office in the tower,' he would say, and let his eyes convey the importance.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet is alone in the office, and as each person enters, he offers them a glass of wine, a smile, and a greeting.

Ted Peterson

'Other may yet arrive,' said Jazbet at last. 'But we should begin now.

'In the province of Black Marsh, in a dungeon called the Vaults of Gemin, there is an artifact that must be found. It is a red diamond called the Flamekiss. The perils of this quest are not to be taken lightly. My visions have shown many possibilities, and there is no one in this room I have not seen in one future possibility or another, greatly hurt or killed in this endeavor.

'If, however, we do not send a group to recover this artifact, I have but one vision: our complete annihiliation.'

Jazbet took a sip of his own wine. There was perspiration on his brow, but he could put the vision back, and continue.

'Allerleirauh brought this matter to me yesterday,' Jazbet said. 'She and Solin know more than I do the particulars of this. I can only say that we will need all of you, and more, to survive this, and recover the Flamekiss.'

Ted Peterson

'Why does a simple question from you make me nervous?' Jazbet said with a slight smile. 'Yes. We will need everyone we can get. The Flamekiss has been hidden away for thousands of years, and many have tried to recover it. Like I said, it is a most dangerous quest.'

Ted Peterson

'It is a long flight for a parrapton to make,' said Jazbet. 'I would suggest taking a ship. I have a couple of them, and one of them would be large enough for the entire group.'

To Loranna, he adds: 'The gem itself has little power, except for its value. It is a trigger for an artifact of great destructive power that is in Helseth's possession. He knows of the gem, but not its location ... not yet ..."

Ted Peterson

'We have guards, we have practically the entire Mages Guild of Blacklight, a Fighter's Guild, and the Morag Tong to protect this land,' said Jazbet. 'Thanks to you, many of our citizens are well-armed, and thanks to Aricyn, they are well-organized and self-sufficient. That said, I would not want them left alone for long. With hope, those who leave on this quest will return in short time.'

Ted Peterson

"That's right," Jazbet nodded. "We can discuss our other options once it is in our possession ..."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in Dragonstar, Hammerfell, mere days from being home. Many of the soldiers aboard her ship have become sick after traveling through the cold wastes of Skyrim, and are being healed. She is visiting her agents in the area, and about to receive a very interesting letter from Tris's father.

The Queen's troops in Vvardenfelll are boarding an armada of twenty ships in Sheogorad to be returned home.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with the hungry red eyes, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth.

Jazbet, the blind, precognitive Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is the host for the group in his estate on mainland Morrowind. Currently the small domain is filled with refugees from the Azurites, but thanks to the efforts of Aricyn, Allerleirauh, and many others, they are produtive, well-organized, and well-armed against the menace.

The Khajiit has come to understand his strange vision of destruction and a burning red diamond on hearing about the Eidolon and the Flamekiss from Allerleirauh. He called this meeting to tell the group that the Flamekiss must be found in the Vaults of Gemin in Black Marsh, before Helseth's men or anyone else can find it. If they fail, all are doomed.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet’s Castle

‘Let me remind you,’ said Jazbet, in response to the suggestions of several in the group. ‘The goal of this quest is to find the gem and hold it. Do not take it upon yourself to find a new hiding place for it, or to attempt to destroy it. We are safe while we hold it away from others, but we will have to make certain we know what we are doing before we proceed from there. It is too important for any one of us to decide on our own.

'Are we agreed that it is best to proceed by boat?'

Ted Peterson

'Teleran asked about parraptons. They wouldn't be able to fly all the way down to Black Marsh, but perhaps it would be good to have a couple of them in the boat, in case they're needed,' Jazbet said and then smiled. 'Provided their mother will allow them to leave for a couple of days. I will have to ask Casts-The-Bones to ask her very politely.'

Ted Peterson

Kallen spoke up. 'There is Mages Guild in Stormhold, which is ...'

He brought down a map from the shelves and unfolded it neatly on the table.

(http://til.gamingsource.co.uk/maps/arena_blackmarsh.shtml -- The Vaults are the little lump just south of Stormhold)

Ted Peterson

'Actually the boat trip shouldn't take too long, if you notice the river which runs just east of the mountains between here and Cyrodiil,' said Kallen. Of course, he had never been there, but he knew maps.

'The Mages Guild will be tricky,' said Jazbet. 'The nearest one is ... well, was in Blacklight ... The transportation may still be possible, but it will be a hell of a fight to get to it ...'

Ted Peterson

'A good question,' said Jazbet. 'We need warriors, surely, and a mage or two ... And at least one healer like Loranna ...'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet looked in Aricyn's direction and then towards Jaster. 'I had not thought about staying here,' he said simply, with a frown. 'I think that is out of the question.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet shook his head. 'Fortune telling is not the only way for a man to make a decision.'

They were right. But he was never the one to send others to do a job, as Wyrloc was. He himself loaded half the boxes onto the ship at Suran. Let others organize -- he was a man of action ... Or he had been ...

Ted Peterson

'As they would,' Jazbet said quietly, and nodded. That was a certain vision. He would be killed in Gemin if he went, and so would others who attempted to help him, who he had slowed down ... But there was no reason to go into that ... Again, the Khajiit nodded. That was the way it would be. He would stay behind.

Then Tris's words made him laugh in pure delight. 'Thank you, Tris. You're absolutely right.'

Ted Peterson

'Do you still intend to use the Mages Guild in Blacklight to transport yourselves to Stormwatch?' asked Jazbet, smiling now from Tris's comment. 'Because, if so, you would be smart to bring some of the Guild members from here along to help you do it.'

Ted Peterson

Kallen looked to the map. "Three or four days. Probably four."

Ted Peterson

'There is also a Mages Guild in Tel Silgrad to the south-west,' said Jazbet. 'It is right near the border to the Imperial Province, so the Azurites may not have reached there ... It is a few days by foot, but the parraptons could get you there within a few hours. They can travel that far at least.'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet took a breath and smiled. 'He's a bit of a bully, isn't he? Does he have to stay here with me?'

Ted Peterson

Jazbet takes her hand, and tells everyone, 'I'll have the parraptons ready for you as soon as you need them. Let me know ... or Kallen if I'm otherwise occupied ...'

With a smile, Jazbet led Loranna down the staircase to his bedroom.

He kissed her quickly and whispered, 'You are certain you want to go?'

Ted Peterson

'I knew that you would go, I saw it,' said Jazbet. 'And I just assumed I would too, isn't that funny? I was never good at fighting, even before I was blind, I can't use magic, and I have the responsibility by my title for all the people in my domain, and it never even occured to me that I would stay here.

'Thank Baan Dar for Tris,' the Khajiit said, chuckling softly. 'Only he would call a quest that we have emphasized over and over again as being dangerous as being 'the fun job.'

'You must make it through alive, you know that, don't you?'

Ted Peterson

'I would like you to have something,' Jazbet smiled, and reached into his pocket. 'It is a bit of magic that will allow you to turn invisible and see in the dark ... like a cat ...'

It was a golden ring with a similarly gold-colored gem in the center, which looked like a cat's eye.

'I want you to have it for those two spells, but it has a third one, if you want it to,' the Khajiit said. 'If you would marry me, you could consider it an engagement ring ... You don't have to give me an answer now, but please take it ... '

Ted Peterson

'Just do me the honor of thinking about it,' Jazbet smiled. 'Use it to survive in Gemin, and maybe, when you come back ... we can talk about it a little more ...'

Ted Peterson

'Ah, staying alive, yes, that's the great trick,' Jazbet smiled and kissed and whispered. 'Enough talk, until you return ...'

Ted Peterson

The Stables

Kallen spoke to the stablemaster, the Argonian Casts-The-Bones, who in turn talked to the queen parrapton.

'Yes,' said Casts-The-Bones. 'She will allow her children to go to Tel-Silgrad. Have each prospective rider approach her as usual, and she will select a steed. When they have arrived and dismounted, tell them to rub their hands, and their parraptons will return here.'

'I don't suppose it's possible for them to wait for the group to return, so they can have a ride back?'

'No, they will need to return here afterwards,' said the stablemaster.

Kallen thanked him. He would have to fly with the group to Tel Silgrad, and see if any of Lord Jazbet's allies were still around who could send word when the group had returned, so they could send the parraptons back for them. He would confirm this plan with his Lordship ... well ... later ...

Kallen smiled despite himself, and set about letting everyone know that the parraptons would be ready for them whenever they were.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet woke up. He reached over and spoke her name, but he realized Loranna had left ... Well, they had agreed not to talk about what he had suggested until she had return from the Vaults of Gemin.

The Khajiit knew that he needed to wish the adventurers well on this most essential mission.

He dressed in the clothing that he never had felt comfortable in, and still did not, but he felt the occasion merited it, if any did. A midnight blue robe with a black fur color with the crest of House Dres embazoned on the back. It was as formal and as somber an ensemble as he possessed.

So dressed, he went out to the stables, to bid the adventurers a safe journey to Tel Silgrad, and from there to Stormhold, and the Vaults of Gemin.

Ted Peterson

Candlemass, High Rock

The little village of Candlemass was on the Bjoulsae, a day by boat to Wayrest. To the north-east was the Kingdom of Evermore, to the south-east, the Hammerfell Kingdom of Skaven. It was a idyllic place, a little clearing of trees along the banks of the river, with nothing much of interest for merchants or adventurers, except for a temple, a Benevolence, dedicated to Mara.

As if protected by the Mother Goddess, Candlemass had clement weather year round, though today there was frost on the grass and the windows.

It was here Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, met her children.

Tymona took after her father, Elysana’s consort. She was four, but extremely formal, polite, and deferential. She kissed her mother’s cheek, and did not speak unless spoken to. When asked, she said she was enjoying herself, and the Prioress said that she was a delight.

Eadwyre, Elysana’s son, was nine. When the Queen had seen him last, he had been crying, furious with her for leaving him behind. Now he threw himself into her arms, eager to tell her all of his adventures. The Prioress had been less effusive in her praise of him. Eadwyre was emotional, impulsive, stubborn. Elysana couldn’t think where he had gotten those traits, unless it was from his namesake, his grandfather. Perhaps he had been like that at that age. Perhaps, Elysana thought with a slight smile, she had been like that herself.

The children and the Queen spent several hours together, and then their belongings were collected, packed, and the three of them boarded her ship to continue the voyage to Wayrest.

Elysana reread the letter from Count Sternhart on the way, touching her necklace instinctively as she did.

Ted Peterson

Kallen’s parrapton flew lightly over the tree-tops, approaching the castle of Jazbet, until it arrived at last, landing at the stables. Casts-The-Bones led the wasp back to its mother while Kallen approached Jazbet.

‘Good,’ said the seneschal. ‘I was afraid everyone would have left already, milord.’

‘They will be here soon,’ smiled the Khajiit. ‘They know how urgent this is. But they each have preparations to make. I would not want them to rush in in a disorganized fashion. Were you able to find Pulcinius?’

‘Yes,’ said Kallen. ‘He will greet them when they arrive in Tel Silgrad and when they come back. He will give them shelter and help if they need it, and send word to us when the parraptons should be sent to pick them back up on their return.’

‘Good lad, thank you,’ said Jazbet.

Ted Peterson

The crowd felt to silence. They looked to one another, not even whispering.

Finally, a young man, a fisherman, asked, 'When will the true Tiberine be coming, o lord? For what date do we prepare a proper welcome?'

Ted Peterson

The crowd shuffled back to their work. Unlike before, where they seem united in their adoration of the Tiberine, now they seemed more fractured.

'Why did he lie to us?' was one whisper. 'Why did he say he was the Tiberine before?'

'He didn't lie,' came the response. 'He simply did not deny it before.'

'Yeah, not a technical lie, but still ...'

'He is still a powerful warrior who will protect us ...'

'On whose authority did he hang the men before? Jazbet's, the Emperor's?'

'Will he kill Jazbet too, as a thief?'

'Quiet.'

'How are we supposed to welcome someone when we don't know when he's coming?'

'He's right. It's the end and beginning of things. I can feel it too.'

'So can I.'

Though there were still many questions, the crowd did not abandon their organized activities. There was simply nothing else to do, and though Aricyn may not have been the Tiberine, he was still too intimidating a force to approach.

Ted Peterson

'Not at all, serjo,' said Kallen. 'Everything is arranged. Shall I go and see if anyone needs my help with their preparations?'

Jazbet nodded, and the seneschal began making inquiries.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Jazbet, the blind, precognitive Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is at the stables, waving the adventurers off as they take off for Tel Silgrad. From the Mages Guild there, they are going to Stormhold, and from there to the Vaults of Gemin. It will be a treacherous, dangerous quest for the legendary gem Flamekiss, but he has seen that if they do not succeed, all will die.

Bosriel, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth.

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, has just picked up her little boy and girl in Candlemass and is but a few hours away from returning home to Wayrest. She has received a letter from Count Sternhart, Tris Gaerington’s father, who has told her that his son lives.

Her army in Sheogorad has likewise boarded ship and will be home in a week, or two, depending on the winter weather.

Ted Peterson

Tel Silgrad

Pulcinus, an affable overweight Imperial of advanced years, greeted the adventurers as they arrived.

'The officials at the Mages Guild know to expect you, both here and in Stormhold,' he tells each person. 'When you return, you can come to my house just outside of town, and I'll put you up until your parrapton returns ...'

Ted Peterson

Stormhold, Black Marsh

True to its name, it was forever raining in Stormhold. The water soaked the very stone itself, seeping into cracks and mortar, so even the interior of the Mages Guild was damp, musty. The Guild itself was composed of nothing but Argonians of a majestic variety, tall and crowned with scaled hoods, horns, spikes, and frills. Their skin were jewelry, male and female alike, flashing blues, greens, reds, orange, and sparkling black.

‘Welcome to Stormhold,’ the mystic in charge of teleportation, a ruby-colored female Argonian called Seven-Stars greeted each person as he or she arrived. ‘I have not been told why you seek it, but the Vaults of Gemin are to the south. If you are lucky, but a few hours away. An infinite distance if your luck is not with you.’

Stormhold was a city of enormous size, set on stilts with covered bridges linking block to block. Beneath it all a black swamp surged and hissed, constantly fed by the rain, flowing southward.

A few miles in any direction, the rain would reduce to a mere mist, but never less than that. It was green, but a pale green, from constant sunless days. The air was heavy, and though some of the swamp flowers had sweet perfumes to lure, it was hard to avoid the pervasive smell of decay.

Whatever lurked in the slow-moving waters between the mud, perhaps it was best not to imagine.

Ted Peterson

A young lad, a mottled emerald colored Argonian who moved toad-like in jumps, bounded next to them. 'You had Argonian food in Balmora? Is it true they eat ... corpses?' He shuddered.

Ted Peterson

'You might try The Inferno,' said Seven-Stars with a wide toothless smile. 'Despite its name, most visitors find it very comfortable. There are multiple fireplaces in every room, so it is relatively dry. Except on very rainy days, when some have complained of being ever so slightly parboiled.'

Ted Peterson

The Argonian lad gagged. 'So, you do eat dead things there. I thought that was a lie, eating rotten flesh days after its death ... Ugh ... Why would you kill something to eat it, when you could just kill something by eating it?'

Seven-Stars shook her head. 'You're being rude, Peel.' To the others, she said. 'I also understand The Inferno serves food specifically for those of ... necrophagous inclination ...'

She looked at the drake on the floor in front of her, curiously. It then rose in the air and returned to Dante.

Ted Peterson

'Can I?' asked the Argonian lad, who had been called 'Peel.'

'Don't you have lessons from Master Dark-Eyes-Open?' asked Seven-Stars.

'Please?' Peel asked. 'This will be educational for me. I've never been out of Black Marsh. Please?'

Seven-Stars relented. 'But he is not to leave Stormhold.'

Peel jumped around the room excitedly. 'Where do you want to go? What do you need?'

Ted Peterson

'This way!' cried Peel, leaping directly into a hole in the wall that no one but him could possibly fit through.

A second went by, and he jumped back out.

'Sorry,' he said, sheepishly. 'This way.'

With a single leap, he had reached the top of the stairs in the corner of the room. In three more leaps, he had bounded across the Guild and out the front door.

Outside, canopies covered the walkways, and oil-filled lanterns hung to illuminate the gloomy walk through mud puddles towards the first bridge. Everything was thick with moss, which was surprisingly fresh smelling, like evergreen and mint.

Black clouds hung over the land beyond and lightning flashed every minute.

Ted Peterson

'You're slow!' Peel laughed, leaping onto the main support rope of the suspended bridge. He crouched with fingers and toes in a straight line on half an inch of fiber.

'Most of the prettiest things are down below, but you have to hold your breath if you can't breathe water,' he said with a touch of pity. 'Come on, The Inferno's right over the bridge.'

The boy jumped from the rope to the tarp covering the bridge, sliding down it to the other side, fifty feet away, in a few seconds.

Ted Peterson

At the end of the bridge, six huge Argonians stood around the entrance to a tavern called The Bog. Their beady black eyes looked unfocused from drink. They looked at the group suspiciously as they came over the bridge, and talked to one another in hisses, croaks, and clicks.

Peel dropped to the ground in front of them, and said something that sounded for all the world like three quick belches.

They looked from him to the group. Spikes rose on their backs. A hood came up. One of them opened his mouth, revealing a mouth full of fangs, dripping with venom.

Peel backed away from them slightly. 'Be good, be nice, they are good, they are nice.'

He was definitely frightened.

Ted Peterson

'We can find another way around,' Peel whispered, crawling behind him. 'There are other bridges.'

Ted Peterson

The Argonians looked at one another, and laughed, a curiously high-pitched sound for creatures as huge as they were, each of them over seven feet tall.

One of them, a fellow with extended spikes and something that looked like rudimentary gliding wings under his arms, bent down to pick up the coin.

Ted Peterson

Peel began hopping back across the bridge towards the covered quarter where the only structure was the Mages Guild. From their perspective at the bridge, the adventurers could see bridges were throughout Stormhold, linking the platforms together like an enormous spiderweb.

Ted Peterson

The group merely looked back at the adventurers with their drunk, unblinking eyes. Reptilian faces were usually expressionless, and these six men proved it. They did not go back into the tavern, but they continued to talk to one another in their indecipherable tongue.

Ted Peterson

'Come on!' Peel called from back at the Mages Guild's walkway, leaping towards a bridge a little further east. 'Come on! Don't make trouble! They're nagas!'

Ted Peterson

'Come on come on come on come on!' the lad cried from the other bridge. 'I'll tell you later!'

The Argonian nagas were looking even larger than before ... puffier ...

Ted Peterson

Peel hopped along the eastern bridge, which rose up a higher tiered platform that wrapped around a tree, or a series of trees webbed together, it was hard to tell. Its canopy was the branches itself, and the tree rose up even higher, disappearing into the black clouds above.

'Hist,' said Peel, keeping his eyes on the Nagas, who were still visible on the other platform. 'One of three in Stormhold.'

There were six bridges stringing out from the tree's platform, and Peel bounded down one that led to a building with a hundred chimneys, all burning, like a castle made of smoke.

'That's The Inferno.'

Ted Peterson

Peel reached the platform which housed The Inferno. He pointed to a uncovered slide to the south, which arched down to an island of mud that snaked on in the same direction until it could no longer be seen, covered by low-hanging trees and mist.

'That is the way to the Vaults,' the boy said, his eyes wide, as if the mere name of the place was frightening enough. 'The Vaults of Gemin.

He opened the door to the The Inferno, and it was not heat so much as a wave of aridness than sprang out. The clay walls within were cracked and blistered from the lack of humidity.

A cheerful Imperial woman in a rainbow-colored leather robe greeted the group. 'Welcome, welcome, my smooth-skinned lovelies. How many rooms would you be needing? We have beer and mazte and all sorts to eat in the dining hall ...'

Ted Peterson

'You know, I had a feeling this morning when my last guest left that I shouldn't put out any of the fireplaces because I'd have visitors soon enough,' the Imperial smiled, guiding them in. 'There's room for a dozen and a dozen more. My name is Novia Xerius. Let me show you around.'

It was at first uncomfortably dry in The Inferno, but it was only a reaction to how moist it was outside. In truth, it was no drier than an average day outside in Vvardenfelll or Hammerfell. In fact, it felt like a tavern from Hammerfell with its simple earth tones.

The interior was indeed filled with fireplaces in every room. The walls were unpainted clay, buttressed by wood that was equally dry and cracked.

The dining hall was obviously meant for outsiders. All the common staple foods of the provinces were there, quite deliciously prepared by Novia and her husband Veptimus.

The rooms were small and fairly sparse, but again, each had two fireplaces.

Ted Peterson

'You don't ride beasts above the water,' said Peel, his tongue hanging out slightly from the aridity of the air. 'If you don't want to get your feet wet, you can charter a raft.'

Ted Peterson

'If you want to go down south, maybe four to eight people on each raft?' Peel replied, taking a seat in the middle of the table in his customary crouch position. 'You can have more, if you want to move down vertically.

'I showed you the slide to the south. That's the way you go. It's easy to walk and swim, but if you don't want to get dirty, I can get you some rafts. Very cheap.'

Ted Peterson

Peel dropped his head on the table, smiling. 'It's not hot, but it's dry. You stay in here too long, and you will turn into a mummy.'

Peel rolled off and under the table.

'You have a foot!'

Ted Peterson

Stil under the table, Peel giggled. ' Very angry, yes.'

Ted Peterson

Peel looked closer at the foot. He decided he was being teased, and rolled back from under the table, bouncing into the center.

'You're in a hurry, yes?' he asked. 'Then maybe when you come back. We can get some water breathing potions from the Guild, and I'll show you where most of the city is --' he pointed below him. 'Down there.'

Ted Peterson

'There is some air, but it is never in the same place,' Peel frowned, trying to explain. 'Yes, you will need potions and a few days to explore ... I don't want to tell you too much ... What else do you need for the rest of your journey? Everything is in Stormhold, everything.'

Ted Peterson

'I'm confused,' said Peel but with a grin. 'You're not in a hurry to get to ... you know where?'

Ted Peterson

Peel looks from Jaster to Teleran, unsure what to do.

Ted Peterson

'I should get back to the Guild anyhow before Seven-Stars starts to worry,' Peel shrugged. 'You should talk to the innkeeper about hiring porters.'

With that, the young Argonian lad leapt off the table, and bounded out the door, breathing deeply when he reached the moist air outside.

Ted Peterson

Veptimus and Novia Xerius were happy to help. There were a lot of Argonians they could think of who needed work.

'Late-Hatch and Narrow-Way-Through both know the area very well,' Novia said.

'And Late is strong,' agreed Veptimus. 'They couldn't go wrong with Footsteps-Pad and Moon. Strong, dependable boys.'

'We can have them meet you at the bottom of the ramp whenever you're ready,' Novia said.

(ooc: If I'm not online when you're ready to take off for the Vaults, feel free to RP any of these guys. In my head, they're just names. Point being, don't let me not being on dissuade you from beginning the trek towards the Vaults)

Ted Peterson

Wayrest, High Rock

It was a considerable topic of discussion outside Elysana’s realm whether she was beloved or feared by her subjects. Like all complex subjects, it could not be reduced, and, of course, there were as many shades of feeling for the Queen as there were people in the realm.

But there was little doubt that she was greeted back with enthusiasm.

She had left her capitol city in secret, going to her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains. She had left there in secret too for Morrowind.

Her return was public. The streets were filled with red rose petals, the symbol of her rule, and the harbor was filled with people in the thousands, cheering as her boat flying her flag came in.

Her ministers were there to greet her.

‘Ryvad Castellian is dead,’ her Minister of War whispered to her as he got aboard the boat. ‘I will tell you about it when we have a moment alone.’

‘I think I’ve had enough of the Castellians,’ Elysana whispered in return, smiling sweetly, waving to the crowd who let out a roar of approval. ‘They simply cannot stay alive.’

‘We have prepared a banquet in your honor,’ said her Minister of Finance with a slight wince, as any expenditure pained him personally.

‘Let us have it then,’ the Queen said. ‘The food in the east is beastly. And then I wish to talk to you about one of our financiers. I will need to make an appointment to see Count Sternhart.’

‘He will be at the banquet,’ said the Minister of Finance.

‘Very good,’ said Elysana, and guided her children through the crowd, making their way to the palace.

It was finally complete. Weird and beautiful. The Dome of Wayrest.

Ted Peterson

They waited at the bottom of the ramp, the four Argonians and their rafts. Narrow-Way-Through was a tiny thing, barely four and a half feet tall, looking like a gray-spotted gecko on its hind legs. Late-Hatch and Footsteps-Pad were muscular things, six feet tall: Late was slightly alligator-like, resembling a friendly daedroth with intelligent eyes; Footsteps was toad-like, similar to Peel, but grown-up.

Moon was an orc. He had been raised in Black Marsh and took after their ways, but he was simply a big, brooding orc.

Only Narrow and Late greeted the adventurers with friendliness as they slid down the slide and landed, inevitably, on their butts. But all did as they were told, and helped one and all to the rafts.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest, High Rock

Within the Dome of Wayrest, everything was design on spiral with low, barely perceptible angles. The walls were a crystalline granite that reflected the candlelight throughout the one hundred and twenty rooms, all circular, within.

The crowd was selected from the richest, most powerful families in eastern High Rock, and all the top members of the guilds. The food was lavish and the wine poured freely.

Elysana always mingled, and she had a way of getting all the information she was looking for in a light-hearted chat.

She learned about the Eidolon, the fire at the Mages Guild, the death of Ryvad Castellian and what was found in his office, showing him to be a double-agent of Helseth, all within the first hour.

‘Lady Ymalna,’ the Queen smiled, approaching the Count and Countess Sternhart. ‘What an enchanting dress. Thank you both so much for coming. I have been looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you.’

Ted Peterson

It was simply a hallway extending down into the darkness, plain and unadorned.

Five seconds later, it was an abyss. And then a different hall, far more ornate. Then an abyss again. Then a wide open room with a sarcophagus at its center. Then the abyss. Then the first hall.

Every five seconds the walls slid, and presented a different destination, and the mechanism was silent as a whisper.

Ted Peterson

Summary
Jazbet, the blind, precognitive Khajiit Knight of House Dres is at his estate in mainland Morrowind. It was his vision that convinced the adventurers to go the Vaults of Gemin to retrieve the Flamekiss gem, or all would be doomed.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with the hungry red eyes, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth.

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, has finally returned home. She is at a banquet at her new palace, the Dome of Wayrest, and has just seen again the battlemage Herwyn, one of the few survivors of her original trip to Morrowind.

Ted Peterson

Deep, dry laughter echoed from somewhere close by.

Ted Peterson

The stone floor beneath the adventurers began to crack like thin ice.

Suddenly, there was an explosion of dust and stone in the middle of the room. A red-haired Dunmer looking like Dagoth rose from a crack in the floor, electricity coursing over his skin like serpents. He opened his eyes, but they were empty eye sockets.

It let out a shriek like a high wind.

Ted Peterson

As the flesh melted away from the illusion, revealing the lich, the floor crumbled away completely, sending the adventurers falling through. They suddenly found themselves rolling down a steep, rough rock hill that kept going and going …

They had dropped in near the top of a six-sided pyramid and were rolling into an enormous natural cavern.

It would be another hundred feet before they reached the sand at the base. Overhead, giant bats flew around, calling to one another in the darkness.

The lich was nowhere to be seen.

Ted Peterson

The base of the pyramid was thick gray sand which billowed up from time to time due to strange, underground drafts. A low sloping ramp rose to an entrance into the pyramid. Spider-like statues guarded the sides of the ramp.

Stalagmites some ten feet thick, others but a hair, crowded around like sentinels. Wide cave entrances could be seen to the north and west.

Ted Peterson

Through the entrance to the pyramid, he first saw a shimmer of gold.

Torches burned brightly within. A seated statue three times life-sized was in the middle of the chamber. Its head and its hands had been cut off.

It and all the surrounding columns seemed to be made of out gold.

Ted Peterson

Torches lined the walls, catching the gleam of the eight golden columns surrounding the statue in the center.

A long strand of fiber floated lazily down from above.

Ted Peterson

A vast knot of cobwebs filled the ceiling, cloaking over a platform. Between the shadows and the webs (and the angle of looking at it from below), it was hard to tell what the platform contained. It looked like an altar and several benches. There was a switch on the wall next to the platform, also coated with cobwebs. Nothing appeared to be moving, but there were several human-shaped lumps in the webbing.

Ted Peterson

So, Tris in investigating, Loranna is standing clear, and Dante is uncomfortably close to the switch if they've gotten about fifty feet up ...

Ted Peterson

At closer look, the human-shaped objects were, as they appeared, human. Or had been, long, long ago. They must have been naked, because there are not even the shards of clothing or equipment on them.

Dozens of dead giant spiders, now only husks, lay around the platform and in the webs. Also, dead long, long ago.

There is a chain attached the platform which is now visible from this angle.

Ted Peterson

A hole in the floor directly beneath the platform opens up. (Any characters, I don't think there are any, who are standing there fall in)

A stale smell of dust and old blood rises from below.

The platform quickly begins to descend.

Ted Peterson

The platform continues to descend, its old chain creaking, until it is right over the hole, and then it continues down.

Something rustles within the hole.

Ted Peterson

The hole only went down fifteen feet lower into a pit of darkness. All around Tris, Ciel, Loranna, Nalion, and Dante were thick, black webs, forming tunnel upon tunnel. They shook with movement on all sides.

More than one thing was coming.

Ted Peterson

The spiders stopped when they hit the circle of light, and retreated back a bit.

There were three of them. Each the size of a horse.

Ted Peterson

One of the spiders leapt out directly onto Dante.

Ted Peterson

Smoke began to flow out of the webbing where the smoldering torch had been thrown.

The platform shook and began to rise.

Ted Peterson

Before the platform rose up to fill in the hole above, the other two spiders leapt.

One was crushed on the lip of the hole and popped very gratifyingly.

The other jumped onto Tris and sunk its fangs into him.

Ted Peterson

The platform continued to rise.

Smoke plumed up below them from the hole, which then slowly closed.

The spider's fangs sunk into Tris's heart before it died from Ciel's and Tris's blades.

Ted Peterson

The platform kept rising until it was again where it was before, fifty feet above the ground, next to the switch, in the middle of all the old cobwebs.

Ted Peterson

(Wayrest:)

The Queen was about to smile and thank Herwyn from rescuing her from that bore, his tone made her drop her smile.

"What is it?" Elysana asked quietly.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Jazbet, the blind, precognitive Khajiit Knight is in his estate on mainland Morrowind.

Bosriel, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth.

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is at a banquet welcoming her back home. She is speaking with the battlemage Herwyn.

Ted Peterson

(Wayrest:)

"I will need to think on this some more," said the Queen. "And we must find a comfortable estate for your mother to retire to. It would not do for the mother of the Queen's new Spymaster to be a handmaiden."

Elysana smiled and rejoined the party. She would need to do some more investigations into Herwyn Brand's past. After all, Ryvad Castellian's friendship with King Helseth was not revealed until after his death. It would not be good to make the same mistake twice.

Ted Peterson

Flashback: 3 Days Ago

Ald Ra'athim

The battle had not gone as they had planned. That was putting it mildly.

In every direction, at every corner, the Azurites had been routed, beaten back by this tiny little group. Nothing had gone right. Until now.

The group of Azurites had gone to the castle for one purpose, and now here he was. Bloodied, unguarded, here alone in the woods was the improbable liege of the land they called Daruhn, a blind Khajiit called Jazbet.

The ten surrounded him quickly.

“Where is your guard, o Lord?” asked Zyniel with a grin.

“Dead,” said Jazbet. “Are you going to kill me?”

They couldn’t. Not yet. They might need a hostage to get them out from behind enemy lines, but they didn’t say that. Zyniel merely laughed and spit in the Khajiit’s face.

Or, at least, he meant to. The spittle missed Jazbet’s face by a half an inch and hit Moalacher. It almost seemed like the Dres knight moved to avoid it, but that was impossible. He was blind.

They shoved him forward, deeper into the woods towards the east. The further they went, the more it weighed on Zyniel’s mind: why was Jazbet not acting frightened? Was he just trying to be brave, to give them no satisfaction, or was it possible that this was planned? That was as plainly impossible as Jazbet ducking the spit: with their initial plan to attack him at the castle foiled, they were improvising. This couldn’t be planned. The Azurite was simply imagining things, so rattled was he from the army’s annihilation.

When they reached the gravemounds, however, Zyniel found himself worried again. This was the perfect spot for an ambush … if Jazbet had planned it.

“Get him next to the mounds,” the Azurite said. At least, if there was an ambush, Jazbet would be shielding them.

He was right. It had been planned. All foreseen. The camouflaged trenches were the precise distance from the mounds so Jazbet could easily avoid them, but the Azurites couldn’t. The spikes at the bottom killed them, but not instantly. They had time to think and suffer.

The hidden guards joined Jazbet, and they made their way back to the castle.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet, far, far away, smiled.

Ted Peterson

Daggerfall Castle, Daggerfall

Nulfaga sat in the corner and watched her great grandchildren at play. It was Cameron’s 8th birthday, and he had all the noble children of the realm, together with his big brother Lysandus and two little sisters Akorithi and Mynisera in the throne room, playing war. Lys, Cam, Aka, and Myn, children again, playing the game that had started the whole black, bloody business.

Nulfaga could not help but frown.

Gothryd was in Sentinel, talking to his brother-in-law King Lhotun. Aubk-I was in the Imperial City on another diplomatic mission. They were a good ruling team, Nulfaga thought, even if there was little love between them. And precious little attention for their children.

Akorithi ran into her great grandmother’s arms. They were close. Akorithi had power within her, magickal strength like Nulfaga’s.

‘You tried to bring grandfather back to life because you love him?’ Aka asked.

‘Yes,’ Nulfaga nodded. ‘He was my son. Lysandus, like your brother.’

‘I wouldn’t bring him back to life,’ Aka grimaced.

Nulfaga laughed. ‘Probably just as well. Resurrection’s trickier than it seems …’

Ted Peterson

Nowhere

Somewhere

The little girl in the metal box did not stop screaming, even as her throat turned raw from the effort. Outside, beyond the darkness, she could still hear high wind whistling over desolation, ceaseless, eternal.

Then a new sound. Metal being rent. She felt the floor move beneath her, and when she reached up her arms, there was nothing above. She was still in the darkness, but the box had expanded in all directions.

Fumbling, she got to her feet on shaky legs. It was too dark even to see her body, but she began walking, hands in front of her, trying to find a wall.

‘Be still, little girl,’ said a voice in the darkness. It was a woman’s voice, old and dust-choked, echoing in the vast empty space.

‘Where am I?’ the little girl whispered.

‘You are in my home,’ said the voice, which seemed to be getting closer, though there were no footsteps.

‘I don’t know how I got here, I don’t remember anything.’

‘You have had a long and horrible life, little girl,’ said the voice. ‘It was over, and now it has begun again.’

‘Why? Who are you?’

Light rose from the floor, a dull gray light, scarcely a glow. At first, the girl saw a ragged robe, and then the pale, dusty flesh of her hostess. She was an old woman, thin to emaciation, her face like a flesh-covered skull with a tail of gray hair on top, her face drawn and serious.

‘My name is Vaernima,’ the daedra prince said.

Ted Peterson

Nowhere

Somewhere

‘And … who am I?’ the little girl asked.

‘That remains to be seen,’ Vaernima said, a slow smile pulling across her cadaverous face. ‘I’ll tell you who you were. You were a little girl long, long ago, a mortal child in the mortal world, who should have lived out your life as is naturally for your kind. You were a Dunmer, born in the last year of the first era, as time is recognized in your land.

‘But then, you were attacked and, by the weird workings of fate, simultaneously lost your mortality and your place in the physical world. You became a Void Vampire, haunting the world between the worlds, touching the land of your birth only to feed. Your hunger was ravenous, and over the millenia, you slew millions.’

‘You longed for release from the Void and from your hunger, and you found it. You ceased to be.’

‘You were called Bosriel,’ Vaernima said.

The little girl stared at the old woman for a long moment in silence. Finally she said, ‘And now? What am I now’

‘Look at yourself.’

Bosriel looked down, and began to scream again.

Ted Peterson

A clarion call echoed through the ancient streets of Daggerfall.

'Make way for the Dowager Queen Nulfaga,' the heralds sang. Aliens and locals alike stood along the wide avenue leading to Castle Daggerfall to watch the Dowager Queen's carriages roll past.

Ted Peterson

An open carriage with the dragon shield of the royal family of Daggerfall rolled along the cobblestones away from the castle. The ancient, withered Dowager Queen sat quietly, staring ahead, holding her eldest great granddaughter, Princess Akorithi, on her lap. The Princess Mynisera waved enthusiastically at the crowd, who roared their approval at her enthusiasm and that of her brothers Prince Camaron and the heir of the kingdom, Prince Lysandus.

A bystander near Loranna, a grizzled old veteran warrior, grumbled to no one in particular, ‘Dark-skinned, them Princes and Princesses of a Breton kingdom, ain’t they?’

And dark-skinned they were, having the Redguard characteristics of their mother, Queen Aubk-I, former Princess of Sentinel.

Ted Peterson

The warrior raises an eyebrow, and muttering the word 'Dunmer' moves away.

A plump peasant woman shakes her head, 'Don't mind him. When you fight in wars against Hammerfell, and win them, and you see children who look like Redguards in line for the throne, some people get a little surly. Can't get with modern times, I suppose, poor fella.'

'Where's that old witch going?' asked a sour-faced harridan next to the woman.

'Shedugent, her castle, so's I hear.'

Ted Peterson

You don't know our dowager queen is a renowned sorceress?' asked the plump woman. 'Oh, yes, very powerful. Controls the seas, raises the dead ...'

'Dreadful place, Shedugent,' sneered the harridan. 'No place to bring children.'

'They won't be there too long,' the first woman nodded. 'If King Gothryd isn't back by the 20th, they'll be needed at the Fire Festival in Northmoor.'

The harridan's face softened, and she smiled wistfully. 'Oh, beautiful. I went there once as a little girl ...'

Ted Peterson

‘Oh, misty and mountaneous, the cradle of Mara,’ the woman sighed. ‘On the Fire Festival on the 20th, the mages all put on a show that is just breathtaking. If you have the means, I would highly recommend it. It’s all Daggerfall territory now, so the travel is safe. Just go north through Glenpoint, a few days ride …’

The carriage of the Queen Dowager and the royal guards having passed, the crowd begins to disperse, returning to their lives.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

Visitors and diplomats without state business were politely ushered out. Pages rushes through the gently winding corridors finding the Queen’s chief ministers of state in their offices and state rooms, banquet halls and parlors.

The Minister of War, the Chief Minister of State, Lord of the Queen’s Council, the Chief Castellan, the Chancellor, the Minister of Commerce, the Lord Treasurer, and Her Majesty’s Spymaster were wanted at once in Elysana’s throne room. Together with a dozen of the Queen’s advisors who had no official title.

Elysana had had a visitor last night. A most unwelcome one, for a woman who wanted no unannounced visitors.

A dead one.

Ted Peterson

At dawn, every High Rock Mages Guild east of Anticlere, dozens of them in villages and cities, was closed, locked up.

Word began to spread that the few independent witches covens that were left in Queen Elysana's realm -- the ones that hadn't already been destroyed for harboring Azurites -- were being rounded up.

Ted Peterson

Nowhere

Somewhere

There was a little girl.

Her name was Bosriel.

Her home was a box with no doors or windows.

She will never grow old.

She will never die.

She will never see anyone.

She will never hear anything but the wind outside and her own screams.

"I will do as you want," Bosriel sobbed. "Please let me free."

Vaernima smiled. It was a very unpleasant thing to see.

Ted Peterson

Nowhere

Somewhere

The Daedra Vaernima was gone.

The box was much smaller now. Bosriel could again feel the ceiling merely by standing on her tip-toes, and the walls in all directions by putting her hands out just a few inches.

It was dark.

She screamed, "You promised to set me free!"

But she knew her voice couldn't be heard outside the box. The whistling wind was gone.

The little girl was alone.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

The closing of the Mages Guilds throughout eastern High Rock had not bothered the populace very much. Adventurers and scholars were naturally put out about it, but to the peasants, the Guild had little effect on their day to day lives.

A rumor had begun that the temples throughout the region were being closed as well, and that was different.

It was only a rumor, however. True, the top hierarchy of the temples had been called to the Royal Dome of Wayrest to meet with the Queen, but the day-to-day activities of the temples was uninterrupted.

It was fortunate timing that today was the fifth birthday of Princess Tymona, and parades and celebrations in her honor were held throughout Wayrest. Anyone worrying that things were amiss was silenced by the sheer spectacle of the event.

Tymona herself loved it. Her first through fourth birthdays had not been such occasions.

Her brother Eadwyre was old enough to know that his mother was an expert at manipulating the populace. It was a trait he was eager to learn at her feet.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

‘This must be handled with the greatest of discretion,’ the Queen said, her face stony with resolve. ‘I must find if there is a Necromancer who wishes me harm. I need the witches of High Rock, any who still survived the expulsion of the Azurites, rounded up. They hide themselves away, so a Spymaster is more useful than a general in routing them out.’

Elysana turned before going to meet with the Magister of the Wayrest Mages Guild. ‘I will expect a full report of your progress every morning, Herwyn.’

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

Young Prince Eadwyre sat in the hallway, reading a book. At Herwyn's footfall, he looked up, and then back to his page.

'I heard her,' he said quietly, not looking up. 'She saw grandfather, the King, her father. I heard her call his name, the same as mine. I think she murdered him.'

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

The boy looked up at Herwyn, and smiled. It was his mother's smile, entirely charming and unrevealing, "What information?"

Ted Peterson

The Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

A man walked unaccompanied up the gently sloping corridor that led to Elysana’s audience chamber. He stopped when he saw Prince Eadwyre, and looked curiously at the boy reading on the floor.

“You like to read, do you?” the man asked.

“Yes,” said Eadwyre, looking up. “If you’re here to see the Queen, you’ll need to be announced.”

“She called for me,” the man smiled. “I’m with the Mages Guild.”

“My mother is already talking with the Magister of the Wayrest Mages Guild.”

“He works for me.”

Eadwyre’s eyes opened wide. He got awkwardly to his feet and stuck out his hand. “You’re the Archmagister? I’m Eadwyre Gardner.”

“I know who you are,” the man chuckled. “After I’m finished talking with your mother, I’d like to discuss books with you. I like to read too.”

Eadwyre grinned, as Hannibal Traven bowed slightly, and entered the Queen’s audience chamber.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, had a nasty ghostly visitor. While this is being investigated, the Mages Guilds of Wayrest have been closed and the witches of eastern High Rock are being rounded up. She is now speaking with the Archmagister for the entire Mages Guild, Hannibal Traven.

Bosriel, once a Void Vampire, last seen when the Eidolon was activated, has awoken in a box, which seems to be nowhere.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

Elysana stood alone on the balcony from her audience chamber, looking into the litle curved courtyard. Floral scents floated up from the garden, and she breathed them in, but they brought little comfort.

The Queen could see her heir Eadwyre, whom she called Wyre, sharing a laugh with Hannibal Traven. He was a charming man. In fact, as they spoke, it seemed that the archmagister meant to seduce her. She hadn’t slept with a man for political reasons since ascending the throne, and she didn’t intend to start now.

Still, it made for a more pleasant meeting, flirting instead of arguing. And the Archmagister was legitimately concerned with the presence of Necromancy in his Guild. He had agreed to keep the Guilds closed for at least a few more days, pending investigation.

She would have to have Herwyn use her spies within the Guild to find out information, in case this charming Archmagister felt the need to keep anything from her.

The sun was still in the sky, but the nighbirds had begun their song. Soon it would be dark.

The Queen shivered, though the air was warm. She would have the visitor again tonight. She knew it.

Ted Peterson

Nowhere

Somewhere

Bosriel beat against her metal coffin door. She was no longer numb.

She might spend an eternity here, but right now, she was not resigned to it. Right now, she was angry.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

‘I have completed my investigation,’ said Hannbal Traven, archmagister of the Mages Guild, entering the Queen’s study. ‘There were indeed Necromancers in the Guild, as you worried there might be.’

‘Did they confess to plotting against me?’ Elysana asked, calmly.

‘No.’

‘I don’t suppose you would let me ask them, in my own way?’

Traven smiled. ‘You have informants of your own in the Guild. You probably know more than I do.’

Elysana smiled back. ‘The Guild will remained closed.’

‘For the time being, until my investigation –‘

‘Our investigation.’

‘Until our investigation is complete,’ Traven corrected himself. ‘I intend to go to Daggerfall to see how far the corruption has spread.’

‘And I will tell you what I learn here,’ said the Queen. ‘My Spymaster will give me his latest report tomorrow morning.’

Nowhere

Somewhere

The walls were even tighter around Bosriel. She could stick out her tongue and taste the hard, cold metal.

She summoned her strength, and screamed once again, knowing her voice would not leave her little prison. But she had to keep fighting.

Ted Peterson

Quagmire

Oblivion

Vaernima alone heard the scream, and a thin smile crept across her gray face.

'All nightmares end, little one,' the Prince whispered. 'And then another begins.'

Ted Peterson

Nowhere

Somewhere

Bosriel heard the Prince's whisper, and beat even harder against the metal walls of her coffin.

She had the strength to tear apart a man in daedric armor with just her little hands, but the metal would not break.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel felt her prison move slightly, and then fall gently. She rolled in its confines, and felt panic rise. It was going to crush her now. Vaernima must have tired of this torture.

With all her might, she pushed within and without. The metal groaned but did not break.

Ted Peterson

The little girl was no longer the pale creature she had been in the Void. She was black, blacker than night, her hair, her skin, her dress. All but her eyes which were fiery red.

When the metal began to break, she did not think it was purely her own power that was doing it. She prepared herself for anything.

The one thing she did not expect to see was the faces she saw looking down on her.

She stared, unable to move, so she looked like nothing so much as a blackened corpse.

With a scream of terror, she flew into the air, using her telekinetic touch to push one and all away from her.

She did not know where to go, but she flew out of the room. There must be a way out.

Ted Peterson

‘Allerleirauh,’ Bosriel whispered out loud, her voice shaking with fear. Leseth had told her the name. She was to be feared.

She could fly very fast, a skill she had to learn in the Void. But unlike the Void, this was a narrow place, the interior of a building. She needed to get out.

Her telekinetic touch tried the doors, but she was not strong enough to open them. Then, Bosriel saw the stairs.

As fast as she could, she shot down the stairs to the front door.

It opened.

The sunlight fell upon her like fire.

Bosriel collapsed to the ground in a faint.

Ted Peterson

The little girl's body jolted, though her sleep continued. It was a nightmare. Something very bad.

'Please,' she whispered. 'Please, please ... Leseth ...'

Ted Peterson

Bosriel heard her name from Allerleirauh and Leseth, and the nightmare drifted away. She smiled, and slept on. For days, she had stayed awake. Not only awake, but screaming, beating on the door, throwing her telekinetic touch blindly in all directions.

It would take world's end to awaken her.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel dreamed she was in the Void, rolling like a leaf in the wind around the Guildhouse, peeking into rooms at the sleeping children, feeling her ancient hunger grow. It would be easy enough to reach through with her telekinetic touch and awaken one of them, lure him or her (a little blond boy with flesh like a peach, a chubby little red-headed girl …) to a corner, to the stairs, to some place where the angles met with possibilities, and she could drag them into her world without so much as a cry …

In the third floor of the Guildhouse, she saw a little girl she had never seen before. Black as a shadow. Sleeping soundly. She reached out to draw back the covers of the bed, and then she saw the monster in the corner, watching the girl sleep.

The girl was herself. The monster was Leseth, her only friend.

Bosriel awoke. She looked at Leseth and blinked. Where was this place?

Ted Peterson

'No,' said Bosriel. 'Not even a little bit.'

She sat up in bed, and breathed in deeply.

'There aren't any smells in the Void,' she said. 'How can people concentrate in this world with so many smells in the air?'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel pulled the pillow to her cheek, and rubbed it gently. It smelled of soap and wind. Carefully, she sat up and put one foot on to the ground. And then the other.

The little girl tried to stand, but fell to the ground.

‘I have not felt ground beneath my feet for twelve hundred years,’ she said with a steady voice, though tears were falling from her burning eyes. ‘Are they going to kill me?’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel gasped and then returned the embrace, her cold dark skin leaving blooms of frost against Leseth's armor.

'I tried calling your name,' she sobbed. 'But I knew you couldn't hear me. No one could hear me where I was. I'm free, Leseth. I'm finally free.'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra ‘Just live,’ she said, very seriously, rubbing her hands across her eyes. ‘I have watched people, but I know I have a lot to learn. I want to always be as happy as I am now. And I want to be nice ... I want to be good ... if I can.’

Ted Peterson

Thank you,' the little girl said, smiling. It was smile of pure innocence, but her eyes still held many lifetimes of horror. 'Thank you.'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

As night fell on Daggerfall, Bosriel let Leseth pick her up, and carry her out to the garden. Once there, she glided out of his arms, and levitated from bloom to bloom, savoring every scent of every blossom. By the light of the two moons, Bosriel smelled the delicacy of black and white poppies, the spice of the fire fern, the bittersweet of Dragon’s Tongue, the deep musky of Domica Redwort, the lively mint of black anther, the subtlety of gold kanet, and the earthiness of luminous rusola and violet corpinus.

The little girl touched the velvet blossoms, the tuberous stalks, the thorns, all for the first time in more than a thousand years, and was supremely happy.

Ted Peterson

Northmoor, High Rock

King Gothryd had joined his grandmother Nulfaga and his children for the Fire Festival on the 20th of Second Seed. Now their royal carriages were making their way down south towards Daggerfall.

Gothryd listened to his children chatter about the beautiful spectacle they had seen, but his mind was on meeting with the archmagister Hannibal Traven who was already in his kingdom.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

One of Elysana's valets escorted Lord Sternhart to the orchard court, where the Queen was inspecting the new apiary. A cloud of bees swarmed around her, but she sampled honey from each of the hives without pause.

'Have you eaten, my lord?' the Queen of Wayrest asked, as she dismissed the servants. Her eyes were dark from lack of sleep, but she showed no other sign of fatigue.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

"Quite well, we thank your noble lordship for his concern," the Queen smiled and held out a honeycomb, gently shooing away the bees from it. "I will look at the petition, though the decision when the Mages Guild is to be reopened does not rely entirely on my wishes. Archmagister Traven is conducting a thorough investigation, and may have to close down more Guilds in more kingdoms before he is through ..."

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

No one had ever seen Elysana look surprised or worried. That was not because she was not human -- though that could, and has, been argued -- but because the Queen was a master of self-control.

She instinctively turned back towards the hive, in a little gesture which suggested she was distracted by the buzzing, but in truth gave her a moment to compose her expression. Elysana turned back to Sternhart, her face still, eyebrows only slightly raised.

"Yes," the Queen said simply. "What do you have to say on the matter?"

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock "Thank you for this information, my lord," said Elysana, tasting another drop of honey thoughtfully. "You are not alone, though the current phenomenon is not wide spread as of yet. Who else do you know who is so haunted? There may be a common link."

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock The Queen looked to the hives again: "We are like them. Our sweetest honey locked close to our poison ..."

"You have, I think, done me a great service, bringing this information to my attention, Count Sternhart," Elysana smiled, and held out her hand to him. "I may have more questions for you soon."

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

The Queen nodded and turned back to the hives, awaiting her Spymaster.

If both of them were haunted, the obvious common link was Tris. Obviously, the old man wanted her to think that. But did that mean it was wrong?

She spotted a particularly slow, fat bee, the Count Sternhart of the apiary, and she wondered, just how much poison was there in something so old, so close to death?

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

The Queen listened, asked questions, and finally complimented Herwyn, if not effusively. She expected competence and thoroughness from her men.

'Alert our spies in Daggerfall that the Archmagister is meeting with the King. It should be an interesting meeting,' Elysana said. 'And you saw Count Sternhart. He may be being targetted by these necromantic forces as well ... or not. I need to know more. And that means redoubling the effort at locating his son, whether he is innocent or guilty.'

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

'Oh, and I'm assuming you know this already, but my husband,' Elysana took another taste of honey, and smiled at the flavor before continuing the thought, 'He has a new mistress. A Redguard baroness. She seems like the perfect idiotic beauty, but we should take the usual precautions and make certain she is only that.'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel’s windowless room was now filled with flowers from the garden. She had been careful only to pick the blooms that had begun to fade and lose their petals. It would not be good to rob her hostess’s garden of its most beautiful flowers at their peak. Besides, they seemed to have more scent as they withered.

‘I don’t know what to say to Allerleirauh,’ Bosriel said to Leseth, half-sitting on her bed, trying to practice standing. ‘You say she does not want to kill me, but she couldn’t want me here either …’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

'I want to go and see and experience everything in the world,' Bosriel said, looking down at her feet, which still did not want to support her. It was not that they were weak, but she did not know how to balance on them. 'When I can walk. It is beautiful here, but I won't stay longer than I need to ...'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel smiled, and rose up into the air. Leseth had found for her a simple white dress, a castoff from one of the girls in the dormitory, and it made her skin and hair look even more black.

'I wish that for you too,' she said, kissing him on the cheek.

Her skin was still cool, but not as painfully cold as before. Her smile faltered, and she felt down deep something she had not felt in a long time. It was not strong yet, but she knew it. It was her hunger. She was no longer sated.

Ted Peterson

Update

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is at her court, the Royal Dome. She has been receiving regular visits from the ghost of her father, and has launched a full investigation, suspecting necromancy. Her Spymaster Herwyn Brant and the Archmagister of the Mages Guild Hannibal Traven have indeed found Necromancers in Wayrest, but they are not responsible for the situation. She has asked her Spymaster to redouble the search for Tris Gaerington, and also to check on her husband's mistress to make certain she is the fool she seems to be.

The King of Daggerfall, Gothryd, is en route to his home with his children and his grandmother, the sorceress Nulfaga. He is to meet with Hannibal Traven, who is continuing his investigation into necromancy in the Mages Guild.

Bosriel, a little girl, once a Void Vampire, now a strange new kind of a creature, is at Allerleirauh’s home, Solunastra. Free of the Void, she is experiencing the world for the first time in twelve hundred years. She is learning to walk again on the ground, and – to her alarm – she is beginning to grow hungry again.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

‘I have been, yes,’ said the little girl in a small voice, her burning eyes wide. ‘You know I have done bad things to your children, the beautiful boy you call Arynel, the beautiful girl you call Doll … they lived but many, many others I have touched, more than I can count, did not … I do not understand why you did not kill me, but … thank you.’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

‘No!’ Bosriel shook her head quickly. ‘I only slept, and went down to your garden with Leseth … I hope that was okay,’ she added, looking at the wilting flowers around the room guiltily. ‘I will kill myself before I hurt anyone under your roof, Lady.’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra ‘I know the herb,’ the little girl nodded. ‘I have watched vampires take it and be cured. I pulled some into the Void once, hundreds of years ago, but it did not help. I was too old. And now … I don’t know what I am … something horrible … I did not feel hunger when I first came here. Now … ‘

Bosriel touched her own cheek. It was warm as human flesh. ‘Have you ever felt that you needed something, but you didn’t know what it was? … I hunger again, but not for blood …’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel nodded frantically, 'I don't know. Maybe. The last time I had ordinary food ... It was an orange, a beautiful sweet orange from a tree in Anequina, and ... yes, please, can I go to the kitchen?'

Bosriel floated into the air, 'I cannot walk,' she explained.

Her lips were white.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

The little girl, though most resembling a Dunmer child, was most comfortable around orcs. She had never known company but theirs since she fell into the Void. The sight of Igba immediately put a smile on her pale lips.

Bosriel ate voraciously, gripping the tarts and figs and sausages with both hands, tearing into them.

Then she was sick.

She looked up at Allerleirauh, desperately. Her eyes were white as the moons. ‘I’m going to die.’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Streaks of white snaked their way through Bosriel’s black hair as Allerleirauh held her. Her skin was very warm, like human flesh wracked by fever.

‘Vaernima did this to me!’ the little girl gasped.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

'Beautiful boy,' Bosriel stared back, darkness melting over her hair and her lips. Her flesh was colder than ice, painful to hold. 'Arynel.'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel rose into the air, looking first to Arynel, and then to Allerleirauh. 'I'm sorry. I told you I was horrible.'

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel was no longer thinking. She rushed for the front door, only dimly aware that there was still sunlight outside, and it would kill her.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel shrieked, her face twisted, monstrous. She whipped around, and shot into the garden, where sunlight still fell in dusk light.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel's fingers were claws that had torn warriors apart. She grabbed at Leseth, and they sunk deep into his armor.

'No,' the little girl said, her voice thick, trembling. 'It is so beautiful here in the garden ... I … you … will you shelter me here, my only friend? I can’t look at them right now. I like it here …'

She knew it now, and she had to decide whether to live or die.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra, The Garden, Twilight

For a long time, she was silent, looking at the beauty that surrounded them.

‘For twelve hundred years,’ Bosriel whispered to Leseth, her voice that of an old woman, not a little girl. ‘I have needed blood, and craved freedom. Now, I am free of the Void, but if I am to live, I must … I must feed … Oh, Vaernima, I wish that I could feed on hatred, because I hate thee, Prince, I wouldst never be hungry again …’

Ted Peterson

Bosriel turned to her.

'Yes,' she said. 'I'm sorry if I scared you.'

Ted Peterson

"Don't hurt me," Bosriel trembled, a little girl again. "I'm sorry."

Ted Peterson

'You are beautiful, within and without, like a child, and I used to eat children,' said Bosriel, and then she stopped, looking at Tamne. 'I'm sorry. I said I was sorry about frightening you, and I'm doing it again. I can feel I'm doing it again ... I'm very confused ...'

Ted Peterson

'I want to see her,' Bosriel's red eyes gleamed in the last light of the setting sun, beneath Leseth's cloak.

Ted Peterson

'Like I said, beautiful inside and out, like a child. Thank you,' said the little girl. 'And you, beautiful boy, are safe here too.'

The sun set, and Bosriel stood up. Her face was serene.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel gasped. 'I've seen them before, but not like this. Can I touch her?'

True little girl wonder in her bright red eyes.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel started after Tamne, and then stopped. She looked at Allerleirauh.

‘I can’t say I’m sorry anymore,’ the little girl said earnestly. ‘But I am, and I said won’t ever hurt anyone under this roof, and I won't. And I won’t try to scare anyone in here either, no matter how hungry I get. At least, not on purpose. Now, I have to go play.’

Bosriel flew inside after Tamne.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel, Tamne, and Lakschi had found their way down to the training room, to be away from all the grown-ups.

‘My best friend is Leseth, and everyone considers him a monster,’ said Bosriel, softly touching the Winged Twilight. ‘Except I’m much worse.’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra, the Training Room

'She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and she's so soft,' said Bosriel, touching the creature's wings. 'I lived in that dark place. It is horrible. I will never ever go back there again.'

The little girl turned to Tamne. 'My name is Bosriel. Someone told me once it means 'beauty of the forest.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel giggled. 'Well, clearly, we are meant to rule this land together, so we better get along ...'

The little girl looked around to make sure they weren't being watched. 'Can you show me around? Not just the building, but tonight ... can you show me around the city? I've seen it before, but I've never really touched it or smelled it ... But I don't want to get in trouble with your mother. I like her.'

Ted Peterson

‘They don’t like you?’ Bosriel said, ‘Well, I’ll be the new girl to be hated, I guarantee that. But I’m only staying here until I can walk. Until then, one person here likes you.’

She thought a moment. ‘Let’s sneak out tomorrow night. Everyone’s going to stay up late tonight, after everything’s that’s gone on. We won’t do anything bad. We’ll just, you know, see the town. And we won't get lost. I know this city, I've just never been inside it.’

Ted Peterson

'No,' Bosriel smiled, her red eyes glistening. 'When I'm cold, I'm okay. When I'm warm, watch out.'

Ted Peterson

A knight wearing the dragon shield of Daggerfall knocked on the door of Solunastra.

Ted Peterson

'Open this door in the name of His Majesty, King Gothryd,' the knight bellowed.

Ted Peterson

'His Majesty is having a conference of all Guildmasters at Castle Daggerfall,' the knight said. 'Now.'

Ted Peterson

The Knight bowed and escorted Allerleirauh with great deference to the castle, where representatives of all the guilds of Daggerfall -- mages and thieves, cobblers and prostitutes, warriors and actors, and dozens more -- were gathering.

'His Majesty will be with you shortly,' the Knight said.

Ted Peterson

Solin alone saw the old woman walk through the crowd. No one paused in conversation or looked in her direction as she slipped through. It was apparent she was invisible to all but him.

'When you are finished hearing this nonsense, and want to discuss the true ways of necromancy, come visit me at Shedungent, my boy,' the Dowager Queen Nulfaga said to him, her wrinkled face scowling.

Ted Peterson

Nulfaga grunted, 'Only if you grow tired of ghosts and want to actually do something about it, Solin. Unlike my fool grandson.'

She faded from view.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daggerfall

‘Good Guildmasters,’ said the King of Daggerfall, entering the throne room, not waiting to be announced. The crowd instantly fell silent to hear Gothryd speak. He spoke informally, conversationally, in a voice that seemed intimate but travelled to every ear in the room with perfect clarity. He touched his graying beard absently as he spoke, and though over the years his face had gathered lines, he was still a remarkably handsome man.

‘Daggerfall has suffered hauntings in the past, I need hardly remind you,’ Gothryd said. ‘And it appears our troubles may have begun yet again. We are conducting an investigation into reports of the worst kind of necromancy, and would count on your support to root out adherents of this blasphemy. On the advice of the Archmagister Hannibal Traven, the Mages Guilds of Daggerfall will be temporarily closed, so that he might inspect them personally. I would ask that you do your own investigations in your own guilds and report back to me anything you uncover related to the recent spate of hauntings.

‘Daggerfall is rich for your contributions to our society, and I do not want you to feel I am in any way ungrateful or that I desire the closing of more guilds. I truly hope that this obscenity can be stopped quickly through the work of my knights, the Archmagister, and your voluntary assistance. It may, however, be necessary in the near future for my knights to conduct a search of your headquarters. I count on your understanding and support if it comes to that.

‘If you have any questions, speak to my castellian, and he will arrange for a more personal interview. Thank you, good guildmasters.’

The King smiled wearily, and left the room. The crowd murmured.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel floated down the stairs from her bedroom, looking for Tamne. A tall, freckled girl known for being one of the worst bullies in the school turned the corner suddenly, took one look at the dark child with the red eyes and white lips, and screamed, scuttling away.

The vampire child felt the girl’s fear feed her, hunger melting away, a chill returning to her flesh.

Bosriel did not consider this a breach of her promise to Allerleirauh not to harm or frighten anyone in the house. After all, she had not meant to scare the girl.

Nevertheless, Bosriel smiled, and continued on, calling for Tamne now, to avoid surprising anyone else.

Ted Peterson

Shedungent

Yenearclogh arose, its lidless eyes burning with hollow fire.

‘Stranger approaching,’ it hissed through lipless, tongueless jaws.

Ted Peterson

Shedungent

The lich stood in the narrow entrance hall of the ruin, fire flowing from his skeletal form like a robe, illuminating the moldly emerald-colored tapestries devoted to death that surrounded it.

‘Shut,’ the creature snarled. ‘Up.’

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

The shadow in the hall blinked with red eyes, and Bosriel floated out of the darkness.

'Hi,' the vampire child whispered. 'How do we get out of here? I thought we could fly over the garden ..?'

Bosriel was smiling, excited about seeing the world beyond.

Ted Peterson

Shedungent

Yenearclogh simply glared malevolently at Solin as the tapestry slid back with less than a whisper on the password.

On the other side of it was Nulfaga, whirling about the floor like a madwoman. In her hands were two candles, one lit and one extinguished.

‘On every eighth step, I must jump,’ she explained, as she did so.

‘On every step which is a prime number, I must turn around,’ she added, and did so.

‘In between every fifteenth and sixteenth step, I must – excuse me … YAAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!’

‘I hope I don’t lose count,’ she added. ‘I have been doing this for four hours.’

‘You look familiar, boy, have we met?’

Ted Peterson

Shedungent

'I want to go to a tavern,' Bosriel whispered excitedly as they made their way through the garden. 'And the docks. I really want to see the docks. I've never seen the inside of a boat, because that's hard to see from the bad place, but they look amazing ... And do you think we can get into the castle? Or is that too much for the first night? I just want to see everything.'

Ted Peterson

Shedungent

‘Don’t be ridiculous, I haven’t been to Daggerfall since very recently, before you died,’ Nulfaga sneered. ‘The next thing you’ll be telling me is that I have a solution to all your problems, just as soon as I reach the eleven thousandth, one hundredth step … and a half …’

She did a half step and added, ‘Which is now.’

The lit candle extinguished and the unlit candle sparked into flame.

‘Oh, hello, Solin,’ Nulfaga smiled. ‘When did you get in? This is about that whole ghost and necromancy business, I suspect, yes? That was why I was doing that preposterous dance, which was quite unbecoming for a woman one hundred and one years old …’

Ted Peterson

(Daggerfall, the Docks:)

In the Void, Bosriel could hear a human heart beat from miles away. Here, in the world, it was harder to do, but she knew there was a man, and she felt it when he vanished, and she knew why. But she didn’t tell Tamne.

The dock was a playground she could never have imagined.

Ted Peterson

Shedungent

‘Oh yes,’ the old crone cackled. ‘I learned that it is always best to dance with a partner. Preferably, a handsome young man.’

Nulfaga gave Solin the lit candle in his left hand, and took his right hand in her own.

The walls around them melted away.

‘Don’t let go until the dance is over,’ Nulfaga warned him as the floor vaporized into darkness.

The Mantellan Crux

Pure chaos. The world afloat, engorged, awhirl. Gravity rotated on an axis.

‘Close your eyes, dear. A cockatrice is coming and if you see him, you will die,’ the Dowager Queen whispered, her clawed hand still holding Solin’s tightly.

Ted Peterson

Mantellan Crux

He could hear the flurry of feathers coming closer, and suddenly they were on him. Something sinuous and strong, a serpent’s body, wrapped around his arm, and he felt a beak pecking on his hand with the candle in it.

‘Don’t drop it!’ Nulfaga screamed.

There was a horrible caw mixed with a hiss, and he felt warmth spread through his body. And then lips on his lips. And then air, slightly damp, very dusty. Nulfaga’s hand left his, and he knew he was back in

Shedungent.

When he opened his eyes, there on the floor, in a disgusting nest of blood, feather, and scales, was an egg.

Ted Peterson

Shedungent.

'Well, I've had my kiss, so I suppose so,' the old lady giggled, and did a stiff curtsey.

'The egg is yours to take. It will spring forth another cockatrice, but it will be very different in this world. Far less strange, far more dangerous. Remember, people reflect their shadows, not the other way around. The foul tide must rise and drown you before it subsides.'

Nulfaga turned away.

Ted Peterson

The Wrothgarian Mountains, Outside Shedungent

Yenearclogh looked at Solin as he passed, and spoke with Nulfaga’s voice.

If the slayer of death think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways,
Arkay turns in the wheel and cycles again.

Then the lich turned and went back into Shedungent.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Nulfaga is in Shedungent, quite barking mad. She's given Solin a cockatrice's egg and some hints on how to use it to end the hauntings.

King Gothryd is in Castle Daggerfall, consulting with the Archmagister of the Mages Guild, after they've decided to close the Mages Guilds in the kingdom, while they investigating the supposed necromantic threat of the hauntings.

Bosriel is in Solunastra, where she's made a new friend in the other outcast, Tamne.

Queen Elysana is in Wayrest, conducting her own investigations, and having very sleepless nights, which are making her even more paranoid than usual.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel could smell the fear in Daggerfall. She had been practicing walking after twelve hundred years of floating in the Void, when it floated into her room like the aroma of some delicious meal. There was something bad happening, and many were frightened, but it was some distance away.

She considered asking Tamne to join her, but it was certain to be dangerous. The dark girl did not want to put her only friend in Solunastra, her only friend in the world except for Leseth, in harm’s way. But Bosriel could feel the warmth in her flesh, and hunger clawing at her. Looking in the mirror, her lips and eyes were bright white.

Bosriel slipped out a window, and floated over the roofs of Daggerfall. Instinctively, she kept close to the eaves, staying in the darkest parts of the dark town. The only place in the city she had been, the night before with Tamne, was the docks, and that was where the fear was concentrated.

The crowd gathered there watching the ghostly Nords come closer filled her, nourished her.

Was this to be her fate, she wondered, as her flesh turned black, her eyes red, and a chill returned to her skin – to search out war, hauntings, massacres, all the horrors of the world, to feed on the fear like a vulture? There were so many beautiful things in the world beyond the Void, love, romance, contentment … But the good things did not feed her. If Tamriel were ever at peace, she would die.

Bosriel recognized several people from Solunastra, and when they dealt with the undead Nords, she followed them. They went into the front door of the Emperor’s Jewels, and she drifted in through a open window. In the shadows above, hidden in the beams, the vampire watched and listened.

Ted Peterson

Update

Queen Elysana is in Wayrest, still concerned about the spate of hauntings which continue to increase in number. She is relying on her spymaster Herwyn to keep her apprised, and is working with the Archmagister Hannibal Traven to ferret out Necromancers who must surely be responsible. As a result of this, Mages Guilds through High Rock have been temporarily closed.

Bosriel is in Solunastra. She is no longer a Void Vampire, but something else, something that thrives on fear. She spends most of her time observing the other occupants of the guildhouse, and playing with Tamne. When she thinks she can get away with it, she hides in the kitchen. Though Bosriel can’t eat food, and Igba is not the friendliest sort, she has always felt most comfortable in the presence of orcs, and the delicious smells of the world beyond the Void are something she has not gotten used to yet …

Ted Peterson

'Me too,' said a little girl's voice from the shadows in the ceiling.

Ted Peterson

The little girl, dark but for her white eyes and lips, covered her mouth quickly. She had evidently not meant to speak out loud, and draw attention to herself.

Her eyes went to Loranna, and then to Arynel.

'I'm sorry,' Bosriel whispered, floating down from the ceiling and darting out into the hall. 'Pardon me.'

Ted Peterson

Bosriel walked on uncertain feet back into the room. She almost seemed like a dancer walking on tip-toes, trying to hold her balance in a world with an up and a down.

'Thank you, Arynel,' the little girl said, smiling, and turning to Loranna. 'I find this conversation interesting. Will you kill Thadas before he kills you?'

Ted Peterson

Bosriel felt her warm skin warm even more at the compliment, but she did not look at Arynel. In terms of atonement, he had been one of her many victims, one of the few who had lived. She knew what Loranna had done, but she had not killed like Bosriel had.

Ted Peterson

'I could kill him before you get back, if you would like,’ the little girl said simply. 'And then you wouldn't have anything more to atone for.'

Ted Peterson

Bosriel nodded at Loranna and Arynel. She did not understand, but she felt she had not frightened them, and they had said nice things to her. That was good. She was not so odd, so horrible after all, maybe.

The dark little girl sat and listened.

Ted Peterson

Bosriel waited until she was sure no one else had anything to say, and then said, "I have never been on a boat, and I would very much like to."

Ted Peterson

The little girl smiled, "I have a strong stomach. Can we go to Thras? Or Yokuda? Or Akavir?"

Ted Peterson

Bosriel nods and then suggests, "Balfiera?"

Ted Peterson

Bosriel, on tip-toes, starts for the door, and then rises up into the air. Enough of the exhausting walking for the day.

She flies off down the hall, "Tamne! Tamne! Do you want to go to Balfiera?!"

Ted Peterson

Tel Dresori, Morrowind

The twins Dres Vendama and Dres Obael waited on their boat at the docks at Tel Dresori. This was the land of their cousin Dres Minsero who was accompanying them to Ald Ra'athim, the land sometimes called by the Council, derisively, Daruhn.

The boat they were taking was one of their smaller vessels. This little mission had to be handled with tact and diplomacy.

Dres Minsero appeared on the docks with his servants carrying his luggage, more than the twins’ baggage put together, as if he were going to clothe everyone for the Early Harvest Festival personally.

“Muthsera Minsero bought a lot of servants,” whispered Vendama under her breath.

“We brought a couple too,” her brother Obael whispered back.

“Muthsero Minsero has brought all Khajiit,” Vendama said. “All the exact same coloring as Dres Jazbet. I would say Minsero is interested in testing the Lady of Daruhn’s hospitality to the maximum.”

Obael sighed. He hoped this wouldn’t end badly.

The ship set sail for Ald Ra'athim an hour later.

Ted Peterson

Ra'athimim, Morrowind

Razbiah, the castle cook, was in the market place, sneering at the excellent produce, trying to get the farmers to lower their prices just a bit. Usually she had one of the girls from the kitchen buy the goods, but she knew she could get the best deals.

Seeing Loranna, the old Dunmer woman, famous for miles for her fierce loyalty and bland cuisine, curtsied. "My lady, 'tis good to see you again. I hope you are well."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind

"Not too bad, except for the unbridled greed of our farmers," Razbiah said, glaring at the man she was doing business with, who sighed and gave her the discount she had been asking for. As they walked away from the stall, Razbiah told her about all the castle gossip that she knew of, telling Loranna about the contents of the larder, all her plans for preserving, baking, and boiling, and her worries that the new spice fields would inspire people to put unhealthy seasonings in their foods for "so-called flavor."

"Of course, Kallen has the records of all this," Razbiah said. "And probably more. I think it will be our finest harvest ever -- but don't tell the farmers that. They're too proud as it is."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind

"Oh, you might hear some of the servants talk about ghosts they seen," Razbiah shrugged. "I think they ate something funny from the tavern, that's what I think."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind

In Jazbet's former office in the castle tower, Kallen received the two couriers simultaneously. The Lady Loranna was here, and the three emissaries from House Dres would be arriving shortly as well.

Kallen ordered the servants to prepare the bedrooms, tell Razbiah to make a feast, and checking over his accounts of the population in the town, had word sent out to a traveling bard troupe that they should come to provide entertainment. The seneschal then began arranging the financial and legal records for Loranna to see.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Office, Ald Ra'athim

“Your ladyship,” Kallen bowed. “We have some correspondence to go over when you have a moment, the field records, and several persons have requested audiences on different matters, but I wasn’t certain when you’d be returning so I’ve made some arrangements which I hope will meet with your satisfaction however this is the matter that probably deserves your immediate attention …”

The seneschal handed Loranna the note from the courier:

Lady Loranna, Regent Holder of Ald Ra'athim, Estate of the Late Dres Jazbet, Servus Tyrannus,

I hope this finds you well. It has been a very trying time in the Dres lands, and in Morrowind in general, of course, so we have not had a moment yet to meet and discuss the future with you. Early Harvest Festival, however, is upon us, and we thought it a fine time to correct this.

Three emissaries from House Dres will be in Ald Ra'athim this evening. Sera Minsero of Tel Dresori and the surrounding lands is a senior member of the Council. Seras Vendama and Obael have more recently taken their parents’ rule at Bodrom Mora. All are eager to make your acquaintance in an informal setting. No Dres regalia or ceremony. We hope this is not an inconvenient time.

-- The Grand Council of House Dres

Ted Peterson

"No servant has come to me about ghosts," said Kallen. "And I have not told a soul about the one that was haunting me ... "

The seneschal shivered slightly, and took the letter from Loranna's hands. "This evening, the letter says. It's interesting that they do not mention how long the visit should last. That's unusual. I have given orders for a feast to be prepared, some entertainment, and the usual preparations for the Early Harvest Festival are, of course, under way."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"The former lord of the land, not your husband but the lord before him, has come to me several times at the witching hour," Kallen replied, lowering his eyes slightly. "A malevolent spirit if there ever was one."

Kallen pauses and then unbuttons his shirt. His chest is scarred as if a taloned finger had pulled across his flesh, forming the word SLAVE.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Office, Ald Ra'athim

Kallen began buttoning his shirt back up. "I should see to the preparations for tonight, milady ... and discreetly ask if anyone else has been having visitations, if you think that wise."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet's Office, Ald Ra'athim

"That would be wise," Kallen smiled, uncharacteristic for the dour young Dunmer.

A courier appeared at the door. "Begging your pardon, my Lady Loranna, my Lord Kallen, but Lord Minsero, Lord Obael, and Lady Vendama have arrived at the dock."

Kallen turned to Loranna, "I'll greet them. If you don't mind my saying so, you should probably put on your finest gown. I know the note said that it would be a casual meeting, but from my experience with House Dres Members, they are rarely casual people."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Kallen and Razbiah as the senior staff at the castle were prepared for any eventuality. Earlier they had planned on a quiet early evening, but unexpectedly, the Lady of the land had arrived together with three disintinguished guests and their servants for an extended stay just before the Early Harvest Festival. Within an astonishingly short span, the bedrooms had been prepared, the feast had been set, and the flags of Dres were unfurled marking the occasion.

Dres Minsero led the procession from the docks in full formal dress. He was a handsome, elderly man with eyes of fire and a face like a mask. Obael and Vendama walked behind him in deference to his seniority, well-scrubbed but dressed for travel, not diplomacy. They were young and beautiful reflections of one another. Two dozen servants followed behind with the luggage, largely Minsero’s retinue, two of whom were merely there to carry his lord’s shield and flag, as if they were needed.

“Welcome to Ald Ra'athim, distinguished guests,” said Kallen, twice, speaking first in old Velothi and then in Cyrodilic. Obael and Vendama’s jaws dropped, but if Minsero was impressed, he didn’t show it.

The seneschal showed the Dres Housemembers into the Main Hall where Loranna awaited them, while the castle servants organized the others, showing them where to bring the luggage.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Dres Obael bows very deeply, his warm eyes sparkling, and a friendly grin on his handsome face: “My Lady, the tales of your great beauty and hospitality have done you no justice.”

Dres Vendama curstsies less effusively than her brother, her beautiful face and figure elegant and slightly restrained, but her smile too is genuine as his: “My Lady, I admire your courage and resourcefulness, agreeing to meet with us at such short notice.”

Dres Minsero scowls at Loranna, scowls deeper at Sylvos, and turns to Kallen: “Do you have anything to drink?”

A servant with a flagon of wine who had been standing in the shadows quickly runs over at Kallen’s signal.

Ted Peterson

Glasses of wine are poured for all, and the three visitors toast Ald Ra'athim, drinking -- in the tradition of the Dres -- not to a person but to the land, wishing it prosperity and peace.

Obael and Minsero then lapse into a semi-serious argument they had been having on the ship, about whether there was a "season" for certain types of fish. They resolve to go to the Ald Ra'athim docks the next morning to discuss it with the people who would know, the fishermen.

Vendama admires Loranna's gown: "It really is very lovely. Is it from a local seamstress?"

Ted Peterson

"Be careful," Vendama smiled mischievously. "Or I’ll steal her away. We Dres are notoriously dishonest. I have to tell you, my dear Loranna – I knew Jazbet rather well. It was extremely disconcerting to see him standing there, and there being absolutely no recognition in his eyes for me."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Vendama's mischevious grin also fades, and her eyes flit to Obael and Minsero who, she seems to have noticed, were listening in on the conversation while continuing to talk about fish.

"I’ll tell you what is even more disconcerting," Vendama says. "How well-organized and efficient your household, and your region in general, seems to be. I was raised to believe that without slaves, it was impossible to get things done. But Ald Ra'athim seems to have proven otherwise."

Ted Peterson

"We are here," said Dres Minsero gruffly. "To see what kind of a girl has taken Dres House lands, and what the possibilities of our future relations might be. If you are a plain speaker, be so. If you are a poet, be so. We are here to see and hear you either way."

"And to drink all of your excellent wine while we’re at it," Obael quickly added with a wink, calling for the servant to refill everyone’s glass.

Ted Peterson

"That’s putting it mildly," Dres Minsero coughed, and took a long sip of the wine which he seemed to enjoy, though he offered no compliments.

"Jazbet was a hard worker," said Dres Obael. "He had enemies, plenty of them, but no one could deny he cared for his people. I only met him a handful of times, but I can say with honesty that I mourned when I heard he was dead."

"We all did, didn’t we, Serjo?" asked Dres Vendama, looking directly at Dres Minsero.

"That seems scarcely relevant," the old dunmer grumbled.

Kallen made a slight signal to Loranna which meant that dinner was ready, whenever she needed a break.

Ted Peterson

Obael laughed out loud at that.

"Loranna, of course, looks perfect, but I would be grateful if she would show me somewhere I could clean myself just a bit before dinner?" Vendama said.

"I will show my lords to the dining room," said Kallen, opening the door for Obal and Minsero.

Ted Peterson

"Be careful," Vendama smiled mischievously. "Or I’ll steal her away. We Dres are notoriously dishonest. I have to tell you, my dear Loranna – I knew Jazbet rather well. It was extremely disconcerting to see him standing there, and there being absolutely no recognition in his eyes for me."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Vendama's mischevious grin also fades, and her eyes flit to Obael and Minsero who, she seems to have noticed, were listening in on the conversation while continuing to talk about fish.

"I’ll tell you what is even more disconcerting," Vendama says. "How well-organized and efficient your household, and your region in general, seems to be. I was raised to believe that without slaves, it was impossible to get things done. But Ald Ra'athim seems to have proven otherwise."

Ted Peterson

"We are here," said Dres Minsero gruffly. "To see what kind of a girl has taken Dres House lands, and what the possibilities of our future relations might be. If you are a plain speaker, be so. If you are a poet, be so. We are here to see and hear you either way."

"And to drink all of your excellent wine while we’re at it," Obael quickly added with a wink, calling for the servant to refill everyone’s glass.

Ted Peterson

"That’s putting it mildly," Dres Minsero coughed, and took a long sip of the wine which he seemed to enjoy, though he offered no compliments.

"Jazbet was a hard worker," said Dres Obael. "He had enemies, plenty of them, but no one could deny he cared for his people. I only met him a handful of times, but I can say with honesty that I mourned when I heard he was dead."

"We all did, didn’t we, Serjo?" asked Dres Vendama, looking directly at Dres Minsero.

"That seems scarcely relevant," the old dunmer grumbled.

Kallen made a slight signal to Loranna which meant that dinner was ready, whenever she needed a break.

Ted Peterson

Obael laughed out loud at that.

"Loranna, of course, looks perfect, but I would be grateful if she would show me somewhere I could clean myself just a bit before dinner?" Vendama said.

"I will show my lords to the dining room," said Kallen, opening the door for Obal and Minsero.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"I wish we could have come here without Minsero," said Vendama, as she splashed water on her face. "But in truth, he has power and we do not. I should explain who we are, who just showed up on your front door step. My brother Obael and I inherited our parents’ land very recently. They became Azurites, you see, and were destroyed. Before that, they were very cruel and despotic, among the very worst of the Dres. When you as Azura symbolically ‘freed’ the slaves of Morrowind, they randomly killed a third of their slaves, just to assert their power over them. Now, we have inherited the land, and we want to follow the ways you and Jazbet espouse. We do not want to rule a bloody land … but how can we change it? Speaking frankly, as you say, will our slaves turn on us and kill us if we free them? And if they don’t, will we be attacked by our own House?"

"You see," Vendama said very seriously, wiping her brow with a cloth. "We are here to support your way, not only for your sake, but for our own."

Ted Peterson

"We have lifted most of the worst of the traditions of our land," replied Vendama. "But you have only to look at the people in the field to know they are filled with fear. If we simply free them, they might be – I know this is terrible to say about fellow sentient creatures, but it is our fear – they might be like animals. I have not come here seeking, as you say, easy answers, Loranna. I want to observe Ald Ra'athim up close, to see what the future might hold for our lands … and perhaps to gird up my courage to do what I believe to be right."

Vendama paused. "I should probably tell you more about Dres Minsero too …"

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"If you were simply Jazbet’s widow," Vendama said. "Minsero would give you a gruff reception, and be done with it. But he does not trust outlanders, particularly Nords … particularly women. In his mind, this is what happened. You seduced Jazbet, got him to agree to marry you, had him killed, perversely had your lover ‘desecrate’ his corpse, and now you plan to lead some sort of evil, necromantic revolution … Well, perhaps he doesn’t quite believe that is what happened … Believe it or not, Minsero is one of the more moderate of the Dres council. If he can be assured that that’s not what happened, he can convince others of that, and all will be well."

Vendama took Loranna’s arm as they walked towards the dining room.

"The best you can hope for from Minsero is neutrality. That was his attitude towards your husband. On one hand, Minsero is a champion of tradition, slavery, the House lands staying in House hands … On the other, he admired your husband, as much as he is capable of admiring anyone. He more or less had to. Jazbet saved his life."

Ted Peterson

"I’ll tell you about it later," Vendama said as they reached the dining room. "Don’t tell him I told you. I just wanted to let you know you’re on the right track when you talk about continuing Jazbet’s vision. That’s the best strategy to pursue to convince him."

The servants opened the door.

Razbiah was already putting food on the table. Obael stood up when the ladies entered the room, but Minsero remained seated.

Ted Peterson

Vendama and Obael ate with polite smiles on their face, quite clearly not enjoying the meal at all. Minsero, on the other hand, ate voraciously, even while he spoke, and when Razbiah looked in, he signalled for more food.

‘Your cook is excellent, you’re very lucky,’ said Dres Minsero, and then, changing the subject as if uncomfortable giving a compliment. ‘Now, tell me, do you know very much about the history of the land you’ve taken? Do you know who Jazbet took Ald Ra'athim from? Does that matter to you, history?'

Ted Peterson

Minsero grunted, and Vendama gave Loranna a quick wink as if to say ‘You scored a point, though he won’t acknowledge it.’

‘Dres Raithmat was not someone I very much admired,’ said Minsero. ‘Slavery, though you may not agree with me, is a necessity. For Raithmat, however, it was a pleasure. He enjoyed humiliating his people, beating them to death for the slightest infraction. Jazbet was born into that world, and I do not blame him at all for choosing to flee from it. It was a very good thing when old Raithmat died, and his daughter Seresina inherited Ald Ra'athim. Now, she was delightful. Did you know her, Serjo Obael?’

‘Yes,’ said the young Dunmer, smiling at Loranna. ‘Beautiful and very sweet-hearted. A tradition among ladies of Ald Ra'athim which continues to this day.’

‘Her way was orthodox without being excessively cruel,’ Minsero said, helping himself to more food. ‘There is the question, always, of why she gave the land to Jazbet and disinherited her own son. Thus, the nickname of Ald Ra'athim which you have doubtlessly heard, Loranna. Daruhn. Land of the Thief.’

Ted Peterson

‘Bravo,’ Obael laughed, clapping his hands together. ‘I like that. Take a negative association and turn it around --’

‘The fact of the matter,’ Vendama interrupted her brother. ‘Is that Seresina did not have any children when she gave the land to her general, her most trusted warrior, Jazbet, who had won battles for her, for all House Dres, for years in her employ. He did not tell you how he came to inherit the land out of modesty. He did it by acts of valor.’

‘Yes,’ Minsero agreed. ‘That is all true. However, Seresina did have a child, though she did not acknowledge him. That also is true.’

‘Mere gossip,’ Vendama sneered.

'No,' said Minsero. 'She had him by an unknown slave, and sent him away to live in Vvardenfelll because of the scandal.'

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

‘I do not know,’ Minsero shrugged. ‘I know she placed him in the care of the Ashlanders in northern Vvardenfelll, near Sheogorad. That was eighteen years ago, and he is probably dead. I do not know that she ever spoke of him to any. Very likely, Jazbet did not know that he was being given a land for which there was another closer in line to inherit.’

‘Seres,’ said Obael.

‘Hush,’ said Vendama.

‘Well that was his name,’ he said. ‘So they say.’

Ted Peterson

"Well, it is getting late, for an old man like me," Dres Minsero said, getting to his feet. "We will continue this discussion tomorrow."

Without so much as a goodnight or a thank you, the old Dunmer nobleman left the room.

"Oh, he likes you," grinned Obael.

Ted Peterson

"Your castle has a herb garden," Obael laughed. "I never would have guessed … Um, no offense, but is your cook aware of its existence?"

Vendama grimaced. "Poor Loranna really had the worst luck in guests today. I for one would love to see this ocular and nasal feast ... "

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

The sun was setting on the horizon, with just enough light to give the garden a wash of the pinks and blues of the dusk. The day blossoms were beginning to close, and the night blossoms were beginning to open, the competing scents mixing in the cooling air.

“Now this is the spot for a dalliance,” said Obael, smiling.

Vendama shot her brother a look. “I told Loranna about us, what we want to do with our inheritance, and what she can expect from Minsero.”

“Ah,” said Obael. “So that’s what ladies talk about when they go to powder their noses together.”

Ted Peterson

The Herb Garden, Ald Ra'athim, Twilight

“Our loss?” Obael looked at Loranna and then his sister. “Surely, she doesn’t mean our parents? You didn’t tell her that we’re sorry they’re gone, did you? It’s like a prisoner being sorry his warden died …”

“She’s being polite,” Vendama frowned. “A personality trait you would be good to learn, Obael. As for the Dres, well, Loranna, you know we’re mostly located in the far south, on the border to Black Marsh. Your estate, and the surrounding ones, are relatively new to the House. Ra'athim is an old House that doesn’t exist anymore, though the Queen Mother Barenziah was born into it.”

“Of course, there have been a few rebellious types who tried to eliminate slavery in their lands,” said Obael. “Some were murdered by their slaves, others destroyed by their House … and others simply faded away, driven into poverty ‘til they eventually sold their land to their neighbors who still kept slaves.”

Ted Peterson

The Herb Garden, Ald Ra'athim

"We'll see how a big a step it is," said Obael. "It might be wise to take small steps first. We'll see ..."

Vendama looked to Slyvos following them. "I say, we haven't been properly introduced, but you know the tiny little scar just under your chin? I was there when Jazbet got it. He was showing off, jumping off some rocks right down on the beach -- I was just a little girl, and he was trying to amuse me -- and he bumped it while jumping backwards. There was so much blood, I was really scared, but he just laughed it off."

Ted Peterson

The Herb Garden, Ald Ra'athim

"Dres Vendama," said the slim young Dunmer, holding out her hand, before winking at Loranna. "And don't worry, Loranna. That's the extent to the secrets I know about your man's body."

"Dres Obael," said her brother. "I didn't realize Jazbet was an Azurite."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim Vendama yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m usually a nightowl, but it was a frightfully long voyage on the boat, and Minseros such tedious company, I’m exhausted. I think I should find my room.”

“I’m not very tired yet,” Obael shrugged. “But I expect Loranna and her paramour would like to get to that dalliance I mentioned earlier. I should say goodnight also.”

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Kallen made certain the dining room was cleared, and supervised the set-up for breakfast. Razbiah was with him, and they discussed the meal. The larder was full, and they could afford to put together quite a few feasts without restocking.

Ted Peterson

Dres Vendama's Room, Ald Ra'athim

The young Dunmer noblewoman had her servant undress her and, while a bath was being drawn, she walked naked around the room, admiring the art and the simple but well-wrought furniture.

"Such beautiful lines," she said, touching everything.

Ted Peterson

The Dining Room, Ald Ra'athim

"Thank you, milady," said Razbiah. "Lord Minsero seemed to enjoy it."

"The bard troupe will be here tomorrow night," said Kallen, as Razbiah left. "There are some old Velothi ballads I thought would be appropriate for the company."

Ted Peterson

Vendama's Room, Ald Ra'athim

There was a knock on the door.

"Just a moment," said Vendama, putting on a robe before opening the door.

It was her brother Obael. "So, what did you think?"

"I like her," said Vendama. "Though I do sometimes wonder if it's an act. She seems a little too perfect, yes?"

"I'll try to get to know her better," Obael said.

"I'm sure you'll try," Vendama laughed. "But don't cross her 'paramour.' Speaking of which, one of us should tell her not to call him that in front of Uncle Minseros. His head will explode."

---

The Dining Room, Ald Ra'athim

"I think it went extraordinarily well," said Kallen. "Actually, Minseros is very polite to the servants. I thought you would appreciate knowing that."

Ted Peterson

"I'm afraid I don't know them well, not even by reputation," said Kallen. "And there are indeed some very horrible stories about their parents. I will make inquiries though, if you'd like."

Ted Peterson

Vendama's Room, Ald Ra'athim

"Your bath is ready, milady," said Vendama's maid.

"Thank you," said Vendama before turning to her brother. "Are you going to bed now?"

"I'm wide awake," said Obael. "I thought I'd walk down to the village, go to that tavern we passed. The locals might have some tales to tell."

"Don't get too drunk," laughed Vendama. "Or you'll be telling all the tales."

Obael rolled his eyes, and left his sister's room.

Vendama dropped her robe, and slipped her lithe, dark body into the hot water of the bath.

Ted Peterson

"I think that's the very crux of Dres Minsero's concern," replied Kallen. "For which I certainly don't have an answer ... except that perhaps a civil war within the House may not be such a bad thing, as far as wars go. A battle for freedom is the noblest cause of all."

Kallen had been uncharacteristically effusive, and noticing a slightly tarnished candlestick, wiped the silver clean.

Ted Peterson

"I will, of course, keep my revolutionary ardor to myself around our guests," said Kallen with a hint of a smile. "And thank you, milady. Will that be all for tonight?"

Ted Peterson

The Dining Room, Ald Ra'athim

“I’m afraid I am not much of a fighter, milady,” said Kallen. “Against the living or the dead. When I tried to push him, or it, away, my hands went right through it. But it, as you saw, is quite capable of touching us.”

Outside, the nightbirds began calling. The hour was approaching.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind

The moons were high in the cloudless sky, casting their light down upon Castle Daruhn.

Vendama slept, but Slyvos noticed, she did not sleep well. She tossed, in the throes of a nightmare, and once uttered the name, "Seres."

Minseros also slept, but soundly, the deep sleep of an exhausted old man, fighting against the future with every ounce of his energy.

In the tavern in the village, Obael was buying drinks for everyone. When the tavernkeeper threatened to close the bar, the young Dunmer nobleman bought drinks for him too, the most expensive Dagoth brandy in the house, so dear that the tavernkeeper couldn’t help but make an exception. After all, it was Early Harvest Festival … almost, anyhow.

In the empty dining room of the castle, Kallen touched Loranna’s shoulder to show her how the candlelight cast strange shadows on the wall. They were moving. Shades of long dead slaves, men, women, and children too who had been brutalized in this place, some in this very room in years past. They shook, and shivered, and dripped dying down the stone walls.

"This is how it begins," said Kallen, his breath coming out in a cloud, as the temperature in the room dropped to freezing.

Ted Peterson

"He comes," replied Kallen, his voice steady, but showing his fear.

The door to the hall, the very one Loranna and Vendama had come down a few hours before banged open. The candlelight sputtered out.

A silhoutted figure with a sickly green light illuminating stood in the frame of the door.

"Slave," it croaked in a voice from far beyond. "Slave, thief, and harlot."

Ted Peterson

The green fire that burned around the spirit faded away, plunging the room into darkness, and Loranna heard Kallen scream out in pain.

Suddenly there was a face next to her, a man of great evil and cruelty, skin stretched across bone, lit by green light, "Harlot. Harlot of the Thief."

Loranna could feel nails tear into the flesh on her chest.

Ted Peterson

H - A - R - L - O - T

The letters torn in blood.

Ted Peterson

The horrific face glares, "The harlot of the thief … deserves only pain …"

But there is something there, a shimmering of human feeling … regret ….

Ted Peterson

The son of my son
Or the son of my daughter
Or both
Must take the title Lord of Ald Ra'athim
In one month’s time
Or the land of the thief will be swallowed whole by the sea
You cannot take what you were not given.

With that, the face fades away, and the candle sputters to life.

Loranna sees Kallen lying on the floor in a pool of blood, alive, breathing, awake, but fading into unconsciousness and death.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in her palace, getting updates on the hunt for necromancers from her Spymaster, Herwyn Brand. She is allied with Archmagister Hannibal Traven and Gothryd, King of Daggerfall, in her aim of stopping the ghostly visitors who have become a plague.

Bosriel, the former Void Vampire, now fear-feeding vampire, is in Solunastra, planning a boat trip to Balfiera.

Kallen, the young Dunmer seneschal, is in the dining room in Castle Daruhn in Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind. He suffered a massive wound at the hands of the ghost of the former lord of Ald Ra'athim, Dres Raithmat, which would have killed him but for the preventative spells of Loranna. Thanks to her ministrations, he is right as rain.

Dres Vendama, a beautiful young Dunmer noblewoman, has arrived in Castle Daruhn as part of a contingency of House Dres to meet and decide the fate of the new Lady of Ald Ra'athim, Loranna. She is currently sleeping in her room, having a nightmare.

Dres Obael, Vendama's brother, is drinking it up in the tavern in Ald Ra'athim.

Dres Minsero, an old Dunmer nobleman, is sleeping in his bed. He has been the most critical of the visiting nobles of Loranna, thinking that abolishing slavery in Dres lands is an unthinkable break with House tradition.

Ted Peterson

Solunastra

Bosriel has been practicing walking in her usual tip-toe dancer fashion when she passed by the room, and heard the word "vampire." She paused, listening, and just avoided Tohe as he clanked past her.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Bosriel has been practicing walking in her usual tip-toe dancer fashion when she passed by the room, and heard the word "vampire." She paused, listening, and just avoided Tohe as he clanked past her.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

There was a knock at the door, and Loranna could hear the footsteps of the night porter coming to answer it.

Ted Peterson

The night porter unlocked and opened the heavy front door, letting the slightly drunk Dres Obael in.

"Sorry to wake you up," the young Dunmer nobleman whispered loudly.

"Not at all, muthsera Obael, that is what I'm here for," said the porter. "As a matter of fact, I was just going to investigate some strange noises when you knocked."

"What sort of strange noises?" Obael asked, taking out his sword.

"I thought I heard her ladyship cry out, but she is not in her room."

Obael's sword flashed with blue light. "I am sure it is nothing, but just in case ... Let us investigate ..."

Ted Peterson

Kallen's eyes flash open in fear, and when he sees Loranna, he groans slightly, "At your service."

Downstairs, she could hear the library door open. Obael and the night porter, while undoubtedly destined to be one of the great warrior duos of legend, were not quiet as they searched.

Ted Peterson

"Blast it, be quiet," Obael cried.

"But you bumped into me ... sera," the night porter protested.

"So I did," Obael agreed. "Then you better be twice as quiet to make up for me. Where does that door lead?"

"To the cellar."

"Bad things almost always happen in cellars," Obael said wisely. "Is there a dungeon too?"

"Oh yes, sera," said the porter, shivering.

The door to the cellar opened with a sinister creak.

Ted Peterson

There is no one in the library. Loranna can, however, hear a slight, very muffled pounding from the door to the cellar.

"Milady," came the porter's voice faintly. "Please. We've locked ourselves in."

"Can't you come up with a better story than that?" was Obael's disgusted reply.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, thank you ..." the porter began before noticing the blood and the tears in Loranna's clothing. "Milady!"

"What happened?!" cried Obael, his eyes opened wide. "Are you hurt?"

Ted Peterson

The porter runs off to do as he's told.

Obael cocked an eyebrow. "Are you going to tell what has happened, who attacked you and why, and whether you or we are in danger still ... or should I go away and mind my own damn business?"

Ted Peterson

Dres Obael listens to Loranna carefully, not interrupted, and she can see that any fuzziness from liquor is long gone.

"Of course, we'll discuss it tomorrow," he said at last. "The Dres have much experience with vengeful ancestral ghosts."

He pulls back the sleeves of his shirt to show subtle tattoos around his arms. "Glyphs of warding."

"I can help you clean up, if you don't want to wake up your servants. It seems like a shame to have the lady of the house do all the cleaning, as well as all the fighting."

Ted Peterson

Obael and the night porter stared at the pools of blood in the dining room.

The porter seemed to lose all color in his face at the sight of it.

Obael took the mop in hand. "I've never used one of these before. What an education this visit has been."

While Obael and the porter help Loranna clean the dining room, Obael shows Loranna where the wards are hidden in the walls as part of the decor.

"They haven't been damaged," he says. "They should still work ... But obviously not ... We should probably get one of our shaman in to look at them. Maybe come up with something more powerful ..."

Ted Peterson

"I met a Morag Tong assassin named Kethiah at the tavern tonight," Obael said. "They're usually good for fixing up protective spiritual wards. They more or less have to, sending so many deserving and undeserving to the grave like they do ... Anyhow, she said she knew you from a while back ... If you wanted someone you already knew to look at the wards."

Ted Peterson

Dres Obael and the night porter finished their mopping, carrying away the bloody mops and buckets of red-tinged water.

‘I’m going to grab a few hours of sleep now,’ said Obael. ‘We can talk after breakfast … I don’t think I’m feeling up to a meal …’

‘I promise I won’t tell no one what I saw tonight, milady,’ said the night porter. ‘Not ‘til you tell me what to say.’

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

The town came to life as the sun rose. Banners were hung proclaiming Early Harvest Festival. Farmers began bringing their crops and livestock in for the competition, each hoping that the Lady of Ald Ra'athim would choose his as the prettiest guar, the best trained parrapton, the most delicious scuttle, the largest fish, the purest pearl. The young ladies of the town were excited about the dance where one of them would be crowned Harvest Princess. Everyone whispered about the other entertainment, as the tavern was filled with bards from all over Morrowind.

Dres Minsero arose at the first light too, while the servants were busily preparing breakfast. He walked down to the rocky beach for his morning swim.

Ted Peterson

Loranna found Kallen in front of the castle, supervising the construction of a stage to crown the Harvest Princess, and then for the various bard presentations. Another similar stage was being constructed in the village for the livestock and crop awards.

‘Good morning, your ladyship,’ said Kallen, aware that they were in earshot of the workers. ‘I hope you had a good night’s sleep. I believe Razbiah has breakfast laid out in the dining room.’

He looked a little pale beneath his dark Dunmer skin, but he seems steady and his usual efficient self.

Ted Peterson

'I've already eaten, but I believe Sera Dres Vendama is in there,' Kallen looked down towards the path leading to the bay. 'Here comes Sera Dres Minsero.'

The old Dunmer was quite formally attired for having gone for a swim, wearing a deep wine-colored robe with the shield of House Dres embroidered on its front.

'I am pleased to see that you are out of bed on this important holy day,' Minsero said gruffly by way of greeting.

Ted Peterson

The Dining Room, Ald Ra'athim

One would never know this room hosted a showdown with a ghost, and was splattered with blood but a few hours ago.

Vendama sat at the table, playing with her breakfast, trying to decide the best strategy on consuming it. Everyone else in the dining room was a castle servant or one of Minsero’s slaves, who were all Khajiit.

‘Give me a little bit of the mash and a glass of wine,’ said Minsero to one of his slaves. To Loranna, he added, ‘You have to keep the Khajiit occupied at all times, or they’ll run wild.’

‘Good morning, Sera Minsero, Sera Loranna, Sera Slyvos,’ smiled Vendama, rolling her eyes. She looked beatiful, her copper-colored hair perfectly coiffed, her light blue gown contrasting against her dark flesh.

Ted Peterson

Minsero shrugged, ‘One cannot plan for exceptions.’

Vendama smiled, ‘Thank you, Loranna. You do too. Of course, from what I hear, the young ladies of the town are all dressing their best, hoping to get a dance with Sylvos and Obael.’

Ted Peterson

‘I have little interest in ladies’ talk,’ said Minseros, finishing his food and pushing his plate aside. ‘The breakfast, as usual, was excellent. Now, I intend to go to the fields and see what this agricultural revolution of yours looks like up close. I’ll have your lad Kallen show me.’

Without further ado, Minsero stood up and left the room.

‘Before his morning exercise, he’s in a much fouler mood than that,’ laughed Vendama when he was out of earshot.

Ted Peterson

'Let us indulge in the ladies' talk that Minseros disparages,' smiled Vendama. 'My larceny can always wait. Perhaps a walk down to the village to see how the festival progresses ...'

Ted Peterson

‘I don’t believe we’ve met, sir,’ said Vendama, smiling widely. ‘I’m Dres Vendama of Bodrom Mora. I am guessing you are … a bard here for Early Harvest Festival?’

Ted Peterson

'What an extraordinary fellow,' gasped Vendama, watching him leave, and then bursting into laughter. 'You know, I hope we do see him again.'

Ted Peterson

Vendama smiles, 'If you are referring to the tale of how Jazbet saved Minsero's life ... it's quite a long one ... Do we have time? You do not have to hurry off to the festival for the judging just yet?'

Ted Peterson

Dres Vendama pours herself a glass of wine and tells the tale.

"Quite a while ago, at the time of your Pilgrimage through Vvardenfelll had just begun, the Queen of Wayrest, our King’s half-sister, sought to help your cause in order to hurt Helseth. She tried to rally the Houses to your side, and she succeeded with several prominent members of House Dres, such as Dres Wyrloc … and your dear friend Dres Minsero.

As you know, Minsero does not care for outlanders, and he considers Helseth the very worst of them, raised in Wayrest, cropping his ears, being propped up by the Imperials … Anyway, he supplied many of your ‘pilgrims’ and much gold towards the cause, and Helseth heard about it.

Minsero had heard that Wyrloc was trying to talk Jazbet into joining the cause, and he came to Ald Ra'athim to, in his usual way, bully Jazbet into doing just that. I was visiting at the time too. Your husband was unsure what to do. He did not like Helseth on one hand, but on the other, he felt his role was to be here, protecting his people. Minsero called him a coward, and threatened to bring the whole of the House against Ald Ra'athim, something he said he had always meant to do, he said, but Ald Ra'athim was so insignificant, it barely warranted his attention until now.

Jazbet walked the old man down to the docks, trying to reason with him, but it was no use. It was then, however, that a Dark Brotherhood assassin hired by Helseth struck, attempting to kill Minsero. He was posing as fisherman, but his pole was a razor-tipped spear. Jazbet saw the fisherman rush forward, and pushed Minsero out of the way, catching the end of the spear in his arm. You may have noticed a scar there. I neglected to mention that one when I was talking about the scar on Sylvos’s chin. Didn’t know if it was a good idea to bring it up or not, but I think Minsero thought I would last night …

Anyhow, Minsero was so humbled that Jazbet had saved him, you would have thought he had been dealt a lethal blow after all. He stayed here for several more days, and do you know, once or twice I would swear I would overhear them talking, and Jazbet could actually make the old mer laugh!

When they were able to discuss the situation as equals, both Jazbet and Minsero came to respect one another’s positions so much that they actually switched sides. Minsero elected to return to Ald Dresori to keep his homeland safe from the predations of Helseth, reasoning that his vast holdings were in more danger if he went on the pilgrimage. Jazbet decided that he had to risk it and join the pilgrimage, and left here … and, well, you know the rest."

Vendama swallows the last of her wine.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah stood in front of the mirror, trying to figure out what to do with her hair. Her real hair was short to keep any of her targets from grabbing it during a struggle. That had attracted too many stares in the town where every other woman was dressing her best. Fortunately, Kethiah had some disguises in her luggage, including a wig of long straight black hair.

The Dark Brotherhood assassin tried it on. She remembered the last time she wore this wig, when she had pretended to be a prostitute to get closer to a target. It was a prostitute's wig, all silky and smooth.

Of course, she still had a scar through her lip, and the serious face of a serious woman, which belied her disguise. But at least no one would stare.

Kethiah stepped out into the streets. She had business to do.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah had seen Shaka’s reflection in a silver shield in the stand next to her, just an instant before he saw her. It would have been too suspicious for her to move away, so she hoped he would just pass on, that the wig would disguise her.

When he said her name, she whispered back, "Shaka, this doesn't concern you" and at that the cord holding the stand’s roof in place slipped, and it collapsed.

There was a moment of chaos in which the assassin vanished.

Shaka looked up and saw her slipping across the roof of the Mages Guild.

Ted Peterson

"Greetings," said the initiate inside, a smiling teenaged girl in dark black ropes. "My name is Glea. Are you interested in hearing about the history of the Ald Ra'athim Mages Guild, or in joining?"

Ted Peterson

The Guild had built upon itself and gained some size in the past several months, but it was still scarcely more than the large farm house it occupied. Three stories tall, plus cellar. It was quiet, as most everyone was at the festival.

“Can I help you find someone?” asked Glea.

Ted Peterson

Glea looked at Shaka, and then knocked quietly on the door.

"B'Vek!" growled the male orc voice on the other side. "I need privacy! Knock on the door one more time, and I won't be responsible if the whole Guild gets blown to Oblivion ..."

"Master Forglom," Glea whispered to Shaka. "Our lead alchemist."

Ted Peterson

"Very well," Forglom's voice came back. "Give me a half an hour, Shaka, and I'll be right out."

Ted Peterson

"Greetings, my lady" said the initiate inside, a smiling teenaged girl in dark black ropes, named Glea. "I'm supposed to ask if you want to join the Guild or learn its history ... but I guess you already know ..."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," said Glea. "He just left but he'll be right back. He's meeting with Master Forglom ... but I didn't get his name ... Anyhow he stepped out while the Master finishes up down there, and then he'll be back."

Ted Peterson

The Tavern, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah slipped from the roof into the window of her room, and threw off the wig.

"As a disguise, you're useless," she said to it.

A new disguise would be needed. In the meantime, she washed the blood from her hands.

Ted Peterson

"Would you like me to fetch Master Forglom, Kena Shaka?" asked Glea.

Ted Peterson

Glea ran down to the cellar while Loranna and Shaka talked.

A moment later, they heard her scream.

Ted Peterson

Alchemical Laboratory, The Ald Ra'athim Mages Guild

Glea stood outside the open door to the alchemy lab.

The room appeared to be empty, but for a simmering cauldron and the shelves full of the usual herbs and unguents common to the laboratory of the alchemist. The only thing that was out of place was the alchemist himself, Master Forglom.

The orc lay on the floor, eyes rolled back in their sockets, an empty vial in his hand, his entire body looking slightly … squishy. Like a sponge.

All his bones has dissolved away.

Ted Peterson

"Too much Violet Corprinius in a water walking potion ..." Glea gasped, backing away. "Poor Master ... It's a terrible way to go ... But he never cried out ..."

Ted Peterson

"Lord Slyvos," one of the castle servants cried, coming down the path to the beach. "We received word from a young girl that her ladyship needs you at the Mages Guild right away ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nai-Thollen Farm, Ald Ra'athim

If Dres Minsero was impressed by any of the agricultural innovations he was witnessing for greater quality and ease of harvest, he did not say anything. Of course, as inclined as he was to complain about everything else, Kallen decided that this silence was an unspoken compliment.

A castle guard found them. "My Lord Kallen, you're needed at the Mages Guild," said the guard.

"On whose orders?" frowned Minsero.

"The Lady Loranna," stammered the guard.

"Very well," said Minsero. "Off with you. I'll just stay here, poke around a bit more."

Kallen hurried off towards the Mages Guild, and after a few minutes, Minsero followed him.

Ted Peterson

Two of Loranna's city guards came down the guild staircase, guided by Glea. Their eyes were wary, but they didn't know quite what to expect.

"Should I tell the guildmagister?" Glea asked.

Ted Peterson

Outside the parraptons show was continuing, featuring the wasp-like mounts flying in formation, executing death-defying dives, forming words in the air.

The crowd's attention was entirely focused on the air while the guards moved around, looking for the woman called Kethiah.

Ted Peterson

"Yeah, there was a woman like at the tavern this morning," said one of the merchants, returning his attention to the pod of a dozen parraptons forming geometric patterns in the sky, like living fireworks. "'Cept she was bald."

The guard took another with and moved towards the tavern. On the way, they saw Loranna, Slyvos, and Shaka, and told them what they heard.

Ted Peterson

The two-story tavern was full of people of every description, cheering on the lady of Daruhn, celebrating the harvest, drinking, dancing, arguing in good-natured ways about the quality of the competition. No one who looked like Kethiah in any kind of a wig was downstairs.

Outside, the twelve parraptons continued the show to the people's applause.

Ted Peterson

The rooms were all empty of people but filled with their belongings, clothing flung everywhere, beds unmade.

Except for one which was entirely empty. Except for a string of silk on the floor, next to the window over looking the village plaza and the parrapton show.

Ted Peterson

The room was indeed without invisible beings.

The silk string was tightly woven but incredibly thin whisper of twine.

Outside the crowd gave their applause as the twelve parraptons landed in the square. Eleven riders got off.

One of the parraptons was riderless.

Ted Peterson

The crowd likewise seemed confused as to whether this was part of the trick or not. They applauded anyhow.

The other riders went over to the riderless parrapton, acknowledging the crowd with waves and smiles, but looking at one another, confused.

Ted Peterson

The eleven riders continue to murmur amongst themselves, as the crowd moves on to other sights.

With a rub of their hands, they send the parraptons back to the stables one by one.

"Loranna," said Dres Minsero, coming out of the crowd. "I believe they're expecting you at the castle to crown the Harvest Princess? Can't abandon your duties, even if you'd rather be in the tavern ..."

Ted Peterson

“You know,” one of the rider was teasing one of his mates. “I would have expected a jump off from you, but not old Bujaja. When did he ever do anything off the plan?”

“Yeah,” his mate was saying. “And he’s probably gonna make me pay for the drinks tonight …”

Ted Peterson

"The parraptons pretty much know the routines after practicing a couple of times," the rider replied. "Sometimes, just for fun, one of us will jump off midway through a routine ... You know, land on a roof or a haystack or something ... 'Jump-off,' you know. Just for laughs. We'll catch up with Lord Bujaja later, and he'll give us a hard time."

"Time to send this guy back to the hive," said his mate, rubbing his hands together to signal its return to his home.

Ted Peterson

The rider looked at him wide-eyed. "I don't know! Whenever you do a jump off, you want it to be a surprise. It coulda been anywhere over miles of forest ..."

Ted Peterson

"Well, they don't really have noses, so no sniffin'," smiled the rider. "Which parrapton's course you want to follow, this guy's? You could just get on him, and having him retrace his routine ... would that do what you're looking for?"

Ted Peterson

"Sure, it's no problem ..." said the pilot, looking at the parrapton, frowning, and wiping something off the saddle. "You okay, boy?"

The parrapton hummed.

The other rider rubbed his hands together, recalling his own parrapton. "You more or less have to ride co-pilot with us, 'cause you didn't get permission from their mama."

Ted Peterson

It took the better part of an hour to retrace the parrapton's path during the rather complicated routine. Riding the giant wasps was an experience -- moderately fast, very steady, able to pause midair and turn in any direction at any time ... The drops and the rises and the spinning descents were particularly thrilling ...

The parrapton never travels very close to the tavern, but it does skirt along the tops of some trees some distance away from the square, but in visual distance of the window to the tavern.

The branches below were freshly broken.

Ted Peterson

Shaka drifted down into the broken branches of the tree until he came across the body.

A Dunmer dressed like the other parrapton riders, dead in the tree. Though he was scratched up by the fall, only one branch was lethal. A straight, narrow branch that went through his throat.

Ted Peterson

The pilot's eyes snapped open, milky white. "Dabigh sharif ne ... bijiyar te minfar ..." It was a Necromantic curse ...

Ted Peterson

The pilot above waited for word about Lord Bujaja.

As a former necromancer, it weighed on Sylvos that the pilot's words were the beginnings of a powerful curse. Something that no simple parrapton pilot would know. If he had been able to finish it ... it would have been very bad.

Ted Peterson

Daruhn Castle, Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind

Dres Obael went looking for Loranna. He had danced quite enough with the Harvest Princess, who may have looked like the sweetest, gentlest damsel, but was a farm girl with hands that were used to manual labor. He was black and blue from being manhandled.

'Would you care to dance?’ he asked Loranna. ‘Gently, if possible?’

The music from the bards on stage was stately and slow.

Ted Peterson

Dres Obael took her hand, and they began to dance.

'I don't know what you mean by that,' he laughed. 'But you are used to clever people who understand your references. I'm afraid I'm just a stupid nobleman with more money than brains. I tried to find Kethiah, by the way, to ask her to come and look at the glyphs in the castle, but she had already checked herself out of the tavern.'

He was very good dancer.

Ted Peterson

‘I think we might be leaving tomorrow,’ said Dres Obael. ‘Minsero seemed impressed, in his own way, with how the farms are run around here … But he has one last question for you. I think he’ll ask you about Sylvos. The question in his mind is whether you two intend to get married, and if the Dres land will pass to the children of Khajiit and Nords …’

Ted Peterson

'Well, he will not be surprised,' Obael said. 'I would like to come back, though ... I think we can still learn a lot about how to rule Bodrom Mora from observing the ways of Ald Ra'athim. And you should visit us. We are down south, but right on the border to Cyrodiil. Quite a lot of history in our land, and not all of it bad.'

The song had ended, but Obael still held Loranna, 'I must say you are beautiful. Sylvos is very lucky to have you.'

Ted Peterson

'Well,' said Obael, smiling and letting her go. 'I thought it should be said.'

He took a step backwards, and was immediately grabbed back up by the ravenous Harvest Princess.

Ted Peterson

Update

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, continues to engineer the closing of the Mages Guilds with the help of the Archmagister Hannibal Traven and King Gothryd of Daggerfall.

Bosriel, the former Void Vampire now fear-feeding vampire, is in Solunastra, still planning a boat trip to Balfiera.

The handsome Dunmer noble Dres Obael is at the Early Harvest Festival dance, being manhandled by the Harvest Princess.

Dres Vendama, Obael's beautiful twin sister and co-ruler of Bodrom Mora, is also at the dance. With her brother, she has been supporting the idea of a Dres territory – like Ald Ra'athim – free of slavery, so that they can do the same to their land.

Dres Minsero, the traditionalist, powerful senior council member of the Dres Council, the mer Loranna has most to impress, has gone to bed.

Kethiah, the assassin, likely responsible for the accidents that befell a Mages Guild alchemist and a parrapton rider at today’s Early Harvest Festival is … somewhere …

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim -- The Cellar

The dungeons of Ald Ra'athim had been the centerpiece for many horrors in the days of Dres Raithmat and before, but since the era of Raithmat’s more benign daughter Seresina and her heir, Loranna’s late husband Jazbet, they had largely been used as storage for the castle. The only exception to this had been the time they were used for Azurites during that time, not too very long ago.

Now they were back to being storage. Hardly anyone came down there anymore. The first chamber consisted of miscellaneous seasonal furniture and decoration, and then the wine cellar full of huge floor to ceiling vats, before the proper dungeon began.

It was dark, it was dirty, and it was filled with shadows.

Ted Peterson

The dungeons stretched on far beneath the castle on a slow decline. Cell after cell with tiny barred windows, chains, the smell of ancient pain and death trapped in the air like a memorial.

At the end of the long hall was the torture chamber. More chains, an iron maiden, rusted knives and pokers of evil design.

In the center of the room was a table with manacles where hundreds of slaves had met their end.

Kethiah lay on the table. She was not wearing a wig or another disguise. Short black hair, and a tight black catsuit.

She didn't see or hear Loranna approach.

Ted Peterson

‘Hello, Loranna,’ Kethiah smiled, flipping over on the table into a crouched position. ‘Here are my hands. I have no weapons on me. But I can’t be arrested. I’ll either have to escape, kill you, or kill myself. That’s just my code, my dear. Nothing personal.’

It was hard to tell if the absorb fatigue spell was working. Kethiah stayed in her crouched position on the table, her hands in front of her, steady. Her eyes did not leave Loranna's, and her smile was not unpleasant.

Ted Peterson

"I would love to, but that would be highly unprofessional," said Kethiah, not moving, keeping her eyes locked onto Loranna’s. "If I explained why those two not-entirely-upstanding members of your society had to die, and die quickly, with no panic, no obvious signs of foul play … That would reveal who my employer is, and that is something I make it a point to never reveal. I can, however, assure you that I am done for now in Ald Ra'athim … if that is any consolation."

Ted Peterson

"No writs," said Kethiah, slowly standing up on the table, her hands still open and in front of her. "These were not sanctioned assassinations. What need does one have for writs in planned accidents? Trust me on this. The only people who would care about the deaths in Ald Ra'athim today are very, very bad people."

Kethiah took a step forward on the table towards Loranna. "I do not know you well, Loranna, but I knew and loved your husband. I would not spill a drop of your blood for any reason but my code. Do not force me into a corner."

Ted Peterson

‘I needed to stay close by to make certain that the deaths were properly recorded as accidents,’ said Kethiah, jumping down to the floor. ‘Until just now, for example, I didn’t know that Lord Whatshisname’s body had been found … And then, of course, there was that ridiculously stupid slip-up in the alchemy laboratory with Shaka … And you finding me in here, which I thought was a very clever place to hole up in the thick of things … I’m afraid I’m getting too old for this. Too many mistakes …’

Kethiah leans against the table casually. ‘What is your question, Loranna? I’ll answer it if I can.’

Ted Peterson

‘Of course,’ Kethiah grinned. ‘Lead the way, I’ll do what I can.’

Ted Peterson

Kethiah was gone in the morning, Loranna did not know when or how she left, but there was a note.

L,

Glad we didn’t have to resort to blood. As a matter of fact, I much prefer gardening to killing, but you should see how bad I am at that. If you ever need to reach me, everyone in Vas in northern Vvardenfelll knows my name.

Please give my apologies to Shaka. I would have loved to have met him again when I’m not on a business trip.

K

Dres Minsero was at the beach, completing his morning swim.

Dres Vendama was at breakfast.

Dres Obael was in his bed. So was the Harvest Princess.

Ted Peterson

Vendama had eaten everything on her plate, which surprised her. ‘I must have danced too much and eaten too little last night,’ she was saying to herself when Loranna and Shaka came into the dining room.

‘Good morning, Loranna,’ said Vendama. ‘And to you, good sir, whose name I never got … And whom I hoped to see at the dance last night, but did not … Loranna, my dear, you should grab some food and get down to the beach. Minsero is most anxious to talk to you. I will happily entertain …’ Her eyebrows raised, waiting for the Argonian’s name.

Ted Peterson

The old Dres nobleman sat on a rock – the same rock Sylvos sat on to play his flute – looking out to the bay. He looked in Loranna’s direction with a rather blank, noncommital expression as she came down the path.

"Ah, Loranna," Dres Minsero said. "I hope you had a pleasant Early Harvest Festival as I did. Now, before I go off on a rant, I thought you might have questions for me. I know I am gruff, but I want to hear your thoughts about the last couple of days … really, anything you’d like to say to me …’

Ted Peterson

‘I’m sorry I won’t be able to stay long enough to hear all your flattery, Sera Shaka,’ smiled Vendama. ‘We are supposed to leave today. What are your future plans?’

Ted Peterson

Minsero actually smiled. 'That was not a question, Loranna ... But you have deflated my rant. It will be difficult to be gruff with you now.'

Ted Peterson

‘Did you know,’ said Dres Minsero, looking into Loranna’s eyes carefully. ‘That your late husband Jazbet saved my life? No, do not try to deny that knowledge. I am an old man, but I know people’s eyes … I say this not because I feel I owe you for your husband’s actions, but because I am impressed that you did not try to use that knowledge to influence me. You did it on your own … for better or for worse. I think many Dres born and bred would not have been so noble and brave, they would have taken advantage.’

Ted Peterson

‘I am an old man, and perhaps sometimes too stuck in the past, too concerned with tradition. But, like I said, I am still not blind. I did not come here as your enemy, but I know I seemed so. I have used these old eyes, and I know that Ald Ra'athim has been a success with your vision and Jazbet’s vision too. I have many concerns still …

I do not think you are well-suited to leadership, but for that matter, I do not think Jazbet was either. You will make difficult decisions, I think, but you will make them too slowly, and you will listen to your heart too much, and your head too little … I think you are too easily distracted and too easily overwhelmed …

I think your relationship with this Slyvos confuses your subjects … They do not know whether he is to be your consort or their ruler as well, and his resemblance to Jazbet makes many of them uneasy, something they may not have told you, but it is the truth – you can ask Kallen if you do not want to take my word on that. He is a good lad, very loyal to you, but he is honest as well.

I think you are too seldom here, observing life in your land, making laws, settling disputes …

I think you are brave, and I admire that in you. I think you have good insights. I think you care about your people.

I think you have power, and you have powerful friends, but I do not know what you intend to do with that power … because I do not think you know yourself. That is chiefly what concerns me.

I do not know yet what I will say to the Council about the future of Ald Ra'athim. But I will address you henceforth as Dres Loranna.’

Dres Minsero smiled again. ‘Others will follow. Some, like me, stuck by tradition, wanting to see what your intentions are. Others, like Obael and Vendama, looking to new ways … Your future is not certain, but I would say you’ve avoided desolation at least at the hands of House Dres for now.’

Ted Peterson

Early in the afternoon, Dres Minsero, Dres Obael, Dres Vendama, and a couple dozen of their servants set sail for the south.

As a parting gift, Obael left Loranna with one of his slaves, now freed but in Loranna’s employ, a Dunmer pastry chef named Thianas, who, he said, could make delicious sweetrolls. Thianas was middle-aged and quite fat, and he and Razbiah had flirted quite a bit during their stay and even shared a dance during the Early Harvest Festival. She thought him a terrible influence, and would never let him share the power of the kitchen, but she had to admit, after licking the sweet sticky honey sauce from his fingers, that he could make an occasional dessert. For special occasions.

Obael also left the Harvest Princess with a beautiful coral necklace and a broken heart.

Vendama left Loranna with her silver gray gown she had worn at the Harvest ball. She had sent it to one of Ald Ra'athim’s tailors to have it altered, since she was slightly taller and had slightly smaller breasts than Loranna. It would suit the Lady of Ald Ra'athim’s coloring and figure, she said, better than it would suit the Lady of Bodrom Mora’s.

Vendama also left Shaka with a kiss. And a wish of good luck in his future.

Minsero left Loranna the deed to a townhouse in Kragenmoor, the Dres stronghold and seat of the senior Council in southern Morrowind. He told it would be fully staffed with three servants, not slaves, two housekeepers/cooks and a major domo, in case she ever needed to appear before the Grand Council.

Ted Peterson

The sky was blue as a sapphire, not a cloud for miles.

Ted Peterson

"Where are we heading again?" asked the captain, a middle-aged, thin Dunmer with wild hair and a slight limp. "Down the Inner Sea to Ald Horroth, then upriver to Bodrom Mora, yes?"

Ted Peterson

"Ah, yes," said the captain, reviewing his charts. "I’m sorry, milady. Hate to make you nervous, but I had my schedule confused. Well, all aboard."

The captain directed everyone aboard the ship, nodding apologetically towards the Lady of Daruhn.

"Hurry now. There was a storm off to the south. Don’t want to be caught in that."

Ted Peterson

'Oh, ladies toss blood all the time,' the captain said nonchalantly, steering the boat out beyond the breakers that marked the mangrove swamps of Ald Ra'athim. 'That just means they ain't pregnant.'

Ted Peterson

Dagon Fel

There was a chill in the night air as the figure in the dark cloak stepped off the boat onto the dock. She shivered, and clutched at her arm. The wound she had suffered would not heal by magicka, only time. That was the nature of the spell.

All the woman wanted to do was to go back to her home in Vas, and tend to her garden. Dagon Fel was on the way, though, and she had business.

At the End Of The World tavern, she was to meet her contact, the girl who had paid her for the job. A much tougher job that one would have expected from the simple tavern girl, but, of course, she was not. She was a necromancer and a Telvanni mage, as was the target.

The cloaked figure saw her the moment she stepped into the tavern, and then the figure saw Shaka.

At least this time, he hadn’t surprised her.

The tavern girl had been laughing at something that the other Argonian, another person she recognized, Falco, was saying. The girl, the Telvanni posing as a tavern girl, Merlys, looked in her direction, and the cloaked figure raised her hood and put her finger to her lips. Silence.

Kethiah slid up behind Shaka, and he could feel something sharp at his back.

‘Are you following me, Argonian?’ she hissed, without a hint of friendliness.

The tavernkeeper quietly stepped into the backroom. Some things he was better off not seeing.

Ted Peterson

Shaka felt the blade move away from his back. Kethiah slipped it back into the folds of her cloak, but he knew she could draw it faster than the fastest spell.

‘You nearly fouled up my assignment in Ald Ra'athim,’ she said, stepping next to him, and giving a polite nod to Falco who was continuing his tale, unaware. ‘Why should I help you, old friend?’

Ted Peterson

After noticing Shaka looking at her, Merlys, the bar maid, gave Falco a kiss at an appropriate pause in his tale.

'That's priceless,' she giggled. 'I hope you're around tomorrow when I'm not so tired.'

The innocent smile never leaving her face, she went off to her room, not looking in the direction of Shaka and Kethiah.

Once out of sight, her expression changed. She did not know how Kethiah knew these men, but she could not have her identity compromised. Their business transaction would have to wait until the assassin had dealt with them, however she deemed best.

Ted Peterson

The next morning, Merlys and Kethiah were both gone.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn

Kallen was told there was a visitor, but was told nothing more. To his surprise when he entered the Great Hall, there stood a man in the heavy red armor that marked him as a member of the Royal Guard of Morrowind.

“Greetings, sera,” said Kallen, bowing. “I am Kallen, seneschal to Sera Dres Loranna.”

The guard nodded, and returned the bow. He handed Kallen a single slip of paper, folded, and bound by the seal of the King of Morrowind. “For her ladyship.”

“Should I call for her?” asked Kallen, his face stony, unflappable.

“That won’t be necessary. Just be sure she reads it.”

The guard refused food or drink, and was desirous to return to Mournhold immediately, so Kallen escorted him to the docks, and then with surprising lack of calm, the young Dunmer ran back to the castle to find his lady.

Ted Peterson

The Kitchens of Castle Daruhn

Razbiah stared in wonderment and horror at the parchment. It wasn’t possible. It was unnatural. It was obscene.

‘This is wrong,’ she said to Thianas.

He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, and returned to work. ‘I know a bit of magicka which will keep it all together.’

Razbiah frowned, though she shouldn’t be angry with Thianas. Everyone else, yes, but not him. Perhaps she had a little crush on her old lord and master, Jazbet, but that was not real. This was. If only she had the words.

The only one that came to mind, as she returned to the simple, wholesome, healthy food she was preparing was, ‘One can’t make a cake with twenty-eight layers, each one wider than the last. It will fall over.’

‘Watch me,’ the Dunmer pastry chef said with a wink.

Ted Peterson

Tel Dresori, Morrowind

Dres Minsero addressed his army. They were to be given full commissions for service, even more generous that than had anticipated. The time had come, he said, to reduce the army down to a personal guard, merely enough for defense. It was a good thing, he emphasized. Proof of peace.

Barenziah, dowager queen and now regent of Morrowind, did not stand with him, but listened. She smiled, as he left his army and came to her. He thought, as he saw her, sitting alone and guardless on a little bench in his garden, that she was still beautiful. Her hair had turned silver in recent years, and her face was a tissue of lines, but still she had wise but flirtatious eyes and … that smile …

He was still angry, but they spoke as friends. They never spoke of blackmail.

"How far is it to Ald Ra'athim?" she asked, though he knew she knew.

"A few days," he replied. "You intend to visit Dres Loranna?"

"Yes. Do you have an opinion of her?"

"Oh, yes," Dres Minsero nodded. "But I would not want you to prejudge her."

Barenziah laughed, and made her way to her boat.

Minsero began his letter to Loranna. If he used his fastest courier to transport it, it might get there before Barenziah. He hoped so.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Barge was quite unmistakable on the Inner Sea. A slim, black hulled boat with mithril accents that reflect the blue of the water, its sails were vast and as light as it was, it almost seemed to fly over the waves.

It could be seen from the topmost tower of the castle, and would clearly be arriving within an hour or two.

The castle was alive with activity, every surface being scrubbed and buffed while the kitchen staff prepared the feasts. Razbiah stole glances at the cake in the pantry. It was like a totem of a foreign God, impressive and heretical.

Ted Peterson

The crowd on the dock cheered as a bright white figure stepped on onto the deck on the ship and waved to them. The Queen Mother was wearing a white gown and a matching white cloak that whipped around her in the wind, so she seemed to be a spirit, not flesh and blood at all. The white was a marked contrast with the dark flesh of her face, and the severe, formal style of her silver hair.

As the ship drew closer, all could see that Barenziah was actually laughing as the ship came into the docks. She turned the laugh into a more dignified smile, but her eyes still held the shine of a private joke.

The red-armored royal guard prepared the ship for landing.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah kissed Loranna's cheek. "Lovely, lovely, my dear, thank you. I cannot wait to see everything. I haven't been back here in ... oh, I shouldn't say, but many hundreds of years ... Lead the way."

The crowd roared and applauded.

Ted Peterson

"I don't know what amusements you have planned, if any," Barenziah whispered to Loranna as they made their way through the cheering crowd toward Castle Daruhn. "But I would appreciate some time to compose myself. My barge is very comfortable, but the journey is fatiguing. And I'm obviously dressed for a crowd, not for a quiet night at the castle."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, dear lady Loranna. Oh, things haven't changed here in three hundred years, not one bit," Barenziah beamed. "It's just lovely here. I only wish this old body could keep up with me still, or I'd take a running leap right into the bay, the way I used to."

Kallen guided the Dowager Queen and her servants to her room.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah dressed for dinner in a flowing rose-colored gown. Not too formal. She even loosened some of her hair, letting silver curls drop to frame her face.

Then she stepped out onto the balcony, and began pulling at a heavy urn of flowers. Inch by inch, it began to move.

Ted Peterson

"No, my Lady, but I seen her ..." the servant girl lowered her voice to a whisper. "Climbing around the balcony, moving things around! It was most peculiar!"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah smiles at Loranna's approach. "I almost have it."

With a slight grunt, she moved the flower pot another inch.

Using a handkerchief, she wipes the dirt away from the stone beneath, revealing the letters "SY."

"I carved those there a very, very long time before you were born, when I was a foolish young queen in love," Barenziah smiled. "My little iron dagger broke before I finished his name."

Ted Peterson

"That indeed is the great advantage to being queen," Barenziah smiled. "Though my husband did scold me for it. He thought it was silly and unbecoming. And I loved him the more for being so grumpy and ridiculous. That is how it is. When you love a man, his greatest faults are the most appealing things about it ... Your lover is a Khajiit, yes?"

Ted Peterson

"I knew Jazbet, yes," smiled Barenziah fondly, taking Loranna's hand. "And I've familiarized myself with Slyvos's situation. Let's eat, and discuss these matters of the heart on a full stomach."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah smiles to the newcomers. "Pleased to meet you."

Kallen had transformed the dining room, filling it with flowers. The glass and silver gleamed in the candlelight.

The red-armored knights raised their glasses at their entrance: "Long live Helseth! Long live Barenziah! Long live Loranna! Blessings be on Morrowind!"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah raised her glass and also gave a cheer, "To freedom!"

The assembled company roared along with each toast.

Razbiah's feast began to come out. It was beautifully presented, undoubtedly with Thianas's influence. Usually, it was a symphony of grays and beiges, but not today. The taste, Loranna could tell just by looking at it, was going to be Razbiah's usual. Healthy and bland.

"I have been told," Barenziah said to Loranna after all had been seated. "That this food will make me live another 500 years."

Ted Peterson

"You're lucky in your staff, my Lady Loranna," Barenziah said, waving away her taster. "Obviously Dram keeps you safe, Kallen keeps you organized, and Razbiah keeps you healthy." Barenziah swallowed her first bite of the food. "And not too fat."

Ted Peterson

"I have not been intimately involved in imperial politics for some decades now," Barenziah replied. "My friend Ocato tells me that it is business as usual there ... and my spies concur. Why do you ask?"

Ted Peterson

Indeed, Loranna had open a few bottles of Breton wine, and the Queen Dowager and Regent Barenziah was drinking it with a great smile, once again waving away her taster whose job it was to make certain she wasn’t poisoned.

"Now, this takes me back to Eadwyre," Barenziah sighed but without regret. She chuckled. "I didn’t like it at first. I was used to flin and mazte and brandy … I would ask my stepdaughter to send me some, but then I really would need my poison tester. Actually, there is the finest, rarest wine of all in your home province, my lady. I only had it twice, first when I was very, very young, and I stole some from the Baron’s cellar. The second time, when I was with Tiber Septim."

"He was a great man, but I assumed otherwise, because I was determined not to show respect to people others revered," Barenziah smiled. "The folly and righteousness of youth. Always assuming you must know better than your elders. You are right about it exactly half the time."

Ted Peterson

"I have heard of you, Arynel," Barenziah said. "I would be honored if you would sing, if not tonight then another?"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah listened to the song, smiling sometimes, frowning others.

"Aye," the Queen Mother said at last. "Some of that is true. It is no great pleasure to have your many, many follies and rare moments of goodness immortalized in book and verse, but it is an education to hear while I’m still alive how I will be remembered. You have great talent, sir."

Ted Peterson

Thianas, carrying in the cake with two assistants, overheard the song. He paused, shaking, and murmured, "B’Vek, the Queen will have his tongue for that," before he composed himself, afraid of toppling over the multi-layered, gravity-defying cake, held just barely aloft by magic.

Ted Peterson

"I admire your bluntness," Barenziah replied, her face resolute. "He lives still, kept alive by magic and his own will, but it may not last."

Ted Peterson

Thianas bowed to the company and supervised the disassembling of his tenuously assembled cake. This was a performance as well. Each plate was given a small piece from each layer, so one assistant stood on a ladder, another on the ground, slicing. Every cut brought out a burst of sparks. On the plate, it reassembled itself, so that when eaten it was never less than perfect, only smaller and smaller.

The cake itself was the finest any assembled had ever eaten. There was no magic to its flavor, except the magic of a master chef.

Razbiah had tears in her eyes.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah leaves quickly and Thianas, after taking a few compliments, goes out after her.

"I take back what I said about your staff keeping you thin," Barenziah said, her fork still in her mouth. "If you keep this mer on your staff, and you do not go out adventuring daily, you will be the sload lady of Ald Ra'athim."

Ted Peterson

A band of minstrels began singing the old Cyrodilic ballad "The Cunning of the Gray Fox" for the assembled. It was the sort of nonsense that had a pleasant rhythm, which one could pay attention to and laugh, or one could talk through and not disturb anyone.

Barenziah took the opportunity to ask Loranna: "Have you heard from Dres Minsero lately?"

Ted Peterson

Thianas's apprentices were quick to bring more plates to people who demanded more cake, which was the large majority of those assembled. Particularly those who began their first forkful with the words, "Well, just a bite ..."

Ted Peterson

"I visited him just before I came here, and convinced him to stand down his army. I thought he might have mentioned that in the letter. I think it's perfectly reasonable to have a local guard for defense like you have, my lady. But having each member of each house having an army capable of invasion ... it's Dunmer culture, but it's what keeps us divided. I managed to get Minsero to see that, but it took some effort."

Ted Peterson

"It did. He is, as you say, a good Dunmer, and wants the best for his people. So do I, but I also want what's best for his neighbors, and his enemies. Statecraft more often than not is about two good people fighting," Barenziah took a thoughtful bite of her cake. "I never wanted to rule. Did you?"

Ted Peterson

"I wouldn't deny the trappings of royalty are very pleasant. I would not have palaces, fine clothes, and a meal such as I had here tonight if I were still Berry the Dunmer thief," Barenziah smiled. "And the responsibilities can be so tedious. It took me some time to find my vision and my methods. I think you are closer than I was, so early in your reign. I know you have had some experiences with my son Helseth and my step-daughter Elysana. They're both effective rulers in their own ways. And their ways are very different, though perhaps it takes a mother's eyes to discern it."

Ted Peterson

"Hard to summarize," Barenziah took the last bite of her cake. "They respond very differently to threats imagined and real. They are different kinds of diplomats. In truth, it may not be that they are so very different as their kingdoms are so very different. Elysana's is smaller but more stable, so her goal has been to expand it. Helseth's is large but conflicted, and his goal has been to unite it under himself. While he is ill, I have taken his goal and made it my own."

Ted Peterson

"Some success, but balancing power requires total success," Barenziah nodded. "I thank you for a lovely evening, my lady. I'm afraid I must retire for the night. It's been a long journey."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah stood up, and her guards stood up with her.

"Thank you very much for an extremely entertaining evening," the Queen Mother said. "I have not had such company in a very long time. I look forward to seeing each of you tomorrow."

With that, Barenziah and most of her guard departed. A few stayed around for thirds of cake.

Ted Peterson

A red-armored royal guard touched Tris on the shoulder. "Pardon me, sir. Her Royal Highness would like a moment of your time in her room."

Ted Peterson

The guard knocked on Barenziah's door, and when she said, "Come in," he escorted Tris inside, and closed the door behind him.

"Pardon me for taking you away from the others, but you must be related to Sternhart," said the Queen Mother. "Unless I'm much mistaken."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, by Kynareth, lad," Barenziah laughed very hard, and took a moment to compose herself. "Forgive me. You may not know this, but your father helped finance my daughter's dowry to the King of Firsthold. And when I saw you, just for a moment, I thought, oh damn, now he's going to want that gold back."

"Of course, I realized my mistake at once," Barenziah continued, wiping a tear from her eye. "You're known as Mirror now, or you used to be?"

Ted Peterson

"That's where I heard about you most recently," Barenziah said. "Elysana's spymaster before the current one was a double agent for us, and told us she was looking for you. I don't feel bad about defaulting on your father's loan, I confess. He made off well-enough when Helseth and Elysana were both vying for the throne, like you said, playing one side against another. Kynareth, but you're a handsome lad."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah smiles, and touches Tris's cheek: "Has it really? What a darling thing to say, my boy. And what a pretty blush. A very pretty blush. No, I can see now, the resemblance to your father was merely superficial. If he tried to seduce me, it would have been purely a business transaction, and there would have been no blush. What are your aims, Tris?"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah's face was close. "You speak pretty words to an old woman, and you do not plan past that? There was a time, not too long again, when I had a hunger for poetry and power and the young men who create them both. I don't think I see your father in your eyes at all. I only see my own reflection."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah began to respond, and then pushed back. "No, lad. I was wrong to let you do that. It isn't wise. My hunger is out of habit ... I tasted the Breton wine tonight, and you ... should go now."

Ted Peterson

"That's something we have in common," Barenziah smiled, and kissed Tris on the forehead. She walked over to her trunks, and took out a ruby pendant in the shape of a rose. "I don't know if I'll ever return to Wayrest. You should have this."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, yes, I know about him too," Barenziah winked. "Well, the only answer is to make yourself more useful to her alive than dead, and make her realize that. Take your father's fortune, give her use of it, knowing that if you die, it will pass to his heirs less generously disposed ... I am sure that there are dozens of other possibilities ... I will give them some thought tonight."

She gave him another kiss on the forehead. "And, again, thank you for the very pretty words, my Tris."

Ted Peterson

The hidden passage in her room was just where she remembered it. Barenziah slipped in, through a series of twisting cobweb-cloaked corridors, and was in Loranna’s room in a few minutes.

Loranna was tending to a sleeping Khajiit. Must be Slyvos, the Queen Mother reasoned.

She cleared her throat as she emerged from behind the tapestry. "Sorry to disturb you, Lady. I thought we should meet in private."

Ted Peterson

"I know you quite well, Loranna," said Barenziah. "If I had any questions about you, my spies have long ago given me their unbiased report. I thought you might have questions for me, which you might've guessed I would have been less candid about answering in a room full of strangers."

Ted Peterson

"Well asked, Lady," Barenziah smiled, impressed. "To the point. I wish for Ald Ra'athim to be loyal to the throne of Morrowind, above your Empire, House, and Temple. That is not to say you wouldn't or shouldn't have alliances and understandings with them and others, but if I could have a wish from Ald Ra'athim, it would be that we could count on you to support us."

Ted Peterson

"You asked me my wish," the Queen Mother smiled. "Who among us has modest wishes? Let me be clear. I am not planning a war against the Empire, or the Houses, or the Temple, nor is my son." She spoke of Helseth always in the present tense, as if he were capable of planning anything now.

Ted Peterson

"My dear, do you need some water?" Barenziah went to get a pitcher, and passed the sleeping Slyvos. "So, this is the one I've heard about. He is very pretty. Hard to say which is the prettier -- him or Tris."

Ted Peterson

"It is grave," Barenziah said simply, looking down on Slyvos. "They have all said he is going to die. But he won't."

The Queen Mother's eyes were confident, as if, though not being a healer, she had information that they didn't.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah laughed, and then covered her mouth to avoid disturbing Slyvos. "I like to think that there is never an inappropriate time for gifts. In truth, I have an item or two I'd like to give you, but I was waiting until ... Yes, please, I would love to see your silly gift."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah looks shocked and then amused. She puts on the bracelet, admiring it against the light, before looking at Loranna curiously. "This is from you, yes? You haven't been speaking to a certain Breton they call Mirror this evening, have you?"

Ted Peterson

"Yes, of course, I'm sorry, of course it is," Barenziah kisses Loranna's cheek. "It's beautiful and personal and very thoughtful. I thought for a moment I was being made sport of, as I was earlier this evening. Forgive me for being suspicious. I look forward to a morning swim."

Ted Peterson

"That depends on you," Barenziah smiled. "I do have places to go, but I'm slightly ahead of schedule. So I can stay until you've considered my offer of an alliance, and either rejected it, or have a suggestion on what you would expect in return."

Ted Peterson

"If you answered straightaway I would be surprised and disappointed," Barenziah nodded. "I should go and get some sleep myself. It has been quite an evening, and I want to get some swimming in tomorrow ... Good night."

Barenziah went back to the tapestry to take the secret passage back to her room.

Ted Peterson

Early the next morning, Barenziah and most of her guard were gone from the castle. Visitors to the beach below the castle would be greeted by a row of red-armored royal guardsman standing with their backs to the water, while the Queen Mother enjoyed her first swim in the waters of Ald Ra'athim in two hundred years.

After an hour, one of the knights turned around with a sigh and, casting a spell, walked across the water's surface to where Barenziah was swimming.

"Do you think you'll be much longer?" he said, taking off his helmet. He was a handsome young Dunmer with red-gold hair. "Some of us haven't had breakfast yet."

"Such insolence," the Queen Mother chuckled. "You should get up earlier and complain less. It seems we will be here for another day or two."

"I see."

"Have you made up your mind, Goran?"

"Oh, yes," the young knight smiled. "Yes."

Barenziah swam back to the beach, got dressed, and returned to the castle for breakfast.

Ted Peterson

"Good morning, Isidor," said the Queen Mother as she and her men took their seats and were waited on by the fast-on-their-feet servants. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Ted Peterson

"I am sorry to hear that," Barenziah frowned. "Nothing too serious I hope."

Ted Peterson

One of the red-armored royal guards, a young Dunmer lad, probably a teenager, with handsome features and red-blond hair walked over to Loranna and the rest of the company and said, "I should have introduced myself earlier, my Lady Dres Loranna Pyrel. My name is --"

He paused a moment, swallowing, as if trying to remember his name. Barenziah burst out laughing.

"Goranthir," the young knight said, trying not to pay attention to the Queen Mother, who was trying to cover up her giggles with a napkin.

Ted Peterson

"Oh dear, that's terrible," Barenziah, putting down her napkin, ceasing her giggles. She looked at him curiously. "Are you a prophet?"

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, milady," he said. His accent was unusual. Though he was clearly a Dunmer, he was obviously not from anyplace in Morrowind Loranna had been.

Goranthir's eyes narrowed slightly as they darted to the conversation Barenziah was having with Isidor.

Ted Peterson

"I cannot allay your gut feelings," Barenziah shook her head.

"Barenziah has done more to protect this land over the last five hundred years than anyone," Goranthir growled. "You say you mean no offense, but you are being offensive, sir. Did you know that she is a Ra'athim? This land is named for her family!"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah touched the young man's hand, and he sat down. His eyes were angry but his mouth was shut.

Ted Peterson

"I am taking a tour over the entire kingdom," replied Barenziah. "I think attention will be equally split throughout. And I shant' be here for very much long. Another day or two at most."

Ted Peterson

"Is that his way of saying he was wrong without an apology?" Garanthir whispered. Barenziah touched his hand, and shook her head.

Ted Peterson

"I apologize if I insulted your guest," Garanthir said to Loranna, his head bowed. "I too am perhaps too forthright."

Ted Peterson

"No, that sounds delightful," said Barenziah. "And I'd also like to see the parrapton pen. Maybe take a ride for old times' sake."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah laughs. "I didn't get this old without knowing when it was time to have some fun."

Ted Peterson

"Once again, your guests insult me by being wittier than myself," Barenziah laughed, looking at Loranna. Back to Arynel, she said. "Besides, it's strategic. I can't stay in here all day when people need to talk about me behind my back."

Now it was Goranthir's turn to laugh into his napkin.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir bowed to Anya. "Goranthir of the Royal Guard at your service, milady. I am sorry you're feeling poorly."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiles back, and then looked away. It wouldn't do to be too flirtatious, not here and now, he told himself.

Ted Peterson

Update:

The Void Vampire Bosriel and the black orc Void Ranger assassin Leseth are en route to Morrowind to spy on Loranna and Helseth (after a brief trip to the Wrothgarian Mountains to check on the preparations for setting Bosriel free from the Void).

The Queen of Wayrest Elysana is in Cyrodiil, about to continue her voyage to Morrowind with her fleet.

Her spymaster Ryvad Castellian is in Wayrest, finding all sorts of spies and double agents and reporting their activities to his liege. He has just found one very high up in court named Tirin.

Sheogorath is watching all, after unsuccessfully trying to tempt the crippled Tris with a new foot (disappointing since the replacement would have had very handsome toes).

Ted Peterson

The Void

The structures in the Wrothgarian Mountains had been an impressive sight indeed. It was obvious that the Queen of Wayrest was keeping her promise to Bosriel, the Void Vampire. Soon they would be completed. Soon she would be free. If Elysana didn’t learn the truth about Ciel and Tris, and the mercy that had been shown them.

Now Leseth and Bosriel were in the east.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel was always hungry. She had fed just a few hours before on the blood of a child in Skyrim she had lured from his bed by telekinetically sliding his favorite toy into the corner of his room where she could reach him. But still she wrinkled her nose as she smelled the scene she was witnessing.

‘There is some blood here I would not drink,’ she said to Leseth.

Ted Peterson

Though one of the Ordinators seemed to be curiously bloodless, like a hollow husk.

Ted Peterson

'The innocence of the children,' smiled Bosriel, her lips red with the blood of the Ordinator. She turned to Leseth, 'We are only to watch, yes?'

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel giggled and shook her head.

She floated around and below the crowds, to look into the faces and forms of those assembled. They were warriors all, many encased in armor, but still there was exposed flesh, fair and dark, young and old, male and female, man and mer. Most were well-muscled, and the blood pumped strongly through the veins as they fought or prepared to fight.

The little girl, the Void Vampire, was sated, but she was floating in a sea of the senses, and it was all she could do to watch, and be good.

When the children appeared, she tore them to pieces.

Ted Peterson

The Void

The little Void Vampire floated in darkness, her dress dripping with the blood of the children. Her face was red as well for she had feasted with passion.

With a thought, she sent the blood flying off into the Void in millions of particles, so she looked like a red sun bursting. Her simple white dress and her face were clean again.

‘When the King hears about this, won’t he be mad?’ she asked Leseth.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel nodded. She was looking into the face of Liris.

‘We can wait ‘til this one's alone too,’ she said, and then followed Leseth through the Void towards Helseth’s palace in Mournhold.

Ted Peterson

Western Mountains, Morrowind

The small fleet of the Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, slipped through the narrow mountain channels in a slow, careful approach. Though she had been assured by her spymaster that this part of her stepbrother’s kingdom was underpopulated and unguarded, she took the precaution of lowering the standard of the red rose. No reason to announce her presence until she was ready.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, is in the herb garden at the castle, having received a very generous diplomatic offer from Tris, is kissing him.

Goranthir, her grandson, son of Queen Morgiah and King Reman of Firsthold, a 16-year-old natural animal speaker and wannabe adventurer, is on the beach.

Her captain of the guards is at an archery competition with Anya.

Ted Peterson

"We should always have unanswered questions between us," Barenziah smiled.

Ted Peterson

"Balryn, my lady," the captain smiled, bowing low. "Always at your service."

Ted Peterson

"And I won't tell you all my five hundred years of secrets, because I don't know if I remember them all," Barenziah smiled, opening her eyes after Tris had finished kissing her eyelids. "I did think of something I can do for you, regarding my stepdaughter and her designs against you and your Ciel."

Ted Peterson

"Perhaps over drinks at the tavern?" Balryn said, holding out his arm.

Ted Peterson

"Elysana simply does not believe in forgiveness," Barenziah nodded. "That is a closed avenue to her. But in her own way, she is a simple creature. Let me do some investigating of my own, and I will tell you what I intend to do before I do it. That I promise."

Ted Peterson

The tavern was quite busy with Reichi, Arynel, and Ahjaar, as well as several of the locals. The royal guard did not frequent the tavern, though some were assigned positions along the docks.

Balryn drew up seats for them, and ordered himself a flin, "And whatever the lady's having."

Ted Peterson

"I don't know if I can do that," Barenziah said, raising her hand, and then laughed. "Though I do like it when you blush. I'm afraid as generous as you've been, I have one more favor to ask of you, but hopefully it will benefit both of us. It's about my grandson Goranthir. Goran."

Ted Peterson

Balryn returned Anya's playful smile with a flirtatious grin of his own. He certainly wasn't pretty, like Goranthir and Tris. His nose was slightly bent from being broken. There was a scar across his forehead. It gave him a rough kind of charm.

"I think I was good at what I do," he laughed. "And so I became the captain of the guard. How long have you been practicing archery?"

Ted Peterson

"He wishes to be an adventurer," Barenziah said. "His mother and father are, of course, quite against it. I was as well. But the truth is that he may never assume a throne. Reman has a younger brother who is next in succession in Firsthold, and Helseth may yet have children. So, he should do what he can to be happy and learn how to earn a living for himself. If he does inherit one of the kingdoms, it will still be invaluable experience -- more valuable I think that the arts of statecraft I taught Helseth and Morgiah -- to know what life is truly like outside the palaces.

"I think he can be a useful ally to you, once he has more experience. Would you consider bringing him with you, and helping him become the kind of man he wants to be?"

Ted Peterson

"Helseth hasn't married," Barenziah smiled. "Because it does not suit him to. If he marries the daughter of one of the Houses, it will alienate the other Houses. If he marries an outlander, he will be perceived as even more of an outlander than ever. There is no good strategic reason for him having a wife now, at least until there is an intelligent alliance to be had ..."

She paused for a moment, considering Tris's second statement, and the smile left her face.

"Discussing the possible death of any member of my family, even hypothetically, is not very pleasant," Barenziah said, looking Tris in the eyes. "Life in the palace, however, is not as safe as it may seem on the outside. We could hide him away behind thick walls, and he would still be the target for an assassin. Away from Firsthold, however, he is completely unknown. I would not burden you with him if I thought it would be too great to bear. On his own, though, at fifteen, after a completely spoiled life in Reman's court, he ran away, and travelled penniless across the continent. I think he has more survival instinct in him that it would seem."

Ted Peterson

"He wouldn't want to be called Prince or treated as one," Barenziah smiled. "I told you, he only wants to be an adventurer. The only enemies he has are all in Firsthold. And there, yes, there are plenty, and he would be easily recognized."

Ted Peterson

"Three weeks," the captain groaned. "I need another drink."

After he had drained that, he sighed. "Well, I fought in the Blue Dawn, that was pretty exciting ..."

He goes on to tell tales of great heroism, but in a modest fashion suggesting they are more or less true.

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I misunderstood what you feared," Barenziah laughed. "Morgiah and Reman have trusted Goranthir's life and education to me. I will simply tell them that I found a responsible, cautious, and wise old tutor to guide him gently into the ways of adventuring. If ..." Barenziah's smile melted away again. "If something happens to him, you and your company will have nothing to fear. But I would destroy whoever harms him before my daughter and son-in-law even have a chance."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah took his arm and then stopped. "Perhaps it would be better if you talked to your compatriots without me being there. I trust you to be honest with me about your concerns ... but if there was any objection to him joining, I'd rather have that settled before telling him. I'd hate to break his heart ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was in the center of a group of two dozen farmers, armed with swords they had left over from the Blue Dawn, who in turn were surrounding six alit. The beasts were staring dumbly at the peasants, their mouths opening and closing as if tasting the air.

"They’re been preying on our guar," one of the peasants snarled.

"I told them they mustn’t do that," Goranthir said calmly. "They don’t like the flavor. They’d rather be in the woods, eating scribs, but they’ve been chased out by all the Nords who are settling that area."

"Blaming the Nords, are you?"

"No, no, not at all, there’s room for all," Goranthir shook his head. "Here’s what I suggest --"

"Here’s what I suggest -- !" cried the peasant, lunging at the nearest Alit with his sword.

Goranthir began the long walk back up the castle, spattered in blood. The Alit had not even fought back. They had trusted him.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir decided he couldn't very well go into the castle in his current blood-soaked state, so he snuck down to the water's edge to rinse himself off. There was the girl he saw earlier ...

He made a run past her and jumped into the bay, hoping she wouldn't see all the blood.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked up from the water, and saw that she wasn't paying any attention. That was good.

He took off his tunic and scrubbed at in the water. The blood bloomed up in the water like a flower. When he was satisfied that it was white again, he trudged back up to the beach and laid it out on a rock to dry.

Barechested, he stood on the beach, waiting, and finally deciding it was ridiculous to pretend there was no one else there, he approached Ahjaar.

'Hello again,' he said. 'What do you have there?'

Ted Peterson

'It's pretty,' Goranthir nodded. 'It looks like it might be magic. Did you just find it? You could take it to the Mages Guild in Ald Ra'athim to see what it does.'

Ted Peterson

"You should be careful," said Goranthir, adopting the tone of a seasoned adventurer, which he clearly was not. "It could be cursed … Do you know how to detect enchantment in things like this?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was impressed.

"Do you think the spells are dispelled? Or absorbed into the wearer?"

Ted Peterson

‘Shall we go?’ Goranthir held out his arm for her.

Ted Peterson

'Unofficially,' said Goranthir. 'I'm actually her grandson. She lets me wear the uniform, and, of course, I would protect her with my life ... but that's not really my job. How long have you been an adventurer?'

He spoke the last word with reverence.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, ‘No, don’t be sorry. I’ve been treated like a prince my whole life. If I wanted that, I’d still be at home.’

He looked at the amulet carefully. ‘I don’t know, but you’re right, it is old. There are Chimeri markings on it. So it dates back to the First Era, at least.’

Ted Peterson

'We're with the Queen Mother,' said Goranthir. 'She needs to have this amulet examined with all haste.'

He winked at Ahjaar. As the woman hurried off, he whispered to her, 'I have to run off, but tell her to bill Barenziah for the examination. And let me know what they find.'

The young Dunmer, his wet red-gold hair beginning to dry, left the Mages Guild to return to the beach and his dry tunic.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stepped into the back of the room, out of breath. His tunic was untied and still spattered with blood. Embarrassed, he tried to tie it up and hold his arms in front of the stains while he listened.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled when he saw Tris, and still holding his arms crossed over his chest to block the blood stains, asked, "How many slavers are there, do we know?"

Ted Peterson

"You know them?" Goranthir asked. "What are their capabilities? Are they warriors all, or mages as well? Any other allies we should know about?"

Ted Peterson

"And at least one powerful sorceror, apparently," Goranthir added.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed. "I -- don't know if I will -- " He cleared his throat, "I have some business I need to finish. Tell me when the ship is leaving and I'll be on it."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Barenziah, the Queen Mother and current Regent ruler of Morrowind, is in Ald Ra'athim, with a proposal of an alliance with the kingdom. Her son, Helseth, lies dying back in Mournhold.

Goranthir, one of her guards and (unbeknownst to most) her grandson, is a handsome 16-year-old natural ranger, able to speak with all manners of animals. He is currently in Loranna's room, trying to keep the blood stains on his shirt from being seen.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked from Tris to Loranna, and licked his lips like he was going to give a long plea, but all that came out was: "Please?"

Ted Peterson

"I wasn't thinking ... that ... um ..." Goranthir stammered.

Ted Peterson

Before Loranna had finished, Goranthir dropped on on knee to kiss her hand.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked down, and his eyes turned sad though the smile remained on his face. "You were having a problem with alit eating your ranchers' guar, and I tried to take care of it. I was just trying to get them together so there could be some kind of a compromise ... but the ranchers weren't really interested in that. They killed the alit. So ... I guess that's good for the guar ..."

He tried to laugh, but it wasn't authentic.

Ted Peterson

"I did, it's a good thing I didn't have a sword on me," Goranthir grimaced, and pulled open the tunic to show the sword gash across his chest. "It's not all alit blood. I don't think they were trying to hurt me -- I just kept on getting in the way. At least, until there was nothing left to try to protect."

Ted Peterson

"But they just barely scratched me," Goranthir said, tracing the red line across his dark chest. "Don't tell Barenziah. She'll think I'm a fool for interfering."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, and I won't do it anymore," Goranthir grinned, getting back to his feet. "It's sort of how we do everything in Firsthold. I'll bring you something back from Dagon Fel!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir hurried his way down to the ship. Full ebony mail, daedric dai-katana. His grandmother had dressed him for his first day adventuring.

“This is really embarrassing,” he thought to himself.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah found Tris in the corridor while he was leaving to catch the ship.

"Goranthir told me what you did for him," the Queen Mother smiled. "He worships you now, I hope you know. I just wanted to say thank you again, and to tell you while you're watching out for him, remember to watch out for yourself."

Ted Peterson

"I may not be here when you return," Barenziah smiled. "But I guarantee you that I will see you again, and again."

Her guards in attendance looked the other way as she kissed him.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked around, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's so ... horrible ..."

Dagon Fel had not felt the full brunt of the Azurite attacks or the explosion of Dagoth Ur, but it was not the prettiest of towns.

Ted Peterson

"I've been to Vivec," said Goranthir as they began the walk. "Almost a year ago, before all the ... troubles. It wasn't the friendliest town to the Queen's retinue, but I liked the canals ..."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

A servant entered. "The Queen Mother of Morrowind wishes the pleasure of your company."

Ted Peterson

The Queen was standing on the cliffs overlooking the bay. At Loranna's approach, she laughed, "I would have come to you, my dear. But it is a lovely day. So much nicer to discuss things with a view over the land we hope to protect."

Ted Peterson

"My grandson Goranthir is much taken with you, and your battles," Barenziah smiled, the wind from the sea stroking her silver hair. "If I ever wished to make you an enemy, I would be making an enemy of him. It appears I've lost the ability to negotiate terms of an alliance altogether."

Ted Peterson

"It is good you are so cautious," Barenziah nodded. "Simply let me know when you are ready to say for certain. I am happy to stay here. Do you know I accepted Symmachus's marriage proposal right on this cliff? Both Plitinius Mero and Stern Gamboge got that wrong in their biographies of me. I always thought that funny, but I never thought to correct them ..."

Ted Peterson

"The objections I've faced so far in my discussions with others probably don't apply to you," Barenziah said. "Morrowind is an ancient land with ancient grudges, and I cannot ease them all with a few sweet words. But my aim is to make a single, strong, central authority in Morrowind, to end the small civil wars that have been plaguing and impoverishing the land for millenia. Each subject realm should be powerful enough to protect itself, but no more. The ability of the larger realms to bully and suborn their neighbors will cease."

Barenziah took a seat on a bare rock. "The larger powers-that-be do not like this, of course. But they were not friends to begin with. Some of them have already set down their arms, and others will likely fight to preserve their old priveleges. It may be that there will be a war. And if there is, it may come to Ald Ra'athim."

"If it does, as your ally, we will protect you, and ask that you help us secure your borders and support our soldiers. If you side with them, well, you would be our enemy ... "

Ted Peterson

"I certainly am," Barenziah smiled sadly. "I suspect though that the trouble will come in the south and in Vvardenfelll, not near here, but one never knows."

Ted Peterson

"We have to start somewhere," Barenziah smiled.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had been talking to a squib about hidden entrances, but the creature did not seem particularly talkative about any subject except his interest in finding something to eat.

The young ranger, when he saw the entrance open, ran to join the group, sword drawn, ready for action.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah stood up and took Loranna's hand in hers, and then embraced her. "Well said."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir gave a cry, "Free the slaves or suffer death!"

It was slightly less impressive because immediately after, he dove to the ground to avoid the darts.

But belying the heaviness of the ebony armor, he was quickly charging forward, daedric dai-katana in the ready position. Obviously, he had been trained, and trained well.

Ted Peterson

"Let us have the wine," Barenziah smiled. "I have a present for you too I had been holding back."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir parried a blow from Blade, and with a surprising move, disarmed him.

"Surrender!" he cried, with the dai-katana to his neck. Blade laughed.

Ted Peterson

"What a handy gown," Barenziah laughs, taking a glass. "Torelyr!"

One of her guards came quickly.

"Bring Lady Loranna's present," the Queen Mother said. "And have someone help you. It's heavy, and I don't want it broken."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir didn't have a moment for a witty comeback. He rolled between Blade's legs, and slashed at her from behind.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir held up his arm to deflect some of the powder, but he still backed up, sneezing. Damn it, he thought to himself, I’m doing this all wrong!

Ted Peterson

The guards carried in a large mirror. Immediately Loranna could see it had a magickal glow about it.

Barenziah, glass in hand, stood up, and put her hand to the mirror.

"Call to me," the Queen Mother said, leaving the room.

Ted Peterson

A near-invisible blast of energy, like a ripple of water, balloons forth from Goranthir's dai-kattan. It knocks both Blade and Goranthir back, head over heels.

Ted Peterson

A ghostly image of Barenziah's face appeared in the mirror. "Hello, Loranna, what may I do for you?"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah's face answered, as the Queen Mother herself returned, so their voices merged, "Anyone who places their naked hand on the mirror can be called. They have to be conscious and willing to respond. They can also call you through it. I heard that you might have use for such an item to speak with your allies in distance lands."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was on his feet before Blade was, but on Hankarlic's orders, had dropped his sword.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir kicks at his dai-katana, catching it in his hand. He eyes Blade through narrowed eyes.

Ted Peterson

"My pleasure," Barenziah smiled. "Yes, communication and information are the most valuable commodities in statecraft. I'm glad you like it."

Ted Peterson

3.1416etc.

Goranthir continues to glare at Blade, waiting to see her next move.

Ted Peterson

He makes, rather ridiculously, a squeaking nose.

A cloud of bats roars into the room, swirling around Blade and Hankarlic.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir charged for Blade the moment she and Hankarlic were attacked, hoping Ahjaar would take care of herself now that Hankarlic was distracted.

Ted Peterson

"Oh, something pleasant like love," Barenziah smiled, and began quizzing Loranna about the various men in her life. Not an interrogation, just an older woman hearing about a younger woman's love life. And she took the opportunity to ask Loranna about Tris too ...

Ted Peterson

The cloud of bats around Blade dissipated as Goranthir reached her. They were not moving out of his way -- they were merely bored. Bats were like that. Quick to move in, quick to move out.

With the cloak in the way, Goranthir didn't know where he was striking, but he threw his very best slash against Blade.

Ted Peterson

The bats left Hankarlic as well, fluttering back into the recesses of the cave from whence they came. After all, there is only so long one can be distracted from important duties, like sleep.

Ted Peterson

"We're looking for a khajiit child," said Goranthir, his dai-katana to Blade's throat. "I'm not going to ask you twice. Where is she?"

Ted Peterson

"You can stay right here," said Goranthir. "Tell us where it is."

He hadn't sweated at all during the right, but now he felt warm. He had never interrogated anyone before. Clearly this was a bad person, but he didn't like threatening a helpless adversary like this.

Ted Peterson

"But she knows the cave and we don't, Isidor," Goranthir replied. "She could lead us into a trap or to an escape route, couldn't you, darling?"

Ted Peterson

"Someone open it," Goranthir said, his eyes not leaving Blade's. "If there's a trap, your head and your body are going to have very little in common."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushes furiously. "Yes."

She needed to be thoroughly searched. She was dangerous. But she was also a beautiful woman, and he was sixteen.

"Um ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir relinquished the position, walking over to Tris. He was smiling, but it was a quiet smile.

"Well," he said to his friend, and fell still.

He was finally an adventurer, and it was better than he dreamed it would be ... and worse ...

Ted Peterson

Summary

Barenziah, legendary Queen Mother and current Regent of Mournhold, while her son King Helseth lies dying in Mournhold, is in Ald Ra'athim, having secured an alliance with Loranna. She is relaxing now, but must shortly leave from Necrom.

Goranthir, a handsome, 16-year-old natural ranger who can speak with animals – and who is, semi-secretly, Barenziah’s grandson – is with the group on the way to Sadrith Mora, having had his first taste of the adventurer’s life he has craved.

Ooc -- He’s going to be quiet for a while, since I’m going to be off-line, but he’s there.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir regaled his grandmother Barenziah with tales of adventure, describing the fight with Blade with great enthusiasm, before admitting that he did not like the end, the interrogation. She was weak then, helpless.

"Fighting a worthy adversary and besting her is satisfying," the Queen Mother agreed. "But it is not a game, Goran. Sometimes we cannot fight against an equal, but someone weaker, and sometimes considerably stronger. Is this the path that you truly want to take?"

"Aye, grandmother," Goranthir said with confidence. "It is."

"Then you have my blessings," Barenziah smiled. "I must leave today for Necrom, and then I will be going to Vvardenfelll. I will look into the new prisoners at Sadrith Mora with pride in my grandson … Would you tell Lady Loranna that I would like to say goodbye?"

Goranthir kissed his grandmother’s cheek, and went to find Loranna. Barenziah waited in the herb garden while her men began the process of loading up her barge.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir started to bow as he entered the study, and then remembered that Loranna didn't want him to do that anymore, and he made an awkward recovery.

"You must have heard all about our adventures in Vvardenfelll," the handsome young ranger smiled broadly. "My grandmother wants to see you to say goodbye."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed at the compliment, "If I could be half as brave as Tris ..."

Before they reached the herb garden, he asked, "What does Nalion have planned for us next? Do you know?"

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry to hear that," Goranthir frowned. "I was hoping it was a beginning, not an end."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Loranna carefully, trying to understand, a frown growing on his face: "And ... I'm not ready yet? I want to be considered trustworthy, but I know that takes time ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's face brightened. "Oh. Well, I want a big mission."

To Nalion, he bowed. "Good luck with your endeavors."

Ted Peterson

"The Queen Mother has asked to say goodbye to Loranna," Goranthir said. "But I have already said my goodbyes."

Ted Peterson

"I should go practice some more then," Goranthir smiled. "Even if I can't do much about luck, at least to make sure my footing is sure and blade still sharp. By your leave."

Ted Peterson

The young ranger laughed. "I suppose I can practice after."

He smiled to Loranna and instinctively gave a short bow before leaving.

Barenziah, the Queen Mother, was in the garden, tracing outlines in the dirt path with a stick. She looked up at Loranna's approach, "Hello, Lady Loranna."

Ted Peterson

“I have many more miles to travel,” the Queen smiled. “And I heartily doubt that all my meetings will be as pleasant as this one has been.”

“I was thinking about Ald Ra'athim’s defenses,” she said, turning to the markings in the dirt, which Loranna could see was an outline of Ald Ra'athim. “It seems to me that with all the new trade coming in to your port, you will need warehouses and a stockade here –“ she motioned with the stick. “At your port.”

“Your tower provides a great view of the bay, but as it is used for your study, it is likely no one will around to see any trouble. I think it would be wise to add another tower at the port with a warning bell, and then perhaps one on the western border. The highest point in the foothills of the Velothi Mountains, if you had a fifty foot tower with barracks for guards … You should have your guards put their hands on the mirror, so they can quickly let whoever’s at the castle know if they see anything amiss …”

The Queen looked up and laughed, “I’m sorry. Planning for the worst is a natural instinct to me. I don’t mean to imply you don’t have plans of your own to shore up your domain’s defenses. I just thought I could help out with plans and finances.”

Ted Peterson

"It is much different," Goranthir nodded, drinking some wine. "Much less formal, much less organized ... All good things. You are from High Rock?"

Ted Peterson

My men are loading up my barge now, but they're also removing some dead weight. Gold is so heavy, but I think your treasury can support it. If you already have more than enough to put up defenses, use it for decoration," Barenziah idly touched the area of the map where the port was indicated. "Merchants always appreciate little signs of opulence. Maybe a couple statues welcoming them into the port ..."

Barenziah laughed at herself. "As you see fit, my dear."

She embraced Loranna. "Thank you, my dear, for me, for my kingdom, and for taking in my grandson. We spoke, and he understands that though you and your friends have given him this opportunity, the rest is up to him to prove."

Ted Peterson

"I have never been to High Rock," Goranthir said. "My mother left there long before I was born. She does not remember it so fondly, but I think that was more about the court of Wayrest ... She does say it was beautiful."

Ted Peterson

Loranna notices during the embrace that Barenziah carried a rose in her hand. One that clearly did not come from the garden at Daruhn.

"Your Majesty," said the captain of the royal guards. "Sorry to intrude, but your barge is ready to sail."

Barenziah kissed Loranna's cheek, and followed her captain to the port.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, we met at breakfast a couple days ago at the castle," Goranthir smiled, and then was distracted by Nalion's conversation with the stranger. His fingers touched the handle of his dai-katana. Was this trouble?

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Nalion and nodded. He turned his attention back to Anya, but still his fingers were near the grip of his sword, and he watched the situation through the corners of his eyes.

"I'm not so shy really," he smiled. "Would you care for some wine?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir raised an eyebrow, and looked to Nalion at Diamond's suggestion that they meet outside.

Ted Peterson

"I'm also moving onward to a new life," Goranthir smiled, pouring glasses of wine all around. "Or maybe starting a life is the right word. Of course, I grew up in a royal court, and though I would never compare it to slavery, it wasn't very free either. I look forward to the open road and adventure."

Ted Peterson

"Of course, please, have some wine," Goranthir said. "We're hearing a story that is ... very strange, at least to my ears."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stared at Diamond and Nalion. "Maybe no more wine for me ... How do you mantle a ... God?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir turned to Shaka and winked. "Thank you. I also clean windows."

He turned back to hear from Nalion and Diamond.

Ted Peterson

On Diamonds departure, Goranthil also rose. "It was good sharing wine with you, my new friends, but I should go and practice."

With a smile, the young Dunmer ranger left the tavern.

Ted Peterson

There was sound of several loud footsteps behind him. Goranthir, followed by three large guar.

"Sorry to disturb you, Isidor," said Goranthir. "I was going to spar a bit with these guys. Friendly thing, of course ... Want me to find somewhere else to go?"

Ted Peterson

Seeing Reichi was there too, Goranthir gave a laugh, "I can take a hint. See you later."

The Dunmer ranger and the guar wandered off to lesser busy areas to play fight.

Ted Peterson

Earlier that morning:

"I believe she's at her leisure, Serjo Gaerington," said the guard. "Let me check."

He returned a moment later: "Yes, she would like to see you."

Barenziah smiled when she saw Tris. "I looked for you before. I was afraid that I wouldn't see you before I had to leave. Goran's on his way here to say goodbye to me."

Ted Peterson

"I recognize this," Barenziah smiled, and smelled it, her eyes closed in remembrance. "Yes, I know where this is from."

She looked Tris with surprise, but smiling. "How could you have gotten it from Wayrest to here so fresh? There is still dew on the leaves."

Ted Peterson

"I am not omniscient, though please don't tell any that," Barenziah laughed. "It is a very dear gift, Tris, thank you."

Ted Peterson

"If you are so fine a runner that you can travel from Wayrest to Ald Ra'athim, and carry back a rose that has not lost a single breadth of its scent, then I doubt any distance between us has meaning," Barenziah said, touching Tris's cheek.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah responded, dropping the rose, her dark slim hands in his hair, and then there was a footstep and the voice of one of the Queen Mother's guards discreetly clearing his throat.

"Your Majesty," he said. "Your grandson is here."

Ted Peterson

If Goranthir thought he was intruding on a romantic interlude, he did not show it. He ran into the garden with the enthusiasm of an overgrown puppy, embracing Tris, and then giving his grandmother a kiss on the cheek.

"Tris saved my life, did he tell you?" Goranthir said, and observing the expression on her face, could tell he hadn't. "Of course not. But he did. This assassin woman, Blade, had some kind of throwing knives, and Tris deflected one of them heading right for me. I could've been dead before I even saw my first enemy on my first adventure if not for him."

"That is very comforting," Barenziah frowned. "What if he is not there to protect you the next time?"

"He will be," Goranthir grinned.

Ted Peterson

"I'm very proud of you, Goran," Barenziah smiled. "Now, kiss me goodbye, for I'm leaving for Necrom very shortly. And would you be a dear and get Lady Loranna so I can say goodbye to her too?"

"Of course," Goranthir kissed his grandmother's cheek, and said. "Thank you for this opportunity. I'll keep making you proud."

"Loranna, Tris, and the others here have given you this opportunity, not I," the Queen Mother said. "It is up to you now to prove that they were wise."

Goranthir bowed before his grandmother, winked at Tris, and then ran off to fetch Loranna.

Barenziah turned to Tris: "I would say that he spoiled the moment, my dear, darling, beautiful boy, but the truth is, he didn't. Nothing could."

Ted Peterson

"Young people get bruised in life," Barenziah said with a small smile. "You have been bruised and healed. He must learn to catch himself."

Ted Peterson

"Of course," Barenziah laughed. "If I could, I would fill the world with feathers, so nothing would ever hurt someone I love. I just don't want you to think that I'm asking you to be his bodyguard, only his friend. And you are to send him back to me the moment he is too much of burden."

Cradling Tris's face in her hands, the Queen Mother raised him to her lips, kissed him tenderly, and whispered, "You should go. I have suggestions for the defense of Ald Ra'athim I want to present to Loranna, and I'm having trouble concentrating right now, looking at you."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah watched him go, smiling sadly. Despite her assurances to him, it would doubtless be some time before she was able to see the handsome young Breton again. It was a big kingdom, and there were many more places to visit before she could rest and indulge herself.

She picked up the rose from where it fell. Already the smell was slightly different. A little older. It was dying.

Barenziah picked up a stick and began drawing out a map of Ald Ra'athim in the dirt ...

OOC: Thus ends the flashback.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir guided the guar back to their farms. They weren't smart enough to find their way on their own. That was the thing about communicating with animals -- just because you could speak to them didn't make them any smarter.

The young ranger was covered from head to toe with mud and dust, and was limping slightly from a bruise to the leg when he didn't duck one of the guar's charges fast enough. He began the long walk to the castle.

Ted Peterson

"I don't know what you're talking about," said Goranthir, in clean clothes, freshly washed, but still limping. "But you mentioned healing?"

Ted Peterson

"They told me at the castle that you were here," Goranthir said, and took a seat with a slight wince at he bent his knee.

Ted Peterson

"Yes?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir answered her with a wide, excited grin. He would have extrapolated on the subject of how eager he was, but for Diamond's sudden reappearance. This time he did not go for his sword.

Ted Peterson

"Kissed by Sheogorath," Goranthir whispered.

Ted Peterson

The last sentence caused Goranthir to spit up the wine he was sipping.

He giggled, holding his hand over his mouth.

Ted Peterson

"There does seem to be a flaw in this diamond," Goranthir smiled, taking another sip of wine.

Ted Peterson

"Just a joke, I'm sorry," Goranthir frowned, contrite. "If she's been kissed by Sheogorath, it's unkind of me to jest."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded at Anya. "Makes sense."

Ted Peterson

"No offense, but you're not all right," Goranthir said, no longer smiling. "When someone who seems to be possessed, or a compulsive liar, asks me to touch a jewel so that everything will become clear ... it's just not very convincing."

Ted Peterson

"It's amazing, but it does seem to fit the facts," Goranthir nodded. "Though after five or six lies in a row, it's hard to accept anything as the truth. Are you trying to free yourself of these two, Diamond?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir pours Diamond a glass of wine, and gives her a warm smile. "No hard feelings. I didn't know."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir raises his glass: "To heroes!"

Ted Peterson

"What you were saying about people practicing fighting together," Goranthir said, holding back while Tris was whispering to Loranna. "I have a suggestion on that, if you'd like to hear it."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind; Elysana, Queen of Wayrest; Bosriel, spooky vampire child ... All will return one day ... but today belongs to:

Garonthil. Handsome teenage ranger, able to communicate with all manners of animals, and well trained and equipped for battle. He does not advertise it, but many also know that he is the nephew of King Helseth of Morrowind, son of King Reman and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold, and grandson of the legendary Queen Mother and Regent of Morrowind, Barenziah.

Ted Peterson

"We could build an arena," Goranthil continued. "Hold a Tournament Of Champions. We keep pairing up different groups, so at the end we have the eight who work best with one another."

Ted Peterson

"Yeah, I wouldn't them to be hurt. When I fight with them, I don't use a sword, I use a stick, so --"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir relaxes, and smiles again. "We could begin by fighting guar, or cliffracers, or kagouti, here. There'd be an understanding if any of the animals were hurt, the offender would automatically be rejected from the tournament and possibly punished beyond that, depending on whether it was accidental or not. It'd be a way for people to hone their skills in a pretty safe environment ..."

Goranthil thought a moment: "The tricky part is to figure out how to select the right combination of champions. You can't just say that the strongest fighter, or most powerful spellcaster is automatically in. It's about teamwork, and the right chemistry ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthil nodded. "I don't know him, but I do know that the most important member of any team is the leader. There must be someone leading the group who they all respect. You need someone who knows the dynamics well enough that he can improvise new strategies if someone gets injured, and can coordinate all the movements ..."

He laughed out loud: "I am not applying for that position!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthil grinned, and shook his head. "I think anyone who would follow a 16-year-old who has never had a practical battle experience, except one, to his name would be insane. But thank you. I hope someday I'll be as good as you think I am."

Ted Peterson

"Don't get me wrong," Goranthil took a sip of wine. He was feeling a little lightheaded, and told himself no more, don't make a fool of yourself this early on. "I want to be that leader someday. But I know I have to feel confident to do it, and I don't feel that yet ... Maybe after my second adventure ..."

Ted Peterson

"You misunderstand, Shaka," said Goranthir. "It would not be an arena battle against one another. We would fight animals, and maybe conjured creatures ... We wouldn't fight one another. We don't want bruised and beaten champions at the end."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned ear to ear that his idea was finding favor.

Ted Peterson

"You'd be surprised how tricky it is outmaneuvering three playful guar," Goranthir smiled, and rubbed his leg. "Particularly if you're trying not to hurt them. It really helps your reflexes."

Ted Peterson

"I think those are good suggestions," Goranthir chimed in enthusiastically. "And if we want a real challenge against something that's tougher, can cast spells, and really wants to kill us, I'm sure there's someone in our group -- or at least at the Mages Guild -- who can conjure up some bonewalkers or daedroths ... Temporarily, of course ..."

Ted Peterson

"I say we find our eight champions who fight best together, and then we devise a strategy based on that," said Goranthir. "If we discover our best troop is composed of mages, we'll structure our offensive around that. If they're stealthy types, we'll come up with something different. I think we shouldn't come up with a plan until we know what our resources are."

Ted Peterson

The villagers had been gathering to watch the construction of the arena, as primitive at it was, with excitement. Many had come from far from Ald Ra'athim, refugees of the Blue Dawn, and they told their neighbors about the great arena fights they had seen in Vivec, Mournhold, and Necrom. One of the peasants had even been to the Imperial City and told tales of the epic fights he had seen there.

The talk was suspended at the sound of a thunder of footsteps, like an army approaching. When ten Alit came through the trees into the cleared out arena, a woman screamed, and a man shouted, “Call the guards!”

“Yes,” Goranthir called back. “Call them, and tell them to bring their wives and children too! I like an audience!”

The battle began. One young man in ebony armor, armed with a large stick, against ten Alit.

The Alit were hammy actors. Whenever hit with the stick, they rolled in the dust, in dramatic death throes. They were less talented with their attacks. Though fearsome rushing at the young Dunmer with mouth agape, it was obvious they were holding back, trying not to hurt him.

An hour later, the audience was applauding, and Goranthir bowed, smiling, wiping the sweat and dirt from his face.

Ted Peterson

“Didn’t I tell you?” Goranthir grinned, still breathing hard. “I guess I don’t advertise it much. I can’t say it’s tremendously useful most of the time. People say they’d like to know what animals are thinking, but to tell you the truth, most of it is pretty filthy and naughty, or just dull …”

He made a light clicking sound at Lotus and laughed, “Present company excluded, of course.”

A little boy reached through the fence to touch one of the Alit, which reared back, alarmed at his approach.

“No, no, they’re dangerous, you shouldn’t touch,” Goranthir said quickly. Turning back to Anya, he added. “I wanted the peasants to accept the Alit, but … I was thinking about asking Loranna to make the eastern foothills a sanctuary for them, and other wild animals.”

Ted Peterson

"They have feelings, but that doesn't necessarily make them good, any more than all feeling people are good. And many of them eat meat as well," Goranthir laughed. "At least that's my own justification for eating whatever I like: I know the animals do too."

Goranthir gave a few growls to the Alit, and they growled back, and slumped off into the woods.

Ted Peterson

"A pre-opening bout," Goranthir laughs. As the crowd begins to dissipate, he shouts to them, "You haven't seen anything yet!"

He looked back to Loranna: "When you have a moment, I wanted to ask you what you thought about making a section of the eastern foothills into a sanctuary for the Alit and other wild creatures ..."

Ted Peterson

"Want me to call them back? Or a couple of them?" Goranthir asked, and then looked at Loranna's weaponry. "That won't hurt them, will it?"

Ted Peterson

"How many Alit do you need?" Goranthil asked. He let out a series of alarming barks, loud enough to make Loranna jump. He laughed shyly. "Sorry."

As the thunder of footsteps through the trees grew louder, he said, "I was fighting ten of them, but that was just for exercise. In reality, they would have torn me to shreds. But it's good to always have a target ..."

Ted Peterson

With growls and barks, which the handsome young ranger issued forth, fully realizing how absurd it made him look, Goranthir "spoke" to the Alit.

They moved into a circle, beady eyes narrowed, oversized mouths hanging open. Though they were but acting, it was a chilling sight.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned and moved into a position in front of Loranna. "They're not really pack creatures, you're right. But they like the game too."

Seeming as one, even before everyone had gotten into position, the Alit charged, quickly closing the distance in the arena.

"Whoa!" Goranthir shouted. "Do you want me to tell them to stop?! Everyone ready?!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir met the first alit to get close to him, Reichi, and Loranna with a swing of the axe handle. It grabbed it in its mouth, and flipped Goranthir up and over its back.

Its eyes looked to Loranna as the young ranger landed heavily on his head.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir staggered to his feet, blood streaming into his eyes, which widened at the approach of an alit charging him. He rolled under it, and ran towards Loranna to protect her.

Ted Peterson

"Aim for their legs!" Goranthir cried, using his ax handle to knock one on its back.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir ran up the back of the fallen alit and leapt onto the back of the alit that had knocked Anya down. Using his ax handle as a bridle, he pulled it back, as it tried to throw him off.

"You okay?" he cried to Anya. There was still blood on his face and in his eyes, but thanks to Loranna's spell, no wound anymore.

Ted Peterson

"I didn't know you were my leader! You should have told me before!" Goranthir called as he charged the alit he was riding into another one, knocking them both out. He ran over to join the group of fighters.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir made his usual duck and roll move to get under a charging alit and join the line of fighters, but the alit abruptly dropped on him, knocking him out.

For a moment, the alit paused, sniffing at Goranthir, making sure he wasn't dead. Satisfied its friend was fine, no worse off than the alits who had already been knocked out as part of the game, it charged toward Loranna.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir limped as he walked. Evidently, his leg was still bothering him from the day before. He washed his face with a rag from the bar.

"I can't explain it," the young ranger frowned, clearly annoyed. "I fought ten of them for an hour, and then, when the game was joined, I just fell apart. I'm so sorry."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled, but from the look in his eyes, it was evidently a compliment he felt unworthy of. "Thank you, Shaka."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's face brightened as he saw Tris, and he nodded. "Next time, though ..."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," Goranthir nodded. "That's a fair summary. Individually, each of us took out several of the alit, but we didn't work together. It was a lot like the ebony mine at Dagon Fel."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. "We should try summoning something we don't mind hurting next time. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't know how much to hold back when I'm trying not to hurt the alit. And I'd like to use a weapon that I might really use in combat -- like my dai-katana."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir got up and got some parchment and a quill from the tavernkeep, and put it on the table.

"You'd never be able to read my handwriting."

Ted Peterson

One of Queen Barenziah’s spies in Loranna’s household visited Goranthir that night in his bedroom at Castle Daruhn.

"My prince," said he or she. "There will be a great war coming soon."

"Yes, very likely, and my place with be with my new friends," Goranthir replied quickly, knowing what she/he was saying.

"What if your friends side against your grandmother?" the spy asked. "What side will you choose?"

"My own," said Goranthir, dismissing the spy. The next day he began the search for a new place to live.

A boat.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir limped as he walked. Evidently, his leg was still bothering him from the day before. He washed his face with a rag from the bar.

"I can't explain it," the young ranger frowned, clearly annoyed. "I fought ten of them for an hour, and then, when the game was joined, I just fell apart. I'm so sorry."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled, but from the look in his eyes, it was evidently a compliment he felt unworthy of. "Thank you, Shaka."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's face brightened as he saw Tris, and he nodded. "Next time, though ..."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," Goranthir nodded. "That's a fair summary. Individually, each of us took out several of the alit, but we didn't work together. It was a lot like the ebony mine at Dagon Fel."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. "We should try summoning something we don't mind hurting next time. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't know how much to hold back when I'm trying not to hurt the alit. And I'd like to use a weapon that I might really use in combat -- like my dai-katana."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir got up and got some parchment and a quill from the tavernkeep, and put it on the table.

"You'd never be able to read my handwriting."

Ted Peterson

One of Queen Barenziah’s spies in Loranna’s household visited Goranthir that night in his bedroom at Castle Daruhn.

"My prince," said he or she. "There will be a great war coming soon."

"Yes, very likely, and my place with be with my new friends," Goranthir replied quickly, knowing what she/he was saying.

"What if your friends side against your grandmother?" the spy asked. "What side will you choose?"

"My own," said Goranthir, dismissing the spy. The next day he began the search for a new place to live.

A boat.

Ted Peterson

“If you want a ship built,” said the Nord. “You go to a Nord.”

Goranthir had already surveyed the boats in the bay, and he couldn’t find any that would work for a place to live. There was one solution left, to talk to the shipbuilders. Generally, they repaired fishing skiffs and other small craft, but they were eager to try something bigger.

It would be two hundred and fifty feet long with a displacement of three thousand tons. The forecastle would be fifty feet high, well suited for archers and battlemages. Two captains’ rooms in the quarter deck, and room for seventy-five crew members below. Three masts would be the main means of propulsion, but the walls of the storage area could open up and be used to oar on windless days.

Goranthir whistled as he made his way to the Arena. The ship would be ready in a couple weeks.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir took a seat on the fence to watch the fight.

Ted Peterson

"What do you think?" Goranthil asked. "Any predictions?"

Ted Peterson

"And who do you think they are?" Goranthil asked. "Falco and Shaka?"

Ted Peterson

"I missed the beginning," Goranthir said. "What is the objective? Not simply to beat up one another?"

Ted Peterson

"I knew that," replied Goranthir, his eyes also not leaving the fight. "I meant what is the goal of this specific battle. Last team standing wins?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir cheered. "I know that guy!" he laughed.

Ted Peterson

"I don't think I can do it," Goranthil whispered. "I don't think I can hurt my friends like that, even temporarily."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir covers his eyes.

Ted Peterson

"I'll learn any other way but that," said Goranthir, jumping down from the fence and walking away.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir went to the archery range, daedric dai-katana in hand. He aimed it carefully at the target, and released the spell.

The blast of force knocked the young ranger back ten feet and caused the target to wobble. A little.

Goranthir got back to his feet and tried again.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was unaware he was being watched as over and over again, he tried to fire a blast of force from his sword to the target, and time and again, he was knocked off his feet.

He was too bruised to be able to do it much longer, but he tried one last time. The target and the rock it was on burst into mere particles.

"Now," he said out loud. "That's better. How did I do that?"

He saw Tris out of the corner of his eye, and turned around. He smiles but he didn't look happy. "Hi, Tris."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Tris carefully, trying to see what he was thinking. Then he took his hand.

Ted Peterson

"To be better?" Goranthir looked at Tris, trying to figure out what he was really being asked. "To master the tools I was lucky enough to be given?"

Ted Peterson

"I understand that, really," Goranthir replied, looking down. "I just don't know how to start. I couldn't even watch when Isidor looked like it was going to cut right through you with his axe. We couldn't summon daedra or undead creatures to fight instead of each other?"

Ted Peterson

"I see," Goranthir said, looking up again. "Then this is the only way. I'll try to watch through the next duel all the way, and maybe I'll be ready for the one after that. If I can stand the sight of one of my friends being hurt, then maybe I can learn to stand the idea of me being the one doing the hurting ... But I may not be one of the Eight. Maybe it's just not in me yet."

Ted Peterson

"Okay, I'll do it," Goranthir smiled, and Tris could see it in his eyes as well. It was almost too clear that this was the first time in Goranthir's life that anyone had ever said he was needed.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, even if I couldn't watch, I should at least learn the lessons," Goranthir smiled, and as they started to make their way to the castle, he added. "Oh, and I bought a boat. A ship, actually."

Ted Peterson

"It's to live on," Goranthir shook his head. "Though it'd be good to provide transport for the group ... I'm even outfitting it to be a war galleon, just in case. I need a name for it still, but it'll be a couple weeks 'til it's ready."

Ted Peterson

"I like boats," Goranthir shrugged, wondering about the strain in Tris's voice, but attributing it to the fighting he had just endured. "I like that it's a home, but its transportation too. I like --" He paused. They had reached the castle, and he seemed to stumble over the next words. "I like that it's private. I won't be spied on there, not easily anyhow ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir is with Tris, who has brought him around to understanding the need to fight one another as a form of training. He has just told Tris that he has bought a warship to live on, where he can be free from "spying."

Ted Peterson

"Hasn't she?" Goranthir looked amazed. "In my family, every household considers spies as vital a servant to employ as cooks. Probably more so. How else does she assume my grandmother knows so much about her?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed loud and long as they entered into the castle, and Loranna's study.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's face was bruised, but he answered with a big smile, "Doing well, thanks. Sorry to interrupt."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir shook his head. "Nothing you said. It was just watching friends get hurt by other friends that got to me. Tris made me see that there's no other way ... So, I'm going to try."

He looked at Isidor's list: "Who's Raithen?"

Ted Peterson

"Goranthir," said the young Dunmer, shaking his hand. "A young ranger, and maybe your partner if we go with Isidor's line-up."

Ted Peterson

"You think we should go to three on three, or even four on four?" Goranthir asked.

He smiled and closed his eyes while Loranna's healing hands fixed his wounds. She found that they were all over his body, not just his face.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir wrote on his paper:

Long Blade Athletics Dodging

And then added:

Summoning / Communicating With Animals

"For all the good that would do me in another plane of existance," he thought to himself.

Ted Peterson

"No, I did that to myself," Goranthir grinned bashfully, pulling out his daedric dai-katana. "I was trying to master the spell in this. I got it wrong thirty times, and right on the thirty-first. Its very painful when I get it wrong. I probably should learn some healing spell, at least for myself."

Ted Peterson

“I wonder,” Goranthir asked. “If you can conjure up other planar creatures in Mundus, if you could conjure up Mundane creatures in the plane where we’ll be fighting … which I can control … It would certainly surprise our opponents if you could …”

Ted Peterson

"The Psijics would probably say it's all related, and it's as related to rain and thunder," Goranthir smiled. "They're insane."

Ted Peterson

"Conjuration can also bring us bound weapons and armor," Goranthir said. "Very useful."

Ted Peterson

"Or you and Raithen are our primary healers," said Goranthir. "And Loranna is all about the draining our opponents' energy."

Ted Peterson

"I don't doubt it, and I meant no offense," said Goranthir quickly. "I only meant that as our group has need of healers, that could be one of your roles ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, whose face had taken a serious aspect as he considered the idea of fighting his friends, laughed, regardless.

Ted Peterson

"I don't know how you'd feel about it," Goranthir said carefully. "But obviously I could get someone from the Royal Army of Morrowind to help ..."

Ted Peterson

"Okay," Goranthir nodded quickly. He smiled as if to acknowledge that there could be complications in using Barenziah's army. "So, we'll do a battle with someone other than you as the primary healer? In twos again, or threes?"

Ted Peterson

"Well, we have three possible healers -- you, Raithen and Shaka," Goranthir said, looking at the sheets of paper. "One mage in Raithan. Four fighters -- me, Falco, Shaka again, Reichi ..." he paused for a moment and looked at Reichi when he came across the word "werewolf." "Um, one archer only in Anya ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stared back, and then looked away when he realized he was being rude.

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry," said Goranthir with a concilatory if slightly nervous smile. "I'm afraid I don't have much experience with lycanthropy ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiles as well. "I don't doubt it, and I hope you didn't take offense, Reichi. I was just surprised."

Ted Peterson

"I was going to tell you that I bought a ship," Goranthir grinned. "But that does not seem like such a big piece of news now."

Ted Peterson

"That's what I thought, but Tris thought it was odd," Goranthir frowned, evidently taking too much stock of Tris's opinion. He went on to describe it in detail, its size, fighting and speed capabilities. "I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I anchored it off the bay."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "I was hoping you wouldn't say no! Well, I've got a couple weeks 'til it's done to figure out alternate docks ... But I thought it'd be a useful tool for you, as well as a place for me to live."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, Loranna," Goranthir smiled, delighted. "I should get some sleep now if we fight tomorrow ..."

With a bow and a grin, the young ranger left for his room.

Ted Peterson

Necrom

The Telvanni towers against the eastern coastline of Morrowind, even with the morning sun shining through, looked like the desiccated tusks of some ancient beast. Barenziah was within. Kena Telvanni Gilroam, the most powerful sorceror in the House, and sovereign of the land for the past three thousand years, had not permitted her to spend the night in his home. It was not surprising. She had anticipated hostility. The best she would hope to get in negotiations with Gilroam would be a promise of neutrality, and even that was suspect.

As Barenziah and her retinue made their way through the dark, twisted hallways of the palace, she thought on the meeting the previous day. It had been Gilroam’s four thousand and five hundredth birthday, and she had unpleasantly surprised him. It had been the worst surprise he had in a hundred years, since Killedael, his former apprentice had turned on him, forcing him to banish Killedael to a remote island in the Sea of Ghosts forever.

Barenziah waited outside the audience chamber while the servant went to fetch the Master of the Manor. There were still smoking signs of battle everywhere.

“Kena Killedael will see you now,” the servant said.

“Poor Gilroam,” Barenziah said as she walked into the audience chamber. “He was not to live to four thousand, five hundred and one.”

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Passing by the bay, Goranthir, armored and armed, passed Ahjaar and Luxi.

"Good morning," he smiled. "Are you going to the exercises at the Arena today?"

Ted Peterson

"I'm on my way," he turned to Luxi with a grin. "You going to keep swimming or you want to watch your mom fight?"

Ted Peterson

"We're supposed to be training team versus team," the young ranger said. "I don't want to spar, really, but I need to get over that."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir walked with them, thinking to himself that it was absurd that he didn't want to fight his friends, when here was a mother who was willing to fight her own daughter to make her strong.

Of course, knowing something was absurd didn't fix it.

"Where are you going?" Goranthir asked as they walked.

Ted Peterson

"I fought some alit," Goranthir frowned. "I just ..."

No need to go into it. She is clearly someone who does not abide weakness.

"I'll be fighting today," he said, looking away.

Ted Peterson

Necrom

The servant returned a few minutes later. “Her Royal Majesty will see you now.”

Barenziah was alone in the dark audience chamber. It was Telvanni comfortable: filled with hanging fabrics and strange numbing censors which lit it with a warm orange light.

“Your timing is excellent,” the Queen Mother said, smiling.

Ted Peterson

"That would be awfully nice," Goranthir laughed. "Loranna offered to teach me a healing spell, because I keep beating myself up during practice. But anything simple and useful would be good to know ..."

Ted Peterson

Necrom

Barenziah lifted Tris up, looking in the eyes. "You came here last night? Oh, Tris ... You probably saw more than you ought to have. It was, well, a different situation than in Ald Ra'athim. And not at all nice to witness, I'm sure."

Ted Peterson

nose itches a little ... maybe that's a pimple coming in ... damn, i hope not ... what?

Ted Peterson

WOW!

That was too loud.

wo

Ted Peterson

"I don't expect ever to shock you, darling boy," Barenziah said, touching his cheek. "But when one pays a friendly, unexpected call, and finds a palace soaked in blood ... Anyhow, your timing now was excellent. I needed a good excuse to dismiss the new Lord of Necrom. He's an excellent ally, but his breath is ghastly."

Ted Peterson

"Hail, Isidor!"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah closed her eyes and pulled Tris close. "As sweet as the rose you gave me."

Ted Peterson

In his mind now, Goranthir was fighting Onialle. They had done that too, in play. He imagined it more serious. It was a false memory, but someone how that blotted it out, and she faded away behind the walls of his mind.

"Maybe a short warm up?" Goranthir suggested.

Ted Peterson

"I'm not sure ..." Goranthir replied, but it wasn't weapons he was unsure about, it was whether he could spar at all ...

Ted Peterson

"Your choice of weaponry," Goranthir replied. "I'm best with a sword, but I've had some training in most weapon types."

Ted Peterson

Necrom, Later …

The lovers stretched across the soft satin pillows of the Telvanni audience chamber. Lazy smoke drifted up from the censors as Barenziah ran her fingers over Tris’s bare chest. It was a well-practiced touch, and she knew it would be pleasant, but every man had a slightly different reaction.

“You truly are beautiful,” she smiled through half-closed eyes. “At some point, though, Kena Killedael will want his audience chamber back …”

Ted Peterson

"Are the rules the same as yesterday?" Goranthir asked, clearly nervous. "The last team with a member standing?"

Ted Peterson

"Shaka and Raithen, do you want to fight as well?"

Ted Peterson

A crowd of villagers began to gather to watch.

Ted Peterson

"Wait! Wait!" Goranthir said. "Let's try to learn something here, and actually strategize! Just one minute!"

Goranthir, still looking unsure about the whole thing, and Isidor walked to their end of the arena, near a cluster of huge boulders, to talk.

Ted Peterson

(Pie)

They discussed a quick, dirty plan.

"Watch out for arrows."

Ted Peterson

"Oh so did I," Barenziah smiled, her chin resting on Tris's flat stomach. "I need my moments of vulnerability. Being a woman, not just a Queen. We have as much time as we want ... Killedael is happy to wait indefinitely, but I shouldn't be too rude of a guest ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir followed, holding his sword limply, as if the energy was just draining out of him. He gave his teammate a half of a bold smile.

Ted Peterson

"It's all right," Goranthir nodded. "Let me try."

He shouted to Shaka boldly. "Let's go!"

Ted Peterson

"Who am I to say what is perverse?" Barenziah smiled. "I remember you as a golden-haired tot in my court ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir dodged the arrows easily, moving in his ebony armor as if it were lighter than air, which it was. He looked in Anya's direction, and turned to Isidor, with desperate eyes, "I'm sorry."

He turned around and ran quickly back towards the rocks.

Ted Peterson

"Oh, you were a bold, beautiful child who grew into a bold, beautful young man," Barenziah smiled. "I wouldn't be at all surprised that you were always in trouble. So was I. It is strange to think back on Wayrest. It wasn't that long ago, for me, but it seems like a short, strange dream ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir disappeared into the rocks on the other side of the arena.

Ted Peterson

"Well, in a real fight, they would have followed us, and not been concerned with it being fair or not," Goranthir said, stepping out from behind the rocks.

The grass there shook and quivered. It was alive with snakes he had summoned. A trap unsprung because of his opponents' desire for a fair fight.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah stared a moment as if horrified, and then broke down laughing. "You are amazing. That's what you wondered? No, he trimmed his left ear so it would match the right one, which was bitten --" Her laugh increased. "By his stepsister!"

Ted Peterson

"They're both distance fighters be careful!" Goranthir cried. He held his daedric dai-katana up and letting loose a wave of powerful, concusive force at Anya, Falco, and (as he was with them) Raithen.

Ted Peterson

The arrows had not been aimed very carefully, and Goranthir found it easy to dodge one, and the other glanced off the ebony armor. He charged toward Anya, not quite as quickly as he could, prepared to dodge anymore arrows.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah nodded. She had been laughing along with Tris, but grew quiet at the end when Goranthir was mentioned.

"When I was a little girl, I lived in Skyrim," she said. "I know how that is, but the Altmer are much crueler than the Nords. I think he was very lonely. Probably he still is, though he certainly enjoys your company, and that of your friends."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir fired another concussive blast at the last location where Anya had been standing. It had a much wider effect than a blind sword swing.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir could hear her circling, but he couldn't pinpoint her location.

He made a strange noise, deep in the back of his throat, a clicking.

For an instant, he saw her as she fired the arrow, and he swiveled, and the arrow stuck in his arm, causing him to drop his sword.

An inhuman scream burst forth behind Anya.

Ted Peterson

"Funny," Barenziah said, but her expression showed that it was not. "Watching someone he cared about die had the exact opposite effect on Goranthir. He was much bolder before, even though he was a bit of an outcast at court. My daughter tells me he was with a cousin of his when she fell to her death from the castle roof. It was an accident, but I think it made him realize that elves, even in his family, are not immortal ..."

Ted Peterson

There was nothing behind her, but a row of Alit, howling and watching from the woods.

Goranthir took the momentary distraction to dive forward at the same time Anya was leaping at him. With luck, he would throw her off balance. At the very least, Lotus's fireball would roast both of them together.

Ted Peterson

"If Goranthir needed discipline, we could have sent him to an army from one coast of Tamriel to the other," Barenziah shook her head, smiling. "No. I know who you are. And I know you're what my grandson needs in a friend."

She stretched, her long slim body looking darker than ever against the pale pillows, in the low orange light, and said, "Yes, I know who you are."

Ted Peterson

The ebony armor resisted fire well, but it was smoldering. He grabbed up his sword while Anya was getting into position.

He started to have a smart comment to her, but he found he could not speak because of Falco's spell.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was evidently hurting, for he didn't dodge. He fell backwards and rolled, trying to wrestle his way on top of Anya.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir felt the dagger as it began to sink into his chest, and he bashed his head forward onto Anya's.

Ted Peterson

With a silent voiceless groan, Goranthir passed out, blood pouring from the weak point in his armor.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir came to at the healing. He threw up blood, and then smiled. "I think I'll just lie here for a little while."

Ted Peterson

"Why couldn't you have just been a good girl and fallen into my trap in the beginning, and saved us both a lot of trouble?" Goranthir grinned, slowly, painfully getting to his feet.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir follows as well, in considerable pain still, but smiling. He actually fought ... even if he lost ...

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled, and groaned, "Yeah, it couldn't be that you felt sorry for me and wanted it to be a fair fight, like you said, was it? I still think it might've worked ..."

He pauses. "But do you know what? You guys not falling into that trap actually helped me. I can't explain it, but when I saw that you were waiting for a fair fight, I thought I better give you one ... I am sorry about the head butt though. That was some dirty fighting at the end."

Ted Peterson

"It did, a lot," Goranthir narrowed his eyes, but it was a mockery of anger he didn't feel.

Ted Peterson

"I wasn't pretending when I said I didn't want to fight," Goranthir replied. "But I was acting when I ran. It was the only plan we could come up with in five seconds ..."

Ted Peterson

"Maybe our technique was shoddy," Goranthir admits. "But I don't think the strategy is a bad one. Think about it: we'll be facing eight great warriors from Tamriel's past. What is their likely weakness? Overconfidence. If we run, and lure them into traps, that might be the best way to defeat them, by surprise."

Ted Peterson

"Like I said, we didn't have much time to set up a strategy, and the snakes were the closest things I could summon," Goranthir smiled. "They aren't poisonous anyhow. Ideally, they would have distracted you while we ambushed you ... Not a perfect plan, but we might not have time for perfect plans in the field anyhow."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled. He remembered how Raithen had seemed so disappointed when he had pretended to run away during the fight. It was nice to be complimented afterwards.

"I'll tell you what I'd like to learn after that," the young ranger said. "How to turn invisible, and how to see things that are invisible. When Anya disappeared, I really panicked."

Ted Peterson

"I don't expect to become a great illusionist, but I saw today how vital that is, and how disorienting," Goranthir nodded. "I would be grateful."

He looked at Kratos's mace, impressed.

Ted Peterson

"I know how tenderized meat feels now," Goranthir grinned. "I'm sorry you missed it."

Ted Peterson

"How about after this meeting?" Goranthir suggested.

Ted Peterson

"Don't be too impressed," Goranthir laughed. "The game ended with me as the only loser. But I think it might've worked under different circumstances. Basically, I pretended I had lost my nerve and I ran away to a spot where Isidor and I could ambush them. But they felt so sorry for me, they didn't come after us. I rather suspect real enemies wouldn't feel the same pity ..."

Ted Peterson

"You mean stab you in the back?" Goranthir winked.

Ted Peterson

"Just a reference to today's bout," Goranthir shook his head, surpressing a laugh. "A lot of dirty fighting on all sides."

"Good to hear that Cyndarius is coming," he added.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. He understood what was being said.

Ted Peterson

"I'm in," said Goranthir quickly, surprising himself. By Mara, he told himself What's gotten into you?.

Ted Peterson

"I'm willing to hear you out," said Goranthir. "Tell me what you think would be a good strategy for taking on Dram's men?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir bowed to the group. "I'll pick up what I can, and see if I don't have a few surprises for Dram's men tomorrow ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was practicing his nascent skills at Illusion. Raithen had been a patient tutor: he reminded Goran of the teachers he had back in Firsthold, all first-rate, with the patience of saints, whose wills he had systematically broken by being irredeemably impatient with his own progress. The Psijic tutors especially had been concerned with form and method, when all he wanted was results. He wanted to learn to turn invisible and to see what can’t be seen immediately.

After hours, he could cast Chameleon. A rather sad Chameleon, made sadder because, he remembered, he had been taught it before. Still, in shadow, he couldn’t be seen, and he was trying to spy on the household staff of Loranna’s castle.

A pity more of them weren’t engaged in backroom shenanigans. Well, except for Razbiah and the pastry chef, and that was disgusting to look at.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir shrieked. The scullery maid he had been watching shrieked also and fled, dropping the newly polished silver she had been carrying, causing a tremendous clatter. The heavy footsteps of Dram’s guards echoed down the hall, coming closer.

Goran had his elbow to Tris’s throat before he realized who it was. It would have been normal to pass through anger on the road from shock to delight at seeing his friend, but the young ranger turned spy took the short-cut.

"Tris!" he laughed. "Where have you been?"

Ted Peterson

"Clearly, she’s overworked, poor thing," Goranthir laughed softly. "You saw my grandmother? Why?"

Something, a bit of joy, died in Goranthir’s eyes. Tris could recognize it. It was suspicion. "Tell me why?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir pulled away from the kiss, angry, but when he looked into Tris’s eyes for just a moment, he was instantly happy again. He grabbed Tris in a crushing hug.

"You’re her lover!" he laughed. "Thank Stendarr, I thought you were her spy!"

Ted Peterson

"I -- " Goranthir began, thinking he would say I Love You, but it didn’t sound right, here and now. Maybe it was true, but he was sixteen, and what did it mean? Should he say You’re My Hero or I Want To Be You, Both sounded equally sappy. Instead, he amended it quickly, " – Gotta meet Allerleirauh. I’ll be loaded down with presents for disobedience."

Ted Peterson

"I had a little tactic I tried to use in the fight today," Goranthir frowned. "But it didn’t work out so well. I thought I could lure Radont and Anya into a trap by pretending to run away, but they just felt sorry for me and held off the match until we fought normally. I didn’t stay for all the discussions of tactics, but that ordinator Kratos had some ideas, and so did Isidor … Maybe if Loranna’s still awake, we could ask her what they said?"

Ted Peterson

"Yes, we have some insider information for you," Goranthir smiled, winking at Tris. "Dram is ‘breaking out the belt and rings,’ whatever that means."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir touched his side where the dagger had dug in so deeply, and grimaced. "Oh, yes, the infamous doomed head butt. Thanks, Tris, for reminding me …"

Ted Peterson

"I’d fill the place with angry Alit," Goranthir said. "But I wouldn’t trust the guards not to kill them. I don't know if our healing spells would work on them ... that's why I didn't use them to fight Anya ..."

Ted Peterson

"Is there any way to recognize what spell is cast?" Goranthir asks, after a pause. "Maybe my mind is too much on trickery, but if a sleep spell were negated, but they thought some of us had fallen asleep, and then we could catch them when they thought we were down …"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. Tris was right, as always. He was glad he was on his side.

"You say that Dram has been helping out at the arena lately," Goranthir said thoughtfully. "Could he have set any traps? If I had more time to plan the last bout, I would have brought something better than a couple of distracting sand snakes out …"

He yawned, "I should get some sleep."

Ted Peterson

"Good day to die," said Goranthir, materializing from the shadows. "It was nice of you to pretend you couldn't see me, Raithen."

Ted Peterson

"You know, Raithen," Goranthir frowned. "I'm not sure about the daedra, but if we do want to use them, maybe it'd be best to summon them in the middle of the fight, to give us the element of surprise?"

Ted Peterson

"I'm fine with using summoned creatures against the guards," said Goranthir. "I just want them to be surprised when we do. Anyhow, I'm all about following orders in today's match. No more grand tactics for me after last time..."

He pauses. "So, um, who has the plans?"

Ted Peterson

"Just so I'm told what to do," smiled Goranthir. "Preferably by one person at a time ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughs. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. But like I was saying, I'm not ready yet."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled and waved Loranna over. "Um, my lady, did you and Tris come up with a good plan last night?"

Ted Peterson

"I think Shaka just volunteered, whether he meant to or not," Goranthir laughed.

Ted Peterson

"Maybe I should stay with Loranna," Goranthir said, holding up his daedric dai-katana. "Since I do have a long range weapon, which is pretty tough to avoid since it is all but invisible ..."

Ted Peterson

"Works for me," replied Goranthir.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir is acting as defensive guard for Loranna and Shaka.

Ted Peterson

"What?" Goranthir asked. "If you have a suggestion, Arynel, we need to hear it now."

Ted Peterson

"One last word of advice to those of you on the front line," Goranthir said quickly. "Dram will likely be wearing a belt that will enhance his strength greatly. Don't get too close."

Ted Peterson

"One last thing," Goranthir whispers to the group. "So you know -- I have some cliff racers waiting in the woods to call out if I need a distraction. If you hear them, don't turn around. It's just a noise ... We should get in position."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was startled for a moment, "Wasn't he our healer?"

He too launched his distance attacks at the mage, a wide concussive force. It was overkill, perhaps with Raithen's spell, but it was unlikely that two blasts would be dodged.

Then he fell back to protect Loranna, Raithen, and Falco.

Ted Peterson

Raithen and Loranna are close enough that Goranthir can deal with both of the arrows, his armor letting him move faster than he could without it on. He deflects the one aimed at Loranna with his sword, and takes the brunt of the arrow delivered at Raithen, letting his armor absorb its force.

Ted Peterson

"Next time I say we should check the field for traps," Goranthir said, smiling, but looking at the battle not her. "I'm going to remember to do that."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir doesn't know where Raithen is, now that he's invisible, so he gets between Loranna and the fireballs, bellowing in pain as they roar over his armored form.

When the smoke clears, he is standing, but shaky. Shaka's shield spell couldn't have come a second sooner.

"Another hit like that, and I'm down," he mutters to himself. "Shield spells, that's what I need to learn. Not Chameleon."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sighs as he feels himself being healed. "You're welcome!"

Ted Peterson

"We move forward, Loranna?" Goranthir asked. "Or are they still in range?"

Ted Peterson

He had no spell of demoralization, but he could distract them.

Goranthir called to the cliff racers in the woods behind the guards to give out their haunting call.

Ted Peterson

Dram came out of nowhere. Goranthir wasn't even looking at Loranna, until he saw the suddenly flash of movement, the bellow, and heard Loranna cry out.

He whirls around but an instant after the attack.

It was an excellent surprise attack, but Dram's feet are not yet firmly planted after such a jump.

He sweeps his armored feet at Dram's legs, while planting his sword into the captain, so that Dram's own weight will drive the blade deeper into him while he stays off balance.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir gets in the way of the arrows, deflecting one and, lurching to deflect the other, takes it in the exact same spot where Anya's dagger had sunk in. He groans in pain, and falls back.

Ted Peterson

"Thank y--" Goranthir begins, looking around when Arynel vanishes. He takes position next to Loranna: "I'll take out our own people if I use the Kynarine," he smiles. "Better to make sure no strange men drop out of the sky again."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir points his daedric dai-katana at Milelie and then Dilave. He could knock out either, but there was a risk of hitting his team-mates he was not willing to take ... Still, if there was any opening, he was taking it.

... Dilave ... An opening ..?

Ted Peterson

"Okay?" Goranthir looked at Loranna hopefully. "At least better, right?"

Ted Peterson

"Best one I've had," Goranthir agreed. "Even if I did mostly stand here like a human shield."

Ted Peterson

The young ranger soaked up Loranna's compliment with a shy grin.

"I'll be with you after I change," Goranthir said. "I have to get out of this armor."

Ted Peterson

A robed figure came into the tavern and took a seat at the table with the others.

After looking around, Goranthir pulled back the hood of his robe.

"The Harvest Princess is after me," he whispered to Loranna.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled, and listened.

Ted Peterson

Early the next morning as the sun was just rising, the Harvest Princess made the Walk Of Shame from the castle to her house in the village.

She was angry. That handsome young Dunmer who had come with the Queen Mother's retinue and stayed on had flirted with her. That in itself was not surprising. Men and boys flirted with her all the time, even before she was crowned Harvest Princess. But then, when she had shown interest back, he had ignored her, deciding instead to spend all his days training and fighting in the Arena.

It was insufferable, and knowing that she had been rejected caused her to lose interest in her five other lovers.

Last night, she had one of them let her into the castle, into Goranthir's room. She had waited in the bed for hours to surprise him, and gradually drifted off to sleep. When she woke up in the morning, she found that he had never come in.

The Harvest Princess tromped back to her house on her pretty feet and plotted her revenge.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir walked in for breakfast the next morning, wearing the hood and robe he had worn the other night, but he seemed in a good mood.

Razbiah was pleased to see him eat so much of her food.

"Growing boy," she smiled. "Good to see an appetite around here."

Ted Peterson

"Good morning," Goranthir bowed.

Razbiah, Loranna noted, also had a glow about her. "I hope you're hungry, my lady."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, nothing special I'm afraid," Razbiah smiled.

It was Razbiah's usual breakfast, hearty and nutritious as always, but it was a little different. There was a hint of spice, or actual flavor. Not at a lot. Just enough of a touch, a tentative experiment.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah acknowledged Loranna's compliment with a grin.

"I'm fine," Goranthir smiled back.

"I would say so, I saw the young lady leaving this morning," Razbiah blushed a bit, and returned to the kitchen.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Tris and Loranna, and back at his food. "The Harvest Princess. She was in my bed last night. I spent the night with the parraptons."

Ted Peterson

"Maybe her own bed isn't so comfortable," Goranthir laughed nervously, and promptly changed the subject. "Anyhow ... I'm having my armor repaired, so if we're doing any exercises today, I may not be best on defense ..."

Ted Peterson

"The stables are actually very comfortable, better than a lot of places I've been in last year," Goranthir shrugged. "I heard that she's ... well ... she isn't shy."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir seems grateful to have the change in conversation. "I don't know what the limits are on the Kynarine effect, but I've been practicing. I haven't used it to its widest extent yet ... I don't know how useful it would be."

"The armor's already enhanced. I move faster in it than out of it. But I definitely need some more defenses. Just standing in front of arrows and fireballs seems like a clumsy strategy."

Ted Peterson

"I saw you last night," Goranthir said, holding out his hand. "But I don't think we were properly introduced. I'm Goranthir."

Ted Peterson

Razbiah hurried in with food. "I'm making it as fast as I can, b'Vek!"

It was her custom to leave the breakfast out for people to help themselves in the morning, and she hadn't realized how quickly it had been consumed.

"Begging your pardon."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at him, and said under his breath. "And Walter would be rudely demanding ..."

Ted Peterson

Razbiah blushed. "I don't believe I did anything different, sir, but thank you."

She hurried back to the kitchen. These people were hungry this morning. She should have known, after yesterday's fight, that they would be.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "It's not that bad. I like the idea of an amulet or something I can use when it's needed. If it's constant effect, then I won't be able to be healed, but if I can choose when to activate, that'd be best..."

Ted Peterson

"Thanks, and I probably should carry some potions with me, like you said, but I don't know where they're kept," Goranthir smiled. "Now, what was your question about my sword?"

Ted Peterson

"Let me practice!" Goranthir excitedly got up from the table. "I'll let you know!"

Ted Peterson

"I'll let you know how it goes," Goranthir smiled, bowed to the company, and left to practice.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir joined the group for dinner. The handsome young ranger had changed after practice into a simple black cloak, red tunic and breeches which was the non-armored house uniform of the Royal Guard of Morrowind. He hadn’t brought enough clothes with him when he left Mournhold, and had ordered some more from the village tailor but they would not be ready for another two days.

He introduced himself with a bow to those he had not met: Cyndarius, Gruznob, Merey, Spooky, Tsei with a simple "Goranthir, at your service."

As he took his seat, he whispered to Loranna: "Thirty yard maximum target area, my lady."

Ted Peterson

"The thing is," Goranthir said. "It's frightfully difficult to aim it since the effect is all but invisible. I wouldn't want to use it if there was any one of our side in its path."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir turned to Cyndarius. "I've heard much about you, sir. How are things in Freetown?"

Ted Peterson

"I didn't mean it as a secret," Goranthir replied, feeling a bit reprimanded. "I just didn't want to interrupt the greetings with my little news."

Ted Peterson

"No recent conflicts or battles to speak of?" Goranthir asked, eager for tales of adventure.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, "I'll do that, though you look difficult to corner, sir."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled at Loranna with a wink. "And the Queen Mother's visit, surely that counts as an unquiet event?"

Ted Peterson

"You're a bit --" Goranthir began, and tried to find the word. "You're a legend, my lord. And it's a bit intimidating to chat with a legend ... particularly when you know he's here to find your faults."

Ted Peterson

"I don't think they are," Goranthir said, taking a sip of wine and warming to his subject. "At least not like ourselves. They becomes what we aspire to, our inspirations, but scarcely something approachable. I know the Queen Mother feels that about herself oftimes that she, though alive, is now a symbol. Not always a good one, but still not considered like ourselves ... Something far better, and in some cases, far worse ..."

Ted Peterson

"So," Goranthir said, noticing the pause, hoping he wasn't the cause, and turning to Cyndarius. "I was not here when you arrived, my lord, but what are your thoughts about preparing us to face the eight champions?"

He looked quickly to Tris. Were they allowed to speak about that openly? he wondered after the words were already out.

Ted Peterson

"You've never heard of him?" Goranthir was astounded, and launched into a long, gushing description of the Battle of Freetown, which was scarcely exaggerated and minutely detailed, about Cyndarius and his men's various victories over overwhelming forces. "That's why he's here."

Ted Peterson

"Shall we give him something to observe tomorrow?" Goranthir looked to Loranna.

Ted Peterson

"Four on four sounds good," Goranthir grinned, bursting with enthusiasm. "Who will be the teams?"

Ted Peterson

"Kratos would agree with you," Goranthir grinned.

Ted Peterson

"Kratos would agree with you," Goranthir, who was at the dinner table with the others, grinned.

Ted Peterson

"My point is that you have a colossally high opinion of yourself," Goranthir smiled. "I certainly did not mean to imply that it is unwarranted."

Ted Peterson

That shut up Goranthir, who was standing next to Tris, in the middle of doing his impression of an Alit's victory howl ... "Sorry, my lady."

He turned towards Slyvos as well. "My lord."

Ted Peterson

Razbiah promptly brought in more food, and left with a un-Jazbiah-like giggle.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir returned the smile, and took his seat again. "Greetings, Lord Slyvos, your reputation preceeds you."

And then he looked at Kratos, and bit his tongue for a rather obvious remark for a 16-year-old.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stood up with Tris, a little ashamed that he bit his tongue earlier.

He let out a series of squeaks, greeting the mice in their own language.

Ted Peterson

"Bluster and bloviation, ignorance and arrogance," Goranthir narrowed his eyes. "I have known many Ordinators, and their memory is not well served by your constant bragging and thin-skinned threats --"

He looked like he was going to continue, but stopped at Cyndarius's words.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked shaken for a moment, bowed to the company, and followed.

Ted Peterson

In the hall outside of the room, Goranthir caught up to Tris. He was angry, but he was also ashamed.

"I'm sorry, I was the start of that," the young ranger said. "I shouldn't have mocked him."

Ted Peterson

"I would have followed you out anyhow," Goranthir said earnestly.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. "I should not have mocked you openly at the dinner table. Your confidence is a good thing, my lord. I only wish it was less often at the expense of your companions."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "Yes, of course, but only a few, or I start saying things I regret later ..." And after hearing Tris, he added. "After we look at the figurines, of course."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stepped in, an apology on his lips to Lady Loranna and Lord Slyvos, but he stopped in wonderment at the figurines.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir touched his little figurine, and it began to dance.

He laughed, "I don't know if this has any practical use, but I love it."

Ted Peterson

"The mice could represent the guards?" Goranthir said. "I bet I could get that one to be Dram and jump across the field."

Ted Peterson

A young Dunmer woman, slim and beautiful, with eyes like rubies and hair like black silk, stepped up to them.

"Oh pardon me," she said. "I did not meant to disturb you. I didn't think anyone came out here at this hour but myself."

Ted Peterson

"Merely not to disturb two great warriors of the arena," she smiled demurely. "But it seems I have. My name is Zalliah."

Ted Peterson

"Your modesty does you credit," Zalliah said. "But I saw you, when you appeared, healing the others. They would not have won without you."

Ted Peterson

"Isidor," Zalliah smiled. "They should announce your names at the beginnings of the fights. I remember you too. But I should leave you two to talk. You must be bothered by admirers too often as it is."

Ted Peterson

"It isn't flattery," Zalliah looked down, and backed away. "Good night, gentlemen. Good luck on your next fight."

She disappared into the night.

Ted Peterson

Something sparkled on the ground where Zalliah had stood. A silver bracelet that had been on her wrist.

Ted Peterson

"Ouch," said Goranthir, watching his figure being pummeled by arrows and fireballs. "Somehow it's worse from this perspective."

Ted Peterson

OOC: To all who are looking at the bracelet. If you have magical detection capabilities, you will notice there is no enchantment. It is simply a beautiful and expensive bauble.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir left the game, and spoke to the wolf, greeting it and asking it what was wrong.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir and Loki talked animatedly in woofs, barks, howls, and growls.

They seemed like they had a lot to talk about.

Ted Peterson

"Oh, they're not simple," Goranthir shook his head. "This one particularly. He's got a real personality."

Ted Peterson

"That's true of most animals," Goranthir laughed. "Including us."

Ted Peterson

"I think our versatility is a strength," Goranthir said. "We can step in in multiple roles. If we found ourselves fighting in a place where an archer wasn't as useful, say, a dense forest, we may want to alter our plans. We should have multiple formations for different situations, not just one that suits the arena."

Ted Peterson

"Possibly, but it's certainly a different kind of fighting than if you had all your targets in a wide open area, my lord," said Goranthir with a slight deferential bow.

Ted Peterson

"I'm not saying archers are useless in a forest, but there's a strategic differences between open fighting and fight among many obstacles."

Goranthir thought about the duel idea. "Might be fun. Purely for entertainment."

Ted Peterson

"Then we best get used to fighting in fire, dust, and ice, right?" Goranthir smiled.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

Kethiah took the back entrance into the palace, through a secret passage in an alley behind the main square the Queen had told her to use.

She had heard that Elysana was ill, mentally and physically, but the women who greeted her in the audience chamber was the portrait of health, and her eyes were quick and clever.

"I have your payment," said Elysana.

"I will need to stay here for a little while, a year possibly more," said Kethiah, taking the gold.

"I will protect you," the Queen replied. "In fact, I have another job for you. I need you to find someone who has gone missing."

"Tris Gaerington, I assume," Kethiah replied. "Shouldn't I be discussing this with your Spymaster?"

"No," said the Queen. "That is who I want you to find. His name is Herwyn Brand."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir arrived at the Arena, sword in hand.

"My armor's still in the shop," he said. "Tris, are you all right?"

Ted Peterson

"If you need my help finding him or her," Goranthir said quickly. "You only have to say the word."

Ted Peterson

"I know," Goranthir agreed. "When I was punished for something I didn't do, at least I could feel righteous indignant ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir took a seat in the stands. "Good to be a spectator at one of these for once."

Ted Peterson

Crowds had begun to gather, villagers waiting for a fight. Goranthir looked at them, and looked at Tris.

"Poor people," he said. "They’re used to a brawl by now. I guess we should announce that it's postponed."

Ted Peterson

"I was thinking the same thing," Goranthir said, with pity in his eyes. "My father’s general in Firsthold was full of bluster as well, but people obeyed him because they had to. Take away that obligation, and what do you have?"

Ted Peterson

"On the bright side," Goranthir smiled. "He says he’s going to clear out some Daedric shrines, so the countryside should be a little safer thanks to our internal squabbles."

Ted Peterson

"First round’s on me," Goranthir said, as they stepped into the tavern. "Ask me why."

Ted Peterson

"The framework for my ship is done, that’s why. Ahead of schedule," Goranthir signaled to the tavernkeeper.

Ted Peterson

"I’m going to live on it," Goranthir grinned, passing out the drinks. "But it’s versatile. Space for archers up on the forecastle, fifty feet up, perfect for sieges. Maybe the first craft in the Ald Ra'athim navy. A couple weeks from completion, but still, it's a good start ..."

Ted Peterson

"I know, and she’s very generous for letting me use it," Goranthir smiled, nodding at Loranna, eyes sparkling. "But I’ve always thought that the very notion of being an adventurer was the moveable home. Not being tied down in one place, as wonderful and charming as Ald Ra'athim is. I travelled through Tamriel coast to coast last year, and it left me just wanting to see more. Anyhow, just having a ship doesn't mean you're raising anchor. It just means, you might."

Ted Peterson

"That’s too bad, Tris, every teenager should have a ship," Goranthir grinned. "You can use mine anytime you like. I might build more than one … If Loranna thinks there’s room in the Daruhn harbor …"

Ted Peterson

"Protecting Ald Ra'athim isn’t a plan?" Goranthir laughed, and then stopped. "I’m sorry, but are you serious? Even the most peaceful harbor in Sumurset has warships to defend it."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was concerned. He had never known Tris to be cross with him before.

"Have a drink," the young ranger said, and added with a wink. "If that doesn’t work, maybe there are some Daedric shrines that Kratos hasn’t cleared out yet."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled. It was okay. Tris had said before he was tired, and still he felt he had to argue with him about the boats. Stupid.

"I used to talk to animals, just to get a perspective," he said. "And then, I ran. Not fast like you, but far, all the way across Tamriel. I don’t what I’ll do next. Lately I’ve been so happy, I haven’t thought about it."

Ted Peterson

'It's about being free,' said Goranthir. 'Maybe someday that won't be enough, but for now, it's ...'

He couldn't find the words, and he wiped his eyes quickly, and looked away. Not very heroic, getting tearful over happiness.

Ted Peterson

"If I die tomorrow, it’s better than living six thousand years in the court of any of the Holds, First or Mourn," Goranthir smiled, his voice still a little shaky, as he took a long drink of wine. "I don’t have any common sense. Anyone in my family, even my grandmother who actually respects my decision, will tell you that. But as someone said, probably Arynel, we just walk the road that’s before us, and pretend we know where we’re going."

Ted Peterson

Last Night

Understanding the wolf, Goranthir brought blankets and some food and water for the exhausted new mother out with them.

"You should be proud, Loki," the young ranger said the wolf in his own language. "You have a very fine family."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir greeted her as well. "They are magnificent. Let me buy you a drink ..."

Then his attention was drawn to Falco and Kratos's argument, and his eyes narrowed. This had to end.

Ted Peterson

"Loranna should know he's attacking her guards in the streets now," said Goranthir quietly. "He has gone from being a minor nuisance to a criminal."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir went as well, and on the way, talked to Dram at Loranna's castle.

Ted Peterson

Dram's men arrived, and took their positions around the arena.

Ted Peterson

The guards' hands began to glow as sleep spells were launched into the arena at Kratos.

"Kratos," Dram said sternly. "You are under arrest."

Ted Peterson

Dram's guards entered the arena to cart the unconscious Ordinator into their most secure cell.

"Sorry to have spoiled the match," Dram smiled grimly at Falco. "But justice must be served."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "Of course, Kratos assaulting one of Dram's men probably was as much a crime. But no one can doubt your bravery, friend. It was good you lured him to place where the least number of people would be in danger. Only you."

Ted Peterson

"Could I commission you to create a lifesized figurehead for my ship?" Goranthir asked eagerly. "I don't know what of ... Maybe Kynareth to ensure strong winds?"

Ted Peterson

"The boat won't be ready for a few weeks," Goranthir said. "And, of course, I'll pay you whatever you need for the time and work. I just want my first boat to be special, the Nords who are working on it are great, but they're craftsmen not artists."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "I know. It's a different kind of art, creating an object of beauty, though ... They're very happy doing shipbuilding which is more than repairing old fishing skiffs."

Ted Peterson

"I think he's been kissed by Sheogorath," said Goranthir. "You know, we really do need to give the crowd a show at the arena. We cancelled the first, stopped the duel ... The last time two arena fights were cancelled in a row in Firsthold, there was a riot."

Ted Peterson

"I'm your friend, I hope," Goranthir grinned. "But I'm also your rich friend, so there's no need to forgo payment. If it was a small project, I'd take it as a gift, but a lady's got to earn a living, doesn't she?"

Ted Peterson

"Falco did ensure that when Dram's men came to arrest him, there was no one close by since it was just the two of them in a wide-open arena. If they had fought in the streets, there might have been innocents hurt," Goranthir said in Falco's defense. "I didn't hear what he said in the arena, but he sounded like a madman."

Ted Peterson

As did Goranthir.

Ted Peterson

"He beat up one of their own," Goranthir said quietly. "I can't say I blame them."

Ted Peterson

"Could it be the tiny voice in his head telling him not be a [censored]?" Goranthir asked softly. "He should listen to it."

Ted Peterson

"He's just a madman," Goranthir frowned, his eyes also filled with pity. "It's a shame ..."

The young ranger stepped out into the sunlight, where it was warm.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir walked down the main street of the village of Ald Ra'athim, until he came to the Mages Guild. He stepped inside and went directly to the enchanter.

“I just finished,” he said, proudly holding up the work. “Who was the tailor? Uenas Ayrrhe?”

Goranthir nodded. “Ald Ra'athim is fortunate in having at least one truly excellent tailor, and one excellent enchanter.”

The enchanter smiled. “But what happened at the arena today? We were anticipating –“

“Some technical malfunctions,” Goranthir shrugged. “Wait ‘til you see the next one. All the gratuitious violence you can take.”

“I can take a lot,” laughed the enchanter.

Goranthir left, carrying the parcels containing his new enchanted wardrobe

Ted Peterson

Goranthir punched Tris lightly in the shoulder, smiling. "No, you didn't drink to it, grumpy old man. Pity it has no floor or walls, just a skeleton, or I'd foist the main sail."

He held up the packages. "This is my new wardrobe. Ebony mail ... that was my grandmother's gift, but it's not for a ranger, no matter how light it's enchanted to be."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed. "Actually, I was just thinking how spoiled I am. Everything I ever owned was hand-tailored for me with an original pattern, so I don't like how I look when I wear simple clothes off the shelf, so I was forced to go find the best tailor in Ald Ra'athim."

He opened up the packages. They looked simple, but the craftsmanship was unmistakable. A simple gray cloak. Two pairs of trousers. Three shirts. A belt. Two pairs of boots.

"Wait 'til you see them in action," Goranthir smiled. "They're a lot more useful than the armor was any day. And they should be particularly helpful against dust, fire, and ice."

Ted Peterson

"Uenas Ayrrhe is his name," Goranthir said, touching the fabric. At his touch, the cloth seemed to bristle, as if it were alive, rich fur swelling up. Passing his hand over it again, it became a lighter, dove gray. “I don’t know about the color, but the weave is very suitable.”

He smiled at Diamond. "For the trials to come."

Ted Peterson

"True," Goranthir smiled. "If we end up there naked, I definitely overpaid my tailor."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir strode into the field, his gray cloak flowing about his shoulders, the drape and cut of his simple new ranger's uniform dashing.

"I sincerely hope not."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled. "Then my armor wouldn't have come through anyhow. That was a gift, but not something that was truly me, as much as my new clothes are ... And that's dashed good news about animals being present there."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir bowed to Illingworth. "Well met, sir. Goranthir."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed at the compliment. "I think I just take more pleasure from it than most who have the gift, so I use it more. But thank you."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughs and pulls the sword out from his cloak. "I hope so too. I'm fond of it as well. The Psijics of Artaeum gave it to me, and said it would suit me well when I learned how to use it ... If that doesn't count as my own equipment, I think we're all going forth into battle quite nude."

Ted Peterson

"You'll find out when it happens," Goranthir says. "It sounds like it will be very ... educational about who each of us truly is."

Ted Peterson

"Possibly not," Goranthir said, and then added with a gentle smile. "Or we might get three for the price of one, which would help the odds a lot ..."

Ted Peterson

"Oh," Goranthir grimaced. "That was her name?"

Ted Peterson

"Just be careful," Goranthir says quietly. "She's difficult to get rid of."

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

Kethiah had searched all the Spymaster Herwyn Brand's usual haunts, asking questions, following more leads, but she was stymied. And Elysana wanted daily progress. It was astonishing that a woman whose empire spanned half of High Rock would have time for such meetings, but Kethiah supposed that a Spymaster was an important minister for such as her.

The idea that some other power might have him, and be torturing him for information alarmed Elysana ... though curiously enough, the Queen was not worried that Herwyn would divulge anything. 'He has stood up to torture before,' the Queen had said, with something like fondness in her eyes.

Kethiah began a search of Herwyn's archives, the personal projects he was working on. Orsinium figured highly. That would have to be thoroughly scoured. And there was the matter of Tris Gaerington, a search that Herwyn had never trusted any of his subordinates to do.

For most of her career, Kethiah has searched out people about whom there was little information, to try to find a tenuous trail to them. Here was a man with multiple well-worn, well-documented trails. And she would have to search it all.

Ted Peterson

He could not practice running through flames or ash or ice in Ald Ra'athim, but Goranthir could see if his belt would let him breathe underwater at least. He only meant to walk along the bottom of the bay for a few minutes, but it turned into a few hours.

There was so much to see. Wrecked craft that were undoubtedly left by the Azurites in the Blue Dawn, much older shipwrecks from the Nords that had been there ... and there was something else. A ship of a design he had never seen. He couldn't see much of it, buried in the silt, but ...

He didn't want to hope. It was too romantic to imagine it was an Akaviri craft, but it did appear to be so ...

As he surveyed it, he saw some rhythms in the water around him. He spoke to the fish, who were stupid as usual, but told him that there was someone else on the surface. Another swimmer.

Goranthir swam up, and first saw the legs, and then, realizing that the swimmer was naked, could tell it was a man.

When he broke through the surface, he saw who it was.

Tris.

'Hello,' he called.

Ted Peterson

"Are you okay?" Goranthir said, swimming closer. His sodden clothes were heavy, but his shirt was enchanted and gave him extra strength so it scarcely mattered. "Do you need help? I didn’t mean to surprise you."

Ted Peterson

"I’m glad I’m not the only one," laughed Goranthir, grabbing Tris under his arms and pulling him towards shore. "It was bad at first, and then I just relaxed. I was testing out the new enchantments in my belt, which should help me breath in fire, ash, and underwater … But I can hold my breath for a long time on my own. It’s like sailing, one of the things that those of us on the Island are just expected to do."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was silent, thinking, and picked Tris up to carry him on to the beach, before putting him down with a laugh "I’m sorry, you have it from here." He took off his cloak, which was suddenly, at a touch, dry, and handed it to him.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked away. The Altmer he had grown up with were not very modest. Not like the Dunmer, and evidently, judgin by Tris, not like the Bretons. But he could respect that. It was interesting to look at bodies without their clothes, with all the artifices taken away. You could see how strong someone was. Whether they ate well. If they had been injured. Tris had, Goranthir could see, before he turned.

"What if I am not chosen for the Eight?" he said, suddenly, looking towards the moons. He hadn’t expected to say it, and when he did, he turned to Tris, not caring if he didn’t want him to look.

Ted Peterson

"Kratos didn’t choose me for the arena match," said Goranthir, turning away, realizing he was being rude, or prurient. "I know it shouldn’t matter. He’s mean, or insane, or possessed, but I had to wonder … Would someone else have picked me, or was it just because he didn’t like me for making fun of him?"

Ted Peterson

"You’ve been to see my grandmother again, haven’t you?" Goranthir grinned, turning back to Tris, and taking a corner of the cape to wipe the water off his face. "I can tell. You’re in a better mood, like you were when you surprised me in the castle."

He stopped his smile briefly when he saw the deep scar on Tris’s chest. "How did you get that?"

Ted Peterson

"I know about that," Goranthir said, nodding his head. Somehow it was more real touching the sign of the wound. What was amazing about it was its warmth. Tris’s blood still beat through it. It was a sign of survival. The adventurer’s life that he craved. "I was working for my uncle. I was actually in Black Marsh behind you, trying to get to the Flamekiss first … but I failed. I do have a scar to prove it."

He pulled up his tunic. A gash, expertly sewed, went from his belly down below his waist at the thigh. A claw mark of one of the bestial Argonian races, the Naga.

Ted Peterson

"I was wounded, but I wouldn’t say I was a seasoned fighter," Goranthir laughed at Tris’s expression. He pulled off his shirt, and raised his arm to show him the scar that went dangerously close to his heart, that Anya had delivered in the last Arena bout. "I’ve gotten many more since then, and I hope to have many more before I die."

Ted Peterson

It was strange, a kiss on a scar, but somehow, it was right.

Tris’s words, on the other hand, caused Goranthir to step back, and feel a shiver that he hadn’t felt in the night air.

"No, I didn’t know," he said. "My grandmother and uncle didn’t tell me … well, no one told me anything. Oh, Tris, I’m so sorry … I meant, that I wanted scars, proof of doing something, like you have. Not that I wanted to die. I don’t. I’ve never felt less like dying."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stepped back, and savagely yanked his robe from Tris’s hands.

"I’m glad your friend isn’t dead anymore," he said, his red Dunmer eyes burning. "Mine is."

He picked up his shirt.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was beginning the walk up to the castle when Tris spoke. He turned and listened to him. Before, Tris’s body had made him think of strength, of adventure, the scars were emblems of a life filled with action.

Now, in the moonlight, the Breton’s naked pale skin looked even paler. The scars looked fresh.

Goranthir carried down the robe, and wrapped it around his friend. "I would have done the same, if I had the power to," he said quietly. "You must … Do you think it was worth it, bringing your loved one back to life, despite all the pain it has caused you and others?"

Ted Peterson

"No, there is no other way," Goranthir said, grabbing Tris and holding him. "If love and friendship mean anything, there isn’t."

Ted Peterson

"You don’t need luck," Goranthir grinned, rubbing Tris’s back and then releasing him. "You need some dry clothes and a fire. Let’s go inside."

And they did.

Ted Peterson

A beautiful young Dunmer woman, wrapped in a simple dress that showed her willowy curves to best advantage, watched the archers, applauding their best shots.

Ted Peterson

"Don't let me disturb you, milady," the young woman said. "I know how important your practice is to you."

Ted Peterson

Zalliah noticed Isidor too, and smiled shyly. When he pulled out the necklace, she rushed to him, and threw her arms around him.

"You found it! You found it!" she cried. "I've been looking for it everywhere!"

There were tears in her eyes as she withdrew from Isidor. "My grandmother gave it to me before she died. How can I thank you?"

Ted Peterson

"I wouldn't insult you by asking if you wanted a reward, Isidor," she said, slipping the bracelet back on her wrist, and looking at him with perfect adoration. "You are clearly a true gentleman."

Ted Peterson

She took his arm. "Yes, I was right, you are a gentleman. Others might have suggested somewhere less public."

"From where do you hail?"

Ted Peterson

"I've always thought that Dawnstar was a beautiful name," Zalliah smiled. "Though I have never been away from Ald Ra'athim. Very dull, mm?"

Ted Peterson

"Horrid, more like," Zalliah shuddered. "I like my excitement and adventure to be without bloodshed. And yet, I love watching you fight ... I guess because I know no one is going to get seriously hurt."

Ted Peterson

"You asked about me?" Zalliah said, returning his blush. "Well, I still am the Harvest Princess, and will be until next year when another girl will be crowned. It's silly, but we're supposed to bless this year's crops ... as if that's something I have the power to do ... Just another excuse for a party, I guess." She giggled, and pulled on his arm, bringing him closer.

Ted Peterson

"I'll say I was lucky," Zalliah said as they stepped into the tavern. All eyes turned to them, and Isidor could see the look of envy in most of the regulars' eyes.

"I hardly ever go in here," she smiled, apparently unmindful of the leers. She put her hand on the small of his back, in a subtle gesture that immediately sent a tiny shiver of pleasure up his spine.

Ted Peterson

"It's very sweet, but all sorts of people come here, and it can get pretty rowdy for a girl on her own."

Ted Peterson

"You should eat, you need your energy, but I'm on a diet," she said, touching her slim, flat belly. "But maybe a glass of wine?"

Ted Peterson

She steered him towards a table in the back of the room, away from everyone's eyes. "Thank you. Would it be too presumptuous of me to ask, do you have a lady?"

Ted Peterson

"But you have many friends," Zalliah said, tracing his bicep with her fingertips. "That's good. You are so far away from Skyrim, and it is sad to be lonely. Even for great champions like yourself."

Ted Peterson

Zalliah kissed Isidor lightly, and sighed. "You are so much different from the others in your group. So gentle. I hope they don't take advantage of you."

Ted Peterson

Zalliah shook her head. "Trust me, I've lived here all my life. Everyone here is not nice. They've spread rumors about me, completely out of jealousy. I was too trusting ... I see that amount of trust in you. That Kratos man did not turn out to be a trustworthy teammate, did he?"

Ted Peterson

"Oh, that's good," Zalliah smiled, relief on her face. "I heard about the guard he assaulted, and the other fights. I'm glad he's better. Yes, jealousy can be treacherous. It can destroy many a good man or woman. I hope you won't let it into your heart."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I didn't meant to lecture a man such as yourself," Zalliah giggled. "I wasn't even thinking of you. I was thinking of another, who has that problem of jealousy ..."

Ted Peterson

"A boy," she said, taking a thoughtful sip of her wine. "If you must know, the ranger Goranthir. He's fearfully jealous of you, and your strength and experience. I don't want to worry you, but I would be careful around him. He means you no good."

Ted Peterson

Zalliah grabbed his arm. "I'm sorry, but it is true, you don't know what he's said! I think he's insane!"

Ted Peterson

Zalliah, left alone in the tavern, went quite mad.

She began by throwing her wine glass at the door when Isidor walked through it. That raised some eyebrows, but it did not satisfy her.

The guards were called as ran behind the bar, and began throwing all the glassware at all the patrons.

One of the guards held her, perhaps a little too lightly, mistaking her slim form as weak. She bit a chunk of out his hand, and escaped, running into the wilderness.

Witnesses could only say that she said as she left: "Nobody [censored] with the Harvest Princess!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, his gray cloak flying out like wings of a great bird, leapt high over the fence of the arena, and joined the others.

"Sorry I'm late," he smiled.

Ted Peterson

Before the breakdown

"I told you," Zalliah smiled sweetly. "Pure jealousy. People think it's easy to be pretty, but it's hard."

Ted Peterson

Before the breakdown

"Been? With that boy?" Zalliah laughed. "No, no, I only spoke with him. He flirted with me, but I much prefer men ... like you ..."

Ted Peterson

Before the breakdown

"What woman wouldn't?" Zalliah smiled, her eyes half-closed as she leaned in for a kiss. "Let me make you an offer you'd be a fool to refuse ..."

Ted Peterson

Before the breakdown

Goranthir had never met this man before, but he had the trust of Loranna and Tris, and that was good enough.

He touched the page.

Ted Peterson

Before the breakdown

And then ... the breakdown ...

End o' flashback.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's parents, King Reman and Queen Morgiah, beautiful and cold.

Loneliness in the palace, and in the streets beneath the gleaming spires of Firsthold.

Running away. Starving, assaulted in the slums of Elsweyr. Desparately sick in Black Marsh.

Helseth looking at him as if he were a new chess piece.

Goranthir pulled his hand away, shocked, embarrassed of his own story, horrified by the tragedies in his friends' lives. He stared at Nalion as if he had been invited into a trap.

Ted Peterson

If there was anything in Goranthir's mind that said it was unseemly, unheroic, to hold Tris's hand during this, he was not aware of it. He was grateful for the warmth.

He couldn't help but look at each of the people who had touched the book in a different way. He thought he knew all their stories. He was wrong.

Not everything was bad, of course. Some tales were funny. Some were exciting, or erotic, or just peculiar. His head still buzzed with the images as he desperately tried to sort through them. It was like reading the contents of a library at one sitting.

"Now?" Goranthir asked. His voice was shaky.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Isidor, knowing the conversation now that he had had with Zalliah, knowing how he had laughed at her when she tried to turn Isidor against him ...

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir is with the group in Loranna's study, still reeling from the effects of Nalion's book.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Nalion: "Are the stones still recording our lives now? Or, when this is all over, will we return to this point, forgetting everything that transpires between now and then?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir walked into the arena, and then turned back to Tris.

"Why didn't you touch the book?" he whispered.

Ted Peterson

"Okay," said Goranthir to his team. "Let us strategize ..."

He seemed more confident than before.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned. "Glad you're in, Reichi. You too, Loranna."

His eyes said he knew her now. She was no longer the Lady of Daruhn to him, and she noticed that he no longer bowed.

Ted Peterson

"Illusionist, eh?" Goranthir said. "How are you with heal spells? Arynel was pretty effective running around invisibly, healing us when we needed it."

Ted Peterson

"I know, I saw," said Goranthir, knowing that Isidor must have seen him too, flirting with her, and then fleeing like a coward when she was too aggressive. Too embarrassing. He put the thought out of his mind. "Front line fighting today, you think? You probably want to bash a few heads."

Ted Peterson

"Raithen!" Goranthir called out. "Are you fighting?!"

Ted Peterson

"Let's focus on the fight first, gentlemen," Goranthir smiled. "I'll buy the first drink for your reunion afterwards."

Ted Peterson

"What would you know about washing?!" Goranthir called back, as he got into position next to Loranna and Raithen.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir pointed his sword at the opposition and launched the Kynarine blast, a clear, nearly invisible force that blew over the battlefield like a shimmering wave. In practice, he had managed to get it to cover an area of thirty yards.

Now, it was forty yards across at the cone's widest.

Wow, he thought to himself.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was blind, however, from the reflection of Fernando's spell, and he felt panic welling up in him.

This is the darkness, where the creature Leseth lives, and the pale girl, who are coming ...

"No!" he cried, and used his belt to dispel the effects. It would only work on himself, he realized, as light and reason returned. He looked to the others to see if they were similarly effected. He might have to protect them all.

Ted Peterson

With his strength and reflexes already enhanced by the enchantments on his clothing, and the new enchantments on him, Goranthir trembled, ready to fight. But he held back. He was defense again.

He watched the advancing group.

"How do we split them apart?" he whispered to Loranna.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir began making an almost silent chirping noise in the back of his throat.

Something in the woods behind the advancing soldiers answered. The sound of buzzing and the beat of tiny wings.

If the soldiers turned around, they would see they were sparrows. Simple, every day little birds.

But there were a hundred of them, heading for the rear of the squad.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir takes Loranna's other hand for a moment.

'Sorry I didn't get in the way of that arrow,' he said, a little stiffly. 'First time, and last I hope.'

Ted Peterson

"I am just glad I looked at that book," Goranthir replied, unsmiling. "World-shaking crises are nothing new to you, but they are to me. I’m glad I’m with the company I’m in, or I would feel completely helpless."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded, and smiled, but there was serious doubt in his eyes.

Ted Peterson

"I’ll go to the wedding with you, Tris," Goranthir said, still not smiling. "I’ve never been to High Rock, though … Is Daggerfall near Wayrest?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Tris. 'That's good. I'd like to pay a call on my dear Aunt while we're in the neighborhood, and see what she has to say for herself.'

Ted Peterson

Goranthir finally smiled. It was his mother’s smile, his grandmother’s smile, his uncle’s smile, and curiously enough, they had no blood in common, his aunt Elysana’s smile. "I can guess. And I know what she did to you ... I should go get changed."

Goranthir left quickly, but Tris could see the determination in his eyes.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, very shaken like the rest of the group by the book of Nalion and the ending of the last arena battle, is in his room, composing a letter to his grandmother. Though he has tried not to tell too many people, any who placed their hands on Nalion's book know that he is the grandson of Queen Barenziah through her daughter Morgiah, Queen of Firsthold.

His last talk concerned his Aunt, Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, and his interest in "paying her a visit" while they're in High Rock.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah brought out more food. It was good, simple, hearty food as usual, with just a hint more flavor that usual.

"This storm is something, ain't it?" she said as she cleared up the dishes. "Like something the Dam Dog brews up ..."

Ted Peterson

The fishermen had pulled their boats in during the storm, dragging them up on land. Anyone who had their ship still in the tossing, churning waves would have to be suicidal, or desperate.

Llevian Rythos was decidedly not the former. He was being paid well, but he wondered how well his gold would be spent if he drowned. As he finally brought his skiff into the harbor, he turned to his passenger, who stood wrapped up in a dark cloak that whipped around her body in the cold storm.

"You owe me more for that," he said.

"If the day had turned out sunny and delightful, would I owe you less?" the Dunmer woman replied, ignoring his open hand, and stepping out of the boat onto the dock.

Ted Peterson

"I remember you, I think," said the woman, coming closer. He had judged her by the shape of her figure, which was trim, and the silhouette of her face which was attractive if angular. On closer inspection, "pretty" was not how you'd describe her. There was no softness to her which "pretty" girls have. She was beautiful and fearsome, and soaking from the storm.

"Your name is ... Isidor, right?" asked the assassin Kethiah.

Ted Peterson

"A very fine dry place, Dagon Fel," Kethiah nodded. "I'm on my way to the tavern before I drown."

Ted Peterson

"You don't have to ask!" Kethiah said, sprinting ahead, a lithe figure cutting through the rain.

No one was in the tavern. The locals were all at home with their families, waiting out the storm. Even the tavernkeeper was downstairs with a bucket, as the wine cellar had begun flooding.

"It seems we have the place to ourselves," Kethiah said. "Tell me, is Tris Gaerington staying here, or at the castle?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah had not been smiling, mostly concerned with drying herself off with the tavernkeeper's towel, but the last remark brought out a rare smile. "You are a honest sort, aren't you? Tavernkeeper won't even know what we've had ... Brandy please. I need something to warm up."

Ted Peterson

"Yes, always at work," Kethiah nodded. "I think he has information I could use for a job, but don't tell him that," She shivered as she took a sip of the brandy, and then winked. "I like to surprise 'em."

Ted Peterson

"No, he's not the mark," Kethiah shivered again. "I've told Loranna before I wouldn't accept any assignment against one of her people."

She stood up. "I need to get out of these wet clothes."

The expression on her face was unreadable.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah shook her head. "I'd prefer to stay here, a little more out of the way. I have dry clothes on me."

She opened up her wet robe to show it doubled as a carrying bag, with pockets lining it throughout.

"You're pretty soaked too," she said, heading for the stairs. "I think I have a big long tunic that should fit you. I know Nords don't get cold like we Dunmer do, but it can't be very nice sitting around in wet, clammy clothes."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah looked at Isidor curiously, a long smile widening. She shook his hand. "It was a pleasure, Isidor."

And she meant it.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir knocks on the doorframe and steps into the room. "Tell me what to do, Loranna."

Ted Peterson

"I think that we could keep practicing and practicing and getting better and better, but we don't have time for that," Goranthir said, very seriously. "I think the time has come for us to ask Cyndarius for a couple basic strategies for working together, because when we're fighting -- and it's real -- our opponents aren't going to give us time to come up with a strategy and get into position. If each of us knows what our job is, very specifically, and we're told to do it, we will, and we will do it well. But trying to come up with a plan on the fly which will fit any situation is folly."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled widely at Tris. "I was just saying to the group that this method of making every mistake in the book, and then trying to do better next time, is too time consuming of a technique. We need three or four really solid battle plans, where each of us knows exactly what to do at the beginning, middle, and end of the fight. We can't improvise and guess anymore."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stopped, stared at Isidor, and then at Tris. He knew who Kethiah was from the book.

She was a killer.

Ted Peterson

"Where is she now?"

Ted Peterson

"If he's going, I am too," Goranthir said quickly. "Though I don't even know why he should go."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir shook his head. Tris's smile made him feel better, and in truth, he knew from Nalion's book enough about Kethiah. If she wanted Tris dead, there would be no warning.

Goranthir followed his friend to the tavern.

Ted Peterson

The storm still swept through the empty country road and streets of the village of Ald Ra'athim.

"Are you going to look for her in the Void?" Goranthir asked. He knew about it now, but he didn't understand it.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stared, surprised, and then said. "I've probably been acting differently, I know. It was just the shock of seeing ... so much ... The Void, your foot, the General, Ciel ... everything ..."

Goranthir shook the images out of his head. "I'm more than okay with you, Tris. You're still my hero. More than ever, because now I know how human you really are," he laughed. "And that's a compliment, by the way."

Ted Peterson

"You're not broken," Goranthir said, a little sternly, wiping the wet hair from Tris's face to look him in the eyes. Tris looked very young suddenly to Goranthir. He was still four years older, but he didn't look it, not really, when his scars weren't visible. "And I'm glad you told me everything you did before, on the beach ..."

Then he grinned and blushed. "As for being too human around me ... Well, we can talk about that too ... It's nice, it's very nice to know, but ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed too, also blushing.

"I saw a lot, and a lot of it I don't understand, but I think you need to know that there's a difference between seeing what you've seen, and feeling the same about it. You're just going to have to trust me that nothing I've seen would make me hate you," He took a deep breath. "And I don't think you needed to read Nalion's book to know how I feel about you. Everything's changed, but nothing has either. I understand you better, and myself ..." He laughs. "About the same."

Ted Peterson

"I won't tell anyone," Goranthir said simply. "I don't think I have the vocabulary to explain it, even if I wanted to. And I'll never be king. My father has children from his first wife, and they look Altmer ... The people will accept them. If I were crowned, there'd be a revolution."

They had reached the empty tavern. The tavernkeep was yet to finishing bailing out the cellar, and the interior was dark and still.

Ted Peterson

She was easy to spot. A lone Dunmer woman, wrapped in furs, standing in front of the fire in her room.

Ted Peterson

"Come in, Tris," Kethiah said, not smiling. "Do you need to dry off?"

She looked at Goranthir. "Or you?"

Goranthir looked to Tris, not sure. But his hand was on his sword.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah held the fur around her, as she looked Goranthir and then Tris in the eyes.

"Where is Herwyn Brand?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah looked at Tris for a moment more, something that was not quite a stare, but was searching, analyzing.

"Well," she said casually. "I had to ask. Do you have a glass for me, or do I have to swig the brandy from the bottle?"

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, the young Dunmer/Altmer ranger, has returned from the tavern with Tris, and is now at the castle.

Kethiah, the Dunmer assassin, is back at the tavern.

Ted Peterson

"Is it something we can volunteer for, or do we have to be selected?" Goranthir asked. "I want to be part of it, of course."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled back. "Thank you. I hope they agree. Will you be going?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir frowns a little at Kratos's name, but keeps his thoughts on that to himself. Too much argument over the Ordinator had happened already.

"Loranna, Shaka, Raithen, Anya, Reichi, Ahjaar, Falco, Isidor … Well, that’d be eight there. And a formidable eight without me.”

Ted Peterson

Kethiah stood on the stairwell, holding a candle, which gave her and her fur blanket a warm glow. "You must really like the rain."

Ted Peterson

"I hope we'll find out a little bit before then, so we can solidify our plans," Goranthir grinned. "On a more pleasant subject, I heard you began work on Kynareth for me."

Ted Peterson

"It has, and I'll be moving on when the storm clears," Kethiah said, stepping into the tavern, and pouring him a glass of mead. "You know, I should be a little cross with you, Isidor. I told you I wanted to surprise Tris, and an hour later, he's knocking on my bedroom door saying he heard I wanted to see him."

The Dunmer woman hands Isidor the mead with a smile.

Ted Peterson

"He was helpful, he gave me a direction to go in my inquiries," Kethiah replied, taking a sip of her brandy. She touched Isidor's arm. "You are soaking wet."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled and left.

A moment later, she returned with a soft, dry fur blanket, such as the one she was wearing. She handed it to Isidor.

"I know Loranna through her late lover Jazbet," Kethiah's voice was quiet now. "He was a very good man, one of the best. Maybe too good for this world. And you? How do you know her? And how well?"

Ted Peterson

"Here we are," Kethiah agreed. Her blanket slipped a moment, but she quickly recovered. There was just enough time to tell she wasn't wearing anything under it. "I'm sorry, Isidor, I didn't mean to shock you."

Ted Peterson

"What do you think is the magic formula?" Goranthir asked. "Four melee fighters, two mages, two archers?"

Ted Peterson

"I'm glad," she smiled, and reached into the folds of his fur blanket, touching his chest. "You're still soaking wet."

Ted Peterson

She held back a moment, and then responded with surprising softness and gentleness for a woman whose job it was to kill people.

"You'll want to get those off and dry them out," she said, kissing his neck. "There's a fireplace in my room ..."

Ted Peterson

"Well, you fight with the army you've got," Goranthir agreed. "Luckily, most of are pretty versatile."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah looked at Isidor, and then to the window. The rain pattered against the glass.

She looked strangely vulnerable. He had thought her pretty at the docks before he had a closer look at her, but now Kethiah did look pretty.

"I'll be leaving soon too," she said. "I'll be in Wayrest. If you want to find me."

Ted Peterson

"Forging is the right word," Goranthir replied. "We want plans that are simple but flexible, where each of us knows what we're supposed to do to support one another ... But right now, we're just trying to figure out what the perfect mix is. Tris thinks three mages, three warriors, and two archers."

Ted Peterson

"Are you all right, Isidor?" Goranthir asked, concerned.

Ted Peterson

"Can I help you, sera?" asked the guard, looking at the stranger, trying to categorize him. There were enough odd looking characters who turned out to be friend of the Lady, it was usually smart to be polite.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, Shaka, but I wouldn't want to go for that reason," Goranthir replied. He didn't say it, but he thought I'm their replacement? Were the Eight already drawn, and I missed it while we were at the tavern?.

Ted Peterson

The guard reacted with nonchalance to the chase. He was used to Cyndarius's men, and much more.

Ted Peterson

For an moment, almost subconsciously, Loranna smelled something familiar. A scent was in the air, something she knew well. Though her mind was otherwise occupied, part of her tried to identify it, as if guessing what flower was in bloom in the herb garden below, or what Razbiah might be cooking for dinner.

It was slightly musky, though, not a spice. Very pleasant, even sensual. A human smell, a chemical formula that triggers somewhere in between our senses. It was Jazbet.

The moment she identified the smell, it had dissipated.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned at Tris's words. That was what he believed too, with all his heart.

He looked at Loranna, wondering at her expression.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was staring into the mirror that hung across the dining room. He blinked once, the image was still there, twice, it disappeared.

Then he turned to Tris: "Oh, no."

Ted Peterson

"Eyes," Goranthir said, swallowing hard. "Blue eyes, staring at me."

Ted Peterson

"I don't know," Goranthir shook his head, and put his hand to his sword. "Nothing good."

Ted Peterson

I know everything Cyndarius has planned before he does a familiar voice but with an unfamiliar tone echoed in her head. The advantages of knowing the future. He doesn't have a prayer.

Ted Peterson

"Tris!" Goranthir pulled out his sword, and stared angrily at the wall. Then he turned his attention to the rest of the group.

Ted Peterson

He passed a mirror and saw himself. Nothing unusual. Except he was a little thinner. A little more muscular, as if he had been exercising that body regularly. Well, that's good, Slyvos was looking better than he thought ...

It wasn't until he passed it that he realized that the figure in the mirror had no eyes.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah, much thinner, much grayer, stepped in, with a platter in hand. She stared at the group, and then screamed, dropping the silver.

"Guards!"

Ted Peterson

The cry of Winged Twilights filled the corridors.

Ted Peterson

"I would say so," said Jazbet, coming down the stairs with a host of Azurites. "I would say so."

Ted Peterson

Jazbet got an inkling of the future.

That book was very important.

The young Breton was going to try to escape out the kitchen entrance.

"Block the kitchen entrance!" he shouted to this guards.

Eventually the boy would tire.

He looked back down the group. "Oh, and kill all of them."

Ted Peterson

People who knew Jazbet when he was alive knew he had a knack for prophesy. He had reassured Loranna that she wouldn't die, as she believed, on the birth of Sen-Yedda.

It was a trick of his that grew more important after he became an Azurite, and torn out his own eyes in despair at being tricked by Azura.

Before he died, his visions had become clearer. He could see the distant future, but he could also see the immediate future. He could dodge a blow before it was thrown at him ... sometimes.

Now, Jazbet was in full mastery of his powers. He knew what the adventurers were going to do as they did so, and guided his guards and Winged Twilights appropriately.

He easily avoided Cyndarius and Gruznob's charge, and sent his guards to attack them to their best advantage.

Ted Peterson

"I'm going with you after Tris!" yelled Goranthir.

"Darling!" Jazbet called up the stairs. "We have visitors, and I think I have the right boy for you."

Kethiah appeared at the top of the stairs, in a suit of black armor. Her hair was long and lustrous, befitting the Lady of the Castle. In her hands were twin knives.

Jazbet pointed to Isidor. "I've seen his blood on your hands. Make it come true."

Kethiah rushed down the bannister with perfect balance and speed, her knives flashing.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah leapt over the axe swing.

He didn't exactly feel the knives go into his back. They were too fine, but he felt numb, and he knew that he had been stabbed.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir saw it and screamed as he ran at them. He couldn't use the Kynarine blast, but he could distract it.

Rats streamed up from the cellar. Some of them had blood on them already, for it was a dungeon again.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah jumped again, and kicked Isidor in the face.

"You can't win, son," Jazbet chuckled. "But you should certainly try."

Ted Peterson

The Winged Twilight tried to finish Tris, but the rats were too much of a nuisance. It finally turned on them, and Goranthir beheaded it.

"Tris," he called, running to his friend. "Are you all right?"

Ted Peterson

There were more explosions in the distance.

Jazbet smiled. His battlemages and nightblades had reached the captain's warships. Now the army would be trapped between the castle and the sea.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah dodged the spell gracefully.

"Don't hurt my wife," growled Jazbet, and signalled to his guards to begin firing arrows down the staircase at the group.

Ted Peterson

"Shouldn't get the hell out of the --" Goranthir began, and then began sword fighting with the Azurite guards who streamed into the kitchen, so it took him a second to add "--Castle?"

Ted Peterson

The Azurite archers focused their fire on Reichi.

Jazbet easily dodged the furniture, but seemed annoyed. "I really liked that chair!"

Ted Peterson

The spell reflection should not have been much of a surprise.

Jazbet had anticipated this attack. As he had all the others.

"Don't I know you?" he asked Loranna, calmly.

Ted Peterson

Jazbet chuckled. "I don't want to spoil the surprise, good captain."

He went back up the stairs.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir is with the group, wide-eyed, more amazed than afraid.

He didn't turn around to face Tris, but it was good to feel him closeby.

'If we succeed,' he said with confidence, mostly to himself. 'This will all go back to how it's supposed to be.'

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had slept, dreamless, and quietly woke up. At a touch, his clothing repaired and cleaned itself. He took a glass of water, and sipped it, thoughtfully.

"The strangest thoughts keep going in my head," Goranthir said out loud. "Tris and Loranna’s group wasn’t the only one to go to the Vaults of Gemin. I guess my group failed as well in this reality. I wonder if Helseth was killed. And Barenziah."

He didn't speak with any particular emotion, except wonderment. None of this was real, on any level.

Ted Peterson

A remarkable little girl, Goranthir thought.

"Yes." he nodded. "Let's ask the men who are doing the fighting what the situation is. For all we know, this is the safest place in Morrowind right now."

Ted Peterson

"If they’re on their own, then, they’re in trouble," Goranthir said, for the first time worry coming to his voice. "They may be the only ones near them who aren’t Azurites … Surely, if Azura won, she would have gone after Mournhold first … And Helseth is already dying."

Ted Peterson

"We need information," Goranthir says quickly. "Do you still have your mirror? Is it back at the castle?"

Ted Peterson

'Well,' said Goranthir. 'This is the easier way ...'

He went over to Cyndarius's men, the ones who had been leading the siege and presumably knew what the situation was here and elsewhere. 'Corporal Durstan, what is happening in Mournhold and Firewatch, do you know? Have they been taken?’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir straightened his shoulders, and wiped the look of his face. Whatever it had been, he knew, it wasn’t heroic.

Barenziah was in a worse situation than this. And she was alive, he knew that. She was tougher and more resourceful than the whole party put together, but … she was likely alone …

He had to go to her.

Ted Peterson

"I’m going," Goranthir said quietly. "I must go."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stared at the wall for a moment.

Then he ran outside.

Ted Peterson

Buffeting by the rain, Goranthir called one of the parraptons. He didn't wait for it to land before jumping on its back. They flew eastward, fast.

Ted Peterson

Some hours later, Karden and Menvris returned with Vn'keri'th. He had taken a turn in the bay, and had begun the flight back on his own.

He was riderless.

"The thief must have fallen off somewhere in the Inner Sea," Karden shrugged. "Drowned, I'd wager."

Ted Peterson

Bosriel, the pale dark-haired little girl, the Void Vampire, was annoyed that Leseth had deprived her of the handsome young Breton.

Now she stalked a young child, a little girl, pulling gently on her doll through the Void with her telekinetic touch, so it fell on the stairs. She could reach her prey there ...

As she floated closer, she sensed other movement in the darkness.

Ted Peterson

Firewatch was a beautiful city at peace. The Azurites got along very well with the other citizens, who were all also Azurites, and slaves of the Azurites.

The harbor was, of course, well-guarded, and nothing of the slightest suspicious nature was there.

The great palace was abuzz with the news that there had been several bodies of guards discovered hidden away in a closet.

The only other news of interest was that the Silt Strider that usually provided regular transport had gone missing.

Ted Peterson

"What an absurd escape this is," Barenziah couldn't help but laugh at herself. It would have better to flee Firewatch by boat, but that was an impossibility.

None of this made the least bit of sense. She had no choice but to react, and then sort the pieces out later.

"Keep away from the cities, or you're dead," she told the pilot, tapping her dagger against his neck.

He nodded, and steered the silt strider between the arid plateaus of the north-eastern mainland.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah's smile left her, as she embraced Tris.

"I don't even know where to begin asking questions," she shook her head. "I've pretty much resigned myself to the knowledge that, at long last, after all these years, I am in the arms of Sheogorath."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah barely batted an eye. "I suspected something similar. Not the specifics of course, but it reminded of something that happened when I was Queen of Wayrest ... You were undoubtedly too young to remember, but there was a similar Warp. Except, in that case, we were the victors ..."

She took a deep breath. "Thank you for the news about Helseth and Goranthir. Now, what are we to do? The pilot tells me that the closest settlement which is not under Azurite influence is Tel Aedrin. Apparently, the Telvanni sorceror there has managed to hold his own, and I was going to appeal to him, but if you have another way ..."

Ted Peterson

It was impossible to avoid people altogether between Firewatch and Tel Aedrin. The Silt Strider, though seemingly awkward and inelegant, covered the terrain very efficiently, passing by Azurite ranches and peasants, who stared in wonderment at it.

As night began to fall, they saw lights on the horizon.

"The army's got Tel Aedrin surrounded on all sides," the pilot said with a small brave smile for his boys. "Of course."

"Of course," agreed Barenziah, and cut the pilot's throat. She pulled up her hood, low so it covered her eyes. "Well, I walked through the streets of Firewatch without being noticed ..."

Ted Peterson

Firewatch

Goranthir came up from the water, carefully, avoiding the fires, which was difficult as well-lit as the harbor was.

The Dreugh had help carry him until he hitched a ride under an Azurite warship heading eastward. It had travelled fast, but he could see all the shipwrecks at the bottom of the Inner Sea, and all the ships passing overhead, casting huge wakes. The Azurites had the nautical advantage, that much was clear.

At a touch, his cloak became dry. He was exhausted, but he began his walk through the city, towards the palace, keeping his hood down among the blue-eyed enemies, here, in the heart of their capitol.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah gave Tris a long, lingering kiss before sliding off the back of the Silt Strider with a grace that belied her years.

She made her way through the camp, hiding in shadows, remembering all her old skills as a thief, long, long ago. Two guards could not be avoided, and had to be dispatched silently and efficiently. She did so without hesitation, hiding their bodies so they would not be found until hours later. Just as she had done when she suddenly found herself in a palace filled with Azurites.

It took the better part of three hours to make her way to Tel Aedrin, but when she arrived, she was let in without question.

She had slept with that old Telvanni once three hundred and nine years ago. He looked like he had put on weight since then, poor thing.

Ted Peterson

The Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, was in her hidden castle, the one she had last occupied while her old palace in the city was being torn down and the Dome was being constructed. It was no great pleasure to flee her city, but it was a hopeless situation, and she understood necessity. Retreat was a tactic, same as any other. So was the forging of new alliances, even with old enemies.

The Queen of Wayrest and her council produced their maps, and began their discussion with King of Orsinium, Gortwog gro-Nagorm.

Firewatch, Morrowind

The situation was growing more dangerous. The Azurites, concerned about the murders in the palace and the Silt Strider that had evidently been hijacked, were searching the citizens, interrogating them for information. They did not suspect any outsiders or an act of espionage by Tel Aedrin to the south – it simply seemed like the acts of a madman.

Still, Goranthir was kept busy, avoiding the guards, trying to glean any information about Barenziah and Tris – who must surely arrived in Firewatch a day ago – and their wherebouts and well-being. So far, his search had not turned up anything, which, though frustrating, was a good sign. Surely if the Queen Mother had been captured or killed, there would have been word of it in the streets.

Still, he kept searching, exhausted, for they might need help …

Ted Peterson

Outside Firewatch

A herde of wild guar made their way through the high steppes of north-eastern mainland Morrowind, following the tracks of the hijacked Silt Strider, as they had been told to. They did not move very fast, but they moved with resolution and purpose, as they had been told to.

Across the back of the largest guar, an enormous brute twice the size of his cousins and the terror of many a villager, the young Dunmer ranger slept. He did not know if this path would take him to Barenziah or Tris, but he knew it was the only clue he had to their wherebouts.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had been dreaming of the world that never was. His grandmother clashing and forming alliances. Loranna as the Lady of Daruhn. The sky was clear of cloud and Twilight.

He was jostled awake by the sudden charge of the guar.

Still lying on his back, he was aware that a figure hung in the stormswept sky. Surely, he thought, the dream is continuing.

“Tris?” he said, sleepily, and then spoke to the guar, telling them to stop. This was a friend. “Have you found her?”

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled widely at the news, and then looked at Tris, trying to read his tone, as he slid off the back of the giant guar.

"You said to follow you if I could," Goranthir replied. "And I could, so I did. I didn't know what I'd find. I'm glad you two didn't need help, but you might've."

Ted Peterson

“If my grandmother’s safe, I’m ready to go,” said Goranthir. “I got lucky on the way here … It will take at least a day for me to get back to Ald Ra'athim, assuming I don’t get caught ... Go on ahead: I'll be there as soon as I possibly can.”

Ted Peterson

Goranthir’s tears felt like ice on his face as he ran westward. The guar were too slow. There was nothing here that would move faster than he could on his feet, at least nothing that answered his summons.

“It’s happening now, and I’m not going to be there,” he hissed angrily to himself. What made him angrier still: the knowledge that if he had to do it again, he would still leave to make sure that Tris and Barenziah were all right. The good of the few over the good of the many. Real smart, kid.

Ted Peterson

The Inner Sea, Morrowind

Goranthir, the young Dunmer/Altmer ranger, was traveling across the snow-swept sea on a Silt Strider. Ordinarily, of course, Silt Striders do not cross waterways, but Goran had a knack for speaking with animals, and, it seemed that the Inner Sea had many ridges that were not so deep. It could walk along these, and never be submerged. Encased in its carapace, the Stider did not even notice the cold, while the ranger was grateful his cloak could become warm fur at a touch,

It was still a roundabout path through the Sea, and Goranthir, alone, had no one to talk to but the Silt Strider.

It took some time to explain to the Silt Strider why the Azurites were bad. To the Strider, they were as annoying as any pilot it had had. More problematic was explaining to the creature, whose brain was quite large but whose sensibilities were not, why it was necessary for the Eight to succeed, and for Goranthir to be one of the Eight.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

The village belonged to the Azurites once again. Jazbet addressed them from the town square, congratulating them on holding out until the siege was lifted, as he had seen it would be. They huddled together, their breath coming out in mist, as they praised Azura to the highest.

Goranthir listened to the speech, his hood down. He knew his cloak was keeping his body warm, but there was a chill in his bones. Where had Cyndarius’s men gone? Had the Eight been chosen? Where were all of his friends? Tris had promised to come back to him, but what if he could not?

There were too many questions, and Goranthir was grateful to be distracted by turmoil in the tavern. He followed the sound of the noise, and found Jazbet’s guards looking over a bizarre symbol floating in the air in the main room. Eight swords, pointing at angles to one another …

“What is it?” one of the Azurites was asking, touching it gingerly.

Goranthir had his suspicions.

Ted Peterson

The Tavern, Ald Ra'athim

“Who’s there?” the Azurite guard snarled, looking towards the stairs.

“I don’t see nothing,” his companion shrugged.

“I did.”

The guard went to the stairs, and looked up into the shadows where Goranthir stood. The Chameleon spell was useful after all, the young ranger thought.

“What do you see?”

“Ah, it’s nothing,” the guard said. A couple mice, rummaging through the junk left behind by Cyndarius’s men. “Let’s go tell the master about the swords.”

The guards left, and Goranthir was free to look at the strange gate up close.

Ted Peterson

After recovering from the shock, Goranthir grabbed her, putting his hand gently on her mouth, glancing nervously at the door. "Shh. We are completely surrounded by Azurites ... What happened?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir shuddered at Diamond's howl. "Didn't you hear me? The Azurites have this place surrounded, you have to be qui --"

Ted Peterson

"The Azurites were saying Cyndarius's army were heading west through the pass toward Cyrodiil," Goranthir whispered, his eyes on the door. "How is your stealth?"

Ted Peterson

"You'll be all right," Goranthir smiled. "As long as you don't go looking for trouble and keep your head down so they can't see your eyes. The most dangerous places are on the edges of their territory ..."

He looked towards the Gate. What was he supposed to do? It looked like it'd cut him up ... Surely that's not part of the plan ...

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded quickly and stepped towards the gate. "You said there are only seven now. They need an Eighth."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked wide-eyed. "I don't know what that means, splitting in Kynareth and entering Dibella ... I just know that the Gate only opened when you came out. Maybe only eight can enter ..."

He gave a nervous laugh. "I guess there's only one way to be sure. Follow me!"

The young ranger ran at the Gate, and with a shriek of sudden pain, was cut into pieces.

"What was that?" came a voice on the other side of the tavern door. "Somebody in there?"

Ted Peterson

Pain, pain, pain, pain ...

"And I'm standing on a sword," Goranthir said. "Ow."

And then he saw the dragons.

"Ow."

Ted Peterson

Actually it didn't hurt through his boots if he kept his balance ... which was a little tricky to do when your attention is not on the ground but on the dragons swooping through the sky.

ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow!

"Nice dragon."

Goranthir had never spoken to a dragon before. He didn't know if he could. He decided now would be a bad time to play around with it.

Anyhow, they didn't seem to notice him.

There was a gate ahead of him. More swords.

Oh give me a break, I get diced eight times?

Ted Peterson

Akatosh

"Now," the dark-robed figure said, turning its hooded head towards Goranthir on the slender bridge. "You stand on the path; you have come a long way. Will you turn back, or will you make the payment that is required to pass the gate?"

Goranthir’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll make the payment. How much?”

"One eighth of your substance, ranger," the dark-robed figure said, inclining its hooded head towards Goranthir. "What the spheres gave to you as your spirit traveled inwards from the Outer Realms and took flesh, now you must give back, if you intend to leave the spheres of the divines."

Goranthir’s eyes narrowed even more. “Okay.”

"Then make your payment, and pass through the gate," the figure said, and bowed.

Goranthir leapt into the gate with another shriek, and gave up his Willpower. He wasn’t using it anyhow.

Ted Peterson

"Pardon me," Goranthir said, though it sounded all the world like ehehehehhhh. "I'm looking my companions who passed by here - whoa!"

He righted himself before falling. The wind was picking up.

Ted Peterson

Goats who lost the battle and became goats who want to be eaten.

Goranthir's head swam. And then another blast of wind nearly took him over the edge. He grabbed Geiri's horns for support.

"Sorry," neighed Goranthir. "It's a bit windy here. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing other than catching up with my companions ... But why do you want to be eaten? How did you become goats?"

Ted Peterson

"Very vexing," Goranthir bleated sympathetically. "Things are amiss all over. My home is also not following the rules. That's what my companions and I are trying to fix. I don't know how they passed through here with this wind, though ..."

He tried crawling on all fours. It was slow, but he felt fairly stable.

Ted Peterson

"Would it?" the ranger smiled. "I don't see how that would help my problem at all ... You're pretty sure-footed. Maybe you could help guide me to the Gate?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir got shakily back up to his feet and took out his daikatana. It was no great pleasure to kill a creature out of mercy, but he had done it before. Tamriel is full of walking, wounded animals, begging to end the pain if you can hear them.

"If this is really what you want," Goranthir said with a sober errerrehhehhhheh. "Line up. I'm not going to go charging at you in this wind, on this narrow bridge ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laugh delightedly with the rough-housing, even if it was on a razor-sharp sword bridge, and thanked the shaman kindly for the gift of the ring.

"My second gift of Kynareth," Goranthir smiled, showing them his sword and the Kynarine blast.

"I should get to my companions though," he said, starting off toward the gate.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir ran over the chasm, the wind roaring around him, twisting his cloak like a pair of wings. He saw the giant.

ow

And kept running past the mess of chairs, the crack in reality, and through the Gate.

"THIS STILL [CENSORED] HURTS!"

He gave up his Intelligence. That always tripped him up anyhow.

Ted Peterson

Paradise

After he got over the agony, Goranthir smiled. Now this was nice.

He purred hello to the cats, and cawed to the birds as he ran forward.

And then it occured to him, quite suddenly, how hungry he was. It had been a long time since he had eaten. A day in fact. The fruit looked delicious.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir fell on his butt. "Hello. So, the fruit's no good. You need an Eighth?"

Ted Peterson

"Hello," Goranthir said as he came to the Gate. "I heard you needed an Eighth?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir just smiled. "Those gates are really, really painful."

Ted Peterson

Update

Goranthir, the handsome young Altmer/Dunmer ranger is with the Eight about to leave the sphere of Dibella.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir gritted his teeth this time, trying not to scream in front of his companions, but he still did as the sword ripped through him.

His personality, that which set him apart from the other Princes of Firsthold slipped from him into nothingness.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir pushes the snakes aside to find the path. "Let's go."

Ted Peterson

"I think we would be best off," Goranthir said, hissing his apologies to the snakes he was pushing aside. "Doing our job quickly, and let them do theirs. We would only get in their way. And they are a little ... cranky."

Ted Peterson

Now Goranthir shuddered. "And the spirits, Deothur?" he whispered, moving forward against the nerves in his body that told him to turn back. "They are not evil?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. He didn't like the way they stared -- mostly, it seemed, at him ... with those dead eyes ... but he stayed on the path.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was glad Herwyn spoke. He was afraid his own voice might shake, but he stood with his companion.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stared and then when he understood, he laughed uncomfortably. 'I am sorry, sir, but you are confused. I am not dead.'

Ted Peterson

"You’ll be grateful you can only die twice," replied Gorathir with a confidence he did not feel, bringing his daikatana into position.

Ted Peterson

"No, rope’s too dear for the likes of you," Goranthir’s ebony daikatana slashed forth in a wave of blackness at the bandit ghost’s midsection.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was angry, and he didn’t know why. All he knew was that he was no longer scared, and this was much better. It was enormously satisfying to watch his assailants melt before his blade, and see them then devoured by snakes. His armor enchantments on his cloak were soaking most of the damage he was dealt for now.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir’s fun was over. He felt raw panic again. If he were not wearing the ring that kept him anchored he would have fallen already. "We asked them not to block our path three times, milord," he gasped, trying to get the ghost out of his mouth.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was shaking. His dark flesh appeared gray, ashen, even as he watched the ghosts who were assaulting him slip away.

'We are trying,' he said hoarsely as he realized who it was, from Tris's stories in the book. 'To fix all this.'

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at the ghost: "I am glad to know someone who can save my life in his dreams. You are right, we should go. I look forward to meeting you … in the flesh. "

Ted Peterson

Goranthir bowed to Ciel, and with a signal to the others, followed Herwyn.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked back at Tris and Ciel, and then went through. With a scream, he relinquished his Stamina ...

Ted Peterson

Goranthir followed quickly behind. "Reminds me of Altmer architecture," he said, not meaning it to be a compliment. "Loranna, I'm sorry about what happened back there. I didn't know any other way to get that ghost to back off."

Ted Peterson

"Well, I'll try not to make anyone else angry," Goranthir grinned, his voice turning to a whisper as they got closer to the orator.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was grateful for the lecture on heroism. He still desperately wanted to be one, but anticipated many, many more missteps.'

"The question is," Goranthir whispered. "How to get it in a polite way."

Ted Peterson

"Teacher," said Goranthir, speaking in a low voice to the woman in the High Elven tongue and in Cyrodilic. "We need your help."

Ted Peterson

"Perhaps she heard me," Goranthir said, looking towards her, hoping.

Ted Peterson

"What kind of a teacher refuses to share with students who come begging for insight?" Goranthir said under his breath, and then he thought of his tutors on Sumurset. I was the exact kind of pig-headed person this woman tried to help.

Ted Peterson

"I'm feeling decidedly less pig-headed than her," Goranthir replied. "Imagine resolving never to move again as a testament to your ability to reach others. That's like eating the contents of a bakery to reward yourself for losing weight."

He followed Anya, preparing to pull her back if there was trouble.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir helped pull Anya back onto the sword. "I surrendered my intelligence already too ... That may be what Julianos requires."

He looks to the group. "Has anyone still got their Intelligence?"

What an odd thing to ask he thought.

Ted Peterson

"Try it," Goranthir suggested, squeezing Anya's hand.

Ted Peterson

"Tell us what you did," Goranthir said, watching Herwyn plod forward.

Ted Peterson

With his all his physical attributes except his stamina still intact, Goranthir knew that he wouldn't last any longer than Anya on the ground.

"Probably just as well," he muttered. "I was never very good with tutors. Ask Raithen."

Ted Peterson

"Yeah," whispered Goranthir, with a wink. "That's what I would have said."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir pretended to lose his balance, but as long as he had his ring on, he wouldn't.

Ted Peterson

"Loranna," Goranthir whispered. "Heal his feet so he can return here quickly. I don't want this to turn into a mob like in Arkay ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir bowed to the orator and the crowd. Words wouldn't persuade them, but he should show them their due honor.

He waited for Herwyn before moving towards the next gate.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir realized that he still hadn't eaten, and he could really go for some pie.

Ted Peterson

OOC -- Rhedd did it first! And he's in punching distance!

Goranthir slipped into the gate ahead of the mob, feeling himself being shredded, and the speed -- good enough to get him from one end of Tamriel to the other in a year, good enough to get him from one end of Morrowind to the other in day -- slipped away from him.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, one of the Eight, is the son of King Reman and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold, nephew of King Helseth of Morrowind, and grandson of the legendary Queen Mother Barenziah. He is with the others, having left the sphere of Julianos. His worst experience so far has been in the sphere of Arkay, where the ghosts, for some reason, really took an active dislike for him.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir found that using the Kynarine blast from his sword in this atmosphere was particularly helpful at keeping the dreugh at bay. He swam after Doethur quickly, only pausing from time to time to level another blast.

Ted Peterson

Goran kissed Luxi on the forehead. He had eyes like a human now.

Ted Peterson

‘Ald Raithim is in the hands of the Azurites,’ Goranthir cried after them. ‘You cannot face an army alone, tough as you are. You should go where your mother is.’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir instinctively fired his Kynarine blast at it, but it didn’t slow down. He was after Deothur, as fast as he could swim.

Ted Peterson

The crushing pressure was so great that the blades slicing through him felt like an implosion, greater agony than ever. Goranthir screamed in pain as he felt his strength leave his body.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, emerging from the Gate, still had his finely-wrought gray cloak, which he touched to give it a quick cleaning, but he did not look like himself one bit.

He looked like Tris.

‘Let’s go,’ he said in Tris’s voice.

Ted Peterson

‘Is that who I look like?’ Goranthir laughed, again with Tris’s laugh. ‘I thought I felt a little ... Breton.’

Ted Peterson

‘Shouldn’t you be looking more like Elysana?’ Goranthir wondered aloud.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir lay on the path and laughed. ‘That goddam hurt.’

He got up with a wink, ‘Sorry. She’s my aunt. Thought you could tak a joke, from all I’ve heard. I tell you what, I’ll buy you something in the bazaar.’

Ted Peterson

‘I tried to be nice, I even apologized,’ Goranthir growled, a flicker of a golden sheen in his eyes, or Tris’s eyes. ‘I even tried to bribe you. Do not address me further in that tone, you have not earned the right.’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir turned to Deothur, and said, "Thank you," and smiled with Tris's smile at Herwyn.

"You a grumpy one. Good thing I didn't mention Doll. Shall we move on?"

He began down the path towards the carnaval. "I'll buy you a rose," he laughed.

Ted Peterson

‘Come on, yell at me here if you must, but let’s keep moving,’ cried Goranthir from further down the road. He looked at the gold of the city with wonderment.

Ted Peterson

A fool is apparently anyone who doesn’t consider a career with the despot of the west, murmured Goranthir under his breath, as he continued down the path. And anyhow, how dare he yell at me, miserable peasant.

Ted Peterson

‘Yes, if you were my barmaid, I’d demand faster service,’ Goranthir laughed Trisily.

Ted Peterson

'Can we keep anything we buy?' asked Goranthir, reaching into his purse.

Ted Peterson

‘Pity,’ said Goranthir, putting his hands in his pockets like the rest, and looking at Herwyn. ‘I was going to buy you something to take back to Wayrest. I will have to come and visit instead.’ He looked to Loranna and the old woman, ‘We should keep moving.’

Ted Peterson

‘Nothing here travels well, Deothur says,’ Goranthir said quickly. ‘I hate to agree with the Humorless One, but buyer beware.’

Ted Peterson

'She's a noble,' Goranthir said. 'Worst work there is. Come on, let's go.'

Ted Peterson

'Like working for a despot,' Goranthir agreed with a Trisian wink. 'Figuratively speaking, of course, my friend.'

Ted Peterson

Update

Goranthir, a Prince of Firsthold, is one of the Eight, seemingly reluctant to show his True Self, he is appearing now as his hero, Tris.

Ted Peterson

"What do you want for that?" Goranthir asked the flower seller, pointing to the most miserable, rotten rose.

Ted Peterson

"I like it," Goranthir smiled, knowing that the face of Tris would warm any heart. "If you value it so low, perhaps I could have it for free?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir gave her all the gold he had on him, a thousand pieces. ‘Is that enough?’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir leaned in, keeping his feet on the road, and kissed the girl. He turned to Herwyn, and handed it to him, ‘I told you I’d find something for you.’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir shrugged, ‘A gift is still a gift even if not accepted,’ he said, quoting his grandmother on his father’s side, of whom he hadn’t thought in years. He continued down the road, rose in his pocket.

Ted Peterson

"Where is that scrap heap you were talking of, Deothur?" Goranthir asked. "You said the people here throw away many valuable things?"

He smiled at Anya, clearly unaware that he was angering her.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiles, and returned to the stalls. There was something he needed to have.

Ted Peterson

"Not great," Goranthir whispered, not wanting to be heard by the group. "Have you ever met an [censored] who kept nagging you, and then you realized that he was right?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sighed, "It's not important. I know what I have to do ..."

He began browsing through the wares. He knew they had to sell it somewhere, he just didn't know where.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had disappeared around the corner into the stands.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir came back around from the stalls, looking frustrated (and, of course, looking exactly like Tris). He grinned when he saw Shaka. "Our new Eighth has arrived! Hail Shaka!"

Ted Peterson

"The one thing I wanted they didn't have," Goranthir nodded. "Let's go."

He began the walk along the sword walk, hands in his pockets, still frustrated.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed and whispered in Deothur's ear what he was looking for.

"One man laughed at me," he said. "He said they didn't have it, because no one would buy it."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Goranthir said, unwrapping the rags. It was a dessicated piece of roast meat of some kind, old and leathery, like military tack. Goranthir nibbled a bit of it. "How do I know if I'm using it incorrectly?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, looking at Deothur and the rest of the companions.

"Goranthir," said a voice from down the path. Five gray-cloaked figures made their way towards the group. Psijics.

Ted Peterson

"We are not native to anywhere," said the lead Psijic under a hood. The voice was neither male nor female.

Goranthir took another hard bite of the dried meat, and looked at the Psijics. He handed them his ebony daikatana.

“You gave me this, and said that someday I would be worthy of it,” Goranthir said.

The lead Psijic spoke again. “And are you?”

Goranthir went to one knee, and the Psijic held the sword aloft.

Ted Peterson

The Psijics together chanted a holy benediction, ancient when beast folk alone inhabited the mainland of Tamriel. It was beautiful and sad.

“You accept these responsibilities, and will heed our council?” the lead Psijic asked.

“I will, I swear,” Goranthir said.

The Psijic placed the sword on Goranthir’s head, and a crown appeared. As Goranthir rose, he didn’t look like Tris anymore, but himself, only older. His hair was long. His face handsome, but marked by lines of worry. The Psijic gave Goranthir back his daikatana, and the five of them bowed to him.

“Your Majesty, King Goranthir,” they said as one and vanished.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded to all, a smile on his face which was warm but a little melancholy. He was taller now, and more muscular. His simple cloak and clothes were ornamented with the ancient symbols of the Altmer.

"Thank you for your patience," he said, in a voice that was his own, only deeper, in timber and wisdom. "We should continue on."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded, and looked to the group. "I relinquished my speed. Only my agility and luck remain."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir leapt into the blades, and felt the age of his new body. His new, older body heavier, more stiff, more awkward, as his agility slips away, all his much trained fighting skills forgotten.

Only his luck remained.

Ted Peterson

There was but a twinkle in Goranthir's eyes. Yes, he was now a king. But he was also a 16-year-old boy, and this was a lot of naked flesh. But it was only a twinkle, not a blush, which would have been his normal reaction.

Then he turned to look at the sphere, to see how to progress through it the most stealthily.

Ted Peterson

As they moved quickly, quietly forward, Goranthir whispered to Deothur, "Do all the creatures here answer to Stendarr? I could provide a distraction perhaps, but it would have the precise opposite effect if I merely drew their attention to us ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded, and invisibly began to call to the birds, seeking their friendship and their assistance, when the time was right. It was the same with all animals. He could not simply order them to do something they didn't want to do. But he had learned how to speak sweetly, and appeal to them.

Ted Peterson

With his last breath, he called upon the birds he had befriended to try to distract the winged lions ... then his face went gray and slack ...

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled. He was thinking of his luck, the last ineffable quality of his that he had held onto until the very last gate. His luck, which was all it was that got him killed first, almost instantly in the park of Stendarr. It was good to let it go.

He looked over his companions with humor, noting their disparate forms.

As for his own appearance, he was still a king, as he had been ever since the coronation in Zenithar, complete with crown and ornate Altmeri symbols on his simple clothes. And he was still recognizably Goranthir, though his hair was long and drawn back in a thick braid. His skin was the golden color of his father's people, and his eyes the flashing red of his mother's.

"Ah, shopping," he said, looking to the smiths. "Well, let's discuss what we truly need. We don't have all the time in the world to decide," he said. "Shaka, Isidor, Reichi, Herwyn, Goranthir, Anya, Loranna, Slyvos ... Five warriors, an archer, a healer, a mage ... It seems to me we're well-suited on close-range combat, but might need some additional long distance capabilities and support."

Ted Peterson

"If we had rings or other means to take care of our own basic defenses, shielding, reflecting, and dispelling magic for example, we would have a primary means to keep ourselves alive, while Loranna focuses on bolstering us, and taking the energy out of our foes."

Careful, old man, you're pontificating he said to himself. Though that's what kings do ...

Ted Peterson

"Exactly, and while we fight together, we are not, despite all of our practices in the arena, a cohesive fighting unit, capable of shouting out new plans across the battlefield," Goranthir replies. "We should know that each of us is self-reliant, at least for a little while. Also, what I like about having each of having the means to reflect and dispel magic is that we can choose when to activate it, and get the benefit of your healing while stopping the enemy's attacks."

Ted Peterson

"Or perhaps a little woad?" Goranthir laughed. "Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if some our enemies from the mythic past were completely starkers."

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry, Herwyn, of course. I've seen your magicka in action, I should've known," the King nodded, and smiled. "Four warriors, an archer, a healer, and two mages is a much better strategic combination, for certes."

Ted Peterson

"You could have recognized me three sphere ago too well," the King chuckled deeply, embracing Tris. "How are you?"

Though his skin was golden and lined by age, he was Goranthir.

Ted Peterson

"Like I said, you should've seen me three spheres ago," Goranthir laughed. It was not his normal boisterous laugh, of a carefree 16-year-old. It was the deep, warm chuckle of the seasoned veteran, the warrior at his peak, with many battles before him, and many more ahead. Tinged with sadness without despair. "Much to tell you, but what were you saying about the General?"

Ted Peterson

"I was you," Goranthir ceased laughing, but still smiled sadly. "I don't know why. It was an image of a hero I suppose I had in my mind, which was an ideal, but not really me at my heart. I had to work a little harder than most to accept what my inner self was, since I've always been told that it would not be my fate. I needed to get something in Zenithar, which Deothur was sweet enough to find for me because no one there would sell it. Trust."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed heartily, almost crying, and then he slapped Herwyn on his back. "And you were an amorphous curmudgeon, my friend, but we rise."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled. "I'm glad you weren't there too, if that would be your reaction to a confused boy trying to find his way," He spoke of himself almost as if it were years ago, with affection and deep regret. "What am I now? I am a potential. The heir to two kingdoms."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's eyes looked at Tris, fine lines of worry and happiness creasing around their edges, and unspoken, he said "I know" to Tris's comment.

"Let us find someone with the freshest wounds then," the King said. "Someone who knows immediately what is chic amongst the warriors."

He turned from Tris, scanning the crowd.

Ted Peterson

While they looked through the crowd, Goranthir also looked for a jeweler who could create some specific spellbound items he had in mind.

Ted Peterson

"What makes their tactics particularly effective?" Goranthir asks.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked to Sylvos. "Good thing you're here, friend."

Ted Peterson

"Very nice," Goranthir laughed. "And very you. You should work on your battle cry, and complete the package."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. His brow wrinkled in worry, but his eyes remained calm. "They are confident."

He turned to the group. "I toyed around with a strategy before where I pretended to lose my heart and run. In the arena, of course, my opponents were my friends, and they didn't pursue me to try to finish me off. But the Warband anticipates our fear, our hopelessness, and we can use that."

Ted Peterson

“In Alinor, in the time of my great grandfather, there was a siege on an impenetrable fortress, fueled by a similar powerful force deep within,” Goranthir said dreamily, the sigils on his robe slightly glowing. “He sent in a scout with twenty rings of mark and recall. The scout was excellent, and managed to sneak into the heart of the castle where he set twenty marks. Then he returned to my grandfather, and my grandfather gave the twenty rings to his twenty greatest fighters. They recalled into the castle, took out the source of the power, and were victorious.”

Ted Peterson

While the group silently heard Goranthir's story, he snapped out of his reverie and said: "Besides the source of their power, the Warband is clearly composed of tactical geniuses, while we are only, alas, tactically very, very bright," he smiled. "Loranna, how are your Absorb Intelligence spells? It's a bit of dirty trick, but if we can get them to forget all the hundreds of battles they've won and the tricks they've mastered, that'd be awfully nice."

Ted Peterson

"That's true," the King nodded his head. "And another thing that I thought of in the area of hexes and bolstering. You can bolster our strength, agility, speed, endurance, and exhaust yourself, but you could bolster something that I've learned recently is very important, perhaps the most important thing in a battle like this ... Luck."

Ted Peterson

"Agreed," Goranthir said. "My point was that Luck affects everything, while Enhanced Speed or Enhanced Strength is localized. I think we should invest in that for one and all, for everyone to use just as trouble comes."

Ted Peterson

"If we're fighting through a fortress," the King said. "It might be wise to have two Mark and Recall items each. That way, we can 'leap frog,' and always have an alternate escape route. Say, we're moving from point A to point D. We cast a Mark on A when we've secured it, and then move forward to B. Once B is secure, we cast a Mark there. Then we move to C, and remove our Mark from A. Now, if we get in trouble at D, we can retreat to C, and if we get in trouble there, we still have one more means of escape. And we don't have to retreat to the very start when we just need to get out of a sticky situation ... That makes sense to me ..."

He followed Anya to the jewelry shop. "How many Mark and Recall items do you have available? We would like the lot."

Ted Peterson

"That would be perfect," Goranthir grinned. "Don't forget to find something for your flying friend. And make sure he remembers that if I'm fighting close to someone, he can breath fire on us both without fear of hurting me. My cloak takes care of that."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled. "The only person who appreciated the scale was Isidor, and you told him not to be so pessimistic."

Ted Peterson

"I should have thought of that," said Goranthir, annoyed with himself, a trace of the 16-year-old coming through.

So much for the wisdom of the Kings of Sumurset ... But it is a good plan ...

Ted Peterson

"I was thinking the same thing," Goranthir nods, turning back to the jeweler to check on the enchanted rings and amulets he had ordered.

Ted Peterson

"The great trick, of course, is to make sure that your enemies can't see you, but your friends can. If Slyvos were to cast an area effect spell, and not realize that you were in the vicinity ..." Goranthir frowned. "Though I have certainly found invisibility to be a dangerous thing to deal with myself. Worth considering."

Ted Peterson

"All warbands have saints?" Goranthir asked. "Including the Source?"

Ted Peterson

"How long have they been victorious?" Goranthir asked, turning to the assembled ghosts. "We know about their necromancer, but not their other warriors, and their saint ..."

Ted Peterson

"A saint of himself," Goranthir chuckled, looking at his hands, which like the rest of his body had the golden High Elf hue which was half of his birthright. "Yes, I know something of the Altmer pride ..."

The King thought for a moment on that.

"Do any animals live on the plain?"

Ted Peterson

"And then there is the question of the flower," Goranthir nodded. "Is it for us to see the truth, or them?"

Ted Peterson

"What else can you tell us about this saint?" Goranthir addressed the ghosts, looking particularly at the Redguard woman. "Does he participate in the fighting?"

Ted Peterson

The Void

The smell of blood was in the air, and Bosriel, the pale little girl with the long dark hair, the red eyes and redder lips, the Void Vampire, supped where she could on the wounded, Azurite or Legionnaire. They were mortal enemies, but their blood tasted the same.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled. "How long is this list of yours?"

Ted Peterson

"I think I'll see you again," said Goranthir seriously, his eyes showing the new trust he had, and with it the unspoken but clear message But I may not. He embraced Tris and left quickly to pick up the necessary items.

The King went around the group, passing each of them two rings and an amulet. "The first ring casts Mark and Recall, and heal at the same time. We will pick a spot to retreat to if need be. The second ring casts dispel, cure disease, and cure poison. The amulet casts a powerful shield spell. These should be your first line of defense. Even if you can cast some of these spells already, use these items first, and conserve your magicka for when it matters."

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry," Goranthir laughed loudly. "Shall we commit deicide now?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir took a deep breath. He didn't know if he was ready or not. But it was time.

The only other item he had bought for himself allowed him to summon forth bound weapons, in case he lost the ebony daikatana. But he was not going to do that.

"Yes," he said.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir is one of the eight, once again a 16-year-old boy in enchanted ranger's clothing, holding his ebony daikatana.

He made a call of greeting to the beast.

Ted Peterson

"Let's set our initial Marks here," said Goranthir. "So we can Recall far away if we're overwhelmed ... We'll reset the Marks when we get closer."

He continued to call to the beast in friendly tones.

Ted Peterson

"No, no, friend, back to your meal, don't draw attention to us," Goranthir huffed back. "Please, or we'll be in danger."

His heart ached at the beast's expression. Some animals naturally looked mean, or scary, or sad, or funny, without being any of those things. This animal was what it looked like, that he knew.

Ted Peterson

We are here to free them and all others who are trapped by the Necromancer in the castle Goranthir huffed back, translating for the others.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looks over briefly and rolls his eyes. "Sorry about that. I was obnoxious" before returning to talking to the Welwa, and translating its words to the others.

Ted Peterson

The Void

In the dark places, where crumbled wall met crumbled floor, where stairwells had collapsed, trapping men alive, Bosriel, the Void Vampire, supped, bringing eternal rest to the wounded. She had not had such a good meal in months. Her hunger was growing, though, she was far from sated.

Ted Peterson

At Sorrow

Goranthir shuddered, but they had been warned that the Source used the souls of the defeated to create their fortress. His imagination had conjured up something horrible, and it was, but in a strange way, it was almost a relief to see it. His Psijic tutors had often told him, "The mind is crueler than the eye."

Ted Peterson

"There is more than one psychopath on the team," Goranthir said. "The Saint did not create this horror alone."

Ted Peterson

Some arrows that might not have otherwise found their mark veered slightly, as if touched by an invisible hand, to strike the throat or chest of their targets.

The Azurites who fell, some of them still alive, spasmed and screamed, and died, pale and bloodless. Even for people enjoying the combat, it was a gruesome sight to see.

In the Void, blood fell like rain.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir asks the Welwa with great sympathy how her warband was beaten. Did the Source come out of their castle for them?

Ted Peterson

Goranthir translates this for the others. Bloody cowards he thought, angrily.

Ted Peterson

"Of course, if we wanted to send them a message, Lotus could fly over the sphere and drop it down onto the fortress from a safe height," Goranthir said. "Gravity does seem to be similar here as on Nirn."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir calmed the beast, telling her that Isidor didn't mean it.

Ted Peterson

"We don't want them to come to their front door step, we want them to come here," Goranthir said, sounding somewhere between the enthusiasm of youth and the wisdom of the King. "Their bound souls act as a battery, drawing a bit off of all of them to power the field, but not enough from any one that they get used up. We plant the Trueflower, and then next to it this ring. They both grow into the field, both constantly casting their spells, trying to cancel out the other one. When they run out of charges, they start drawing from the bound souls ..."

"This won't bring the castle down in a minute, but it will start to weaken, and they will know that it is. Particularly when we send a few mocking messages through Lotus, telling them that their days are numbered, that we're bringing the whole fortress down around their ears. They have no choice but to come out and face us, because they will no longer be safe ..."

Ted Peterson

"This plateau we're on will be good for the mages and the archers," Goranthir said, looking around. "Probably good to reset our Marks here, so we can retreat to higher ground if need be ..."

Goranthir makes huffing noises to the Welwa, asking about the rest of land surrounding the castle.

"There's a high rise on the other side," he said, interpreting.

Ted Peterson

"Let's send our notes of mockery," Goranthir smiled, as Anya sent Lotus to fly over the fortress with several notes, telling the Source that their time on the Plains was coming to an end, to rain them down.

Ted Peterson

"Good idea," said Goranthir, hacking off limbs of the Resist Tree with his ebony dai-katana, being careful to avoid the energy blasts, and tossing them to the ground.

Ted Peterson

"Let's move around towards the higher ground," Goranthir said. "I don't like having this ebony wall behind us."

Ted Peterson

"Anya," Goranthir said. "Ready your bow. Loranna, she's going to need some boosts to her marksmanship. We're not going to get more than one shot ..."

Ted Peterson

"And let's move away from this wall towards the higher ground," Goranthir added. "There's an expression about 'having your back to the wall' which is very seldom a positive thing."

Ted Peterson

"Remember," Goranthir said, as they moved to the higher ground. "One target is essential, and for him you will need one particular arrow ..."

Ted Peterson

"There he is," Goranthir whispered to Anya, pulling out his sword to unleash the Kynarine blast. "When he's within range, you know what to do. Slyvos, are you ready?"

Ted Peterson

"She's their hexer and buffer then?" Goranthir said, touching his Trueflower. "Aye, I see her. Well, let's make her an early target to make her team-mates easier."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir fired the Kynarine effect after the arrow shot. He aimed low, to kick up a cloud of dirt into their faces, and to knock them off their feet.

Ted Peterson

"Get behind the shields, Shaka!" Goranthir cried, doing that himself. "You're wasting your spells, and they might be reflected back!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, his cloak resistant to fire, got between the fireballs and Deothur and Herwyn.

Ted Peterson

"Someone give him your ring that cures poison!" Goranthir shouted, his cloak up, engulfed in flames. "Rings don't have any problem with concentration under fire!"

Ted Peterson

"And then dispel and blindness before the arrow shot, we don't want them shielded," Goranthir added quickly, over the roar of the flames. "Who is this Mabrigash? Clearly they don't need a hexer and buffer ..."

Ted Peterson

"He's okay now," Goranthir said, getting back behind the shields. "'Elammu Vando you said his name was, Slyvos?"

Ted Peterson

"Nice fortress you have there!" Goranthir called back at them. "Pity its eating itself! A few more trees from us, and no more souls to patch it up, and you'll be without Sorrow!"

Ted Peterson

"A fine woodsman!" Goranthir laughed back. "How many more seeds do you think we have after you're finished with that?!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir roared something over the shields, in the Senche-Raht's native tongue. He hoped he got the expression right. He heard it in Elsweyr, but he didn't know if it was true that the giant tigers regularly mated with their mothers. It was funny though.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed and responded, asking them how many holes there were in their conjugal pen at the fortress.

"Leave them alone!" Goranthir yelled at his allies, with a wink. "Let them go back into their holey fortress, and then we can start bringing it down again!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir is a 16-year-old ranger again, though he has held something of his Kingly persona he picked up in the Spheres. He is taunting the Source of All Sorrow, telling them to go back in their castle so he and his friends can start pulling it down again.

Ted Peterson

"Hey Slyvos," Goranthir whispered, chuckling a little despite himself. "See if you can make him mad to draw him towards us. We have to get him out in the open away from the sphere."

Ted Peterson

"We don't chose any ground!" Goranthir called back. "Go back inside! We promise not to plant anymore trees and drain all your fortress away! Really! We're sorry! Your ability to defeat inanimate objects is without question!"

He laughed long and loud.

Ted Peterson

"Wait until they go back inside before planting anymore!" Goranthir said to Herwyn loudly. "They are mighty against ... trees!"

Ted Peterson

"I'm going to take a quick nap!" Goranthir laughed. "Tell me when they go back inside, and we'll continue our little seed sowing!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir fired his Kynarine effect at the fat Breton, and hissed to the others: "Dispel, blind, and then arrow!"

Ted Peterson

"Stay behind the shields and be prepared for anything," Goranthir replied quickly.

Ted Peterson

"Anya!" Goranthir yelled, his ring curing him of the poison, as he stumbled out of the way of the crashing Senche-Raht. "Now!"

Ted Peterson

"Bravo, Anya!" Goranthir cried, leaping to knock the ohmes-raht from the battlecat. "Slyvos, talk to him --!"

Then he was struck with the Altmer's spell, and without his ring to dispel it, he just grinned at her. "Sorry about the crack about your son. Clearly, the two of you are close, but I think it's a beautiful thing, and it's silly of me to attribute anything salacious to the relationship. I say, this place is jolly pretty, if you look at it the right ways. The wailing souls are kind of ... restive ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's rings helped him heal and resist the poison of the dagger, but still he reeled, happy to cured of the euphoria.

The only thing he had time to do was throw one of the Trueflower blooms to the Monk.

"You have doubts," Goranthir shouted. "And you know what this flower shows. Why not see your saint for who he truly is?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was about to help the Velothi see the error his ways through his most regal wisdom, but -- perhaps a lingering effect of the Altmer's calming spell -- all he could think of was What good is it to be the God of a realm without pie?

Since this was a silly thought, and he was busy doing other stuff, he did not vocalize it.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir tosses him another flower. "You already know what you'll see, don't you?"

Ted Peterson

The Mabrigash had her back turned to them, casting the dispel at the fleeing saint. Maybe it was dirty fighting to attack her now, but Goranthir didn't care much.

He slashed at her with his ebony daikatana.

Ted Peterson

All that were left were the Ohmes-Raht and the Bosmer archer. Both seemed to be well-taken care of ...

Goranthir turned to the Welwa pursuing the saint. The field was still up, though the castle was crumbling. Was she all right?

He howled after her.

Ted Peterson

In the Void, a little girl with pale skin and dark hair, her face and gown spattered with blood, drank of the fountain that dripped from the palace into nothingness.

This man was beautiful, she thought, watching him.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir wiped his eyes, and smiled. He had understood the Welwa's baying, and the triumph behind it, the long desired revenge, a victory that she had longed for ...

He too embraced Deothur, feeling every bit a child, and not at all a king.

Ted Peterson

"Come on," said Goranthir. "We should hurry. We don't know what's happening in Tamriel right now. A hero may die before we reach Solunastra."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, almost to the gate, turned to Deothur. "I didn't think to ask for whom the Welwa was a saint. Do you know?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, and held her, saying to her, "I will speak to you too, and I hope you will be able to hear me."

"Thank you, saints," he said with a sigh, leaping into the gate.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir did not say a word, but merely bowed. The place was overwhelming in its beauty.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Jazbet looked into the future as he surveyed his domain. His empty eyes sought all possibilities, and he gasped.

A part of him that had not died rejoiced.

Ted Peterson

"One part of all this ending is sad," said Goranthir sincerely. "In the new world, we will likely no longer be companions."

Ted Peterson

I have heard so much about you sounded trite.

Wow, you're beautiful sounded idiotic.

Instead, the former king and ranger once again bowed and said, "Goranthir of Firsthold, at your service, my lady."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed deeply. Where is that kingliness I possessed before? he asked himself. I could really use it now.

Hearing Tris's name, he smiled. He had honestly been afraid that he would never see his friend again.

Ted Peterson

After the experience of seeing his companions True Selves, often so different from what he or they expected them to be, Solin's casual appearance did not fool Goranthir.

"Goranthir of Firsthold at your service, sir," he said, bowing.

Ted Peterson

The Void

She had been very unhappy when the heroes who were to activate the Eidolon and set her free had all died. But she had not dwelt on the tragedy, for as much as she desired freedom, her surface needs, her requirements for blood, kept it away.

For the first time in her thousands of years of unlife, Bosriel, the Void Vampire, was sated. She had drank deeply of the wounded in the battles throughout Tamriel. Yes, there had been many wars before, and during the conquests of Tiber Septim, she had come close, but somehow, finally, she had found peace from her endless hunger.

The Void was no longer a trap she could not escape. It was home.

Ted Peterson

"Actually," Goranthir said. "I was thinking of my aunt. Herwyn's employer." The image of Tris being attacked in the Void by Leseth and Bosriel, ordered by Elysana, flashed in his mind. "Elysana has not been a friend of yours, and that is not likely to change soon, is it?"

Ted Peterson

"He is a good man," Goranthir said very seriously, looking to Herwyn. "But good men can still be at odds. I hope and pray that if we are no longer companions, at least we won't be enemies. Barenziah is very persuasive and very cunning, but remember, in their power struggle years ago, when she was still very young, Elysana with no strong allies bested Barenziah, Helseth, and my mother. She is an ebony rock of determination."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. "Can you tell me, do you know what has happened since we've been gone? I know it shouldn't matter because we're going to change it all back, but when we left, they had just abandoned Ald Ra'athim, and there was trouble in Cyrodiil ... Well, I know that if some people die, even now, they will remain dead ... I guess I want to know, if you know if the others are still alive? Cyndarius? The others of Loranna's circle? My family? ... The Emperor?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir felt tears of gratitude well up, and he let them come. He trusted Allerleirauh would not see that as unbecoming of a hero. "Thank Nirni," he said low, and was surprised that such words had come to him. Somehow he had become devout, all of the sudden.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir also burst into laughter, touching his face, which was barely dry from the Welwa's tongue. He told Allerleirauh of their adventures in the spheres, including the Welwa saint in the Battle of Sorrow. Somehow that creature had given him a faith that he had never felt from all his spiritual instructions in Sumurset.

Ted Peterson

"I believe what I can touch," said Goranthir simply. "When Deothur said you could speak to him, I suddenly desperately wanted to be able to talk to the Welwa again, after we were gone. She was kind and fierce in equal measures, all the aspects I love in humans and animals too ... An epiphany, I guess. My mother always said that spirtuality was for simpletons, and I guess that lesson I learned even if the other ones I resisted."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir drank it, and then felt faint. "I don't know when I ate last," he said, stumbling a bit. Hunger and exhaustion had fallen on him in quick order. When had he eaten last? It was in Firewatch, he knew, but when was that? A day ago? A week? A year?

Ted Peterson

Goranthir devoured the sweet flesh of the pear with gratitude, and took a seat in the soft grass. Almost in slow motion, he drifted back, his eyes growing heavy. "Wake me if ..."

The exact situation for which he would need to be roused was never expressed. He slept soundly, a handsome young man asleep in paradise.

Ted Peterson

In Solunastra, if you looked under a shaded tree, you would find Goranthir asleep, dreamless on the soft grass.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had woken up a couple times, and then turned back over and gone back to sleep. It was sheer bliss that there was no one who needed him now.

Then he looked to the brook, and realized that as long as it had been since he slept, or ate, it was really long since he had a bath. Particularly if you didn't count being dragged behind an Azurite warship through the Inner Sea ...

He slipped into the waters, just a few degrees cooler than the air, enough to be truly refreshing without the slightest chill. The Prince floated on his back and listened to Slyvos's music.

Ted Peterson

A howl of some great polar beast echoed over the snowy plain.

A sudden wind swept over them all, bringing with it a wave of snow.

Ted Peterson

"Does he?" Goranthir cried, throwing his ebony daikatana, where the Kynarine wind blast originated, aside. He had dried himself off mostly with his cloak, but crystals had already formed in his hair from the left-over moisture.

He began belting Slyvos with snowballs, laughing, and roaring like beast.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir tried to dodge, but slipped in the snow, landing on his owl.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir tried to get up, failed, and fell down again. He was laughing too hard.

"So this is snow," he chuckled. "It's slippery stuff."

Ted Peterson

The ball smacks Goranthir right in the head. He looks at her with snow melting down his face. "If I could stand up," he laughed. "You'd be in big trouble."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir still couldn't stand up, but he could throw. He lobbed two snowballs at Anya's back.

"I'd certainly try!"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir is one of the Eight, a 16-year-old Dunmer again, having a snowball fight in True Solunastra.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chirped to Lotus, and said, "No, he just decided that after weeks of being your target practice, turnabout was fair play."

Ted Peterson

"There was a fireplace somewhere," Goranthir laughed, crawling on his belly towards the bridge. "I know I saw it ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was already at the bridge. He started to laugh at the explosion, but it seemed inappropriate ... They were about to reset the world. Hardly a laughing matter.

Ted Peterson

"What's happened?" Goranthir asked quickly.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded. There was nothing more to say. He found himself praying to a goddess he had never heard of before yesterday.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Jazbet's blind eyes saw him clearly, and he smiled. "The Dour Bard."

Kethiah, his wife, turned to him, narrowing her eyes. "What did you say? Did you see something?"

"Only victory," Jazbet smiled sadly, and turned back to his generals.

Ted Peterson

The Void

Bosriel, the pale little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, had no more hunger. She had no more hope with the quest for the Eidolon abandoned.

There was nothing. And nothingness turns as it always does, to rage.

She was floating between the nothingness of the Imperial Palace, looking at the Azurites and the Imperials, battling it out, and she felt nothing but contempt for all. Hatred boiled over in her.

Her telekinetic touch reached out to hurt them. They would never know why they were being ripped apart, and she did not want their blood. She only wanted their death.

Ted Peterson

The Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Azurites in High Rock had largely belonged to witches' covens, worshippers of the Daedra, but a surprising number had answered Azura's call. Gortwog had been alarmed to find many in Orsinium had. There was something in it that called out to the angry, the dispossessed, and there were plenty of those in his camp, he rationalized.

When they swept over his troops in a valley ambush, he knew he was in trouble. The Orc King was too much of a warrior born and bred to be paralyzed by fear: he embraced it, used its energy. But it was a doomed campaign, unless ...

The clarion call of Wayrest sounded forth and Queen Elysana's troops entered the battle. Gortwog could not help but laugh: That she-wolf has actually made good on her alliance, he thought, abandoning his plans for a strategic retreat.

Ted Peterson

Tel Aedrin, Morrowind

It was, of course, only a matter of time before the Azurites' siege was successful. The Telvanni sorceror whose castle it was summoned many creatures to defend them, and had more spells defensive and offensive than any other wizard Barenziah had known. But defeat was inevitable.

She took a sword from the mantle, as she heard the echo of the gate giving way below.

The Queen Mother of Morrowind would not go without a final fight, she told herself.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at the faces of his companions, and wondered that they could be so calm. So many mistakes had been made by them during their trials through the Spheres. Was it inconceivable that Solin and Arynel had also made errors in this? Was that just too horrible to contemplate?

Trust he reminded himself, from the sphere of Zenithar. Trust

The young prince took a deep breath.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"Tinel," Razbiah called to the footman. "Go and see how many are having breakfast this morning."

She returned to her cooking, adding just the faint kiss of spice into her bread, pudding, and roast.

"No one," Tinel said, returning.

"No one?" Razbiah started.

"Well, Kallen and the servants, but the mistress and the others guests are gone."

"No one tells me anything as usual," the cook shrugged, halving the recipe.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir couldn't help it. Everyone got a hug and a kiss. Even Arynel, who didn't look like he went for that.

Ted Peterson

Tel Aedrin

Kena Virmasir had told Barenziah's ambassador a week ago that he wouldn't have time to see her. When she appeared in his study quite suddenly, a day early, with a sword in her hand, he decided to rethink his schedule.

Ted Peterson

"It would be great if everyone who knows what we did got together to celebrate," Goranthir said, and then laughed. "We can call it a wedding."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned, ‘Yes, let’s stretch this out a little longer --’ and then turned to the reunion on the shore. She was beautiful …

Ted Peterson

Goranthir knew. He remembered that from the book of Nalion, that Doll had two suitors. He had even begun to tease Herwyn about it in Zenithar about it, after Herwyn had punched him. Now, he felt ashamed, and turned away, so not to look on them.

He was grateful Tris had distracted him, ‘Yes, of course,’ he turned to him.

Ted Peterson

‘Tris,’ Goranthir touched his friend’s cheek. He seemed calmer now, more confident as if some of the King had remained. ‘I was sincerely afraid I would never see you again.’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir watched Tris go, a slightly sad smile on his face, as if he needed to say more, but couldn’t. This was not the right place, paradise.

‘See you soon,’ he shouted to the group, ‘First drink’s on me!’

And he vanished into the gate.

Ted Peterson

‘How can I help you, my Lady?’ Kallen asked, professional as always. ‘I was misinformed that you were not in residence…’

Ted Peterson

Kallen breezes over an exhaustive list of minutiae, nothing terribly pressing, nothing he can’t handle on his own, but a fair reminder that running a county is just as much work as saving the universe. He is most desirous to know whether Loranna intends to spend some of the gold she received from Barenziah on frontier forts as the Queen suggested.

Ted Peterson

Tel Aedrin

Barenziah started. She had sent for her Royal Guards, who were bewildered in Firewatch, to escort her, but they would not arrive ‘til morning. On hearing her name, Barenziah had pulled out her dagger, and she did not lower it entirely when she replied, ‘Indeed? Who are you?’

Ted Peterson

Kallen had several figures based on several scenarios, from little shack outposts which would hardly cost a thing, to massive, stone fortifications which would stand up to a siege. It was evident he was inclined towards erring on the side of security if there was the possibility of war. ‘Of course, you could ask House Dres for additional funds for security,’ he added, while showing the astronomical sum which would nearly deplete the surplus.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah put the knife down, and smiled warmly, ‘I know, I felt it. Thank you. I am most proud of my grandson. And Tris Gaerington, is he safe too?’

Ted Peterson

Barenziah winced at the mention of Helseth, but then chuckled on Elysana’s nam, ‘They say a snake bit her once and died. Thank you, Mirea of Solunastra. Tris has a way of finding me, but to save him time, you might mention to him I’m going to Mournhold next.’

Ted Peterson

Goranthir greeted all his friends warmly, but a group of Nordic shipwrights who had been alerted by the clarion call of the Imperials called him over.

"It's basically finished," said Jolman, the leader. "The earings is tight, but if you ease away and freshen the nip, she’ll be a likely lass. I know yer in the middle a party, but when you have a moment --"

The boy couldn't wait. He yelled to the others: "I'll be right back!"

Goranthir and most of the shipwrights went down to the port to look at the ship, while Jolman stayed behind, catching Kallen.

They talked for a while diplomatically about issues related to the harbor, and the future of shipbuilding in Ald Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

Isidor saw a familiar figure in a dark cloak paying her bill with the tavernkeeper.

"Fine day," the tavernkeeper was saying.

"First day without rain," the woman replied. "Time to go."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah turned and smiled. "Isidor. I thought you were leaving on some kind of a quest?"

With her head mostly under the cloak, he could imagine her as she had been as Lady of Ald Ra'athim with long hair and black armor.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah sighed. "Come and walk with me to the harbor. I need to catch a ship."

She took his arm.

Ted Peterson

It was a gorgeous sunny day, and the villagers were gathering about as usual, selling their wares.

"How well do you think you know me?" Kethiah asked.

Ted Peterson

"I am fond of you, for what I know of you, but I don't love you," Kethiah said gently. "You can't love me without knowing me. You're being dishonest with me, whether you mean to be or not, and with yourself."

Ted Peterson

"I would too, and I'm sorry I hurt you," Kethiah said, looking into his eyes. "There's one thing you should know about me, in getting to know me, I am very blunt. Unfortunately, now is not the good time to get to know one another. I still need to find that fellow I was asking Tris about, Herwyn Brand."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah pulled back, staring at him, and then took his head in her hands and kissed him most decidedly not on the cheek.

The nearby Nordic shipwrights gave a few hoots as the kiss passed the one minute mark.

Ted Peterson

"No," she said with a sly smile. "I have to talk to my employer. Where will you be in a week's time? Here?"

Ted Peterson

"I like that you don't pout," she purred, kissing him again, but quicker this time. "No, I really can't stay. Tell Herwyn that I'll give him some time to have his celebration, but he should be back home in a week. And I'll see you in a week in Daggerfall, when you least expect it ..."

Ted Peterson

Kallen was pulled into the preparations, though he did take a moment to tell Loranna that he had spoken to the Nordic shipwrights and the native fishermen, and she would be well served to include them in her plans for a new harbor and trade center. Both agree that there's room for both shipbuilding and fishing, but at the moment, things were too crowded, and both industries were being hurt.

Then he returned to helping arrange the festivities with his usual air of grace and efficiency.

Ted Peterson

Razbiah stumbled around the group, glaring at them. They were certainly obstacles to getting this last minute feast done. Thianas was smiling though, creating a bewildering array of sweets for dessert.

Goranthir stepped into the kitchen, waving hello to one and all. The smile on his face was not as broad as it had been when he went down to see his ship, but it was still warm and genuine.

Ted Peterson

"I'd love to show it to you," he smiled. "Just one part missing. Diamond's figurehead."

Ted Peterson

ooc -- Absolutely, a blast. A bit hairy schedule-wise, like Allie said, but well worth it. I'm logging off now for the night (brother's birthday), but I had to post one little thing for Goranthir. You can assume he's with the group, drinking and slapping backs.

Goranthir stepped into the tavern. "Well, I went to Diamond's shop to see the figurehead. I guess you could call it breaking and entering," he smiled a little. "It's unfinished, but something about that is beautiful ... Anyhow, I'm going to put it on my ship, and when's she's better, she can take it back and finish it."

Ted Peterson

OOC -- The Drunken Guar

Goranthir had participated in the dance, grabbing one of the barmaids into a fling that his Bosmer nursemaid had taught him. He had definitely had a few drinks and was unused to more wine than a glass with dinner.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked drunker than he was, sweating from the dance. The little tavern could get pretty hot with too many people in it. He started for the door to get some air, and saw Tris.

"Did you see my boat on the docks?" he asked, grinning.

Ted Peterson

"I was just going to look at her one more time to see if I could come up with a good name for her," Goranthir said. "Want to come and help?"

Ted Peterson

They walked through the twilight town towards the docks, and Goranthir took a deep breath. The wine told him now was the time to talk.

"Tris," Goranthir said, smiling. "I wanted to get you alone to thank you for everything, and to talk. I know you touched Nalion's book, so if there's any doubt, you know that I love you. Hell, I practically worship you ... And I touched the book as well, so I know ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir squeezed Tris's hand. They were now under the shadow of the enormous warship in the Ald Ra'athim harbor, the ship without a name.

"I want to be honest with you, and one of the gifts that I got in the spheres which hasn't gone away, is trust. Deothur found it in the garbage heaps of Zenithar, apparently no one there had much use for it," the prince smiled, and stopped walking. "I am glad I know what I do from the book, because I didn't even suspect before ... Tris, I would do anything for you, but I can't ..."

He took another deep breath: "I don't love you the same way. I just don't. There are girls I've seen I don't love, I don't even like, who I want to be with like that, but not you, whom I love more than anyone."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grabbed Tris into a hug. "No, I'm sorry, I don't want to make you sad," he said, tears running down his face. "I couldn't tell you before, because things were too horrible, and I didn't want to tell you now, because everything's so great. I just didn't want the world to start again without you knowing how I feel."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sniffed and pulled himself together. "I probably shouldn't have had so much to drink with something on my mind like that," he said with a smile that didn't touch his eyes.

Ted Peterson

I would kiss you, but that wouldn't be enough. And I'd sooner kiss you, than knock your teeth in ... Goranthir didn't want to say anymore, even though the wine was telling him to keep the conversation going. Being only half-drunk, he knew better. He had said what he had to -- to belabor it would be stupid.

"The place for doing stupid things tonight seems to be the tavern," he said instead. "Do you want to go back?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled. He didn't really want another drink right yet anyhow.

"I didn't know that when I commissioned it," Goranthir said, lowering the plank and stepping on board. "I didn't know anything about the Void then."

It was a work of art, the boat, even if not created by artists. The Nords had poured a lot of their ambition into it. It was more than something created for a wealthy client -- it was something for them to show others and themselves what they could do, besides patch up fishing skiffs.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled, and this time the laughter did reach his eyes. "I will try to make sure that the last words I ever hear are you saying ' No, Goran, those tactics are completely wrong.' But I hope that won't be for a while."

"What do you think Herwyn will do now?" he added. "When I first met him, I assumed only a monster would work for Elysana, knowing what she is. But he isn't one at all."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir saw that he was wrong to be flippant about his own death, not only from Tris's eyes when he said it, but also from his own heart when Tris, in turn was joking about his own death at the hands of Helwyn. It caused him to shiver.

"I also saw in the book that my grandmother was going to try to help the situation with Elysana," he said. "I don't know how, but I hope she does. It's terrible to think of one of the Eight becoming an enemy."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded, and touched the side of the boat. "I was thinking of calling her Akarvina. It's the reverse of Karvinasim, land creatures becoming creatures of the sea ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir roared with laughter, and punched Tris lightly. "I'm sure there will some sea sickness, but 'Meff' is a terrible name for a ship."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned, and followed his friend back.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sits at a table with Tris and watches the drinking competition. He took another sip of his wine, one of the ones Tris brought from High Rock, savoring it. Redolent of violets and lavender. Of course, the other drinks were best drunk quickly and in abundance, but the educated palate ...

He fell asleep drunkenly at the table.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had gotten up early, feeling no pain as he had not had too much to drink the night before ... though he had passed out ... Apparently drinking copious amounts was something he had to work on to truly be a hero.

The figurehead of Kynareth was taken from Diamond's shop to be placed on the bowsprit of his ship, the Akarvina. It was fitting somehow. The beautiful artistry of the top of it, the Goddess's sleek, wind-buffeted hair and fierce expression, one hand pointed out ahead, and the other clutching at her robes, to the unfinished base, as if she were emerging from the wood.

Then the young princeling ranger wandered up to the castle to see who was awake for the christening.

Ted Peterson

"The thing about Razbiah's cooking," Goranthir said, taking one for himself, and making sure the cook wasn't around to hear. "They don't taste fantastic, even now, but you feel great afterwards. It's not a showy culinary magic she possesses, but it's magic nevertheless. You know that she's having a romance with the pastry chef, don't you?"

Ted Peterson

"I think that was a woman in love," Goranthir laughed. "I have it on good authority they are shortly to ask Loranna for permission to wed."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blushed. "Um, not really. I mean, there are many beautiful women around, but ... I don't know ... Obviously, there were more important matters to deal with before ..."

Ted Peterson

"Maybe," Goranthir smiled, turning back to his food. Love was not something he knew much about.

Ted Peterson

"Thanks, Isidor," Goranthir said. "I mean it. The thing is that -- it's not all up to me who I choose. There is a possibility, however slim, that I may become a king someday. And if it comes down to it, I may have to marry to seal an alliance for the good of all, not for my own personal preferences ..."

Ted Peterson

"I ran off too," Goranthir laughed. "By the way, thanks for taking care of me last night, you two. I dimly remember being carried out of the bar after my third glass of wine."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned. "Yes! I even hired an Altmer from the Mages Guild to give it a blessing."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," said Goranthir seriously. "It needs to be blessed, and I have to take it on a short trip to introduce it to the spirits of the sea."

Ted Peterson

"The fortifications would protect the money, though, wouldn't they?" said Goranthir.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sighed. "This is not how I wanted the morning of my ship's christening to be. But maybe it is best to clear old grievances."

Ted Peterson

"That doesn't matter," Goranthir said cooly. "A murderer should be punished, despite noble aspects of other parts of his life. So, for that matter, should a thief, particularly one who has been forgiven multiple times, despite being correct in an argument or two. I could see Loranna forgiving Falco because of his sacrifices during the recent battles, but forgiveness cannot last indefinitely."

Ted Peterson

"I agree," Goranthir said. "But it is up to the authority of the Lady of Ald Ra'athim. Some kings I know prefer duels to lengthy trials."

Ted Peterson

"An insult to Isidor's pride is still an insult whether there was alcohol or truth involved," Goranthir said. "He has the right, if the Lady of Ald Ra'athim permits it, to duel over that. The criminal matter of Falco's thievery is a separate matter. There is no allowance for burglary with a grounds in drunkeness as far as I know."

Ted Peterson

"The Nords would disagree, and so would some of the Altmer," Goranthir said, smiling a little despite himself. "The Gods would not permit the wronged party to win the duel. If Isidor's cause is just, he will win; if Falco's insult has more truth to it, he will ... I do not subscribe to this belief, but it exists ..."

Ted Peterson

"Loranna," said Goranthir. "Shall I call Dram?"

Ted Peterson

"What is Isidor's crime?" Goranthir wondered. "I'm sorry, Loranna, I don't mean to question you, but he was insulted, and maybe he shouldn't have been, but that does not seem like it should be a crime."

Ted Peterson

Magister Ryllil from the Mages Guild had in fact been standing there, quietly, waiting.

Goranthir stood up on seeing him and bowed. "Kena Ryllil, sorry to keep you."

The old Altmer tut-tutted. "Not at all, young sir. Had nothing better to do anyhow. Quiet day at the Guild. Where is this blessed ship of yours, anyhow?"

"In the harbor."

"Well, that's a good place for it," Ryllil smiled. "Shall we get the ceremony started?"

Ted Peterson

“A fine vessel,” Ryllil said on seeing Goranthir’s ship at the docks. “What is her name?”

“The Akarvina.”

Ted Peterson

"No," Goranthir whispered, pointing it out on the bowsprit. "I like it unfinished. She can finish it when she comes back."

Ted Peterson

A good sized crowd had gathered at the dock. Fishermen going about their work, but curious at the sight. Villagers with no other entertainment. A large crew of Nords that Goranthir had hired. A beautiful day of blue skies and white clouds.

Ryllil closed his eyes and raised his hands. The seabirds took to flight as they sensed the surge of energy falling on the harbor before it was visually apparently. A golden light rose between the old Altmer, Goranthir, and the ship, which then passed through each person in the crowd. It was a gentle touch, like a kiss.

He began to chant in Aldmeris, and Goranthir began singing along as well. He knew these christening ceremonies well, though this was his first boat.

“To what ancestral spirit do you dedicate this craft?” Ryllil asked in song.

“Onialle,” Goranthir sang back.

Witnesses would swear that they saw, for a brief moment, the shining golden image of a young girl, Goranthir’s cousin, appear on the deck of the ship. It was just an instant, a blink of the eye, and she was gone.

“Introduce Akarvina to the spirits of the water so they will know and welcome her,” said Ryllil, climbing on board. Goranthir followed, together with the crew. He called back to the crowd. “Friends, all aboard if you wish. We’ll just be gone for an hour or two.”

Ted Peterson

"Not lucky, rich," Goranthir laughed. "You are welcome to sail with me anytime, Isidor. You know your way around a ship?"

Ted Peterson

"To Gnisis and back?" Goranthir grinned. "What do you think?"

Ted Peterson

"It does have wings, actually," Goranthir laughed, pointing down the side of the ship. Many of the Nords had gone below deck, and now oars had appeared along the sides. "Even with Kynareth's blessing, it should go twice the speed of a comparable ship of its size."

Ted Peterson

"Well, perhaps we should limit our trip to a cruise along the coast," Goranthir smiled. "No use alarming people we don't know with the sudden appearance of a strange warship. Speaking of which --"

He called to the crew: "Unfurl the flags!"

Three flags: House Dres, the Royal Flag of Morrowind, and the Royal Flag of Firsthold were unfurled, each on equal standing.

The ship went fast, very fast. It was like riding a giant. The forecastle was tall, sixty feet above the water.

Sprayed by wind, sun, and water, the group spent an hour and a half flying through the sea, while Ryllil chanted to the sea spirits, and then they returned home.

Ted Peterson

Another ship appeared on the horizon as they moved back towards the port. It was a smaller ship, marked with the flag of House Dres and Bodrom Mora.

Ted Peterson

Dres Vendama, wrapped in a cloak to fend off the chill of the wind, waved to those aboard the Akarvina, but her voice couldn't be heard.

Goranthir's boat sailed into harbor through the passage in the mangroves just north of the town, and Vendama's boat followed it in a few minutes later.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's face was flushed from excitement. "Thank you! You have to come along for the next trip out to sea."

Vendama disembarked a few minutes later with a small retinue of servants. "Beastly manners, not telling anyone I was coming, but it couldn't be helped," she smiled. Her hair was swept by the wind, and she did nothing to correct it.

She took it upon herself to meet those she had not met before, and to embrace those she had.

Ted Peterson

"It's been too long," said Vendama, kissing him on the cheek. "I thought you were going to come visit me in Bodrom Mora sometime."

She greeted Isidor and Anya warmly.

Ted Peterson

"Lady Loranna always finds the handsomest men to occupy her castle, I don't know how she does it," Vendama smiled, and then turned to give Loranna a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Ted Peterson

"I'm passing through on the way to Mournhold," she said. "I was in Blacklight when I heard the news, so I didn't have time to send word. I hope there's some place in the tavern or the castle for me to spend the night."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I thought you knew, Loranna, darling, you must get better spies in court at least," Vendama laughed. "Helseth is recovered. He's not well yet, but he's awake and alert."

Ted Peterson

"The healers didn't even expect him to live," Vendama said. "They were all telling Barenziah to prepare his funeral arrangements, but she would have none of it as if she knew despite all their wisdom that he would recover. It's most peculiar, but --"

She stopped when she saw Goranthir. "Oh, hello, Prince Goranthir, I didn't know you were here."

Goranthir bowed.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, long live the King," said Vendama without conviction.

Ted Peterson

Vendama was impressed. "Next time I'm going to give you even less notice," she laughed. "Maybe I'll just sneak in through a window."

She bows to the company and retires to her room with her servants.

Ted Peterson

Uenas Ayrrhe's Shop, Ald Ra'athim

Tucked away down an alley off the main street of the village was a little shop with no sign, with a door that was perpetually locked. Knocking on the door brings forth a servant boy to deal with the riff raff. If you are known, you're brought in to Uenas Ayrrhe, one of the finest tailors in western Morrowind.

He had the rest of Goranthir's wardrobe ready to go.

The ranger looked over the formal clothes -- the plum-colored surcoat, the matching short cape which was the fashion in High Rock at the moment particularly.

"You're going to an event?" asked the tailor, always interested in gossip.

"A wedding," said Goranthir.

Ted Peterson

Vendama's own gown was red, bright red as her eyes, designed with filigrees of silver to catch the candlelight and lend it a glow. The neckline was deep, and the waist was clinched to show off her figure to an advantage, but it was an elegant gown and she wore it well.

"So which of the men are available, and which are taken?" she smiles, narrowing her eyes.

Ted Peterson

The carriage stopped suddenly. "Sorry, gentlemen," the driver said. "Royal carriage coming through."

King Gothryd, Queen Aubk-i, and their four children, Lysandus, Camaron, Akorithi, and Mynisera, bumped past. In the back of the carriage was Nulfaga, the King's grandmother. The people in the streets looked in wonder and most of them cheered. Even living in the capitol city, it was rare to see the entire royal family together.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir arrived at the palace on his own, in his fashionable plum-colored surcoat and matching short cape. It had taken him some time to find the gifts he was looking for -- one for the bride and groom, one for his hostess Allerleirauh -- and to have them properly wrapped. He hoped they would like them.

He, together with most everyone at the palace, bowed low when the royal family entered their home.

Ted Peterson

King Gothryd and Queen Aubk-i greeted the guests already assembled at the palace as they made their way to their private apartments. Now was not the time for audiences and petitions. They would bless the couple during the ceremony, but wait until then to make a reappearance.

The children, however, played tag with one another among the crowd. The guards kept a watchful eye on them, as did their great grandmother Nulfaga. All knew of her terrible power, and slight grip on sanity, and few spoke to her more than a few words of polite greeting.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir spotted Allerleirauh before any of the rest, and bowed to her. "I have something for you," he said. "It's nothing much, but I hope you'll like it."

In a little bone box was a spool made of pearl that appeared to be without thread until you looked at it carefully, and then you saw the translucent fibers. It was Thalmir silk thread from Valenwood. Goranthir didn't know much about sewing, but he knew that when his mother Morgiah liked a well-crafted gown, she looked to the seams and made mention of the Thalmir silk. It was invisible in clothing, but strong enough to repair leather armor.

Ted Peterson

OOC -- For those of you who did not play Daggerfall, it should be noted that a permanent Dispel Magicka effect is on the palace.

Ted Peterson

"I only know what Tris has told me," Goranthir said. "But I saw you sewing when we came to Solunastra, so I assumed that was a hobby of yours. I wouldn't say I have any great insight."

Ted Peterson

"Well, there was so much in the book," Goranthir blushed a bit. "But I did pay attention to Tris and Loranna's stories, and you figure prominently in both ... I did not know you worked for my mother," he paused. "But don't take offense. She never speaks much of her time in Wayrest."

Ted Peterson

"She is the same, I'd imagine," Goranthir said with an uncomfortable smile. "They say the women in my family are like the Aedra, and remain the same from birth to death. But I would disagree with your guess about her feelings. Nothing she has or wants is accidental. She wouldn't have a husband or children if she did not plan it."

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry, I don't understand," Goranthir said, looking at Allerleirauh, trying to understand what she was saying. "I thought you said she couldn't picture herself with a loving husband and beautiful children?"

This was a strange conversation, not one he was expecting to have. He did not think Allerleirauh spoke in riddles like Arynel. Was this a test?

Ted Peterson

Goranthir took a moment to respond. "Oh, I think I understand. I think my mother's reality is better than she would have expected. There were troubles with having a Dunmer Queen on the throne of Firsthold, but they were overcome. For the most part. There's still plenty of prejudice against Dunmer, and the children of Dunmer, in the royal court. But my father adores her, that much is certain."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir burst out laughing. This was a most peculiar conversation, and that was his peculiar response. "For the last eighteen months since leaving Firsthold, my reality has been much improved, thank you. If I've passed this test of yours, it will be better yet."

Ted Peterson

"Ah, I see, well, that's worse," Goranthir sighed, but his eyes looked exactly like his mother and grandmother's. He seemed to be deciding policy himself, though he wasn't saying so. "I have no tragedies to speak of. The unhappiness of my childhood was very banal by all standards. My cousin is heir to the throne, so I am at best a spare prince, and when my mother realized that I did not have an interest in fighting for a place of power, she turned her attention to more interesting matters. My sister is more like her, and she is the favorite."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled though his eyes showed he was still on guard. "From what I've heard of you, I would be disappointed if our conversation were about the clemency of the weather."

Ted Peterson

"Indeed, excuse me a moment, my lady," Goranthir said to Allerleirauh, turning to embrace Tris, whispering. "It's a good thing I brought her a present or that might've been awkward."

Ted Peterson

"She said she worked for my mother," Goranthir said softly and then chuckled a little. "I don't blame her for not trusting me given that association."

Goranthir looked to Ciel, and knew who he was from the start. He introduced himself. "Goranthir of Firsthold, Sir Ciel. I am glad to make your acquaintance at last."

Ted Peterson

Update

Goranthir, son of King Reman and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold, is at the wedding, in a very fashionable, bespoke plum-colored surcoat and short cape. The handsome young ranger has just had a most peculiar interview with Allerleirauh, and he's not sure what she has on her mind.

Ted Peterson

"It isn't polite to stick out your tongue in polite society," said a six-year-old Redguard girl solemnly, though she had just moments before been running and giggling through the crowd herself.

Ted Peterson

"And you, sir," the little girl cutseyed. "You know a man just addressed me as 'Your Majesty'? Like I was a queen?"

"You're not," said her brother emerging from the crowd. "You're a goblin."

"Am not!"

Ted Peterson

"I've seen a monkey!' said the little girl excitedly. "He came with some Bosmer circus people last year. Mynisera cried because he was so ugly."

"Not like you," said the little boy. "You're pretty, but your eyes are ... funny."

He knew that wasn't the right word. Her eyes were different from what he was used to, but he knew too that his skin was different from his father's and other Bretons. He hoped she wouldn't think he was being mean.

Ted Peterson

Mynisera stuck out her tongue at her brother.

"You do that again and I'll bite you!" he said sternly.

"That's how they say 'hello' in Monkey talk!" the princess said with authority.

He ran at her, and she fled, yelling, "Grandma! Cam's trying to bite me!"

Ted Peterson

“Grandma!” Mynisera yelled, running through the alarmed crowd, pursued by her brother Camaron. “Cam’s trying to bite me!”

Nulfaga, ninety-seven years old, let the little girl hide in her ragged gown and faced Camaron with a glare which would have made a knight tremble. Camaron stopped and looked at his grandmother.

“If he bites you, I shall bite him back,” the old Dowager Queen said, narrowing her eyes. “I shall eat him up in two bites, and then I will chew on him until instead of a little boy, he is nothing but boneless goo.”

“And then what will you do?” Camaron asked wide eyed.

“And then I will vomit up that goo, and stomp on it until it is a paste and then I will roll it up until it is a ball of little boy, and I will throw that out the window.”

The crowd nearby tried not to stare at the interchange, although a few of the more delicate lads and ladies looked a little green.

“And then what will you do?” Camaron asked, beginning to giggle.

“I will roll that ball down a hill covered by shards of glass …”

Ted Peterson

"I feel like I already know you well through Tris," Goranthir grinned, though in fact he also remembered well seeing a sad, ghostly version of Ciel in Arkay's sphere. He banished that from his mind.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir went to take his seat, near the back of the room, giving closer friends and family the more optimum positions.

Ted Peterson

The royal family smiled on the ceremony. Even the rambunctuous children were on their best behavior, with the exception of little Mynisera who fidgeted a bit in her great grandmother's lap.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir liked parties, but weddings -- like funerals, coronations, and other ceremonies -- tended to leave him cold. There was no lack of artifice and pomp in Firsthold.

Ted Peterson

"Shh," Goranthir hissed. Really, he thought, not seeing what was happening from his vantage point, can't conversations about what pie was going to be served wait? On Sumurset, wedding ceremonies lasted a half a day and no one whispered.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Family stood as did all in the congregation who knew a little about etiquette (and those who did not risked the glare of the royal guard stationed throughout the palace).

Queen Aubk-i spoke, holding her husband's hand. Her other hand touched her belly, which seemed a little plump, as if she might be expecting a fifth child, though she was now in her mid 40s.

"Our blessings on this happy occasion, this union by love. May you find peace and contentment in one another, and may all who witness this ceremony find inspiration and joy in it as well."

"Now I order you to give a loud hail to the happy couple, and then to drink, eat, and be merry," said King Gothryd with a wide smile over his graying beard.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had cheered with the rest of the group, as it seemed the thing to do.

Princess Mynisera's cry was the loudest of any, though it sounded a bit like "HAIL HAIL HAIL HAIL HAIL!" as she had forgotten the name of the couple entirely. Nulfaga put a hand over her mouth or the "Hails" would have continued indefinitely.

Ted Peterson

She was wearing a rather non-descript but tight green gown, the sort of thing that made her look like one of the crowd, which is as she intended. If one looked at her closer, one would notice that the gown was not a dress at all, but a suit with pants legs such as a man would wear, but loose. Perfect for someone to move in quickly.

Kethiah saw Isidor a moment before he saw her. "Are those for me?" she smiled at the flowers.

Ted Peterson

"You too," she said, taking the flowers and dropping them to the ground. "It's a lovely thought, but I don't like dead things. Here's a better way."

She grabbed him by the collar of his cape, and kissed him deeply.

Ted Peterson

"Be careful with the wig," Kethiah laughed, adjusting her black tresses. "I'll find you later, lover, don't worry about that. Right after I kill someone. Don't worry, I won't do it here ..."

She disappeared into the crowd.

Ted Peterson

Nulfaga moved through the party like a person in another place, speaking slightly to the left of people, sometimes addressing them by their mother or father’s name. She said something to a rather pompous countess which caused the woman to leave the party in a huff, but no one heard what it was.

Her ragged dress was voluminous on either side of her frame, and she had ten feet, the two pairs of each side of her looking like children’s shoes.

“I was looking for your grandchildren, your majesty,” said Goranthir on seeing her.

“Well, you’re out of luck, Reman, for I’ve eaten them all.”

There were giggles under the robe.

Ted Peterson

"I had quite a nasty run in with a bunch of spirits in Arkay's realm," Goranthir added, joining the group.

Ted Peterson

"Even some animals wonder about the world beyond," Goranthir said. "I think it makes them more interesting than the ones who are simply concerned with food and sex and survival."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "Well, if I ever walk into that trap or any other, Shaka, I want you there to help me."

Ted Peterson

"That sounds like a relatively rare occurance," said Goranthir. "Far more often, it's a child dying of the plague, or a noble cut down by an assassin's blade ... I think few people welcome death."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," said Goranthir, looking at Arynel, trying to figure out if he was making fun of him. "I didn't call myself wise though. I just said what I think. The Psijics would say that the dead are more important than the living, that they change our world in ways we can't imagine. I've never embraced that philosophy though."

Ted Peterson

"Who does?" Goranthir laughed. "Maybe we weren't meant to know, and that's the charm of life."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir began to smile too. "My pristine reputation could stand with a bit of tarnish," he said, and then paused as she continued talking. The smile on his face slipped away. "There is never a good time for secrets. What can you tell me?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir blinked. He took a step back while he tried to understand. Allerleirauh looked blurry to him all of the sudden, and his feet didn't seem to be on solid ground.

He almost fell, but caught himself, grabbing one of the tree peonies for support.

"I don't know what I was expecting you to say," he said unsteadily. "But not that."

Ted Peterson

"I believe you, of course I believe you, why would you lie?" Goranthir said, giving up the fight with gravity and falling to the ground in a seated position. He had Trust after all, perhaps too much. He laughed a little darkly. "What mother but mine would have made such a bargain? I know of Mannimarco. He was the horror of Firsthold before ... my mother came ..."

He looked very young now, not at all the king, not even a 16-year-old boy. "What is going to happen? Do you know that too?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sat on the bed in the spare room. Nothing in it felt real to him. There was the smell of mold and dust everywhere.

"I know that," Goranthir nodded. "That is the only thing I know. If Mannimarco didn't take me on birth ..." It was difficult to breath. "If he didn't take me on birth, then maybe things have changed? I must go to Firsthold and tell my mother ... She did this, and she must undo it ..."

Ted Peterson

"I desire not to be the tool of Mannimarco, Morgiah, or anyone else," Goranthir said quietly but with anger. "I desire to do what I can do without putting my friends in danger. And I do desire to hear my mother say what you have said for her, that she would not do this again, because she loves me."

Ted Peterson

"No," Goranthir began to say No, I should go alone but that struck him as idiotic, so he nodded and managed a smile as he changed the 'no' into "No one stronger, no ... But I might ask Tris to come too."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, the son of King Reman and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold, grandson of the legendary Queen Barenziah, is at the wedding. Specifically he is in a spare room, recovering from some news Allerleirauh has just told him. His mother (as anyone who played Daggerfall will attest) married his father after making a deal with Mannimarco, the King of Worms, to give her first born to him in exchange for the wedding.

Thus, Goranthir has just received news that his soul belongs to the God of the Necromancers. Allerleirauh has said she will go with him to Firsthold to talk to Queen Morgiah about it, and Goranthir has said that he might ask Tris to go too.

Ted Peterson

"I understand," said Goranthir, and even if he didn't, he felt he did. "I think we should tell everyone this story. It may be their story too."

Ted Peterson

Overheard at the wedding party:

"My dear, you're the first person here I know!"

"Well, if you invite everyone, no one of importance will show up ... Well, excepting the King and Queen, I suppose ..."

"I thought I saw the Countess of Ivytyde here a moment ago ..."

"Nulfaga said something that offended her and she left."

"Horrible woman. Completely mad. She shouldn't be around those children at all, and they seem inseparable."

"Well, she did raise Gothryd. Mynisera was too busy ..."

"She didn't go mad until Lysandus was killed."

"You have a point, my dear."

Ted Peterson

The smallest of ones, the royal children, the Princes Lysandus and Camaron and the Princess Akorithi burst out from under their grandmother Nulfaga's skirts, rushing toward P'Rassha with squeals of delight. The youngest, three-year-old Princess Mynisera clung to Nulfaga's cloak, frightened of the giant cat.

Ted Peterson

"Lythanduth," said the Prince fearlessly, who had a bit of a lisp.

"He's the heir to the kingdom," one of the nearby nobles said, color draining from his face. "Please do be careful."

Ted Peterson

Prince Camaron and Princess Akorithi introduced themselves politely to P'Rassha.

"And that'th Mynithera, she's thscared," he laughed.

"Am not!" Mynisera cried, belying her point by burying her head in her great grandmother's cloak.

Ted Peterson

"And then what?" asked Mynisera, peeking out from the skirts.

Ted Peterson

"A witch, like you grandma," Mynisera said to Nulfaga.

"Probably not as pretty," the crone laughed. "Now, shh, let P'Rassha finish."

Ted Peterson

Elsewhere in Daggerfall

Grylla, the Countess of Ivytyde, was in a foul mood when she returned to her mansion. An abominable party and that witch talking to her like that! With the Countess's wealth, she shouldn't have to put up with that ... Her children tried to get their hands on that, but she much preferred giving them their small allowances.

She slapped her servants when they tried to undress her, and told them that she would do it herself.

They found her dead two hours later. It seemed appropriate that when a mean-spirited woman such as the Countess decided to kill herself, she would do it in a vicious way, cutting not only her wrists, but her throat.

The will, written by her late husband, generous to their children and the servants was uncontested.

Ted Peterson

The royal children and Nulfaga, the Queen Dowager, applauded.

"A fine tale, tailed one," she said. "You do sing for your supper, don't you?"

Ted Peterson

The children curtseyed or bowed to Loranna.

Nulfaga grinned toothlessly. "Dres Loranna Pyrel of Ald Ra'athim you are."

Ted Peterson

"Not at all, not at all, not a bit, not at all," Nulfaga shook her head. "The pleasure of the dance was mine. There are more thunderstorms in your future, my dear girl."

Ted Peterson

The children had run off, following another guest who had caught their fancy, and Nulfaga was distracted.

"Oh, I was just being a silly old woman, dear girl. I told her I was surprised to see her with her throat and her wrists closed. Immediately, I realized my mistake, but not before she had gotten offended and left. When you reach my age, you sometimes think backwards, and I was three hours in the future, you know," The Dowager Queen patted Loranna's hand. "Please excuse me, my dear."

She slipped off, following her great grandchildren.

Ted Peterson

"I'll be down in a moment," said Goranthir.

When Allerleirauh left, he went to the mirror in the room. He could almost swear he saw the mark himself.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stood in the doorway to the Great Hall, letting the guests file past him. He looked to the table with his friends on it, and just watched them for a while.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir thought of what might have been watching him, biding its time, perhaps waiting for this moment.

It took a conscious effort from Goranthir to go to the table, and take a seat next to Tris.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded and smiled slightly, listening to Tris. He wanted to be taken away from his own thoughts, but the fact was, he couldn't. These were real people with problems and joys, and he couldn't share any of that until he cleared his mind.

"Tris," he said at last. He didn't whisper, but his voice was low, serious. Most people were too preoccupied with the meal to notice, and whispering always draws attention. "I have to talk to you about something. It can't wait. "

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry if this ruins the dinner, but I need your help," Goranthir said, keeping his voice steady and matter-of-fact. "It seems ... it seems that Mannimarco, the King of Worms who may well now be the God of Worms, has laid a claim on me since birth. Allerleirauh says that before I was born, she acted as go-between for my mother and Mannimarco, and she knows that my mother agreed to give me to him in exchange for making her Queen of Firsthold. Slyvos apparently sees the necromantic mark on me that says ... I belong to him."

Goranthir wouldn't let Tris interrupt, and continued on. "I am going to Firsthold to talk to my mother to see what it means and what can be done ... Allie's coming with me ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir couldn't help it. He laughed and wiped his eyes. "I know you will. I just wanted ... to fill you in on our travel plans."

Ted Peterson

"I have no answers at all," Goranthir said. Just talking to Tris made him feel better, and his face looked like himself again. "But I'd sooner tackle a God than Morgiah."

Ted Peterson

"I already have it," Goranthir said, squeezing Tris's shoulder.

There were questions to be answered for certain. But Goranthir ate instead. And the food tasted pretty good.

Ted Peterson

"I'm sorry to interrupt," said Goranthir, happy to interrupt. "But it's been months since your last job, and years since you got a writ ... So your last jobs have been unsanctioned?"

Ted Peterson

"Did I say there was anything wrong?" Goranthir laughed. "Nowhere except for Morrowind does assassination work like that. Everyone else uses the Dark Brotherhood, and damns the writs. I'm sorry, Anya, I was just curious. Didn't mean to make you feel bad."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir saw no reason to add to the argument, but he didn't look at Falco with any amusement.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir stared at Isidor. Wasn't he demanding Falco's head just a couple days before?

Ted Peterson

Goranthir raised his glass: "Here, here."

Ted Peterson

"I would say that no one by that definition is self known," said Goranthir.

Ted Peterson

"Her appetite's improved, but ..." Goranthir stared. "Do you know her well, Loranna? Can you ask what's happened?"

Ted Peterson

"Who I can't understand is Isidor," Goranthir said to Teleran under his breath. "In Ald Ra'athim, he was ready to kill Falco for insulting him and stealing from him. Now he takes up for him, and even insults Anya for insulting him ... What could have changed?"

Ted Peterson

"Probably because you haven't given us a better topic of conversation," Goranthir grinned. "Like when we will be attending your wedding ... Did you find out what was wrong with your friend?"

Ted Peterson

"The food is nice," Goranthir agrees. "I am afraid I'm being spoiled on my first visit to High Rock ... her family must be extremely sensitive if you managed to offend them in so short a time."

Ted Peterson

"Would you like me to have a word with it?" Goranthir said, chattering a bit in the ferret tongue.

Ted Peterson

"Famous last words," Goranthir smiled, and stood up. He bowed to the table, bowed to the Royal Family, bowed to the wedding table, and went in the roundabout way to the courtyard.

"Hello?" he called out in ferret.

Ted Peterson

"I had heard there was a ferret out here, and I never miss an opportunity to speak to one," Goranthir chattered back. And that was true. Among animals, ferrets were one of the more amusing conversationalists. They inevitably had stories of getting into some mischief or another. "My name is Goranthir."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "We saw her looking frightened, but we thought it must be something else out here that did it. I'm sorry, is your old master gone?"

Ted Peterson

“Your first master and the man in black are inside the castle, do you think?” Goranthir chattered. “I can look for them if you want, A'acavar. Or, do you want me to tell the nice lady Maranda anything?”

Ted Peterson

Goranthir bade the ferret farewell in his language, and returned to the Hall. If Maranda were so embarassed by having a friend approach her at her table, a stranger bearing greetings from a ferret would likely produce apoplexy. He returned to his table. There would be a time to talk to her soon enough.

Ted Peterson

"I've just had a delightful chat with a little fellow named A'acavar," Goranthir smiled, taking his seat. "He thinks your pal Maranda is a very nice lady, and he feels bad about scaring her earlier. He was in the area looking for his first master, and he caught the scent around here, together with the smell of a 'bad man' in black. They're not in the castle, but apparently they're nearby. Anyhow, I am to thank Maranda for him for smuggling out food, but I think I'll wait until a more appropriate time ..."

Ted Peterson

"I know," Goranthir chuckled. "Surprised me too. But that's what he says ... He went up her skirt apparently ..."

Ted Peterson

"It was a nice little break from other darker conversations," said Goranthir, stirring his fork around his food and then asking. "Loranna, could you use the mirror to ask Kallen to tell my crew to bring my ship around to port in Firsthold?"

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Goranthir said, kissing Loranna on the cheek. "Tris, Allerleirauh, and I will be going there after the wedding ... I should tell you why ... I owe you that."

Goranthir pulled close to Loranna and told her everything about Morgiah and Mannimarco's pact.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir took her hand. "That's what we intend to find out, what if anything can be done. I wouldn't know about any of this without you and Slyvos. Until I have the information from my mother, I don't know whether I am putting you and the others in danger by my mere presence ..."

Ted Peterson

"No one here is all bad or all good," Goranthir said, turning back from Loranna. "But I would say that Falco has no interest in being a part of our group. I think it's fine for you to forgive him, though he has not asked for it. But when you insult your friend Anya because you don't like to hear your friend Falco being insulted, I wonder what you're thinking."

Ted Peterson

"The problem is that I'm going away for a while," Goranthir said. "And when I come back, I would rather not hear that Falco robbed you blind because you forgave him when he did not ask for it or deserve it. I like you, Isidor, and I'm glad you're loyal to your friends. That is a noble quality, no question. But when I took Trust in the sphere of Zenithar, I think we should have found for you a little dose of Doubt."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked to Shaka and Isidor.

"This is too public a place to discuss it, but Loranna can tell you what's happened later when there are fewer to overhear it. It's a personal matter, but it may turn out to a political one as well," he was thinking not only of not wanting to talk about it in front of Falco, who he did not trust, but also the other guests at the party. "But Tris, Allerleirauh, and I are going to Sumurset for a while. I don't know when we'll be back."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Goranthir smiled at his friends. "And you know ... damn!"

He turned to Loranna. "I should have touched your mirror so I could talk to you while I'm away ..."

Ted Peterson

"That's true, I forget how close everything in Tamriel is when you use the Guild," Goranthir smiled. "I'll do that after the speeches, I wouldn't want to be rude ... But everyone, particularly Isidor if he's going to Skyrim after this, should use the mirror as well, so we know if they're in trouble ..."

Ted Peterson

"I know, I'm afraid I'll slow you down," Goranthir laughed.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir ran to follow Tris and Allerleirauh, but was held back by a guard. He struggled to free himself.

King Gothryd stood up. "Be calm, people."

To his guards who did not act on Lord Landon's orders, he said. "Go see what has happened."

Ted Peterson

Gothryd on hearing from his captain walked to the table where the Biennies and Lord Landon sat.

He calmly told them all.

Ted Peterson

The King looked at Vren. "Sir." was all he said. He was unaccustomed to having people whisper to one another in his presence, and his eyes delivered that message well.

"Go to the assembly room through the door," Gothryd told those at the table. "We will announce what has happened."

Ted Peterson

"Esteemed guests," said Gothryd to the hall. His voice cut through all chatter without yelling. "Please remain in your chairs. There has been a tragedy. A guest of the wedding party has apparently taken her own life. Obviously, we must conduct a brief investigation before you are free to return to your homes. I must ask that you limit your movements so my guards are free to speak with you quickly and efficiently. I apologize that this is how such a joyous occasion ends."

Ted Peterson

Nulfaga guided the four frightened children to the captain of the guards, who escorted them out of the room, before returning to Doll.

"There's only one thing to do, dear girl," Nulfaga took Doll's hand, and they went into the assembly room behind the main hall.

"My condolences on your loss," the old woman said to the grieving family as fireballs leapt at Maranda's date.

Ted Peterson

"That was for whispering in front of my grandson," Nulfaga said. "Dreadful manners, those things."

She turned to Maranda. "A pretty girl like you should be able to find a nice boy."

Ted Peterson

The King and Queen looked into the assembly room.

"Grandmother," Gothryd shook his head.

"Let's never have another wedding here again," Queen Aubk-i sighed.

The King returned to the main hall.

"Nothing to be alarmed about," the King announced. "No one has been hurt."

Ted Peterson

"Takes one to know one," the Dowager Queen said.

One of the guards in the room went to the courtyard to check.

Ted Peterson

"I have a question as well," said the captain of the guards to Maranda. "You seem nonchalant about your date being a servant of Oblivion. Shall we talk in private?"

Ted Peterson

"That would be a little more convincing if you had begun with that," said the captain, as he and another of his guards moved down the hall.

"Will you be requiring the tongs, sir?" asked the guard.

"Oh, I don't think so."

Ted Peterson

They disappeared into a room at the end of the hall, the captain saying, "Don't cry, my dear. Not yet."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," said Gothryd, looking at Allerleirauh as if he might recognize her. But there was too much else on his mind. He went to talk to his guards.

ooc -- Outta here for a couple hours. The King will obviously release the Hall once the situation has been understood and have his soldiers search for the missing parties. Go ahead and RP that whenever you want to.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir finished his interview with the guards, which was very brief since he didn't know the presumed victims and missing persons, or any one at the wedding really except through his friends at the VIP guest tables.

He went over to join his friends. "I guess I'm free to go."

Ted Peterson

"Should we tell the Queen?" Goranthir asked. "Her brother's king there."

Ted Peterson

The captain of the guards returned from the hall. The chief interrogator, with a complete set of tongs and other toys, was better at getting information than he was.

"How many people have been interviewed so far?" he asked his lieutenant.

"About fifty."

"Out of?"

"We're not clear how many people were here at the party, as casual as the invitations were ..."

"Wonderful," the captain shook his head. "We don't know if anyone else escaped ..."

He listened to Allerleirauh's request, nodded, and was back in a moment with the Queen.

"I was just checking on the children," she said. "I'm so sorry such a nice party turned out this way. What can I do for you?"

Ted Peterson

The captain of the guard had been talking with his lieutenant during this interchange.

"Of course your assistance would be most appreciated," said Aubk-i. "I can send word to my brother Lhotun to coordinate with you. He could have some of his guards meet you at the Mages Guild."

"Your Majesty, it would be best if this were handled by Daggerfall," the captain remarked.

"After the culprit is caught, he or she may be tried here," the Queen said.

Gothryd had joined the conversation at the end of it. "It does sound like we need international cooperation on this."

Ted Peterson

"Did you have anything more you needed to ask of Lady Allerleirauh or her company?" Aubk-i turned to her captain.

"No, your Majesty," said the captain, not showing much of the displeasure he felt at having the affair turned over these adventurers and the court of Sentinel.

"Then I will contact my my brother, thank you for your assistance on this," said the Queen, leaving the room.

"There will be a representative of the crown meeting you at the Mages Guild," said Gothryd. "I would suggest telling them to seal the harbor after the young lady's ship sets anchor."

Ted Peterson

"That family," said Gothryd with some anger. "Does have to make amends to us. If he wishes to do it that way, it would be a good start."

Ted Peterson

"Of course," replied Gothryd. "Go with Kynareth blessing your speed."

Ted Peterson

Moments after Anya, Shaka, and Isidor had left the Mages Guild, a dozen guards bearing the moon symbol of the royal house of Sentinel appeared. Queen Aubk-i had apparently sent word to her brother King Lhotun of Sentinel as she had promised a few hours earlier.

"I'm sorry we're late, Commander Barene at your service," said the tall, imposing Redguard who led the group. "His Majesty told me to give you any assistance required to track down the refugees, though I am afraid I was not given more than the barest information about what has happened. Only that a murder has occured, distressing His Majesty's sister in Daggerfall, and the killer or killers are fleeing towards Sentinel."

Ted Peterson

"If she's landing anywhere along the coast of Hammerfell, it will be in Sentinel territory," the Commander said. "Do you have a description of the ship? There are literally hundreds of them all along the coastline at any moment. What do you need in a guide? We all know the kingdom well ..."

Ted Peterson

"It was an extremely foolish choice of a ship to steal nevertheless," Commander Barene smiled. "Like a horsethief stealing a pure white stallion. The flagship is hard to miss. Someone has seen it, and thought it extraordinary enough to tell someone, I can guarantee that."

He sent one of his men to check with the royal Spymaster.

(An hour later)

"The ship passed Betony an hour ago," the guard reported. "Heading south east."

"The Cybiades off the coast is a haven for smugglers and Daedra worshippers," said the Commander with an expression that said what he thought of both of those.

Ted Peterson

OOC

Re: The Cybiades

http://www.jceason.dircon.co.uk/dagger/dfgprov.htm

It’s location 42 …

And the specifics on Cybiades, where there is one dungeon on the island and that’s it:

http://www.jceason.dircon.co.uk/dagger/province/cybiades.htm

Ted Peterson

"Merric, you've been to the dungeon there," said Commander Barene to one of his men, equally tall and imposing, with a shaven head and many scars.

"A couple of times," Merric said. "It was flooded the last time, filled with slaughterfish and dreugh ... And smugglers along the coast. Even if your quarry isn't there, we can get other little locations from them if we're sufficiently ... persuasive."

"Take the Yarling Dawn," said the Commander. "It's the fastest ship in the harbor. You can get to the Cybiades in a hour."

Ted Peterson

"We'll be careful and won't hit your pet," Merric nodded. He did not seem like the type who smiled even when he was amused.

ooc -- Outta here for an hour or so. Feel free to RP with Merric taking them to the Cybiades w/o me.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Goranthir appeared in the Mages Guild in Sentinel, a fresh but healing laceration across his nose. He talked briefly to the magister about who had met his friends, and then made his way up to the palace to talk to King Lhotun.

Ted Peterson

The servants were in the process of cleaning up from the party, and the place was a bit more chaotic than the usual well-ordered court.

"What is the purpose of this audience?" asked the castellian.

Tris could actually see Gothryd in the audience chamber with one of his councillors. He seemed in a good mood. He was laughing.

Ted Peterson

"My apologies, my lord, I did not recognize you," said the castellian, which was scarcely surprising as he had never met Tris before. In truth, he had met hardly anyone. Gothryd put him in place whenever he wanted someone who would not let anyone in.

He did let Tris in, however, announcing him to the King. "Your Majesty, news about the bride."

Gothryd turned to Tris, the laughter dropping from him but the smile remaining. His councilor, a rather plump young man about Tris's age, also turned with a polite smile.

Ted Peterson

"That is very good news," the King replied. "My soldiers and Lhotun's men were put on the lookout for Selvia ever since the incident, but I will let them know how it has progressed. I am grateful for you helping us with this embarrassing situations, and I'm sure Landon and Lyssia must be delighted to be reunited, showering you with appreciation and gold. I do hope that they're wiser with this marriage than they were with the guest list."

"Excuse me, sir," said the councillor, who had been looking intently at Tris. "May I have your name? You look very familiar to me. Did you go to university at Gwilym?"

Ted Peterson

"Laurent Lyonswurst," the young man smiled, and shook Tris's hand with his own meaty one. The name did sound familiar. The Lyonswursts were a prominent family in Wayrest, though most of them were arrested by Elysana a few years after becoming Queen, as they had been sympathetic to Helseth's claim to the throne.

Ted Peterson

"My wife is dead set against letting the party continue," Gothryd nodded. "She considers it the height of bad taste to continue a celebration after a murder and kidnapping. It will take some time for her to forgive the Biennies for making such a spectacle in our house ... But I agree that I was looking forward to the dancing too."

"Would you like me to speak with her, Your Majesty?" asked Laurent.

"Would you?" Gothryd laughed. "In the mood she's in, I could use a diplomat's expertise."

Laurent said to Tris, "It was good seeing you again. Perhaps we could see one another again? I'm at Lyonswurst House."

The "House" was an enormous palace of great luxury and questionable taste outside of the city.

The councillor bowed to the King and went to do his diplomatic duty.

Ted Peterson

Gothryd laughed long and loud. "So we had daedra, murderers, kidnappers, Wayrest spies, and thieves at the wedding. Aubk-i is going to lock the doors and we'll have to issue proclamations and edicts through the peephole. Thank you, Lord Gaerington. I confess that even if Laurent talks my wife into continuing the celebrations here, I may take you up on your offer to hold it at Solunastra."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, son," the King clapped Tris on the back. "I don't know better ways from worse ways, I only know my way. I would still prefer fewer daedra and thieves at my side. If you see Lyssia and Landon, tell them they can continue their celebrations here if they'd prefer that to Solunastra. But the security will be tighter -- I won't allow the Biennies to supply it on any level. If the party is filled with arsonists, child molesters, and necromancers this time, it'll be entirely my captain's fault."

Ted Peterson

"Yes, go on," the King nodded. "Do be certain to emphasize that while I would be happy to host a party without great ceremony, and I have toleration for lack of etiquette at times, my tolerance for criminal activity under my roof is completely drained. I will not consider psychosis or kleptomania or loveable roguery an ample excuse, and my dungeons are very deep."

The expression on Gothryd's face emphasized his point.

The castellian coughed, indicating that the King has other matters to attend to.

"I don't want to end this pleasant interview on a threat," Gothryd smiled. "Please let the happy couple know that the celebration may continue with my blessings."

Ted Peterson

"His Majesty asks that you wait for him here," said Lhotun's castellian.

Goranthir was there, in an interior courtyard, hissing at a bush.

Ted Peterson

"Bear," Goranthir smiled, turning to Tris, his voice also modulated. "Really hungry and mean. I thought I could talk to him, but just because you can speak someone's language doesn't mean they'll like you ... I keep forgetting that ..."

A cobra slithered out from under the bush, and made his way out through a crack in the wall.

"He was bad-spirited too, but I pointed out that if he didn't leave, someone would probably get scared and kill him," he grinned. "How are you? Sorry to have missed out on the adventure. I got waylaid by someone else who needed help."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "Far more satisfactory than yours, it sounds like. I was running late to get to the Guild because I wanted to check in with a friend in Firsthold to make sure my mother was in court. Wouldn't do to go all that way if she was on vacation in Alinor. Then, on the way, I ran into a fellow begging for help. Yes, it did involve a maiden fair, and she said thank you afterwards. Fancy that. So, where is everyone else?"

Ted Peterson

"Ah, that's preferable to a bear maiden / bare maiden pun?" Goranthir grinned. "I'm sorry about missing the camels. I heard from my nurse they're actually pretty amusing creatures."

Ted Peterson

"Yes, just to the outskirts, not to the court," Goranthir replied. "Did I tell you I asked the Akarvina to meet us there? They should be arriving in a couple days time, unless they run into trouble."

Ted Peterson

"Don't give me too much credit," Goranthir smiled. "Every Altmer boy dreams of living on a boat. It's the island mentality."

Ted Peterson

"If it makes you feel better, I'll tell other people I know what I'm doing," Goranthir smiled. "I do, kinda, sometimes ..."

Ted Peterson

To those who make their way to the King's palace in Sentinel:

The palace of Sentinel was filled with candles that released a scent of spices as well as a warm golden glow. It was difficult to tell a guard from a noble, for both wore silk and inscrutable expressions. There was hardly a body, male or female, that wasn’t slim, well-muscled, and showing considerably more flesh than their Breton neighbors. Still, the atmosphere of sex was subtle, more sensual than wanton.

The central courtyard was open to the sky, and shielded from the sun by canopies. Urns spilled over with orange and yellow flowers.

The King and his retinue lounged on silk pillows. He was not an exceptionally handsome man. His face was perhaps too friendly, still possessing the wide eyes and expressive mouth of his youth, though he was in his 30s. His hair was long, worn in coils ringed by gold.

“Have a seat and tell me of your adventures,” he smiled.

Wine, water, and fruit was brought out by beautiful servers of both sexes.

Ted Peterson

"We'll be serving meat in a moment, but in the meantime, perhaps my lord could try looking under a rock?" the girl smiled.

Ted Peterson

The girl returned in a moment with a small bowl filled with berries in ichor. "We get this from the swamps on the coast. Most people don't like them, but Argonians say they remind them of home."

That was the attitude of all the servers. They were accomedating, quick to fulfill expectations, but never servile.

Ted Peterson

"I was hoping they'd be as soon as my sister told me you were coming," Lhotun said. "I understand from Tris that this Selvia escaped?"

Ted Peterson

"Oh damn," said the King with a wink. "I was hoping it would be something I hadn't experienced."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir climbed down from a tree in the center of the courtyard. "She has lost her child, your majesty."

"Oh, that is very sad," Lhotun said, and his face showed honest sorrow. "I did not know."

"She'll begin her mourning song," Goranthir said. "She says it will be lovely."

And the previously silent nightingale did indeed begin to sing, and it was a song of mourning that spoke of joy and hope.

Goranthir smiled to his friends. "I'm sorry I missed your adventure," he rubbed the lacerations on his nose. "But you don't look the worse for wear."

Ted Peterson

"The loving couple," the King of Sentinel smiled. "Blessings of Arkay and Satakal be on you. How wise of you to invite a band of adventurers to your wedding feast. That foresight bodes well for your union."

Ted Peterson

"No," Lhotun chuckled. "But young Tris tells me he’s talked my brother-in-law into letting the celebration continue there, so he can’t be too cross. My sister on the other hand … "

Ted Peterson

"All that is true," King Lhotun nodded his head. "And I do dearly love my little nieces and nephews. Am I understand that you," he looked to Maranda mildly. "Are the woman who brought the Daedra?"

Ted Peterson

"There, there, my dear," the King patted Maranda's hand. "Yes, it was extraordinarily foolish of you, but I'd imagine few gathered here have not been intolerably stupid at times. Life is full of woe, but we must not dwell upon it. Listen to the nightingale sing. She has lost her only child, the only one she is likely to ever have. And yet she sings of love."

Ted Peterson

"Would that they loved me as I love them," Lhotun smiled, pleased with Maranda's words.

Ted Peterson

The King was listening to the song too, and he turned to Allerleirauh, smiling, humming along to the bird's voice. "You were the one who found Arthago, weren't you?"

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Goranthir laughs between his tears. "It's a happy song, really. The nightingale is telling us how beautiful her boy was, how he sings to the world now. But sometimes happy things make you cry too, don't they?"

Ted Peterson

"No, it merely took me a while to place your face, though it hasn't changed very much," the King took her hand. "It was a secret, of course, but then there was that book Night Falls On Sentinel, and all the world knows ... what happened in this happy court. You know, I think you are the last person to see me cry, more than twenty years ago ..."

Ted Peterson

"I don't flatter myself to think so," Lhotun replied, still smiling, though with some sadness. "I have tried. The one thing all effective Kings and Queens are, whether benevolent or tyrannical, is strong. My parents recognized that, and what they did ... is something I think other parents have done throughout history. I think I am a strong king, but I do not hate weakness."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir listened to the king and listened to Loranna, and with a last sniff, asked, "Does anyone here know a really dirty joke?"

Ted Peterson

Lhotun chuckled. "Go on."

Ted Peterson

The King and his retinue roared with laughter at the joke, many of them falling against their pillows, two of them caught in an unfortunate moment between swallows of wine, coughing and laughing simultaneously.

Goranthir laughed too. "Maranda, forgive me, I don't know you well, but I didn't guess you were funny."

Ted Peterson

"I predict you'll surprise yourself again," said King Lhotun, still chuckling.

The servers brought forth the promised meat, roasted and steaming, most of it very spicy in the Redguard tradition, but some milder varieties for the guests had been created as well. The servers described the food as they slivered off pieces of it, which were to be eaten, of course, by hand.

"You are all of course welcome to stay the night, if you'd like," the King of Sentinel said. "I can arrange companions to keep you warm too, if you'd like."

Ted Peterson

Ald'ruhn Secret Council Meeting

---

"Well, I'm dashed," Redoran Thumiare barked. "An alliance between Dres and the crown? That's like an alliance between fire and water."

"They are both beneath contempt," sniffed Redoran Aelma.

"On the matter of rebuilding our bases in Vvardenfelll," Redoran Lelas said. "Of course some work should be done. Our relationship with the Temple remains our most important alliance. I only question how much should be done at what is on some level a hopeless cause. Vvardenfelll will never rise again as it had been."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, like any healthy 16-year-old, had also heard the King's suggestion and found it, and the first bite he had of the crusted peppered fish, too much for a moment. He coughed and grabbed for water. Meeting Tris's eyes, he had no doubt he was thinking of the same thing.

"No," he whispered, but couldn't help laughing. "Probably no."

Ted Peterson

"We should not be spending our time thinking of defenses, but offenses," said Redoran Thumiare. "If we strike now, we can eliminate the budding conspiracy of Helseth, House Dres, and House Telvanni before --"

"Don't forget House Hlaluu," Dres Aelma said. "They'll ally themselves with Helseth without much prodding."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, slept late. In his arms was Mapn-i, a beautiful girl with skin like ebony. They both were smiling in their sleep as the dawn light, difused by the silk curtains, touched their naked bodies.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, a big smile on his face, his hair slick from a bath, bounded into the room. "Good morning everyone!"

Ted Peterson

"I can't find the words, it was --" Goranthir smiled even wider. "It can't be that good all the time, or people would do nothing else."

He also turned to Anya. It was sad that anyone was sad on a morning when he was so happy.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed hard. "Yes, a life of happiness would be unbearable."

---

Goranthir jumped up and grabbed Tris in a hug. "Where were you last night?"

Ted Peterson

"Well, I looked for you last night, I thought I needed some help," Goranthir blushed a little. "But ... I figured things out .."

Ted Peterson

"Why are you sad?" she asked sleepily. "I don't like men to leave me sad. What can I do?"

Ted Peterson

"I want you to!" Goranthir grabbed Tris's hand and brought him upstairs.

The girl was just getting dressed, heartbreakingly beautiful. She smiled at Tris, and gave Goranthir a kiss.

Goranthir picked up the candle. It was something Tris had seen before at the House of Kynareth. Its smell was strong, but after a few minutes of inhaling it, your entire body became charged, responding to the faintest breath or touch.

"I need to get more of these," Goranthir smiled, blushing again.

Ted Peterson

"I told Isidor I could picture a life where one had sex all day long," Goranthir grinned. "And he thought that was appalling. Apparently he did not have as good of a time last night as I did."

The girl took the candle out of Goranthir's hand. "Your friend is right," her voice was like velvet. "Inhale the candle too much, and that is bad. You are sensitive enough already."

Ted Peterson

"I - um shouldn't we be getting back to Daggerfall ..?" Goranthir began, but Mapn-i drew him to her, dropping her robe.

"Ten minutes more," she smiled, and winked at Tris.

Ted Peterson

"I was born here to a courtesan," she smiled, her finger lightly touching up his arm. "My ancestress was Antonopath, the lead courtesan in the invading army of Ra Gada. My daughter will no doubt be a courtesan too."

Ted Peterson

"Then I shall show you something new that only three people in Tamriel know how to do, as far as I've heard," she pulled him to her. "It is a technique taught by the sightless Orma of old Argonia who could only work by the sense of touch ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir came downstairs, an even bigger smile on his face.

"When are we leaving?"

Ted Peterson

"I don't think you're stupid, Isidor, though you do tend to seek out advice and then not take it," Goranthir grinned. "But have you considered drinking less, if it bothers you?"

He had a glass of wine in his hand, and a eye for Lady Lelia, the new Countess of Ivytyde since her mother's recent suicide. A bright, vivacious girl in an ivory-colored gown. Goranthir took it on himself to introduce himself, mentioning that his black surcoat and cape clearly matched her outfit well.

Ted Peterson

One of the king's servants handed Isidor a note.

"From a young gentleman to you, sir," he said.

Ted Peterson

I couldn't help noticing you, sir, as clearly the handsomest man at the party, including the groom who seems a bit of a buttock. I hope you will take the time to meet me in a secluded corner by the tree peonies, so I might kiss you and 'get to know you better.'

Yours,
Sera Jeril Tryn

Ted Peterson

The garden was meant for trysts, and most people knew it without having to be told. Several couples were already kissing in the shadows, or whispering words they could not say in public.

A very handsome young Dunmer lad with close-cropped hair and a well-trimmed mustache and beard stepped out from behind one of the trees.

"I see you got my note," he said, and though Isidor could see it was Kethiah, the change in voice and appearance was uncanny.

Ted Peterson

"You Nords will follow anything warm-blooded, won't you?" Kethiah/Jeril said, pulling Isidor in for a kiss. The moustache and beard felt real, but her lips felt even more so.

Ted Peterson

"I think we should go to my room at the tavern before you kiss my whiskers off," Kethiah laughed, keeping her voice low.

Ted Peterson

"I know you disappeared after the first party. By the way, I had nothing to do with that poor fellow's hanging," Kethiah said. "So, what's on your mind?"

Ted Peterson

"I see," said Kethiah in her own voice. In the shadows, and by her own will, it was difficult to tell what the expression on her face was. "Why did you want me to know this? What do you want from me?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir turned to his friend, smiling, trying to tell what Tris was thinking.

"I am," she said, offering her hand. She was pale but very pretty, the color of the dress actually gave her an ethereal quality. "Very pleased to meet you, sir."

Ted Peterson

"I see," said Kethiah, and he could read her expression now. Anger and contempt. "You should see a healer. The prostitutes of Hammerfell are riddled with disease."

She turned to walk away.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," she smiled prettily. "I think some people consider it inappropriate, but I've never been to a party before, and I couldn't miss the opportunity to dance."

Ted Peterson

She turned around, tears in her eyes. "Tell me again, what do you want from me?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's eyebrows raised and he looked at the young Countess.

She sighed, and then seemed to notice someone over Tris's shoulder. "Yes, a true tragedy. Will you pardon me, gentlemen?"

"Definitely," Goranthir said, watching her go.

Ted Peterson

She slapped him. Hard.

"My happiness and your existence or non-existence have nothing in common," she hissed. "I told you that I wanted to get to know you better, and I have. You are confusing truth with honesty. I do not require much from my men, but strength and respect. You have shown me neither."

She disappeared into the shadows.

Ted Peterson

"I was just flirting with her, Tris, you do that all the time with everyone," Goranthir smiled. "Have I asked how discreet you're being with my grandmother?"

If the questions were serious, his tone was not.

Ted Peterson

"That's why I asked about the noble girl Barenziah," Goranthir frowned. "I'm going to make mistakes, Tris. Just like you."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, rubbing Tris on the back. "And I was acting like someone's brat. I do value your advice, but I tend to snap back when it sounds too lecturey. Anyhow, what do I know? You've had hundreds of affairs, and I've had sex exactly once," With a smile he corrected himself. "I mean, with one person, thrice."

Ted Peterson

"Don't talk about yourself that way," Goranthir shook his head. "I don't know all about sex, or what it is for -- what you use it for, sometimes -- besides pleasure and procreation. But I won't have bad things said about you, even by you ... There is something we should do before going to Firsthold ..."

Ted Peterson

"We need costumes or at least masks," Goranthir said. "It's the masque season in Firsthold. Everyone will be wearing them."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is at the party. He is talking to his friend Tris about it being Masque season in Firsthold, and the need to get costumes.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, she will," Goranthir smiled, thinking about it. "I was thinking about going as Jagar Tharn. Might be appropriate."

Ted Peterson

"I just need to find a partner you won't approve of, again," Goranthir laughed, and then saw Allerleirauh. "For example ..."

He approached Allerleirauh and with a simple but respectful bow, said. "You look beautiful today as on all days. May I have the honor of a dance?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir chuckled. Well, perhaps it was a giggle, though he would have insisted otherwise. "By Nirni, is there a book published somewhere The Deflowering of Goranthir? And may I assume the author is Gaerington?" he said, kissing and embracing her.

Ted Peterson

"You do me honor for my lack of present purity," the Prince laughed. And then, turning to Tris said, "There is a young fellow who looks like a nectarine looking at you."

It was Lord Laurent Lyonswurst in a flamboyant velvet suit of red, yellow, and orange, which coupled with his plumpiness, did give him the look of a nectarine. He was looking at Tris, Goranthir, and Loranna as well, with a sort of a leer, which he turned into a friendly smile when spotted.

Ted Peterson

"I am free to dance, though I should prefer a slow one," Laurent smiled. "The King and Queen are on their way from the royal apartments."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir grinned, and watched Tris go. "I was telling Tris that we will need to have costumes, or at very least masks when we go to Firsthold. I don't know how often you've been to Sumurset, but it's the Season there."

Ted Peterson

"I am entirely a man of leisure," Laurent replied, his hand on Tris's arm. "The delicious boy, and the ravishing exotic woman with the gray flesh and the tear streaks, are they free for a dance as well?"

Ted Peterson

"Perhaps a combination of the two," Goranthir laughed. "Though, arguably, that wouldn't be a costume at all."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "I almost forgot. When I went to Firsthold earlier to make sure my mother would be around, I saw my old nurse. I'm sure I never noticed it before, but she had a little shrine to Nirni!"

Ted Peterson

I can even from here that she is most practiced with all the steps," Laurent smirked. "And you, my dear Tris? You have danced with them both?"

Ted Peterson

"Bosmer, her name is Taolle," Goranthir said. "She lives in the woods outside Firsthold ever since my sister was old enough not to need a nurse."

Ted Peterson

Laurent smiled. His hand was now on the small of Tris's back. "That's wonderful. It's good to have friends like that. Though if your life required saving many times, I have to question your lifestyle. If you want thrills, there are many more pleasant ways to get them than putting your life in danger."

The alarum sounded for the royal couples approach.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir held out his hand for Allerleirauh to lead her to the floor.

Ted Peterson

The sea of guests parted as King Gothryd and Queen Aubk-i entered the room, hand in hand. If they were at all annoyed with the on-again / off-again party, it did not show in their smiling, benevolent faces.

The orchestra began.

Ted Peterson

Laurent watched them go, not losing the smile on his face. He knew her, even if her expression suggested she didn't remember him at all.

That didn't bother him.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir knew the dance well. He had been forced to learn them all in Sumurset, and though he was a reluctant student, they came to him as naturally as breathing. Not only could he do them, he could do them with individual style of the expert who knows enough about the art to improvise.

"Where did you learn?" he asks Allerleirauh.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "I'm sure I had the same teacher! Don't worry, I drove him into retirement."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir took her hand, kissed it, and kissed her cheek as well.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "Forgive my aim. Would you care for a drink or another dance?"

Ted Peterson

"I think it's the value of the year," Goranthir smiled, taking Allerleirauh out for the waltz.

Ted Peterson

The peasant looked Isidor up and down critically. "You got a writ, sera?"

Ted Peterson

"Never 'eard of her," said the peasant with a shrug. "And neither has anyone else."

Ted Peterson

The peasant lowered his voice to avoid being overheard. "No disrespect, sera. You can boil me in oil, but if she found out I told a stranger where she lives ..." He shuddered.

Ted Peterson

"She isn't even here now, sera," he whispered. "Please, ask someone else ..."

Ted Peterson

Aubk-i laughed delightedly. "I would love to see you two dance!"

"I could deny you nothing, your Majesty," Laurent said, looking at Tris, and then looking back at the Queen. "Perhaps later, when the music is more romantic? May I have your leave?"

"Of course," said Gothryd, who was somewhat less delighted at the prospect of watching Tris and Laurent Lyonswurst dance.

Laurent took Tris's arm.

Ted Peterson

"Are you angry with me, dear Tris?" Laurent whispered. "I am sorry if you are. Truly," his face suggested that he was. "It would be ungentlemanly of me to discuss it too much, but Doll and I ... we met before under much less formal circumstances."

Ted Peterson

"That's marvelous, I'm glad for her," Laurent grinned. "She was so meek before, I barely recognized her now she's much stronger. This guild of yours, then, is not for prostitutes?"

Ted Peterson

He winked at Tris. "It is a pity you're not for sale."

Ted Peterson

"About half and half," Laurent replied matter-of-factly, mistaking Tris's angry face for a blush. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I've heard so little about what you've done after Wayrest, and when you introduced Doll as part of your guild, I had no idea that she had changed her career. No shame in that path, though, as far as I'm concerned, but I can tell she's happier now. If you had taken that route, you'd be a very wealthy man now."

Ted Peterson

The next song was a slow one. Goranthir wasn't quite sure whether to continue, but he held Allerleirauh in his arms nevertheless, deciding it was best if she said if she'd like to leave the dance floor.

He hoped, though, that she wouldn't.

Ted Peterson

"A runner, eh?" Laurent touched Tris's thigh just for a second. "By the Gods, yes, you are. My story is that upon my father's death at the hands of that [censored] Elysana, I took all my family's assets and moved here. I think the King and Queen tolerated my presence around the court because of my wealth, which, modesty aside, is considerable, but they've come to find me amusing. My title is Councilor, but I'm basically a well-dressed jester."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir apologized before he did it. Ladies and gentlemen of the court, that proves it was premeditated. No temporary insanity, nay, for he had but one glass of wine that night.

She was too beautiful that moment. That was his only excuse.

"I'm sorry" he said and kissed her softly on the lips.

Ted Peterson

"I know," he said, and then laughed, a little self-consciously. "I mean, I know you're in love, not that I know I'm a very good dancer. I mean ... I think I'm more than a little bit in love with you ... But I ... I'm being ridiculous."

Ted Peterson

Laurent had been angry before, more than angry even, but his eyes turned soft and his charming smile returned. "That's why I dress as I do. Love a dandy, or hate a dandy, you remember a dandy. You weren't a bastard, you were just a kid, and kids can be cruel ... But I do hope you'll visit me at Lyonswurst House someday. I will sweep away all prostitutes and others you disapprove of, if you give me any warning."

Ted Peterson

"I think you warrant me more maturity than I have," Goranthir said, looking into Allerleirauh's eyes. "What are these boundaries? ... I only know one. I don't mind a broken heart for myself -- I expect it, someday, maybe today."

Ted Peterson

"You are a powerful woman, Allerleirauh," Goranthir smiled. "But you cannot help breaking my heart, any more than I could help breaking Tris's. I offered him friendship instead, which I hear you offering me. I won't tell you it doesn't hurt. If you were foolish enough to believe that, I wouldn't have fallen in love with you ... just a bit ..."

"By the way, for the record," he added, as the dance came to an end. "I fell in love with you when we came down from the heavens into Solunastra, not just here tonight. I'm not quite that impetuous to fall for you, just because your neck looked lovely when you turned to look at the sparrow, though it did ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir sucked in air, but he felt simultaneously light in the head and alive in the flesh. "Never cold," he gasped. "Never."

Ted Peterson

"Because she orders me to do what I want to do?" Laurent smiled, continuing the dance. It was as he danced with Doll, and Tris could tell he was incredibly strong -- clearly it was not all fat under those red, orange, and yellow clothes. Without the slightest effort, he could swing Tris from one side of him to the other. "We are close, but she is not my lover."

Ted Peterson

Laurent was pleased at the compliment, and held Tris closer. "I wrestle with demons. It's excellent exercise."

Ted Peterson

Laurent touched the scar with his finger tips, which were soft. "Why don't you find out?"

The Queen stepped in. "Mind if I cut in, you lovebirds?"

Laurent looked at Tris and then back to Aubk-i. "Your Majesty, only for you."

The Queen laughed as Laurent spun her around the dance floor, her gown gliding behind her like wings.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir ran over to help his friend up.

"What was that about?" the prince asked. "I wouldn't say the sight you being molested on the dance floor by the Nectarine was pretty, but still ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir helped to blot the blood from Tris's nose. "I would say this has to be embarrassing for you, Tris, but I don't know if you know what that means ..."

"What are you whispering about?" he whispered, when Loranna whispered.

Ted Peterson

"Oh, please, you knew the shameless part," Goranthir grinned. "Shame and then humor, if you're making a list for your birthday. As what's wrong with him, he's spherical."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir began to laugh --

Ted Peterson

It was not enough of a scene for Goranthir. It couldn't be. He had been feeling the pleasures of love and sex, in their beautiful forms, and here was a man who had supplanted that with torture and humiliation.

"Animals behave as he does sometimes," Goranthir said, his eyes still narrow, his voice low. "The bad ones. Shaka said animals are innocent, but that's not true."

Ted Peterson

"I know," Goranthir replied. "But I didn't know how horrible it truly could be, until I saw how wonderful it could be by contrast. It's Sanguine he believes in, not Dibella, isn't it?"

Ted Peterson

"The Psijics would say it doesn't matter whether he worships Sanguine or not, he gives Him strength," Goranthir said. "I think I am going to vomit now ... Pardon me, friends ..."

Goranthir left the ballroom.

Ted Peterson

He could feel Laurent's eyes on him still, and when he looked at the Councillor and the Queen dancing, they were there. Warm brown eyes close up, in a kiss, but little black eyes at a distance.

The orchestra moved to the end of the song.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had been sick, in the bushes in the very courtyard where Allerleirauh had told him about the Mark. He had been close to being sick then too.

He saw Loranna coming, and wiped his mouth. "Hi."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir lets Loranna into his arms. He chokes back a sob. "Today was such a good day."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in one of the courtyards of Castle Daggerfall, holding Loranna. He is not sure whether he is comforting her or she is comforting him. He has recently made love for the first time to a courtesan in Sentinel, and declared his love for Allerleirauh, which earned him a kiss and a nip on the cheek. A pretty damn good day, except when he hears that people exist like ...

Laurent Lyonswurst, a plump dandy of remarkable strength. What he did to Doll in the past is best left to whispers. What he had in mind for Tris is also best left to the imagination, if yours is particularly dark and perverse. He has finished dancing with Queen Aubk-i, of whom he is a favorite, and is watching, like a predator wondering if the prey has smelled him in the change in the wind, and if so, where does that leave him.

Ted Peterson

"I will, serjo," he whispered, bowing. "I am sorry I could not be of more help."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir gave Loranna a kiss on the cheek, and with a sad smile, went back into the party.

Truth was, he had lost his taste for it.

Ted Peterson

"Uh oh," Goranthir said. "You told her, didn't you?"

Truth was, he was glad to talk about it. Anything to keep his mind off Laurent Lyonswurst.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir gave Isidor's arm an affectionate squeeze. "No, don't do that, old friend. Then we'd be the ones in trouble when things go wrong."

He winked.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, sir," Goranthir grinned, and with a wave of his free hand, half-carried Tris out of the castle and into the streets, where they hailed a carriage.

Ted Peterson

"Do you want to eat anything or should I get you to bed?" Goranthir asked. He was smiling, but he lost it. "Though what kind of dreams we'll have tonight ... I don't want to think about ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled at that, and nodded.

---

It's not news, no," Goranthir said slowly. "But if you want to know how I feel, imagine how you'd feel if it were me he was stalking, instead of you. Picture him overpowering me, and having the power of the court to protect himself. Those are the images in my head right now, except of you."

Ted Peterson

"Tris," Goranthir's eyes were pleading. "Please don't. I know I need to hear about all the hell that is out there, but I can't ... It hurts too much to imagine ..."

Ted Peterson

"I did," Goranthir laughed, wiping his face on his sleeve. "Though I made a fool of myself with the General. Yes, Sentinel, yes, wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do."

Ted Peterson

"She said there were boundaries to what she could give," Goranthir said. "But she didn't tell me what they are. I guess I'm supposed to know. Remember when you said, back in Ald Ra'athim, that you just wanted to do something crazy, anything? That's how I feel. I don't want to talk. I want to do something."

Ted Peterson

"Well, let's start with that," Goranthir grinned, encouraged. "And see what adventure comes along. You've sobered up, though, Tris, are you sure this will be fun?"

Ted Peterson

They walked out to the stables, and Goranthir lightly punched Tris in the arm. "Child? Okay, I can see this is all about you and your costume, isn't it? Let's see ... Mad Pelagius?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed. "Well, if you wanted to go for the sex appeal, you could go as Hircine, wear nothing at all, and be the talk of Firsthold."

They began trotting down the street on their horses. "I was serious about Jagar Tharn, but I could do some other Dunmer ... Allie would not be at all amused if I went as Vivec, would she?"

Ted Peterson

"Then I won't shave my head. Some kind of skull cap will be needed ... And a loincloth for you, I'm afraid, Tris, much as I'd like to see my mother's face when she spots the factually accurate representation of --"

He stopped at the coin tosses.

"I've never done this before," Goranthir chuckled. "Do you know him?"

A candle was lit in the upstairs window, and the tailor's sleepy face appeared.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daggerfall

Laurent Lyonswurst, who could scarcely be missed at the party, had been talking with the royal couple and the bridal couple, amusing them with story after story. Finally, Gothryd gave him the nod that said it was time.

"Ladies and gentlemen, and those of you who are neither but are enjoying yourself nevertheless," his strong clear voice echoed through the room, causing conversation to at least pause. "Your King wishes to address you."

"Gentle people," said the King of Daggerfall, whose voice was also clear without shouting. "It was good of you to return to continue the festivities so tragically interrupted before. You have given your blessing to the happy couple, and they have blessed you in return. Go in peace, and may love and happiness be with you."

Ted Peterson

"That's right," Goranthir smiled, blushing a bit. "I forgot that Vivec doesn't exactly wear a lot of clothes either. I guess we just need some loincloths. Fur for Tris, and something long and silky for me. And I'll need to go to an armorer to get the shoulder plates and arm guards ... and somewhere to get the body paint ... I can get my skull cap and Tris's antlers from the masquier ..."

He laughed. "And I can handle getting you a very sweet-tempered wolf for you to bring around on a chain to complete it."

Ted Peterson

"You are bad," Goranthir laughed. "I'm supposed to tell her she's to be my consort or a ... well, a female dog? ... Actually, I didn't know she could turn into a wolf ..."

He thought about it. "Almalexia then. We'll give you a real wolf."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled, a little more soberly. "If that were the most shocking thing, that would be nice. I'm afraid that the scars on my body will cause more gasps than anything that shows up with a transparent loincloth. Princes of Firsthold are not supposed to have an adventurer's ... scars ..."

He was about to say "mark" instead of "scar," but that was another subject he wasn't up for discussing now.

"But fur for you, you think?" he smiled. "Sounds stuffy."

Ted Peterson

"No, they don't bother me," Goranthir grinned, raising his shirt and looking at them while the tailor measured his waist. "I like them. But they will shock."

He turned also to the sounds in the street.

Ted Peterson

"We will need a loin cloth for Allerleirauh then too if she is to be Almalexia, and armor, and a crown," Goranthir looks to the tailor.

Ted Peterson

The sketch was perfect. Goranthir nodded.

"Well, Cyrodiil is where the masks are, right?" Goranthir winked. "Assuming you have no other adventures in mind?"

Ted Peterson

"You must have missed my wink, I know," Goranthir laughed.

---

So, what do we do?" Goranthir asked. "Are you tired?"

Ted Peterson

"I guess you're expecting me to beg?" Goranthir laughed. "I've only mentioned it twice, Tris. Please?"

Ted Peterson

"This must be a mistake, I don't know anyone here, except Tris," Goranthir replied, smiling.

The priestess was insistent.

If this lady is Tris in a dress, I will never stop laughing Goranthir thought to himself, following the priestess ...

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in Cyrodiil. He and Tris have been shopping for costumes for the Masque Season in Firsthold, where they and Allerleirauh plan to go to confront his mother, Morgiah. He is currently at the House of Dibella, where he has been informed that a mysterious lady is waiting for him ...

Shegorath

The House of Dibella, Cyrodiil

Goranthir followed the priestess through webs of gossamer which waved, wind fueled by their movement and the movement of others, who were seen and then unseen, shadows made flesh and then nothingness. The sounds of the place were ever changing: a song here, a sigh, a moan, a giggle, a whisper.

The artwork and statuary was breathtaking, the finest the young man had seen outside of the Crystal Tower. Occasionally he saw something, in the art, or in the flesh, that made him want to stop, either because it was so alluring or he didn't understand it. The priestess's tug on his hand kept him moving forward.

Behind a wave of silk, they descended ancient steps, so many feet had been on them the stone felt soft and curiously warm on his bare skin.

Water was falling somewhere he could hear it, but the dim candles did not show him where as he moved through the narrow manmade cavern. The smell of lilies was in the air, but how could it be, with no sunlight to sustain them? And yet there they were, strange and pale and beautiful.

"Your Lady awaits you within," said the priestess, showing Goranthir to a shadowy passage.

He entered, feeling nervous and hopeful.

Shegorath

Goranthir decided that he had fallen asleep back in the room where Tris had taken him, and this was all a dream ... But still he hesitated before slowly walking towards the bed.

The girl's figure was clearly lovely, but the veil was too opaque to see any features, only that she was light of skin and hair.

Wordlessly, he reached out and touched her face through the veil.

Shegorath

Goranthir's hand stayed on her cheek through the veil, but it stopped when he heard her voice. He looked through the blur of the gauze around her face to see if he could see her eyes. He knew she could see him.

"I wasn't sure before," Goranthir whispered, the corners of his mouth turning into a smile. "But now I know I'm dreaming."

He pulled himself onto the bed, facing her, kneeling in the same position as her, his right hand on her face, her neck, as he slowly gathered up the veil in his left hand.

FADE OUT

Shegorath

OOC -- She cooks well, lads.

Shegorath

"What? Oh, no," he said, looking down at the skin she was touching which had become gooseflesh. "That's just the effect you have on me. Everything's perfect. More than perfect."

He ran his hand along the curve of her calve to her ankle. "I don't think I've ever been so warm."

Shegorath

"I wouldn't have believed it, if I couldn't feel you here," Goranthir smiled, wrapping his arms around her. It was absurd, almost a protective gesture for someone as young and inexperienced as him, to be protective of someone as powerful as Allerleirauh. But it felt right, and so he did it. "I'm letting myself think that we don't ever have to leave this little cave. We may never have another day like this one, and I don't want to come out of hiding ever."

Shegorath

"The more I have of you, the more I want," Goranthir said, kissing her neck softly, across the thin line of her clavicle from shoulder to shoulder. "It's sorcery, I know it, but I don't mind."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

"My grandmother isn't here," Goranthir replied, and then looked to the others. "Is she?"

Ted Peterson

"That's news to me," Goranthir replied, and turned to the Redoran and the Indoril. "Kratos, this is Drakar."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim right now, but ... have you seen Allerleirauh lately?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim ..."

He looked to Drakar once they were out of earshot of the group. "What is on your mind?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

The Coast off Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah allowed Ulymir to lead her to the castle, where they were met by Kallen, who showed them to her rooms.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim at the moment?" Goranthir asked Allerleirauh.

"What about the former Ordinator?" Barenziah asked. "I've forgotten his name ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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' ..."

Ted Peterson

"She is well, thank you, Drakar of Khuum," Goranthir smiled. "This is Allerleirauh and Tris. You know them from the infamous pamphlet ..."

Ted Peterson

"I'm so sorry, Khuul," Goranthir corrected himself. "There seems to be a discrepancy about whether you know one another ..?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Two hours previous:

Drakar left and Tris left, and they were alone.

"Would you like to go for a swim?" Goranthir asked.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ... "

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir burst into laughter. "Is it Tales and Tallows already?"

Ted Peterson

Barenziah frowned. "Yes, I know. No one is suffering yet -- I've been generous with the royal treasury to more territories than just Ald Ra'athim -- 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.'"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir just shook his head, watching.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, a little ticklish. "Yes, I can tell. And if you're a sheep, there's one worried shepherd out there ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Slap.

"I'm not that hungry, why don't we wait until the dessert?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Two Days Later

Kethiah nodded. "It doesn't matter. It was nothing personal."

She crawled back into bed.

Ted Peterson

Two Days Later

Kethiah smiled, and closed her eyes. "I don't know. Let me sleep on it."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Razbiah, her face red, smiled. "Oh, thank you, serjo. Very kind of you to say that."

Thianas also bowed.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kallen looked at them, and raised an eyebrow. "Are you appetizers, main course, or dessert?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

As the guests began to arrive, the local Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"Good evening, my lady, what a delightful night," Barenziah smiled. "You look beautiful. Is Tris Gaerington around, do you know?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's eyes shone with pure joy. "I didn't tell you. You look beautiful."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Barenziah shook her head. "Some kind of a rash, my lady?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Normalcy," Barenziah laughed, raising her glass. "The great unsung virtue."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, but at one time the anthem of the House Ra'athim. He was proud of himself, though he would never say so, for having discovered the sheet in the library, for it simultaneous honored Ald Ra'athim and the Queen Mother's family, the Ra'athim.

It also alerted Thianas to get the dessert ready.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

“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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Ah, poor Minsero, what a loss," Barenziah shrugged. "He could have used some tools of diplomacy. Now what were we talking about before? Religion?"

Ted Peterson

"Hircine too?" Barenziah's eyebrows raised, but she was smiling. "Well, if you want the Hunt in Ald Ra'athim, 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Thianas is certain to make sure they see the figure of their father as they are selecting what slices of the cake they want.

Ted Peterson

The Queen Mother's barge -- a new one -- and two escort ships had arrived at the harbor of Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

One Day in the Future

Kethiah sat up in bed and accepted the box with a smile. She unwrapped it.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

After waving to his grandmother, Goranthir returned to the castle, and his room, where he had left Allerleirauh.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Have you ever opened a Dwemeri puzzle box before?" Baladas asked, grinning. "Have you?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Can we have lunch first?" Goranthir asked.

Ted Peterson

If it were possible to tire out Goranthir, she had yet to discover a way. But it was fun trying.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Altmer steward returned with more sea urchins. "What else may I offer you this day?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The cooks moved to block her path, and the steward fell to the floor, dropping his sword.

Ted Peterson

"Shut up you little [censored], or I'll give ya something to scream about," said one of the cooks, and they rushed at her.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"Why would anyone attack ladies like you?" the guard wondered aloud, repeating his question but in a different, softer tone.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim. 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim more secure by pure sweat.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"He tried his damndest," Kethiah nodded. "And your father saved me, for the second time. He's good for that."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah chuckled, in spite of herself. "Oh, I get to ask questions too? Well ... How are you liking it here in Ald Ra'athim? Do you miss your old home?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"We just met at the Drunken Guar here in Ald Ra'athim," 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Vvardenfelll for years, in the north, and I've been coming to Ald Ra'athim since it was a tiny little town. I'm glad it's growing, but I hope it doesn't lose its character."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Better than I could have hoped for," Kethiah laughed. "They do have questions though, don't they?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Of course!" Kethiah called back.

---

"Well, I don't even know what Ald Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is helping the workers in the construction of Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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.”

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim:

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled. "Well told, my love. It sounds like a true story. I'm glad it has a happy ending."

Ted Peterson

"Where are you going?" asked Kethiah, coming out of her sleep.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"I am glad to hear that," Kethiah smiled a little sleepily. "Why don't you get into bed?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled, looking Allerleirauh in the eyes, filled with love.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, and they began their search for a home.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Docks of Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Take the long way home!" Quill called to the driver.

He closed the curtains on the carriage, and kissed Mirea back.

Ted Peterson

The Docks of Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The docks of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah laughed. "Is that what Tyradil and Titiltalia came up with, or is that yours?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

Quill expelled a deep breath. "How do you know? Did you find evidence, or ... No, he's he hurting someone else?"

Ted Peterson

"I hope it burned to the ground," said Quill angrily. "If not, I'll go back with more kindling."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah looked out the window above. "You surprised me again, Shaka!"

She hurried downstairs to open the door.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

Update

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in Ald Ra'athim, helping construct new fortifications on the castle.

Kethiah, former assassin, is also in Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Just imagine the walls lined with portraits of the great heroes of Ald Ra'athim," Kethiah smiled. "You included, of course. And maybe some day, Tyradil and Tilitalia."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar

"I dunno," said the innkeeper, serving up drinks. "Supposing I said, yes, it bothers me?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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 …

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

"I think we pick up the kids from school now," Kethiah laughed. "And make them do all the work."

Ted Peterson

Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock

"Thank you," Quill said, getting on his horse, and holding out a hand to pull Mirea up.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim. 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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

In the vast nest of silk under the open sky, Goranthir melted into his lovers' arms.

Fade Out.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim lining the walls ... But a barmaid is what we need too ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah laughed, and narrowed her eyes at Isidor. "Careful with your response, killer."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is ... well, he's in a silk nest in Ald Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim, 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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ...

Ted Peterson

"Ah, family," Goranthir laughed. "Can we trade?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir had lost his laugh, and gotten between Allie and Tris and the apparition before it spoke.

He was shivering. What was this?

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"I think that's a good idea," Kethiah replied. "After all, Nords ought to feel at home here."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah shook her head. "No, but I don't know him well enough yet to really say. What is it?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"I agree, I wish we could have met over some fine Wayrestian wine that Tris introduced me to," Goranthir smiled sadly.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah laughed. "Well, I would! What can you make in five minutes?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.”

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"Thank you, Herwyn, you're always reliable," Elysana said, and then called for a black cloak and her children.

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

"What are we going to do?" Goranthir whispered, approaching Allerleirauh at the funeral. "Can't you rescue them like Tris rescued Ciel?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

Goranthir takes in a sharp intake of breath.

"Thank Nirni, are you sure?"

---

Goranthir laughs back, holding her.

Ted Peterson

The Dome of Wayrest

The Queen frowned. "If I'm so kind, why does it look like you're about to vomit?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"Lead the way, o fellow Eightman of the Spheres," Goranthir smiled, taking Allerleirauh's and Loranna's arms, and following Herwyn where he led.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

Goranthir took the hand, and most indiscreetly kissed it.

"What do you think about that?" he asked. "It's a pretty enough city."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

"Good, we got that settled," Goranthir laughed. "And it's true. Half my father's nobles spend half their time elsewhere."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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, 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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

"If we leave without Allerleirauh, she'll snap our necks," Goranthir said. "Though I'm almost willing to take that chance."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Wayrest

They had arrived at the Mages Guild.

"People around here need to watch out for their daughters," Goranthir grinned, getting out.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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!"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"But you never draw blood," Goranthir said, kissing her neck. "And you can still catch me off guard everytime."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

---

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim, next morning:

Goranthir, still half-asleep, tried to pull Tris into bed with them. "Don't go."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Docks, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah laughed delightedly.

"Lady Loranna! Come over here! You have to see these!"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim ... 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.

Ted Peterson

"Not only are we open, Tris Gaerington is buying the drinks all night," Kethiah smiled. "So, don't be shy."

Ted Peterson

The Docks

"Not south," Goranthir said, pointing to the smoke on the horizon. "Looks like a big fire."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah continued to fuss about the tavern, helping Diamond and Trasan get people drinks, fixing things that she didn't think was exactly right ...

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim.

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim. 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.”

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim before ... I need to create a new contract that is different from the guards ... What salary did you promise them?"

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir did so, and Barenziah merely smiled. "Tell him I'm looking forward to it."

Goranthir winked at Tris.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim? Is everyone well?"

Barenziah stepped in from the room, smiling. The door was ajar, and Tris could see that the cloaked figure was gone.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Tear

Barenziah chuckled. "Yes, I remember that race in Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Solitude, is in Solitude, buying warships for Ald Ra'athim.

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim," she said. "The spy is the close cousin to the assassin."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"I have everything I want," Kethiah said with a half smile. "Why? Do I seem discontented?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim gets a coastal defense than that I get credit for it."

Ted Peterson

Solitude

"I think," said Goranthir, grinning. "That we make a great team."

FADE OUT

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset 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 …?

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim; 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 Vvardenfelll, 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 Ra'athim, 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 Vvardenfelll. 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 Vvardenfelll 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 Vvardenfelll 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 Ra'athim ..?

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim. 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 Ra'athim. 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah had her regular meetings, and no one had additional information about the Redorans encroaching on Ald Ra'athim.

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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 Vvardenfelll. 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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina, 5 Miles South Of Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina

"I'm not very particular about whom we catch off the coast of Ald Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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 Vvardenfelll ..."

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina, 6 Miles South Of Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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 Vvardenfelll ... 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 Vvardenfelll, protecting it from Helseth."

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina, 6 Miles South Of Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

The old dirt arena of Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah looked at him curiously, and sat down. "Yes?"

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina, 6 Miles South of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Yes," said Kethiah simply. "Why do you ask?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Forest of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Forest of Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim?"

Ted Peterson

Castle Mournhold

Barenziah chuckled softly, standing up. "Yes, as far as alliances go, I consider the one with Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

The Forest of Ald Ra'athim

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]."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Forest of Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah ducked and rolled under him. Even pregnant, she could knock him off his feet with ease.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Forest of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Woods of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Woods of Ald Ra'athim

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 ...

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is with Tris about his ship, the Akarvina, nearing a fog-cloaked cove six miles south of Ald Ra'athim. 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 Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina: Six Miles South of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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.

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll," 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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim," said Goranthir, holding Tris's hand.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll at this moment," the Imperial Prince grinned.

"Why don't we just use one or more of the spies who are already in Vvardenfelll?" 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?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah sighed. "So, you intend to scream like a drill sergeant daily to every toddler in Ald Ra'athim? 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 Ra'athim to defend themselves, if you'll let me do it."

Ted Peterson

The Dinner at Castle Mournhold

Dinara looked to Helseth, who shrugged. Dinara sighed and shook her head. "I don't."

"Our spies in Vvardenfelll 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"That, drills, just generally telling them what to do under certain circumstances ... For example, if there's an invasion of Ald Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

Goranthir turned to Tris, sadly. "Maybe you should have done the talking," he said quietly.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"I'm 17," Goranthir smiled. "When I'm your age, perhaps I'll be able to switch my emotions off so easily."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Sumurset 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."

Ted Peterson

"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)

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Now, I have seen you before," said Alas. "At the fight, am I right? Your man win, or your luck run out too?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll. 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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Ah, business partner are you suggesting a new specialized wing of the tavern?" Kethiah asked. "The Nymph, the Noggin, and the Flogging?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah nodded. "Hla Oad."

Ted Peterson

"Isidor is part of the we," Kethiah said. "You can't leave without him."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah stepped in and with a smile, sat on his stomach. "Don't get too comfortable, sweetheart. You'll be off soon."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah took his hand. "But you have to do it?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

"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 Vvardenfelll.

Ted Peterson

"The people who know spycraft haven't been able to get anywhere in Vvardenfelll," 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir didn't know about Alas and Alack, but he more than made up for it.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah stepped back into the tavern, still holding Tyradil and Tilitalia's hands. She sent them off to play, and then saw Trason.

Ted Peterson

"Not," Kethiah asked with a half smile. "Tonight's dinner specials, I take it? What's on your mind, Trason?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

They took off into the springtide woods of Ald Ra'athim. 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, has gone undercover in Vvardenfelll 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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ...

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir is undercover, trying to find out who are the false Tribunal in Vvardenfelll.

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 Vvardenfelll. "Torture him until he tells all he knows. Then I'll speak with him before his trial if I have a moment."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Temple of Dibella, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

And Alack would return too before it was all over.

Fade out.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah took no time at all to recognize him. "Ingmar, what a surprise," she said with a smile. "What brings you here?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"I don't know who has been sniffing all the Nords in Ald Ra'athim," 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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir is still undercover in Vvardenfelll. 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.

Ted Peterson

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).

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"Have you been shown around the kitchen?" Kethiah asked him, when she noticed him looking at her.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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 Vvardenfelll, 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 Vvardenfelll) 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kallen immediately did so.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"The situation's serious," Kethiah said carefully. "Even with reinforcements from Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?

Ted Peterson

The fishermen shared the docks with Ald Ra'athim'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."

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Inner Sea

The red-gray clouds of south Vvardenfelll 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll ahead, and a dozen ships marked with the flag of the King of Morrowind approaching from the south.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Coast of Molag Mar

The three ships of Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim with her new fiance, Isidor.

Ted Peterson

Molag Mar

The army of the Redoran and Indoril roared with praise of their Goddess, Almalexia, leading them to victory in this holy war.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim were there, and many had already been killed. He prayed to Nirni it was not so.

Ted Peterson

A rider on an Indoril parrapton glided next to her. He said something quickly to her about Vivec, looking worried.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 -?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim warriors. They were pushed back for the first time, away from the bridge.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Inner Sea

The voyage back to Ald Ra'athim was considerably calmer than the voyage out. Though, when the people looked towards Vvardenfelll, they saw the sky was red from fires burning in Hla Oad.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"When I wasn't training the children of Ald Ra'athim in self defense, negotiating deals for the tavern and Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Would the Advocate assent to the charges changing from treason to espionage and piracy?" the Queen asked.

Behind her, the King frowned.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled. "I'd prefer that, I think ... And the sooner, the better."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Deacon nodded, and then asked, more casually. "Did he seem to enjoy his job?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Vvardenfelll, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"There's really no hurry on it," Kethiah said quickly. "And it's not going to be easy. Northern Vvardenfelll 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 Vvardenfelll. The people there say that the Dam Dog has chosen sides ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah took him aside, and said softly. "I'm sorry, Ingmar, I really am. What will you do?"

Ted Peterson

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?”

Ted Peterson

"I hope you do return," Kethiah smiled sadly. "When are you leaving? Will you tell Isidor?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"What was your occupation before becoming a 'privateer'?" asked Deacon Horace Niris. "And what prompted your decision to begin this career?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"I see," the Queen nodded. "And did House Redoran tell you precisely what to do, how, and when, or were your orders more general?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"Well, then that was noble of you," Barreth nodded. "Turning to other matters, who is, or was T'Zar?"

Ted Peterson

"And what was her last assignment?" Barreth asked, his eyes steady on the Defendant.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"The King is the Emperor's official representative in Morrowind, and as such this is an Imperial trial," said Helseth calmly. "Anything else?"

Ted Peterson

"Very well," said the Queen. "Captain Ignatius, will you please take the stand?"

Ted Peterson

"Will you describe to us the circumstances in which you met the Defendant?" asked the Deacon mildly.

Ted Peterson

"Did the Defendant explain why you were being spared?" asked the Queen.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," said the Deacon, turning to the Advocate for the Defendant. "Do you have any questions for this witness?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

We have not heard from Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, in some time. He is still undercover in Vvardenfelll, 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim, and former Butcher of the Bay, had been executed.

She did not go into details unless the person asked. No reason for that.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"A knife and a heart," Kethiah shook her head. "It's beautiful. Have you figured out what you're going to do yet?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim hasn't had slaves for many years now, but it has only grown comparatively recently."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim'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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, which are quite expensive."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah stepped downstairs from one of the private meeting rooms where she had been with one of her merchants contacts, and smiled at Isidor.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

In Vvardenfelll, 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 Ra'athim

At the same time, a ship bearing the flag of the royal house of Morrowind was sighted coming into the bay of Ald Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim. Funny, I pictured it much smaller ... Let me buy you a drink, mate."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"That confederacy of lunatics is lending its assistance by staying out of our way," Commander Mynosah chuckled.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim was considered to be "up" by most Dres, whose lands were further south.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Castle of Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Castle of Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah laughed, kissing him. "If you want to go, we really need to get you some nicer clothes."

Ted Peterson

"Forget what I said," Kethiah grinned. "Don't be a court dandy. I love the way you look now."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Kethiah smiled. "From the look in your eyes, I believe you. Shall we go to the banquet?"

She took his arm.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll, investigating the false Tribunal.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim'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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"B'Vek," laughed Zael, looking from Reil to Loranna. "Now there's a diplomatic greeting for you."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

As Zael had moved on to the feast, it would.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Mournhold

The gray lady was bathed in the lights of dawn. It had taken a full day to go from Ald Ra'athim to Mournhold, and the new day was just beginning.

On the docks, it was much like Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim? 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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"B'Vek, that would be refreshing," Dinara laughed. "What's on your mind? Or should we go somewhere more private to talk?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

And so they do. Within reason for the Queen of Morrowind and her vassel, the Lady of Ald Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim right now? Your planting season proceeding without trouble? Any trouble after that business with the lost regiment?"

Ted Peterson

"Only as usual?" Helseth frowned a little. "I understood your economy was flourishing with all the new trade."

Ted Peterson

"Excellent," Helseth smiled, and it seemed genuine. His voice lowered slightly as he added. "Do not be modest about Ald Ra'athim'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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim's flag was just right of center, in front of the throne.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim," 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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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 Vvardenfelll, 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 Ra'athim, at the Nymph and Noggin. She's going to cut Ingmar off pretty soon.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah sighed. "I'm sorry, your uncle had too much to drink and was causing a scene."

Ted Peterson

"Of course," Kethiah smiled. "A friend from school?"

She knew most of the kids from the self-defense classes she had been teaching.

Ted Peterson

"Oh," Kethiah looked at Tilitalia. "What's his name?"

Ted Peterson

"Wonderful," Kethiah grinned, narrowing her eyes a little. "And how old is he?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"Is he fighting again soon?" Kethiah asked. "I'd like to go watch him."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim ... 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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.

Ted Peterson

The Arena, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"When's your next bout?" Kethiah asked, smiling. "I don't want to tire you too much before it ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"Do you know how he feels about you?" Kethiah asked.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah went to talk the boy. It wouldn't be difficult to gauge his feelings for Tilitalia. 16-year-old boys were simple.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim," Hlaluu Llethan Barreth smiled. "Your sun it seems continues to rise."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"Only because your fine has been paid," she said. "Step up to the bars."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"I hope so, my lady," Zadion replied, smiling. "I've just asked to be made a master at the Mages Guild in Ald Ra'athim, and being told you were here, I asked to be introduced to you."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Have I worked here? No," Magister Zadion replied. "I was born here, but I've worked in the Imperial Province and Sumurset 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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim in a few days," Zadion smiled.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Barenziah ignored the whispering, but Dinara looked at Isidor and Shaka, still smiling but with an eyebrow raised.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim."

Ted Peterson

Dres Nimrirgael Zael, looking frustrated and worried, joined the group. "I can give you a ride back to Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

Zael looked at Anya. "So, you don't want a ride back, I take it?"

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, we have not heard from in a long time, but he is still undercover in Vvardenfelll, 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"Sure, but we better hurry," Kethiah said, grabbing his hand. "I think we're already late for it."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah frowned, kissing Isidor's cut and bruise. "I'm sorry, love. You really tried to talk sense to him, didn't you?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah saw Shaka in the stands, and motioned to him to come join them.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," Kethiah frowned, looking to Isidor for a moment. "Romantic complications seem to be epidemic in Ald Ra'athim."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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 Ra'athim arrived late that afternoon.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

The scene in Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"I wish him well, poor thing," Kethiah smiles, and kisses Isidor, before running over to help at the bar.

Ted Peterson

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!)

Ted Peterson

Update

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfelll. 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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you for your offer of help," Kethiah smiled. She left when Jane left, and walked up to the castle to talk to Loranna.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah, on her way to the castle, smiled at Telera and Shaka. A most neurotic threesome ...

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll, 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 Vvardenfelll 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

Ted Peterson

"Thanks, Diamond," Kethiah smiled. "And how is your newest painting coming along?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah could be seen near the bar, smiling, in close, flirtatious conversation with Isidor ...

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, Loranna ..." until she woke up ...

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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 Vvardenfelll 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 Vvardenfelll ("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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim there were always some folk nearby, so she lowered her voice: "Things may be heating up in Vvardenfelll 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 Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim 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 Vvardenfelll, 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.

Ted Peterson

Ald’ruhn, Vvardenfelll

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 Ra'athim) 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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim

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 Vvardenfelll. 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 Ra'athim

“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 Vvardenfelll. 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 Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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 Vvardenfelll."

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Vvardenfelll, and the code phrases her champions could use to identify themselves to them.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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 Vvardenfelll. 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.'"

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"Yes, it would be best for Anya and any others who aren't Dunmer to stay out of sight if they're going to Vvardenfelll," 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."

Ted Peterson

"You're going to have to use your skills for stealth as well," Kethiah agreed. "Goranthir got to Vvardenfelll 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."

Ted Peterson

"I think we can also bill the Queen Mother for this," Kethiah said without a smile.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Her eyes are more distinctively non-Dunmer than her hair," Kethiah said. "Best to keep both concealed under a hood, like I said."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, grandson of Barenziah, and nephew of Helseth, is currently missing in Vvardenfelll, 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 Vvardenfelll, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

“Yes, the key is to be inconspicuous as possible,” said Kethiah. “And remember to seek information from the royal spies in western Vvardenfelll: 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.”

Ted Peterson

"I agree that delaying is bad," Kethiah nodded.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah punched Isidor lightly in the arm, smiling. "I didn't know you were a big reader. What are you looking for?"

Ted Peterson

"That's very generous of you," Kethiah said. "Was this something Resartus got for you?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The heavy crunching footsteps of a Silt Strider could be heard behind them, coming from Vivec, coming closer.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...)

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll have been acting bellicose lately, and as Goranthir has the ability to communicate with animals, there may be some connection there ...

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ...

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Bonewalker shattered like glass at the guard's blow.

"Many thanks," Zadion smiled.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The nearest shop was in fact the clothier's. And the door was locked.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Vherre's expression went from relaxed to stricken. "Yisanne is dead? Who did this?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"I haven't been near it myself, so I couldn't tell you, but that'd be my guess too," Vherre agreed.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent for the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern.

Zadion, Magister of the Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 VvardenfellL, TEAR HER APART!

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.)

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent to the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim (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 Vvardenfelll, 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.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir turned to Arynel with his neutral expression and warm eyes. "Arynel the string-whispering bard, how doth the road treat you?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir nodded, and listened carefully to the call of the cliffracers in the distance.

"There's a patrol coming."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah came in the front door, clearly in a bad mood. She had been feeling poorly lately, which may have been the reason.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern, the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim'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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Reichi and tried to speak, but it was impossible with his jaw broken. He pointed down.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked hopelessly at Reichi, Shaka, and Nalion, trying to speak, blood burbling from his mouth at the effort.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim," 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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Caves Outside Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Where are they now?" Kethiah asked impatiently, completely ignoring the part about the dragon as irrelevant, at least for now. "Do they need help?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Very few traders from as far away as Firsthold, at least not ones that come through Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"There may be trouble brewing soon," Kethiah said. "We need to shore up defenses in Ald Ra'athim ... But we may not get a better time than now."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim'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 Vvardenfelll. We don't know where or when they'll attack, but no one's had an army like that without using it ..."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah grinned. "Like I said, there may not be a better time."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah looked out in wonder. Isidor saw a little tear in her eye which she quickly wiped away.

"Unbelievable," Kethiah smiled. "I love you."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"I couldn't be happier having been caught," Kethiah laughed. "Welcome, Nalion. Thank you for being here."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"That'd be my guess," Kethiah replied. "Did you get any information about Almalexia from Goranthir, or was he ... unable?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim in case of trouble?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim (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."

Ted Peterson

"That would be a most welcome gift," Kethiah smiled, finally wiping away her tears of happiness. "Please continue."

Ted Peterson

"It's the Merchant's Festival, of course," said Kethiah.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled, looking at Tyradil and Tilitalia, who were transfixed by the tale. As well they might be, P'rassha was a fine storyteller.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"Where shall we go for this?" Kethiah asked. "Do you have somewhere set up? By the pond?"

Ted Peterson

"Right here is perfect, darling," Kethiah smiled.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled wildly, and held Isidor's hand. "I do."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah grabbed Isidor and pulled him in for a kiss.

Then she kissed Loranna full on the lips, laughing.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim Mages Guild

A figure swathed in a dark dun robe paid the incurious Guild Guide, and stepped onto the streets of Ald Ra'athim. 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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Pythus Angelicus blanched slightly as he received a soundless message from his commander, King Helseth. He told his sovereign what Ald Ra'athim was facing, based on the latest reports.

"Mournhold is under siege" he said to Loranna quietly.

Ted Peterson

The royal army, such as it was in the two small garrisons west of the village of Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

A flight of parraptons flew high above the city of Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Pythus Angelicus, Imperial emissary of King Helseth of Morrowind is in Ald Ra'athim, receiving intelligence from his commander through his mirror link. He has told Loranna that Mournhold as well as Ald Ra'athim is under siege.

Zadion, Archmagister of the Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim, 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 ...

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim'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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim.

Obviously, they would have to keep it secret, to avoid panic. But it had to be investigated and dealt with immediately.

Ted Peterson

"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)

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Vvardenfelll. 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Blacklight

"If Ald Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

For a moment, the Chairman thought of another possibility: wooing Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim. 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.”

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ... "

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," Kethiah replied, still looking concerned. "Just remember the first rule of statecraft: don't make any promises."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah laughed. "Well, that's what Isidor is going there to do. It's not tourism."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim in the square, in the roads, and through alleyways.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah spotted him. "I was afraid I missed you. I wanted you to have this."

She handed him a wrapped present.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"I didn't think you liked diplomacy and politics, Slyvos," Kethiah said, surprised.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah moved among the men, smoothing out their hair (where applicable), dusting off their shoulders, making sure they were as presentable as possible.

Ted Peterson

Within seconds of entering the Guild Guide chamber at the Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild of Ald Ra'athim

"That'd be the first choice, of course, on matters of the Old Ways," Zadion agreed. "But all over Sumurset, 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."

Ted Peterson

"Your Grace, I was counting on you to stop them," Kethiah laughed hard. "Oh well, we didn't need that alliance anyhow, did we?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.)

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"And you," Geldall replied, smiling. "Who am I addressing?"

"Representatives of the Duchy of Ald Ra'athim," Dinara replied. "Isidor, I believe?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim with interest, with said nothing, taking it all in.

Ted Peterson

"A very reasonable request," said the Crown Prince, looking to Helseth.

"We will send the third royal infantry battallion to Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim. 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah accompanied Loranna to the Guild, as the Duchess's import/export agent (as well as her Spymaster) she knew all the merchants involved.

Ted Peterson

Dinara smiled, relieved, and with a farewell, returned to the throne room.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern with her husband Isidor, the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim'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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah brings him a drink. It was not yet normal enough in Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah kissed him in response. "What happened? How is it in Mournhold?"

Ted Peterson

One of the barmaids at the Nymph comes to serve the Argonian.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah turns to Loranna. "Any reason to wait for the emissary before sending people off to Firsthold?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The emissary, like most of Helseth's inner circle of confidantes, was an Imperial of quiet, serious aspect. He inquired about Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

Firsthold, Sumurset

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim," Kethiah smiled.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Kallen began to speak, but seeing that Loranna was distracted by someone else, smiled, and stepped aside.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset. As usual, he was thorough in his knowledge.

Ted Peterson

"There is Cotillion every year, but when a Princess of Sumurset 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset, 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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"No reason to apologize then," Kethiah smiled. "I take no offense to offers of assistance. Then, let me rephrase: how can you help us?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim permanently?"

Ted Peterson

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 …”

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset, 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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Lord Estacirce bowed to Loranna and her company, smiling widely, and thanking her for her kind words. He was very relieved that Ald Ra'athim, wherever that was, and Tel Gorad, wherever that was, were not enemies.

"Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

She took his hand with a little laugh. "Glacia of Tourton," she said, as they joined the dance.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Library Ball, Firsthold

"I would like that," Glacia smiled, kissing Reeds on the cheek. She joined a group of her friends.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

"Please," she whispered. "Don't tell anyone. I'm trying to run away."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern with her husband Isidor, the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim’s excise and import/export agent (and secretly her Spymaster) is in Ald Ra'athim, 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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll 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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

He nods solemnly. "Sometime last night or early this morning in his room. That's why the bells are tolling, your Grace."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"I see," Kethiah nodded. "Well, for future reference, there are three temples in the village, all of which survived the invasion. So, what happened?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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 ... "

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Zadion's Office, The Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

A few hours after the Prince's memorial service, Loranna received a summons to meet with Queen Morgiah of Firsthold.

Ted Peterson

Zadion's Office, Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Docks, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Docks, Ald Ra'athim

"I'll keep that in mind, but ... This business is leaking money faster than --" Kethiah began, and fainted, falling into Ingmar's arms.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Tribunal Temple, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Temple, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Temple, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Temple, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Temple, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"A Nord gentleman at the front gates," the footman replied. "I believe he's still there."

Ted Peterson

The priest Ingmar had met before saw them, and gave him a stern look: "Why did you leave? Oh, is this the father?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset 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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah was trying to get out of bed, when Isidor entered.

"Hello sweetheart," she said, looking tired and frustrated. "How was Firsthold?"

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset 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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Glacia laughed. "And the second Argonian I've ever met is a charming conversationalist and a marvelous dancer."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The guard nodded and bowed, going to join the Queen and her men were already slipping out of the palace discreetly.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset -- 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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim. An eyebrow raised. "I had not expected to see you here, Your Grace, but I offer you my congratulations on Ald Ra'athim'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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim'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 Ra'athim's Spymasters. They are enjoying themselves in the House of Dibella in Ald Ra'athim.

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I would have," Kethiah smiled. "Don't beat yourself up too much, Loranna. Other people will do that for you."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The House of Dibella, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The House of Dibella, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

The House of Dibella, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

And FADE OUT.

(The boys ace their rigorous interview, in case you're wondering)

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ... "

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"See you soon," Kethiah smiled.

---

"You heard me saying nice things about you behind your back, darling?" Kethiah grinned, giving Isidor a kiss.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled and went to sleep.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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?”

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"I ain't sure I remembers you sayin' you was from Ald Ra'athim," 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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"We likes Ald Ra'athim," 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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"Ah, fillin' a library, you must be a booksella," Alas nodded. "We'll look into the warehouse idea ... Not a bad one at all."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Of course, Your Grace," Diano smiled. "I have no agenda at this time rather than to make your acquaintance. What questions have you?"

Ted Peterson

Alas and Alack looked at one another.

"Can ye sleep aboard a ship?" Alack asked.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"I agree, Your Grace," Diano bowed. "A most satisfactory meeting. I think we will make good partners, the Empire and Ald Ra'athim."

Ted Peterson

The Senchal Rose, The Bay of Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

The Senchal Rose, Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

The Senchal Rose, Ald Ra'athim Harbor

It was pretty sophisticated. But within her abilities.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim's harbor, making some kind of a deal with Llana, a document expert.

Diano Asprenas, the new Imperial Ambassador to Ald Ra'athim, is staying at the castle while his embassy is being built next to the Mages Guild.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

Down the dark streets Magister Zadion walked, ducking down an alleyway which was relatively untouched by the invasion. It was an area of Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Much of the Guar had already been torn away by the workers, using its stones to rebuild Ald Ra'athim'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.

Ted Peterson

Eventually, Magister Zadion left, and walked back through the dark city streets to the Mages Guild.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"Good morning," Kethiah smiled, and then looked to the window. "Oh, it's night ... My clock is all messed up."

Ted Peterson

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim? Believe me, I've been around long enough to smell them coming from a long way."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Senshal Rose, Ald Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Alack mumbled. Neither of them slept hard. "We'll give your gold ... in a ... little ... bit ..."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, ex-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, ex-excise and export/import agent for the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim (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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim was soon to fall to them."

Ted Peterson

"I had begun looking into that, but Pisquine thought it important that we make sure all is well in Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"Yes, I heard the gossip," Zadion nods. "The Mages Guild is, of course, very concerned about all matters pertaining to Mannimarco."

Ted Peterson

"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.'"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Ruins Of The Old Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Old Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

Smithery, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

The Smithery, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Smithy, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"Obviously, anything I can do, Your Grace," Zadion replied, seriously. "Just ask."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, we thought Zenithar's blessings be welcome in Ald Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

"If he's not in a hurry," Kethiah laughed. "And decides to join us earlier, which it almost feels like ..."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"He's come to visit me from time to time, like he said he would," Kethiah replied. "Why?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, the ex-assassin and formerly busy co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin (as well as formerly Loranna, Duchess of Ald Ra'athim'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 Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Docks of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Ah," Alas nodded approvingly. "As the Good Book say ... 'Trullaly, thou canst not havesth too many [censoreds].'"

"Aman," Alack bowed.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim's worfs."

"Forsooth and 'sblood," Alack agreed with another bow. "Though the House of Dibella still reigneth supreme."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"While I am in control of the Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim as well?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim. I don't think it's quite overhunted yet, but there is that risk, of course."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"If you have not been there before, Tel Dresori is not like Ald Ra'athim," 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Perhaps, but there was no one in the Temple when I went in there," Zadion frowned.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim'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 Ra'athim. 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 Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim or is just keeping out of her "hunting domain" remains to be seen.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild of Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Zadion and his eleven mages met the group at the Guild.

"We are ready," he said, simply.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

“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?”

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"I don't think they did see me," Zadion replied. "We should still have the element of surprise ... I hope ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"A nice large fireball?" Kingston grinned. "I think I can handle that."

He stepped in after Xyllina, and in a flash, he had disappeared.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Xyllina the illusionist cast a light spell down the tunnel, Dolkirre, Fragon, and Ward-Backs behind her.

Ted Peterson

"Blessed Syrabane," Zadion shook his head. There would be time for mourning later.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

Stepping out of the bakery, the group surveyed the marketplace for the next location which seemed to be sealed from within.

Ted Peterson

Xyllina casts a light spell to illuminate the interior of the school house, while the others help clear away the barricades, stepping in.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Update

Also with the party in Tel Dresori are ten members of the Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim, former assassin and current very pregnant bedridden KETHIAH is greeting her husband Isidor ...

'Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"I will," Kingston smiled. Anya could see in his eyes how little he was troubled by these events.

Ted Peterson

Kingston had overheard the conversation with Shaka and Anya as he moved into the Temple with the others.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

"I hope so, but no one answered my calls before," Zadion replied, as they stepped into the echoing chambers.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Or an 'I' name to go with Isidor and Ingmar?" Kethiah chuckled, holding the child, tears of joy flowing freely now.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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)

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"No," Xyllina replied, appearing at the opposite end of the crypt. "But I can silence opponents while you slay them."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Xyllina launches her Dispel, Blind, and Silence spells at them, one after the other.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Kethiah, former assassin and currently co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim 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 ...

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim's newest adventurer?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 …

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"What about Dres Minsero?" asked Zadion, looking to Kingston and then Erenius. "He could be anywhere in this place ... and is likely dead ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The sounds of fists hammering against solid wood echoed off through the hallway.

“Help me! Father, Mother, and Wizard, help me!”

Ted Peterson

The hammering continued.

"Let me out! By all that is holy, let me out!"

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

"Loranna?" Minsero asked, bewildered, taking the scroll. "I don't know who you're talking about, friend, but thank you ... "

Ted Peterson

Ingmar heard footsteps, soft and quick, running along the upper story of the Temple. A Redoran scout.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"It's a very special site, worth protecting," Zadion replied. "You should see it, your Grace. It is dedicated to peace between the Houses ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"This is all none of my business," Zadion said, feeling uncomfortable. "I should probably go."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

As soon as he stepped in, Kethiah grinned.

"Eodir," she said to the baby in her arms. "Say hello to your Uncle Ingmar."

Ted Peterson

"No," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar's expression. "Tell me."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"I will, and thank you," Kethiah smiled, holding her baby close to her.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.”

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim expedition, is in Tel Dresori with Dayla, the Bathogorgen vampire, discussing the future and the past among a present of desolation.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Tel Dresori

"I don't try to make plans," Kingston smiled. "But my immediate thought was going to Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"You try and swallow me, Bathogorgen," Kingston said, kissing her. "And you'll have a whole new meaning of heart burn."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"Please rise, my Lord," Ebel smiled, gesturing towards the two ladies. "May I present Mnaeta, Marchioness of Thios Major, and Princess Kolympa of Riyleel?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"You would reinstate Caldera, Fort Buckmoth, Moonmoth, Pelagiad, Gnisis, Wolverine Hall in Sadrith Mora, Vivec's Foreign Quarter, and Ebonheart as Imperial holdings in Vvardenfelll immediately?" Ebel asked.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 Vvardenfelll."

Ted Peterson

"No," Ebel shook his head. "Helseth has agreed to allow them to build fortresses on the mainland, and retake their old properties should Vvardenfelll 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."

Ted Peterson

"Very good, my lord," Ebel smiled. "If we have no losses, we have no reason to fight. That would be very satisfactory."

Ted Peterson

Update

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is taking in some of the lesser known sights of the town of Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

The Village Green, Ald Ra'athim

The wealthier merchants of Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

"Ah, Your Grace, I heard things were hot in Ald Ra'athim, 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."

Ted Peterson

The Village Green, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ... "

Ted Peterson

"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!"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim to decide my fate with the Guild. They did not give a time, but they said it would be within a few days ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

There was a knock on the door.

"Your Grace," Kallen said. "Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah has just arrived."

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset. Kallen had supplied her with a glass of Wayrest wine, which she was drinking with a smile.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Yes," Kethiah smiled proudly. "This is Eodir Isidorsen, your godson. Would you like to hold him?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim ... same with the Archmagister of the Mages Guild."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Thank you," Alack replied pleased. "We is just doing the good holy work."

Ted Peterson

"Good day to you, sir," the former Queen of Firsthold said, with a bow.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn

"Since our aim is to show Ald Ra'athim's intolerance for necromancy," Morgiah replied, looking at Arynel curiously. "I would advocate slaughter."

Ted Peterson

"Yes," said Morgiah simply. "So have I. But we cannot compound our problems with inaction."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Nothing like expediency to kill indecision," Morgiah said, with a grim smile. "I suppose now we improvise."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim. 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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"I appreciate frankness," the Altmer noble nodded seriously. "May I ask what leads you to those conclusions? It appears you know my fiancee well."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"I see," Count Terilite replied stiffly, standing up. "Thank you for you for being so informative."

Without another word, he left the bookstore.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Count Terilite cannot help but look his direction with sharp eyes, while he carries on his conversation with Hlaalu Morgiah.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Sumurset 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."

Ted Peterson

The Resolution of Zenithar, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

She felt a vampiric presence chill her, not in the elegant Nymph part of the tavern, but coming from the more proletarian Noggin section.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Resolution of Zenithar, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

The Noggin

"Always be happy if given the choice," Kingston laughed. "Have I ever sought a cure? For what?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

Not an hour later, the Khajiit had a name for Loranna: Valdroon Tradas, former member of the thieves guild in Ald Ra'athim. Checking with the thieves, it seemed this was not a scheme of theirs.

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Kethiah shook her head, and gently cradled Eodir to pass him to Anya.

Ted Peterson

"Amazing, isn't it?" Kethiah whispered, smiling.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah nods, whispering to Anya. "Is that all right with you, Godmother?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"Who is this damsel in distress?" Kethiah asked. "An Altmer? Who wants to kill her?"

Ted Peterson

"Your tavernkeep is right here," Kethiah replied, confused. "What do you need?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"I was not talking about Isidor being killed on the quest," Kethiah smirked. "But by his loving wife."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"Men," Kethiah shook her head. "Who can say?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Woods Beyond Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim, or somewhere else, or she might not have returned at all ..."

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Of Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim Mages Guild itself to shame."

Ted Peterson

The Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim 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?"

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

A servant answered the door.

"May I help you?" she asked.

Ted Peterson

The Ald Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 ... "

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Woods Outside Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold

"Not at all," Lady Rysleire replied. "Go ahead."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Mannimarco appeared to you?!" The archmagister looked astounded. "Who are you that he would do that?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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]."

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?!"

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"Ain't a good idea to takes too long with it," Alas suggested. "Pleasure deferred be pleasure denied, you know."

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

"It was a pleasure," Delphina smiled, showing them to the door.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroal Chane, and Magister Zadion are at the Ald Ra'athim 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 …

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Village Green, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Village Green, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Alack had seen enough. He could tell his contacts, merchants who sailed between Blacklight and Ald Ra'athim illegally, to report info about this Thadas character. From Ald Ra'athim 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 Ra'athim in a day's time.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim."

He began the walk away from the cliffs.

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim. 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

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

The servant of Lord and Lady Rysleire who had opened the door earlier for Erenius opened it. "Can I help you?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

The servant blushed, averting her eyes. "I made a mistake. I'm sorry, sir. Please come back later."

She shut the door.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

A different servant, a male Altmer, answered the door this time. "Yes, how may I help you gentlemen?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

"No, sir," the servant replied, shaking his head. "I'd tell you if I did. She just disappeared."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

The servant girl who had answered the door earlier came up the road, bearing fish.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Firsthold

Isidor slices through hard, frozen flesh, killing the already half-dead assassin.

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Sumurset: 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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, 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 Vvardenfelll."

She handed the long wrapped object to Loranna. Inside was Goranthir's sword, the Kynarine Blade.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

Drydocks, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Drydocks, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

The Akarvina, Drydocks, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

'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 Ra'athim. 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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim are engaging in some movements against Mannimarco, the King of Worms ... Do you know anything about that?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Ra'athim 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 Sumurset, as soon as my replacement arrives here."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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 Vvardenfelll. 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 Ra'athim; and they don't want your agents in Vvardenfelll ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Vvardenfelll 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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Loranna, the soon-to-be-former-magister-of-Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

Sumurset: 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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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?”

Ted Peterson

Bourrill

"I was going to go to Ald Ra'athim," 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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Bourrill

"Nowhere in Sumurset or Valenwood," Himble replied. "The Count has property there, and they'll be looking for her that close to Firsthold ..."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ... "

Ted Peterson

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 Sumurset, 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."

Ted Peterson

Bourrill

"Of course I do," Glacia smiled. "Where else am I going to go?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

The Temple of Healers

The healers’ asylum was a clean, humane place for housing the citizens of Ald Ra'athim 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.

Ted Peterson

The Temple of Healers, Ald Ra'athim

"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 Sumurset which would treat him well, and might know of a cure ...”

Ted Peterson

The Temple of Healers, Ald Ra'athim

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Temple of the Healers, Ald Ra'athim

"I think he will like it in Sumurset," 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."

Ted Peterson

The Temple of the Healers, Ald Ra'athim

"By Stendarr's blessing, that will be soon," said Egalius Soccitus, eager to move on, and get a drink.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

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

Ted Peterson

Firsthold, Sumurset

"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."

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn, Ald Ra'athim

"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."

Ted Peterson

Firsthold, Sumurset

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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!”

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.”

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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!”

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 ...

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim.

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 Ra'athim, 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.”

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim 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 Sumurset for the first times in their lives, are getting the full tour of Ald Ra'athim.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn

Kallen came to the door.

"Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah is here to speak with you," he said.

Ted Peterson

Castle Daruhn

Morgiah stepped into the study. "Not on my account, my dear."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 ..."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim 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."

Ted Peterson

"An admirable idea," Morgiah nodded. "Let us make your protege shine."

The women stepped out into Ald Ra'athim to begin their good work.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim

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 Ra'athim always.

Ted Peterson

Summary

After a long day buying new outfits for her duties as Ald Ra'athim'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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Glacia looked startled, and then sat down. "How could you? You don't even know me."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"No," Glacia shook her head, wiping her tears. "I've been an idiot."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Glacia gave Isidor a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for caring about me and my problems again."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

Alas and Alack nodded. There were two known agents of the Queen of Wayrest in Ald Ra'athim, 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.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

"You always tell me the truth," Glacia smiled. "From Firsthold to Ald Ra'athim, 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?"

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim, 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 Ra'athim

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

Tel Dresori

Glacia bowed. "Glacia Rysleire, envoy of the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim," 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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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?"

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim, with the blades of St Meris in hand. Glacia Rysleire set off for the castle.

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Can I help you?" Kethiah asked him, politely, not recognizing him.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?"

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"Of course, your Grace, I know just where we're going," Glacia said, and the two ladies walked to the Nymph and Noggin.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 Ra'athim. Show respect."

Ted Peterson

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.”

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin

"Running away be also an option," Alas added.

"So be kissing your [censored] goodbye," Alack offered.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

"With enormous certinitude, sera," Alas said. "Has you any talents, like being delicious to dragons?"

"Or zombies?" Alack added.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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?

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

"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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

"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 ..."

Ted Peterson

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!"

Ted Peterson

“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.

Ted Peterson

"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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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 Ra'athim.

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.

Ted Peterson

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.

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

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."

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

The capitol of the mightiest kingdom in Hammerfell stood between the harsh deserts of the Alik’r and the great Iliac Bay. Domes and spires graced the skyline above, while the scents of spice caught the wind below. Within even the most modest of buildings were beautiful mosaics, and the citizenry, particularly now in the hottest month, were beautiful creatures swathed in silk which showed considerably more flesh than those in the more modest provinces to the east would have considered appropriate.

Prominent buildings in Sentinel included the Temple of Arkay, a circular edifice of great magnificence, and the Royal Palace, high above the sea. King Lhotun, eldest surviving son of the late Queen Akorithi and King Camaron and brother of Queen Aubk-I of Daggerfall, commanded a popular reign.

Sentinel since the Warp of the West ruled over almost the entirety of northern Hammerfell. Unlike Daggerfall, Wayrest, and Orsinium, there was little border conflict. Yet, recently, horror had come to the land.

It was in Ephesus, a remote territory in the Dragontail Mountains which cut through the kingdom, that it began. A group of mages from the local Guild had gone to investigate the ruins of Scourg Barrow, the former haunt of Mannimarco, the so-called King of Worms. They never returned, and shortly thereafter contact was lost with all of Ephesus.

An aura of death spread over the mountains, slaying all who came within its boundaries, man, mer, animal, or plant.

Then in Totambu to the east of the mountains, a dragon was spotted arching through the skies. No sooner was it reported, then whole villages were annihiliated.

No such attacks have occurred to the west yet, in the capitol of Sentinel, but fear can be seen on every face.

From all across Tamriel, different factions have joined to combat the rising menace of the King of Worms. The army of Sentinel is mighty, and one can see in the harbor, the ships of the Empire. In the square around the Sentinel Mages Guild, sorcerors, enchanters, battlemages, and other spellcasters of the Empire have gathered.

The former Queen of Firsthold, Morgiah has recently arrived as well. Her son, Goranthir, now a pawn of Mannimarco’s called Geht, is responsible for the dragon and other beasts coming to the land.

The Tribunal Temple, the Temples of the Nine, the royal army of King Helseth of Morrowind, and its rivals in the Civil War, the Indoril Redoran Alliance have also pledged troops, though they have yet to arrive.

And the heroes of Ald Ra'athim have also heeded the call.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim, Morrowind

Both halves of the tavern, the genteel Nymph and the rowdy Noggin, were filled with activity. A notice outside was the Duchess’s clarion call to action, and the warriors and adventurers who made their home in Ald Ra'athim were paying heed.

The local merchants, particularly the armorers, had come to the tavern to sell their wares to those heading east.

“You can’t kill undead with that iron sword, serjo, here let me show you something …”

Of course, the wise recognized that armor and weaponry could be bought just as well in Sentinel as in Ald Ra'athim.

In the village, there was a line of heroes and hero-wannabes queuing up for the Guild Guide transport to Sentinel. In support of the battle to come, there was no charge for this, but it didn’t keep the Guide herself from grumbling, which was one refreshing part of business as usual.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

Isidor finds Kethiah soon enough, helping direct people who want to know about signing up for the army. She smiles at him when she sees him, and doesn't give him a chance to talk.

"You don't have to tell me," Kethiah says, kissing him. "I think I knew you were going before you did."

Ted Peterson

"I looked for you at the bookstore and the Nymph and Noggin," said Glacia stepping over to Reeds before he got onto the Guild Guide transport. "So you are going to Sentinel after all?"

Her face showed little emotion, but Reeds could tell what the expression was. She was trying to be brave.

Ted Peterson

"You should do what you think is right," Glacia said, looking into Reeds's eyes. "You're too good to do anything but that."

Ted Peterson

"No," Glacia shook her head. "I want to, but Loranna is going, so someone needs to stay behind to be her diplomat here. That said, if I could use a sword, I would leave that duty to Kallen, and go."

Ted Peterson

"No, that would be selfish of me," Glacia frowned. "I only want you to make one promise to me. Return."

Ted Peterson

"I promise," Glacia smiled, returning the kiss. "Now, go save the world."

Ted Peterson

Mages Guild, Sentinel

It was chaos at the Guild, but it was at least organized chaos. The Emperor's guard was there to organize groups after taking tally of names, nation or guild of allegiance, and skills. A sizeable group was being put together to be sent by the Emperor's boats to the east side of the Dragontail Mountains, so that when the army made its move, it could crush Mannimarco from both sides.

There were also royal guards of the King of Sentinel, looking for the heroes of Ald Ra'athim, who they understood would lead the vanguard assault into the death aura. When they identified one of them, they would polite escort him or her to the palace of the king.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Palace of Sentinel

The palace of Sentinel was filled with candles that released a scent of spices as well as a warm golden glow. It was difficult to tell a guard from a noble, for both wore silk and inscrutable expressions. There was hardly a body, male or female, that wasn’t slim, well-muscled, and showing considerably more flesh than their Breton neighbors. Still, the atmosphere of sex was subtle, more sensual than wanton.

The central courtyard was open to the sky, and shielded from the sun by canopies. Urns spilled over with orange and yellow flowers.

Wine, water, and fruit was brought out by beautiful servers of both sexes.

"The King will be with you shortly," the servants said as each hero arrived. "He knows that time is short, and we are to provide you with any equipment you may need for the battle ahead."

Ted Peterson

The Palace of Sentinel

The servants bowed at the approach of five persons.

The first was well-known to most of the group. Hlaalu Morgiah, dressed befitting a queen, though she was no longer one.

The second and third were also well-known. Archmagister Hannibal Traven, leader of the Mages Guild. With him was Magister Zadion, the current head of the Ald Ra'athim Mages Guild. Both were dressed in simple cloaks and capes.

The fourth was known to a few who had visited Sentinel after the ill-fated Biennie wedding a few months ago. A Redguard, not an exceptionally handsome man. His face was perhaps too friendly, still possessing the wide eyes and expressive mouth of his youth, though he was in his 30s. His hair was long, worn in coils ringed by gold. This was King Lhotun.

The fifth was known to none – at least this close up. An old man with thinning hair and weary eyes, wearing a richly embroidered robe, ornamented with a necklace with the largest jewels any had ever seen.

This was the Emperor Uriel Septim VII.

The nobles introduced themselves to the group.

“You came quicker than we thought you would,” Morgiah said. “Thank the Nine.”

Ted Peterson

"Please, good sir, rise," the Emperor said quietly. "Your manners are impeccable, but we have too little time to waste on formalities."

Ted Peterson

"Two days?" Hannibal Traven asked, an eyebrow raising. "Please explain, your Grace."

Ted Peterson

The Emperor, the King, the former Queen, and the two high-ranking mages listened to Loranna carefully.

"Taolle," Morgiah breathed, amazed. "I can't believe it."

"She was approaching Mount Nombaje from which direction, the west I presume if she was journeying from Sumurset?" King Lhotun asked, gesturing for his servants to bring him a map.

The terrain of the the Dragontail mountains were formidable to see, as the King traced the distance from Sentinel to Mount Nombaje, an 11,000 foot peak to the south and center.

"You will be hard pressed to make it there in two days' time," Lhotun said. "Unless you take the Ganada Pass."

He showed a whisper thin line through the mountains, so narrow that it hardly showed.

"It is a famous spot for banditry. I am sure none of them have survived, but it is still ideal for an ambush."

Ted Peterson

"You don't have to go in completely blind," the King said. "I have a more detailed map of the Ganada Pass, which shows the cave system surrounding it and any known ruins of the Dwemer of Rourken."

At his signal another map was produced. From it, they could see where other ambushes had occurred, and Lhotun marked where they should turn to begin the ascent up Mount Nombaje.

"A treacherous journey indeed, I don't envy you," the Emperor sighed. "But I will pray for your success."

Ted Peterson

A tall, slender figure in a dark leather cloak with an ornate raised hood, stamped and jeweled with mystical symbols, stepped into the room hurriedly and knelt.

“Forgive my tardiness, master, your Imperial Majesty, I had not been informed that the contingency from Ald Ra'athim had arrived until now,” came a female voice.

Slashes immediately recognized it.

“We thought they were early, but time is even tighter than we hoped,” Archmagister Traven replied. “Did you set the mark, Red-Rock-Shadow?”

When the figure rose, the group could see that she was an Argonian, and that the cloak and hood were folds of scales across her back – like a cobra crossed with a bat. Her face itself was long and pincer-like, with black shining scales.

“Hesek,” she said, involuntarily with a start, looking at Slashes, and then her dark eyes went back to Slyvos. "My apologies, sir. I did not mean to interrupt."

Ted Peterson

"You know each other?" Archmagister Traven smiled, pleased. "That's excellent. I didn't want to burden you with a stranger, but Red-Rock-Shadow is one of the finest battlemages I've ever known. I had her place a Mark on the site where the eastern army is gathering on Bazidir Valley, so after you have taken down the defenses, she can quickly alert the army ..."

Ted Peterson

"If there are more than one of these blightstones, more than one of us may have to detect them somehow," the Argonian battlemage added thoughtfully. "How many are in the vanguard assault?"

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow nodded. “I would be honored.”

“I am an old man,” Emperor Uriel Septim VII said, looking to the group assembled. “I have been lucky enough to live many years, and do not expect to live many more. I have been even more fortunate to know many heroes in my lifetime, the names of some of whom live in legend, and the names of other who have been tragically forgotten except in my heart. I can tell you that some of them may have been your equals, but in bravery, none were your better.”

“Loranna,” Hlaalu Morgiah said quietly. “We cannot tarry. You have the swords?”

Ted Peterson

"I had heard that the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim was a powerful alchemist," Red-Rock-Shadow said, taking the elixir. "But you were not given due credit."

Ted Peterson

The Ganada Pass

The Dragontail Mountains began as simple hillocks in the wheat and corn farms a few miles east of the capitol city, but the horizon showed their destination far before then. The peaks of the mountains disappeared into the clouds, an apparently insurmountable barrier. Even from a distance, they could see that something horrible had happened to them: they were dark and shadowy even in the bright light of day.

Gradually the ground became rougher as they neared the Pass outlined on their map. Climbing up onto a ridge, they saw the narrow crevasse they would be passing through. They also saw the dead grass, the dead trees, and the bones of farm animals.

“We enter into the death aura ahead,” Red-Rock-Shadow said.

Ted Peterson

The heroes saw the last of living things as they pressed on and the rugged hills arched up, forming mountainous walls around them. Rotten moss and death-blasted trees studded the sheer surfaces. The wind carried with it dust and the smell of putrefaction.

The ground itself was uneven, littered with boulders and an occasional treacherous crevasse which required a strong jump or a spell of levitation to cross. It was clear this was not a popular way of travel. Possibly Mannimarco didn’t even know of its existence.

The map showed a cavern, and as they passed it, they could hear shambling footsteps within.

“We should save our strength for battles we cannot avoid,” Red-Rock-Shadow whispered as they skirted the edge of the cavern’s entrance.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow nodded, and then shuddered at a piercing cry that echoed through the deep canyon. It was from far away, it seemed, but her dark eyes narrowed.

"That is no living bird," she hissed.

Ted Peterson

'The Ganara Pass

"Quiet and watch your step, Hesek," Red-Rock-Shadow clicked in Hist. "You used to be better on your feet than that."

Ted Peterson

The next bend took the group past the ruins of an ancient Dwemer village, the buildings weathered the same color as the rock walls to which they clung. Having seen other Dwemer ruins in Morrowind, the architectural similarities were obvious, but the differences between the style of the Rourken who left the east long before the War of The First Council were also striking. Adapting to a new climate and evolving from there, the Rourken ruin's familiarity made it seem even more exotic in this foreign land.

Ted Peterson

The Ganada Pass

Around the next bend in the chasm, the heroes found a dead-end. A landslide, two hundred feet high, had sealed off the pass.

Red-Rock-Shadow opened her cloak which billowed out into a pair of leathery wings attached to her arms and flew upward. After surveying the area from the air for a moment, she descended.

"The landslide continues for at least a mile before dropping off," the Argonian battlemage reported. "If everyone can levitate, we can proceed along this path -- if not ..."

She opened up the map.

"Actually, the ruins cut through the mountain, and come out on the other side ... That might be the faster way to go regardless."

Ted Peterson

The rhetorical question "Why don't we take it?" seemed to be answered as the group made their way up the narrow, well-worn steps to the Dwemeri village perched high over the canyon. Peering into the dark recesses of the ruins, it was hard not to think that they were moving from recent death to ancient death.

The first structure seemed to a government office of some kind, a king's palace or a hall of justice, perhaps. The ornaments had long since been stripped from the walls by looters, but there was still an air of gravitas and civility to the place. Tunnels lead deeper into the mountain from there.

Ted Peterson

Meanwhile

Organizing an army is not an easy thing to do, particularly if the army is composed of many different armies, and had little time to prepare. If the Emperor himself had not personally been overseeing the arrangements, most likely, it would be chaos.

It was decided that the army would be divided into two, one half to the west of the mountains in Tigonus under the command of Laretha Warhaft, and the other to the east in Kozanet under the command of Digitus Ero. Marks had been set by mages on both sides, so communication could be facilitated across the miles that separated them.

Under each commander was the leader of the faction assigned to him or her. The soldiers reported to the superior they had gotten used to following, but the superiors reported to Warhaft and Ero.

Kalaan, Tigonus, Hammerfell

The army marched from the capitol of Sentinel to Kalaan in the formerly independent kingdom of Tigonus. It was a coastal march to save the soldiers’ energy, but they knew that soon enough, they would be taxed to extreme. The dusty fortress in Kalaan would serve as the staging point when they reached it.

Ramakawan, Kozanet, Hammerfell

Those assigned to the eastern front sailed in the Imperial warships, and then marched south to the jungles east of the Dragontail mountains, where King Lhotun’s hidden fortress stood. It faced the Bazidir Valley, a once lush but now putrid wide pass into the Dragontail. Red-Rock-Shadow’s Mark was set to that region, so the plan was upon her appearing there and giving the signal that the defenses were down, Ero would send word to Warhaft, and together the armies would push together.

Ted Peterson

With the chamber now illuminated, the group could see better that it was clearly a security station of some kind, where visitors to the forgotten Dwemeri city would first enter. It was designed to awe, and even now, a thousand years later, it still had that effect.

The dust was unsettled on the floor. Clearly others had moved through it, and recently, though it was impossible to tell how many. More than one certainly.

Smooth tunnels, obviously carved by machinery of great sophistication, even now only barely cracked by time, led off in all directions. The largest one went due south, and Slyvos was able to understand the writing on the plaque above it. It simply said "TO THE CENTER."

"The map doesn't give any details to the ruins," Red-Rock-Shadow said. "But south is the direction we want to go."

Ted Peterson

"They're Khulari! Don't them touch you!" Red-Rock-Shadow cries out, unleashing a stream of fire at the vampires.

Ted Peterson

Wromgod? Oh Noes ...

Summary

The group is in ancient Rourken Dwemer village that clings high above the Ganada Pass, trying to take it to Mount Nombaje before the Bosmer Taolle reaches the pinnacle and is killed.

Red-Rock-Shadow an Argonian battlemage is there, representing the Mages Guild, prepared to Recall east and alert the army when the defenses keeping the death aura are down. It seems that she and Slashes have a history together ...

Ted Peterson

"The Southern Passage then," Red-Rock-Shadows nodded, and the group stepped into the Center of the village, an enormous cavern dug into the mountain. A whirlwind of energy at the ceiling, a hundred feet up, illuminated the square.

It was once a thriving small city. Shops and homes were easily to spot, carved into the rock like everything else.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow nodded in agreement. They had entered from the north, and continuing south, they saw north and south parts of the town were divided by a deep chasm. A series of wide, seemingly sturdy bridges traversed it every fifty feet.

The pit below looked endless.

Ted Peterson

Behind them, there was the shuffling of footsteps. Ahead of them as well. They were not the fast footed vampires they had faced before, there could be no doubt about that.

Red-Rock-Shadow spread her wings and flew up.

"They're everywhere," she hissed, dropping down onto the other side of the chasm. "Hurry."

Ted Peterson

The low, hungry moan of the zombie echoed forth behind him. There were dozens of them. Redguards who had made their homes in the mountains, and now were minions of the King of Worms. There were terrible wounds on many of them as well, doubtless from the Khulari vampires who had attempted to feed on them before finding their flesh inedible.

The zombies began their slow walk across the bridge, pursuing the heroes.

There were more shambling footsteps on the other side of the chasm as well.

Red-Rock-Shadow had run to a tower, and suddenly stopped, looking at a large gear. She tried pulling it.

Ted Peterson

As she pulled it, a system of rails shimmered to life in the dusty ground of the town, criss-crossing it in all directions. The Argonian kept pulling on the gear, grunting at the exertion of pulling the rusty old device.

Ted Peterson

With Reichi's help, the gear was pulled all the way, and the whine of machinery filled the air, mixed with the moan of zombies.

They began shambling towards the heroes, and there were a lot of them. It was hard to say how many ... fifty? A hundred?

Ted Peterson

"I'm not exactly sure --" Red-Rock-Shadow called back before throwing a bolt of lightning at a zombie that was approaching her. "I'm not exactly sure what 'this thing' is, but some kind of transport --"

The whine of machinery drowned out her words as a tarnished metal platform with a railing around it crashed through a group of zombies to the west. It moved quickly, gliding slightly above the ground, until it came to rest at the tower.

It was a horseless carriage of some kind.

"It seems to be pointed south at least," the Argonian said, cautiously stepping on board.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow stared at the short podium in front of the platform. Two wheels. She gingerly tried the first one, and the platform rotated on its axis, now pointing north, towards the zombies.

"Okay, not that one ..."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow nodded, and spun the wheel around so it was facing south again. Then she pulled the other wheel, a bit too far. It rocketed off with a sudden speed that knocked everyone on the platform off their feet.

It also crashed into several zombies but didn't slow down as it rocketed forward.

The Argonian scrambled to her feet, back to the controls.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow cried out in Hist, trying to get control of the speeding platform. She slowed it down with the one wheel, and then tried to turn it with the other to avoid a building they were speeding towards. Her turn overcompensated, and the platform rushed towards a second building.

Fortunately it seemed that the platform only followed the tracks on the ground and automatically swiveled to avoid the structure.

"Sorry about that," she breathed. "I think I'm getting the hang of it."

She made subtler movements with the first wheel to right the carriage's direction so it was still moving southward.

Ted Peterson

"No, that'd just be your driver getting used to the controls," Red-Rock-Shadow said, turning to him slightly.

As the platform passed another structure filled with moaning zombies, they saw another chasm ahead.

"Stop! Stop!" the Argonian cried, turning the acceleration wheel.

And stop it did, hanging on nearly invisible tracks hovering over the chasm.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow after catching her breath, nods, and turns the acceleration wheel slowly. The cart moves through the air and darkness.

Up ahead they saw what looked like a factory on a plateau.

And then heard more bird cries, echoing through the hollow space.

Ted Peterson

At that, a creature flew at Gram, talons out. An enormous bird with a skeletal woman's upper body.

There were more cries all around them, and a second undead harpy dove at Osa.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow nodded to Nalion, and pushed the wheel hard. Suddenly, the once distant factory loomed large straight ahead.

The scream of the harpies in the darkness intensified. Many more were coming, spurring on by the death cries of those slain by frost, shock, and magicka.

Suddenly, Gram was gone, pulled off the cart as it rocketed towards the factory.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow brought the cart to a screeching halt as it came into the covered walkway of the factory. She jumped off it and ran to the edge of the abyss before spreading her wings.

"It's too soon to be losing any warriors!" she cried and took to the air. Immediately she was set on by two harpies, but they were incinerated by an area of effect fire spell.

Ted Peterson

"I got him!" Red-Rock-Shadow cried, grabbing Gram. "Are you all right? Do you need me to come back for you, Nalion?"

Ted Peterson

From the sound of the cries in the air, there would be more. Many more. Sivartus noticed that there was a chain on the side of the port to lower the door and seal off the factor. As the cries and the sound of a thousand wingbeats came closer, he would have to decide whether to wait for his friends or not ...

Ted Peterson

Even with a quickly cast Free Fall spell cast on him, Gram was more than Red-Rock-Shadow was used to carrying. She beat her wings furiously, rising up towards the factory which seemed far away. Behind her, she could hear the harpies coming ...

"Don't look back," she gasped to Gram.

The adventurers at the factory could see the dark cloud of harpies speedily descending on them.

Ted Peterson

With a last burst of speed, the Argonian and her “baggage” burst up, and together with Nalion flew into the factory.

A few harpies who had avoided Nalion’s spell followed them, but the majority were but seconds away – so close, the heroes could spot the different levels of decomposition in their faces and bodies, though there were a thousand in the dark cloud …

Ted Peterson

The metal door clanged down with a bang. Immediately there was the deafening sound of multiple bodies battering against it, from the harpies that hadn’t veered away in time. The sound then continued softer as the creatures threw themselves against it with less force. Finally, the sound was replaced with relentless scratching and the whirring of wings.

The harpies in the factory with them immediately fell on the heroes, talons outstretched.

Ted Peterson

Their death cries echo in the chamber, coupled with that of their sisters, still trying to get in.

Red-Rock-Shadow grimaced, rubbing her wings like they were aching shoulders.

The tracks for the platform continued through the factory in all directions, passing through other gates which, like the one they had closed, were thankfully closed.

“I don’t think we want to go out into the open air again,” the Argonian shook her head.

The factory consisted of a single enormous machine, like a giant furnace though it was cool to the touch. Its chimneys went high into the factory ceiling and beyond.

Ted Peterson

"It hasn't been used for a long time ... I wouldn't want to turn it on to find out," Red-Rock-Shadow replied, touching its metal surface. "Hists' Blood, we're so close ..."

She pulled out the map, tracing their route through the mountain. "That's Mount Nombaje, if we can just get through ..."

Ted Peterson

It was a tight, claustrophobic space, and the screams of the harpies outside was almost unbearable. Whether the heroes climbed or floated, the ascent seemed endless.

But at last there was light above them.

And above that, a mountain peak. It was not Mount Nombaje, but its neighbor to the north.

Ted Peterson

At that, he heard a faint groan of pain, an old woman's voice, coming from down the northern slope of the mountain.

"Taolle," the Argonian whispered to the others. "We got in front of her path."

Ted Peterson

The source of the voice was a narrow ridge, going alongside the mountain, and before Nalion saw her, he saw the effect of her presence bloom up around her. A boulder suddenly lighting up with flowering moss before dying back to black. A trees exploding into full grandeur before being blasted back.

The ancient, blind Bosmer woman was on her hands and knees. The clothing that she was wearing was torn and stained with blood.

At Nalion's call, she raised her head. "Who speaks?"

Ted Peterson

"Better late than never," the old Bosmer said, smiling. Nalion had never seen anyone so thin, so feeble. She held out her bony hand for him. "I knew Goran had some nice friends, I just didn't know when they would turn up. Have we met before, dear?"

Ted Peterson

"Anya, Gram, Nalion," Taolle nodded. "I will have to remember your voices. Usually, I have animals who I speak with, and they can describe to me what they see, but I can't do that here ..."

Nalion could barely hear her in the rush of energy when her hand touched his. She was Nirn, touching him. Life. Contradictions. Possibilities. Humor and Horror. Love and Despair. Light and Darkness. And above all, Magic.

Ted Peterson

"Oh dear, no," Taolle shook her head. "Never could do that, but I heard about people who could ..."

When Anya hands her the bottle, she asks. "What is this?"

Ted Peterson

"Oh, is that how you do it?" the old Bosmer laughed. "That is clever. No thank you, dear, I don't need it. But we best be off. The boy's some ways away still."

Ted Peterson

"Bless you, Nalion, I know he remembers. I can feel him," Taolle replied. "He's too strong for this nonsense. Just needs a good talking to, like when he was little."

Ted Peterson

The group and Taolle followed the ridge along the mountain. It was a treacherous path, and everytime Taolle nearly fell and someone helped upright her, she would smile and shake her head. "This is much faster with you here, thank you."

Night was beginning to fall, and temperatures were dropping in the high peaks as they neared Mount Nombaje.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Palace of Sentinel

"There you are," came a familiar voice behind Loranna, as the Queen Mother of Morrowind stepped onto the balcony. She was swathed in a cloak of black and white, her hair flowing freely in the summer breeze. "I was told you were somewhere about, but you brought no servants? Sacrilege, my dear."

Ted Peterson

"I wish I could see the stars again," Taolle mused thoughtfully. "When I was younger, there was such beauty in them, and I taught myself how to read the signs in the constellations ..."

The Bosmer stumbled over loose pebbles, and started to fall.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Palace of Sentinel

"Considering half the Empire is here because of my family and my idiot daughter, pretty well," Barenziah nodded. "I understand my former son-in-law will be coming shortly as well. And the Indoril Redoran Alliance, or a faction thereof, is assisting the army. Strange times."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, dear," Taolle smiled, carrying on her monologue about astrology.

The effect on Anya was as profound as it was fleeting. The darkness left her in the one moment that they had touched, both the gift and the curse. The terror of the death aura was upon her, but Taolle's touch had kept her alive and safe ... and mortal.

The moment it went away, her darkness returned.

Ted Peterson

The Royal Palace of Sentinel

"Yes, he could've done a bit more about those blasted Azurites, couldn't he?" Barenziah smiled. "Well, he's an old man ... If one can say that about a fellow a quarter of your age. How are you, dear girl? What month are we on now?"

Ted Peterson

The old Bosmer's soliloquy on the stars had, uninterrupted, turned into an interesting ramble about Aetherius.

"The Reman Dynasty and the Sun Birds of Alinor tried to reach Aetherius, you know, but therein lies the great irony. It is impossible to reach magic, by magic. Still, somehow the ancients could do it. The Great Orrery at Firsthold, did you see it? The spheres there are made up of genuine celestial mineral gathered by travelers during the Merethic Era ..."

Ted Peterson

The Royal Palace of Sentinel

"I think one thing I have learned from Helseth and Morgiah, and Morgiah has learned too, is that whatever you expect from your children, whatever worry you have or dreams, it'll be something else," Barenziah smiled a little sadly. "B'vek, I hope Goranthir is saveable. And if he's not, I'm glad he had his time with the heroes of Ald Ra'athim."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, I think you're right, I didn't mean to sound pessimistic. That's not my style, though I can get exasperated at all of them at times ... I am peculiarly fond of my family ..." Barenziah took Loranna's hand and smiled. "Extended family as well."

Ted Peterson

Taolle, pleased to have a vocal audience, continued on. She was, after all, a nurse, which in the society of Firsthold, the equivalent of being a teacher, and she was mantling Nirn, which gave her particular insight. She went on with her lecture into the night as the group began up the southern slope of Mount Nombaje. They had seen some of the peak of it from the neighboring hill, but it disappeared into the clouds above.

Ted Peterson

From time to time, he would notice Red-Rock-Shadow stealing a glance in his direction, but her expression was difficult to read, even for a fellow Argonian. She wrapped her wings/cloak around her tighter as the wind picked up, whistling down the mountain.

"Hard to hear footsteps or even smell an enemy approaching with this wind," she hissed to herself.

Ted Peterson

Taolle's chatting had gone from the skies to the earth, specifically the area around the Death Aura. "Mannimarco is trying to fashion the world in his vision, but it is a mad vision of undeath. Even the unliving rock is altered and cannot survive in this zone."

As if to underline her point, in the distance there was the sound of rolling rock, and the adventurers saw a small landslide falling into the valley below them from a different mountain.

"There is life that holds the mountains together, trees and shrub and moss," Taolle sighed. "And Mannimarco hates it all. He would bring the whole world down."

Ted Peterson

"You're right," Red-Rock-Shadow replied, impressed by the Nord's senses. She sniffed the air. "Whatever it is, it's something new ..."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow began to spread her wings, but the howling wind around them was too ferocious to take flight. She would have to do this on foot. Her arms glow red as she steps between Taolle and the strange creatures coming up the mountain.

Ted Peterson

"The Worm King's children," Red-Rock-Shadow whispered, looking quickly for cover. "Worm Princes. Abominations. The question is have they already seen us?"

Ted Peterson

"I know as much as you do about them, Hesek," Red-Rock-Shadow whispered, pushing back a bit towards a boulder. "I've never seen them before either."

Ted Peterson

While Red-Rock-Shadow has a moment with no party members in her path, she unleashes the lightning spell she had been preparing, the fingers of electricity arching out in a fan, to strike as many of the abominations as possible.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow had backed up to defend Taolle, and as Reichi was the closest to her, she cast a Dispel to remove the abomination's curse that had been launched at him.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadows looked with horror at the creature about to crush Isidor and Slashes. She would only have time for one spell -- but what could aid her friends and hurt her foes both?

Then she launched a powerful Heal spell in an area effect around them all: corpsapede and hero alike. If Isidor and Slashes were hurt, hopefully it would give them a fighting chance ... But the effect on the corpsapede was unknown. If the death aura and the pain of the lightning and arrows gave them pleasure, perhaps healing would cause them pain ... or, hopefully, worse ...

Ted Peterson

Summary

Red-Rock-Shadow, Argonian battlemage and liaison to the Mages Guild is with the party on the slopes of Mount Nombaje, fighting corpsapedes. She has just launched an experiment of sorts: a powerful heal spell in the vicinity of the necromantic constructs and Isidor and Slashes. At worse, she figures, it will heal the heroes and undo some of the damage done to the creature. At best, a Heal spell cast at a creature that thrives on pain and death will hurt it quite a bit ...

She has not moved, however, from her position in front of ...

Taolle called Mother Nirn, Goranthir's blind, elderly nurse who has mantled Nirn itself to stumble her way into the Death Aura. It is said if she dies before seeing him, all hope will be lost.

Ted Peterson

Meanwhile

The battle preparations continue on three fronts.

The Royal Palace, Sentinel

More soldiers and troops were arriving hourly, and being sent off to one of the two different camps to join the troops already in position to the west and east of the Dragontail Mountains.

Kalaan, Tigonus, Hammerfell

The soldiers marching along the coast had finally reached the dusty fortress in Kalaan, just west of the mountains, on a lonely stretch of beach. The officers of the various factions examined maps and made plans under the command of Laretha Warhaft. The soldiers readied their weapons, preparing to launch into action the moment the order was given. They had only to wait for the death aura to be dissipated.

Ramakawan, Kozanet, Hammerfell

King Lhotun’s hidden jungle fortress faced the Bazidir Valley, a wide pass through the mountains. Red-Rock-Shadow’s Mark was set to that region, so the plan was upon her appearing there and giving the signal that the defenses were down, the commanding officer Digitus Ero would send word to Warhaft, and together the armies would push together.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow grabs Taolle around the waist and, unfurling her wings, takes flight. She can only rise a few feet up with the buffeting wind, but she hopes that if she keeps aloft a little longer, the others can defeat the corpsapedes.

"Concentrate your fire on one of them!" she cries.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow drifted back down to the ground, letting Taolle go, and noticeably shaking from the effect of holding the Mother Nirn for so long. It wasn't the winds that had effected her, it was the touch.

Taolle shook her head. "I don't know what you all were fighting, but it sounded just awful."

Ted Peterson

"I am, thank you, dear," Taolle nodded. "None of them so much as touched me, but they were close enough to smell."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow was looking at the map they had been provided, trying to answer Slyvos's question. She looked puzzled at it a moment, and then took another look at the next mountain to the south which they could just see over the peak of Mount Nombaje.

"Either this map is really old, or I've lost my ability to read a map," she said, pointing. "Or that huge cavern is brand new."

There was in fact a yawning cavern, traversable from this peak over a narrow natural bridge.

"What do you do when you have something you don't want someone to find? Dig a hole and drop it in."

Ted Peterson

"I don't know where exactly, but Goranthir is somewhere in that direction," Taolle said, pointing in the direction of the mountain with the cavern. "I'm not staying behind."

Ted Peterson

The early morning wind's chill left the group as they stepped into the mouth of the enormous cavern. It was, in fact, pleasantly warm.

The mouth was fifty feet high, and twice as wide, and the tunnel continued those dimensions, on a slight slope downward. It was an awkward walk, however, as the ground was littered with rocks which went from small pebbles at the entrance to large boulders as they went deeper.

The rocks jumbled up as the cave expanded into a huge chamber. A ledge high up led to two tunnels, which could be reached with a climb up the boulders.

Though the temperature was warm and pleasant, those attuned to magicka could sense they were close to something dark and unholy, necromancy of the highest order.

Ted Peterson

Taolle pointed towards the tunnel to the right. "We're close. I can feel him."

Ted Peterson

Taolle could barely be restrained as she scrambled up the pile of rocks to the higher ledge. It was an easier climb that they had anticipated from a distance. The rocks were smooth, long like fallen stactites, and curved like sabers.

As she and those close to her went towards the right tunnel, those with a strong mystical connection felt the throb of necromantic energy was close, emanating from the left tunnel.

Ted Peterson

Taolle nodded her head frantically, moving into the right tunnel. "This is the way where he lies ... He is so close ..."

Sivartus had no doubt, however, now that he was on the ledge. The energy source was in the left tunnel, not the right. Perhaps, Goranthir was down that tunnel, but the Blightstone, if it were here, was not.

Ted Peterson

The right tunnel continued for about a hundred further before abruptly ending. Taolle, of course, being blind, would have kept on walking into the wall if not held back.

"He's there," she said, pointing at the solid wall. Her breathing was irregular and there was little color in her face.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow touched the wall and nodded. "It's solid."

She touched Taolle's thin, shaking shoulder. "Let's try the other tunnel and see if it loops around."

Ted Peterson

The walk back through the tunnel was uneventful, and back on the ledge, they turned to look to the tunnel they hadn't taken. The odd thing was that there were rocks lying about the ledge, running into that tunnel, which hadn't been there before. Strange little rocks they were in fact. Almost semicircular in shape.

Nevertheless, the path was clear to the left tunnel and the necromantic emanations continued to throb just as strong.

Ted Peterson

It doesn't move. In fact, it seems to be fused into the stone floor as if it was an outcropping that had suddenly sprung up while they were in the right tunnel.

Taolle puts her hand against the wall for support. Some moss sprung to life at her touch, but not very much, as if her power were fading.

"I ... can't breathe very well," she gasped.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you," Taolle replied, still faintly but with a smile. "I've kept this body going for months now without rest, and it wasn't in its peak when I began ... "

She took another breath. "We're so close ... I have to keep going for a little while ..."

Ted Peterson

The surge of life was still there, but it was not as strong as it had been.

"I don't know what it is ... something down that tunnel ..." she gasped, and then took the flask. "What is this? The sap? You are certain you have enough, with an extra one for Goranthir?"

Ted Peterson

The tunnel ended in a room which flickered with black light coming from a large gem on a strange pedestal, which was roughly like an upside-down triangle, with two large holes and two smaller ones below. There was indeed a side tunnel behind it.

Ted Peterson

Taolle nodded and drank deeply of the potion. She coughed slightly, and some color seemed to return to her face.

"I think we must be close to one of the stones you were talking about," she said, in a frail but stronger voice.

Ted Peterson

"Of course it is," said a young man's voice coming from the corridor. "If that's too much, you don't even have to walk. Baelthon, why don't you move a little closer?"

The triangular pedestal tilted slightly, so the gem rolled into one of the holes beneath it. It continued to tilt up, and Sivartus saw there were rows of teeth beneath it.

The "rocks" that led to it began to rise, becoming what they were: the two hundred foot long spine and rib cage of a dead dragon.

Ted Peterson

Shaka wasn't the only one whose form has changed. Geht stepped out of the corridor, much changed. He was entirely white now, from his robes to his skin to his hair. Only his eyes were the same golden color they had changed to when he first became a minion of The King Of Worms.

“Oh, yes, I know some of you,” he said with an unpleasant smile. “This is regrettable, but you can’t be allowed to destroy that gemstone. Baelthon, annihiliate them.”

With great pleasure, Baelthon replied, the deep timber of the dead dragon’s voice rolling impossibly through its fleshless throat, as it reared up, striking the ceiling. A shower of boulders fell down all around. Then a curl of smoke wisped through the smaller holes, which were its nostrils as it prepared its real attack.

Ted Peterson

Gram’s attack glances off the rock-stone skeleton of the dragon.

---

P’Rassha’s ax also failed to make a dent. As it reared around …

---

First, it crushed the Frost Atronach under its massive claw, then --

---

The flames were unlike anything the heroes had ever seen. Far more intense than a fireball or a God’s Fire spell, they vomited out of Baelthon’s open maw like water spraying out of an overburden dam. Sivartus’s shield was instantly evaporated, and all lived, but few escaped a burn.

---

The chamber was filled with smoke and fallen rocks, and for a moment after Anya’s words, all was silent.

Baelthon did, in fact, stop.

There’s hardly enough meat on any of you, except the cat … I should cook you slowly, Baelthon growled, twitching, but not moving much.

Ted Peterson

“Your death is its own reward!” Baelthon roared, and the very foundations of the mountain seemed to shake as more stones fell from the ceiling.

---

Holding himself against Taolle, he could tell she was unconscious.

---

The blows continued to glance off the dragon, and it paid Ora no more attention than it would a fly.

Geht stepped forward through the smoke. “Baelthon, I told you to annihiliate them, not stand in place and talk them to death.”

The creature’s response was barely audible, low and miserable. “I cannot.”

Ted Peterson

"No," said Geht. "Annihiliate them."

“I cannot do both,” the dragon grumbled. “So I can do neither.”

Ted Peterson

"Hello Shaka," Geht smiled. "I like the new look."

---

"Nalion," Geht continued. "Why don't you shut up Shaka for me? Shut them all up."

Ted Peterson

"And why don't you help Nalion shut them all up, P'Rassha?" Geht turned to the Cathay-Raht. "Don't be afraid to get rough."

Ted Peterson

"Let me see what I can do," said Red-Rock-Shadow, her hands glowing as she turned to Nalion.

Geht called out something to her in Hist, and she froze.

Ted Peterson

"Dear Anya, I haven't seen you in a while, did you ever find a cure? Let's see," Geht smiled.

At that, Red-Rock-Shadow launched a powerful Turn Undead spell at her.

Ted Peterson

"That's close enough, friend," Geht shook his head. "Be a good lizard, and get on the floor and wriggle."

Ted Peterson

Geht chuckled pleasantly. "That's fine, little lizard, but you should be licking the floor as you do it."

He pulled a sword out of his robe.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow took to the air, flying to the top of the chamber, to look for another target.

Ted Peterson

Taolle awoke with a start.

“He’s here?”

Something stirred in the dust, and suddenly an entire colony of bats leapt into the air, squeaking as they flew around the chamber. They were not undead bats, but living animals. They were chasing after insects, also living, that had also sprung to life.

The walls of the chamber were suddenly slick with moss and mildew, fresh and green.

Ted Peterson

The rush, the disobeying of his orders, it caught Geht off guard. That combined with the sudden cloud of bats everywhere.

He managed to avoid more than a hefty slice to his hand, but it was enough to disarm him, and the blow to his gut doubled him over.

He fell to the chamber floor which was suddenly green and mossy.

Taolle got to her feet. While life was springing up around her, she herself looked wan and ghostly. She staggered forward blindly. “Goran, my dear boy. It is Mother Nirn.”

Ted Peterson

“Mother Nirn?” Geht laughed, rising to his knees and looking at her. “My, how ghastly Nirn is looking these days. Don’t be daft, old crone, I know you. You’re just that pathetic … nurse …”

Geht’s smile faded. His eyes turned red in a flash.

“Taolle?”

The name spoken, Taolle groaned in agony and pitched forward. Geht jumped to his feet and ran at her, as the death aura flooded the chamber once again, and the heroes who were command by him are released from their charms.

Ted Peterson

By the time he reached her, her body was limp and lifeless. Goranthir collapsed against her, tears rolling, his life fading quickly as well.

Ted Peterson

There was an extra heart beat or two where none would have existed. Goranthir closed his eyes, and lay across the dead body of his nurse Taolle.

Ted Peterson

The cloud of bats drop to the ground, lifeless as the insects they were pursuing. The moss and mildew on the walls blackened, and dripped down in sheets.

Ted Peterson

"This does simplify things rather," Baelthon chuckled deeply, and then stopped, looking at them. "Oh, well, it seems he'll make it."

Goranthir curled into a ball, choking and sobbing, clutching at Taolle's corpse.

Ted Peterson

“Fearfully sorry, I’m on my way,” Baelthon nodded, slithering off surprisingly gracefully out of the chamber.

Goranthir continued to sob, and in between his weeping, there were chirps, whinnies, snatches of Hist, a thousand different languages, and at least one time the words were in a language they all understood – “Please, come back.”

Ted Peterson

Goranthir did so. She had seen in his eyes over the time they'd known one another the braggadocio of a young hero, the silliness of a boy discovering love, the dignity of a king, but here now was helplessness. His lips mouthed the word "Anya" but no sound came out.

Ted Peterson

The look of despair in Goranthir's eyes were replaced by calmness, strength, anger, gratitude, a thousand other different emotions, but sadness still remained. There were some things the Masque apparently could not do.

He stood up. "She was not the only one who risked her life to save me. On my soul which is mine again, I will not let her down, or any of you down."

Ted Peterson

Meanwhile

The battle preparations continue on three fronts.

The Royal Palace, Sentinel

More soldiers and troops were arriving hourly, and being sent off to one of the two different camps to join the troops already in position to the west and east of the Dragontail Mountains.

Kalaan, Tigonus, Hammerfell

The soldiers marching along the coast had finally reached the dusty fortress in Kalaan, just west of the mountains, on a lonely stretch of beach. The officers of the various factions examined maps and made plans under the command of Laretha Warhaft. The soldiers readied their weapons, preparing to launch into action the moment the order was given. They had only to wait for the death aura to be dissipated.

Ramakawan, Kozanet, Hammerfell

King Lhotun’s hidden jungle fortress faced the Bazidir Valley, a wide pass through the mountains. Red-Rock-Shadow’s Mark was set to that region, so the plan was upon her appearing there and giving the signal that the defenses were down, the commanding officer Digitus Ero would send word to Warhaft, and together the armies would push together.

Ted Peterson

"I know," Goranthir nodded, shivering a little. Two words, but they were not said flippantly. There could be no doubt from his eyes he understood what Taolle had done and why. "You might ... have to explain some things to me about what's happening. My mind is not exactly right right now."

Ted Peterson

"I remember going to visit the woman who called herself Almalexia, and she attacked me, I think she was some kind of a vampire," Goranthir frowned, trying to concentrate. "And then, there's a period of darkness. I was calling myself Geht, and controlling vast hordes of animals in an attempt to escape Vvardenfelll and get to Mannimarco, who I considered my master ... I remember escaping with you and the others on the dragon, and then I came here ..."

Goranthir shivered again. "Mannimarco told me we had to eliminate the line of succession in Firsthold, so I went there next, and murdered my cousin, and tried to ... kill my little sister ... my ten-year-old little sister, Rinalla ..."

He rubbed his temples, holding back his emotions.

"Mannimarco brought me back here, where he was beginning his necromantic spell, the death aura ... the gems, the Blightstones, they're all over the mountains, but this one he had me guard with the dragon, but he didn't expect an invasion right now. When the first one is destroyed, though, he'll know ..."

Ted Peterson

"Morgiah renounced the throne," Goranthir's eyes went wide. He distinctly did not call her mother. "That must be why ... no matter ... Mannimarco has powerful undead servitors guarding all the Blightstones from here to Scourg Barrow. He wanted to use Baelthon to guard this one, but as powerful as he is, he is still curiously willful. He is capable of shrugging of his orders like no other undead creation of the King's. So I had to stay here for the time being to make sure he did his job, at least until Mannimarco could create a new, more obedient minion."

Ted Peterson

"She was my family, my oldest and dearest friend and teacher, the best soul I knew for the first sixteen years of my life," Goranthir nodded, looking at her with a sad smile. "And she is at peace now. I think, if we have a little bit of time, she'd want to be buried here. It is cursed ground now, but when we have defeated the King, it will be whole again, and she will be resting in the very land she rescued ... "

Ted Peterson

"I was thinking we use Baelthon to bury her, nice and deep, where they can't get to her," Goranthir said, looking out towards the dragon. "As for Mannimarco, he's ... he's not yet the God he wants to be, but with the fall of the Tribunal, I don't think there's a more powerful 'person' with his feet on Tamriel. I don't think we can beat him with anything shy of an army."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir smiled at the news, the first genuine, pleased smile Anya had seen on his face in many months. "Let's tell him together. I don't know how strong my powers of persuasion are now that I'm no longer 'Geht.'"

The skeletal dragon was, as he said he would be, at the cavern entrance. The sun was beginning to rise on the horizon.

Ted Peterson

As they both told him what they needed him to do, dig a huge hole, deep enough that no undead creature could get into it and disturb Taolle's resting spot, it was very obvious that it was Anya that Baelthon was listening to and not Goranthir.

"As you wish, my lady," the dragon replied, and before long several tons of solid rock had been torn away in the cavern.

"I will return here later with flowers, when there are flowers," Goranthir said quietly as the grave was filled in and packed tight.

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, Isidor," Goranthir smiled, putting on the ring and testing his grip on the sword. It had been a long time since he had use the Kynarine Blade, but it felt right. "And thank you for being here. How is it in Ald Ra'athim now? There were those fabricants in Ald Sotha a while back ... Did the Redoran ever use them?"

While Goranthir talked with the others he knew, Red-Rock-Shadow stood apart, and examined the now guardless Blightstone.

Ted Peterson

"It wasn't a very pleasant experience having that fellow," Red-Rock-Shadow nodded in the direction of Goranthir, continuing the conversation in Hist, but keeping her voice down. "In my head, ordering what to do, and speaking in Hist, no less. Fluent in the language and others, it seems. And I didn't realize until he told me to cast a Turn Undead spell on Anya that she was ... well ..."

The Argonian battlemage shrugged. She did not know what Anya was.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow nodded. "There is no doubt that she's a hero ... I just didn't know before," she turned to Slashes. "You're a commander in Ald Ra'athim? How far you've come in the world, Hesek ..."

Ted Peterson

"Well, best not to dwell on the past," Red-Rock-Shadow matched his tone exactly. "We need to do our duty now, as professionals."

Ted Peterson

"The question may not be how, it may be when," Goranthir said, after a moment's hesitation. "Mannimarco will know when the first one's destroyed. Maybe we should collect them, and then destroy them at once to catch him off guard ..."

Ted Peterson

"No, I don't think I ever will," Red-Rock-Shadow hissed, and then turned away. "But we should not fight now. There's been too much fighting within the group already."

Ted Peterson

"I don't know," Goranthir shook his head. "I've never seen one be destroyed before ... But I know there's a lot of energy inside them, so if I had to guess ..."

Ted Peterson

"Thank you, Shaka, that will be good to know when I see her again, whenever that is," Goranthir smiled.

---

"Maybe," the Prince said. "Slyvos would know better ..."

Ted Peterson

"Thanks, Shaka, and ... Well, I hope it goes without saying that I wasn't myself when I was ordering you to squirm on the floor ..." Goranthir grimaced.

Ted Peterson

"And, like I said, he'll know when we destroy it too," Goranthir frowned. "We better do this quickly. I can show you where the other blightstones are, but they're some distance apart ..."

Ted Peterson

A moment later, Kallen's face shimmered into Shaka's sight, like he was looking into a slightly faded mirror. As always, calm and reserved.

"Yes, sera, I'm here. What news from the moutains?"

Ted Peterson

“Four, including this one,” Goranthir replied. “One near the crater at Mount Dakobo, one in the salt pools in the Lemdazi Valley … and one in Scourg Barrow …”

---

Goranthir held aloft the Kynarine Blade. “Good. I want to give it to you.”

---

“Tell Kallen I need to issue a warning,” Goranthir said quickly. “There will be dragon attacks to the east and west very shortly.”

Ted Peterson

"I will get the message to her immediately," Kallen's image replied. "That is indeed very good news, sera."

Ted Peterson

"I will do so," Kallen nodded. "Good luck to you, and to your companions."

Kallen immediately found Lady Glacia Rysleire, the Duchess's adjunct and gave her the message.

"It appears you will need to go to Sentinel after all," he said. "At least for the time it takes to give her grace the messages."

Glacia nodded, and a few minutes later had taken the Mages Guild Guide to Sentinel, and was en route to the palace.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel - the Palace

A large group of soldiers unproportionately made of Altmer caught her attention, and then Loranna saw that King Reman himself was addressing them. He was not in his robes of state, but in a suit of armor, as if he intended to go into battle himself.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Reman turned to her, and Loranna was struck how old and tired he looked. This was a king with demons.

"Your Grace," the King said. "I had heard you were here."

He dismissed his soldiers, and returned to the conversation.

"My apologies," he said. "I have been somewhat distracted of l -- By Auriel, what is she doing here of all places?"

Reman was staring over Loranna's shoulder at an approaching figure. It was Glacia, who paused for a moment, nervously, when she saw the King, but then determindly continued forward. She bowed to them.

Ted Peterson

"Lady Glacia?" the King looked at her with glowering eyes. "You look exactly like a Lady Glacia Rysleire whose parents and fiance are even now tearing my kingdom apart searching for --"

"Your Majesty, I am one and the same," Glacia said, looking him in the eye. Her tone was polite but urgent. "I am also the Duchess's adjunct and diplomat, and the news I bring is far more important than my previous life. With all respect, your Majesty, let me to my duty before discussing my personal life."

Glacia turned to Loranna and told her what Shaka had told Kallen.

Ted Peterson

Reman nodded, and together they went to tell Lhotun and the Emperor, Glacia's status as runaway or diplomat being put into the shadows.

Immediately emissaries were sent to the fortresses around the Dragontail mountains to tell them to watch the skies for an imminent attack.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Glacia smiled and nodded. "As soon as I heard, I -- Your Majesty?"

The King of Firsthold had sat down, rather heavily on a chair in the now vast empty parkland where his troops had been gathered. He was looking up to the morning sky, and seemed to be whispering to it.

Ted Peterson

Kallan, Hammerfell

This was the second bit of bad news of the day. The morning tide had brought in a beach full of dead fish, and after some expeditions had been made to sea, it was discovered that the Death Aura had apparently expanded beyond the mountains, about a half mile into the Iliac Bay itself.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

The words are strange, similar to the song sang at the funeral of Prince Aedrin. Old Aldmeris, probably meaning no more in literal meaning to the King than to her. But it was clearly a prayer of thanks, and Loranna heard the word "Auriel" mentioned in it.

"My son ... is alive," Reman turned to Loranna, smiling widely.

Ted Peterson

"I can't tarry," the King said, getting to his feet with new found energy. "I must get my troops to Kallan to help the effort, but I will back soon if you will be here."

"Your Majesty," Glacia said, nervously. "I rejoice with you, but if you would like to talk about --"

"You're obviously well-suited for this profession of yours, telling an old king to shut up in a polite way," Reman laughed. "Will you be returning to Firsthold?"

"I have no plans to, Your Majesty."

"Then send your parents a note, letting them know, so they will stop bothering me," he said, walking off to talk to his general.

Glacia watched him go, dumbstruck.

"I confess," Glacia said. "I did not expect that."

Ted Peterson

"I can only see the positive sides ... Goranthir's saved, the first stone is found, I'm allowed to continue my life ..." Glacia put her hand to her mouth. "Of course, the imminent dragon attacks ... That's not so positive, is it?"

Ted Peterson

Goranthir also had pointed his Kynarine blade at the Blightstone.

“Let me help destroy these infernal devices,” he said, as he unleashed the Kynarine blast – a nearly invisible wave of pure force – at the black gem. Hesek's and Valerius’s spells struck it at the same moment with tremendous impact.

It appeared at first that they had had no effect on the Blightstone, which stood still, aloft by Slyvos’s telekinesis, and then the party noted that there were tiny fractures all over it.

There were more cracking noises and a low groan, almost like a death rattle. The Blightstone began to implode on itself, and the force the heroes felt was not an outward push but a perceptible pull. The force strengthened as the gem began to shrink further, its facets collapsing on itself. Dust and small rocks in the cavern were sucked up and pulled into the gem.

A final low boom, and the heroes felt themselves yanked off their feet, being pulled together with larger boulders towards the remnants of the Blightstone, but only a few feet before the force dissipated and the stone was no more.

“Let’s hurry now,” Goranthir said. “We have to get to the next gems before Mannimarco has a chance to react.”

“Where is the next closest one?” Red-Rock-Shadow asked, pulling herself up off the ground.

“The Lemdazi Valley,” Goranthir said, heading back towards the left tunnel. “I’ll show you the shortcut.”

Ted Peterson

“Do we need to do anything with the dragon?” Goranthir said, as the group began moving through the tunnel out of the gem’s chamber.

Ted Peterson

The tunnels were comfortably wide, as no doubt Baelthon had contructed it and used it to navigate. Without Goranthir as a guide, the group would have gotten lost as they took several turns through the labyrinth, going progressively lower and lower.

Some hours passed before Goranthir said. "We're almost there."

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan:

A courier from Sentinel appeared in the hidden jungle fortress, recalling to the Mark he had set there, conveying the news.

“We don’t necessarily know where the dragon is going to strike, only that at least one is heading east,” Digitus Ero told the factional officers. “The lookouts on the tower has been told, and will report anything he sees in the skies. But make sure your troops are ready for battle.”

Kalaan:

Another courier appeared on the sea-side fortress, informing Laretha Warhaft. She too quickly dispatched word to her scout on her lookout tower, and while she was talking to her factional officers about the situation, she received word from the lookout.

It was a cloudy morning on the shore, but two dark shapes were coming from the mountains. And they were big.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir pointed across the riverbank.

"There is a cave over there where Teroleth guards the next Blightstone," he said. "The river feeds salt water into it, forming a pool where he lies ... Only, do not touch the water."

Ted Peterson

"The fortress is fully modernized and equipped," Eros nodded. "The question is whether the dragons intend to attack here, or elsewhere. There are innumerable targets ... We might need to bring it to us, as terrifying as that is to imagine."

---

As Dana watched, one of the shapes veered away from the other, heading slightly southward toward Sentinel. The other continued on its trajectory towards Kalaan.

Ted Peterson

The Lemdazi Valley

"Good, because it would clean the flesh right off your bones," Goranthir grimaced. "Teroleth is a what. Another one of Mannimarco's 'experiments' -- a chelonian, he calls him. He's hard to describe. Powerful and stupid with very strong defenses."

Ted Peterson

"I'll make sure there are no surprises," Red-Rock-Shadow says, spreading her wings and flying above the river to follow the rocks from above.

Ted Peterson

The Lembazi Valley

Red-Rock-Shadow flew back, reporting to the others the quality of the stepping stones and the almost animal-response of the water.

"I can carry people across too, but it'll be slow going," the Argonian said.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

It didn't take after Harg's outburst for a courier to be dispatched to Sentinel with the news that a dragon had been spotted and was heading directly towards them.

It was good timing that at that point an army of Firsthold appeared in Kalaan, ready to do battle with the dragon whose shadow was approaching ever closer ...

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

The lookout came running towards Digitus Eros and the factional officers, his eyes wide with fear.

"I was lookin' in the skies, sir, and I wasn't seeing nothing, but then I looked down," he said, shivering. "There's something big and long squirming through the jungle to the south, knocking down tree after tree as it goes. It's headin' for Turodon!"

They knew Turodon, a little farming village which supplied the fortress. Utterly defenseless.

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

"That's what I was thinking too," Digitus Eros nodded, and readied the troops to intercept the dragon in the swamps before it reached Turodon.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

The shadow suddenly disappeared as the clouds parted.

"It's descended," the lookout gasped. "And turned invisible!"

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

She was not the only mage to respond that way. All around the perimeter of the fortress, spellcasters lined up on orders from their factional commanders to cast dispel and detection charms into the air to spot the invisible approaching menace ...

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow pulled a restore magicka potion from her robe and drank it, having drained most of her reserves casting healing spells at the chelonian, and shield spells to protect the group from falling rock. She offered the potions to the other mages. “Anyone else near the end of their reserves?”

Goranthir nodded to Shaka. “On to Mount Dakobo. We just follow the valley east … And keep an eye out of zombies. They seem to like this area.”

The group began to make its march eastward through the blackened canyon.

Ted Peterson

The jungle outside Turodon:

A group of thirty mages, including Gistral, flew through the jungle on spells of levitation. It was the fastest way to make progress through the dense foliage, where the ground could be such a twisted maze of roots to be unpassable except for a few feet above. The magical vanguard were an odd-looking mix of sorcerors and nightblades, armor-clad battlemages and eccentrically costumed hedge wizards, Redguards, Imperials, Dunmer, Altmer, and Argonians.

It was not difficult to find their quarry: the closer they got towards the dragon that was pushing its way east towards Turodon, the louder the sounds of trees being felled became.

The spellcasters knew their duty. They must infuriate the creature enough that it would chase them back to the fortress at Ramakawan …

No matter how brave the mages were, the thought of purposefully infuriating a dragon was enough to give each and every one second thoughts. Yet, still they readied their spells and prepared themselves …

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

The mages surrounding the periphery of the fortress continued to cast their dispel and detection spells in all directions, and suddenly the cry went up.

"North! Attack to the north!"

The three hundred foot long skeletal dragon with eyes like burning coals rushed across the sea towards the fortress, smoke pouring from its maw as it prepared to attack ...

It knew it had been seen, but it also knew it would destroy this fortress like its sister would destroy the kingdom of Sentinel ...

Ted Peterson

Summary:

In the Dragontail Mountains, our adventurers move through the valley towards Mount Dakobo, where the third Blightstone is said to be. With them are Red-Rock-Shadow, an Argonian battlemage and representative of the Mages Guild, who has had some past relationship with Slashes, and Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, recently freed from being a minion of Mannimarco.

In Sentinel, word of an impending dragon attack is driving the forces who did not go to Kalaan or Ramakawan into defensive positions. Among those there are the Emperor Uriel Septim VII, the former Queen of Firsthold Hlaalu Morgiah, the King of Firsthold Reman, King Lhotun of Sentinel, and the archmagister of the Mages Guild, Hannibal Traven.

In Kalaan, the dragon attack has already begun, with a skeletal dragon even now flying southward across the sea, preparing to burn the fortress on the beach to the ground.

In the jungle outside Ramakawan, a group of thirty mages is almost on top of a dragon that is pushing its way through the trees, towards the defenseless village of Turodon. They must engage the creature, enraging it enough that it follows them back to their fortress, where the rest of the army awaits …

Ted Peterson

Summary:

In the Dragontail Mountains, our adventurers move through the valley towards Mount Dakobo, where the third Blightstone is said to be. With them are Red-Rock-Shadow, an Argonian battlemage and representative of the Mages Guild, who has had some past relationship with Slashes, and Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, recently freed from being a minion of Mannimarco.

In Sentinel, word of an impending dragon attack is driving the forces who did not go to Kalaan or Ramakawan into defensive positions. Among those there are the Emperor Uriel Septim VII, the former Queen of Firsthold Hlaalu Morgiah, the King of Firsthold Reman, King Lhotun of Sentinel, and the archmagister of the Mages Guild, Hannibal Traven.

In Kalaan, the dragon attack has already begun, with a skeletal dragon even now flying southward across the sea, preparing to burn the fortress on the beach to the ground.

In the jungle outside Ramakawan, a group of thirty mages is almost on top of a dragon that is pushing its way through the trees, towards the defenseless village of Turodon. They must engage the creature, enraging it enough that it follows them back to their fortress, where the rest of the army awaits …

Ted Peterson

"Yes," Leretha Warhaft replied quickly, directing the mages to cast protection from fire and shield spells to the north, and directing the warriors to launch their trebuchets at the creature. "We try to survive."

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

"I think it's worth -- Stendarr!" she shouted as the dragon's fire boiled over the northern wall of the fortress, destroying the trebuchets, and vaporizing any soldier not saved by the mages' shields and fire resistance spells.

As the dragon circled back up, preparing for another sweep, she said. "We can dedicate some mages to that task, but the others need to keep up the defenses. We cannot survive too many more attacks like that ..."

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

The dragon curled up in the sky, looking like a question mark, before hurdling itself back towards Kalaan, more smoke pouring out of its mouth.

Suddenly, it veered off, and the people in the fortress could see it was covered with atronachs, ogrims, dremora, fire daedra, and scamps. It shrieked, a sound that echoed along the beach, and then dove into the sea.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

From the vantage point of the look-out tower, they could see the dark shape of the dragon beneath the waves, rushing back towards the fortress, some miles away, but building speed.

Then, its head and neck emerged over the water’s surface, and a stream of fire washed over the sea, bringing it to a boil.

A vast plume of mist washed over the fortress, obscuring visibility to a few feet.

Ted Peterson

Outside Turadon

The mages discovered that they were in front of the dragon, as the last trees collapsed, and they were face to face with the beast.

It was a juvenile turned undead, scarcely a hundred feet long, and one of its wings was deformed so it couldn’t fly. Rotten flesh and scales hung from its skeletal body like a shroud. Nevertheless, it was far from defenseless, as smoke wafted up in its nostrils, and it prepared to breathe fire.

The mages instantly cast the spells they had been preparing. Several of them turned invisible. Several cast shield and resistance spells. Others still levitated to surround the creature, to launch offensive spells in all directions.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

Warhaft ordered the mages to do just that, and had another idea.

"Frost spells, all around," she cried.

Which is why when the dragon was spotted in the now-clear sky, it was snowing in Kalaan, and a squad of winged twilights were present to engage it in flight.

"Burden spells!" the commander issued the next orders.

Ted Peterson

The Dragontail Mountains

The ascent through the valley was a perceptible incline, a narrow path uphill past a clear-water stream, under a canopy of dead trees, their blackened branches looking like claws clutching at the sky. This would have been one of the most beautiful if inaccessible areas in Hammerfell before Mannimarco’s death aura brought it to ruin.

The stream’s source was a natural spring, and passing it, the heroes came to the end of the forested slope. Now they could see across the mountain range, and the dormant volcano of Mount Dakobo was but a few hours away across the snow-dusted ridges.

Their view was clear enough that they could see the shambling figures stumbling seemingly at random along the mountains’ peaks and slopes.

Zombies.

"Remember, no fights if we can avoid them," Red-Rock-Shadows said, her breath visible in the cool air. "We should use invisibility and try to go from cover to cover. There are enough boulders on the terrain to shield us from them if we use them."

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

Other mages heeded the order together with Samson, Vaan, and Dana, and the sky was filled with streaming magicka as the dragon swatted at the twilights as if they were bothersome gnats.

It seemed to lose its balance at the sudden, crushing effect of the burden spells, and it plummeted down, crashing onto the beach with a force that sent shockwaves through the fortress, kncoking down the lookout tower and other fortifications.

Ted Peterson

The Dragontail Mountains

"That's Mount Dakobo there," Goranthir nodded. It was an enormous volcano with, from the heroes' vantage, a vast flat top where the crater no doubt was. A couple hours' walk still.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

The trebuchets and spells launched out of the fortress at the dragon, which had gotten to its feet, and was preparing to breathe fire at one and all. A lucky shot by one of the trebuchets smashed a massive stone into the creature's head, causing its flame to blast down the beach away from the fortress, melting the sand into glass.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

The dragon thrashed against the assaults, issuing forth a roar that could be heard from miles around. Wherever it turned, something struck it.

Suddenly, it squatted down, its wings prone at its sides, and it launched itself into the air, disppearing into the sunlight.

Ted Peterson

The Dragontail Mountains

By invisibility or stealth, the heroes moved across the treeless land, the soft snow tinged with ash and dust softening their footfalls. They sometimes came close enough to the zombies to see their faces and forms. Most of them were Redguards, mountain dwellers who died in the death aura and were resurrected into unlife by the King of Worms. Some seem to have been subjected to his "experiments." A pathetic two-headed zombie stumbled along, the heads endlessly biting and gnawing at one another. Another walked upside down, his arms and legs reversed.

It was a view of the future they were witnessing, a future should Mannimarco reign supreme.

Ted Peterson

Kalaan

Laretha Warhaft cheered with the rest of the fortress, but also cautioned one and all to keep the defenses up, to repair any damage that had been done. The dragon might return, or another assault by the King of Worms.

Ted Peterson

The Dragontail Mountains

Goranthir launches a Kynarine blast at the creature. Even if it was too fast for his reflexes, the cone of the blast might be able to strike it.

Red-Rock-Shadow takes it upon herself to help the group with that very issue, casting an area-wide spell to increase the speed and agility of the heroes.

Ted Peterson

The Jungle

The young dragon sent a blast of flame gouting around it in a semi-circle. The eruption shattered defensive spells of any unlucky enough to be hit by it, and three mages, invisible but struck by the flame, flashed into sight, dropping to the ground, dead and smoldering.

Ted Peterson

Mount Dakobo

Goranthir dodges the rocks and the showering obsidian shards as Red-Rock-Shadow's spell enhances his speed and agility.

The Argonian mage herself flies into the crater, to provide a distraction for the creature.

Ted Peterson

The Jungle

The dragon swats at the seducer with its working wing, sending her rocketing, head over heels, to be crushed against a tree. The tree cracks in half by the impact, and the seducer vanishes.

The creature turns towards Ota, more smoke billowing in its nostrils.

"Turn back!" one of the mages cries. "We can't defeat it here --!"

He is instantly vaporized, along with others in the next gout of black fire.

Ted Peterson

The Jungle

The silver arrow and frostball, together with the lightning and frost spells the other mages were hurdling at the dragon, did not even slow it down as it rampaged after the fleeing mages, as they flew or ran back towards the hidden fortress.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir is caught off guard and tumbles with the landslide down the slope of Mount Dakoba.

Red-Rock-Shadow, feeling the creature coming closer, beats her wings faster, trying to go deeper into the crater.

Ted Peterson

The Jungle

The fleeing mages fan out, to give the dragon more targets, and to keep it pursuing them. Trying to keep an eye on their backs, to make sure the dragon is still there and to avoid its fire breath, while trying to keep an eye forward to avoid obstacles in the densely packed jungle is a tricky maneuver.

Subtlety does not seem to be the style of this juvenile undead dragon as it roars and crashes forward. Avoiding falling trees is yet another in the mages' series of hazards.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir tumbled over a cliff edge, and reached out with his left hand to keep from falling a thousand feet to the base of Mount Dakoba. His other hand held his Kynarine blade, and he wasn't willing to drop it yet ... He struggled to pull himself up over the cliff.

Ted Peterson

Mount Dakoba

Goranthir scrambled up over the cliff's edge with Nalion's help, grinning. "Thanks for the hand," the Prince replied as they charged back up the slope towards the crater. "Just got to remember to keep my eye on my feet."

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

Upon appearing in the fortress, Gistral discovered to his relief that he was not the first person from the expedition to Recall back. In fact, he immediately recognized one of the mages as someone he thought had been vaporized -- apparently, she had Recalled the instant before the fire had hit her. Professionals, these mage warriors.

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

Digitus Eros and the rest of the fortress warriors ready themselves.

"Hopefully everyone doesn't Recall back, so the dragon knows which way to go," the Imperial says under his breath.

Ted Peterson

Mount Dakoba

Goranthir, meanwhile, with Nalion, charges up the slope. Red-Rock-Shadow's spell to increase their speed and agility helping considerably in what would ordinarily be a slow and treacherous climb.

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

From the battlements, all can see the path of the dragon, as trees crumble in its wake like a wave.

"It's coming ..." Eros said, holding his hand up, waiting for the precise moment to launch the offensive. "Wait ..."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow cries out in pain, holding onto Slashes.

"Put me down," she whispers. "And find the Blightstone."

Ted Peterson

Mount Dakoba

Goranthir, having reached the volcano's lip again, drops into it. The Blightstone must be found.

Ted Peterson

"No," she shook her head, but Slashes could see that she had been burned by the spells that had been launched at the creature, though thankfully spared the worst of it, ironically, because of the fall. "Don't worry about me. Help the others."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir ran for the blightstone, firing his Kynarine blast in a sharp focus at where the stone was visible.

Red-Rock-Shadow, seeing the bird heading right for them, casts a strong feather-fall spell at it, and all within, to try to arrest its descent.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir was too close to the blightstone to be able to get out of its radius before it imploded, so he dodged the obsidian shards, and grabbed an outcropping of ebony. Hopefully it would hold as he was pulled towards the gem ...

Red-Rock-Shadow, among the boulders where Slashes had placed her, scrambled to get as far away as she could. The boulders were big, but if they began rolling, she'd be flattened. An obsidian shard struck her in the leg, and the pain of it, together with the withering rot on her broken wing, caused her to cry out.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow presses her mouth to his, wrapping her arms around his neck as the Blightstone implodes ...

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's grip on the ebony had been tight, strong enough to resist the pull of the implosion, though it took all of his strength to do that. He dropped to the snowy ground, exhausted, and whispered a prayer of thanks to Nirn before getting to his feet and seeing to the others.

Ted Peterson

"I'm fine," Red-Rock-Shadow said, pushing Slashes away. "I can heal myself."

Her hands glowing blue, she begins to heal her wings, looking at Slashes out of the corner of her eye.

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

"Wait ..." Eros kept his hand up.

The jungle was hot and humid, but it wasn't just the climate that was bringing a sheen of sweat to the soldiers watching the jungle, waiting. The crash of trees was coming quickly closer.

"Wait ..."

Four of the original mages from the vanguard burst out of the woods, followed by a long blast of fire that incinerated one of them. The remaining three cast Jump spells and hurdled the wall, just as the dragon burst through the jungle into the clearing.

"Fire!"

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

The heroes' spells and attacks, coupled with those of the other soldiers and mages, expertly timed, showered the dragon with a deafening salvo. It hissed and bellowed in pain at the countless assaults, not only from the direction of the fortress but from the summonings of atronachs and monarchs, striking it on all sides.

It shrugged off some of the attacks, and crushed some of the creatures that rushed it, but there always seemed to be more.

"Keep pressing it!" Eros called out.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

While the guards were mobilizing, a small group of figures in gray cloaks, walk through the crowd. No one knows when they appeared -- they certainly didn't arrive through the Mages Guild -- and few pay them much attention.

"What a lot of fuss," Loremaster Celarus remarked to the other Psijics as they made their way to the palace. "I thought the battle was centered around the Dragontail Mountains, not here."

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Venevria Estacirce was with them, also wearing a gray cloak, but she did not talk. She had been told often enough by her teachers in Artaeum that she was to watch and listen, and she did that, as the group made their way to the palace of Sentinel.

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan

The dragon howled, its cry shaking the foundations of the fortress, and it seemed to try to launch itself into the air. It was a clumsy, inelegant flight for a dragon, crashing into trees as it tried to make its escape.

As horrible and powerful a creature as it was, it was hard not to pity it.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Celarus and the other Psijics joined their conversation.

"A dragon?" Celarus smiled. "How marvelous. It's been quite a while since I've seen one of those ... But I suppose the problem is that most of your defenses are near the mountains now, yes?"

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

"It's not really a proper dragon, though, is it?" Celarus's smile turns to a thoughtful frown. "A proper dragon wouldn't be working for Mannimarco, unless Prince Gorridge --"

"Goranthir, Loremaster," one of the other Psijics corrects him.

"Yes, quite right, unless Prince Goranthir is directing them ... No, even then, I'd say," Celarus ponders it. "What say you, Master B? Is it Sentinel's time to be destroyed now, or is there something that should be done?"

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

"I concur," Celarus replied, and the other graycloaks also nodded. "But what we need is a better vantage point to see what we're facing."

He pointed to the top of the dome of the palace, and the graycloaks as one floated up to it, through the blue afternoon sky.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Landing on the Dome, Celarus touched the air, and the city all around them vanished. There was only the Psijics, Loranna, and the dragon in the air.

It was a ghastly beast, black and pestilential green, three hundred feet long, with wings twice its length. A skeleton clotted with gore, with eyes intent on mayhem.

"Some miles away yet," Celarus said. "We have time to do something."

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

The palace and city of Sentinel reappeared beneath their feet and the image of the dragon vanished, though now that they had seen it, it was easy to imagine its face and form almost upon them. In truth, it was so far away to be invisible in the sky, but at the speed it was moving, it would be upon them very soon.

Celarus reached out and drew a circle in the air, which stayed there, hovering, a glowing smoking rune.

The Psijics, except for Venevria, gathered in a circle and each did the same, their smoking circles becoming floating links in a chain.

Venevria whispered to herself, "Like the War of the Isle ..." but a quick glance from one of the Psijics, and she shut up, and stared.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel, the Dome of the Palace

Celarus turned to Loranna. "My dear Duchess, do you think you can arrange for some kind of a distraction for that rather gruesome creature? It would be a shame if it arrived before we had quite completed the ritual."

Ted Peterson

Before Loranna even saw the dragon in the sky, she could feel it. There was added pressure, added heat in the air. Below, she could see the stalks in the grain fields of Hammerfell bend and quiver as the beast approached, the beat of its wings creating a wind from miles away.

When she saw the tiny dot in the distance, she knew it was minutes away from her. As the old saying goes, if you see the dragon, it's already too late.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

The explosion of frost fills the sky around the dragon, and through the mist, she can see it twist in mid-air and plummet ...

And then she is back on the Dome, where suddenly she is bathed in rain. A dark cloud, billowing with wind, crashing with lightning and rolling thunder, already twice as big as the palace itself, is rising up, being fed by the energy of the Psjiics' circle of smoke.

"Watch your step," Venevria whispers. "The dome's pretty slippery now."

Ted Peterson

The storm continued to expand, rapidly covering the city.

"I think you did it," Venevria whispered. "It would have already been here by now ..."

The townsfolk ran for shelter as the wind and rain swept over Sentinel, and in the palace, the nobles looked out in wonderment at the tempest that had come on such a clear day.

Celarus pointed out into the distance. "It comes yet, but you have given us the minutes we need to drive it away ..."

The dot on the horizon grew larger.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Within minutes, the storm had increased manifold, and the tiny dot became the recognizable shape of a giant, skeletal dragon hurtling itself directly for the city of Sentinel. The Psijics in the circle held their arms aloft, and the storm shook and quivered. Before now, it had been a sudden but seemingly natural tempest.

Now it was the sword of Artaeum.

The great dragon sailed into it as it exploded, white lightning filling the sky, cyclonic winds of unimaginable pressure circling the beast. The creature’s wings folded against its body as it was whipped across the sky.

With a deafening crack, the heavens seemed to expel the dragon, flinging like a limp rag, spiraling northward, out to sea.

“Nicely distracted. Now then,” said Celarus, smiling with a rain-wet face as the rumbling storm turned into a simple gentle rain. “Any other problems, your Grace?”

Ted Peterson

Summary:

Three great undead dragons have been defeated. In the jungles to the east, a group of mages saved the village of Turodon by luring a rampaging dragon to the fortress of Ramakawan where he was driven off by Gistral, Sir Gancolm, Ota, and the factional warriors stationed there under the command of Digitus Eros. In the seaside fortress of Kalaan, an even larger dragon was driven off to sea by Dana, Vaan, the Fist of Harg, Samson, and the factional warriors stationed there under the command of Laretha Warhaft. In Sentinel, Loranna’s brave attack against the largest of the three dragons gave the Psijics of Artaeum just enough time to conjure up a storm to drive it away.

In the Dragontail Mountains, the heroes have managed to destroy three of the four Blightstones of Mannimarco, and defeat the minions of the King of Worms that defend them. Goranthir, newly freed of Mannimarco’s influence, and Red-Rock-Shadow, Argonian battlemage, are among the group, beginning the march towards Scourg Barrow, where the last of the Blightstones is guarded by none other than Mannimarco himself …

Ted Peterson

The Dragontail Mountains

At that moment, Allerleirauh and Tris were also on the mind of Goranthir as he guided the group over the mountains towards Scourg Barrow. At the time when Almalexia had tried to claim him and Mannimarco fought back, he had seen them, briefly in the madness that followed, in the Void. The King's powerful dark energy had destroyed them, or so it seemed ...

Goranthir put the memory back, and tried to forget it for now. It was too painful to think that he had lost Allerleirauh, Tris, and Taolle ... And now that they were facing Mannimarco again, he couldn't tell his fellow adventurers that he had destroyed the powerful Void Rangers so handily.

Meanwhile, Red-Rock-Shadow was also quiet in thought. She had kissed Slashes at that moment when he was carrying away from the imploding Blightstone. At the time, it seemed right and good, but now she was angry with herself, thinking about it. How could she forgive him for what he had done to her? ...

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

The light rain continued to fall down, but it didn't deter people in the streets from gathering and talking about what they thought they saw from their windows. Imperial and Royal soldiers too were gathering about, searching the area around the palace.

"They never think to look up, do they?" said Hannibal Traven, alighting on the roof. "I thought I recognized your handiwork."

"Good day to you, Archmagister," said Celarus.

"Are you planning on staying up here and getting soaked, or can I offer you some food and drink, courtesy of the good King Lhotun within warm walls?"

Ted Peterson

Sentinel - The Palace
Indoors

The Psijics were also cleaned and dried, thanks to Venevria Estacirce whose job it was to keep them presentable. It was not too arduous a task as far as menial labor goes -- a simple spell. Still, quite different than what she would have been doing as a noblewoman of Firsthold, and she seemed happy with the responsibilities.

The mood in general seemed bright in the dining room with various factions with differing sometimes hostile philosophies talking and laughing.

The Emperor and Loremaster Celarus were talking quietly at one end of the room.

King Reman and former Queen Morgiah of Firsthold were also chatting, and though it seemed awkward, both were smiling.

King Lhotun was holding court for most of the rest of those assembled. He looked exuberant over his kingdom being saved, and perhaps a little pleasantly drunk.

Ted Peterson

The Dragontail Mountains

The heroes pressed on, drinking the restore fatigue potions in lieu of sleep to march on through the night towards Scourg Barrow. Both Masser and Secunda were new moons, what the Khajiit would call the time of the Suthay, so only the stars provided illumination as they continued the treacherous climbs. There were sheer cliffs to be navigated and steep slopes, until at last the sunrise showed them their goal: Scourg Barrow.

The heroes were on a precipice overlooking the plateau where the King of Worms made his home. Below the plateau there seemed to be a river system flowing in all directions, as if the Barrow were in the center of an enormous spiders web.

The structure itself, if the heroes were expecting a grand castle or palace, was rather unassuming: a peculiar, ancient edifice that resembled nothing so much as an enormous sepulcher. Although, the name “Barrow” suggested, there was much more to be seen underground.

(OOC – We’re taking some license here, but for a view of Scourg Barrow, as it appeared in Daggerfall on a French website, see http://daggerfall.free.fr/soluce/scourg.html)

Ted Peterson

Something about the view seemed to bother Goranthir, and he cautiously moved down to a lower part of the precipice, well hidden still, to look.

"That's not a river system," Goranthir said, his voice low. "That's an army."

And do it was, a massive skeletal army marching through the valleys below Scourg Barrow, streaming out of their capitol of death, heading out in all directions.

Ted Peterson

"I only know of the entrances below, which the army is using," Goranthir said. "And the entrance above, on the plateau, which is the 'front door.'"

And then he added. "And, Slyvos, we're here to destroy the last Blightstone, not kill Mannimarco ... Leave that to the army."

Ted Peterson

"I don't think the army's looking up," said Red-Rock-Shadow, spreading her newly healed wings. "We can either levitate or I can fly some of you over."

Ted Peterson

"You're going to need it within," said Goranthir to Nalion, and then walked over to Red-Rock-Shadow. "I'll take a ride if you think your wings can take it after the obsidian phoenix tore them up ..."

"Well, if they can't, it's just a short drop down, eh?" Red-Rock-Shadow replied with a wink of her second eyelid. It was at least a thousand feet to the valley below, which was filled with the army of the undead.

She spread her wings, grabbed Goranthir around the waist, and took to the air.

Ted Peterson

After dropping Goranthir off on the plateau without incident, the Argonian battlemage flies back to pick up Gram. Thus, each hero, by levitation or by Red-Rock-Shadow's wings, found themselves facing the weird sepulcher that was Scourg Barrow.

Goranthir quietly walked over to the heavy stone door. He started to open it and then turned around to the group, "This is it. We're going in, and there's a good chance some of us may not be coming out."

Ted Peterson

Scourg Barrow

The howling wind outside vanished into the eerie stillness of the sepulcher. Within the heroes found a funeral hall of sarcophagi, twenty-one of them in total. The walls were obsidian, devoid of any ornamentation.

Goranthir went to one particular particular sarcophagus, and with a grunt, pushed its lid back. It was a hole down into darkness.

"That's why I said hold onto your levitation scrolls," Goranthir said in a whisper that still seemed loud in the silence of the room.

Ted Peterson

"I can lower you down," Red-Rock-Shadow replies, and then seems to reconsider. "Actually ... It's really narrow. Too narrow to flap."

"Lots of tight spaces here," Goranthir nodded, frowning. "Scourg Barrow is like being buried alive."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow may not be able to fly everyone down, but between her and Slyvos, they can cast levitation on each hero, who one by one begins their descent.

Without Shaka’s and Nalion’s light spell, the descent would be in utter darkness. Parts of the narrow well are so tight that the larger of the heroes feel their bodies scraping along the smooth walls, and parts are wide open, as if they are in an endless, formless abyss. Finally, a long while, so long that a few might have worried about the duration of the levitation spells, they reach solid ground.

There is even light, though its source is most unusual. The earthen walls are the home of tiny maggots which glow with a slight phosphorescence, giving everyone a slight greenish cast, which seems to move, forming shadows while bringing other areas into illumination.

There were whispers in the air and strange footsteps that seemed to get louder and then vanish as the group made their way down the hall.

“This is a very haunted place,” Goranthir said. “You won’t know what’s real until it’s in front of your eyes, and perhaps not even then.”

Ted Peterson

The group proceeded through the murky corridors, feeling soft earth under their feet, and hearing the soft, haunted whispers all around.

"The Blightstone is not much further," Goranthir says in a low voice, as he turns a corner. "Mannimarco keeps it in Lasthold ..."

Before he can say another word, he pulls up his kynarine blade to deflect an ax blow.

Zombie warriors, ten of them, armored and armed with axes fall on the group, moaning.

Ted Peterson

“Dammit!” Red-Rock-Shadow shouted, halting her own offensive spell as Osa and Tsei and Slyvos’s fire and frostballs exploded in the corridor. It reminded her too much of the attacks on the obsidian phoenix that she was too close to in the last battle. “No area effect spells in tight corridors where your team-mates are present!”

Goranthir used the zombie who was attacking him as a shield against the fire attacks, and it vaporized.

Nalion’s more specifically directed fire also annihiliated its target.

Isidor is not in the line of fire of the blasts, and disarms and then disembowels his opponent, though it continues to squirm on the floor.

Gram too was a step back from the worst of it, handily crushing the zombie’s skull.

Reichi, charging into the area where the fireballs were exploding, took down one zombie with his claws and ripped into another. Athaso also is in the area where the frost and fireballs hit, his holy sword cleaving through the zombie’s armor like it wasn’t there.

The fireballs and frostballs, though perhaps hurting team-mates, do take out the rest of the creatures handily. When the smoke and mist clear, they are in a corridor filled with corpses.

Ted Peterson

"In the training for the Spheres," Goranthir said. "If we had space, the spellcasters would shield the fighters, boost us, and send salvos at the enemy if there was a distance between us and them ... In the case of an ambush like that one, I guess the only rule is, pay attention to where your team-mates are before blowing the place up."

Before them was a huge ebony door, carved with arcane symbols.

Ted Peterson

Scourg Barrow, Lasthold

Red-Rock-Shadow had beaten Nalion to it, casting a healing spell on Athaso's arm.

"We're going to need you in fighting condition," she said with a nod.

---

"There'll be plenty of room to fight in here, Slyvos," Goranthir said, opening the door.

They appeared to be stepping out into the open world, but they knew that to be impossible. For one, they were too far underground to have emerged out, and for two, when they had gone into the Barrow, it was sunrise. In here, it was sunset.

Nevertheless, there was a sun there, setting in the west, the moons beginning to show in the clouds, and the barest hint of stars coming out in the darker east.

The place they were stepping out of appeared to be a mundane building of some kind until they realized it was built of bones. Some ancient, some very fresh. Most of them still recognizably attached to a full skeleton, and a few with so much meat on them, the body could have been simply sleeping, but for its color and stillness.

The whole city they were overlooking was built of bodies, and it went on for miles. The streets of leg bones, perfectly set side by side. Temples with spires made of corpses. An arena made of skulls.

"This is Lasthold," Goranthir said in a whisper.

Ted Peterson

Scourg Barrow, Lasthold

"I don't know," Goranthir said, beginning the walk down the bone road. "I just know he said he put it here somewhere ..."

As he passed an archway lined with corpses, one of the heads opened its eyes, and a half-rotten arm dangled down, reaching for him.

"Avoid the fresh ones," Goranthir told the group.

Ted Peterson

"What are you looking for?" a woman's voice asked.

Ten of them walked up the street, dressed in gossamer robes. They were pure white, like Goranthir, and heartbreakingly beautiful. One was a lithe Ohmes khajiit, another a statuesque Bosmer; next to her was a voluptuous Nord with her arm around an Argonian whose pale scales sparkled like gems. Another duo stepped down from a row of stairs, a delicately-featured Altmer and a Dunmer with full lush lips and a long, kissable neck. An elegant, graceful Imperial woman, a Breton with wild, cascading locks, and a Redguard who looked like she had been carved of ivory joined them. Even the Orc maiden, thin-waisted and smooth-skinned was desirable.

"And what have you done with Geht, naughty boy?" the Redguard laughed, winking at Goranthir. "You know you're going to be punished for this."

Ted Peterson

"Cast a silence spell now!" Goranthir yelled, firing his kynarine blast at them, sending the ten beauties into the air with its force. "They're like I was!"

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow did not trust the look of these women when she first stepped in, and was plainly not captivated by them. When Goranthir yelled out, she was quick with a spell, but she also criticized the Prince. "Then don't knock them out of any reason area of effect, kid!"

Her silence spell fell on the Redguard, Breton, Argonian, and Khajiit.

Nalion's silenced the Altmer and Dunmer, who had been knocked against a pillar of bone next to him.

The Imperial woman, blown by the kynarine effect, was among those out of the area of effect. She landed lightly on an arbor that stretched between two buildings, and then called out, meeting Gram's eyes. "You! The handsome Nord! Why don't you meet me inside?"

She slipped in through the window, and Gram could see that the door to the house was open.

Ted Peterson

The Bosmer who had leapt to her feet was the recipient of this spell.

Ted Peterson

The Dunmer woman was the closest, and Reichi swung at her, but she dodged the blade, her beautiful face curled up in an angry cry that had no sound. The Altmer who was next to her clutched at the werewolf, with an unnaturally strong grip.

---

As Gram steps through the threshold, the others watch as the door slams shut from above, as the house grinds down on him, as if he stepped into a giant’s mouth.

The other women, yelling soundlessly, rushed to attack the heroes. The one closest to Nalion was the Breton, her wild beautiful hair flowing behind her as she grabbed for his throat, only to repelled by the magical shield.

The Orc maiden, the only other unsilenced sister, had disappeared into a tower at the end of the street.

Ted Peterson

The Dunmer maiden jumps nimbly back, avoiding Valerius’s sword swipes, just as she had Reichi’s claws …

---

And she walked right into Reichi’s sword, gaping wordlessly as she looked at the holy sword imbedded in her.

The Altmer, however, equally nimble as the Dunmer, leapt over Reichi, getting into position to attack.

---

The lightning arched around the Breton beauty, lifting her off the ground as she spasmed, screaming silently, and then collapsing, smoke drifting up from her gossamer robes.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir meanwhile had swung his sword at the Redguard, who was dodging it, while Red-Rock-Shadow stood over the smoking remains of the beauty who had once been the Bosmer.

Ted Peterson

The Argonian was struck with Nalion's spell at the same moment she was struck by a drain health spell from Red-Rock-Shadow, and she cried out -- audibly.

The Khajiit realizing that the silence spell had run its duration, cleared her throat and said to Nalion: "I want you to go --"

Then her head tumbled off her neck with a swipe of Goranthir's blade.

"Go to Oblivion," he said.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's Kynarine blasts and Red-Rock-Shadow's telekinesis confirmed it. Tearing the place apart, there was no sign of Gram or the pale Imperial beauty.

Goranthir looked at Nalion helplessly and then turned to see who he was talking to. His eyes grew wide.

"You!"

Ted Peterson

"Another 'friendly' vampire," Red-Rock-Shadow said, her tone neutral. "Well, I too appreciate the boost to my power -- Dayla, is it?"

Goranthir muttered under his breath. "All right, but after this is over, I'll chase you over Vvardenfelll and see how you like it, snake lady ..."

Still frowning, he scanned the area. "We need to go somewhere high to take a look at the city. Gram's now a part of it, whatever is currently being built ..."

Ted Peterson

He didn't, as Red-Rock-Shadow spread her wings and grabbed him by the waist. She looked over the Dayla as she took to the air. "Do you need a lift too, Dayla?"

Ted Peterson

From the sky, the four have a good view of all, and without seeing the details of what the buildings and streets are made out of, it has a remarkable kind of beauty. All at once it is ornate as an Altmer city, and austere as an Imperial city, with eccentric touches from other cultures to give it character. There can be no doubt that Mannimarco is a genius, albeit a diabolical one.

Scanning an entire city for one man would have been too much even more an old, powerful vampire like Dayla. When the city has no one living in it, however, the task becomes much easier ...

Dayla finds him at about the same time Goranthir, Red-Rock-Shadow, and Nalion note the most obvious new construction. In the midst of a grand plaza in front of the palace, the loggia that surrounds it is only half-completed. The statue of a robed man also appears to be under construction ...

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"Let's take the ground then, to avoid attracting any extra attention," Red-Rock-Shadow replied. She could tell there was history here, but now was not the time to air grievances. If it were, she would have had it out with Slashes long ago ...

The heroes began their walk, down the road of bones, avoiding the restless dead impacted into walls that reached out to them, and stared with undead eyes.

Ted Peterson

Around King Lhotun, the joyous mood continued all night, as the rain continued to fall, but Loranna noted that at some point Hlaalu Morgiah, the Emperor, and Loremaster Celarus had all left the room. Reman stayed, but seemed distant.

Eventually, when she made her way to the comfortable silk bed that had been provided for her, she slept to the soporific sounds of the rain outside her window.

Loranna’s Dream in Firsthold

Loranna was walking along a familiar path in a city she recognized, where rain was also falling. She recognized at once it was Vivec. She was alone, but she could hear some disturbance ahead in the Temple District. As she walked along the bath, she noticed that as the rain fell into puddles at her bare feet and the dirt was washed off, the paths were all made of gold …

Ted Peterson

Firsthold, Scourg Barrow

As the group walks along, they pass the Arena, a massive colisseum entirely made of skulls. Inside it, they can hear a horrible battle under way, squeals, grunts, and screams that sound almost human ...

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Just then, there was a roar of a crowd within the arena. Not only were there combatants within, there were spectators. A lot of them.

Goranthir nodded, and pointed towards an archway across the street which was at a higher elevation than the entrance to the Arena, and bring them closer to the palace and the unfinished loggia and statue, where they suspected Gram would be found ... dead or alive.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"The surprises have been and will be bad," Red-Rock-Shadow nodded. "Keep alert."

The arch passed over to a grand boulevard leading to the plaza and the palace ahead. Even from some distance away, the group could recognize the figure represented on the still incomplete statue from his image in various Mage Guilds throughout Tamriel. It was Vanus Galerion, the founder of the Guild.

"His ancient enemy immortalized in bones," the Argonian battlemage mused under her breath.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

A huge crowd joined her, appearing in every direction, chattering to themselves. The excitement was not in the Temple District itself, but just outside of Vivec. The young and old, men and mer, ladies and gentlemen alike all moved to see what they thought would be either a Holy Visitation or a Trial.

Loranna was nearly trampled by the enthusiasm of the crowd, but a hand pulled her out of the way of a particularly enthusiastic group.

A dapper man with a waistcoat and cane, slightly askew hair, and even more askew eyes took her arm. He was immediately familiar, but not at all threatening.

"Shall we, my dear?" Sheogorath asked, smiling. "This promises to be quite the spectacle."

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

As they stepped into the plaza, they could see just how amazing the statue was, with bodies and bones twisted to show even the folds of Galerion's cloak and the fibers of his beard, in a hundred foot high statue. An arm and part of the chest were missing, but it was a masterpiece then and there.

The loggia that ran around the periphery of the plaza was also unfinished. Elevated above the ground by columns above and below, it, like much of the architecture of Lasthold was simultaneously ornate and classic. The walkway was open to the air facing the plaza by design, but the holes in the floor and the lack of steps to get to it pointed to its unfinished state.

The plaza itself was wide open except for the statue and the wide steps to the grand palace, a glowering manor to rival any above ground, in the Imperial City or Firsthold.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream: Vivec

"Not at all, my dear, you have never been less mixed up, we are friendly aquaintances from some time ago," Sheogorath smiled gently, leading her to a railing overlooking the affair below.

There were several figures below. Allerleirauh, Jazbet, Arynel, many, many others, together with the vast crowd, spilling around the open hall. In the center was a very familiar person, a young Nord girl with ashen skin, and silver tearstreaks, who was clearly pregnant, just like her ...

Though now when Loranna felt her belly, there was no baby in it. Not that this bothered her.

The familiar girl in the middle of the hall was speaking, her voice both strong and faltering. "In Morrowind, I saw just how much my presence was harming people. Lives had been lost and livlihoods sacrificed in my name, in Azura's name, never to be adequately recompensed - lives which had been doing fair enough without me or the goddess up to that point. I did not know how to truly help the Dunmer people and never had ..."

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"You shouldn't go alone," Goranthir said, and Red-Rock-Shadow nodded, lifting him up as she spread her wings, carrying him across the plaza to the loggia. The corpses were indeed fresher there in the newly built section, and several of them open their eyes and mouths and stretched out their hands at the heroes' approach ...

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream, Vivec

“And the goddess, who had told me she wished to return to her people to lead them into a new age, said nothing to guide me in helping her people,” the Nord continued, her tone more strident, more ringing.

The faithful around Loranna and Sheogorath buzzed amongst themselves, trying to understand what she was saying. Loranna noticed a little girl in the crowd with her family on the ledge, and recognized her as Tamne, though much younger, with red Dunmeri eyes. Tamne turned to her and giggled, not understanding the consternation and confusion, but enjoying the sight.

She also saw the Bathogorgen vampires watching, in human form, Ashana and Dayla whispering to one another.

Down in the hall, she recognized more people. There was Solin and Arynel next to Allerleirauh. And B, who she had just spoken to, next to Aricyn.

“She simply sat and accepted the devotion offered her, letting my empty promises be the reward for that faith!” the Nord girl continued, addressing the crowd. Their response was bewilderment mixed with anger. Who was she, this outlander, to be speaking so about their Goddess?

“Keep watching,” Sheogorath said, holding her hand. “The best is yet to come.”

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream, Vivec

The Nord’s voice rang out even louder, silencing those around them.

“That is what she intended to offer all alon –“

The Nord suddenly stopped in mid sentence as if changing her mind. She stiffened, and raised her head up, looking directly at Loranna with blazing blue eyes.

Before the Nord’s voice had been loud, determined, but this was no mortal’s tongue that spoke next. It echoed through Vivec, and people instinctively screamed in surprise and shock.

“ENOUGH! THERE WILL BE NO TRIAL! THIS IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT NOW!”

As the city erupted around them, Sheogorath took Loranna’s hand, and together they sailed up over the city into the storm overhead.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

As the heroes levitated or flew up to the loggia, looking around it, they heard a slight giggle behind one of the columns. Coming closer, they heard a low woman’s voice say:

"Just relax and let yourself die like you're supposed to, like a good little brick."

The column was too wide to see anything. They would have to land on the walkway to approach the source of the voice. The faces of the dead along the walkway had already opened their eyes and stretched out their hands, seeing them.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Goranthir and Red-Rock-Shadow were right behind him, but the stealthy approach was marred by the clawing hands and thrashing bodies of the fresh undead corpses that lined the walls.

They saw the three remaining white sisters, the Orc, the Imperial, and the Nord, standing behind the column, looking at the wall. As soon as the corpses began their moan, the Imperial looked in their direction, her eyes widening.

Goranthir pulled out his sword, and Red-Rock-Shadow launched a Silence spell at them.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Between Nalion and Red-Rock-Shadow’s spells, the three pale beauties were silenced, as they prove when they snarled at the approaching heroes, and no sound issued forth.

---

The three maidens seeing Goranthir, Valerius, Reichi, Ora, Shaka, and Slashes approaching, Slyvos readying a spell, dodged the immediate attacks and leapt agilely to the square, running up the steps to the palace.

The wall they had been peering at was a nightmarish mosaic of rotten flesh, hanging skeletons, and one particular familiar face who stared at them with the same expression as the others. It was Gram, embraced by the bones around him, stuck fast.

Ted Peterson

With Nalion, Tsei, Reeds, and Slyvos struggling to pull Gram from the wall, they succeed, all the while being pulled at by the hands of the other “bricks” in the wall. He falls heavily to the floor, shaking.

---

Isidor, Ingmar, Ora, Shaka, and Dayla race after them in hot pursuit. Immediately inside the palace was an enormous gallery, featuring a huge statue, a hundred feet tall, of a tiger with bat-like wings. In front of the statue is a pile of equipment, weapons, and other artifacts, including Gram’s.

From the shadowy side passageways of the gallery, hidden behind columns and colonnades, comes the sounds of slithering.

Ted Peterson

The statue was some sort of crystalline material, slightly opaque. Not like the bone-formed art in the rest of Lasthold at all.

Among the items that the heroes gathered up was Spellbreaker, tossed into the pile with the other items, many of which did seem to be high-quality.

“Tiuj cirkonstancauw rahkspeguligxos en so aspekto so Kvakoa …”

The sload did not move quickly, their massive forms filling the spaces between the columns, but they move relentlessly. Their fat arms raised up, dark energy flowing out towards the heroes …

Ted Peterson

“Tiuj cirkonstancauw rahkspeguligxos en so aspekto so Kvakoa …”

“Sload,” Goranthir said, leaping off the walkway down to the plaza and running for the palace. “They’re casting a spell to nullify the spellcasters ...!”

Red-Rock-Shadow didn’t like the sound of that at all, being a battlemage, but she flew after him.

---

Shaka’s fireball, Dayla’s reflection, Valerius’s elemental spells, Nalion’s silence, and Hesek’s reflection spells all fizzle, and they and the others in the gallery find themselves without their spellcasting abilities.

---

The sload, surprised, had no time to react, and was torn to pieces. Twelve others remained, and at the sign of what happened to their brother, they cast shields on themselves and continued to press forward …

Ted Peterson

Goranthir and Red-Rock-Shadow arrive at the palace gallery, and Goranthir stops, stunned at the sight of the statue.

“I lalo lilo loa I Ka Po' Tun Par Dé ma Haung,” the Prince whispers.

The statue opens its mouth, its voice low and musical ”Dé Ka Po' Tun Me'Thitsar!”

“Everyone,” Goranthir yelled. “Get out! Quickly!”

---

Shaka’s spear snaps through the shield of one of the sload, causing the creature to back away in fear. Another hit would do it in. Nalion’s situation was similar. The shield had been strong enough to withstand the initial attack, but vaporized upon contact with the staff. The sload tried to back away, its arms raised to defend itself or cast a spell …

Dayla rips through her sload’s shield with her first attack, killing the loathsome giant slug with her second. Reichi too tore apart his second sload before the booming voice of the Ka Po’Tun echoed in the gallery.

The remaining sload stretch out their arms, weaving another spell at the heroes.

Ted Peterson

The heroes make it to the exit and down the stairs, while the arms of the corpses in the steps reach out for them, trying to trip them.

Behind them, they see the “statue” step down from its pedestal.

“Mannimarco’s paths have taken him outside Tamriel,” Goranthir said softly, shaking his head, and backing away, blade out.

Ted Peterson

Summary

Things are peaceful for now in Sentinel, Ramakawan, and Kalaan, but the adventurers in the Dragontail Mountains have seen rivers of zombie soldiers pouring out of Scourg Barrow in all directions. A mother of a battle is about to happen.

Meanwhile, in Scourg Barrow itself, in an enormous city made out of skeletons and corpses, the heroes are facing threat after threat in their quest to destroy the final Blightstone and bring down the defenses of the King of Worms.

First there were ten beautiful pale women, representing all the sentient races of Tamriel. Only three of them, an Orc, an Imperial, and a Nord, escaped our heroes. Then there were the sload within the palace of Mannimarco. Now a Ka’Po Tun, a tiger dragon of Akavir, has entered into the fray.

For the time being the heroes have retreated out to the central square, between the unfinished loggia and unfinished statue of Vanus Galerion, and the palace where the sload and Ka’Po Tun are. But it is only a matter of time before the two forces clash again …

Meanwhile ...

Loranna and her escort Sheogorath are on a dream voyage through all the past RPs. It's kind of a Greatest Hits clips show, but with plenty of twists ...

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

They whirled every upward into the clouds, just as the Ministry of Truth came crashing down past them, losing the sight of Vivec as dark clouds surrounded them. Yet, though the clouds were black on the outside, they were illuminated within as lightning encircled Sheogorath and Loranna like dancing children. She could reach out and touch the lightning, and it wrapped around her wrist like a beautiful bracelet before darting off.

The Mad God smiled at Loranna, his face bright. “Let’s see some more.”

Still holding her hand, Sheogorath struck out with his cane with his free hand and the clouds parted. They were no longer over Vivec, but flying through the storm over a little village of only a few dozen houses, on the coast. A small Nordic keep stood on a cliff a few miles up the road.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

They dropped out of the storm, whirling hand-in-hand like leaves over the Inner Sea, drawn to the village.

Skirting the mangrove swamps, Loranna sees Stalker fishing, unseen by any of the boats traveling in and out of the bay.

They fly over the Drunken Guar tavern, still standing, serving the rowdy adventurers and locals who stumble in and out of it. A pretty young girl is among them, making friends, and Loranna recognizes her as she who she would eventually crown the Harvest Princess. It is quite clear from here that she is a common prostitute.

Dropping down at last at the front of the unfortified keep, Sheogorath raps on the door with his cane.

Kallen opens the door. He looks impossibly young, a mere child, but still with serious eyes and a professional manner.

“We’re with the party that just arrived,” Sheogorath said, leading Loranna in past the seneschal. Together they walked past the library where a red-headed Dunmer, Dagoth Lich in his illusionary disguise, was reading.

Then they passed into the herb garden.

Allerleirauh, Jazbet, and the Nord girl were pressed close together among the blossoms and smells of the garden, and Allie was kissing him, deeply.

"Blind old grouch," the white-haired woman said. "Don't go feeling sorry for yourself, or making mocking comments. I've been wanting to do that for a while now. I did it, and I'm glad."

The ashen-skin Nord, her arm around Allerleirauh as she kisses Jazbet under the ear, whispers: "She's got a point. Trust me; people keep telling me much the same thing."

Jazbet, a cloth around his eyes, looks as if he’s about ready to faint, and then says with an unsteady voice: 'I can say, in all honesty, that I'm not feeling sorry for myself anymore … I wouldn't be anyone else at this moment.'

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

“How many moments have you had where you didn’t want to be someone else?” Sheogorath asked, seemingly at Loranna, but his eyes undirected as if he were addressing the ghosts of the past, present, and future.

Aricyn, shirtless, laughing, stepped past them with a polite “Excuse me,” his eyes on the three in the herb garden. Laughing, he approached them, saying: “"Well! I seem to be missing the party!"

Sheogorath pulled her hand, bringing her into the dining room. Suddenly, the light faded from the windows, and she could tell it was night time. There was Kallen, lying on the floor in a puddle of blood, dazed. The Nordic girl, Loranna, was kneeling over him, gently parting his shirt to apply a healing spell.

The word on his chest, freshly torn, was “SLAVE.”

Loranna felt a dark malevolent shadow pass Sheogorath and her as if they weren’t there, coming towards the Nordic girl.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

"'Why?'" the Mad God looked to her and scoffed. "I'm showing you 'why.'"

As the Nord girl and the incorporeal shade fell against one another, she screamed, thrashing.

"My, what a ruckus you made," the Mad God chuckled. "And what an embarassing social situation, being mauled by ghosts while trying to entertain your new House."

The letters were torn across the Nord girl's chest: H A R L O T.

The son of my son
Or the son of my daughter
Or both
Must take the title Lord of Ald Ra'athim
In one month’s time
Or the land of the thief will be swallowed whole by the sea
You cannot take what you were not given.

Sheogorath and Loranna stepped out of the dining room and into the kitchen. There was hammering on the door to the cellar, and Sheogorath opened it.

Dres Obael was on the other side, a little drunk, more than a little alarmed by the sounds issuing from the living room.

"Can I help you?" Sheogorath asked.

"What in bloody Oblivion is going on?" the handsome young Dres nobleman cried, and the Mad God slammed the door back shut.

"Still, a good-looking lad," Sheogorath shrugged. "I wonder what's become of him."

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

"Being underestimated is hardly a distinguishing characteristic," Sheogorath chuckled, leaning back against a mirror, which Loranna thought didn't actually belong in Razbiah's kitchen. It reflected the window behind her, and the night storm.

It also showed light, now that she looked at it. A blazing fire in a humble tavern firepit, and a group of adventurers gathered around it. A tavern somewhere.

Looking around, she found that the window behind her was the outside window to a tavern in High Rock she hadn't been to in a long, long time ... In fact, it had been burned to the ground shortly after she left it ... [

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

Sheogorath laughed at that. “Makes perfect sense to me, my dear.”

The Mad God opened the window, helping Loranna through, and then coming in behind them.

“Close the window!” the barmaid yelled, laughing as she watched the drunken patrons at the table. “Can’t you see there’s a man half naked in here?”

“My apologies, madam,” the Mad God bowed, and closed the window.

It occured to Loranna at that moment that the jolly tavernmaid was a spy of Queen Elysana's, who would later report an innocent remark as treason, setting off a whole chain of events.

There was indeed a half-naked man in the tavern, whose name, Loranna remembered, was Hakan. He was laughing, looking at his fallen greaves and pants.

"Well, it seems i've been bested in a duel for the first time."

"And... we have our first naked Nord of the evening..." Allerleirauh, one of the people in the room, muttered, rolling her eyes. "If mammalian anatomy is how I remember it, he is cold as well."

Harg, whom Loranna had seen more recently in Sentinel, who she believed was now in Kalaan, also chuckled. "The Fist of Harg is not ashamed to admit that once even his mighty greaves fell victim to Elaine's nimble hands. However, only once."

Samson, his old companion was with him, grinning. "Yeah; I remember that time ..."

"The Fist of Harg thinks now is a good time to discuss book learning," Harg replied loudly, looking to the others in the tavern.

Arynel was there as well. He looked different, younger, but still mysterious. "Nords, must everything concern the fray?" There was a certain madness in his eyes, as he pulled at his hair. "I can't believe this. I've seen the dam dog dance with Azura, and lived, but I just can't believe this!"

Sheogorath laughed uproariously at that.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

"You're being so quiet right now," Sheogorath grinned, looking both at Loranna and the younger version of herself, seated nearby, who was simply watching the group. "Not quite in the center of attention, but you're craving it, aren't you? Why don't you sit down and have a talk with yourself, since no one else is? We don't have to leap from place to place ... I actually fancy a drink."

Sheogorath left Loranna and went to the spy/barmaid.

Ted Peterson

Meanwhile ...
Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Red-Rock-Shadow quickly passes around Restore Magicka potions to the spellcasters retreating from the palace, all the while keeping her eyes on the steps.

"I only have a couple of these," she says. "You'll probably start regenerating your magicka right away, but I don't think we have much time ..."

The shadows within the palace were still for now, but the heroes had little illusion that the sloads and the tiger-dragon were watching them, waiting for their next move while strategizing their own ...

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Goranthir nodded, looking only towards the palace, waiting for any movement. He said. "I asked it if it was being quiet and still because it was tired. It replied back that I was just in time for it to feed ... And he looked at you with hunger ..."

Ted Peterson

"I actually don't know Ko'Tun any better than you do," Goranthir replied, smiling a little. "I just speak their language like I do all proper languages ... But it definitely wasn't looking to the sload with hunger, only you ..."

He frowned a little. "Some of you more than others."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir and Red-Rock-Shadow nodded and let loose their respective talents in the direction of the palace: for him, a kynarine blast; for her, a powerful Turn Undead spell.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

The massive energies directed at the palace punched holes in it, dissolving the bones and bodies that made up its walls, but they seemed at first mere pinpricks in its enormous edifice. It did not take long, however, before cracks ran up the sides, and one huge chunk dropped off and then another.

The weird clacking language of the Sload could be heard within, and one of them appeared on the steps, holding his hands up, a dark energy burning around him.

He was quickly flattened by the Ka'Po'Tun as the creature burst out of the gallery, bounding down the stairs, straight for the heroes.

Red-Rock-Shadow pulled back, but continued to blast at the palace which, while crumbling, was still standing.

Goranthir, however, directed the kynarine blast towards the Akaviri.

Ted Peterson

The tiger-dragon, being attacked by Nalion's lightning bolt, Goranthir's kynarine blast, and P'Rassha's axe, suddenly pivoted in position, shrugging Gram off, heading for the Prince of Firsthold.

Nalion's and Dayla's lightning bolts glanced off of him, and Goranthir swung his blade at the creature, and it caught it in its jaws.

A silvery mist dripped from its mouth, and when Goranthir pulled back, his blade was gone.

The creature bit down hard, masticating the sword of the Psijics.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

Both Arynel and Loranna were suddenly lost in the darkness of nothingness.

---

Then they heard a door open, and then footsteps.

As the footsteps came closer, she heard another noise. A slight sipping.

"I can't even have one drink, can I?" the Mad God's voice tutted, with both of them in the dark. "Ah, Loranna, how little you've changed."

Ted Peterson

The Ka Po'Tun swatted Goranthir aside, and snapped at the nine foot Khajiit on its back, particularly, it seemed, aiming for the axe.

It also turned around, distracted by Reeds's blades, more of the silver mist dripping from its jaws.

When Ingmar swung his sword at it, however, it elegantly gripped it with its teeth, ripping it from Ingmar's hands, and down the creature's gullet.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

"Well, people seem to have a habit of following you, even when there is no reason to it," Sheogorath's voice chuckles. "Hope you're enjoying it, young Breton. You will call this place your second home soon enough ..."

A gray light rose around them, and Arynel and Loranna found themselves floating in the Void with the Dam Dog.

Ted Peterson

The tiger-dragon bounded after the thrown axe, like a dog after a bone.

Dé Ka Po' Tun Me'Thitsar-je!

“He says he still hungers!” Goranthir called out, realizing what P’Rassha and Reichi at least had understood. “Use your weapons to lead him! That’s what he wants, not us!”

---

The creature swatted Reeds and Valerius, Isidor and Reichi aside as it ran for the axe. What effects, if any the spells had, were hard to say …

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

"Now, there's a young lady who will take quite a fancy to you in the future," Sheogorath laughed, pointing off into the distance.

Loranna and Arynel turned, and noted a tiny figure seemingly miles away. In a blink, she was right in front of them, pale skin, blood-red eyes, and lank black hair which floated around her as if she were drowning in the Void. Her eyes spoke of innocence and hunger.

"Hello," Bosriel smiled, particularly taking note of Arynel.

"Hello," Sheogorath said. "Where are you going to?"

"Argonia?" the little girl replied as if it that too were a question. "They're on a quest to set me free."

"Then let us waste no time," said the Mad God, taking both Arynel and Loranna in his hands, racing after the Void Vampire as she glided through the Void.

Ted Peterson

"There's no metal anywhere in Lasthold!" Goranthir yelled back. "Only bone! That's why he hungers!"

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"Metal!" Goranthir yelled back. He yelled to the beast chasing after the axe and other equipment Dayla held aloft in front of him. "Ka Pang fei fen Po' Tun! Myon mi an!"

To Dayla, he shouted. "Lead him towards the Arena! That's the way to the army!"

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Dayla, levitating behind the tiger-dragon as it bounded after the metal, was able to witness the creature crashing into the Arena in the midst of a battle between six horrific malformed zombies, and a crowd of hundreds that watched. The tunnel leading to the outside where the armies were marching was on the other side of the arena -- even now, soldiers were streaming into it.

The tiger-dragon first leapt at the combatants and their weapons, and the arena erupted into chaos.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"How many more creatures like that does Mannimarco have in Lasthold?" Red-Rock-Shadow asked.

"Plenty more," Goranthir said. "I agree with Dayla. We shouldn't lose sight of our goal. Find the last Blightstone, destroy it, get out of here fast. The longer we stay, the more attention we attract, and the likelier that something will show up that can kill us."

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

Those with mystical sensitivies would note that the strongest impression was coming from the half-finished statue of Vanus Galerion, though it wasn't as strong as it had been when the Blightstones were close ...

Nalion also noted that the face he had seen in the statue was gone.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

As Dayla was surveying the statue, she noticed something, and thought at first her eyes were playing tricks on her. Among the faces of the corpses that made it up was a familiar one. A beautiful Chimer woman with her eyes closed, and at peace.

Ashana.

Ted Peterson

Looking all around the statue, Nalion noticed that though the boy's doll-like face was gone, there was the dead body of someone else familiar in the statue, forming its structure.

Her name was Lirielle.

In fact, for each person who approached the statue, they saw the dead body of a lost love.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir turned away. He had been shocked to see the corpses of his cousin Onialle and Taolle in the statue. The horror of seeing his cousin Aedrin, who he himself had killed while Geht taxed his reason ... But the bodies of Allerleirauh and Tris ... That he couldn't bear.

Ted Peterson

The statue began falling apart with the blows it was suffering. When the brother's struck at their father's corpse, a bone case fell out of his chest. It was the sort of thing one uses to house scrolls, and it was sealed ...

Red-Rock-Shadow was staring, trying to muster up the courage to join the attack, while looking at the body of an Argonian man, who looked somewhat like her, in the statue.

Ted Peterson

Gram's axe blow carved into the statue, striking Mista's body as well, sidelong. In her chest cavity, there was a second bone scroll canister.

Ted Peterson

Within was a small scrap of vellum which looked like it might be leathered skin. On it were three words "WILL BE FOUND."

Ted Peterson

The body burned and blackened, exposing a bone scroll case in Lirielle's chest.

Ted Peterson

The vampire's corpse split open at the lightning strike, revealing a bone scroll case within ...

Ted Peterson

Within the case was another piece of old leather with two words on it "YOURS TRULY."

Ted Peterson

In Athaso's mother's corpse, there too is a bone scroll case.

Ted Peterson

The first one, the one that came out of Mista, has a scroll within which looks like the top of a longer scroll by its clean edges above and ragged ones below.

It reads "IF YOU REALLY NEED."

The second one that came out of her mater contains three words "DOWN THE STAIRS."

Ted Peterson

Athaso's leather scrap of paper read "OF THE ORMA."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir, seeing the scroll cases people were finding, finally worked up the courage to approach the statue. He had no kynarine blade anymore, but he took a dagger from his robe and stabbed at the corpse of Aedrin, wincing.

He pulled the scroll case from his cousin's chest, and opened it.

"It says," he said, his voice hoarse. "'TO DESTROY IT.'"

Ted Peterson

The sword slashing into the corpse exposed the scroll canister in the Khajiit's chest.

Ted Peterson

Reichi's father's chest was rent, exposing the scroll canister within.

Ted Peterson

Slashes's scroll, which looked like the bottom of a longer scroll, judging from its ragged line above but smooth cut below, simply says "A TRUE FRIEND."

Ted Peterson

Reichi's leather scroll has three words on it. "WITH THE SKULL."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow had been observing, unable to face the Argonian she had seen. He looked somewhat familiar to Slashes, but he wasn't sure who he was until she said his name.

"I'm sorry, Xeljuk," she whispered, touching his chest with burning hands.

Xeljuk had been her cousin, and a childhood friend of Slashes.

With a shaking hand, Red-Rock-Shadows took the scroll case out of her cousin's chest.

Ted Peterson

Within the case is a scroll of leathered skin and four words "LOOK FOR THE DOOR."

Ted Peterson

"I didn't know he was dead either," Red-Rock-Shadow sighed. "He was never heard from, but I hoped ..."

She looked at the canister in her hands.

Goranthir went to the corpse of Allerleirauh next, swallowing hard, before stabbing it with his dagger, and pulling out another canister.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked at Nalion and nodded. "I hope you're right."

He opened up the scroll case and took out the scrap of leather: "THE LAST BLIGHTSTONE"

Ted Peterson

"I'll do it," Red-Rock-Shadow said, walking over to it, her still unopened canister in her hand. She opened Shaka's.

"It says," the Argonian battlemage said. "OPEN IT AND GO. These sounds like directions, kind of ..."

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow shook her head.

"I haven't opened mine yet," she said. She cracked the canister open and read aloud the three words on the scroll within. "INSIDE THE LOGGIA."

Goranthir shook his head, and with his dagger, cut open the chest of his friend Tris, and pulled out the canister within. He opened it.

"There's nothing in here," he said.

Ted Peterson

The scraps of leather with their odd shapes did indeed seem to form together pretty well.

"Inside the loggia," Red-Rock-Shadow said thoughtfully, turning towards the edifice that surrounded the square, where Gram had been imprisoned. There were indeed doors lining the ground floor. "The skull of the Orma ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir shook his head, composing himself. "Maybe if we hadn't opened up all the scraps of the scroll, there would have been something inside? ... Or Maybe I just ripped open Tris's chest for nothing ..."

Ted Peterson

Walking from door way to door way, each seemed to be framed by a different skull on top, always something unusual. The monkey skull of an Imga. A humanoid serpentine skull which might've been either a rare Argonian or a Tsaesci. A sload skull, of course. Then there was a skull that looked like a perfectly formed human skull, except there were no eye sockets at all.

Ted Peterson

The formation of the door of tightly compacted corpses and skeletons made for a much different surface that Slashes was used to checking for traps. He couldn't be completely confident that there were no unusual traps with such an unusual material, but he was pretty certain there were none of the usual traps ...

Ted Peterson

Dayla and Reeds's spells did not show any particularly strong magicka, no more than that usually present in Lasthold, coming from the door ... And no traps either, at least nothing their spells could detect ...

Ted Peterson

The door swung open, unlocked.

A set of steep stairs curved down a vaulted stairwell. The roof of it was ribcages, and the phosphorescent maggots they had seen before crawled among the bodies and skeletons, giving a weird greenish cast.

Ted Peterson

As in everywhere else in Lasthold, Mannimarco had not forgotten the details. There was even a rail running along the stairs made of arm bones, necessary considering how steep the stairs were.

Ted Peterson

As the group reached the bottom of the stairs, they came to a huge cavernous room. All along the walls were shelves with black gems, uncharged Blightstones, hundreds of them.

Also in the room were the three white maidens, the Orc, the Nord, and the Imperial. They seemed surprised by the heroes approach.

"Why don't you --" the Orc began.

"Just run!" the Imperial said to her sister, grabbing her hand. The three began running across the room away from the heroes.

Ted Peterson

As the heroes stepped into the room, the walls formed behind them.

On Nalion's spell, the Imperial woman vanished, like the illusion she was.

Someone began chuckling from the shadows.

Ted Peterson

"Ah, what good is wisdom when it does not govern your actions, Dayla?" said the figure, stepping out of the shadows to the center of the now-sealed room.

Mannimarco's face was the one Nalion had seen. Under a hood, a smooth, innocent boy's face, like a doll, with dead eyes. The rest of him was skeletally thin, with talon-like fingers in which he gripped the last Blightstone.

It occured to the heroes then that should the Blightstone break, in here, there was nothing to grab to keep from being pulled into it. They were all in the nexus of its implosion.

"Looking for something, o champions?" the God of Worms asked, holding up the Gem, its flickering black power lighting over one and all, its necromantic energy touching their souls.

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"As you can see, you've failed," Mannimarco told the assembled group. Cracks had begun appearing in the Blightstone in his taloned hands as he held them. "None of you will survive this, and I will replenish those Blightstones you destroyed a hundred fold. My Empire of Death will soon be the only Empire in Nirn."

Ted Peterson

Lasthold, Scourg Barrow

"My soul is my own again," Goranthir said, glaring at Mannimarco. "Your pact is destroyed. We have not failed."

"You think Geht was anyone but you, fool?" Mannimarco chuckled, and then turned towards Ora at her words, and then towards Gram, regarding the blast of white power with his expressionless doll's face.

---

The surging energy of black necromancy and white magicka simultaneously exploded and imploded.

The wave of force threw one and all against the walls, shattering the Blightstones in the shelves, and then almost as soon as that happened, the implosion pulled one and all towards the center of the room where the King of Worms had just stood, but was now gone.

Red-Rock-Shadow was the first to be pulled into the implosion.

She vanished into nothingness.

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

As Loranna and Arynel spoke, they noticed cracks appearing all over the cavern walls, sending in murky sunlight and rain from the thunderstorm outside.

One of the sunlight beams dropped on the face and form of the Mad Dog, standing on the island with them.

"Wise words, bard, but what do I know of those?" Sheogorath mused, smiling. "At this moment, a hero is being resurrected by his love, and reality itself is shattering."

There were strange energies in the air, pulsing through the cavern, subtle but perceptible.

Ted Peterson

Goranthir's Kynarine ring has kept him on sturdy ground, but he rushes about, trying desperately to hold onto his friends, and keep them from the implosion. The force is too strong in such a narrow area, and one by one, their hands slip through his, and they fall to the center of the room to their doom.

Goranthir is the last to go. By measured step, he walks to the vortex, and steps in.

The room falls to silence.

Ted Peterson

Nothingness.

The heroes are dead.

They find themselves as spirits in the stars, like Gods.

And yet ...

Ted Peterson

The Afterworld

Goranthir, a white-shaded translucent spirit, the last of the heroes of Scourg Barrow to enter the vortex, looks to his fellow floating spirits among the stars.

The moment of death had not been painful, it had been too quick and too total.

Everyone was there: Gram, Dayla, Slashes, Osa, Ora, Shaka, Nalion, Slyvos, Anya, Athaso, Reichi, Sivartus, Tsei, Isidor, Ingmar, Valerius ...

Everyone, it seemed, except Red-Rock-Shadow.

That was strange, but it didn't bother Goranthir too much. His body felt full of light, and yet ... he didn't feel bliss. There was regret and worry. Now that they were all dead, and he was sure they were, what would happen down in Nirn? Would Mannimarco prove triumphant?

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

With a wave of his hand, the walls around them faded. Several rooms away, there were the frozen forms of the heroes battling their dopplegangers. Teleran, as a man, staring into a glowing orb, unmoving. Nalion firing a lightning bolt, stuck in time, the forks shimmering unmoving in the air, about to strike. Dante in mid-charge. Reichi in mid air too, having just clawed at False Nalion. The past Loranna, no longer Loranna-Azura, but still a year younger than Loranna the witness, her hands glowing as she casts a healing spell.

And there is Tris, cradling the body of Ciel, his lips moving as he has just finishing whispering the string of power.

Ted Peterson

"My dear bard, we're establishing right now how little you know about the things you know about," the Mad God chuckled.

Around them, the dungeon of the Vaults of Gemin faded even further, blurring into gray.

Ted Peterson

There was no pain in Slashes's palm.

"We're dead," Goranthir said with some confidence. "We could not have gone into that and lived."

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan, Hammerfell

Red-Rock-Shadow appeared in the jungle valley, and ran to the fort.

"The death aura is gone! To arms!" the Argonian cried, as she ran to commander Digitus Eros.

All her companions were dead. Hesek was dead. Red-Rock-Shadow knew it, but couldn't think of it. She would not let their sacrifice be in vain -- mourning could wait.

Ted Peterson

The Afterlife

"I didn't think," Goranthir said quietly. "I just couldn't stay behind ..."

That was true. He regretted it, now that he thought about all the living he had left behind, his sister, the other heroes of Ald Ra'athim, even his parents ... But seeing all the corpses in the tower in Lasthold, and seeing his companions going into the implosion, he just went where his heart took him ...

---

There was something strange happening. All around them, light was coursing between the stars, like cracks opening up in the firmament.

And a cloud of gray was rising in the distance, sweeping towards them ...

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Slashes appeared in Sentinel, in the town square where he had set the Mark.

The city looked gray. People walked right through him, and he couldn't help but notice things were fading even more around him ...

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Ra'athim

For a moment, he thought he was back at the tavern in High Rock, but the details were all wrong. He found himself in a town he had never been to, in a tavern he had never seen before. Everyone around him was gray, and they walked through him as if he were a ghost ...

All except for someone who looked very familiar.

His older self, who looked at him.

Ted Peterson

Stormhold

The closest temple was in the city of Stormhold, the city in the trees where a storm was always surging. It was a gray place, but even grayer than usual, as people at worship at the Temple of Arkay passed through her as if she were a ghost.

And the grayness continued to spread, all distinctions fading away ...

Ted Peterson

The sisters appeared in a temple. It was hard to say where it was as everything around them was faded gray. The worshippers passed through them, not seeing or feeling their presence.

Soon, even that distinction ended, and the sisters were floating in a world of gray ...

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream / The Afterlife

As the two Arynels talked, the tavern and all the patrons in it faded away into nothingness, leaving them alone in nothingness ...

Actually ...

Not quite alone.

There were several figures out there, some close and some nearby.

There was Loranna, and there were the heroes of Scourg Barrow, all together in the dream.

Ted Peterson

For just a moment in the gray expanse, Loranna saw herself in her bedroom, sleeping. A couple worried servants of King Lhotun were standing around her, while a healer with wild hair and a waistcoat examined her.

"She's breathing, but she won't wake up!" the servant said fearfully.

"Yes, this happens from time to time," the healer said, laying his blue-glowing hands on her. "She'll either wake up ... or she won't."

"What about her child?" they whispered.

"Oh perfectly fine," the healer chuckled inappropriately, and then turned serious at the servants staring at him. "If need be, I can deliver it even if she never wakes up again ..."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir looked to Loranna, shaking his head.

And then, images, one by one, replaced the gray nothingness.

They were in Skyrim, at a snowball fight.

They were in Firsthold, at Princess Rinalla's Cotillion Ball.

They were at the Ghostgate, watching the Incarnate Faithful erecting a temple to her.

They were in Solunastra, in the music room, drinking and laughing.

They were in Red Mountain, battling the Azurites.

They were in Mournhold, at Helseth's meeting where he announced the abolition of slavery in Morrowind.

There were outside of Koal Cave, facing a monstrous beast.

They were in Wayrest for Tris's father's funeral.

They were in Senchal at Goldcat's white marble palace.

They were in Solitude, watching the city being torn apart by a storm.

They were in Daggerfall, at Landon and Lyssia's wedding.

They were in Ald Sotha, as the dragon swept in, rescuing the heroes there.

They were in Lyonswurst House, as Sir Laurent tried to drown a spy of Barenziah's in a well.

They were in Old Elyssa's farmhouse, being attacked by flying vegetables.

They were in Balmora, being attacked by animated meat.

They were in Ald Ra'athim, as the Emperor's men came with rewards for rescuing him, huge chests of treasure.

They were in the Cave of the Dog, answering riddles.

They were in Sentinel, at the scene just a few days ago, when the heroes were first setting forth on their journey to the Dragontail Mountains ...

And then they were inside a magnificent castle in Cyrodiil. Music was playing, and a ball was about to commence.

Ted Peterson

Lord Darius's Ball

Goranthir, who Loranna noticed was now white-skinned and white-haired wearing a white robe, continued shaking his head and finally smiled a little.

"Well by Auriel, if we're dead, thank Nirn it's a party," he said, and bowed to Lord Darius. "Goranthir of Firsthold, sir."

Ted Peterson

"I can tell you, I wouldn't have missed it for the world, my lord," Goranthir smiled widely. "It is indeed Masquerade Season in Firsthold but I would much sooner be here."

Where was he, really, at this point in time? Goranthir thought to himself. A scared 15-year-old, wandering through Tamriel, not yet to Mournhold, but not in Firsthold. In between destinies. Well, there is nothing to do but let the madness and wonder wash over you, and enjoy it the best you can.

Then he saw Allerleirauh, and his heart lept in his chest. Yes, he decided, he was capable of feeling here.

Ted Peterson

Ramakawan, Hammerfell

The army from the east made their way through the blackened wastes of the jungle valley into the low foothills. With the death aura gone, they could survive, and the land would eventually live again ... But at this moment, all was death around them.

The scouts brought news of the approaching zombie army, and Digitus Eros, while continuing the march, brought the factional commanders to him.

"The news is bad," he said. "We had expected resistance, but Mannimarco's forces are larger than we expected. Much larger."

---

Kalaan, Hammerfell

The western army also began marching along the coast towards the mountains. The shore was littered with the bones of dead fish caught up in the death aura, but the soldiers kept their eyes on the path ahead. They were ready for action, charged up after the successful battle against the undead dragon.

As in Ramakawan, advance scouts brought back news of the zombie army.

"Well, gentlemen," Leretha Warhaft said to her factional officers. "It appears the battle will be greater ... and happen much sooner ..."

Ted Peterson

The March from Kalaan

"Yes, we should try to lead them into position," Warhaft nodded, taking out a map. She point to the three valleys the undead legions were using, traveling westward. "We have to close them off by the water. They have the advantage there, being able to breathe under it, they could slip right past us. If we take the bluffs though, and push them back through spells or, better yet, an avalanche, we could trap them in the valley, and have the advantage of being able to rain down on them while they're stuck ..."

Ted Peterson

Lord Darius's Ball

"I remember from the Book, though I wasn't here," said Goranthir, coming over to them, smiling. "Hello, Loranna. It seems strange to say I'm glad to see you here, since I'm not sure where here is, or whether it's good or extremely bad that we're all here, but ... I am glad to see you, period."

Ted Peterson

Goranthir laughed, returning the embrace. "Thank you, Loranna. Well, first things first. Return from the dead, and then worry about hair coloring."

Ted Peterson

The March from Kalaan

"I think I understand what you're suggesting," Warhaft nodded. "Flaming oil floating on the sea ... We have enough to coat our arrows, but not very much ..."

Ted Peterson

Lord Darius's Ball

The orchestra began to strike up a few notes of a familiar-sounding tune. A small group of children entered the dance floor to lend their voices to the song, the lyrics of which it seemed were not appropriate for children at all ...

But fancy a dally or dilly
In a land that’s quite hilly
Wearing underclothes frilly
You’re just gilding the lily
And it’s so rudely cyrodilly

Ted Peterson

Some more rude verses later, the song came to a rousing end.

“Oh, weren’t they wonderful?” The audience applauded fondly at the end of the song, none of them the least bit disturbed at its rudeness.

The children bowed, grinning, pleased to have won approval of the adults.

“And now, in honor of our guests from Morrowind,” the orchestra leader said, beginning the next song. It was the same Nordic/Dunmeri tune that was played when Loranna entertained Barenziah on the cliffs in Ald Ra'athim.

The children, no longer the center of attention, began to wander off.

---

“Where’s the pretty lady going?” one of the older children, a girl who was clearly the leader of the group wondered, following Loranna.

“Wait for us!” the others cried, running after her.

Ted Peterson

The children cheer, running after Loranna, playing tag with one another. As it happens, as they step outside the mansion, a carriage rolls by on the road. The smell in it is unmistakable: it's a baker going to market in the town, his wagon loaded with all sorts of delicacies, including sweetrolls.

The children, singing their signature song in delight, grab Loranna by the hands and run after it.

Ted Peterson

The bakery wagon had begun to go faster and faster down the road, and the children, laughing, singing, and pulling on the younger Loranna, had also been running at an inhumanly fast speed. Both were far down the road when Shaka and Nalion came out to the cobblestone path.

Ted Peterson

The children gasped at the sight, but nothing it seemed could distract them from their goal of the sweetrolls ...

---

Shaka could shorten the distance, but it was an impossible maneuver to cast the spell at first. He was behind Loranna and the children, who were behind the wagon, which was behind the horse, so there was a lot in the way of his target.

Until it turned a corner, and then for an instant, he had a clear shot ...

Ted Peterson

The children kept her from stopping but for an instant, pushing her on. In truth, she felt very much compelled to stay with them ...

Ted Peterson

The spell exploded over horse and driver, and they froze. The momentum of the wagon, however, rushing at its superhuman speed, threw it up and over them, crashing spectacularly.

The back of the wagon showered sweetrolls and other delicacies everywhere all over the road. The children fell on them, stuffing themselves.

A coffin also fell out of the back of wagon.

Ted Peterson

The driver, a handsome, well-dressed man with slightly crazy hair, a waistcoat and a cane, was very dead, as was the horse.

Ted Peterson

Inside the coffin was a man in a long black robe, talon-like hands, and a peaceful, boy-like face, his eyes closed in death.

Ted Peterson

From the woods came footsteps. Many, many footsteps. Walking slow. Bringing with them a smell of death.

One of the children stopped and stared, his sweetroll falling out of his mouth. "Stendarr ... I almost forgot ... It's Tales and Tallows!"

"The night the dead walk!" shrieked the girl who was the leader.

Making quite as much noise as frightened children usually do, the children screamed and ran back towards the mansion. No longer enchanted, however, their pace was much slower than before, and they were still miles away ...

And the sound of the shambling dead was coming from all around.

Ted Peterson

There were plenty of targets for Reichi and Shaka, as the shambling undead began spilling down from the woods on both sides of the road. Though they were happy to attack the heroes, their attention seemed more peculiarly drawn towards the shrieking children, continuing their run for Lord Darius's manor.

Ted Peterson

Among the guests who was cured was Sir Nelacar Direnni, sorcerer of no small talent, proving his title by not having the small talent of Dispel.

"Thank you, milady!" he cried, theatrically as his volumninousness was cut in half and then a quarter. "I fear I would have popped! Your genius is only matched by your beauty!"

Ted Peterson

The stories were continuing, and Goranthir had just finished a rather silly tale of the Crystal Tower which he had beeen tld as child. It was met with appreciation, and he had taken the opportunity to speak with Allerleirauh. He knew she wouldn't know him here, in a dream of the past, but he couldn't miss the opportunity to talk to his great love.

"This party is going quite well," one of the servants said to another. "Usually Darius's parties go wrong."

"Well, we have had that cursed platter and those screaming kids and those zombies," the other servant said.

"Oh, those are nothing," the first chuckled, getting back to work. "I'd say overall it's been quite a successful night for his lordship."

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

The sound of zombies beating against the door had become such a regular part of the party that they almost seemed to accompany the music. It took some time for anyone to notice when the sound ceased.

When the front door began to bulge on its hinges like a bubble, however, all took notice. Something was coming through.

Ted Peterson

The orchestra stopped playing, the heroes drew their weapons, and the company drew a collective breath.

And then with a resounding bang, the doors flew open and the King of Worms stepped into the ball.

Mannimarco's expressionless, doll-like face surveyed the group.

"You have robbed me of my prize," the King of Worms said dully. "I won your souls in Lasthold, but instead I find them here, in idle conversations and dances? Come with me quietly, or I will tear this illusion apart."

Ted Peterson

Loranna's Dream

"Very well," Mannimarco nodded. "You've made your choice."

The windows to the grand manor house exploded inward, showering glass on those within.

Then, the fine, tasteful woodwork began to lighten and crack, forming odd nodules and joints …

They were turning into bone.

Ted Peterson

Mannimarco chuckled, as Slashes and Reichi flew threw him, bringing up a cloud of dust.

"Now, I am willing to put up with a certain amount of nonsense," said a voice from the orchestra. A young musician with wild hair, a waistcoast, and an abnormally long and slim violin he could use as a cane stepped forward. "But, Mannimarco, this is not your world."

Ted Peterson

The walls of the manor house began to transform as Sheogorath and Mannimarco spoke, changing from bone back to dark wood … Except in some place, where it turned into the good, solid Nordic stone of Castle Daruhn …

"Not my world? Whose world is it, Mad God, yours?" the King laughed. "I see one madwoman around, but ..."

"No, hers," Sheogorath motioned to the older Loranna. He turned to her. "If you wish him to leave, simply tell him this is a very exclusive party, and no one with maggots in their dusty skull caps is permitted to attend. Or words to that effect, if you wish to be more polite."

Ted Peterson

“How dare you talk to the immortal Mannimarco like that, barmaid?” the King of Worms said, floating towards her on a cloud of dust and ash. “I will boil your brain. I will turn your bones to powder. I will …”

As Mannimarco approached her, wild hair began to sprout from his head.

“I will …”

The doll-like expression on his face became more animated, from emotionless to fury to … amused madness.

“I will …”

Dropping down to the ground, he walked right past Loranna and approached the young Loranna-Azura, and bowed.

“I will be honored if you will dance with me, o Goddess,” said Sheogorath Two.

---

“It was never anything but a dance, o Llanfairite,” Sheogorath One smiled. “An Arena and a Dance.”

Ted Peterson

"A sensibly insensible request," Sheogorath One nodded, throwing his cane/violin to the orchestra, where a violinist caught it. The orchestra began to play.

It was a waltz.

---

"The eyes of the dreamer are wide open," Sheogorath One said to Shaka, and turned to Loranna. "What do you see out the windows of your soul?"

Ted Peterson

"Dnah ym ekat. Uoy fo ti dnamed ot em rof si ti," Sheogorath Two chuckles.

The Second Mad God take Loranna/Azura's hand and leads her to the middle of the ballroom. Their footsteps echo in the large hollow place as the music swelled.

---

The broken windows of the manor filled with images. The eastern windows showed the battles of the Kaalan troops, while the western windows showed the battles of the Ramakawan troops, both moving closer towards the center, towards the manor itself.

There were roars from the dragons, screams and bellows of the soldiers, moans of the undead, but the waltz music was all that anyone heard.

Ted Peterson

"The mortals must do as they wish. That is the whole of their charm."

Sheogorath Two and Loranna-Azura’s dance was fast, gathering tempo, following the lively tune, but is still quite precise, measured, restrained, proper. It is a complicated dance, highly ritualized, which both dancers know as if by instinct.

---

Slashes noticed in the windows to the east Red-Rock-Shadow among the troops, fighting the dragons with great spells of frost. Though others would see no emotion in her Argonian face, he saw fury and sadness in equal parts. With magicka of destruction, she was taking out her revenge for the deaths of her companions in Lasthold.

Windows throughout the palace showed other places in the here and now of Tamriel. The heroes could see not only the battles in the Dragontail Mountains, but quieter interludes in Mournhold and Stormhold. They could see Queen Elysana plotting in Wayrest, and Indoril Faryon plotting in Kragenmoor. There was Kethiah at the Nymph and Noggin with her children, waiting for her husband to return; there was Glacia at the bookstore, worrying about Reeds.

Ted Peterson

"What a marvelous idea, a gift," Sheogorath Two laughed, dancing faster.

South and east, the waltz doth drift
Melody lilting but tempo quite swift
Rising her hands to Oblivion lift
Milady, Vehk gave thee his loving gift.

"Ah, yes, the gift I gave to all that was never used," Sheogorath One shook his head, before turning to Loranna.

---

The First Mad God's eyes flashed briefly to Slyvos, and he smiled widely.

"Oh, you are wrong, milady, dreams can and do last forever frequently. Dres Minsero may never awaken," he held out his hand. "Do not answer this question lightly. Consider it. May I have this dance?"

Ted Peterson

"You may be her husband," Sheogorath nodded, still smiling, his hand still out to Loranna. "But I asked first."

Ted Peterson

Sheogorath Two looked to the people in the dance, and smiled to Loranna-Azura. “They’re beautiful. Their own realization transcends their dead and decaying flesh; shining through like a star …”

“The dreamer has rejected the dream, has she?” Sheogorath The First shook his head, looking a little petulant. “Love over madness. What is this world coming to? And who am I going to dance with now?”

Sheogorath One joined his twin, and tapped him on the shoulder. “Pardon me, may I borrow one of your partners?”

“Well, of course, dear Dog, I didn’t mean to be selfish,” Sheogorath Two laughed. “Which one would you like?”

“Oh, the barmaid,” Sheogorath One said, looking to Loranna-Azura. “If she’ll give me the honor.”

Ted Peterson

The waltz of the Mad Gods and their partners, Dawn and Dusk and the Barmaid, was a whirl, passion unbridled. Smoke swirled up from the orchestra as the musicians struck their instrument with inspiration that had passed into insanity.

Mad Dusk, Mad Dawn,
Conclusions are foregone
Mad Dawn, Mad Dusk,
Haunted hollow as a husk
Heroes, lovers, friends,
Thus dies the dream, the dance, the ball
Deathly spirits in this dream-tossed hall
Shall shatter as it ends

Both Sheogoraths were now whistling, lightning-lit storms, crashing together around the flickering image of Azura, and the young Loranna, whose eyes were closed, head tossed back in ecstacy.

---

At Nalion’s words, the ceiling above the manor ripped off, flying into the heavens above.

Ted Peterson

The gift Sheogorath gave to one and all at the ball at Lord Darius's so long ago, which none had used, was the spark of madness which would yield one second of genius, one moment of highest inspiration. As the Older Loranna claimed the gift at last, all who danced sideways could hear the laughter of the Mad God.

It was directed at no one save himself.

The lightning in the storm engulfing Younger Loranna and Azura had intensified so it was almost burning, too white to look at for long.

"Goodbye, guests. I will dance with each and every one of you all in good time ..."

Younger Loranna cried out in joy, as she and Azura rose up beyond the manor and into the storm. The clouds parted, showing Oblivion beyond.

There was a tremendous clap of thunder and darkness fell.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel, Dawn

The first thing she felt was a sudden heaviness in her belly and on her hips, the now familiar feeling of the baby inside her. Her legs also ached, as if she had walked or danced too much on them. And then she heard the thunder in the distance and smelled rain.

Then she heard the voices, also familiar to her from the vision she saw in the dream, of the servant and the healer in the palace.

“It’s very important you not leave out any details,” the healer was saying, sounding concerned. “When you left, she was in bed … alone.”

“Yes, sir,” the servant’s voice, replied. “And now all these people showed up, all of ‘em … dancing! Without no clothes on!”

“So I see … Quite a conundrum. I would cast a drain fatigue spell on them to get them to stop, but it seems they’re asleep, so I don’t see how that would help …”

Loranna's eyes opened, and light filled them, forcing her to blink for a few seconds while she focused, and instantly silencing the healer and servant who stood there, staring.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

The servant ran off to fetch clothes, while the healer stayed behind. In Loranna's earlier vision, he had wild hair, a waistcoat, and the other accouterments of Sheogorath, and while now his hair was a bit of a mess, it was clear he was just a simple Redguard healer, no symbol of Sheogorath as she had seen.

"First things first, your Grace," he frowned. "Sit down. Let me examine you, all of you, and make certain nothing's wrong."

As he began his examination, he said. "We are awaiting word from the war in the mountains still, your Grace."

Ted Peterson

"Can you tell me what you remember, and who these people are and where they came from?" the healer asked, as the servant gave everyone something to wrap themselves up in. "Everyone at court has been concerned for you."

Ted Peterson

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is with the rest of the group in Loranna's room at the Palace of Sentinel, having survived the afterlife/dreamworld.

Red-Rock-Shadow is battling in the Dragontail Mountains.

Morgiah and King Reman are in Sentinel, soon to be reunited with their son.

Barenziah is there too, quite a family reunion!

Helseth is in Mournhold, no doubt plotting. His wife, Queen Dinara is there as well, helping him, and still no doubt worried about her brother Dres Obael, still captured in Bodrom Mora.

Elysana is in Wayrest, doing the same.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and mother is in Ald Ra'athim, anxiously awaiting word from her husband and brother-in-law, Isidor and Ingmar.

Glacia Rysleire is also in Ald Ra'athim, running Loranna's diplomatic affairs, and also anxiously awaiting word from her and Reeds.

Alas and Alack, Loranna's Spymasters and "priests" of Zenithar, are also in Ald Ra'athim, no doubt compiling information, and probably aware of the result of the battles in the Dragontail Mountains before anyone else.

Kallen, Razbiah, Thianas, and Casts-The-Bones are up to their usual duties in Castle Daruhn.

Kingston Mune is stalking the night and day in Skyrim.

Sheogorath is in Oblivion, but you will no doubt see him soon in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

OOC:

How appropriate that the Daedra of the Dawn and Dusk appeared at the end of the RP before we take a hiatus.

I agree with Loranna. It has been a great long RPing experience with all of you, full of challenges and fun. A long time ago, Loranna approached me about playing Sheogorath again after the Trial Of Vivec for the Hogithum Ball. Since then, we have been all over the place, as anyone who followed the last RP would have seen.

Where the RP goes after this Epilogue and the hiatus that follows while we play Oblivion is anyone's guess, but I add my own clapping to the applause. This has been epic in every sense.

Ted Peterson

Sentinel

Goranthir stayed with the group during breakfast, smiling and talking over their experiences, but it was obvious something was weighing on his mind. At last, he excused himself.

"My parents and grandmother are here," he said. "I should go and talk to them on my own."

The white-haired, white-skinned Prince of Firsthold went to talk to Reman, Morgiah, and Barenziah. There was much for them to say to one another. The last time he had seen Morgiah and Reman, his mother had rejected him, dismissing the notion that she had damned his soul by her contract with Mannimarco. And the last time he had spoken with his grandmother, she and his uncle Helseth had encouraged him to go undercover in Vvardenfelll, which had ultimately led to the rise of Geht.

If the family was to survive, there was much to discuss and to forgive.

Ted Peterson

Ald Ra'athim, Reeds' Bookstore, as soon as he can get over there

Glacia was found in the back, helping a customer whose copy of Book 3 of Waughin Jarth's "The Argonian Account" had been badly printed, so a few pages were completely blank. She had soothed his anger, and they were chuckling over a passage when Reeds stepped in.

The Altmer ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. "You're back! Thank Auriel!"

Ted Peterson

Meanwhile …

Mount Ewado

The forces from the east, led by the army that had been stationed in the jungles of Ramakawan had made great progress, defeating the armies of the dead who had flung themselves at them. Even the liches and ancient vampires who had joined Mannimarco’s crusade had fallen, though the three-hundred-foot undead dragon had taken a considerable toll on the troops before, once again, fleeing.

Now under the command of Digitus Eros and the factional commanders they found themselves far from the hot and sultry jungles and valleys where the war had begun, facing the enemy on the frozen mountain peaks of the eastern Dragontail Mountains. The vanguards had plodded through the still-dead but death-aura-lifted terrain to report back on the next threat that the army faced. Mannimarco had evidently experimented on a tribe of trolls, and their massive skeletal frames had now joined the army. Looking across the peak, there was much more battle to come.

Red-Rock-Shadow was among the troops, and she launched herself into the air to survey the army that was approaching. Her leathery wings aloft, she could see that not far beyond them was the plateau of Scourg Barrow, where her companions had fallen. It gave her the energy of anger and grief, and she returned to her company, to meet the foe.

Ngonta Valley

By contrast, the forces that come from Kalaan had suffered several set-backs. They had begun well by Leretha Warhaft’s command, closing off Mannimarco’s army’s northbound seaward push, taking the bluffs and pushing them into the valleys of the mountains.

They had pushed the advantage of their height, raining spells and arrows down on the undead from above, until they had discovered, quite suddenly, that they too could be attacked from on high. The swarm of undead dragonlings had attacked with all the cunning and surprise of an intelligently commanded platoon. Warhaft had barely had a moment to respond before she was cut down, dying in Vaan’s arms.

Without a central authority, the factional army had fled down into the valleys, leaving their own commanders to chase after them. Before they had reorganized themselves, they found themselves in a valley so narrow, it was not even marked as such on any map.

When the mysterious cloaked figure had arrived, she or he had not come too soon. Another hour trapped in the frissure between the mountains would have annihiliated the eastern forces altogether, leaving nothing in between the path of the army of Worms on their march to Sentinel and beyond. The powerful but unknown character had with a wave of its hand destroyed the lich lords and then cracked open the valley like a girl peeling back an orange, allowing the army to retreat and regroup.

Now commanded by an alliance of factional officers, the army circled around to meet the undead forces in the Ngonta Valley, where Rourken Dwemeri ruins dotted the cliffsides and the undead dragonlings still flew overhead, acting as scouts to the Worm army that was approaching fast …

Ted Peterson

Reeds's Bookstore, Ald Ra'athim

“Here in the bookstore? Great. We just got a new shipment from the Imperial City, hundreds of new books, and business is booming. I’ve had to close down the shop a couple times to do diplomatic work since that battle in Telvannis Hall …” Glacia shook her head, grinning. “But enough about all that, what’s happening in Sentinel? And in the Dragontail Mountains? I’m so happy you made it through I can’t believe it. I had this horrible nightmare that you had been killed ... but how’s everyone else?”

Ted Peterson

Reeds's Bookstore, Ald Ra'athim

“You died?” Glacia’s eyes went wide, and her smile went away. “By Auriel, you have to tell me everything.”

The Altmer closed the shop and sat with Reeds, listening to the whole story.

“I can’t tell you how horrible my dream was,” she said at last. “I woke up crying. And now, it turns out it was true …”

Ted Peterson

Reeds's Bookshop, Ald Ra'athim

Glacia was a strong person, and did not normally need to have the truth filtered for her to preserve her delicate sensibilities.

Still, the tears rolled as she listened, and when he was finished, she kissed him, and said. "Thank you for coming back, like you promised."

Ted Peterson

Reeds's Bookshop, Ald Ra'athim

"Thank Auriel," Glacia said, not letting him go for some to come.

Ted Peterson

Mount Ewado

Red-Rock-Shadow’s frost spell knocked the zombies off the peak, but her eyes went back to the cloaked figure. The Argonian hadn’t seen her with the army before, but clearly they were fighting on the same side.

From her vantage point in the air, she could see something the cloaked figure couldn’t: there were cracks developing along the side of the mountains she was fighting on. Red-Rock-Shadow flew quickly towards her, calling, “Watch out! You’re standing on a landslide!”

The winged Argonian would have a second to catch the cloaked figure before the slope collapsed. Red-Rock-Shadow hoped the figure’s enchanted agility was up for it.

Ted Peterson

Mount Ewado

The Argonian snatched up the figure from the air as the mountain slope slid away, carrying with it several dozen moaning undead warriors thousands of feet to the valley floor. Red-Rock-Shadow dropped down on the peak behind some black, dead trees where the two of them could see Mannimarco’s army moving up towards the forces of Ramakawan.

“Nice fighting back there,” the Argonian battlemage whispered as they looked at the troops. “I’m Red-Rock-Shadow from the Mages Guild.”

Ted Peterson

Mount Ewado

"I've been in there, just a couple days ago," Red-Rock-Shadow shuddered. "It's going to take the full force of the army to break Mannimarco in there."

Ted Peterson

Mount Ewado

Red-Rock-Shadow could not help but chuckle. "We pick off the liches. Not a lot of people consider battling liches to be the easy way, Blade, but I'm with you."

The two female warriors got their chance a moment later when a lich with a cloak and crown of fire flew at them, rising like a nightmare over the ridge.

Ted Peterson

OOC -- The battles in the Dragontail Mountains are fair game for any and all. If you want your character to have a last hurrah before the RP goes on hiatus, drop in and start a sword-swinging.

Ted Peterson

The strategy attacked the “head” of the operations in Scourg Barrow was adopted by both the eastern and the western armies when they met. It was a harrowing battle, with heavy losses, but the lair of the Worm King was taken.

Exactly what became of Mannimarco, however, is a question of some controversy. Some of the soldiers claim he was slain in the battle, while others who were there deny that, saying a powerful lich lord, a commander of Mannimarco’s troops, was faced and defeated, but not the King of Worms himself. Regardless, he disappeared and was not heard from again for many years …

Red-Rock-Shadow found the spot in Lasthold where her companions had fallen, and took the equipment there that was still in good condition back to Sentinel, intending to have it buried. When she discovered that her allies had miraculously survived, she was overjoyed, and returned their equipment to them as the celebrations continued.

One Year Summary:

The first twelve months after the War of the Wormking saw many changes in Ald Ra'athim, for the better and for the worse. There was a short period of relative peace immediately following, due to a couple of factors. The most radical members of the Indoril/Redoran Alliance had been dealt a blow in Verannis Hall, and they turned their attention towards rebuilding themselves, not in any military incursions. Helseth likewise had concentrated his money and time towards improving the situation in his holdings. This unofficial truce allowed the Duchy of Ald Ra'athim the time to finish its rebuilding, doing away at last with the tent housing where many of its citizens had lived ever since the devastating attempted invasion.

It was not to last.

Within a few months, hostilities erupted on both sides. Molag Mar had long been a thorn in the Alliance’s hegemony of Vvardenfelll, and the Indoril surrounded it and attempted to defeat the royalist forces within. So confident were they, that they were not suspicious of how easy victory was won. In truth, Helseth had suspected an attack for some time, and even brought some of the heroes of Ald Ra'athim to Molag Mar to plan a defense which could become an offensive maneuver. The royalists and heroes by trickery allowed the army to take the city, and then, once they were in occupation, Helseth’s forces detonated a series of traps, annihilating the army at the moment of their triumph. Caught off guard, the Alliance had no other army in the region, and the royalist forces took most of south-eastern Vvardenfelll from Sadrith Mora to Suran before they had a chance to regroup.

Helseth launched an attack from Solsteim, using part of his own and the Altmeri fleet against the Redoran stronghold in Blacklight. His spies had correctly informed him that the Alliance had moved most of their forces further south. What he hadn’t known about, however, were the mercenary Nords Queen Elysana had hired who came in from the north. Not expecting such an attack, the royalist fleet barely escaped, and Helseth himself was captured.

The Nords with their valuable captive immediately began negotiating with their allies, the Redoran, about what they could be given in exchange for him. While this was occuring, the heroes of Ald Ra'athim, aided by Helseth’s mother Barenziah and his wife Dinara, made a daring raid on Blacklight, rescuing the King.

Thus the situation twelve months later: the King was free and possessed a sizeable piece of Vvardenfelll. The Indoril/Redoran Alliance had a new powerful partner in the Nords … though trust was not shared, and, as the next year would reveal, for good reason …

Ted Peterson

Sentinel, Last Year

She had been told that her allies had survived, and was overwhelmed with relief. Seeing Slashes now, Red-Rock-Shadow had to restrain herself from running to him.

"I'm glad that you and the others made it too," she said, holding back her emotion. "I was certain you had all died in Lasthold."

Ted Peterson

Sentinel, A Year Ago

Red-Rock-Shadow took a few steps towards Slashes, and then stopped on his last question. Her eyes flashed with anger, her cobra-hood rising involuntarily.

"Why did I go?" she asked incredulously in Hist. "I had little choice in the matter, Hesek. I had little choice in anything for three years. I kept expecting you to come for me, to save me, but it seems you decided to join forces with my Dres master's family. I thought I could count on you, Hesek. I was wrong."

Ted Peterson

Sentinel, One Year Ago

ed-Rock-Shadow shivered with emotion. "Ten Argonians, four Dunmer in the band ... The mage had a scar that ran down his neck? They took me too. I was in Bodrom Mora for three years, thinking that somehow you would find me. When I went back to Black Marsh, I was told you were alive and well ... I thought that you didn't care, that you had moved on and found another mate. I hated you so much, Hesek, I couldn't stand to be in Black Marsh anymore, so I left for Sumurset to be as far away as possible. That's where I learned most of my spellcasting skills and raised in the Mages Guild ..."

She shook her head. "I didn't know. I'm sorry, Hesek. Truly."

Ted Peterson

Prince Goranthir from 3E 430 to 3E 431

Goranthir didn’t talk much about the conversation he had in Sentinel with his mother Morgiah, father Reman, grandmother Barenziah, and, when she arrived, his sister Rinnala. The family was behind closed doors for a long time. When he emerged, the Prince looked tired but reasonably happy. A lot had been discussed.

Morgiah was returning to Firsthold, but as the King’s consort, not as his Queen.

Rinnala too was returning, and though she was not to have another Cotillion Ball to make up for the one her brother, as Geht, had interrupted, she was to be considered an acknowledged Princess of the Realm. Goranthir too was acknowledged as his father’s son, and the Prince of Firsthold, despite his parents’ divorce.

“There is still no heir to my father’s kingdom,” Goranthir told anyone who asked. “My father is not ready yet to name one. He is inclined towards making me his heir, to be honest, but my notoriety is at present too great. It may be best to have my sister or one of my cousins take the throne.”

Much of the rest of the time in Sentinel, Goranthir spent with Rinnala. The last time she had seen him, as Geht, he had tried to kill her. She understood it was not him who was responsible, but still the siblings had to work at it to renew their bond.

After the battles in the Dragontail Mountains were over, Goranthir and a handful of his friends had returned to Taolle's grave in the cavern, to place flowers on it.

After Sentinel, Goranthir returned with the heroes to Ald Ra'athim. He was delighted to find that the Akarvina had been restored after the Redoran invasion, and with his own gold, he rewarded the Nords and commissioned six more warships to help rebuild the navy of Daruhn. By year’s end, they were done.

Continuing the life of the adventurer, Goranthir participated in the battle of south-eastern Vvardenfelll, and aided the rescue of his uncle Helseth.

When not adventuring, he spent time with the witch-priestesses of Nirn in the forest, sailing around the Inner Sea on the Akarvina, or in quiet conversation with his friends in the castle or the Nymph and Noggin. All could attest that Goranthir had returned, but there was sometimes a melacholia behind his smile, for he believed his true loves had died.

Ted Peterson

The Mages Guild, One Year Later

Despite praising Zadion for his work before and after the War of the Wormgod, Archmagister Traven did not change his mind about having him replaced as head of the Mages Guild of Ald Ra'athim. Zadion and his father, Dres Minsero, his mind still shattered from the events of Tel Dresori, left a few weeks later for Alinor. At the Guild there, he was to be the master of Destruction and Restoration, a clear reduction in rank from his position as Magister in Ald Ra'athim but as Alinor was an older and larger guild, the position was still an influential one.

Zadion kept in contact with Loranna over the next year, reporting Minsero’s condition had improved somewhat. The old noble still suffered from amnesia and confusion, but he did not get as aggravated and panicky as before, and it seemed he had grown to know who Zadion was.

Traven’s replacement for Zadion was someone he believed would be more neutral in the Civil War. Magister Oryonne Druitt was a short, bearded Breton with kind eyes and strong talents in all the schools of magicka. He was an excellent teacher, capable of explaining the most obscure concept of mysticism to a child, but seemingly less at ease with more mundane small talk. Greet him on the street with a comment about good weather, and he might trap you, babbling nonsense for hours.

He got along particularly well with Slyvos, but Glacia found his inability to answer a simple question a frustration.

Elsewhere in Morrowind, Mages Guilds reopened in Alliance lands, and a new one opened in Kragenmoor. The Magisters there were as resolute in their neutrality as Magister Druitt, and they were particularly careful not to allow any spies from either the Royalist or the Alliance sides to use their Guilds for transport … though no one had any doubt that happened from time to time. Dram kept a particularly close watch on the Mages Guild of Ald Ra'athim, watching the comings and goings there, and no doubt, other captains of the guards did the same.

Ted Peterson

Summary for Kethiah, and Alas and Alack

Kethiah happily gave advice to Loranna during the last months of her pregnancy, and was around during the delivery, and not just because she was a recent mother as well.

“I am used to blood,” the former assassin said.

About that same time, she became Loranna’s Spymaster again. Alas and Alack had done a reasonably good job, but they found it too much like work at times.

“The priestdom requires muchly time,” Alack explained.

“And being gentlemen of leisure, we needs to spend more time at leisure,” Alas added.

Kethiah continued to use the Khajiti ex-smugglers and now false priests of Zenithar for their information, but she found going back to her old job a relief.

Not, of course, that she was any less than devoted to raising her stepchildren Tyradil and Tilitalia and her new baby Eodir. She found that her humble guise of tavernkeeper was made even more innocuous when she carried a baby with her.

Eodir’s first word was “Mum,” followed shortly thereafter by “Da,” and fumbled approximations of “Tyradil,” “Tilitalia,” and “Uncle Ingmar.” By the end of the year, however, due to attending many meetings with his mother’s agents, he had come to use the word “Bribe” to refer to any treats he wanted.

Ted Peterson

Red-Rock-Shadow, One Year Later ...

After spending some time in Black Marsh with Slashes, and before performing the mating ceremony making him her husband, the Argonian mystic had a long conversation about their future. After all, it had been many years and they had gone quite different ways. For some time, she thought her future life lay in the Imperial City. She had become a trusted emissary of the Archmagister, and it seemed foolish to throw that away. Besides her only experience in the Dres territory of Morrowind had been as a slave, and it did not hold pleasant memories for her.

Nevertheless, Slashes’s own love of Ald Ra'athim eventually won her over. She was quickly accepted as a teacher of the School of Destruction at the Guild, and developed a warm relationship with Magister Druitt. She also enjoyed spending time with her husband and the heroes who had been her companions in the Dragontail Mountains.

She was aware that Tsei and Slashes had some sort of a romance before she had returned, and though she tried to treat her fellow Argonian politely, the two of them could never be great friends.

Red-Rock-Shadow participated in the battle of Molag Mar, but held back on the fight to save Helseth, because she had learned she was pregnant.

Ted Peterson

Glacia Rysleire, One Year Later …

The Duchess’s Diplomatic Adjunct and Reeds’s Bookstore Employee found the year to be a busy one. As Loranna began to relax in preparation for Fjord’s birth, Glacia took on more and more responsibility. She held a party to say goodbye to Magister Zadion, and another to welcome Magister Druitt to Ald Ra'athim; she continued to meet with Diano Asprenas, the Imperial ambassador daily; she travelled to Mournhold at least once a week to meet with the King or his courtiers; she held regular meetings with the various merchant guilds of Ald Ra'athim, keeping them happy during times of war and peace; the Imperial City on four occasions; and she even began traveling to Vivec, Kragenmoor, Blacklight, Tear, and other capitols of the Indoril Redoran Alliance. There was not particularly anything she accomplished during these meetings with the Alliance, except to make it clear that she was the representative of the Duchy … and quite a capable diplomat, they had to grudgingly admit, despite being an Altmer.

She often travelled to these locations with Reeds Saloat when he was available. It was hard to imagine a more innocuous pair than the sheltered Altmeri noblewoman and her bookish Argonian friend. Together, they attended balls and social occasions all over, and she taught him more dances and more nuances of etiquette than he could ever imagine existed.

They took many more trips together, through Skyrim and Cyrodiil, High Rock, Hammerfell, Elsweyr, and Valenwood, and Glacia always made certain to combine business with fun. She made certain that Kings and Queens throughout the lands knew of Ald Ra'athim, and she helped increase trade.

Along the way, she finally wrote the letter King Reman asked her to write to her parents. It had taken her a few months to do it, and placing it in the hand of a courier was an act of bravery that required her friends by her side.

Lord and Lady Rysleire wrote to her shortly thereafter, and their reply was brief and cold. She was disinherited, and they never wanted to see her again.

If that surprised or bothered Glacia, she didn’t show it, as she continued to do the diplomatic work of the Duchy, and prepared for more of the same at the news of Loranna’s expecting again.

Ted Peterson

Another year passes …

Two Years After the War of the Wormgod

The year begins badly for the royalist forces. With the aid of the Nords, a massive invasion is planned of Mournhold. Fortunately, Kethiah’s intelligence network and Helseth’s own spies get word of it, and the royal family is divided and relocated: Helseth to Necrom, and Barenziah and Dinara to Ald Ra'athim.

Other attacks are met and foiled, but the one on Mournhold proves devastating to the capitol, particularly due to Faryon’s push from the west. Other Alliance battles in northern Morrowind were also met with success.

The tide started to turn as Elysana’s Nords attempted an invasion of Firewatch. The neutral Telvanni struck back, forcing the Alliance forces to flee, negating most of their conquest in northern Morrowind.

The Alliance split up, as the Indoril and Redoran, furious at the Nords’ unsanctioned behavior which had forced a neutral party into joining Helseth’s side. The Nords responded by securing Solsteim for themselves, and launching an attack on Blacklight, the Redoran seat which they had saved from the royalist attack the previous year. As the Redoran regrouped, sending more of their forces to defend Blacklight, Helseth found a weakness in northern Vvardenfelll, and took advantage of it.

Thus, the situation in the civil war at the end of the year 3E 432 was this: in the north-west, the Redoran and Nord forces were battling one another, neither gaining the upper hand; in the north-east, the Telvanni and Helseth had control of the land again; in Mournhold, the city was being rebuilt after the Redoran/Indoril attack, but was occupied again by the royal family; in Vvardenfelll, the island was facing the greatest battles of the war yet, gradually turning in the royalists’ favor; in the County of Kragenmoor, Faryon was receiving an influx of soldiers fleeing the losing battles in Vvardenfelll, strengthening his holdings.

Queen Dinara was particularly aggrieved by this. As Faryon’s power base strengthened, it would harder and harder to retrieve her brother Dres Obael from his lands, either by force, subterfuge, or diplomacy.

Ald Ra'athim had survived the year unscathed and unthreatened. Her heroes had participated in many of the battles, but had thankfully not been forced to defend their home.

Ted Peterson

Summary, Goranthir, 3E 431 – 3E 432

Goranthir had helped escort his grandmother and aunt from Mournhold to Ald Ra'athim as the word of the attack on Mournhold got out. Over the next several months, he spent a lot of time with both. His sister Rinnala came from Firsthold to join the family reunion. One day, he went to Loranna and told her that the time had come for him to return to Sumurset.

Reman would have to declare an heir, and after much deliberation, Goranthir decided that it was his duty to become Crown Prince and Heir Apparent. Rinnala had never had her freedom, and it would not be fair to burden her with that, after he had several years to grow. Besides, he admitted, Ald Ra'athim, as much as he loved it, still reminded the Prince too much of Allerleirauh and Tris.

In Sun’s Height, just before Helseth’s counterattacks in Vvardenfelll and after a great riot of a party, Goranthir set sail aboard the Akarvina for Firsthold. He left behind him the six new ships he had purchased to be Ald Ra'athim’s fledgling navy.

For some time, nothing more was heard from him, as he completed the long voyage and arrived in the city. There was much to do to reassure the people of Firsthold that their Prince was not, as rumored, a servitor of the dread Mannimarco. He wrote to his friends with his progress, and to tell them that his Investiture Ceremony was to happen in Frostfall, and all were invited.

Any who attended the Ceremony saw Goranthir crowned with even more pomp and glamor than the typical Altmeri festival. Plays and poems, tournaments and races, dances and feasts were held night after night for a week. King Reman and Royal Consort Morgiah seemed genuinely proud and pleased with their son. Privately, to his friends, he confessed that he had even met a girl. As kingly as he had become, it was still obvious there were some parts of the typical shy 18-year-old that remained.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 432
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Ghazal A-kemi sat in the shadowy room off the Arena of Ald Ra'athim, staring at himself in a bent but still shiny silver shield in the corner. He was 18 years old, thin but sinewy. He glared at his own bald-pated, Redguard face, forming an expression he knew would intimidate his opponent.

He pulled out his swort sword. It wasn’t a great one, he knew, just iron, but he polished it hard so it shone and looked much more expensive than it was.

He had to focus his mind, he told himself. He couldn't think about who was maybe in the stands watching. The Duchess of Ald Ra'athim. The Queen and Queen Mother of Morrowind ...

The opponent Ghazal would be facing, he understood, was new at the Arena battles at well. Whoever he was, he was a local, and undefeated in the half dozen fights he had already been in. He was apparently a pure warrior.

Ghazal smiled as he thought of the spells he knew: merely a fireball spell and a charm for personal healing, but that should give him the advantage over this fellow. It was smart, Ghazal thought, to have done this research before hand.

The sound of applause died away outside. Evidently, the last Arena fight was over. Ghazal went to the door to be announced.

As he stepped out into the cool, Springtide wide open court of the Arena, and saw his opponent for the first time, Ghazal A-kemi silently swore.

“Stendarr, it’s a girl,” he spat, annoyed.

Still, he gave the 14-year-old Nord girl, Tilitalia, the “look” of intimidation, and began spinning his short sword, bent slightly over, preparing to spring …

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah too had been out of the way, having a meeting with one of her agents, in a shaded spot far from listening ears. When Tilitalia's match was called, she brought the meeting to an end, and moved to the edge of the Arena to watch. She smiled. Even from this distance, she could see the concentration in Tilitalia's eyes. She was tall for her age already, but still several inches shorter than the older teenaged Redguard, and even thinner than him, all legs and arms, like a coltish pony.

She looked to Ghazal too, and saw the childish stare of intimidation he offered Tilitalia. That almost made Kethiah laugh. He thought he could scare the little girl.

No chance of that. Kethiah had been training with Tilitalia. It was not quite the training she herself had received in her youth, the training of the Morag Tong, but Tilitalia was a dedicated student and a fierce fighter.

Kethiah took a seat, not noticing how close Anya was, as intent as she was in the match's beginning.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Glacia had always particularly enjoyed Arena fights – of a sort. She wasn’t a bloodthirsty girl, but after a day of negotiating, politely, matters of great importance, it was refreshing for a diplomat to sit and watch people go at it more honestly. In truth, she thought of herself as Loranna’s gladiatorial combatant, going against the Emperor, the Redoran/Indoril Alliance, Helseth, and whoever else came along, but in a sweet way.

The point being, she dragged Reeds to any fight she could, and they were both present at this occasion.

Glacia loved every second of every moment she was with Reeds. Could she imagine tearing off her clothes and leaping upon his cold, reptilian scales? No, though she had tried imaging it – it would be so much easier if she could. The truth was that try as she might, she had never found anyone as well-read and funny and wise as him. And though she thought, seeing Slashes and Red-Rock-Shadow, that it would have been better if Reeds had met another Argonian, she would be insanely jealous if anyone else had sparked his attention.

But still, here at the Arena, in a good seat, she held his clawed hand, and rooted for Tilitalia, the daughter of Reeds’s friend Isidor, one of the men who had come to rescue her in Firsthold, two years before.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

The expression on Ghazal's face changed quickly as he noted Tilitalia's advanced maneuver and her skill with her blade. He pivoted to avoid being hit on the head, but was struck on his non-sword arm. Wincing, he moved out of her range, and cast a healing spell on the wound.

"Nicely done," the Redguard said. "I won't underestimate you again."

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Ghazal side-stepped the sword swing, and elegantly moved to a reverse roundhouse kick, aimed at the precise moment when she had landed from the jump and hadn't righted her balance yet.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Tilitalia narrowly missed being hit in the gut by Khazal's sword swing. Instead, it stabbed at her leg, but gave her time to retrieve her sword.

In the stands, Kethiah's eyes remained on the fight, but at the sight of Tilitalia's blood, her hand grasped Isidor's.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

"She's losing her temper," Kethiah sighed to Isidor, watching them. "She has to watch that. She's already wounded, she'll be exhausted soon ... This is the first time she's fought someone better than her, and she's frustrated."

Ghazal took advantage of this, using the minimum of energy to stay close to her, encouraging the attacks, while dodging them.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Ghazal moved into attack position, and then, unexpectedly, launched a fireball at Tilitalia with his free hand.

Kethiah jumped to her feet.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

With a deft flick of his blade, Ghazal knocked the sword out of Tilitalia's hand and grabbed it. Now with both blades at her throat, he said, respectfully, "Do you yield?"

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Ghazal A-kemi grinned and handed her back her sword, wiping the sweat from his brow with his newly freed hand. "Good fight."

Together they bowed to the Duchess, Queen, and Queen-Mother in the stands.

Kethiah pulled at Isidor's hand. "Come on. Let's go talk to her. She's bound to be disappointed, poor thing. We have to let her know that it was bound to happen sometime."

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

"Better," Kethiah smiled. "There are few little things I noticed in your stance and your swing we can work on later, but I'm proud of you, and you should be proud of yourself. We all face a stronger opponent than ourselves sometimes, and the trick is learning from it."

Ted Peterson

OOC -- One more Overall Summary to go leading up to the events of Oblivion, so get your character summaries in.

Ted Peterson

Summary – The Mages Guild and Imperial Embassy of Ald Ra'athim, 3E 431 – 3E 432

Under the leadership of Magister Druitt, the Mages Guild of Ald Ra'athim expanded its research facilities several fold. Its rather weak library was now the finest in the town. The Guild bought one of the larger nearby townhouses, connected it to the Guild, and filled it: even Slyvos found it to be exhaustive in its breadth, and filled with odd, delightful old tomes he didn’t think existed anymore. This was accomplished through a combination of Druitt’s own connections and patronage of Reeds’s bookshop. The arrangement sometimes took some getting used to, divided up among many rooms, but it was delightful to spend an afternoon in an obscure, quiet former parlor or bedroom, surrounded by books on enchanting or mysticism, knowing that no one would find you or disturb you. If any one did, it was probably the Magister himself, and you would be wise to flee, or get caught in a rambling discussion of some obscure point, which hardly anyone except Slyvos would have found at all interesting.

Across the Village Green, meanwhile, the austere Imperial Embassy had been completed. The last touch was an enormous Cherim tapestry across the formerly rather cold foyer, depicting the Empress Alessia breaking her chains of slavery. It had come from ambassador Diano Asprenas’s personal collection, and he thought it was an appropriate for Ald Ra'athim. As he finally had a permanent residence in Ald Ra'athim, he called for his family to join him – a wife, Boydra, a 6-year-old son, Clydetes. Both as fat and as pompous as him.

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

"You think any of us won all our fights?" Kethiah asked, and pointed to her one violet-colored eye. "I got this as a result of facing an opponent who was stronger than me, and I was much older than you are now. You have many more victories in your future, but there will be more defeats as well. I know you don't have any contempt for the people you've beaten, because you know they are training now as we speak to get better. Don't have contempt for yourself. Tomorrow, why don't we go hunting?"

Ted Peterson

11 Rain’s Hand 3E 321
The Arena of Ald Ra'athim

Kethiah nodded, smiling at her stepdaughter. "Yes, we'd better. Eodir will want to her all about his hero's adventures."

It was true that Eodir worshipped his big sister and big brother. And Kethiah didn't have to tell them to set a good example for him, both Tyradil and Tilitalia knew it.

Ted Peterson

1 Evening Star, 3E 432

As Nalion lay in his cell, listening to the steady dripping of rain water down moldering but still sturdy walls, and the monotonous droning of the prisoners in the other cells, inmates who had been stuck in this dungeon for Gods know how long, his eyes began to grow heavy.

He finds himself in the tower at Castle Daruhn. There is fire in the distance, and he sees ships of Redoran design approaching rapidly. His arms are outstretched, and he hears the echo of his own voice:

Shining brightly
Twinkling in darkness
Alluring the wise and the lovers alike
Released you are,
Light
In a blaze of fire
Glorious and deadly I call to you
Help me
Turn the tide

Which is odd, because when he spoke those words, and called down the stars on the armada at the siege of Ald Ra'athim, it was soundless.

Nevertheless, the twin stars are glowing brightly in the horizon, and he catches, just for an instance, an outline of a dragon in the constellations.

“Where is this place?” asks a familiar voice. Lady Somnia Nyx stood in the tower behind him. She looked frightened. “Where are you?”

Ted Peterson

1 Evening Star, 3E 432

"I know it's a dream, it's your dream," Lady Nyx said, shivering. "I'm not worried about any of this, it's not real, or it's not real anymore anyhow ... But I don't know where you are. You haven't been sleeping soundly, or I haven't been able to find you for some reason for ... a long time now ..."

Ted Peterson

1 Evening Star, 3E 432

"You're in prison," Lady Nyx's frightened eyes turned to resolve. "Well, that's nonsense. I'll go to the Imperial City at once and talk to my solicitor ..." She frowned. "Who thinks I'm dead."

"Hmm," the Imperial noblewoman shook her head. "I could let your friends know ... I could visit them in dreams. Or, at least try."

Ted Peterson

"All right, I'll try," Lady Nyx replied, frowning a little as she tried to understand the joke. "I've never gotten into anyone else's dream before, so it might take a while, but, well, maybe it'll be easier since I came from her dream before ... I'll come back here tomorrow and every night to make sure everything's okay."

And she kept her word. For every night, Lady Nyx returned to Nalion's dreams in his cells, to tell him of her attempts to reach Loranna, and to listen to his stories. Each night, the setting they would meet in would be a little different, sometimes a scene out of his past, sometimes a nonsensical location perhaps from his imagination or even a prophetic image of things to come.

Ted Peterson

Summary, Two and A Half Years After The War of the Wormgod -- 3E 433

The new year began with an attempt to rescue Dres Obael from occupied Bodrom Mora. Several of the heroes of Ald Ra'athim played a part in this, but it ultimately ended in failure. Indoril Faryon’s troops were too entrenched in the mainland plains. The heroes elected to withdraw to avoid shedding of innocent blood to rescue Queen Dinara’s brother.

Obael, however, was freed but a few months later. Though the Alliance was strong in the County of Kragenmoor, Vvardenfelll was finally taken by the royalist factions. The Redoran had moved en masse to Blacklight to defend their realm there, and the Indoril continued their immigration south to the much safer lands of Kragenmoor.

Thus, both sides had firm possession of their respective areas, and neither was likely to move an inch without massive warfare. It was then that Helseth and Faryon and Muthsera Mortillara met and made a truce.

Morrowind is Helseth’s kingdom now, including the County of Kragenmoor. Blacklight too, though no representative of the Redoran was present at the negotiations. Faryon was to keep Kragenmoor and was not required to dissolve his army, as others had been required to do. Dres Obael was freed as part of the truce, and returned to Mournhold and his joyous sister.

The Civil War therefore had come to an end, of sorts. In reality, a cold war continued to be waged, one of espionage and border fighting. Kragenmoor was nominally part of Morrowind, but there could be no doubt, that was only officially -- in reality, it was a separate entity, often hostile to its supposed "liege."

It meant more work for Glacia Rysleire, as Duchess’s diplomat, and Kethiah, as the Duchess’s Spymaster.

The Duchess also received an interesting invitation. Crown Prince Geldall had become engaged to be married, and a ball in celebration was to be held in the Imperial City at the palace on the 27th of Last Seed, 3E 433.

It is here we find our heroes, preparing to go to the ball, which promises to be, well, quite a party …

Not one to be missed.

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, 3E 433

Kallen was at the castle, trying to calm the rumors that were flooding the place, with merchants and farmers arriving to ask what it meant for Ald Ra'athim that its ruler was imprisoned.

Glacia Rysleire immediately upon hearing word went to the Imperial Embassy to talk to Diano Asprenas about the situation, to demand that the charges against Loranna be known.

Kethiah emerged at last from upstairs, looking tired after countless meetings with her agents, trying to determine what had befallen Loranna and why ... She looked to the group assembled in the tavern, and shook her head ...

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, 3E 433

"I wish I had more details," Kethiah nodded, joining the group. "It seems to have happened very suddenly and very silently at the Arcane Library in the Imperial City ..."

Glacia Rysleire had come into the Nymph and listened before adding. "Our Imperial Ambassador was as surprised by this development as any of us. He can confirm that the Duchess is in custody in the Imperial City on a warrant issued some years ago after the events of the Hearthfire Ball of Lord Darius's. His excellency is trying to get in contact with the Emperor, but it appears he is not in the Imperial City at the moment. I am leaving at once to talk to Prince Ebel, who is in charge in his father's absence."

"This is not a simple bureaucratic slip-up," Kethiah continued. "The warrant was real, but it obviously should have been thrown away because of all the good work the Duchess and the heroes of Ald Ra'athim have done for the Empire. Someone brought it forward while Loranna was visiting ... Someone who wishes us ill, but I don't know yet who that could be. My agents are investigating."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, 3E 433

"Hopefully, I'll be able to sort this all out quickly," said Glacia, getting up from the table. "But in the meantime, don't respond like the Duke, and get yourself arrested. That will not be helpful ... As I'm sure Loranna is pointing out to him as we speak."

Ted Peterson

The Nymph and Noggin, 3E 433

"The invitation is always open, you know that, Reeds," Glacia smiled, though her eyes were serious. "I don't know exactly what we'll be facing. It might be boring, diplomatic talks ... It might be something else ..."

Ted Peterson

Nalion’s Dream, Mid Year 3E 433

“You’re still having nightmares?” Lady Nyx asked, coming out of the smoke and ash. “I can’t imagine how horrible it must be, in that dungeon. Have you had any luck getting an audience with the Emperor?”

Glacia’s Diplomatic Mission, Mid Year through Sun’s Height 3E 433

Lady Glacia Rysleire, accompanied by Reeds Saloat, negotiated their way through the bureaucratic and diplomatic morass of the government of the Imperial City for over two months, in a frustrating and ultimately futile attempt to free Loranna. They were unable to even visit the Duchess in her cell. Glacia pulled out every favor she knew, even getting letters of commendation from Helseth and Barenziah, Reman and Goranthir, but to no avail. The Law had come down against Loranna, Slyvos, and Nalion, and that was that, unless the Emperor interceded on their behalf.

The issue came down to the fact that the warrant for the Duchess’s arrest was legitimate, and the bureaucrats would not overturn it without the Emperor granting an official pardon. He was due to return to the Imperial City the next month, Last Seed, for his son’s Engagement Party.

Angry and frustrated, Glacia and Reeds returned to Ald Ra'athim. There was nothing more that could be done, but to attend the Ball on the 27th, and speak directly to Uriel Septim VII.

Ted Peterson

Nalion's Dream, Mid Year 3E 433

Lady Nyx nodded, sadly. "Yes, I was finally able to contact her ... She's very close to you. And she's dreaming now."

Ted Peterson

Nalion's Dream, Mid Year 3E 433

"I'll bring them to you, if I can," said Lady Nyx, concentrating.

Ted Peterson

"Perhaps you might discuss your children, instead of yourselves," Lady Nyx said, perspiration gathered on her brow as she tried to keep the dreams united. "I can try to bring you three together when I can ... tomorrow, hopefully, if you slumber at the same time ..."

And with that, the dream ended, but Lady Somnia Nyx would bring them together a dozen more times before the Engagement Ball.

Ted Peterson

Update:

The Imperial City in the last months of 3E 433 was seasonably cool and clement. The sky over the capitol is a curtain of blue with nary a cloud, peaceful yet expectant, while all below, the city seethes with activity, particularly around the palace.

In just a day’s time, it will be the engagement party of Crown Prince Geldall and his bride-to-be. It had been decades since an Imperial Prince had taken a wife, the Emperor’s wife having died long ago, and their sons quite middle-aged bachelors all. Every king and count in the Empire had tried unsuccessfully to link a daughter to Enman, Ebel, or Geldall, but none of the delicate flowers of romance and politics had taken root. It was scarcely any wonder. Had a Prince taken a bride from any of the provinces, he would have alienated the other nine. If he chose a mate from Cyrodiil, he would have been missing an opportunity for a good alliance.

The actual identity of this girl whom Geldall intended to make his wife, who would someday doubtless be Empress of Tamriel was a well-guarded secret. So much so that no one knew where Geldall, the Emperor, and this mystery woman was for several months before the Engagement Ball, where she would be revealed to all.

One thing that people noted as the palace began preparations for the Ball was the abundance of fountains, waterspouts, and other aquatic décor that was being installed for the occasion. Was this theme a hint? The palace observed wondered.

The better taverns in the Imperial City were quickly filling up, but rooms were available in all quarters, as the citizens found it profitable to rent their rooms for the occasion

Ted Peterson

Summary

Glacia Rysleire made certain that she and Reeds were in the Imperial City long before the ball, and continued to make entreaties to the guard to let her speak with the Emperor when he arrived, or at least let her meet with the Duchess. To the former request, the guards told her that there were many people who wished to meet with the Emperor after his long absence, and she would have to wait her turn in the hierarchy of importance. To the latter request, she was denied again, until she hit on an unusual strategy.

Kallen still had the Duchess’s invitation to the Engagement Ball. The diplomat produced it, and after some discussion, it was agreed that it was good currency. The Duchess would be permitted to attend the Ball, under guard.

That small goal accomplished, Glacia returned to the tavern room she had booked with Reeds Saloat. For the last week, in deference to the Imperials, she had worn light-colored, simple gowns of their style. Now, she wore a dress of Dunmeri design, which was a trifle more revealing that her usual modest attire.

“I have to get the Emperor’s attention as soon as I see him,” she explained with a slight frown to Reeds when he saw her. “And I have to use every trick in the book, even the oldest one a woman uses to attract a man’s attention.”

Kethiah, her husband Isidor, her brother-in-law Ingmar, her stepchildren Tyradil and Tilitalia, and her three-year-old son Eodir left for Cyrodiil the day before the Ball, traveling by Guild Guide to the Imperial City. It would be nice and educational for the children to see the Imperial Province, but they could not be gone from the Nymph and Noggin for more than a couple days. Besides, Kethiah had other obligations to attend to, which she could temporarily re-entrust to Alas and Alack, but not for very long.

It had been difficult, worrying about Loranna, Slyvos, and Nalion, and trying to gather intelligence about their well-being, but Kethiah could not help but smile at how nice her little clan looked, dressed for the ball. She was particularly impressed with Tilitalia, though she suspected her stepdaughter did not like to be in such formal “girly” clothes, as she had become quite the Arena warrior. As for Eodir, she was not worried about him at all: though he was strong and active, he was an unusually quiet toddler, and very well-behaved.

The family found a house on the outskirts of the city where they could stay, and prepare for the party.

Ted Peterson

The music that filtered through the palace, by musicians placed at strategic locations to pick up and carry the arrangement wherever the guests wandered, was soft and tinkling, also like a gentle stream.

No one entering the palace could be of any doubt that security was in force. Battlemages and knights wore the uniform of the Imperial Guard, and their eyes were everywhere.

“No magery,” the battlemages would discreetly whisper to any obvious sorcerors as they entered. “By order of the Emperor. No exceptions.”

Already, there was much gossip, not all of it centered on whether the Emperor was back yet, or who the mysterious woman was who had taken Prince Geldall’s heart. The royal family of Mournhold were in attendance, as were the major powers of the former Indoril/Redoran Alliance. The royal family of Firsthold were expected soon. Sovereigns from all over the Empire were present, and discovered by a little exploration through the salons of the palace. There was Queen Barenziah, who had heard what the theme of the ball was through her spies, and was appropriately dressed in an azure-blue gown that shimmered with gems as if kissed by dew. There was Queen Elysana, who also had spies and also dressed in an aquatic manner, but with a different interpretation: her dark amethyst colored gown appeared like a sea in a storm, with silver filigree representing whirlpools and tidal waves.

The former stepmother and stepdaughter greeted one another politely before moving on.

The guests looked at one another. If those two could be polite, surely this would be a very peaceful evening.

Ted Peterson

A slim, beautiful Redguard teenager in a shimmering silver slip of a dress and a matching diadem smiled when she saw P'Rassha and walked over to him.

"You wouldn't remember me, sir," she said. "But you once held me upside down at a wedding in Daggerfall. I'm Mynisera."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah rushed forward out of the crowd to gently embrace Loranna and kiss her cheek.

"Glacia is trying to speak to the Emperor now before his entrance, but she told me to make sure you were all right," the former assassin said, looking at Loranna.

Ted Peterson

Kethiah looked to Nalion, and she could see the shock in her eyes before she disguised it. The truth was, she hadn't recognized him at all. She embraced him as well. "It has been, Nalion. Too long."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah smiled. "Just don't tell Tilitalia how pretty she looks. It makes her turn reddish-purple."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah laughed. "Oh, she doesn't care the first thing about politeness and etiquette, just bashing people with swords in the arena. Her stepmother, however, thanks you very kindly for the compliment."

It was true. She had lost the weight from pregnancy long ago, everywhere except in her face, so her normally sharp features had been softened. She had also not cut her hair since leaving her career as an assassin, and now it was quite long and jet black, complimenting the emerald green dress she was wearing for the occasion.

Ted Peterson

"He's here, somewhere," Kethiah nodded. "Glacia is trying to speak with him on your behalf even now. The best she could do without meeting with him was to get you freed from prison for the evening, since, after all, you did have proper invitations."

Ted Peterson

Kethiah frowned. "Did you doubt before that we were trying our hardest to free you?"

Ted Peterson

A momentary chill went into Anya's bones and disappeared almost instantly. There was another vampire at the Ball. It was, at least she knew, not a Cyrodilic, as they could not be "felt," but that left many, many other possibilities.

Ted Peterson

The crowd parted for the King and Queen of Morrowind to pass through, approaching the group. Helseth wore an ancient crown of the Chimer, with five points curving inward like blades, supporting one in the middle: what it symbolized in elder days was debatable, but today, it meant Five Houses Under One King. Dinara wore a blue-gray gown with a cloak with a raised collar, like waves rising.

The Queen embraced Loranna, while Helseth spoke. “Fortunately, it will not come to that. It is good to see you embracing your sister, Count Faryon, with all your heart. And it is good to see you and your husband have survived this ordeal, Your Grace. I never had any doubt that you would, if it could be done. I have spoken to the Emperor about this, while your diplomatic adjunct was seeking his audience. I believe you will be freed soon.”

"Quite good things, thank you, P'Rassha," Mynisera smiled. She was only thirteen now, but every bit the beauty Aubk-i had been when she took the throne of Daggerfall. "I just had to come over and say hello. I've told many friends the story about the great tiger who picked me up and held me upside down, and you know, I don't think any of them believed me. I was glad to see you weren't entirely a product of my childhood imagination."

Ted Peterson

"Your diplomat can fill you in on the details when she returns from the Emperor," Helseth nodded, and then turned to Dinara. "Where is your brother? He demanded that we bring him here so he could see the Duchess, and then he disappears again ..."

Dinara laughed. "He was with me when we passed that beautiful Khajiiti princess, and then he just vanished --"

"Here I am!" Dres Obael said, running over. He was, as usual, not quite formally dressed enough, a little messy, and very handsome. "I'm sorry, I thought I knew her -- Loranna!"

He embraced her, correcting himself. "I am sorry, your Grace."

"We're working on his courtly manners," Helseth frowned. "But he's a hopeless case."

Ted Peterson

"Oh, the Duchess of Ald Ra'athim? I know exactly where she is, someone pointed her out to me. I guess her imprisonment is something of a scandal?" Princess Mynisera said, taking P'Rassha's paw. "I'll show you."

Thus, the young teenaged Redguard Princess of a Breton kingdom, and the nine-foot-tall Khajiit made their way to the group.

Ted Peterson

Kingston Mune’s attention was on an Imperial man and woman, a rather nondescript pair, not particularly attractive or well-dressed, really part of the scenery. He turned to her as soon as she could sense the chill, and she knew he could feel it from her too.

He had, of course, not changed at all in the last three and a half years, nor for that matter in the hundred years that preceded that. But he was elegantly dressed, befitting the occasion, in a light-blue tunic that set off his deep tan. Anya could tell he had fed recently.

He clearly did not recognize her, and the look he gave her was polite, but there was warning in his eyes, as if to say I do not want trouble, but I am ready to fight, fellow vampire.

---

"I'm afraid I don't remember you, like you feared, friend, but please don't take that personally," the Dres noble smiled. "My brother-in-law will tell you my mind is addled."

Helseth frowned at this characterization.

---

"Well, I was under house arrest in my own castle, which is rather more pleasant than what you've been through," Obael shook his head, and then blushed slightly at the mention of the Harvest Princess. "At least, it used to be my castle. That swine Faryon has it now."

"A small price to pay for your freedom," Dinara smiled softly.

Ted Peterson

"Yes, of course, you were the large Khajiit involved, if I remember correctly," said Helseth, not smiling.

"Don't look now, but the King of Morrowind just made a joke," Dinara giggled.

"And we were here at the first," Obael laughed.

Helseth nodded, still not smiling, and then bowed slightly to the group. "Pardon me, I should have a word with someone here."

As he withdrew, Dinara whispered, more seriously. "Elysana's here."

Ted Peterson

"Oh," Kingston took a moment to understand. "Oh, hello, Anya. Fancy meeting you in a place like this. As for not wanting to be found ... they know what you are."

His eyes went back to the Imperial couple, whose eyes, in turn, had never left Kingston and Anya.

Ted Peterson

"Is it over?" Dinara asked quietly. "I wish I was sure."

"As far as His Majesty's humor goes, though," Obael rolled his eyes. "That's him on a good day, as you know."

Dinara punched her brother, but with affection.

Ted Peterson

"You know me, I don't like to make plans," Kingston winked. "I figured I just try to slip out during the day. Though even that isn't foolproof against the Cyrodilics ... But let's talk about you, briefly, before returning to the fascinating tale of my imminent demise. Clearly, you've been training, Anya. When I saw you last, claws were the best you could do. I hope this means you're embracing your unlife more?"

Ted Peterson

It was not to last long. Loranna noticed one of the captains of the guard approaching, whispering something to the guards in the vicinity. The guards walked up to her, Slyvos, and Nalion.

"It's time to go," the guard said.

"They've been out of their cells for just a few hours," Kethiah said, anger in her eyes. "They were invited to come to the Ball, not just to see it and be thrown back into the dungeon."

"I'm sorry, I have my orders, my lady," the guard replied, looking to her. "Please don't interfere."

"I'll tell the King, it'll be all right," said Dinara quickly, heading into the crowds. Obael after a confused moment, ran after her.

"Please, your grace," the guard said. "Don't make this difficult. Come along."

---

Kingston made a silent "shh" noise to Anya, in a frequency mortals could not hear, as the red-haired Breton approached.

"Lovely party," he smiled to her politely, clearly not recognizing Dayla either.

Ted Peterson

The guards escorted the three back towards the dungeon, but instead of turning down the steps, they opened a rather plain door, and went into a back room.

It was a simple, undecorated room, large enough for a couple tables and chairs. Seated behind the closest table was the Emperor of Tamriel, Uriel Septim VII. He was dressed grandly, but simply.

On one side of him was Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, and next to her, Glacia Rysleire. On the other was the Emperor’s son and heir the Imperial Prince Geldall, and a woman who must surely be his mysterious fiancee. She was a vision with honey-colored hair, and skin of the palest pink, like the blush of a rose. Loranna guessed she was a Breton, because at one angle, she looked elvish and at another human.

For all the mysterious woman’s beauty, one’s attention was set on the old man who rose at the three heroes’ approach.

“Ah, yes, of course, I remember them from Sentinel,” the Emperor said, frowning a little. “It seems that something went wrong between there and here, doesn’t it?”

---

Kingston Mune cocked his head, and then grinned. “By the Dog, Dayla! This party is getting lovelier and lovelier. Are you here together? Not at each’s throats nowadays? That’s marvelous, marvelous.”

Ted Peterson

"Let me say from the first that I am not quite so senile to forget Sentinel and the heroes of Ald Ra'athim rescuing me during that terrible time with the Azurites," the Emperor said slowly, looking Loranna, Nalion, and Slyvos over with an old but sharp eye. "Your friends must truly love you, for they have been pestering me non-stop since my arrival earlier today, disrupting all my other business until I was fully briefed on your case. Or cases, I should say, as Master Nalion has been charged with different offenses ... But let us talk first about you, Loranna Pyrel ..."

Uriel Septim VII brought out the warrant and put it in front of Loranna.

"You should know what this pertains to. I would hear your thoughts on the matter."

---

"That's good," Kingston smiled. "It's a rare thing when 100% of any vampire tribe gets along that well, even if it is two out of two. As far Skyrim, it was -- I think you'll be surprised to hear this -- quite cold. I got far up north, and into a scrape when I was lured to a mountain peak which turned out to be an iceberg that floated away. As you know, water and my kind are not compatible, so I had to wait until the winter and the sea froze again to return ... That was a hungry autumntide, but ... I made up for it. Are you hunting now, Anya?"

Ted Peterson

"I told you how to contact me if there was an emergency when I left," Kingston chuckled, shaking his head. "If you had been thoughtful enough to have an emergency, I might not have ended up on that blessed iceberg for four months."

Ted Peterson

"The crimes are quite serious," the Emperor said thoughtfully. "It is a very lucky thing for us all that this warrant was never served until years later, for words of regret and deeds of penitence are two very different things -- and I doubt I would have given you the chance to give you the opportunity to earn your freedom had I judged you then ..."

He took the warrant from Loranna, and with a slightly palsied hand, held it over a candle, watching it burn.

"You may not consider your past crimes redeemed yet, your Grace, but I do."

---

"Since I've more or less stumbled into a Cyrodilic ambush right here at this very Ball, I know what you mean," Kingston laughed, looking slightly over his shoulder at the Imperial couple, who were talking to other guests, but whose eyes wandered across the ball towards Dayla, Anya, and Kingston from time to time. "And, why o why, did the theme of this wretched thing have to be water?"

Ted Peterson

"My dear Anya, I've enjoyed my hundred years of complacency immensely," Kingston grinned. "I'm very happy to find the easy way out of this, but I don't really know how many Cyrodilics there are here tonight. I only happened to know that tiresome couple because I've tussled with them before. They're flammable, but tough. Mylvor and Maerdra Tyricles. And they hunt in packs."

Ted Peterson

"I am sorry," the Emperor said, noticing Loranna looking to Geldall and his fiancee. "I should have introduced you -- or, would that spoil the grand reveal?"

"I'm sure it's fine, father," Geldall replied, holding his fiancee's hand. "All this skulking about for the purposes of high drama is getting enormously tedious. As you are no doubt aware, your Grace, it was difficult finding a bride who would not alienate someone by my choice. The only thing I could do was to find a way to marry Tamriel itself. But how -?"

"By Akatosh, you delivered this impromptu speech better the first through tenth time you told it," the Breton woman chuckled, kissing Geldall's hand fondly, before turning to Loranna. "Very honored to meet you, your Grace. My name is Tamrialle."

Ted Peterson

Tamrialle smiled at the compliment, blushing, and looking to her fiance, who was grinning. It was quite evident this was a love match, not a political match.

"Well, we should settle these other matters quickly so we can introduce her to everyone else, who are no doubt getting restless," Uriel Septim VII said, smiling himself. It was obvious how fond this father-in-law-to-be was about his son's choice. "On the matter of His Grace, Duke Slyvos, well, it's hard to be too strict on a fellow angry at his wife's imprisonment, particularly as we ourselves considered the matter resolved. Still, I cannot anyone to attack my men no matter how justified he may feel the cause is. There will be a fine, and a large one, but I consider the matter closed ..."

The Emperor turned to Nalion, and then to Loranna. "You're free to go, if you'd wish. The matter of Master Nalion does not concern you, unless it does as a friend."

---

Kingston laughed. "I should have left you two bitter enemies, and then you couldn't gang up on me and my evil plans. Very well, let's mingle."

Ted Peterson

"We've no objection," Uriel Septim VII said, taking out several papers, and handing them to Nalion. "Would you be kind enough to explain these to us?"

Ted Peterson

The Queen of Wayrest in her seastorm gown saw Faryon coming, and excused herself from the conversation she was having with the Count of Leyawiin. She met the Indoril halfway. Lady Beauty, the hideous orc who was her Minister of War, joined them.

"Well, well, well, Count Kragenmoor," she smiled sweetly. "I haven't seen you in some time. How have you been?"

Ted Peterson

The Emperor listened carefully, and then said. "Master Nalion, how dangerous would you consider these documents to be in trained or untrained hands?"

Ted Peterson

"I have had some very learned men take a look at these documents, and they tell me that they are very dangerous indeed, even to untrained," Uriel Septim VII said, frowning, as he took them from Nalion's hands. "Too dangerous to be lying around a tavern room. Too dangerous to be out in the open at all. We know you used them for the best of purposes, but not everyone would be so noble."

Ted Peterson

"There are, of course, fines, mandatory imprisonment, and corporal punishment associated with the possession of such material," the Emperor said, looking grim, and then he smiled and rose. "Unfortunately, I've left my law books elsewhere. I think your long time waiting in prison for my justice far exceeds any sentence I would give you. I do not take lightly the dangers in these documents, but it is transparently obvious that your sin was, as you say, carelessness, not malevolence."

"Renault," Uriel said, turning to the female guard in the room. "Please release these prisoners. Their crimes have been amply punished."

Ted Peterson

"Wayrest has hardly changed at all, particularly compared to Morrowind," the Queen replied. "I congratulate you on your personal success. It must be very pleasant not to have war in your Province anymore, united as it is under one King."

Ted Peterson

"Do you know, I feel the stars are shining brightly on me tonight," Uriel turned to look fondly on his son and his daughter-in-law-to-be. "But I thank you for your kind blessing. Now, go, enjoy yourselves at the Ball. We need to get ready for our entrance."

Barenziah and Glacia also bowed, and stepped out of the room with Nalion, Slyvos, and Loranna.

Ted Peterson

"I can't see why you would want Helseth gone as much as I do, as you think exactly like he does," Elysana replied, the smile still on her face, but her eyes flashing. "If you will excuse me."

As Elysana left, Lady Beauty turned to Faryon. "Strange as it may be, that was actually a compliment from the Queen."

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Barenziah smiled modestly, before breaking into a laugh at the sight of Loranna being thrown into the air. "Your adjunct did all the work."

"All respect, your highness," Glacia, also giggling said to her, watching Loranna and P'Rassha. "But that is nonsense."

Ted Peterson

Glacia smiled. "Thank you, your Grace, it's good to see you free," she said, before Reeds took her to dance.

To Reeds's query, she giggled. "Wait 'til you see Prince Geldall's fiancee. You understand that no one was looking at me with anything other than the barest of interest."

---

"Oh, please, this is much better news than that old Prince Geldall finally found a wife," Barenziah laughed.

Ted Peterson

The tinkling, light, melodic music faded to silence, and the orchestra struck up the anthem of the Septim Empire. All eyes went to the great doors to the throne room as they opened, and the elderly but still majestic figure of His Imperial Highness, Uriel Septim VII emerged.

Ted Peterson

The guests bowed as the Emperor moved forward into the Ball. He was followed by his two younger sons, Prince Enman and Prince Ebel. After a pause, the couple in whose honor the evening was being held came to the door. The Emperor’s heir, the Imperial Prince Geldall and his fiancee.

The crowd drew their breath collectively at her almost unearthly beauty. Her honey-colored hair was pulled back in a formal, but still youthful chignon. The pink of her pale, flawless skin was heightened by her simple red silk gown, which spoke of modesty.

The couple moved forward to the center of the room, while the Emperor took his seat and beamed at them, proudly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, I had a speech prepared, but fortunately for you, I am not going to give it,” Geldall smiled, addressing the crowd in an authorative but conversational tone in the hushed room. “I am certain there has been plenty of gossip over the years about whether I would ever marry, and tonight, who the girl would be. Well, let me put all that to rest, and allow you to gossip about something else.

“I met my love, my bride-to-be, a year ago tonight, while hunting in a remote forest in the Colovian Highlands. It had begun to rain, and my men were miserable, so we decided to seek shelter in the nearest place we could, a ruined old shack we had passed on the way. Imagine my surprise when it was not only occupied, but the person within was the loveliest maiden I had ever seen.”

To this, the young woman blushed, but she did not avert her eyes. All the time, they were focused on Geldall, twinkling.

“She lived there alone, she told me, after her parents had died. There were no neighbors, no friends, no one to help, so she did everything on her own. And, the delightful thing is, she had no idea who I was!”

To this the girl laughed, nodding her head, a little embarrassed.

“It was such an extraordinary experience, being with someone so beautiful but so unspoiled by civilization, whose humor and observations were keen but unsophisticated in the best sense of the word,” Geldall took her hand. “When I asked her what her name was, she said that as her mother had given birth to her at the rising of Magnus, she had always been called Tamrialle, for ‘Dawn’s Beauty.’ I knew at once I had to beg her to be my wife.

“I’m sure you can imagine, the poor girl was frightened as I took her out of the wilderness and into the cities, but I have always tried to shield her while I taught her. My dear old father knew right away this was no forest nymph I had brought back for a dalliance, and it was he, not I, who first asked me if I intended to marry her,” Geldall’s voice broke slightly with emotion. “I told him yes, but I was worried that I was disappointing him by not marrying the heiress of some great dynasty, forming some political pact … He told me that Tamriel could survive an Emperor who married out of love.”

There was, some close to him noticed, a tear in the Emperor’s eye as he smiled, looking on Geldall and Tamrialle.

“I hope you, friends, will wish us no lesser blessing than that,” the Imperial Prince said, turning to his fiancee and kissing her. “If when I am Emperor, I can bring the land even a small part of the happiness that is in my heart, it will be a golden age.”

Ted Peterson

"I never thought Geldall had so much soulfulness," whispered a familiar voice at Loranna's ear. It was Goranthir. Over the three years since the War of the Wormgod, his white coloring had darkened to more familiar hues. His red-gold hair was braided, and he wore a robe of blue and gray, well-fitted and elegantly wrought as usual. "The word is you're a free woman again, congratulations."

Ted Peterson

The crowd around them had moved forward to congratulate Geldall and Tamrialle, and the rest of the Imperial Family. Goranthir chuckled at the sight of the masses.

"Ah, yes, the braid, well, latest style in Firsthold, of course," Goranthir laughed. "Life in Firsthold is fairly dull compared to yours. Mostly, it's been a matter of convincing the people that I am not actually a demonic spawn of Mannimarco, so I've been doing a few quests when I can to bolster their confidence in me ... But it's been a lot of dull learning of statecraft. As far as Rinnala goes, she's around here somewhere ..."

The young Dunmeri Princess of an Altmeri kingdom joined them on hearing her name. Rinnala had blossomed from a fairly awkward girl to a pretty teenager.

"Good evening, your Grace," she said with a bow. "Did my brother tell you I'm going to become an adventurer?"

Ted Peterson

"Oh, don't get her started," Goranthir laughed.

"Shut up," Rinnala glared, before turning back to Loranna. "Well, I'm only so-so at fighting, but I can hold my own if need be. I'm pretty sneaky, but being a thief didn't appeal much. And I was never good at spellcraft ... until I discovered the problem. I was born under the sign of the Atronach, so I can absorb magicka but not create it myself. Once I figured that out, I really got into studying. I wish I could show you some of the stuff I can do, but the guards say no spellcasting, no exceptions, so ..."

Goranthir took his sister's hand. "Come on, Princess. We should give our congratulations to the happy couple. You coming, Loranna?"

"Did Goran tell you he has a girlfriend?" Rinnala giggled.

"Perhaps the guards would make an exception for one Silence spell," Goranthir glared and then gave a wink.

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Goranthir bowed and introduced himself and his sister to Geldall and Tamrialle.

"Pleased to meet you, Your Majesty," returned Tamrialle, and then blushed furiously, looking to Geldall. "Oh dear, that's not right, is it?"

"More proper would be Your Royal Highness," Geldall chuckled. "But I seriously doubt Prince Goranthir or Princess Rinnala took great offense."

Goranthir and Rinnala quickly assured her that they didn't.

"And you must have already met Her Grace, Dres Loranna Pyrel, Duchess of Ald Ra'athim," Goranthir added.

"Of course, good to see you again, Your Grace," Tamrialle smiled widely. "I've read all the reports on your adventures, and you are as lovely as you are good."

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"I would love that, your Grace," Tamrialle smiled, and added with a wink. "As soon as possible. I am sure there will be many more adventures to come, and soon."

There were still a few people in the crowd behind them, and Goranthir excused the three of them, so others would have a chance to greet the couple. As they did, Tamrialle and Geldall met the fairly pompous but very rich Viscount of Alrorne.

"She didn't have any trouble remembering his correct title," Goranthir whispered to Loranna, frowning, as Tamrialle called the Nord "Right Honorable" as is tradition.

The Emperor meanwhile had been beaming at the couple, nodding in recognition of old friends, but letting the night belong to them. The smile had gradually left his face, and he leaned forward to say something to his son Geldall.

"Do you want me to come with you, father?"

"No, no, you should dance," the Emperor said, looking a little pale. "I'll be fine in just a few minutes."

With that, the Emperor pardoned himself and with a half dozen of his guards helping support him, he left the Ball.

In anticipation of the dance, the orchestra struck up a few chords.

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"Just don't make his new girlfriend jealous," Rinalla teased them. "She's terrible."

Goranthir laughed, and took Loranna's hand. Several other dancers were also taking the floor, led by Geldall and Tamrialle.

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The whole ball was dancing, and the music was soaring, so that when a woman's voice called out, it took a moment to tell who it was.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

It was Tamrialle who was calling out, holding Geldall close to her.

"Ladies and gentlemen! My name is Tamrialle, which means Dawn's Beauty, and the time is now Mythic Dawn! Behold the rising of the new sun!"

With that, she pushed Geldall to the floor in front of her, revealing the wound to his heart caused by the bound dagger she held in her hand.

He was still smiling.

In a flash, Tamrialle was wearing bound armor, and all around the palace, guards and guests alike, dozens of them, suddenly summoned up bound armor and weaponry. They rushed to begin the attack, concentrating on the armed guards, but going after Enman and Ebel as well ...

The ball exploded in chaos, with assassins everywhere. The music stopped abruptly replaced by screams.

"I should have known she was too good to be true!" Goranthir cried, pulling out his blade. To Loranna's surprise, he had the Kynarine Blade back. "By Nirn, she was everything everyone wanted her to be!"

The Cyrodilics took the opportunity, once the attack had begun, to charge at Kingston and Anya. The couple he had pointed out to her earlier rushed across the floor towards her, while a group of two identical brothers, also Imperials on the surface, rushed at Kingston.

Before he had a chance to react, he was flying head over heels towards a fountain.

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A loud boom of the Kynarine Blast echoing forth, blasting the doorway to the outside open was an excellent clue where Goranthir was. He was fighting, but he was trying to get the guests to run the right direction, away from the assassins.

His sister Rinalla was with him too, engulfing and anyone she could find in a shield spell while she fought off assassins with short-range spells, to slow their speed and agility, and let as many innocents escape as possible.

At the center of the room, in the fountain where Kingston Mune had been thrown, there was a great rolling expanse of steam which obscured sight.

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Kethiah slid down the tapestry behind them, landing softly.

"I had to make sure Tyradil and Tilitalia were out of here, protecting Eodir," the ex-assassin said by way of explanation. She had a daikatana from someone, and blood -- someone else's blood, likely many someone elses' blood -- stained her gown, in splashes along her arms and face. "Isidor and Ingmar are also fighting a retreat. We need to go too. They have every advantage: this is the sort of attack one plans for months."

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"This is no time for heroes," Kethiah replied. "This is a time for survival. We save who we can, and we get out."

"But where is the Emperor?" Goranthir asked, looking around. "Did they already get him too? He left just before the dance."

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"Loranna, I don't want to die here, and I don't want you to, either," Kethiah said, turning to her. "The longer we stay here --"

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"Any direction, just go!" Kethiah cried, slashing at one of the assassins as the group ran for the arched doorway, amid the sea of chaos. Goranthir helped clear the path with a well aimed wave of the Kynarine.

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High Hrothgar

Waughin Jarth stared, not wanting to look back to Aricyn for fear another whale would surface and he wouldn't see it. How could he do this sight justice in his book? He immediately began penning metaphors in his mind, editing them because fantastical sights just seemed like metaphors for something else ... Which perhaps this was. Aricyn as the snow whale?

"Are they dangerous?" was his rather prosaic question.

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High Hrothgar

Waughin Jarth could not help but smile. He should have known that Aricyn hadn't brought him up here simply to share a spectacular, once in a lifetime vision with a dear friend. It was for the book. Of course, it was good, and Jarth could look up more about snow whales and quote from the original legend in the book. That was good. It was always more dramatic when you could find old text to back up your prose.

It also seemed to the author a bit presumptive that quellers of battles would appear when surely there were many more wars ahead for Aricyn.

"It's good to see creatures of great power and great goodness," is what he said, and meant.

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Summary

In nearby High Hrothgar, the Princess Rinnala awaits rescue at the hands of our stalwart heroes. She's not the real Princess actually, but the Princess's double Istimna taken by Aricyn by mistake.

Aricyn's other prisoner, the famous pensmith Waughin Jarth, after having seen some of the wonders of the mountain, the snow whales and the never-before-seen valley of waterfalls he has named Vakkervanir, is on his way to Whiterun now under escort, and from there to the library at Winterhold, to establish a blood tie between his captor and Talos Stormcrown.

The real Princess Rinnala, called publicly Lietta, is asleep in the mines of Mount Einar, the mountain neighboring High Hrothgar. Having channeled Ayleid magicks in order to save the party from an avalanche, she is understandably exhausted.

Also exhausted is her brother Goranthir, known publicly as Lietir, having nearly died in that avalanche.

In a different plotline, the beautiful androgynous witch called Keown is meeting Suiko, Slyvos, and Dragon at the Shrine of Vaernima for a very dangerous mission to save Somnia Nyx from the Prince's land of Quagmire.

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Rinnala gasped from surprise and delight as much as absence of air. She felt her tears freeze on her face, as she laughed.

Goranthir heard the song and understood it, and it brought warmth to him that had nothing to do with temperature. He tried breathing as shallow as he could, to try to call out to them. It would not be easy.

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At the sight of that, Goranthir caught his breath and called out to the whales, in a high, keening wail.

Rinnala, still holding Istimna's trembling hand, stepped forward, reaching out to touch one of the magnificent creatures.

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Rinnala roared with delight, finding air she didn't know she had in her lungs. Her brother joined her.

Istimna, not quite able to scream from the flood of warmth in her body, still kept her eyes closed all the way down.

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Goranthir sang back to them as they ascended back up the mountain. He still couldn't get the huge grin off his face.

Rinnala gave Istimna a little shake. "We're on solid ground again."

She knew she would have to open her map and see where they were, but she still did not feel that they were anywhere real. It took the familiar chill of the Skyrim wind, not as agonizing as it had been on the mountain, but still persistent, before she turned with a sigh to the map.