General:Loranna's RP/Playing Houses/Section 1

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah is in Vas, being attacked by Herwyn Brand.

Barenziah is in the Inner Sea with Tris.

Goranthir is in the Drunken Guar with Drakar, Shaka, Isidor, and Anya.

---

"I'm no expert," Goranthir shrugged. "My limit is two glasses, but I've heard from others than the brandy is worth having."

He made a signal to the tavernkeep, who brought the new drinks.

"Shaka," Goranthir smiled. "Good to see you, old friend. This is Drakar."

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

There was absolutely no warning. The seabirds continued to call, the water rocked gently.

And then, suddenly, the eastern wall of the cabin seemed to disintegrate into flame. The percussive force knocked Barenziah and Tris to the floor.

There were screams coming from the deck, the unbearable death cries of brave men dying in agony, and other voices, steady but afraid, yelling, "We are under attack!"

Sheogorath

"How long has it been, Kratos?" Goranthir smiled. They had had plenty of conflict, Kratos and him, but it was good to see him again.

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

There might have been a time when the guards would have shown a bit of unprofessional amusement at a 20-year-old Breton lad leaping half-dressed out of the Queen Mother's cabin. But today wasn't that time.

Balls of fire washed across the deck, but the remaining guards had cast shields on themselves, and were buffeting the assault. The sails were already engulfed in flame. The shorter one had already fallen: Tris had thankfully just missed the moment when it had fallen in a blanket of flame onto two guards, but their blackened corpses were still visible.

Four ships without flags or distinguishing marks were flanking the Queen Mother's barge. Dunmer battlemages were at the sides, continuing the assault, unmercifully, inexhaustibly.

"They came out of nowhere!" one of the guards yelled to Tris. "The Queen Mother, is she all right?!"

Barenziah answered that question, appearing on the deck in her robe, a sword in hand, her eyes fierce.

At that moment, the ship lurched. It was taking water.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

"My grandmother isn't here," Goranthir replied, and then looked to the others. "Is she?"

Sheogorath

"That's news to me," Goranthir replied, and turned to the Redoran and the Indoril. "Kratos, this is Drakar."

Sheogorath

Vas

There were weapons and poisons and plenty to fight with in the cottage, but Kethiah felt the very structure shake the moment she stepped inside. She grabbed an ax and broke through the wall behind her closet door.

The darkness swallowed her as she dropped down into the Dwemeri ruin she had built the cottage on top of.

Sheogorath

With Barenziah visible on the deck, the battlemages seemed to have focused their fire on her, fully as much as sinking the ship. The shield spell on her, and the reflecting ability of the sword she carried made this effort futile, for now.

The Queen Mother whistled and drew her guards' attention to Tris aboard one of the attacking boats. Immediately two of them cast jump spells on themselves, and were on the deck next to Tris, fighting the battlemages.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

Goranthir nodded. "Here is not the place to talk, but Drakar has brought me information that my personal problems are now rather public. It's hard to find a place for a quiet conversation in Ald Raathim right now, but ... have you seen Allerleirauh lately?"

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

These were no disorganized pirates on the ships. They were well-organized, powerful, even military in their tactics. Despite Tris's swordplay, he was saved by one of Barenziah's guards.

On that ship, the attackers changed their focus to defending themselves, but the battlemages on the other three ships kept their attacks on the barge going.

The main sail collapsed across the deck in a shower of fire, and Barenziah seemed to disappear beneath it.

Sheogorath

"That sounds exactly what she would do," Goranthir smiled. "If you'll excuse me for a moment --"

---

"Absolutely, come along," said Goranthir leading Drakar to the tavernkeeper. "He's the most important person to know in Ald Raathim ..."

He looked to Drakar once they were out of earshot of the group. "What is on your mind?"

Sheogorath

The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas

Kethiah saw the blue glow reflect against the dull rusted metal of the ruins walls just for an instant, and she jumped to avoid it. Its area of effect was too large, and it spun around her, flipping her head over heels and into a chasm.

For a moment, she lost consciousness. Then she opened her eyes, and grabbed for the side of the pit. Her fingers were bloodied, torn, but her fall was arrested. Her axe, one of her prize possessions, dropped down into the abyss, so deep there was no sound of it ever hitting ground.

"Isidor," she whispered quietly as she tried to pull herself up. Then she remembered that she had touched the Mirror, and she almost called out to Loranna. But she didn't.

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

There was no sign of life on the Queen Mother's barge as, engulfed in flames, it began to sink. The battlemages on the ship closest to Tris's ship turned their attention away from it, casting their fireballs at him and the Queen's guards.

Then the easternmost ship suddenly exploded into flames.

Barenziah and the guards who had remained aboard the barge became visible behind the battlemages, whose backs were turned to them, their attention focused on Tris and the others.

The remaining unaccosted ship had no clear shots. The battlemages aboard it took to the air.

Sheogorath

Goranthir looked at him. His eyes were much older than the rest of him. "I see. Then follow me."

As he walked out of the tavern, he turned to the others, "I will be at either the arena or the castle. Sorry I have to run."

And run he did, towards the arena.

Sheogorath

The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas

It was a long, slow, agonizing climb up the nearly sheer metal walls of the pit, but Kethiah was Kethiah. Her body was capable of doing things that required others to use magicka. And then she would exceed them.

With a last groan, she foisted herself up out of the pit, allowing herself a moment to feel the pain before she drove it from her mind.

She looked up and saw Herwyn. The sword was already in movement.

Sheogorath

Seven of the Queen Mother's Guard followed Tris into the air, their swords out. The fireballs the battlemages launched at them were absorbed or reflected. They met them in melee, and blood showered onto the ocean. Tris could see the shadows of slaughterfish beneath the waves, waiting for those who fell.

Behind him, he heard the crash of one ship striking into the other, and the battle was on across the decks. Barenziah's guards were not letting her fight, but she was manning the wheel of the first ship.

Sheogorath

The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas

Kethiah was exhausted, but given one more half of a second, she would have rolled out of the way, shielded her head with her arm, or done something to defend herself. Instead, she merely closed her eyes. Death was a certainty.

Metal clashed hot against metal in front of her.

Herwyn had missed.

Sheogorath

The Arena

He had practiced his words so he could say them efficiently, even now out of breath.

"A Redoran Councilor came to me," he gasped. "A pamphlet has been produced that details everything about my mother's pact, and mentions you and Tris as well. He also said there was a plot for an attack against Helseth, my grandmother, and me."

Sheogorath

The Dwemeri Ruins of Vas

She was dimly aware that she wasn't dead, but exhaustion had taken her completely. Kethiah's eyes half-opened as the sword came down a second time.

And missed again.

She looked up into Herwyn's eyes. This was nothing personal. She had assassinated hundreds of people before, and she knew why Herwyn had to kill her. But for some reason he was not delivering a killing blow though she was making no effort to resist it.

What are you doing? she would have said, if her dry throat had allowed her to do it. But instead she just stared at Herwyn, like a mute beast, cornered and helpless.

Sheogorath

At some point, all battles turn one way or the other, and the conclusion becomes obvious to all. The battlemages, though they must have known that they were losing, kept up the assault to the last man, who fell into the water, shrieking, torn apart by slaughterfish. There was to be no interrogation.

Barenziah did not need one. "I recognize these ships even without flags," she said. "They are Indoril."

Of the five vessels that had battled in the Inner Sea, two remained that were seaworthy. They were smaller than the Queen Mother's barge had been, but over half of Barenziah's retinue had perished. Three guards sailed the first ship, and Barenziah, Tris, and five other guards took the second as they continued on to Ald Raathim.

Sheogorath

The Coast off Ald Raathim

Barenziah did not travel with great pomp anymore. Oh, certainly, she had done it as a young queen because it had been foisted on her, and then later, because she enjoyed it. But then after she went to Wayrest, her taste for ostentatious display had left her. Maybe it was because, at the time, she didn't want to attract the attention of Jagar Tharn. Mostly, though, it was too much fuss for too little benefit. A great entrance had its place, of course, but as Queen Mother, her role in government was subtler.

Still, for as relatively casual as her traveling usually was, her arrival at Ald Raathim was looking to be too gruesome. Her hair was a tangle from the wind. Her dress was one of the battlemages' robes, specked with blood.

The Queen Mother hoped the Lady of Daruhn was near her Mirror. "Loranna," she murmured.

Sheogorath

Vas

Gherin stood at the edge of the desolation of Kethiah's farm. As Herwyn had expected, he had returned, cautiously, when he heard the attack.

A hot winter wind blew dust over the pretty little herbs and flowers she had grown in her garden. They would die soon, as their mistress had. Eventually the land would reclaim the farm, and it would be yet another ruin in a land of ruins.

Gherin walked back towards his village. There were few to tell that Kethiah was dead, and few among those would even care. He was not even sure if he was one of them. She had paid him well, but she had frightened him too. The simple life of a peasant and farmer appealed to him now.

Sheogorath

"Loranna, good I'm glad you're there," Barenziah replied. "We need to land our ships at the beach by your castle, not at the main dock. We've been attacked, and I don't want your citizens to see us ... in this state."

Sheogorath

"Bumps, scratches, sunburns, general exhaustion," replied Barenziah, not smiling. "We can see the mangroves ..."

Kallen had stepped into the office silently. "I'll have the workers on the cliff-side of the castle take a break."

"Loranna, I already communicated with Mournhold, and I'm having some guards arrive by the Mages Guild, about a dozen," Barenziah added. "I don't know if we're out of danger yet, or the extent of the conspiracy against us."

The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim

It was more than a dozen royal guards, twenty of them in fact, who arrived by way of the Guild. The Guide looked at them, astonished, not mollified when they presented themselves, under orders of the King of Morrowind.

They began the march towards the castle through the village streets.

Sheogorath

Kallen had only just excused the workers from the construction on the cliff-side of the castle when the two ships sailed in, skirting the edge of the mangroves, entering the private bay by Loranna's castle.

The Dunmer captain of the guards introduced himself to Loranna, a serious man, of more than middle-age, judging from his battle scars. Ulymir was his name.

After hearing that Barenziah is making her landing, he takes a portion of the guards (leaving the rest at the castle to make certain it's secure) with him to greet the ships. The beach was too shallow for the ships to pull up all the way, and so Barenziah, Tris, and the eight guards who were left of her entourage waded through the water to shore.

An exceptionally shabby entrance for the Queen Mother of Morrowind. She was right to make sure few saw her that way.

Sheogorath

Kallen took over the responsibilities of organizing the staff from Loranna as soon as he had shuffled the workers away from the castle, allowing Loranna time to greet the Queen Mother.

Ulymir and his guards waded into the water, to help Barenziah, Tris, and the barge-guards to shore.

"Thank you, Lady Dres Loranna," Barenziah replied, as she emerged from the water, her stolen battlemage robe soaking. "It is good to be here. Though in truth, it'd be good to be anywhere dry."

"We have brought clothes for you from Mournhold," said Ulymir.

Sheogorath

"Thank you," Barenziah replied. "Our attackers were Indoril. My son has one of their councilors with him now, and is inquiring about whether this is a declaration of war. Obviously, this is not information that should be discussed in the open ... It is, I pray, an isolated incident."

Sheogorath

Barenziah allowed Ulymir to lead her to the castle, where they were met by Kallen, who showed them to her rooms.

Sheogorath

Barenziah's Room, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir was let in right away to see his grandmother.

"Are you all right?" he asked, embracing her.

She nodded. And then after a pause, she added. "Tris told me everything."

They held each other, Barenziah giving him her strength.

Sheogorath

The guard knew Tris from the palace, and from the boat, but checked within before giving them entrance.

Barenziah and Goranthir sat on her bed, holding hands. She had cleaned herself up as well, and was wearing a simple robe her guards had brought her. Their resemblance to one another was uncanny. Certainly, Helseth and Morgiah looked like one of the family, but Barenziah and Goranthir looked more like big sister and little brother than grandmother and grandson.

"I don't believe we've met," Barenziah said, looking at Allerleirauh. "Or ... perhaps we have?"

Sheogorath

"I see," Barenziah nodded. "Well, I wish you had done that particular assignment so professionally ... "

"That doesn't matter right now," Goranthir said quickly. "What matters is the attack on you. You're sure it was the Indoril?"

"Positively sure," Barenziah replied. "The curious thing is that the Indoril councilor in Mournhold was still at the palace, in quite a dangerous situation given my son's reaction. He should have left if he knew an attack on me was imminent."

Sheogorath

"That is my own conclusion as well, though Helseth should know more after the councilor for the Indoril has been thoroughly ... interviewed," Barenziah said. "It may be that there are other attacks planned as well. On me, or even Goranthir."

Sheogorath

"Jelsia," Goranthir breathed. "I had forgotten about her ... completely in fact ... I would have suspected Tazelhoth first. Actually, I thought it was my mother herself, trying to beat me to the punch since I threatened to expose the whole business. Not much point in revealing it now that it's been shown in a gossip rag."

"The author of the tract is inconsequential," Barenziah said. "Even punishing Morgiah is second to ending the curse."

"Are you certain that those are the only conspiracies in Ald Raathim at the moment?" Goranthir asked Allerleirauh.

"What about the former Ordinator?" Barenziah asked. "I've forgotten his name ..."

Sheogorath

"You believe my actions are treasonous against the legacy of Vivec, Kratos may believe that too," Barenziah nodded, her eyes on Allerleirauh. "But, my dear, you are not the guardian, accidental or otherwise, of Lord Vivec's legacy. The people of Morrowind are. And there is nothing you or I can do to destroy that, or insure its permanency. The Houses are a byproduct of another time, useful then, a hinderance now. If they are to survive, they must adapt, or the land is doomed."

"Grandmother --" Goranthir interrupted. "I'm sorry, but if you knew Allerleirauh, you wouldn't --"

"Oh, I like her," Barenziah smiled. "And I see you do too."

Sheogorath

"I did not know we were trying to speak honestly to one another," Barenziah said. "Surely your rather calculated, political response to my earlier comment about your role in selling my grandson's soul to the King of Worms suggested otherwise ... Unless among your abilities is the power to see sixteen years into the future, and see that Morgiah and Reman's son was bound to be the treasure Goranthir is ..."

"Grandmother," Goranthir interrupted her again.

"My apologies, that was unbecoming of me, but I am tired," Barenziah nodded her head. "I do not share Vivec's vision for a divided land of universal turmoil, necessary because the Chimer are a much worse people than the other races of Tamriel. I do wish my son and his heirs to rule the land as more than Imperial figureheads. And I do believe truly -- and you should trust me to know that I have spies throughout the land -- that with the falling of the Tribunal, power was going to change. You may call it tyrannical of me and my son to seize it, but to leave it lie and hope that whoever took it would be wise would be much worse."

Sheogorath

"Bad intentions and good answers," Barenziah smiled. She looked old. "Perhaps that will be the concluding chapter to 'The Real Barenziah.' Tris did tell me that he would talk to you on my behalf about the Temple, but I do not know what comprimises we might make ... Are you aware that most of the Redoran and the Temple believes that Almalexia and Sotha Sil still live, and it is heretical to suggest otherwise?"

"Politics and religion," Goranthir grimaced. "I suppose it is the same everywhere."

"Worse here," Barenziah nodded. "From my experience, at least. Can we continue this interrogation of my motivations later? I confess my endurance after sailing a ship for a day following fighting off assassins has waned through the years ..."

Sheogorath

Goranthir kissed his grandmother's cheek, and opened the door. One of Barenziah's guards stepped into the room to guard her while she slept.

"Asking a queen born and bred why she seeks power," Goranthir whispered to Allerleirauh with a smile. "Is like asking a fish if he's drowning."

Sheogorath

Update

Kethiah is in the Dwemeri ruins of Vas, barely alive, if alive at all, following a fight with Herwyn.

Barenziah is resting in her room at Castle Daruhn, following an assassination attempt by House Indoril (or at least members of the House).

As for Goranthir ...

---

Goranthir laughed a little loudly, making the guards jump. Tris's comment was perfect, the release from the anxiety of his lover and his grandmother arguing, and he gave him a hug.

"I was done talking politics before it started," he said. "I think my entire contribution to the discussion was to say 'Grandmother' ..."

Sheogorath

"She is well, thank you, Drakar of Khuum," Goranthir smiled. "This is Allerleirauh and Tris. You know them from the infamous pamphlet ..."

Sheogorath

"I'm so sorry, Khuul," Goranthir corrected himself. "There seems to be a discrepancy about whether you know one another ..?"

Sheogorath

"What about her question?" Goranthir asked, looking from Drakar to Allerleirauh. "If you listened in on our discussion, you know that Allerleirauh is perfectly willing to grill the Queen Mother of Morrowind. You aren't immune either."

Sheogorath

The image that appeared in the mirror was very dim. So dim, it appeared less a face than a flaw in the reflection.

But that wasn't. Isidor could recognize the curve of Kethiah's jawline, and then one of her eyes, half-open. The other was closed, clotted with blood. She was lying down, on a dark metal floor.

"Isi --"

The eye closed completely and the image, such as it was, vanished.

S'reddit

Two hours previous:

Drakar left and Tris left, and they were alone.

"Would you like to go for a swim?" Goranthir asked.

S'reddit

Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn

A few moments after Anya left, Loranna heard the semi-familiar sound of the secret passage opening. Barenziah, looking more rested, stepped into the office.

"Is my timing all right?" the Queen Mother asked, smiling.

S'reddit

Goranthir did so, though perhaps not with much practiced grace. The sun was warm on their skin.

He put his arms around her waist. "You a good swimmer?"

S'reddit

Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn

"That's sweet of you to say, my dear, but lately I've begun feeling old for the first time in my life, long past the time when I in fact became old, but still," Barenziah replied, still smiling, without any sadness. It was the smile of the wise woman. She took the wine, and smelled it. "But this is very nice. Thank you."

S'reddit

Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn

"Well, let's get the favor out of the way," Barenziah replied. "It's a small thing, I hope, but I understand you are in possession of a ring you captured from a wicked little girl in Hammerfell. A ring of domination, which she used to enslave men. I would be very appreciative if you would give me that ring."

S'reddit

"Then you better give me a head start!" Goranthir laughed, pulling her back so she was off balance, and then running into the surf, tearing off his clothes as he went.

S'reddit

"Good," Barenziah replied, settling into a chair with her wine. "May I add how extremely refreshing it is that you didn't ask what I wanted it for? Your friend Allerleirauh would have tortured me for information about my motivations and plots ... She's a remarkable person, and I can see why my grandson is so in love with her, but ..."

She laughs, and it is a young woman's laugh.

S'reddit

Goranthir had explored the floor of the bay back before the adventure in the spheres. It was what he had been doing when he had risen suddenly, surprising Tris, who had been skinny-dipping, while Goranthir had been using his newly-enchanted clothing to breathe underwater. This was a different way of exploring, not encumbered by clothing, but not able to breathe ... He had to take quick breaths to dive further and further.

It was some distance into the bay that he found what he wanted to show Allerleirauh. It was the husk of an ancient vessel, Nordic in design, probably left over from the original inhabitants of Ald Raathim, the ones who built the castle.

Any real treasure it had held was long since lost. Bright coral had grown around it, and even brighter fish had made it their home. It was a beautiful, but slightly bizarre sight, and something he had never forgotten. It was something he had to share, since he knew few had seen it.

S'reddit

"Oh, I am sure you are curious," Barenziah smiled. "But you're not suspicious. I may be the only monarch to give you this advice, but don't lose that, Loranna. It may mean that your sovereigncy in Ald Raathim is not a long one, because paranoiacs last longer, but it will be a happier one."

Barenziah's eyes had softened too. She did not appear merely to be speaking to Loranna, but to herself, giving herself advice. Or maybe her daughter, Morgiah. Or Goranthir. Or someone else entirely.

"I'm sorry, my dear, I suppose it's this new old age of mine that I seem to have discovered, but my mind wanders," the Queen Mother chuckled. "I suppose we should talk of assassinations and war and plots, but this wine is too excellent for that ... How is that young man of yours, Slyvos?"

S'reddit

"I discovered it," Goranthir replied, out of breath, with a bit of teenage pride. "Or ... at least, no one showed it to me ... Don't think it's much for salvage though. It's just beautiful, and I wanted to share it."

S'reddit

"Oh, yes, I remember, giving poor Ulymir quite the shock," Barenziah laughed. "That's wonderful. Of course, you'll be coming to Helseth's wedding to Dinara, I hope. Having the right partner to shoulder your burden can be such a blessing. I am glad Slyvos has decided to become a more active consort. Is he your only lover?"

Barenziah gasped at herself, putting her hand over her mouth. "My dear child, forgive me. What a frightfully personal question!"

S'reddit

Goranthir knew Allerleirauh's touches, every one of them in a vast vocabulary of nonverbal communication. In four days in Cyrodiil, he had learned that language fluently.

Beneath the waves, his red-golden hair floating in the currents, he kissed her, running his finger through her tendrils of silver.

Underwater, making love weightless, out in the open and yet encased in liquid, it was an experience mere mortals do not have.

Fade out.

S'reddit

"Dinara, or Vendama I suppose still, she sends her love," Barenziah replied. "Her brother was there when I left, a most delightful young man. Helseth has taken to showing off his health to visiting dignitaries in order to prove them he isn't dying -- he actually greets them while sparring. It's brilliant, talking to someone of peace while bloodying your partner's nose for effect," Barenziah chuckles again, a proud mother. "Besides that, it's the usual diplomacy, receptions, and skullduggery."

S'reddit

"No," Barenziah nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "We talk of love, but that does not make war less of a reality. If Tris had not been there, I don't doubt that I would be dead now. It was certainly the closest call I've had in decades, since Wayrest ... "

S'reddit

Goranthir followed Telera in as well, having walked with Allerleirauh as far as the Mages Guild. He had noticed her in the streets, and felt a little guilty admiring her figure so soon after making love to Allerleirauh. Not that Allie would have minded, but by the nine, his hair was still wet.

S'reddit

Loranna's Office, Castle Daruhn

"I hope we have time eternal," Barenziah replied. "Assassination attempts do not automatically lead to war ... But if you'd like to know who our allies are, should it come to that, two of the Houses, Dres and Telvanni are assuredly with us. Hlaalu is divided. Redoran has not declared itself. Indoril ... well ... I certainly didn't anticipate this, but they have not been friendly."

S'reddit

Goranthir burst into laughter. "Is it Tales and Tallows already?"

S'reddit

Barenziah frowned. "Yes, I know. No one is suffering yet -- I've been generous with the royal treasury to more territories than just Ald Raathim -- but the message seems to be clear. On the other hand, we had a very positive meeting with a member of the Redoran council, and he seems optimistic a comprimise can be reached ... Still, you are correct that my estimation of them should have been phrased 'Redoran have not declared themselves, but appear hostile.'"

S'reddit

Goranthir had ceased laughing. He couldn't imagine why Tris was this angry about something so ridiculous, but it must have other meaning he wasn't understanding. He looked to Tris with raised eyebrows.

S'reddit

Goranthir just shook his head, watching.

S'reddit

"Drakar?" Barenziah raised an eyebrow, and then finished off her wine. "Thank you, Loranna, for your delightful company, for agreeing to give me the ring, and for the banquet which I understand you are hosting for me. I should rest a bit more and then make myself halfway presentable. Naturally, my son sent me all the wrong gowns for the season, but we will simply make due."

The Queen Mother rose, kissed Loranna on the cheek, and made her way back to the secret entrance that led to her room.

S'reddit

"Are you drunk, Tris?" Goranthir asked, as Tris came towards him. "Or just don't want any company? I wanted to at least thank you for saving my grandmother's life ..."

S'reddit

"Okay," Goranthir replied with half a smile. "But if you are actually drunk, let me know ... You seem more in an odd mood than drunk ..."

S'reddit

Goranthir nodded slowly. "I can understand that a little. You became an animal, a predator ... and I've talked to a few of those. I've talked to beasts who consume their prey while they're still alive, and they can feel the hearts beating even as they digest ... You can't always see it, but they all shed tears, predator and prey alike."

He swallowed hard, "It's not the same thing, hearing about it from you or them, as experiencing it, of course, I know that. But they did it, knowing they had to, just like you did. Very bitter consolation, I suppose."

Goranthir looked at Tris with the same half-smile. "And that has to be the most grotesque example of attempting empathy ever ..."

S'reddit

Goranthir laughed, a little ticklish. "Yes, I can tell. And if you're a sheep, there's one worried shepherd out there ..."

S'reddit

"Probably not, but I think he or she was more alarmed about the possibility of doing something illegal, and much more alarmed about the possibility of not changing back than the relative loudness of your tone," Goranthir grinned. "You didn't answer his question, though -- why did you want to polymorph yourself? I can't think of anyone more comfortable in his body than you."

He paused, the smile leaving his face. "I'm sorry, Tris ... It was when you lost your foot, right?"

S'reddit

It took a moment for Goranthir to understand. "Oh," he said. He blushed. "I'm sorry, Tris, that's ... an overwhelming compliment ..."

He thought on Tris's body. He pictured the muscles, the scars, everything he had seen at the beach so long ago, before he knew how Tris had felt.

"I'm glad that cliff was one you didn't jump over," he said. His hand touched the base of Tris's neck. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you damaged yourself because of me."

S'reddit

"I didn't know," Goranthir shook his head, looking into Tris's eyes. "And I'm very afraid right now. I'm afraid that if I stay with Allerleirauh, you'll hate me that much. And anything that I do will make things even worse ... It's not fair. For any of us."

S'reddit

A slow smile went across Goranthir's face, and Tris knew what he was thinking. He had seen it in others' eyes many times before.

"This is ridiculous," Goranthir whispered, putting his own hands on Tris's neck, and pulling him in softly for a kiss.

S'reddit

Slap.

"I'm not that hungry, why don't we wait until the dessert?"

S'reddit

Goranthir was bad, but not so bad as to be late for dinner on the night after his grandmother was attacked. He knew that others would worry, and there might be a search.

Still, Goranthir and Tris when they did show up for dinner were somewhat hastily dressed.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

Vas

Dust and ash had already blanketed Kethiah's cottage, but the little flowers in the garden still lived, bright, fragrant petals beneath the gray.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

The dust reminded Isidor of a snowdrift back home in Skyrim, the way it clung and drifted, and whistled through hollow places within the ruins. All was quiet within and without.

One of the pieces of debris he pushed aside fell away, and plummeted down into a deep cellar beneath the cottage.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

It was not a deep drop at all. In fact, it was only a shallow metal air shaft leading to the dungeon beneath. Echoes issued forth, but none of them sounded human or even living. The whirr of the deathless machinery of the Dwemer.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

There was no obvious source for the dim light within -- it simply was there as if willed into existence by the long-dead race. It was not so light, however, to be able to find the source of the scampering of metal feet that echoed out from time to time.

It was a labyrinth. One could be lost down here for years, and never find a way out.

And then he heard a slight whisper of a song, in a female's voice. The words were indistinct, but he could follow the direction.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

It was Kethiah's voice, but it sounded weak, delirious. She was singing what sounded like a counting nursery rhyme, but nothing he had heard before:

One is for fingers,
With your touch my love lingers
Two is for sorrow,
For I shan’t see you tomorrow
Three is my soul
Black and colder than cold
Four is for all at its core
And hope evermore
Five is everything that dies
So all shall rise …

On the last line he saw her, lying on the cold metal ground in front of an abyss, both her eyes closed.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

Kethiah coughed and sputtered up some of the potion before opening one of her eyes. The other was sealed by the crust of blood that ran from her forehead.

"What took you so bloody long?" she whispered with a weak smile.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

Kethiah was so weak, she could barely hold the amulet, but she raised her other hand and touched his cheek. "Thank you, my love. It seems I did not want to die."

She vanished.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

Kethiah had managed to crawl into the bed. "I don't think I can move ... Can a healer be brought to me?"

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

“Never better,” Kethiah smiled softly. She had a cloth a jug of water and was wiping the sticky blood off her face carefully. Kethiah started to open her other eye, but she blinked back, squinting.

“I’m sorry, it’s just a little bright in here,” she said, going to the window and closing the curtain.

“That’s better,” she said, opening her injured eye, which was bright violet in color.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

Kethiah nodded. "It doesn't matter. It was nothing personal."

She crawled back into bed.

Sheogorath

Two Days Later

Kethiah smiled, and closed her eyes. "I don't know. Let me sleep on it."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

The smell of the cooking food drifted along the castle grounds, and the servants began setting the tables on the cliff-side, where a gentle breeze touched the silken walls.

"Everything will have to be perfect," Razbiah said, eyeing the roast.

"It doesn't have to be," Thianas laughed, putting the final touches on his dessert. "But it will be."

Sheogorath

Razbiah, her face red, smiled. "Oh, thank you, serjo. Very kind of you to say that."

Thianas also bowed.

Sheogorath

Summary

Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, is in her room at Castle Daruhn, getting ready for a banquet in her honor. She has recently survived an assassination attempt on her life from the Indoril.

Goranthir, her grandson, is going to be late to said banquet, as he's been canoodling in the bushes with Tris.

Kethiah, assassin, survived her own assassination attempt at Herwyn Brand's hands, and will be recovering in Castle Daruhn in two days' time (due to travel time, her tale with Isidor is slightly future set).

And the cooks for the banquet, the recently engaged Razbiah and Thianas ...

---

"That is exceptionally kind of you to say," Razbiah grinned, well pleased. She gave her fiance a smack on the bottom. "See, I told you it has to be perfect."

"Now see what you've done, serjo," Thianas laughed.

Sheogorath

Kallen looked at them, and raised an eyebrow. "Are you appetizers, main course, or dessert?"

Sheogorath

Kallen frowned and looked at the menu in his hand. "Very odd. So, you're not the roast and pudding, eh? ... Well, the only seats I have available are right next to the Queen Mother. But you will have to tell her how beautiful she is, even if she looks like a pickled herring ... Can you handle that, or would you prefer the pot?"

Sheogorath

Kallen gives the children his rare smile. "A lot of grown-ups would be too frightened to sit next to her, always on their best behavior ... She's a great and powerful woman, out of legend. But I've heard about your bravery too."

He showed them to their seats.

Sheogorath

As the guests began to arrive, the local Ald Raathim community of musicians began to strike up their instruments. They were a mix of Dunmer and Nords, and over the course of the evening they played tunes of both cultures, in harmony.

Sheogorath

Barenziah escorted by Ulymir arrived, deep in conversation which they broke out of as soon as they were within earshot of any of the guests. He had simply cleaned and polished up his captain's uniform of the Royal Guard. She was wearing a gown of deep almost black green with a matching cape, and a very tight, very deep bodice.

If the dress gave her any discomfort, the Queen Mother did not show it as she greeted the other guests.

Sheogorath

Goranthir had dressed hurriedly, but giving himself a quick look in the mirror before he ran to the banquet, he decided that he looked presentable enough. It was the plum-colored surcoat and short cape he had worn to the wedding.

He saw his grandmother first, and bowed to her.

Barenziah smiled, "A nice suit," she said, before removing a leaf from his hair. "You don't need any accessories."

Goranthir blushed, and moved on to join the party.

Sheogorath

"Good evening, my lady, what a delightful night," Barenziah smiled. "You look beautiful. Is Tris Gaerington around, do you know?"

Sheogorath

"Thank you, Loranna," Barenziah said to Loranna's compliment, before turning to Tris.

"My lord," she said, smiling. Her eyes took him in, and there was a slight knowing smile. "You have been at exercise."

Sheogorath

Goranthir searched the crowd for Allerleirauh. For a moment, he just looked at her, and his heart ached in his chest. The silver dress reminded him of the water they had been in just a few hours before.

He approached her slowly, guiltily, trying to find the words.

Sheogorath

Barenziah laughed. "Sadly, you would find me hopeless to tutor, my lord. Moonlight makes me weak."

Her eyes went to her table, and the two Nord children sitting there. "Now I should meet my dining companions."

Sheogorath

He took her hand.

"That is exactly what I am," he said seriously. Goranthir knew she could tear him apart even if she did not lay a hand on him. And if she did, he could not blame her. "Tris. I seduced him."

Sheogorath

Goranthir's face was naked confusion while Allerleirauh teased him. He was surprised by her reaction, and then by the jumble of feelings in himself. Love, anger, embarrassment ... and then shamefaced resignation.

"I kissed him first," Goranthir answered softly. It was hard to even talk. "He wouldn't have touched me if I hadn't. If there's anyone to be angry with, it's me ... Because I don't want to stop being with either of you."

Sheogorath

Barenziah walked to the table where Tyradil and Tilitalia sat, smiling at them. The moonlight made her gown shimmer, and though there were lines in her face, her smile was wide and friendly.

"Hello," she said. "I believe we will be dining together this evening."

Sheogorath

"What marvelous manners," Barenziah laughed. "I will have to be on my good behavior tonight as well. You must tell me everything about yourself, what you like, what you hate ... Leave out no detail ... Including your names."

She winked.

Sheogorath

Goranthir's eyes shone with pure joy. "I didn't tell you. You look beautiful."

Sheogorath

And now, hand in hand with Allerleirauh, Goranthir could not help looking through the crowd for Tris as they made their way to their seats. He didn't need to speak to him, or even catch his eye.

He bowed, and smiled, and introduced himself to strangers as they found their seats, but he was in a world of his own.

Sheogorath

"Are you?" Barenziah smiled, pleased. "You're beginning with fiction, are you? Some day when you're a little older, you'll read the real version, and you'll know what kind of an old lady you shared a meal with on this lovely evening."

The Queen Mother, however, did not leave the children to excuse themselves with "There's not much to tell, really." She asked them questions, and none of them were "What do you want to be when you grow up?" She treated them as if they already were what they were going to be.

Sheogorath

The banquet was actually happening on the cliffside, and the banquet hall was merely the staging area for the food that was being assembled, ready to be brought out to the guests.

The captain of the guards, Ulymir, greeted him with bow fitting his position.

"Serjo Kratos of the Indoril," he said. "I am Ulymir, captain of the Queen's Guard, and I'm afraid I must speak with you before I can permit you into her presence. A day ago, brothers of your House attacked her majesty on the open sea, and murdered many of my finest men. I respectfully must ask what you know of this plot."

S'reddit

"Then they are fools," Ulymir removed his helm, and Kratos recognized him. He had been a knight of the late king, Helseth's uncle Athyn Llethan, and together they had fought more than a few battles. "I will vouch for you, if you give me your word than you mean no harm to her majesty."

S'reddit

Kallen, passing by, quietly making sure everything was perfect almost, almost stopped and smiled at this. It was what he told Tyradil and Tilitalia to say, but he hardly expected them to do it, let alone mean it.

One look at Barenziah and it was clearly she didn't feel like an old woman anymore.

"My darling boy," she laughed, kissing his forehead. "You've made my night."

S'reddit

When everyone was more or less seated, Kallen made a silent signal and the first course was brought out. Delicate meat pastries of delicious but still subtle spices, obviously of Razbiah's design, but any who had tasted Thianas's pastry recognized the buttery crispness of them, married together. The Bosmer were offered the same dish, but wrapped in a thin, almost sheer strip of unsalted bacon, so it was not at all greasy but still held the delicate filling.

S'reddit

Barenziah had the seat next to Loranna, with Isidor's children on the other side.

"My dear Lord Gaerington, you just have to find interesting people to talk to and keep your mind off stuffing your gullet," the Queen Mother smiled. "Tilitalia here tells me that she can run from the far end of the longest dock to the road in one minute. Now far be it from me to accuse my new friend of lying, but as a runner yourself, can you confirm that this is in the realm of mortal possibility?"

---

"Ah," Barenziah smiled. "More talk of exercise."

S'reddit

As Kallen saw the pastries being consumed, he signaled for the second course. A parade of servants circled the tables, offering each guest soles of a white freshwater fish (a great rarity in the dry lands of Morrowind); broth with bacon; steamed and roasted roots and herbs; meat "tiles" (pieces of chicken or veal, simmered, sautéed, served in a spiced sauce of pounded crayfish tails, almonds and toasted bread and garnished with whole crayfish tails), capon pasties and crisps, and a roast of wild guar which was indescribably succulent.

The whispers went around that they should keep room for dessert.

S'reddit

Barenziah had turned during this interchange to the children, and has missed it completely. In fact, she had been answering a question about her own small role in the defeat of Jagar Tharn, the evil polymorphing battlemage.

S'reddit

"Very nice to meet you too, Telera?" Barenziah smiled and nodded. "I don't mean to be rude but I missed the part of the conversation about your bad luck with a potion of some kind?"

S'reddit

"At ease, soldier," Barenziah smiles. "Though the excellence of this food suggests otherwise, this is a casual event. Though I do enjoy a little ceremony, and I adore men standing erect, I would feel most comfortable if you had a seat and enjoyed yourself."

S'reddit

Barenziah shook her head. "Some kind of a rash, my lady?"

S'reddit

"Oh yes," Barenziah frowned. "Goranthir was in that horrible place as well, I remember the tales he told ... " Her eyes sought him out down the table's length, where he was in conversation with Allerleirauh. Then she added to Telera. "I am sorry about your bad luck, my dear, but trust me, the results are not visible to us at all. You have a fine figure, but I wouldn't call you supernaturally attractive."

S'reddit

"Normalcy," Barenziah laughed, raising her glass. "The great unsung virtue."

S'reddit

Goranthir, who was too far away to hear any of the conversation, saw glasses being raised and raised his too, having no particular clue whether he was toasting to love and happiness or to Mehrunes Dagon. He met Tris's eyes with a grin.

S'reddit

Kallen, wandering the open area, observed that people were finishing the second courses. He gave a signal which brought out servers to clear the plates, and told the orchestra to strike up a new tune. It was a soft, aching melody, a reinterpretation of a song seldom played in Ald Raathim, but at one time the anthem of the House Raathim. He was proud of himself, though he would never say so, for having discovered the sheet in the library, for it simultaneous honored Ald Raathim and the Queen Mother's family, the Raathim.

It also alerted Thianas to get the dessert ready.

S'reddit

"That seems sensible," replied Barenziah, half-distracted by the music and the memories. "We've had Imperial Cults in Morrowind for a long time, side by side with Tribunal temples and daedra worship. You're going to be even more diverse spiritually when this becomes a major trading area."

S'reddit

“The Tribunal Temple may be a problem, but ah, yes, a Dibellan temple,” Barenziah grinned. “I wonder whether all the old rituals are the same. When I first went to the Imperial City as a young lady, younger than you, they used to take us all together as a group, and bathe us in –“

The music built in intensity, telling of passion and heroism, slowly but insistently drowning out conversation.

Thianas led the group of ten strong young Nords who were carrying the dessert. It was a cake that was a replica of Castle Daruhn, exactly to scale, as it appeared that moment, the patina of its ancient walls faithfully duplicated in iced frosting, and the new construction underway also shown. Even the cliff side was there, encircled by whisps of pastry.

What was more, there were figures within, moving about the castle, talking to one another, shaking hands, some even kissing surreptitiously behind ginger-kissed plants. They were the figurines that Diamond had created and Slyvos had enchanted with life.

S'reddit

Goranthir who had been toasting and drinking to the cake suddenly had trouble of his own swallowing the gulp of wine.

The others in the crowd peered in at the figures as Thianas guided it to Loranna and Barenziah.

"Your Majesty, my lady," he said to them with a bow. The figures on the cake also bowed on cue. "If you would care to point to what you'd like, my little cake carvers will be happy to begin hacking."

S'reddit

Barenziah, also delighted, put a hand to her corset. "Just a small slice of the herb garden, please."

The figures immediately went to work. The little Loranna, Tris, Goranthir, and Shaka scaled the castle tower in no time, and within a few minutes their little swords and staffs had made a surgical incision around it. Isidor and Anya ran to the herb garden and hacked at the sugared flowerbeds until a suitable but modest hunk of it had been dug out.

The servers took the pieces of the castle, and served them to the Queen Mother and Lady of Ald Raathim.

Thianas and his cake carriers began to make the rest of the rounds, bringing the ruins of Castle Daruhn to the feasters.

The orchestra began playing at a more subdued conversational tone.

S'reddit

"Your chefs are excellent as always," Barenziah smiled. "Where did you find him? Was he in Vendama's employ? I should have jumped sooner and taken him as a dowry payment. Imagine what they could do if they had more than a few days' notice that there was to be a feast."

S'reddit

"Ah, poor Minsero, what a loss," Barenziah shrugged. "He could have used some tools of diplomacy. Now what were we talking about before? Religion?"

S'reddit

"Hircine too?" Barenziah's eyebrows raised, but she was smiling. "Well, if you want the Hunt in Ald Raathim, I suppose. If you're doing Stendarr in the poor sections, you might as well do Zenithar in the rich sections ... Frankly, you could do with whatever Aedric blessings you can get."

---

"Has that been your experience with love, my lord?" Barenziah chuckled. "It can be that way, and as I was discussing with Loranna, a consort who truly can ease your burden is a delight and a treasure. But a recipe wrought by love can just as easily be too sickly sweet, too overwrought, with contradictory flavors ... It can disappoint quite as often as it makes it smooth ..."

S'reddit

"Loranna and Stalker were joking, my lord. I thought you had a better sense of humor than that," Barenziah smiled. "The Tribunal Temple is going to pose some difficulties unless you get your friend Allerleirauh to pull some strings. They have not been very friendly to the royal court. As for love, ah, yes, the metaphor is good ... And let me add, it never dies. You can live for four thousand years, and your first love will still bring a tear to your eye."

S'reddit

Thianas is certain to make sure they see the figure of their father as they are selecting what slices of the cake they want.

S'reddit

The Queen Mother's barge -- a new one -- and two escort ships had arrived at the harbor of Ald Raathim to bring Barenziah back to Mournhold. She slept late, in the arms of her lover Tris.

Her grandson Goranthir went to Allerleirauh's bed that night.

Kallen saw to the cleaning up, removing the silken tarps that had surrounded the cliffside, so the work could continue.

S'reddit

ooc -- Since its now the morning after the banquet, Kethiah and Isidor are only ...

One Day in the Future

Kethiah woke up from her dreamless sleep, and saw Isidor sleeping in the chair next to him. She gently nudged him.

"Killer," she said. "It's very sweet of you to keep a watch over me, but where are your children?"

S'reddit

One Day in the Future

"Thank Vehk for that," Kethiah smiled sleepily. Her eyes, one red and one still bright violet, were at half mast. "If you took better care of them, I might be dead right now, or still rotting in a dungeon while you looked for a babysitter. Are they in school? Why don't you go to them? I'll be fine."

S'reddit

One Day in the Future

Kethiah sat up in bed and accepted the box with a smile. She unwrapped it.

S'reddit

One Day in the Future

"Now this I like," Kethiah smiled, putting it around her neck. "It's beautiful, thank you. What is this talk about something happening to you, though? Are you off on a dangerous quest?"

S'reddit

One Day in the Future

"Thank you," Kethiah said, thoughtfully. "An attack on the Queen Mother, eh? I wonder why not the King ... unless they were just trying to provoke a reaction from him ..."

She laughed. "I'm sorry, killer. Force of habit, mulling over this stuff that doesn't concern me. It was a very thoughtful gift, but I should get some more sleep. Please, go to your children. It doesn't matter if they have homework or friends to keep them occupied ... they want you."

S'reddit

Kethiah smiled and settled back in the bed, holding the amulet in her hand. Its magic washed over her as she slept.

OOC -- And this is where we will leave things until the "real world" of the RP catches up with this future ...

Sheogorath

Tris was still sleeping, when Barenziah got dressed. She kissed him lightly, not to disturb him, and murmured something about "too much exercise."

Then she slipped through the secret passage to Loranna's study.

Sheogorath

"I'm leaving now, and I wanted to thank you for your flawless hospitality," Barenziah smiled. "And to ask if I might have that ring now."

Sheogorath

"Thank you again, my dear Loranna," Barenziah said, kissing her cheek. "Remember, you can reach me by the Mirror anytime you want ... Though, of course, I may not be able to speak frankly at any time ..."

The Queen Mother walked back to the secret passage, and then turned. "Was there anything else pressing that we had left to talk about?"

S'reddit

"I'll let you know how things progress, of course," Barenziah replied. "By the way, my captain talked to that Ordinator, Kratos, and seems satisfied that he was not involved ... If it worried you ..."

Barenziah leaves with a wave.

Her party heads down to the docks, where Goranthir is waiting with the wolf Tazelhoth. He had told his grandmother about him, and she had to see.

They talked for a little, before Barenziah kissed her grandson's cheek, and her barge left the shore of Ald Raathim.

S'reddit

After waving to his grandmother, Goranthir returned to the castle, and his room, where he had left Allerleirauh.

S'reddit

"No, not at all, not a bit," the Telvanni sorceror smiled, letting Drakar in. "I don't know who you are or what you want but I have this feeling it will be fascinating. Do you want something to eat or -- drink?"

S'reddit

"When she said she liked you, she meant it," Goranthir said, taking her hand. "And she specifically said she was happy how happy you make me just now when she was leaving. Do you always keep a journal?"

S'reddit

Baladas chuckled through most of the description, punctuated with an occasional "Ah, yes," "That's right," and "Well, what do you know?"

The food and drink were wretched. Edible and drinkable, but only barely.

"An alliance with the Telvanni is like an alliance with the sun," he smiles. "You can count us to do what we've always done."

S'reddit

"There were a lot of Psijics drifting around Firsthold, I had some of them as tutors," Goranthir smiled. "I hope B wasn't one of them, or he won't like to hear my name mentioned. I was a terrible student."

He laughed. "The Psijics wouldn't believe that broadsheet that was printed, but they believe it from Celarus. They will be very cross with my mother."

S'reddit

"Have you ever opened a Dwemeri puzzle box before?" Baladas asked, grinning. "Have you?"

S'reddit

"It's possible that mother is right, and Mannimarco is no more," Goranthir replied. He spoke of the situation the way you speak of something far away that happens to other people, dispassionately. "That would be the simplest explanation ... except it would mean that my grandmother is wrong, and that only happens a couple times a century."

S'reddit

"Don't bother," Baladas said, his face darkening. "There is nothing within. It will take you centuries to riddle through its mysteries, and you will go half-mad what could be so wonderful that it would be so locked away ... But it seems that the point is the puzzle not the prize. That is the way it is with politics in Morrowind as well."

"You want me to be your friend and help you hold the prize, and I tell you, friend, there is no prize."

S'reddit

"Can we have lunch first?" Goranthir asked.

S'reddit

If it were possible to tire out Goranthir, she had yet to discover a way. But it was fun trying.

S'reddit

"You may take pleasure from my analogy, but trust me, the damnable box was damnably empty,' Baladas frowned. "Anyhow, these prizes you seek, 'life' and 'hope,' you should be able to hold those on your own. Or maybe you need a wife, or a lovely boyfriend?"

S'reddit

The tavern was on the upper floor of an ancient villa, filled with patricians of the city who looked at the women with polite indifference. It was only the middle-class Cyrodils who stared, including a rather plain tavernmaid who started to approach their table, and then scampered away, giggling.

A far more worldy Altmer, who tutted at the girl, came to the table. "My ladies, we have fresh berries from the Blackwoods I would like you to be the first ones to taste. They've only just arrived."

S'reddit

"I never said life was a puzzlebox with nothing inside, I said politics in Morrowind was," Baladas corrected him. "If your aim is simply to live and have interesting conversations -- an aim I think is perfectly admirable, by the way -- then I would advise not opposing Helseth. You may think you're tough, you may think the Redoran or the Indoril are fine warriors, but the best way to avoid having a civil war in Morrowind is not to have one. There are enough hardships in life without welcoming more in. The Dunmer king blew up that volcano once to rid himself of pesky rebels, he'll do it again."

S'reddit

"On the border to Blackmarsh, my lady Jelsia," the Altmer smiled. "I shall be right back with some sea urchins."

There was something funny about the way he walked. It was almost a limp, but more like he had a slightly shaky leg.

S'reddit

It happened so subtly while they were eating the berries and then the sea urchins that the women didn't notice that they were alone in the restaurant until the last patrician couple had walked out.

S'reddit

The Altmer steward returned with more sea urchins. "What else may I offer you this day?"

S'reddit

The steward looked around. "Wherever it is people go, I suppose. Did you enjoy the berries? They're delicious, aren't they? Of course, they have one minor side-effect to mages ... Which I didn't tell the royal battlemages when they came to dine at my original tavern in Firsthold ..."

S'reddit

Another Altmer came in from the kitchen behind him, and a third. Both bearing cleavers.

"The Queen expelled me from the kingdom for that, rendering her mages ineffective, albeit temporarily," he shrugged. "But I think she'll reconsider ... Shall we go over your bill? No charge for the food and drink. It's on the house. So that just leaves the tip."

He pulled his sword out from his pant leg.

S'reddit

"Right now it's translating this ancient Chimer text," Baladas grimaced. "The worst thing is that misspellings and atrocious grammar existed even in ancient days, and the author was a soldier following Veloth, not an academic, so ... Wait, do you mean what is my concern about politics? I think I made it clear in that far too overextended metaphor about the puzzlebox: I haven't any. I have seen the prize, and it doesn't interest me. There is nothing so tedious as the present day ..."

S'reddit

The cooks moved to block her path, and the steward fell to the floor, dropping his sword.

S'reddit

"Shut up you little [censored], or I'll give ya something to scream about," said one of the cooks, and they rushed at her.

S'reddit

She could hear armored footsteps in the street, the unmistakable sound of the imperial guard. It was a good neighborhood. Guards actually came when people screamed.

Behind Jelsia, the faster, thinner chef jumped after her, slashing with his cleaver.

S'reddit

The heavier cook threw his knife at Maranda. He was a pretty good with knives, but it was off-balance, not really meant for throwing.

S'reddit

"Thank you, and I wouldn't worry about me," Baladas smiled, showing Drakar to the door. "I'd worry about whoever tries to break into my place without my permission. I wish you'd listen to some of my advice, but then again, few do."

S'reddit

"Nonsense," Baladas frowned. They were at his front door. "You don't have to follow the Redoran on whatever idiotic plan a bunch of people 'vote' on. Your real challenge will come not from within but from the north, and you'll be too tired to face it."

S'reddit

The skinnier cook landed clumsily next to her, twisting his ankle. Now he too was screaming.

"What's all this about?" asked the imperial guard.

S'reddit

"She attacked us first," the cook lied effortlessly through his tears of pain. "Said the bill was too high."

"It is an expensive restaurant for what you get," the guard nodded his head. "I think you all should come with me. Who else is upstairs?"

S'reddit

Two more guards had come around the corner, looking in on the scene. Again, it was a nice neighborhood. People didn't care for screaming in the streets.

"Watch them," the first guard said, heading up to the second floor tavern. "I'm going to see who else is up there."

The skinny cook had dropped into a sitting position, holding his ankle. He was sniffling, but continuing to lie. "Listen, lady, you want a pretty view, you have to pay premium for the food. That's life."

S'reddit

The guards took a moment to take in the butterfly lady with the antennae and wings who was thinking herself believable in a court of law.

"Of course, lady, you'll have your chance ..." one of them began.

"There's a dead guy up here!" the first guard called from the window. "And another one spouting blood all over the place."

S'reddit

"So do I," replied Baladas, somewhat distractedly, as he let Drakar out into the streets. "... Now, I wonder if he meant greljanirrl instead of hrelranirrl ..."

S'reddit

The first guard came down with the injured, stockier cook. A healing spell had evidently been cast on him, but he was still holding his arm in considerable pain.

"I'll escort you ladies back to the Temple," he said. He had a homely but a friendly face, and it looked a little familiar to Jelsia. Enough for her to know that he had been to the House before.

The other two guards brought the cooks to the justice halls. More guards showed up to take care of the body.

S'reddit

The guard's face went white. "I am so sorry, I should have tended to that."

His hands glowed blue, and he healed the scratches on her arms. Not a powerful spell, but a good one.

"Do you know why they attacked you? They had been friendly restauranteurs for years now ..."

S'reddit

"Why would anyone attack ladies like you?" the guard wondered aloud, repeating his question but in a different, softer tone.

S'reddit

"I see," the guard said frowning a little, as they arrived at the temple. He didn't quite know what 'painter' meant, but he figured it was one of the thing that rich people did. Something exotic and out of his league. "We'll get to the heart of it, don't worry. Sorry you had such a bad time for your special evening."

He left, not bothering to check with anyone at the temple. He believed them.

S'redit

Summary

Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, has left for Mournhold about her new barge, with a several other ships to guard her, to protect her from assassins which attacked her old barge.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold and her grandson, is in Ald Raathim. He has sent Tazelhoth, the wolf, back into the forest, which strict instructions not to be seen by any men or mer. The huge wolf is having a grand time stalking the other wildlife. The Prince himself is helping with the construction effort at the castle.

Sheogorath

Summary

Only a few hours in the future now:

Kethiah: the assassin rests in her bed, after the attempted assassination by Herwyn Brand. Isidor has given her an amulet, and gone to tell Loranna she's there, as well as to check up on his kids, per her insistence.

Sheogorath

On the way, she passed Goranthir, shirt off, hauling dirt away from the castle with a group. He waved to her and smiled. It was a sight to truly test whether Anya had any sexual attraction towards any men.

Sheogorath

Allerleirauh had been ... enthusiastic that morning, but instead of exhausting him, Goranthir felt more alive, with energy to burn. Physical labor was nothing he was used to. Even in the year he spent traveling through Tamriel from west to east, he had never worked hard with his hands. He looked briefly at them now, and there were blisters forming, different from the calluses he had built up from swordplay. More honest somehow.

Tris and Allerleirauh were elsewhere, and when he saw either one of them, he would take a break, but for now he was happy among the workers, making Ald Raathim more secure by pure sweat.

Sheogorath

Loranna's castellian Kallen appeared to be the man most directly in charge of the four big jobs: hauling dirty away from the excavation at the castle, hauling stones to the castle for the fortifications, dredging the bay to expand the dock area, and expanding the arena. Others were supporting the workers, healing their bumps and bruises, augmenting their strength and endurance magically. Then there were those who were doing smaller projects, such as finishing the new tavern and new warehouses near the docks.

Sheogorath

Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop

Phand Masolaude catered to Daggerfall's elite. You were not allowed within unless you had an appointment, and you only had an appointment if one of the master seamstress had received a recommendation from one of her other clients. The gowns they made were jaw-droppingly expensive and jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Lelia, the Countess of Ivytyde had made an appointment, and entered the shop. She was still pale and pretty, but she did not smile as she used to. Over her pale pink dress, she wore a long pink cape.

Phand excused herself from Tsei, letting her assistant finishing pinning the hem on the dress she was trying on, looking at herself in front of the mirror.

"I need dresses for the winter," she said. "Long sleeves."

"Of course, madam," said the seamstress, pulling out her tape.

"The old measurements will suffice," the Countess said quickly. "I've neither lost nor gained weight."

"Nor did you need to," the seamstress said diplomatically.

Sheogorath

Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop

The Countess looked at Tsei, and Tsei felt a chill run through her. It was if she were looking at a zombie. Lelia was young, but her eyes were dead. She did not reply, but she looked at Tsei as if trying to think where she had seen her before. They had both been to the wedding, but to the Countess, that was a lifetime ago.

Phand was quick to pick up the conversation. "Oh yes, the Countess favors the pinks and whites, and all the pretty colors ... We just received some glorious lavender silks from Valenwood this week which would be glorious ..."

"Black," Lelia replied simply. Even her voice sounded dead.

Sheogorath

Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop

"What could possibly be wrong?" Lelia smiled sadly. "I am having the time of my life."

Another customer came into the shop, and as the door opened, just for an instant, the Countess's cape blew to the side. And Tsei could see the broken flesh beneath, countess bruises and the marks of whips.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Kethiah wakes up as the door opens, and she smiles at Loranna.

The bloody pitcher of water next to her, the bloody rags, and the wound to her forehead are all evidence of the trauma she's been through. But most arresting are her eyes: the one under the wound has turned bright violet, and the other remains red.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Loranna," says Kethiah groggily.

Sheogorath

Daggerfall: Phand Masolaude's Tailor shop

Lelia's pale skin showed some sign of life after all. She blushed deeply, embarrassed, and exited the shop in a hurry.

"We'll have those dresses for you in a week to try on!" Phand called after her.

Then she went over to Tsei crossly. "What a thing to say in front of one of my best customers. What she is going through is no business of yours, girl. Take off that dress. I'll do no business with the likes of you."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Kethiah followed the finger well enough. "Fine. I'm a little sensitive to light though, for some reason." She motioned towards the curtains, which had been drawn.

Sheogorath

Daggerfall

The Countess was getting into her carriage as Tsei came out. Just for an instant, she saw someone else in the carriage with her, a young girl. And then it was off down the cobblestone road.

Sheogorath

"Oh," said Kethiah, surprised, touching the cheekbone under the eye. "Isidor didn't tell me. I'm glad it's not too horrible ..."

To Loranna's question, she said. "Yes, I know who did it, and there's no reason for it to happen again. I've decided to retire."

Sheogorath

Kethiah grimaces a little. "Not only him. His children. Who I will be meeting shortly."

It is plain to see that this woman who has killed hundreds, perhaps thousands, over her career, one of the toughest, most ruthless people in Morrowind, is terrified of the prospect.

"You know, Isidor is so sweet and trusting -- he never even asked whether I've killed any children in the course of my work."

Sheogorath

Kethiah blinks. She tried to imagine something worse that she could have been talking about before children enter the room. Unnatural sex? No. Child murder is the top of the subject lists not to have on your lips before the children of your lover enter the room.

The expressions on their face suggested that they did not hear her. Thank Vivec.

It took her a moment to recover enough to remember her name. Not a great sign. "Kethiah," she said, looking them over.

She was not a great fan of "cute" and these kids were that. But they were quiet. That was good.

"Hello," Kethiah added. It was a conversation not off to a promising start.

Sheogorath

What to say, what to say? Kethiah looked at their serious faces. Should I offer them a drink?

She looked around. Nothing but the pitcher of bloody water. Should 11-year-olds see pitchers of bloody water? Hard to say.

"So," Kethiah added hopefully, and then shut her mouth. She had hoped she would have a brilliant conversational idea at the end of that syllable, but she didn't.

Sheogorath

"Yes and yes," Kethiah replied simply. "He's the best man I've ever met."

And he thinks he's a lousy father Kethiah thought. Maybe he's being tough on himself, maybe it's true. I can't imagine the kids have an objective opinion on that.

Sheogorath

"Well, yes, I thought that might be a good idea," Kethiah looked around. "Though maybe not here. I think I'd prefer a house where I could have a garden ... What do you think about that?"

Sheogorath

Ivytyde House, Daggerfall

The new Countess of Ivytyde had only held the title for a little over a month, since she and her brother hired an assassin named Kethiah to murder their domineering mother and make it look like suicide. Their father had taken his own life as well, years and years ago.

And now the new Countess, Lelia, stood on the tower of her family’s mansion, and looked down to the sea.

For a couple weeks, she thought that she could do it. To be the lady of the wealthy Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, with all his charm and sophistication, the people and things he knew, it was worth the horror that happened at night when the doors were closed the world, and the mask came off.

A rainy wind whipped over her naked body, cooling the hot wounds on her, washing the blood of the girl from her hands. Lelia had brought her to Laurent to sate his desire, so he would not be so cruel.

But the girl had not cried enough for his pleasure, and he was even more wrathful when Lelia had bound her wounds and sent her on her way.

The Countess thought of her nights of horror, and her days of hiding away, hoping no one would find out the shameful truth. The girl in the tailor shop had blurted it all out, and soon more would know. She would not be able to bear the pity and disgust.

And so she stepped from the tower, and her battered body was destroyed against the rocks. It was not until morning that her servants found her, the third member of her cursed family to commit suicide.

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled at Tyradil. "Then tomorrow we should go shopping for one. I can hear out the window that there's a lot of construction going on right now. Maybe it's a good time to have a new house designed for us, just as we want it, instead of getting someone else's old house."

To Tilitalia's question, Kethiah asked. "Do you know what an assassin is?"

Sheogorath

"He tried his damndest," Kethiah nodded. "And your father saved me, for the second time. He's good for that."

Sheogorath

Kethiah chuckled, in spite of herself. "Oh, I get to ask questions too? Well ... How are you liking it here in Ald Raathim? Do you miss your old home?"

Sheogorath

"So, no consensus," Kethiah nodded. "Well, you might miss it later. Glad you're not too unhappy here. But you wish your father was around more, I'd imagine."

Sheogorath

"We just met at the Drunken Guar here in Ald Raathim," Kethiah replied. Really, no reason to go into explaining the concept of a 'One-Night-Stand, she decided, better wait until they're 13. "And then he followed me around High Rock until he caught up to me at a circus where I was performing. Have you been to a circus before?"

Sheogorath

"I'm from a little island off the coast, so small it doesn't even have a name," Kethiah replied. That wasn't true. Its name was Vounoura, but it was not a name to be used around children, or anyone else for that matter. "But I've lived in Vvardenfell for years, in the north, and I've been coming to Ald Raathim since it was a tiny little town. I'm glad it's growing, but I hope it doesn't lose its character."

Sheogorath

"That's kind of you to ask," replied Kallen. "We have work at the castle on excavations, and building new contruction, and also at the arena. And the harbor needs dredging still, if you're comfortable with wet work. What is your name, and what brings you here to help?"

Sheogorath

"The hardest work is at the arena right now," said Kallen. "Any help you can give us will be greatly appreciated, and I will let her ladyship know that you're here."

Sheogorath

Hammerfell: Quill's Circus

The animal met with thunderous applause. The Redguards enjoyed it all, particularly the costumes. Quill always adjusted the acts as they went along, not only to keep them interesting for the performers, but also to suit the individual tastes of the audience. Redguards liked the look of flesh, so the usually skimpy outfits got even skimpier. He stopped shy of actually nudity, but just shy.

Quill always came out to announce the next act, between two clown troops, the Crowns and Forebears, who performed ridiculous battles and, depending on the politics of the locals, either the Crowns or Forebears won.

Quill did not, however, come out to announce the next act. After a brief awkward pause, one of the other performers did the duty.

Sheogorath

"That's an education all to itself," Kethiah nodded. "Let's give it some time, and see if that's possible ..."

She didn't want to say it, but the possibility of war was on her mind.

Sheogorath

Hammerfell: Quill's Circus

Some other performers, also concerned about him, had gone to look also. They were standing outside his wagon, and one of the acrobats stepped out of it, her face stricken.

"He just got a note," she said. "His sister is dead by her own hand."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled and hugged her back. It was strangely ... normal. She didn't think she would feel so comfortable in such a role.

Waving to them from the bed as they left, she said. "First thing tomorrow morning, we look for a new home."

Sheogorath

Hammerfell: Quill's Circus

Quill looked stunned more than anything, like he had been hit by an arrow, but the pain hadn't registered.

"I don't know," he shook his head. "I should. It will look queer if I don't ... but, Kynareth, I don't want to."

Sheogorath

Quill nodded. "I don't know what I believe, but she was happy. Her life had actually just begun, after twenty years of mother ..."

He looked again at the note, and then at all the people in the wagon. "Thank you all. I have to go and take care of this, but I don't want you to miss a single show date. You know the routines, and if I hear you leave a single audience with less than your best performance," he began, issuing his usual bossy threat, and then he stopped. "Well, I know that you won't let me down."

Sheogorath

"Better than I could have hoped for," Kethiah laughed. "They do have questions though, don't they?"

Sheogorath

Quill looked at Paesira, a young acrobat who had been training with Mirea. "Do you think you can handle the guar, and Mirea's other routines?"

Paesira's eyes shone. It was her dream. "Yes, definitely!"

Quill looked to Mirea, and attempted a smile. "Then let's leave immediately and get this over with. I don't want to miss the show in Sentinel."

Sheogorath

"Of course!" Kethiah called back.

---

"Well, I don't even know what Ald Raathim looks like now, I just hear it from the window," Kethiah smiled. "But there was something about a new tavern by the docks? I don't know why, but something about that sounds intriguing ... Isidor, how'd you like to run a tavern?"

Sheogorath

"Just something I was knocking around," Kethiah said and then laughed. "Not only would we have to watch your consumption, but also make sure that it was a decent environment for young children to grow up in."

Sheogorath

Kethiah grimaced. "Loranna, I want to help out any way I can, really. Not just for Jazbet, but for all the hospitality you've shown me ... But I've been retired for exactly four hours. I'd be happy to give advice, but ... I'm afraid of attracting undue attention by doing too much this soon. I'm sorry."

---

Kethiah threw a pillow at him with a laugh: "You just send them in to talk with me without you?! I think it went well, but teats of Almalexia, you really threw me into the fire there."

Sheogorath

"I'm not an assassin anymore, I'm a woman in a sickbed," Kethiah teased him. "If they hated me, I'd be less inclined towards forgive you, but what did they say? They only asked me about fifty questions, rapid-fire, like arrows."

Sheogorath

"Your kids are adorable," Kethiah smiled. "And so are you. So, we're going shopping for a house tomorrow, or maybe we'll buy that tavern ... Do you have any money?"

Sheogorath

"I will, Loranna, and again, I'm sorry I'm not quite ready to pay my dues as a spy," Kethiah said. "We should talk about it more later. Maybe I can still be some help."

Sheogorath

"Goodbye, Loranna, and thank you," Kethiah says as Loranna leaves. "And tell Slyvos thank you for whatever help he can give me. I don't want to be locked up indoors forever."

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is helping the workers in the construction of Ald Raathim, waiting for Allerleirauh or Tris or both to come back.

Quill, the owner of the Quill Traveling Circus, is leaving for Daggerfall. He has just received word that his sister has commited suicide, which, remarkable in his family, is actually the truth. He does not know the story of her hellish relationship with Lord Laurent Lyonswurst ... yet ... Travelling with him is Allerleirauh's erstwhile Void Ranger Mirea, who is now an acrobat in his circus.

Kethiah has just met her lover Isidor's kids. When she recovers enough from the injuries sustained in her fight with Herwyn Brand, she intends to go shopping for a house. Right now the idea of buying the new inn being constructed on the docks appeals to her.

S'reddit

Daggerfall

Quill hated traveling by Guild Guides, but if he was to get to Daggerfall and settle his sister’s will, and come to some understanding of her senseless suicide, he had to move quickly, and there was no faster way. Within a few minutes, he and Mirea were no longer in Lainlyn, Hammerfell, but in Daggerfall, High Rock.

He had been mostly silent during the trip, but Mirea could see that his mood had changed from bewilderment to anger. But it was an unfocused anger with no particular target yet. If his sister Lelia had commited suicide, he was furious with her for not telling him that anything was troubling her. If it was murder, well, then, obviously the anger was much less muddled with pity, and was directed towards her killer.

Ivytyde House is the type of country house everyone dreams of. Its ancient history as a fortress had been well disguised, and now it was a very grand, but very comfortable manor.

“My Lord Dygbal,” said the major domo upon their arrival. “I am so sorry to see you again under such tragic circumstances.”

“I do not understand these circumstances,” said Quill, who was known as Dygbal, his birth name, in Daggerfall. “You will have to explain them. Was she unhappy?”

“Not in any way she made known to me,” the servant said, uncomfortably. “She was always the portrait of youth and levity, but … there was something different. The Countess would sometimes look as if she had been crying, and she wasn’t as close to the servants as she used to be during the time of your mother.”

“My sister may have gotten full of herself because of the title,” Quill suggested. “Well, we’ll have a look over the financial records, her personal schedule, what parties she went to … See if we can make some sense of this.”

“Very good, my lord.”

S'reddit

Ivytyde House

Quill/Dygbal was in his sister's bedroom, going through her financial documents and personal schedule, all of which her major domo had provided. He smiled a bit when he saw Mirea, and at her words, turned to Tsei.

"It was nice of you to come, miss," he said. "Anything you know would be very helpful. I'm at a loss to explain how this could have happened to her ..."

S'reddit

Ald Raathim:

Goranthir was lugging more dirt from the castle when he witnessed the altercation. He told the lads that he needed a bit of break, and wiping his face with his shirt, ran up to Tris. He was concerned, but unable to keep from smiling at seeing him again.

"That must be the girl Allie sent to talk to Barenziah, she told me about her," Goranthir said. "Are you all right? Where have you been?"

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, Daggerfall

Quill swallowed. "It does actually. I've been talking to her housemaids, and they said that she didn't let them help her dress and undress anymore. She didn't want them to see the scars. Oh Kynareth, it -- she was being beaten and didn't want anyone to know ..."

Quill pulled out Lelia's social calendar. "It's filled with fetes and parties, dinners and dates ... she kept up appearances ..."

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

"Poor girl," Goranthir frowned. "I didn't realize she was a friend of Mirea's. Is your business over, or are you going to be in town for a little bit? I've been hauling dirt for hours ..."

He looked down, and saw just how dirty and sweaty he had become. "I think I need a bath."

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, Daggerfall

"Neither do I," Quill replied, sighing. "I can only assume ... she didn't tell anyone because she couldn't. She was more afraid of telling people than of the beatings, which makes me think ... it makes me think of two different women who might have done it. The woman who interrogated me to try to find Klia threatened to torture Lelia if I didn't tell her where Klia was ... And Klia herself -- she was furious at me when she left the circus ..."

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

Goranthir grinned. "I'm glad to keep you from being too idle."

His room at the Drunken Guar had a large bathtub, and the tavernkeep was happy to send up hot water.

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, High Rock

Quill flipped through the calendar. "Many men," he said, and added quickly. "Lelia was never allowed to socialize while my mother was in power, but she would never ... she was a butterfly, not a wanton ..."

"Lord Hyrick, Lord Forteyn, Lord Lyonswurst ... and then no other ... She continued to go to parties at the castle and other places, but Laurent Lyonswurst was the last man she met socially one on one ... though she does not mention any other dates with him after two weeks ago ..."

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, High Rock

"I only know Lyonswurst slightly," Quill nodded. "His family came to Daggerfall from Wayrest a year or two before I ran away, and we were both too shy to have many friends ... I'll pay him a visit and see if he knows anything, maybe why Lelia stopped seeing him ... There might have been another man she didn't want to mention in her calendar."

S'reddit

Quill smiled. "I'm not high society either, if you haven't noticed. I'd appreciate your company."

---

"Thank you, Miss -- I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."

S'reddit

"I'm in your debt, Tsei," said Dygbal as he called for a carriage for himself and Mirea. "If ever you need anything from Dygbal, the Count of Ivytyde, or Quill of Quill's Traveling Circus, you need only ask."

S'reddit

The Drunken Guar

Goranthir and Tris came down stairs, laughing, to get a drink. They both were clean with still wet hair.

Goranthir felt Allerleirauh looking at him before he saw her.

"Hi," he said.

S'reddit

Goranthir smiled. "Well told, my love. It sounds like a true story. I'm glad it has a happy ending."

S'reddit

"Where are you going?" asked Kethiah, coming out of her sleep.

S'reddit

"It does sound like the prelude to another tale," Goranthir said, watching Allerleirauh and Tris. "A sadder one. The Scrib-Shell Boy still left -- he may have been more monster than prince."

S'reddit

"I am glad to hear that," Kethiah smiled a little sleepily. "Why don't you get into bed?"

S'reddit

"The Lucky Lady," she grinned. "So we can say 'The Lucky Lady is open for your business' ..." Kethiah put her hands over her mouth. "Maybe something a little less naughty ... We should ask Tyradil and Tilitalia for ideas."

S'reddit

"And it all begins with a girl who in her innocence, her love for her mother, does too many rituals and brings honor to none," Goranthir nodded. "The Gods never come off well in these tales ... I wonder if Stendarr came into the land much later ..."

S'reddit

"I'm glad I'm here too," Kethiah said, pulling him closer. "This is where I want to be."

It was true, which surprised Kethiah to no end.

S'reddit

"The mercy of the Gods seems very tidal, coming and going," Goranthir began, and then followed Tris's eyes. "Who is the man?"

As Shai approached Alexi, Goranthir stood up. She looked like she had her hand on a dagger, and the expression on her face was angry.

S'reddit

Kethiah took his hands, and with gentleness, they made love.

"You are a healer," she whispered, her red and violet eyes closed in ecstasy.

Fade out.

S'reddit

Goranthir smiled, looking Allerleirauh in the eyes, filled with love.

S'reddit

Goranthir looked at the scene unfold, and even though he knew it was egotistical to put himself into it, he couldn't help it. He too was in a triangle of love, but the jealousy was subtler than screams and daggers drawn.

Before he could identify too heavily with Teleran/Telera, he saw Diamond, and ran over to her.

"I haven't seen you in a long time," he said. "How are you? I put your unfinished figurehead on my ship, and it's beautiful ... I almost hate to ask you to finish it ..."

S'reddit

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in the Drunken Guar with the group.

Kethiah is at the castle, asleep with her lover Isidor.

Quill/Dygbal has just hired a carriage to take him and Mirea to Lord Laurent Lyonswurst's palace. He was the last man his sister Lelia had been paid courting to, a few weeks ago, before her recent mysterious suicide.

S'reddit

Kethiah woke up too, and showed him, if there was any doubt, that words were entirely unnecessary.

"Now," she smiled, satisfied, thirty minutes later. "Shall we go real estate shopping?"

S'reddit

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

The carriageride from Ivytyde House to Lyonswurst House was not a long one. It carried Quill and Mirea over gentle hills, past other nobles' estates, along the sea. Other carriages filled with fashionable folk passed them, and they craned their necks to look at Quill and Mirea, curious why such plainly dressed couple had command of the Ivytyde carriage, then whispering to one another the horrible gossip about what befell Lelia.

The ride up the private road to Lyonswurst House was designed to awe. Fountains and gardens lined the curving way, offering only brief peeks at the palace itself, which, when it finally came into view, was astonishing in its opulence. It was entirely marble, glistening in the sun as if continually wet, in red and black.

"They say Lyonswurst House is what the Emperor Tiber Septim would have built," Quill said, smiling a little. "If he had any money."

This was not meant as a compliment.

The carriage was left with the servants at the gatehouse, and Tris and Mirea walked up to the open door where Lord Laurent Lyonswurst's valet awaited them.

"His lordship will be with your shortly," the valet said. "If you will come with me."

He brought them to a vast atrium in the back of the palace, iron and glass, and so filled with tropical plants, it looked like a section of Valenwood had been uprooted and dropped into High Rock. There were even monkeys and birds in the trees.

"Perhaps I might offer you a refreshment?" the valet asked. "His lordship always likes one about this hour."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"Three glass of rothmeth," said Laurent, stepping into the atrium. He was dressed entirely in black, except for the inside of his cape which was white, like a stage musician. With no introduction other than that, he embraced Quill, who was more than a little startled by the man's sudden appearance. "I am so sorry to hear about your sister. She was a flower."

Quill smiled uncomfortably, and extricated himself, as the valet returned with the drinks.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Quill looked at her and smiled, and Mirea could see how glad he was that she was there.

"Ah, I knew you looked familiar," Laurent kissed her hand. While not at all handsome, and rather pudgy in form, he had the friendliest face she had ever see. "I've seen you from afar in town."

"You knew my sister well?" Quill asked, as they settled down with their drinks.

"Not as well as I thought," Laurent sighed. "I never thought she would ever ... do what she did."

Sheogorath

"Loranna told me that you had some reward money coming to you," Kethiah smiled. "And if that's not enough, we could take a trip to Vas and get more."

She got out of bed, surprised at how good she felt.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"She was a romantic," Laurent replied with sad eyes. "The world is very tough on those."

"We are trying to understand what happened in her world," Quill said. "Something broke her spirit."

"Yes, she seemed very sad the last time I saw her," Laurent replied. "I asked her why, and she didn't want to talk about it. I wish with all my heart she could have told me. However bad it was, it couldn't have been worth this."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"I don't know, maybe it wasn't one person, maybe it was everything," Laurent said. "I think she had such high expectations about what would happen when she was free of her mother's hold, that the reality couldn't measure up. What is strange is how quickly it happened. I've known desperately unhappy people that have lived on for years without breaking ..."

"Were you romantically involved with my sister?" asked Quill.

"Romantically? No," Laurent replied. "She was more of a friend."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiles and tries it on. Even indoors, it brought a little relief to her light-sensitive eyes. Outdoors it would be the only way for her to stand the sun.

"Just in time," Kethiah said. "We're about to do a little shopping for a house."

Sheogorath

"She did have a full social calendar," Laurent nodded. "And I believe a number of gentlemen admirers, but I don't know if there was one particularly someone else. She was always the portait of discretion."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiles to Loranna and then to Isidor. "I told you it'd be all right. Thank you, Loranna, for everything."

Taking Isidor's arm, the former assassin stepped out into the sunlight of Ald Raathim, and they began their search for a home.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Quill followed her out a moment later.

He didn't say anything, but she could see in his eyes that they were thinking alike.

"Let's go," he said. "I've already said goodbye."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

"Can't be quite as small as that," Kethiah said, thinking, as they came into town. "Or as remote. We need at least three bedrooms. And, like I said, I'd love to have a garden ... Should we look at houses first, or go ahead and look at the new tavern at the docks?"

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim, the Docks

The tavern was modest, but well-appointed and almost finished. It sat on the shore just off the docks which were still a buzz of activity with all the construction. A three story half-timber structure of the Nordic variety with balconies encircling the top two levels.

Walking past the workmen into the interior, Isidor and Kethiah found a wide-open space. The main room of the tavern. The second floor consisted of balconies hanging over the main room.

"We could add curtains so they'd be private rooms for clandestine meetings," Kethiah whispered.

Behind the unfinished bar were steps leading down to the cellar, and up to the rooms on the third floor. Eighteen of them.

"What do you think?"

Sheogorath

High Rock

"He said everything I wanted him to say," Quill said. "And I might've believed him as much I wanted to believe him if you weren't there. He's the kind of man my sister would have dreamed about. Rich, well-mannered, and not so handsome that people would have looked at him instead of her when they were together ... But, please, don't even think about going there by yourself. You only had to have your eyes open to see how rich and powerful he is."

Sheogorath

The Docks of Ald Raathim

Kethiah smiled thoughtfully, and took his hand as she stepped outside to look around the building at all sides.

"I like that it's Nordic," she said. "Fitting for you and the kids ..."

In the back of the tavern, there was a fenced in area where the workers were digging at an angle away from the water, to create a fresh-water well. There was a red-bearded Nord supervising the construction.

"Do you know who owns the tavern?" Kethiah asked.

"I do," said the man. "Or I will, after I get some more funds from Skyrim. These things are more expensive than they look."

Kethiah looked at Isidor, and then back to the man. "Maybe we can help with some of the money."

"How much?" the man asked.

"All of it?"

Sheogorath

High Rock

"I still don't want you to go," Quill said simply. "I don't care what happened to my sister enough for you to get hurt. That's the truth."

Sheogorath

The man named his price, also surprised but from the look in his eyes, relieved. He really had spent too much on the place's construction.

"Well, that seems fair," said Kethiah cagily. "But before we negotiate, there are other interested parties we need to bring by ..."

She looked to Isidor. "I think they can skip a little school for this."

Sheogorath

"Take the long way home!" Quill called to the driver.

He closed the curtains on the carriage, and kissed Mirea back.

Sheogorath

The Docks of Ald Raathim

"Your father and I were thinking about buying this tavern," Kethiah smiled. "There would be a room for each of you, one for us, and fifteen rooms to rent out. We wanted to get your opinion to see what you thought ... Because you'll have chores to do to keep it clean and well-organized."

"Don't answer yet," she added. "Just take a look around and see what you think. Just be careful, it's still under construction."

Sheogorath

"One step at a time, killer," Kethiah smiled. She was now used to Isidor being a couple moves ahead of her, and she didn't mind it, provided he slowed down when she asked him to. "We have to get to know each other better."

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked behind her. The Nord was just out of earshot.

"Okay," she said. "Now what we need to do is be a little less enthusiastic, so we get it for a better price. Talk about liking another house more ... "

She gave them a wink, and looked to Isidor. Except for the negotiating, they had a home.

Sheogorath

The docks of Ald Raathim

The Nord looked at them, a little concerned.

"Well done," smiled Kethiah. "Now, go with your father and get the gold from Loranna. And while you're doing that, think of a name for our tavern. I was thinking the Something and Something, since there's already a tavern called the Adjective Something in town ... Maybe Tyradil thinks of one noun, and Tilitalia, you think of the other?"

She turned back to the Nord with a sigh, shaking her head, expertly feigning concern about his perfectly fair price.

Sheogorath

Kethiah met them half-way, given them the new price she had negotiated which was significantly less.

Under the hood, they could see her eyes shining. The tough assassin had become the tough businesswoman.

Sheogorath

"Good, that's part of the reason we got the deal, I told him we'd pay cash and pay it today," Kethiah gave Isidor a happy kiss. "Take them on the tour and I'll be right with you."

She headed off to the Nord.

Sheogorath

House Ivytyde, High Rock

And it was over much too soon. Quill looked sad but had a little bashful smile when the carriage stopped, and they had to step out.

"If I don't meet with my solicitors now, it won't be until next week that I can settle the will and inheritance," he said. "It shouldn't take more than a couple hours -- if it does, please set the house on fire and rescue me."

Sheogorath

Among the more impressive features of the still-unfinished tavern's main room was a huge walk-in fireplace in the main room which had a hidden door leading down the empty cellar below.

"I was thinking that we should always have a fire in it, or at least a light spell for ambiance," Kethiah smiled, stepping in with them. "Oh, the Nord accepted. This is ours now."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

It was dull watching the day to day operations of a large manor house. Horses were washed in the stables, silver was polished in one wing, while laundry was sorted in another, and his lordship spent time in correspondence in the third. A considerable amount of effort was spent by servants continually polishing the great marble edifice of the house.

A carriage arrived an hour into her vigil containing a young pair, boy and girl, who appeared to be siblings, possibly twins.

They were brought into the dining room where Laurent greeted them, and fed them a sumptuous meal.

The servants drifted out to the far wings of the house, shutting heavy doors behind them.

Then Laurent dropped the mask, and horrible things began happening. And Mirea knew what Lelia had suffered.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed. "Is that what Tyradil and Titiltalia came up with, or is that yours?"

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

For a dilentante, Lord Laurent Lyonswurst was remarkably focused. When he decided to become a court favorite, he became one. He knew people, and he knew how to manipulate people. And when he loosened the beast inside, if anything he became more focused. There were no impulses in this monster, only calculations and movements to quell and stoke his desires.

Thus, it took him some time to smell the fire. He was, after all, used to some occasional burning in his play, but that hadn't occured yet.

Then, it was chaos, and servants arrived with water and in the confusion, the twins escaped.

He was annoyed, not worried. They could not tell anyone, but his fun for the night was over.

Sheogorath

"I can hardly wait to see the sign," Kethiah laughed. "Well, we might as well move in now. There's still going to be construction going on, but that's the case anywhere in town."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

In fact, Quill stepped out of the meeting room with his solicitors a few minutes after Mirea returned. He looked exhausted.

"I am so sorry that took so long," he groaned. "But as dull as it was waiting for me, it was much worse in there, trust me ..."

He looked at her face. "You look different somehow. What is on your mind?"

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

Quill expelled a deep breath. "How do you know? Did you find evidence, or ... No, he's he hurting someone else?"

Sheogorath

"I hope it burned to the ground," said Quill angrily. "If not, I'll go back with more kindling."

S'reddit

"I won't make a promise to you I can't keep," Quill said. "If he hurt her by accident, that would be one thing I would have trouble forgiving him for. But he continues to hurt people ... I can't let it continue."

S'reddit

Quill was about to reply to that, when one of the solicitors came over, apologetically.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Dygbal," he said. "But will you be writing to your cousin?"

"No, you handle that," Quill said. "I barely know him."

"I think he will be sorry not to hear from you," said the solicitor, withdrawing. "Considering your generosity."

S'reddit

"I have even less," Kethiah laughed. "It will be like starting over. In a good way."

The rest of the day was spent in the town, buying furniture for their rooms, and talking to the artisans about ordering more beds, chairs, tables, benches, and wardrobes for all the other rooms and the tavern itself. Kethiah also bought a few new outfits, nothing extravagant, but enough to keep her from wearing the same outfit day after day since her wardrobe was still in Vas. Finally, they spoke with two different importers who were setting up business near the tavern, about bringing in liquor and food. Since the Nymph and Noggin would be closer to the docks than the Drunken Guar, it was more important than the food and drink be interprovincial, with varieties to please travellers and merchants of all races.

It was a long, exhausting day, and they were all four happy to retire for the night in their new home.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

"No Countess in the history of Ivytyde has ever had fun," Quill laughed, for the first time in days. "Sorry, Mirea, had to do it. It would have been horrible."

Then the smile faded from his face, as he thought of Laurent Lyonswurst. Something had to be done. And though he didn't explain the segue in his thinking, he said aloud. "I want it to be by my hand, no one else's."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

"Okay, I just want to be involved," Quill said. "It doesn't have to be legal. I don't ever have to come back to Daggerfall again."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

"No, I want to go back to the circus," Quill said. "And I want Laurent Lyonswurst dead."

---

"Just tell me what you're going to do and how long I should wait," he said.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

Goranthir came downstairs from his room, alone, and ordered breakfast from the innkeeper. He saw Loranna and the new Argonian at hand, and went over to them.

"Good morning," he smiled, stil wiping the sleep from his eyes.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, Daggerfall

It did not work quite as well, for his smile was sad after he kissed her back, but Quill did not seem so angry ... so it was a change for the better ...

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

The elf held out his hand. "Goranthir."

Goranthir turned to Loranna. "Just grabbing some breakfast before getting back to work on construction. I think I've worn out my interest on carrying dirt, as fascinating as it may seem, and I thought I'd look into the fortifications ... Provided you or Kallen don't have anything of a higher priority?"

Then he stopped, listening to the music.

Sheogorath

Goranthir finished his breakfast, and went to the castle. He could work on the construction until he saw Dragon ... tackling bandits would be fun, and no more morally complicated than putting up a new wall ...

He thought about Allerleirauh and Tris as he began work, and then as the sun burned down, and he built up a sweat, he thought about nothing in particular except doing a good job on the fortifications.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"We could couple it with a Grand Opening," Kethiah said, pulling Isidor down to her. "It might take a little while to get it all together if we want it to be perfect."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"No," she said simply, her head resting on his chest. "I wouldn't have been able to do what I did for so many years if I did."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"The only questions I would have wouldn't be about your past, but your future plans," said Kethiah. "Whether you plan to stay here, whether you want to keep adventuring or settle down as an innkeeper ... But those aren't fair questions, because the future is uncertain ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah kissed him. "You couldn't be a better lover."

Outside there was the sound of construction beginning anew, and naked Kethiah went to the window to look out. "I hadn't realize it's morning already. Come on, let's get dressed and walk the kids to school."

Sheogorath

Ivytyde House, High Rock

"The Count is not at home at present," said the valet, obviously unaware that Quill/Dygbal had refused the inheritance. "But he told me he'd be back presently."

Sheogorath

Kethiah, wearing one of her new dresses and the cloak that shaded her eyes against the sunlight, came downstairs. She straightened Tyradil's shirt which was hanging slightly askew, and wiped a bit of white paint from the construction that had found its way onto Tilitalia's nose, and smiled at the group.

"What a fine-looking group. Let's go."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

"Killer, we better get used to having fun while we work, or that tavern's never going to get finished," Kethiah winked. She took his hand. "Come on."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Though impossible to see from the ground, Quill was easy to spot from the Void, edging along the roof of the manor, watching Laurent through the windows. He was dressed in black, but appeared to be carrying no weapons.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Laurent's valet answered the door, with a mild expression of surprise on his face.

"We are usually told beforehand when guests are arriving," he said. "What can I do for you?"

Sheogorath

"May I have your name?" the valet began, suspiciously.

"Tris!" Laurent answered, coming down the stairs, dressed no longer in black but in his traditional colorful foppery: red cape, yellow surcoat, tight yellow pants that left little to the imagination. "My dear fellow! Come in!"

Laurent took Tris's arm, and brought him to the library, a three tier room of mahogany lined walls and comfortable chairs.

"I didn't think I'd see you again, but I hoped," he smiled. "What may I get you to drink?"

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

A rather comical erotic sculpture along the wall, when the right part was tweaked, opened up to reveal a bar. Laurent poured them both brandies while he spoke.

"He's protective of my privacy, as a good valet should be. You didn't arrive by horse, or they would have told us you were here at the gatehouse," Laurent handed Tris the brandy. "You're a mysterious fellow, Tris Gaerington. May I ask what prompted this unexpected but delightful intrusion?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah looked out the window above. "You surprised me again, Shaka!"

She hurried downstairs to open the door.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"Funny," Laurent replied, narrowing his eyes a bit, his fat fingers resting on Tris's knee as he took a seat. "I am unusually adept at recognizing body language, and I would have guessed that Doll did not give an altogether nice summary of our affair. In fact, I thought you might have been cross with me after hearing her tell of it. That accounted, to me, for you not visiting before this ... Which obviously made me sad."

But if he was sad, he didn't show it. His eyes were shining bright.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Thank you," Kethiah gave a half smile. "Loranna says it's likely permanent, which more or less puts the final nail on my old career. A little too recognizable with two different colored eyes ... So what do you think of our new place?"

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

"Is that a fact?" Laurent asked, a grin slowly working its way along his face. He reached over, unbuttoned the middle buttons of Tris's shirt, and placed his hand on Tris's chest, feeling his heart beat. "Why, I do think you are frightened."

"What do you think is going to happen?" Laurent asked, his eyes shining, his smile wide. His teeth were very small and very white. "Do you think I'm going to make you scream?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Isidor and I are definitely going to have a Grand Opening when we get it all together, but swing on by again," Kethiah rolled her eyes. "If only to make sure we're not buried under rubble."

S'reddit

Update

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in Ald Raathim, helping construct new fortifications on the castle.

Kethiah, former assassin, is also in Ald Raathim, at the new tavern she's going to be running with Isidor, the Nymph and Noggin.

Quill, as said above, is at Lyonswurst House in High Rock, watching from the eaves of the house the scene happening with --

Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, court wit, councilor to kings, man about town, and psychopath. Countless men and women, boys and girls, have gone through hell in his red and black marble mansion, and now he is chatting with his old childhood acquaintance, Tris Gaerington, about what would make him scream.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Laurent laughed. It was the pleasant, warm laugh of a good friend.

"Pain is your friend," he said, still chuckling. "Pain is the messenger. It is nothing more than a warning. Without it, how would you know you are in trouble?"

He pulled his hand out from Tris's shirt, and the fingertips were wet with blood.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

In reply, Kethiah closed the shutters of the room, so the workers couldn't see them "taking a break."

(Fade Out / Fade In)

"I wish I were an artist," Kethiah said, looking at Isidor, as she lay across him. "I would paint you ..."

Then she laughed. "And now I'm thinking that we need to get paintings for the tavern ... Sorry, darling, I go on a romantic notion and it immediately gets practical ..."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Laurent licked the blood off his fingers, his eyes still mild and friendly. "Give you something? You mean, are you drugged, numb?"

He pinched Tris lightly on the thigh with his now clean fingers. Tris felt it, but it didn't hurt.

"I want you to feel."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Just imagine the walls lined with portraits of the great heroes of Ald Raathim," Kethiah smiled. "You included, of course. And maybe some day, Tyradil and Tilitalia."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"I don't know," Laurent smiled, taking off his cape and hanging on the chair behind him. "We haven't discussed it. She might know everything, or nothing, or something ... No one who I've spent any real time with has ever blackmailed or extorted me. I suppose I'm just lucky with my choice of guest."

Something flickered behind his face just for a moment. Eyes that were not his.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"There are experiences which can't be explained in words," Laurent replied kindly, stepping behind Tris's chair, and placing his strong, fat fingers on his shoulders. "The Countess came to me an innocent, and I shattered that, I admit. What is left behind when innocence goes is a kind of hunger, and I was the only person who she could go to be fed. She didn't kill herself because of me, though. She killed herself because of herself."

The fingers on Tris's throat were soft, but there was power behind them, like a tiger on a frayed leash.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Well, we still need a sign and those portraits," Kethiah said, lowering herself down from the second level of the tavern where she had been putting in a hanging chandelier of a dozen candles which could be lowered or raised. "And we need our liquor and food ... but we're in pretty good shape. And you haven't had a drink in -- how many days now?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"The basic stuff should be in tomorrow, and I bet that means the day after tomorrow," Kethiah said, sliding into a chair. "That's just the food and drink one could get anywhere in Morrowind. The more exotic vittles will arrive next week. Jagga and rothmeth for the Bosmer, High Rock wine ... that kind of thing ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I had an interesting talk about that just an hour or so ago, out in the garden," said Kethiah thoughtfully. "A woman came to me and said she represented the Guild of Prostitutes, who have allied themselves, appropriately enough, with the Fighters Guild and are looking at Ald Raathim for possible ... ah, franchise expansion. They were looking at the Nymph being a better location for their work than the Guar, because we'll likely cater to temporary visitors, and the Guar will be preferred by the locals. Because, let's face it, no matter how nice we make the Nymph, the Dunmer like their traditions."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

The fat fingers pinched a cluster of nerves between Tris's throat and sternum with surprising speed, and Tris's arms and legs went numb.

With the fingers still in place, Laurent kissed the back of Tris's neck in a precise way he knew would run down his spine in bursts of warmth.

"What makes you think it's up to you?" Laurent whispered in his ear. Tris couldn't see his face to know his expression, but it sounded less friendly than before. "I'll tell you when you must go, but for now, you must stay."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I don't know if we have much choice about prostitutes coming to a tavern, particularly one along the waterfront," Kethiah shrugged. "At least if we deal directly with the Guild, we can make certain they meet a certain standard of dress and behavior. But I just told her I had to talk with my partner. Nothing we need to decide right away."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Quill watched as the servants retired, closing the doors behind them. He looked down at Tris and Laurent, and then noticed a window that had been left open that led to the third floor of the library.

He started into it.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Don't we sound business-like all of the sudden?" Kethiah teased him. "What is it, darling? It sounds like you have something you want to discuss with me ... We could walk up to the Guar, and check out the competition, if you want. Maybe have a chat with the innkeeper there to make sure we're not stepping on any toes ..."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Kethiah looked at him curiously. What is the time and the place? she wondered.

But she took his arm and walked through the village to the Drunken Guar, admiring all the construction that had been completed while they had been working on their own little corner of it.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Quill, half in and half out of the window, stared down to the first floor of the library trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Laurent was behind the other man, holding his neck, but not strangling him. The other man wasn't moving, but he was still breathing, he could see that. He didn't even move when Laurent Lyonswurst sunk his teeth deep into his shoulder, drenching his chin with blood.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

"I don't think so," Kethiah winked. "Maybe a little more aggressive than you ... Anyhow, this is about being diplomatic and friendly, and no one's friendlier than you."

Sheogorath

Quill didn't hear Mirea at first. He was still watching, mesmerized by the slow blood-letting he was witnessing. It was not an attack, or not like any attack he had ever seen. The small pool of blood under the other man's chair was barely even noticeable.

Then he heard Mirea's voice again, and turned to her, white-faced. He let her help him back out of the window, not speaking.

---

Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, though a monster, did not transform into a beast. He did not turn into the embodiment of the Daedra Prince Sanguine, laughing, and rippling with power.

He did not even look insane. He looked just like an average man would look if a beast out of his nightmares suddenly appeared in his home. He released Tris, and scrambled for sanctuary behind a desk, whimpering, his eyes wide and frightened and very sane.

Except his face was covered with Tris's blood.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar

"I dunno," said the innkeeper, serving up drinks. "Supposing I said, yes, it bothers me?"

Sheogorath

The innkeeper's frowning face turned into a grin, and he punched Isidor lightly on the shoulder. "I'm just joking with ya, Isidor. Mighty nice of you to come and ask me, real decent. I'm turning away folk left 'n right here, especially since some of her Ladyship's folk expect, seeing how they're heroes what keep saving the world, that there should always be a room for 'em. Now, I'm for keeping things friendly between you and me, so why don't we say here and now that we won't change our prices and our services to try 'n steal one another's customers. If I'm full up, I'll just say, 'Go to the Nymph, same price for a room' and you'll do the same. Make sense?"

Sheogorath

Outside Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Quill looked at her, and nodded his head. "I had to see."

He had a horse he had tied to a tree in the woods just inside the estate's fence. "What's going to happen now?"

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

Kethiah grinned proudly. "See? You doubt yourself too much." She kissed him, and then whispered "Of course, if he reneges on his promise, we'll run him out of business in a heart beat" and then winked.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Hiding behind the desk, Laurent screwed his eyes shut, as he felt the hot blood cool on his lips and chin, he chanted his little prayer:

Small and mild, timid as a mouse,
I stopped beneath the harlot’s house.
The shadows raced across the blind,
Like black leaves wheeling in the wind,
They sidled through the slow quadrille,
Their laughter echoed thin and shrill,
And sometimes they seemed to try to sing.
Upon the steps like a live thing,
The dust was whirling with the dust
Love passed into the house of lust,
‘Til the shadows ceased to wheel and whirl,
I crept on like a frightened girl …

Sheogorath

Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock

"My sister's skull was shattered, every major bone was pulverized by the fall ... There was no blood left, and very little flesh after the birds had gotten to her ... Even her eyes were gone ... No one can say what she went through before she killed herself, except for that man in there," Quill voice was hollow. "And I don't care what he has to say -- what he did, or why he did it. I just want him to stop. I want your guild brother out of there, even if he does gain valuable information ..."

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

"I think we pick up the kids from school now," Kethiah laughed. "And make them do all the work."

Sheogorath

Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock

"Thank you," Quill said, getting on his horse, and holding out a hand to pull Mirea up.

Sheogorath

Solunastra

"Thank you, I do prefer Quill," he said, taking a seat. To Tris, he added. "That was a remarkable distraction, considering I'm a stranger to you. Whatever you'd do to protect an actual friend, I shudder to think."

"My life is very simple," he added, looking towards Allerleirauh and Mirea now. "I would kill Laurent Lyonswurst. My trouble is that Mirea won't let me until I've talked to her friends."

Sheogorath

Solunastra

"Mirea, I grew up in a house like that," Quill said. "And I'm as much of an acrobat as you are. I only wanted to see what you saw -- when you said you wouldn't go there at all ..."

He wasn't making himself clear. "I told you to stay away from him first."

And then he blushed, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. Normally Quill could laugh at himself, but not today.

S'reddit

Solunastra

"That's actually not true," replied Quill. "You do listen. When we arranged the ballet of the Crowns and Forebears, you listened carefully, and you obeyed instructions to the mark, because if you didn't, it wouldn't have gone beautifully. When we sent guars at you, we said exactly where the trainers would have the creatures roar, and when you would leap ... And I imagine that when your mistress asks you to do something, or not do something, you at least think about it before you disobey ... Mirea ... It's me. I'm not a military commander, I'm a circus man. And if you're going to be cross with me about not following your orders, well, need I remind you that technically unless you've quit, you are my employee?"

S'reddit

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

In the realm of coincidences, it wasn't a great one, but while Tris was soaking at Solunastra, Goranthir was swimming in the bay by the castle in Ald Raathim. It was hard, dusty work constructing fortifications on the castle, and after he had cleaned himself up with the swim, he walked back through town, stopping at his tailor's to order some new clothes (most of his wardrobe being aboard the Akarvina, which was still a few days away from making it to port), and then into the Guar for lunch.

It was funny, when he was with Tris, he wanted Tris. When he was with Allerleirauh, he wanted Allerleirauh. When he was with neither, and he saw them both together -- well ... his thoughts became a little more greedy.

He squeezed in between them at the bar, and ordered his drink.

"I'm sorry, am I crowding you?" he smiled at them, putting his arms around both of them.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar

In response to the nuzzle, Goranthir gave a deep, low, growly purr, which he did whenever Tris nuzzled his throat. He knew it made that base vibrate and Tris said gave him shivers. It was Senche Tiger, and though Goranthir had never translated it for him (like most things said in foreign languages, the translation -- which was "This carcass is so delicious, I doubt the scavengers will have anything" -- was less romantic than the original), still its meaning was easily understood. Plus, it was low enough that it didn't attract the sort of attention in a crowded bar that a full-throated roar would have.

"My nurse always said we never get what we deserve," Goranthir said. "And we should thank the Gods for that."

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

"Really?" Goranthir almost dropped his glass, and then laughed. "No, what Allie said was I should smack you."

Then he turned to Allerleirauh, and barely believing he was doing it, whispered the suggestion to her.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah was in the back, getting started on her garden. Most people would consider the soil along the shoreline to be bad for growing anything, but it was better than what she worked with at Vas. And she took a particularly delight in growing plants where no one else would.

"I don't know what number constitutes 'many,'" Kethiah said, looking at Isidor. With the hood over her eyes, it was difficult to tell her expression, but her voice sounded conversational. "I'll give you an exact number and you can tell me, but you have to tell me why it matters."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Despite the cloak and the clement weather, Goranthir felt a shiver.

And his smile was so wide it almost hurt as he followed Allerleirauh to the place she knew.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Hmm," Kethiah said, and Isidor could see the smile even if he couldn't see the eyes. "I think my love life is the least interesting thing in my past. I've had 17 men before you. You're the 18th, and I'm not planning a 19th. Not exactly pure, but not too much of harlot, I hope ... On the other hand, I don't know the number of men I've killed."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed back. "No, only the ones who ask me silly questions. Now, do you want to brag about how many hearts you've broken?"

Sheogorath

In the vast nest of silk under the open sky, Goranthir melted into his lovers' arms.

Fade Out.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Really?" Kethiah thought about that. "I wouldn't have guessed. I thought you Nords had partners galore, if only to keep warm."

She stood up, and touched his face with a muddy hand. "You're the best I've ever had, with no close seconds."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"That would depend on your definition of 'bad,'" Kethiah grinned, painting a moustache on him in mud.

As she moved in for a kiss, there was a knock on the front door. Tilitalia answered it, and called back that it was the man with all the food and liquor.

"They're early," Kethiah sighed.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"We'll inventory it in the cellar," said Kethiah, pointing the man towards downstairs, while he and his fellow workers brought in crate after crate of mazte, flin, sujamma, brandy, mead, wine, and other staples. The food made Kethiah frown a little. "We need to hire some cooks ... Unless you can cook, 'cause I can't."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I should have thought about this," Kethiah frowned. "The food at the Drunken Guar is good, and so is the food at the castle ... We can't settle for good enough ..."

She grabbed a large wooden board, and painted the word NOTICE on it. And she wrote under that: "Wanted -- Excellent Cook, Stewards, Barmaids, and Chamber Maids. Inquire Within The Nymph & Noggin."

As she was putting it up, Kallen, Loranna's castellian was passing by, watching the dredging of the harbor.

"Would you mind if I borrowed your board?" he asked.

Kallen added a map to it, showing new visitors to Ald Raathim where they were, and how to get where they are going. He added notes for workers (the literate ones) saying what needed doing in the construction efforts.

By the end of the day, people knew to check with the Notice board at the Nymph and Noggin for news.

Sheogorath

"Simple solution with good benefits," Kethiah grinned. "Now even people who live in town have a good reason to come down to the docks, to read the latest news. Loranna can use it to issue proclamations, quell rumors, anything she needs to convey. And ..."

"And" was the knock at the door for the people coming to interview for positions at the Nymph and Noggin Tavern. It took them the better part of the rest of the day to get through them all.

Sheogorath

"I know, but he didn't seem comfortable with the idea of doing more exotic varieties, which I think we want," Kethiah frowned.

---

When Diamond came in, she smiled. "What kind of work are you looking for?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah smiled. "Of course we'll hire you on. But we were actually just talking about the need for some artwork for the place. We were thinking it'd be a nice tradition to have portraits of the heroes of Ald Raathim lining the walls ... But a barmaid is what we need too ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Obviously we would pay you as both a barmaid and an artist," Kethiah said. "I just thought you might like to use the tavern as your gallery ... And we would make it a great honor to be immortalized by you on these walls."

"But if you want gritty, look around," Kethiah laughed, pointing to the unfinished walls. "We have a lot to do, but hopefully we should have our Grand Opening in the next day or two."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"We just got all our liquor inventoried in the cellar," said Kethiah. "Let's try to keep it organized so we know in advance when we're running low, but if you'd take charge of stocking the bar and preparing the lists, that'd be a great start."

When Arynel entered, Kethiah, not recognizing the bard, said, "I'm afraid we're not open quite yet, sir, or have you come about work?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed, and narrowed her eyes at Isidor. "Careful with your response, killer."

Sheogorath

Goranthir responded with a whistling mating call of a tropical gull. "Yes, lucky is right. This branch wouldn't hold many more if passers-by tried to join us."

He stretched out to take up as much room as possible in the silken nest, letting his hands explore his lovers' skin. He had noted the bitemark on Tris's shoulder before, and looked at it again, curiously, not sure whether he had done it or not ...

Sheogorath

Goranthir kissed him while his eyes were closed, and then tenderly kissed the bite marks.

"He chewed you, Tris," he whispered. "It looks like something a wild animal would have done. I wish I had been there."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Laurent Lyonswurst stepped out of his bath, and let his servants powder and dry him. His fat but muscular body required a lot of powder and a lot of toweling.

He wasn't smiling. He didn't know what happened with Tris Gaerington, but it hadn't been a dream. The blood he had wiped from his face, and the blood that the servants had mopped up in the library said that something happened.

But somehow a beast out of his nightmares had appeared, and Tris had vanished, and the creature had too. Was the beast something Tris had summoned? The pinch on his neck should have prevented that sort of spell ... it always had before ...

Most of all, Laurent was hungry. He had a bite, but wanted more.

The girl would have to be the meal he was denied. Then with his appetite sated, he could decide what to do about the pretty Breton boy who got away ...

Sheogorath

"I'm sure that didn't need to be said, it had to be on his mind," Goranthir said quietly. "How could it not be? Feeling guilty about things we couldn't prevent -- that's the mortal condition."

Sheogorath

"He obviously was pretty far from normal when he first considered giving himself to Sanguine," Goranthir said. "Many of the Princes, well, I can see something positive in their sphere if I look hard enough. But a Prince dedicated to sex as humiliation, sex as torture ... I wonder if he began like you did, Tris ... Planning to get away, and then was instantly trapped ..."

"I remember him at the wedding though," Goranthir said, after a thought. "What a disguise he has."

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"What a lovely sight," Laurent smiled charmingly, taking her in. He took a step closer and smelled. "When was the last time you had a bath, my dear?"

If the question was offensive, the eyes were still friendly.

Sheogorath

Goranthir lay across Tris's chest, and pulled Allerleirauh on top of them both. "I must be in error then, because I feel like I'm being consumed by light right now."

Sheogorath

"Tut tut, my dear," Laurent laughed warmly. "It is a perfectly fine perfume for a different lady. Perhaps we just need some fresh air ..."

He took her hand, and opened the front door.

Moonlight fell on the vast parkland surrounding Lyonswurst House. "Do you like to ride horses?" he asked.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Laurent Lyonswurst escorted Erilyn across the lawn towards the stable. The hedges and bushes were formally laid out, perfectly trimmed, with not a dead spot or a stray leaf or twig. He picked her a red rose for her to carry as they walked.

"My private stables are right through the woods, past the well," Laurent was saying, smiling, and not dropping his expression, he punched her hard in the belly. "But you still stink."

He grabbed her by her hair to drag her towards the well.

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is ... well, he's in a silk nest in Ald Raathim, rolling around nekkid with Allerleirauh and Tris, if you must know.

Laurent Lyonswurst is at his estate in High Rock, beating up a "prostitute" (actually an agent of Herwyn Brand, the Spymaster of Wayrest) and about to toss her down a well. He's a psychopath, by the by.

Quill is in Ivytyde House with Mirea, weirdly enough wishing he was at Lyonswurst House to see Laurent get what's coming.

And in more down-to-earth goings on ...

Kethiah, former assassin, is getting the new tavern in Ald Raathim, the Nymph and Noggin, set up for business with her partner and lover Isidor. She has recently hired on Diamond as a barmaid, and is looking for a cook ...

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

"Shut up," Laurent chuckled, grabbing her neck, shutting off the noise and air. His hand was huge and strong. "It's time for your bath."

The well was high with water and she didn't fall more than ten feet. But the sides of the well were slick with moss.

Laurent sat on the side of the well, beaming down at her, holding the bucket and rope in his hand.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

Laurent tossed the red rose in after her. "This should sweeten you up," he chuckled.

---

Laurent did not even turn around. He dropped the rope into the well. He frowned a little bit, wondering why he was obeying the voice.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

Laurent Lyonswurst did as he was told, but he wasn't sure why. What seemed like a better plan was to let the girl soak for a while longer. and then chew on the softest parts of her while she lay on the grass too exhausted to do anything but scream. What seemed like a better plan was to pull this fellow's eyes out, and drop coals on his naked body.

But for some reason, it also struck Laurent as perfectly reasonable just to do whatever this fellow said.

He led them into the house, and into the library where he had attempted to eat Tris earlier. And they did pass a servant along the way, but the servants in Lyonswurst House do not speak to their master unless spoken to.

Sheogorath

Lyonswurst House

Within a few minutes, the servants had brought quill, ink, parchment, and his lordship's best towels. Laurent brought out from a secret room in the library his eight volumes of journal, which were all in code. Just the key for the symbols was enough to make any healthy person sick to their stomach.

Laurent had taken a dislike to Herwyn Brand. He hadn't killed many people in his career, at least not directly, but Brand would be a fine exception. It would really be a pleasure, Laurent thought, to say "No" to any of these requests. And then it would be a pleasure to immobilize Herwyn Brand, put him in a room with a mirror, so he could watch the terrible things being done to his body, but not be able to move ... That would be nice. Very nice.

Instead, it seemed, Laurent was going to write. A very poor substitute, but it seemed he had no choice.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"A capital idea," Kethiah smiled, as they looked over their stock. "I'm sorry, killer, I don't meant to work you to death. I'm just finding this whole setting up a business fun ... I get restless sitting around ..."

Sheogorath

"Um, darling, I'm not drinking a bottle of mead and a bottle of brandy myself, or I'll be dead," she laughed, and clinked a glass against Isidor's bottle. "But, a toast: to never being boring."

S'reddit

High Rock

Laurent did as he was told, and as the carriage rode off through the moonlit streets, he thought to himself. It was funny -- the less he was able to do, the more violent his thoughts became. And the more expansive. Not only did he want Herwyn to die slowly, he also wanted very much to find everyone who was dear to him and kill them before his eyes.

Now what was this about Tris Gaerington? It could hardly be a coincidence that the day after he attempted a little fun with Tris, he was being set up in a way that involved him ... Tris too should die ...

It was frustrating, but when your mind is free to dream doom, the miles become shorter.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I'm intimately familiar with both owners," said Kethiah, smiling, putting down the limewash she had been painting the walls with. "We're hiring all right."

Sheogorath

"Does she work for your father then?" Goranthir asked, one of his hands rubbing Allerleirauh's neck while the other was rubbing Tris's foot. These Void Rangers ... they were like cats ...

Sheogorath

"Ah, family," Goranthir laughed. "Can we trade?"

Sheogorath

Goranthir had lost his laugh, and gotten between Allie and Tris and the apparition before it spoke.

He was shivering. What was this?

Sheogorath

Since Tris and Allerleirauh obviously knew this ... creature, Goranthir knew he could relax a little. He knew that intellectually, but his body stayed on guard. He knew where his sword was with the rest of his clothes in the nest ...

Sheogorath

"What was that?" Goranthir shuddered again, turning back to Allie and Tris. The birds had given him an instant of warning before Leseth had shown up, and were now comforting him and each other, but still, though the warmth had returned to the air, he still felt the chill of the creature's presence.

Sheogorath

A Few Hours Before, In Central High Rock

The backroads through High Rock were where some of the heaviest fighting of the period after the Warp of the West took place. There were still whole forests that were blackened and dead, with no new life taking its place, even twenty years later.

One of the few pleasures the people of that region had was the annual visit of Quill's Traveling Circus. It had passed that way some months ago, and they were surprised and delighted to see a few of the wagons bounding along the desolate roads again. It wasn't the full circus, only the parts of it that stayed in High Rock while the rest went south to Hammerfell. Still it was noteworthy.

It did block the road the carriage with the arms of Lyonswurst was taking.

Quill jumped out of the wagon and approached the carriage.

Sheogorath

A Desolate Road in High Rock

Quill came around to the carriage. "Herwyn Brand, I trust?" he said. "My name is Quill."

He looked in at Laurent, who looked back at him with disinterest. "That monster tortured my sister."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Goranthir nodded. He remembered that part of the book well -- he still sometimes had nightmares about it.

Slowly, he started putting his clothes on, but he had to add. "You know, this nest is great, but the next time we want four days off, we should go back to the House of Dibella. They bring you food."

Sheogorath

"I want his blood," Quill said icily, looking at Laurent more than Herwyn. "But Allerleirauh told me to wait for you, that this monster is a small part of a larger world ... Now that I have done that, I ask you, do you still need him, or may I have my revenge?"

Sheogorath

A Desolate Road in High Rock

“Certainly,” said Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, smiling warmly but with eyes that showed nothing but piteous regret. “What happened to your sister was regrettable without argument. I can only suggest that I was too rough too early in our arrangement. I take full responsibility for the fact that she isn’t here today, happy as usual to eat my horses’ waste in exchange for a little break in the whipping … It distresses me to no end that her nerve broke, and I never had the chance to rape her before your eyes … I think she deserved that much respect.”

Quill, face still as a statue, had his rapier out and it was pressed against Laurent’s heavy chest.

Sheogorath

A Desolate Road in High Rock, A Few Hours Ago

Quill just looked at Laurent, shaking his head.

Laurent Lyonswurst looked back, a quiet, friendly smile on his face.

"I am angry," Quill said, after a moment. "I am angry and afraid. I don't want you to hurt anyone else ... Do you hear me?"

"I hear you, see you, smell you," Laurent replied. "The other two senses can wait."

Quill sighed, his sword moving lightly across Laurent's body. "I want revenge on you. You did something terrible to someone I loved. I want you to suffer like she and all your other countless victims suffered ... But that's not going to happen. It is impossible for me to be in the same league as you without losing my mind, so I can't inflict pain at the same level that you did. I want to, so badly, I think you deserve it and much, much worse."

He stopped with the blade at Laurent's throat. "You must do whatever I say, is that right?"

"Seems to be that way," Laurent chuckled softly.

"Absolutely anything, no matter how vile, painful, and debasing?" Quill asked.

This attracted a little glimmer in Laurent's eye, a shadow that rose, like the flicker Tris had seen. "Oh, yes."

"Then stand still."

The blade simply slipped into Laurent's heart, killing him instantly. A humane, easy death.

Quill went over to the carriage, and knocked on it. "Thank you," he said. "It's done."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I'm hungry," Kethiah laughed. "The kitchen's fully stocked with the basics, though we are planning on expanding it, feature foods from all over the Empire to suit the palates of different travellers of different races ... But if you're up for a test, why don't you see what you can make with what we have?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"An interview for the cook's position," Kethiah replied, taking Isidor's hand. "I was just suggesting that the best way for us to test his prowess would be to order lunch from him."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Not bad, not bad at all," Kethiah agreed. "Of course, we will need to come up with menus, so people won't be waiting for forty minutes for lunch ... We are planning on opening the tavern very soon, and having our grand opening in a couple days ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I think that's a good idea," Kethiah replied. "After all, Nords ought to feel at home here."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah shook her head. "No, but I don't know him well enough yet to really say. What is it?"

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, High Rock

It took Quill some hours to return to Ivytyde House and Mirea.

"Thank you for helping me with that," he said, kissing her unbidden. "We should go. My cousin is supposed to arrive tomorrow morning, and I don't want things to get complicated."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah had short hair and a trim athletic build. Her breasts were on the small side, though they had pleasant shape and slope. Still, it made her laugh when she was referred to as one of the "boys."

"I think so, but we should talk over the menu," she said, still chuckling a bit. "Ald Raathim is growing, if you hadn't noticed, and the King as part of the new diplomacy is adjusting the shipping lanes as soon as we're ready to handle it. There will be enough room for more than two taverns in no time at all. Our aim is to be the first tavern people come to when they arrive, the preferred tavern for non-locals, featuring comfortable, affordable rooms, and food that makes you think you never left Skyrim, Cyrodiil, Hammerfell, High Rock, Black Marsh, or wherever you hail from."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah frowned a little. She liked this chef/warrior, but tired and scatter-brained on the first day?

"Do you need a place to stay?" she asked. "I hadn't really thought about room and board being included with the salary, but it would be convenient to have you around in case someone needed a meal at an odd hour ... At the moment we have fifteen vacant rooms."

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, High Rock

"Things are simple," Quill smiled. "I have a lot of ... things in my head which will fade over time, I hope ... Can I ask you something I've been wondering? Do you think you will stay with the circus for a little while longer?"

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

Goranthir had just been eating at the Drunken Guar. That was the one thing 24 hours of sex in a nest deprives one of.

"Of course," he said, looking at her. There were people who looked more beautiful smiling and people who looked more beautiful serious. Allerleirauh was the rare creature who looked like a goddess either way. He picked up his sword, and then turned to her. "Anything else I need?"

S'reddit

Ivytyde House, High Rock

"It will always be Quill's Circus," he laughed. "But there were three Quills before me. Someday there will be another. But let us go now, while I still can call a carriage around here ... The circus will be in Sentinel the day after tomorrow, and I want you to have some time to practice, since we're bringing out the giant scorpions for the animal act ..."

S'reddit

Solunastra, Daggerfall

Goranthir interrupted the conversation to wrap his arms around Tris and kiss him.

"Allie told me," he said soberly.

He held out his hand to Ciel. It was strange. He had met him before, in the Spheres, as a spirit, as a Ciel-that-never-was, and he knew him from the book, but here he was.

"Goranthir of Firsthold," he said.

S'reddit

"I agree, I wish we could have met over some fine Wayrestian wine that Tris introduced me to," Goranthir smiled sadly.

S'reddit

Solunastra

"You know I am not overfond of my father either, though he is very different from yours was," Goranthir said quietly. "But I'll be sad when he dies ..."

It occured to Goranthir that if Reman has a natural lifespan, he will likely be burying Tris before his father, but that was a bad thought, and he put it behind him.

"So, there is to be a funeral, in Wayrest?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I think the food was good, even if it took too long, it was worth the wait," Kethiah said. "I think he's a bit eccentric, but that goes with the place."

S'reddit

Solunastra

"I think if you don't go to the funeral, you'll regret it," Goranthir said. "You go in and out of Wayrest all the time. There must be a way. What about our old friend Herwyn Brand?"

S'reddit

Summary

Laurent Lyonswurst is dead, and rotting on a country road in High Rock, with no one to mourn him ... though Tris gave him a little prayer.

Kethiah, the ex-assassin, is at the Nymph and Noggin, preparing for the grand opening of the new tavern in Ald Raathim.

and ...

---

Solunastra, Daggerfall

Goranthir laughed as he ate the delicious breakfast. "I had no idea you were angry, except you shut up when you are. Which as far as I know had only happened a couple times, so I'll let you get away with it ... All right, what's the plan? How are we going to do this without getting in trouble?"

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir nodded. "Do you know why he is unhap ..." he changed the question to the one he really wanted to know. "Are you still in love with him?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed. "Well, I would! What can you make in five minutes?"

S'reddit

Solunastra

"It's nothing I've developed like animal speak, but I suppose they're a little better than Bretons," Goranthir frowned. "What do you want me to ... sniff for?"

S'reddit

Solunastra

"Oh," Goranthir said, surprised. He wasn't quite sure what he was expecting to sniff out on Ciel. The smell of another lover? "My nurse could smell it when I was coming down with something, but that, she said, was because she knew me so well. She knew what my natural scent was, and when it changed, she knew it was a fever or something ... I can try, though ..."

He inhaled. "You smell the same."

S'reddit

"I wasn't that easy of a nut to crack, though, was I?" Kethiah smiled, but her eyes, visible now, the red one and the violet one, as she was indoors, were more serious. "Well, I'll tell you what I can, but you have to understand, some things I need to keep secret, for your sake and for others ..."

"I was born into a family of assassins. I was taught early on that people die, and that it is no sin to help them along to that if it benefits you or others. That's ... an unusual philosophy, I suppose, and you needn't worry -- even though I'm not sure I disagree with it, I shan't be teaching your children that. Anyhow, there was little doubt that I would become an assassin when I was a little girl, and I killed a man who I disliked who lived in the village. My crime was covered up, and my parents were pleased that I had learned my lessons well ..."

"There were a lot of murders in the village I grew up in. It was where ... well, without putting too fine a point on it, it was where Morag Tong puts its people who have become too famous to do their jobs properly. A lot of people are homicidal maniacs there, and a lot of people are retired too early. Sooner or later, people get on the wrong side of others, and they don't last too long. My parents went that way, and I was supposed to go too, but I escaped to Morrowind."

"The Morag Tong took me in, but I didn't like them much. After all, I knew how poorly they would take care of their own. I did jobs for them, and in the west, the Dark Brotherhood noticed me, and offered me work. I took it. In time, I joined both."

"I guess that's the short version of it anyhow."

S'reddit

Solunastra

"Well, I am," Goranthir said quickly, realizing he hadn't quite said it before, and ... [censored], what a crappy way to say it. In reaction like that.

"Tris, you know you can't help someone unless they want it. If he doesn't have new ambitions, new goals, you can't give them to him. If the old ones still weigh on him ... well, the only solution is to try to help him get those back."

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir laughed. It was a real laugh.

"I'm sorry," he said, walking away into the library of Solunastra. "I'll give it some thought."

His laughter died away as he sat down.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Do you understand me better?" Kethiah smiled, almost shyly. "I hoped that wouldn't be a problem, when you did. I'm glad I was right."

S'reddit

"Clearly I'm out of my mind," he sighed, mostly to himself, but partly to Tris, who he didn't look at when he entered. "I tell you that I'm in love with you, and your response is to say you're going to run away from me, and what are we going to do about the one whom you ran off on last?"

"Well, we've established that I'm some sort of idiot, but hopefully whoever replaces me will be helpful in telling you how to help bandage me up after you've broken my heart, so I ought to be good enough to do the same, eh?”

“I know I ought to be more sophisticated about this. I’m in love with two people too, and it’s absurd for me to be jealous of you and Ciel, and Allie and Arynel … You told me before when I said I would hope bad things on Arynel should she prefer him to me that I ought to be a better sport, but I haven’t developed this cavalier attitude towards the people who I would kill myself for yet. Maybe next month when I’m 17, I’ll be less stupidly jealous.”

He paused. He knew he had talked enough. For Nirni’s sake, Tris was mourning his father, trying to do right by his former lover, why was he so upset?

But Goranthir had one more thing to say, and instead of saying it, he said something close. “Why does Ciel care about Elysana anyhow? It’s not as if she were his mother, who he had to try to forge a bond with. Couldn’t he …”

Go with another love? was what he was going to say, but it was too close to the mark. So was the mother comment for that matter … Goranthir just said, “I’m sorry. I slept alone last night, and I didn’t want to.”

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir pushed against Tris, and then gave up. "It's just backwards. I was upset at how upset I thought you were going to be about your father, and then I took it out on you ... And I know Ciel is a good man, and I'll help out how I can for you ... Just ... just know that you're not the only one with emotions you don't know what to do with."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Meat with a side of meat," Kethiah smiled. "Well, we should go over a list of finger food, but first ..."

Kethiah wrote up a notice for the bulletin board "GRAND OPENING."

"When do you think we'll be ready?" she wondered, looking around. "Could be tomorrow if we keep pushing."

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir and Tris’s conversation had changed, as conversations do, from discussing Ciel, to discussing their relationship, to discussing the particularities of Tris attending his father’s funeral.

“When I said you would be sorry if you didn’t go,” Goranthir was protesting. “I meant you should sneak over, like you always do, and observe it in disguise or from the Void. I didn’t mean that you should get yourself arrested … I don’t see the sense in that, as you already said I’m usually right.”

He couldn't understand it. Elysana wanted his head, and he was going to turn himself in. Was Tris now ready to join his father in the grave?

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Elysana’s throne room had a new addition, a massive, sixty-foot-long skeleton of an ancient sea beast, bleached to a blinding white, which stretched across the ceiling. Its ribcage was now an enormous chandelier filled with candles. It was slightly macabre but weirdly beautiful. A gift from Gortwog gro-Nagorm of Orsinium to Wayrest.

“I’m just not sure it gives the right message to diplomats,” the Queen of Wayrest’s consort, Prince Cayler was saying. “I mean, a huge rotting corpse …”

“It’s not rotting, it doesn’t smell,” Elysana said looking up at it, with a smile. “And I rather like the message it gives to diplomats. Here there be monsters.”

Herwyn Brand was announced.

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir also turned to them, frustrated. "Can you talk sense to him? Tris seems determined that the only way to help Ciel and obey his father's directive to do his duty is to get them both arrested and executed by the Queen of Wayrest."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah dropped down from the chimney where she had been tightening the flue holdings. "They're lovely, Shaka, thank you," she said, and came back with a vase.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah put the flowers in the vase and set them on the bar, admiring them.

"I think I've taught you a couple illegal things in the past," she smiled demurely. "You have something more wicked in mind than the Kiss of the Green Lily maneuver?"

S'reddit

Solunastra

"So, do you want the rest of us to go when you turn yourself in?" Goranthir asked, amazed. "And just watch them cart you away?"

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir called Ciel "a selfish martyr," but out of politeness, did it in the language of the red-breasted thrush, so it was just a simple, if slightly peculiar, chirrup.

"I am going," was all he said in response.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Isidor told me a little of what you're going through," Kethiah said after a pause. It was obvious she was a bit stunned by Shaka's particular plan. "I think ... Well, tell me, does it matter what I think? Are you going to do it one way or another? Because it strikes me as extraordinarily foolish if not completely insane."

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir got up to get some brandy for Ciel. It gave him a chance to relax, and whisper to no one, "It's bloody unfair."

He returned with the brandy, a glass, and a friendly smile.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"How about the simplest, least crazy solution?" Kethiah asked sympathetically, but awed by how far Shaka was willing to go. "Decide that if she can't love you as you are, you will remain her friend, accept a broken heart in consolation, and keep yourself available for the next woman? What if you changed your race, and things still didn't work out with Anya, and then you fell for an Argonian woman?"

Kethiah poured Shaka a drink unbidden. "Let me ask you this, and I know it's tough but that's what old friend are for -- can you picture Anya changing her race for you?"

S'reddit

Solunastra

Goranthir poured himself a glass of brandy too. He had never had it before. Two glasses of wine were his usual limit.

After the first burning sip, he winced and asked. "So, when is the funeral?"

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Elysana studied all the notes and letters intently, asking Herwyn questions about codes. If the Queen were shocked and appalled -- as it was obvious her Prince Consort was -- she did not show it.

"I would expect nothing less from a Lyonswurst," she said at last. "What's become of Laurent and his ring?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"He knows she'll tell him not to do it," Kethiah replied. "He wouldn't love a woman who would rather him be a dead human than a live Argonian, so he's going to take the risk on his own ... I think we've made it clear that we don't think you should do this ... But you should someone who doesn't wish you ill, who wants to do it for the challenge of it, like old Baladas in Gnisis ... And you should be prepared for disappointment if it doesn't have the result you want."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Elysana frowned but nodded at the news about Laurent's death. "I'm sorry he's not here to interrogate, but I don't think he would have been extraordinarily helpful."

She nodded again when Herwyn offered to demonstrate the ring, her bright blues eyes on it, missing nothing.

S'reddit

Solunastra

"I'll go up with you," Goranthir smiled a little. "If we're going to meet my dear step-aunt whom I've heard so much about, I better look my best."

S'reddit

Daggerfall to Wayrest

Goranthir kissed Allerleirauh as they got into the carriage. His eyes were serious but adoring.

He held Tris's hand, and said nothing more as they rode on to the Mages Guild, and from there, by Guild Guide, to Wayrest.

It was an idyllic day in the rich city, with white clouds smeared across the bright sky.

Goranthir looked around at wonder at the city where his mother and uncle had once been Princess and Prince, and his grandmother had been Queen.

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"What in the name of bleeding Oblivion just happened?" Prince Calyer asked, discombolated.

"You don't know?" Elysana asked her consort, a tiny smile on her red lips. "You don't remember?"

Calyer shook his head, and sat down heavily on the floor.

"What a marvelous toy!" Elysana laughed, holding out her hand. "Let me see it. Do you have any idea how Laurent Lyonswurst came by it?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Certainly not most women," Kethiah smiled back, fondly if still concerned. One does not idly talk about self-transformation. "Most women are as foolish as most men, but I appreciate being put into the same category as the lady you admire. Good luck, Shaka, and I hope you will consider what we've said. And will be in here tomorrow, of course."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

The Queen of Wayrest put the artifact on her own finger and looked at it.

"It's rather plain," she said. "Why is that all magical rings are either too simple or too gaudy? Why don't enchanters ever talk to really fine jewelers and make something that is both useful and pretty?"

She called her minister of the Treasury.

"Put this in the most secure part of the vault," she said, tossing it to him. "We better go before we're late for the funeral."

"What funeral?" asked her Prince Consort still sitting on the floor, an even more stupid than usual expression on his face. "I don't feel well."

"There's a fine jewel for you, pretty but useless," Elysana sighed. "Count Sternhart's funeral, husband. Oh, for Akatosh's sake ... Herwyn, you were planning on going, weren't you?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"He had to know we wouldn't approve," Kethiah frowned a little. "Ah, well, he'll do what he does, and we'll have to accept it. Well, food should be planned, musicians hired, and, obviously, people should be told ... Not everyone reads our notice board, at least not yet ... Would you check with Loranna, and see if she's available?"

She looked around the place, well pleased. "Other than that ... I think we have a tavern."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"Thank you, Herwyn, you're always reliable," Elysana said, and then called for a black cloak and her children.

S'reddit

Wayrest

It was traditional for the royal family of Wayrest to attend the funerals of the more prominent citizens of their land.

Prince Eadwyre, called "Wyre," was there, a handsome little boy in black velvet. His five year old sister Princess Tymona was old enough to act properly serious.

The Queen tapped Herwyn's arm when she saw Tris and Ciel in the crowd. Not that she thought her Spymaster missed them ...

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed merrily at Trason's advice. "Duly noted, but maybe we should save them for the high holidays."

---

Kethiah kissed him back. "Our hard work is just beginning. It's going to be regular work, keeping it up, making our place work ... But I think it will be good."

S'reddit

Wayrest

Goranthir knew them all, from the book or from Tris’s own lips: Iolanthe and Oro; Ymalna, the widow with whom Tris had an affair; and the guy in the coffin would be the fearsome Count Sternhart.

Tris meets my family at a costume ball, and I meet his at a funeral. he thought.

The Prince knew that Bretons and other men usually buried their dead underground, but the wealthy did it as the Altmer did, in structures built to house them. All the funerals he had ever been to had been at the Crystal Tower …

He found himself looking around, wondering where Allerleirauh was watching from.

S'reddit

Wayrest

The royal family went to offer their condolences to the widow. It was not a duty Elysana particularly enjoyed. Weeping women made Elysana ill at ease, somewhere between anger and disgust.

"A sad day, Lady Sternhart," the Queen said to Ymalna. "You have our condolences. Your husband was a fine man and a loyal subject."

S'reddit

Fortunately for Elysana, Wyre and Tymona were at her side, and they offered their condolences as well. She was spared the usual chit-chat about tragedies, how we need to be strong, how the dead are in a better place, and the usual nonsense she loathed talking about.

---

"Ah, my lords," the Queen said, turning to them. Her face was neutral, not cold, but not smiling. "I have not seen you since we were on a slow boat to Vivec together."

S'reddit

Wayrest

The Queen regarded Tris kneeling, but did not tell him to rise just yet.

---

"Better late than never, eh, Sir Dolbinien?" Elysana replied. "Well, I think you'd both best come back to the palace ... You know the way, don't you, Lord Gaerington?"

The Queen gave a last smile of condolence to the widow, and children in hand, she left the funeral.

"Make sure the guards accompany them," she said to Herwyn. "But don't let them be hurt."

S'reddit

Wayrest

Goranthir didn't make a move. He just watched Tris and Ciel with tears in his eyes.

A mourner, confusing him for a friend of the deceased, said, "He was a good man."

"Yes," Goranthir said hoarsely. "The best, and he wanted to be even better."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

The children were sent on. Elysana shed her black mourning weeds. The servants and guards were subtle in their movements, shadows flickering in the corners. The great skeleton of the sea beast glowered over them as if they were in its belly.

The Queen told the guards to bring Ciel Dolbinien and Tris Gaerington in as soon as they arrived.

S'reddit

Wayrest

"What are we going to do?" Goranthir whispered, approaching Allerleirauh at the funeral. "Can't you rescue them like Tris rescued Ciel?"

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"Your father wanted me to find you, Tris, and now that he's dead, I have," Queen Elysana said. "Rise, and tell me your intentions."

S'reddit

Wayrest

No, Goranthir had never seen Allerleirauh so frightened before, and it had a curious reaction to him. Suddenly, he felt strong.

"Of course we can," he even smiled a little, looking at Allerleirauh and Loranna. "No one can hurt our friends without our permission. Follow me."

He hailed a carriage to take them to the palace.

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Elysana rose from her throne and stepped down the dias. "A few days ago, if you two had come here, pleading exhaustion, I would have listened with sympathy, and then had you executed following a lengthy interrogation. I think you know I have a healthy dislike for treason."

"That was before I was told about Lord Laurent Lyonswurst," she said, and smiled. It was the guileless, beautiful smile that recalled her teenage years when Tris had first been aware of Princess Elysana. "My dear boys, you are not going to die. That much is certain."

S'reddit

Wayrest

The carriage stopped in front of the Royal Dome, and Goranthir whistled at the sight of it.

"Sheogorath indeed," he said. "All right, first we need reconnaissance."

With a couple quick whistles, he had sent two sparrows in the front gate. Circling around to the side, he squeaked to a family of rats. Yes, they knew a way in.

"Our scouts will let us know what we're dealing with," he said to Allerleirauh and Loranna. "Then we can decide --"

"Excuse me, sir," said one of the guards, an elderly man, mostly ceremonial, outside the Dome gates. "Has anyone ever told you you look like Prince Helseth when he first came here?"

Goranthir turned back to the women with a smile. "Maybe we can use that, if Elysana is as paranoid as they say?"

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"You're confused," Elysana nodded her head. "You need only know that your actions were not your own. You are not to blame for your treacherous acts ... I witnessed myself how Laurent's ring controlled and then befuddled its victims. The Lyonswurst family has always been a plague on Wayrest, and he used you to continue it after they were forced out. Now, with his death, we can put all that behind us and start anew."

S'reddit

Summary:

Kethiah, ex-assassin, is planning on opening the new tavern, The Nymph and Noggin with her partner and lover Isidor tomorrow.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is outside the royal dome of Wayrest with Allerleirauh and Loranna.

---

“That’s why I sent in scouts first,” said Goranthir with a wink.

A sparrow alighted on the chain of the gate and called out.

“They’re in the throne room,” he said. “Just … talking.”

---

"No, I can see that," Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, said, her voice soothing. "I can see I have nothing to worry about from either of you, now that Laurent Lyonswurst is dead ..."

Trafficking with daedra, she thought to herself. I imagine he was also the chief necromancer behind all that ghost business a while back as well ...

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

"It's only an act of war if they hurt Tris," Goranthir said. "My scouts can't say what people are saying, and they're not completely reliable on tone either ... just as you can guess whether a bird call is for mating or for telling an aggressor to go away, but you can't be sure ... My point was that my resemblance to my uncle could be used to our advantage. I can distract Elysana if need be."

S'reddit

Inside the Dome of Wayrest

"Oh, but you should mind," the Queen said, and called to a servant for some wine. "The most recent vintage is sublime, and I have the entire reserve. Yes, Count Sternhart, I think you both should come home. But, Sir Dolbinien, we must find another position for you, a suitable one ... perhaps a teacher, provided your lessons to my soldiery is all about the importance of following orders to the letter."

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

"Trust me on this," Goranthir said. "My uncle and grandmother would not consider whether something was an inconvenience to you if it was necessary for them."

---

"I could fill the place with mice," Goranthir said, letting out a few squeaks. "Though it might take a couple days."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"I don't see any reason why that child shouldn't be well cared for," Elysana replied. "He should be raised in luxury, sent to the best schools, made comfortable for the rest of his life. You needn't think that it's a question of you or him ... or Odo, or your sister. I have a very unpleasant family feud you may remember from your childhood. I wouldn't visit that on anyone, but it's wrong for you to disinherit yourself. The title is not only an honor, but a duty. Allowing it to be bestowed on a child, that does no one good."

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

"I think you think I'm a little more impetuous than I am," Goranthir grinned. "I didn't advocate storming the palace ... Well, I did suggest filling it with mice, but that was a joke ... I put in scouts, I remarked that it's interesting that the guards think I have some passing resemblance to my uncle in his youth ..."

He put his hand on her arm, gently. "I have spies all through the palace now. They will let me know if Tris and Ciel are going to the axeman's block, but until they do, I agree -- we do nothing ... I only disagree with the idea of me going anywhere."

Goranthir raised his hood. "There."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"I have asked the solicitors already, even before I knew you were going to be here, to have the discussion over your father's will here at the palace," Elysana said. "I could obviously overrule any will I wished, but it is a bad precedent. So far I have never had to do to it ... more than a few times, immediately after gaining the throne ... but I will let it be known that you should be Count Sternhart, and I will ask for a rational reason why you should not be, as well as the controlling member of your family's estate."

"Won't you have some wine? You could use some color, my lord."

The scampering of mice could not be heard as large as the room was.

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

Goranthir takes in a sharp intake of breath.

"Thank Nirni, are you sure?"

---

Goranthir laughs back, holding her.

S'reddit

The Dome of Wayrest

The Queen frowned. "If I'm so kind, why does it look like you're about to vomit?"

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

"The one crime Laurent Lyonswurst was not guilty of, that I know of," Goranthir gasped involuntarily. "You did this?"

S'reddit

"Welcome to the world of business, my lord," Elysana nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "Fortunes fall and rise. Do you fear you are not up to the challenge? You needn't. Creating a fortune takes talent and hard work, but you know the nobility of Wayrest well enough to know that those two adjectives do not regularly apply to our gentry."

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

"I would not challenge that," Goranthir replied carefully, and then grinned. "Loranna said she needed a drink. May I buy you one?"

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"Don't be absurd," the Queen frowned. "You came to Wayrest a wanted criminal, and I've pardoned you and said I would use my influence to clear the way for your inheritance ... You were prepared for execution, I take it, and not actual responsibility? I understand that you are a dilletante, but I did not think you that perverse."

S'reddit

Outside the Royal Dome of Wayrest

Though they could not see it, under his hood, Goranthir rolled his eyes. "I am."

As soon as he was the one in potential danger and not his friends, he was a 16-year-old again, not The King With A Plan.

S'reddit

"Lead the way, o fellow Eightman of the Spheres," Goranthir smiled, taking Allerleirauh's and Loranna's arms, and following Herwyn where he led.

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"The Gaerington fortune at present rewards diligence and conservatism," Elysana replied cooly, handing her glass to a servant who appeared the moment she seemed to be finished with it. "You can change that, you can change yourself, or you can surrender to me and that pack of wolves you call a family. It all means the same to me. Now, you must excuse me ..."

A servant had been signaling to her discreetly, and she gave him a discreet signal in return.

"I believe our audience is at an end, until tomorrow, if you intend to come for the reading of your father's will."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

"I know you won't," the Queen of Wayrest said, and then added. "And as I neglected to mention it, my condolences on the death of your father."

The audience was at an end.

S'reddit

The Little Inn With Hummingbirds, Wayrest

"Stern heart?" Goranthir giggled. Yes, giggled. It wasn't a chortle, or a chuckle, or anything more manly, it was what he did after a glass and a half of wine. He wasn't drunk, but he was in an extraordinarily good mood. "You think that title fits him well? I don't know, but I'm very pleased to see your head is still on your neck. And jolly good for Ciel too."

S'reddit

Wayrest

Goranthir took the hand, and most indiscreetly kissed it.

"What do you think about that?" he asked. "It's a pretty enough city."

S'reddit

Wayrest

Goranthir was raising his hand to Loranna's toast when Tris interrupted him. His smile wavered ...

---

And fell.

"That's ridiculous, I can do whatever I want to," Goranthir said, glumly, knowing that wasn't true.

He drained his glass. "None of this matters. Tris and Ciel weren't executed, and that's a damn good thing."

S'reddit

Wayrest

"Good, we got that settled," Goranthir laughed. "And it's true. Half my father's nobles spend half their time elsewhere."

Sheogorath

Tris's "Homecoming," Wayrest

Goranthir had been thinking about his grandmother. For some reason, he couldn't be jealous of her, but he ought to be. While plotting her little war, she had found time to arrange for Tris's pardon and inheritance in a kingdom that was not friendly to her. No doubt without raising a drop of sweat.

He watched the exchange between brother and sister, and smiled at Tris.

"And I thought showing up ninety-percent naked at my parents' masque was awkward," he said.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah, Isidor, and Trason finished up the menu for the Grand Opening of the tavern tonight. There would be cheeses and scuttle. Pan roasted oysters. Kwama crisps. Smoked slaughterfish with a peppery pastry leaf.

It would be hearty food, simple but elegant. And they had the serving and kitchen staff to handle it.

An abbreviated version of the orchestra that played at Barenziah’s party at the castle had been hired on as well. The back of the tavern would be open to the air for dancing.

Isidor would make sure that everyone knew about the party, but just to be sure, Kethiah had one other job to do as well. She only wasn’t sure how she’d be able to do it.

She walked the children to school as usual.

Sheogorath

Tris's Happy Homecoming, Wayrest

"So everyone knows that you're going to be the Count?" Goranthir whispered. "I didn't think the will had been read ... Why don't you just introduce me as Goran? It's easier to remember than making up something right now ..."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"Her Ladyship was called away suddenly," Kallen said, involved in multiple projects and calm as usual. "I'm afraid I don't know when she'll return. If this is an emergency, I can use the Mirror to contact her ..."

Sheogorath

Tris's Happy Happy Homecoming, Wayrest

Goranthir laughed. He still felt a little tipsy from the two glasses of wine. "I wish all my civics law tutorials had ended with a kiss."

He looked around at the crowd and the house. For a moment, he indulged in the fantasy of what they could do there, in Tris's house, once all the people had left ... But then he was reminded of the reality, that he couldn't live in Wayrest. This might be the only time he'd see the place.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

Kethiah left the Drunken Guar, smiling.

They would close their bar that night, and direct anyone who was hungry or thirsty to the new tavern, the Nymph and Noggin down on the docks.

Isidor and Kethiah owed that innkeeper one, for sure.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

"Well, that's a pity. Shame to be doing the Grand Opening without Loranna around," Kethiah frowned. "I suppose we could postpone it, but I just got the innkeeper at the Guar to agree to close his bar down tonight ... and there's the food, and drink, and music all prepared ... You don't know when she's going to be back?"

Sheogorath

"Well, if we knew when she was coming back, we could delay it," Kethiah replied. "The people we really need to make sure are available are all the various merchants and captains who use the docks. They're going to be our most regular customers."

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

"The spies say there's no alliance," Barenziah said. She and Dres Vendama were sitting in the throne room, watching a parade of beautiful Dunmer women walk by, in various wedding gowns. They pointed out which parts of which they liked.

Wedding gowns did not interest Helseth in the slightest. But a possible alliance between Redoran and Indoril did.

"It has been over a month since we met with the Redoran, and gave the councilor our proposal for an alliance," Helseth replied. "And they have not returned with a response."

"True," said Barenziah.

"I like the bodice on that one," said Dres Vendama, pointing.

"It is pretty," the Queen Mother nodded.

"It has also been weeks since the attempted assassination on your life. The Indoril have given a formal and sincere apology, but they have not found the conspirators responsible," Helseth added.

"True," said Barenziah.

"I like the sleeves on that one," said Dres Vendama, pointing. "Why don't you have another meeting with them, Helseth?"

"If I keep asking for the meetings, then I am in a disadvantageous position," Helseth said. "What I need to do is apply pressure."

"You know best," Dres Vendama replied.

Sheogorath

Tris's Homey Hapcoming, Wayrest

Goranthir smiled. "You have a good vocabulary, Oro. You express yourself well and succinctly for someone of your age. Your father would be proud of that. You take risks by being rude to perfect strangers, but I can see you've calculated those, and judged them to be acceptible [sic], worth the satisfaction you'd get. All in all, you show impressive maturity for circumstances like this ... No wonder your brother is so fond of you."

"My only response would be --" Goranthir made a low, weird lowing bray. It was Minotaur for "What a nasty little creature you are" which made him feel better, but was more bizarre than offensive as a response.

Except if you're a Minotaur.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Isidor and Kethiah spent the rest of the afternoon, until it was time to pick the children up from school, speaking to the various captains, merchants, sailors, and other regulars on the dock, making sure they were all coming to the opening of the Nymph and Noggin tonight.

They also made quite a few excellent contacts for directly shipping exotic foodstuffs.

Sheogorath

Wayrest

"If we leave without Allerleirauh, she'll snap our necks," Goranthir said. "Though I'm almost willing to take that chance."

Sheogorath

Wayrest

In the carriage, Goranthir unbuttoned Tris's jerkin to look at the wound. While he did it, he told him about the conversations he had. "Your cousin wants to know what you intend to do about his house."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah thought that blue should be the color of the wait staff, to go with the theme of the docklands, and she and Isidor, Tyradil, and Tilitalia also dressed in blue, albeit in their own individual styles.

In a nod to the conventional outfit of tavernmistresses everywhere, her own dress had a pinched corseted waist and a cunning bodice that pushed her modestly proportioned breasts together. She dyed her hair back to its natural black. Having a red eye and a violet eye would be enough idiosyncrasy. No need to be a blonde Dunmer anymore.

She tasted the kitchen's fare, offered her praise and suggestions, and made certain that the band had a lively set of tunes to play.

Sheogorath

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

Keeping his promise to Kethiah, the innkeeper at the Drunken Guar ceased serving drinks and food for that night, though he continued to rent rooms. All who were thirsty, hungry, or in need of companionship, he sent to the Nymph and Noggin.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

The back door out the garden, where the band was, were also open. Kethiah was glad that they hadn't waited for Loranna to return -- they might not have another night as beautiful as this one.

The music flowed through the tavern, and out over the docks and into the village, attracting even those who hadn't heard there was a grand opening of the new tavern in town.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed, and gestured to the other tavernmaids, Diamond among them, who were getting into position behind the bar. "Ask thems what is servin, me foine man."

Sheogorath

Wayrest

They had arrived at the Mages Guild.

"People around here need to watch out for their daughters," Goranthir grinned, getting out.

Sheogorath

"I don't usually do it if I can think of something else to say," Goranthir replied, chastened. "I got out of a lot of fights when I was on my own because people thought I was crazy, and might be dangerous."

---

"Nirni, don't tell me my grandmother's back again," Goranthir said, walking towards the sound of the music.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah grabbed Isidor's hand. "Come on, it's bad luck if we don't have the first dance. We can meet and greet people after."

The band out in the garden was playing a lively song, one that everyone knew had bawdy lyrics, but fortunately there was no singer to deliver them.

Other couples came out to the garden and began to dance after Kethiah and Isidor got them started.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"You are, actually," Kethiah smiled. "It's not about knowing all the steps to all the dances ... It's about knowing your partner ..."

She kissed him, and then looked at all the other dancers. "This is wonderful. We've done a good thing."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

They wandered down to the docks. "Beautiful night for this," Goranthir said.

Kallen was standing outside the tavern, looking in.

"Ah," he said when he saw the group. "They'll be happy to know you arrived in time, my lady. Isidor had asked when you'd be returning and I wasn't sure."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

The band began another song.

Kethiah laughed. "Well, we better get back to our guests. We can't keep dancing all night ... "

She gave him another kiss, and hand-in-hand, they came in from the garden into the tavern.

The flow of the party was perfect. With two main bars, no one had to wait long for a drink. The stewards and wait staff passed out food, and set up more on the tables. The open doors to the garden let in fresh air, and kept it so the music was present but not too loud.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Tyradil and Tilitalia had been put up on the beams above the tavern with specific instructions. They were to throw flower petals when given the signal.

On seeing the Lady of Daruhn, who had not been expected, they decided to improvise, and rained a shower of petals down on Loranna and Tris.

Kethiah saw the petals before she saw the two of them.

"My Lady," she beamed. "You made it!"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Thank you," Kethiah said, bowing, as Loranna and Tris went to the garden to dance.

Then the ex-assassin took one moment, never losing her smile, to step up behind one of the teenaged wait-staff and whisper in her ear. "My dear, if you eat one more roasted oyster which is meant for the guests, I'll cut you open and take them back."

The girl swallowed hard, and Kethiah returned to the party.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Goranthir had been watching Tris and Loranna dance, eyes and mouth inelegantly open. He guided Allerleirauh to the garden, thinking to himself that if he danced like that, he wouldn't be wanting to return to drinking and chatting afterwards ...

The next song was slow.

"I remember our first dance," Goranthir said as they began, and chuckled. "You bit me."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"But you never draw blood," Goranthir said, kissing her neck. "And you can still catch me off guard everytime."

Sheogorath

Goranthir laughed softly. "More often than not, I'm holding back to maintain some dignity. If I acted how I felt, I'd be slack-jawed and moony-eyed all day long, and that can't be very attractive to anyone."

Sheogorath

Two of the servers were taking a break, drinking some of the sujamma, on the hill below him. Kethiah, moving faster than anyone should in that tight blue dress, was on them like a cat.

"You each get one warning," she said.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Nor did he.

Long lip locks may not be the thing to do at many of the social events -- the weddings, the receptions, the funerals, the masques -- he had been to lately, but at the opening of a tavern on the waterfront, it was right and necessary.

Sheogorath

Kethiah actually hadn't seen him, and jumped a bit, in a move that clearly was left over from her days as an assassin. When she looked up at him, he saw the one violet eye together with the red eye. Her vision was off.

But she laughed. "Well, normally we don't have service in the hill, Tris, but we'll make an exception for you."

She took him in, considered asking him what was wrong, but she didn't know him well enough. He had friends inside he could talk to, but he didn't want to. It was unlikely he was just waiting for a relative stranger to give him a sympathetic ear.

So, instead Kethiah went back into the tavern, got him his drink, gave it to him with a warm smile, and went back in to continue to meet and greet.

S'reddit

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is at the opening of the Nymph and Noggin, dancing with Allerleirauh.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is at the Royal Dome in her city, having uncharacteristically forgiven Tris Gaerington and Ciel Dolbinien their acts of treason, asuming them to be under the influence of the late Lord Laurent Lyonswurst.

Helseth, Barenziah, and Dres Vendama are in Mournhold, preparing to put the pressure on the Houses Redoran and Indoril to agree to alliances with the throne.

Kethiah, the ex-assassin, had been meeting and greeting (and correcting the staff), at the grand opening of the tavern he runs with Isidor, the Nymph and Noggin, in Ald Raathim.

---

"Much better than I expected," said Kethiah, giving him a kiss. "We have quite a crowd, almost all the rooms are booked up, Lady Loranna showed up, and I only had to fire one server who was stealing. I think we might just make a success of this place."

"One thing that we're going to have to keep our eyes and ears open for is the threat of civil war, a lot of the captains are worried about it ... and a lot of them are thinking they can make a far bundle off of it ... Opinion seems fairly divided as to whether House Redoran and House Indoril have formed an alliance, or if that's just a rumor."

Sheogorath

Bal Tereg, Morrowind

The ancient stone fortress had stood over the little inlet of the Oueda Gla'amnir for over a thousand years. Vivec himself had stayed there on more than one occasion, though it was not grand by any means.

Rings within rings of stone suggested even older civilizations had made their home there. The village had lived in peace, farming and fishing in the Inner Sea, under the protection of the fortress.

The men, women, and children of Bal Tereg slept peacefully that night, under the flag of Indoril, with gentle night sea breezes blowing.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim, next morning:

Goranthir, still half-asleep, tried to pull Tris into bed with them. "Don't go."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Oh," said Goranthir, waking up more, responding to the kisses with a sleepy passion. "You have to go back to Wayrest for the meeting ... with the Queen, right? ... How long will that take? Do you want me to go with you?"

Sheogorath

"I told you before, I'm proud of how well you're handling this already," Goranthir said seriously. "Good luck, Tris," he smiled. "I think that's the last thing that will shock your family -- how good you're going to be at this."

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

"So, it is to be a formal meeting today?" Barenziah said, stepping in to the throne room, and noting that Helseth was wearing his robes of state and crown. "No half-naked sparring in the exercise room?"

"No, I don't see any reason to be subtle," Helseth replied seriously.

Barenziah laughed. "Do you want me here?"

"No, take yourself and Vendama away to one of the country houses in case there's trouble."

Barenziah looked at her son and nodded. "Don't lose your temper."

"I'll try not to," Helseth replied, even smiling a little.

"This came for you ten minutes ago," Barenziah said, handing Helseth the report. The seal had been broken, but that was not unusual. Barenziah usually read the reports as they came in as well. "I will see you soon."

Helseth nodded, and read the report.

Sheogorath

The Chapel of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest

The Queen's personal chapel in the Royal Dome was big enough to be a cathedral, though like most churches to Akatosh, it was not the wide open, vaulted arrangement of the other Nine. The ceilings were comparatively low, crisscrossed with columns, so it seemed like a cross between a maze and a cave. Footfall always echoed.

Persons concerned with the Will of Count Sternhart were led through the chapel by one of the priests, to the sancristy and hall of records in the back, behind the fearsome stone statue of the Dragon God of Time.

The Sancristy was no less cave-like, particularly as being a part of the curvilinear arrangement of all parts of the Dome of Wayrest.

Elysana was not present. She would be the last to arrive.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Trason's breakfast was being served in the main room, which had been cleaned from the night before, so it was hard to imagine that an enormous party had filled it just a few hours ago.

Kethiah smiled when she saw Shaka. "Oh, you shouldn't have ..."

When she opened it, and saw Diamond's beautiful artwork, she was stunned. "You shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did. It's lovely!"

She kissed Shaka on the cheek.

Sheogorath

The Sancristy of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Everyone shuffled to their feet and bowed as the Queen and the Archpriest of Akatosh entered and took their seats.

"We will proceed," said Elysana simply, her eyes going around the table, looking at each and every person present, taking in every detail. Who was angry, who was nervous ... She didn't miss a thing, and everyone knew it.

The Archpriest motioned to his scribe to begin taking notes, and nodded to the family's solicitor to begin the reading.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"I think we can afford a couple sausages and kwama eggs in exchange for this gift," Kethiah laughed, hanging it up above the bar. It looked perfect.

"I need to go over inventory," she said, kissing Isidor. "Would you entertain our guests, and then we'll walk the kids to school?"

Sheogorath

Mournhold

"Councilor Indoril Thoryn and Councilor Redoran Drakar," the King's castellian announced them as they arrived in the throne room.

The King's guard lined the walls, standing at attention, and Helseth himself sat on the throne, in his crown and robes of state, glowering.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

"Much debate and discussions, indeed," Helseth replied, sternly. "Am I to understand that the Houses Redoran and Indoril have found some common interests?"

He took the document, but did not glance at it. "Tell me, do you have an alliance?"

The King's voice in the throne room sounded like metal striking stone.

Sheogorath

The Sancristy of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Elysana, all could see, was following the discussion raptly. She loved the law, almost as much as the law loved her. She knew it better than most solicitors.

"It is not unusual for there to be multiple contradictory contracts over the years of a man's life, particularly a man with as many interests and properties as Alistaire Gaerington," she said at length. "The wedding contract is voided. There is no law, only a tradition, that the widow be provided for. Of course, should the new Count Sternhart, Lord Gaerington, not wish to provide for his late father's wife and his half-brother, the kingdom will see to it that she is given a comfortable, modest stipend in memory of her husband, who was such a pillar to our throne."

"All other codicils, I believe, are quite correct and should be honored with immediacy."

"Her Majesty is correct," said the archpriest, whose job it was to say that, and never, in forty years of service to the Royal Family of Wayrest, had he said otherwise.

"Count Sternhart," Elysana smiled, nodding in Tris's direction.

The scribe recorded it faithfully as a formal acknowledgement.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

"How very cozy," the King grumbled, opening up the proposal. He read it over quickly.

"My original and individual offers of friendship and alliance to Houses Indoril and Redoran stand," Helseth said at last, his eyes flashing with anger. "These terms are contemptible. Why would you possibly think I'd agree to them?"

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

"Common ground has a funny way of eroding with each passing tide," Helseth growled. "I was exceptionally generous and patient throughout your ridiculous bureaucratic delays, while every milky-headed, grasping noble of both your Houses puked up his little inclusion, his contribution to the contract. I will not play this game of bureaucracy with you, agreeing to an alliance only to have its terms in endless flux. You overestimate the importance of your Houses to Morrowind. Do not be an impediment to my will."

Sheogorath

The Sancristy of Akatosh, The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Elysana rolled her eyes. Fainting was even more tedious than weeping.

With a gesture, the priests came to carry Oro away, give him water and see to any minor injuries his fall might have caused.

They proceeded with the investiture ceremony, a religious occasion of such ancient arrangement, no one present, not even the archpriest, was completely sure what they were saying, or what the emblems and symbols truly meant.

The result, though, was crystal clear. Tris Gaerington had the rights and responsibilities of the title Count Sternhart of Wayrest.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

Helseth stood up in his throne, and walked slowly towards the councilors.

"Your council needed time to take an alliance with Llethan Helseth seriously? My generosity in answering a hundred petty questions means that I bow to the will of my vassals? My displeasure at an alliance which grants your Houses full independence needs to be explained?

He threw the document into the air. The pages drifted down like ash.

"I am king," Helseth said. "Tell your councils that. Tell them there will be no compromises, no renegotiating. The original offer of alliance must be signed. Their arrogance makes the wine of friendship into vinegar."

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

"It should not take you much time, as I've taken some work from you," the King said, looking Thoryn fiercely in the eyes, but with a smile on his face.

"I've found the conspirators, the 'radical faction' in your House responsible for the outrageous attack on the Queen Mother, the attack you so sincerely apologized for. They were not very difficult to find in their fortress in Bal Tereg, nor very difficult to eliminate, together with everyone else in a three miles radius."

"It is good we have that uncomfortable business behind us now, isn't it, Councilor Thoryn?" Helseth walked back to his throne. "Go now. You are dismissed."

Sheogorath

The Docks, Ald Raathim

Goranthir stood on the docks, looking at a plume of smoke in the distance. It was far away, but it was evidently quite a fire.

The fishermen he asked about it had no idea. "Don't fish way out there," they laughed.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah stepped in from the docks, where she had been inventorying the new shipments of food in time to hear Arynel.

"You must be thirsty then?" she smiled.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I didn't see you there, Diamond," Kethiah smiled, walking to her. She pointed to the artwork hanging above the bar. "Doesn't it look nice hanging there? I can't wait until this place is filled with your art."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed delightedly.

"Lady Loranna! Come over here! You have to see these!"

Sheogorath

"It's just a sketch, and with all due respects to your ladyship, it's mine," Kethiah grinned. "Diamond is my full time barmaid and artist in residence. I intend to fill the walls with portraits of the heroes of Ald Raathim ... And this is just a sketch, wait until you see the full painting."

"Oh, I nearly forgot," Kethiah said, looking at the othe paper in her hand. "I need your permission to import some rare foodstuffs from the south. Can I have your signature on this?"

She handed the paper to Loranna.

Sheogorath

"Not only are we open, Tris Gaerington is buying the drinks all night," Kethiah smiled. "So, don't be shy."

Sheogorath

The Docks

"Not south," Goranthir said, pointing to the smoke on the horizon. "Looks like a big fire."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah continued to fuss about the tavern, helping Diamond and Trasan get people drinks, fixing things that she didn't think was exactly right ...

S'reddit

Summary

Helseth, King of Morrowind, is in Castle Mournhold, following a fiery meeting with the ambassadors of House Indoril and House Redoran, where he rejected their proposed new alliance. He also revealed to them that he had destroyed the rogue members of House Indoril who had attacked the Queen Mother ... and everything else around them in a three mile radius.

Kethiah, ex-assassin and partner with Isidor at the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim, is at the tavern, keeping busy.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, has been watching the plume of smoke down at the docks, trying to learn from the local fishermen what has happened.

---

Castle Mournhold

Helseth used the mirror in the study to communicate with his mother and fiancee, who had left for one of the country houses.

"I see," said Barenziah after Helseth told her about the meeting, and rejecting the new offer of alliance. "Did you keep your temper?"

"I bellowed a bit," Helseth acknowledged.

"It would be a good idea to have the wedding soon," Barenziah replied.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

While the others socialized, Kethiah spoke with merchants, sailors, and importers about goods being delivered to the docks which the could use at the Nymph and Noggin. The bay was wide enough for the ships, and true to the Queen Mother's word, the routes were now taking them all past Ald Raathim.

"Loranna," Kethiah said, stopping one of the merchants while he was talking and approaching the Lady of Daruhn. "This fellow has some merchandise which we don't need here at the tavern, but you might have use for."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

The merchant went over with her his invoices for guar feed, saltrice seedlings, and other items at competitive prices. He gave her several pages of bids from suppliers.

Sheogorath

The Docklands

"Everyone in Vivec is talking about it," one of the merchants coming off the ships told Goranthir and Vaan, seeing them looking at the smoke. "Helseth's destroying temples."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed. "You are clearly a genius, Tris, because that lines up very well with the plans already afoot for the Nymph. Since we're right on the docks, Loranna is putting me in charge of fielding offers from various merchants, and taking the best ones to her and Kallen. Cut back on the paperwork, you know. There will be regular meetings, and I'm sure many if not most of them will need to be confidential."

She told him more of her plans, and agreed that the tavern could be improved even more, provided it continued to be rustic enough for the common sailors who would be using it, but grand enough in its private salons for its other uses.

"What would you want in exchange to your monetary contributions, Tris? A share of the business profits?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I can also put you on account for receiving a portion of our profits," Kethiah grinned a little. "As soon as we make some. Just in case your fortune fails, and you need something. Well, I better get back to work. I will talk to the merchants about your suggestions, and see what we can't get imported in, so we can begin new construction."

She went outside to write on the bulletin board the words Loranna had told her to use:

"Let it be known that the Lady of Daruhn has authorized Kethiah, co-proprieter of the Nymph and Noggin tavern, to field requests and offers by merchants for business with Ald Raathim. All worthy bids shall be passed on to the Lady and her seneshal."

While she was doing that, Goranthir passed her and entered the tavern.

“They said that Helseth is destroying the temples, and now they’re saying Mournhold is in flames now,” he said, seriously. “That the royal family is dead.”

Sheogorath

Outside the Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah nods as Loranna dictates the message to be put up on the bulletin board, to quash further rumors:

The recent destruction of Bal Tereg and the surrounding area have been confirmed to be the stamping out of the renegades who attacked the Queen Mother some weeks ago. There is no reason to worry that other communities shall be suffering the same fate; the renegades have been accounted for.

These are stark times we live in, but the people of Ald Raathim are strong; we are the people who repulsed the Azurites from our shores, protecting countless refugees from their evil. We have all lived through stark times, and shall endure and prosper in the future.

Sheogorath

Inside The Nymph and Noggin

"No, sir, the fire is far away," Kethiah said, on returning. "The Lady and her seneschal at their castle, where business of government is traditionally handled. The guards patrol the streets. The merchants run their shops. The fishermen fish. The town runs as it has always done. What would you like to drink?"

Sheogorath

"Yes," said Kethiah. "Bal Tereg, quite a ways away to the south-east. Indoril territory. I just put a notice about it on the bulletin board, per her ladyship's request."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Loranna's Study

Loranna told them as they walked up to her castle the information she had received, which had been put on the bulletin board at the Nymph and Noggin. There was no intelligence about Mournhold being in flames, and the royal family being dead. It was just unfounded rumor.

Nevertheless, Goranthir wanted to speak to his grandmother and make sure she was all right. His expression was not worried, but still serious.

He was surprised to see Allerleirauh in the study. "What have you heard?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"The Lady and her seneschal are up at the castle, like I said," Kethiah replied. "She is in charge. Dragon works for her."

She turned smiling to Isidor. "May I have a word with you, darling, in private?"

Sheogorath

Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir smiled, relieved, and said "Barenziah."

The Queen Mother's face faded into view on the mirror.

"Ah, my beautiful grandson," Barenziah smiled. "I suppose you heard about all that nonsense. I hoped you weren't too worried."

"Not too worried, no," Goranthir lied. "Where are you?"

"Outside Tear," Barenziah said. "But we'll be going back to Mournhold in a few days."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Kallen had been speaking with Loranna's captain of the guards Dram about security at the harbor. With all the new ships coming in, there would need to be additional guards, and smuggling would be a concern.

"Dragon," the young Dunmer said when he saw him. "What news?"

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Kallen opened his mouth, and then shut it. Dragon had never seen him surprised before.

"I'm not sure," he said, not quite sounding like himself. "We've never had an army in Ald Raathim before ... I need to create a new contract that is different from the guards ... What salary did you promise them?"

Sheogorath

Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir did so, and Barenziah merely smiled. "Tell him I'm looking forward to it."

Goranthir winked at Tris.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

As Kallen listened, he resumed his usual look of confident efficiency. "It is a good strategy, one I should have been prepared for as rumors of war began. I will draft an agreement at once for your and the Lady's approval, and then get scribes to duplicate it for the entire cohors."

Kallen had always spoken to Dragon with politeness, but there was more respect than ever in his voice. The old man had organized something Kallen had forgotten -- unforgivably forgotten -- that was needed.

Sheogorath

Abibon-Gora

It was a little early for Tales and Tallows, but that was the new act Quill had devised, and the Redguards loved it. It was about a young man, grieving for his lost love, who goes to visit her grave and falls asleep. He wakes up at night to a world of ghosts -- horrifically costumed acrobats who rushed through the air at him, as if to tear him apart.

Mirea was given the starring role as the Queen of the Dead who seduces the young man, and then lays him in his grave.

It was perhaps a macabre spectacle, but Quill seemed to be channeling his dark experiences in High Rock in a creative fashion.

Sheogorath

Tear

The house in Tear could have been any noble's abode. A large but simple structure in the center square of the city. It had been used more and more since the alliance with House Dres.

Tris waited for longer than he was used to. He had seen Barenziah and Dres Vendama in the Void, talking to a cloaked figure, in the house's library.

Vendama met him first. "Her Majesty won't be much longer, milord."

Sheogorath

Abibon-Gora

"We have performers who only have one performance a year," Quill said. "Mirea is special. I'd use her in every performance if I could ... but it's up to her."

He showed Allerleirauh the way to Mirea's dressing room.

Sheogorath

Tear

"Speedily," Vendama smiled. "The date has been moved up to next month, which is not enough time. I'm afraid it will be a rather squalid affair ... How are things in Ald Raathim? Is everyone well?"

Barenziah stepped in from the room, smiling. The door was ajar, and Tris could see that the cloaked figure was gone.

Sheogorath

Tear

Barenziah chuckled. "So, I heard. Congratulation, my lord."

She turned to Vendama. "Would you be good enough to let Helseth know that I was unable to find ... the person we spoke of?"

Vendama nodded, and Barenziah took Tris's hand, and led him into the room.

"I also heard about your father," the Queen Mother said. "I'm sorry. I knew him well, years and years ago."

S'reddit

Tear

"The flowers have been lovely and welcome, Tris," said Barenziah as she read over the debt. "But this is very thoughtful ... and useful, thank you."

The Queen Mother touched Tris's face. "You look different. Maybe a little thinner ... But it suits you."

S'reddit

Tear

"I was thinking that you looked older, but that didn't sound like a very nice thing to say, particularly since you're still a beautiful boy," Barenziah said. She too looked older, but not in a bad, or less beautiful way. "I'm glad I make you clever. Usually my lovers get very stupid."

S'reddit

Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir stepped into the study also. "I'm sorry, is this a bad time? I was watching all the men sign up for military duty, and it occured to me that I have a warship docked in the harbor, filled with fifty restless Nords. Can they be of any use?"

S'reddit

Tear

Barenziah chuckled. "Yes, I remember that race in Ald Raathim on the parraptons when Goranthir beat you ... or it was a tie ... he said you were very angry about that."

She retreated slightly, to pour a glass of wine, gesturing for him to do the same if he wished. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I was going to do with young Lyonswurst. It wasn't entirely for you I did it. He was a blight on a good family name, and his death if not his life at least accomplished something good."

S'reddit

Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir grinned a little. "I think you're making fun of me a little, Allie, but this is a coastal town with two harbors and lots of vulnerability. If I'm to be admiral, I'll take that job seriously, and make a fleet."

S'reddit

Tear

Barenziah's robe slipped to the floor.

"Some call it charity, but it so happens," she said. "That I have a weakness for grateful men."

S'reddit

Loranna's Study, Castle Daruhn

Goranthir frowned when Loranna talked about wanting someone with more experience, but at the end, Goranthir laughed. "Just because Tris is throwing his money around doesn't mean he's the only rich boy in town. I think I offered to build you a fleet months ago."

He went to the door. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but give me the word, and I'll fill this bloody coastline with warships."

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn

Goranthir smiled, embarrassed. "I just want to help out, but I think I just came off as a brat with a bank account. I suppose even if I'm not to be high admiral, I can at least scout the coasts and make sure we're all alright ... Because that's something you and Tris can't do, right?"

---

"I'll do that now then," Goranthir nodded. "I don't mind if someone else commands them, really. It's probably best to get someone with experience, like you say."

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn

"I know that philosophically, I just don't look in the mirror enough to know it applies to me," Goranthir smiled sadly. "Every day, I feel two days older."

Goranthir left on a brisk walk to tell his crew on the Akarvina to patrol the coastline for trouble.

Then he went to the Mages Guild to use the Guild Guide to take him to the place with the largest shipyard in Tamriel. Solitude in Skyrim.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah, as usual, had not been still. In addition to the various meetings she was having with importers and exporters in the rooms upstairs on behalf of the Lady of Daruhn, she had been serving guests and making sure the staff was efficient and honest.

But then she found Isidor. "We should go to school and walk the children home. Who knows what rumors they might have heard."

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Solitude, is in Solitude, buying warships for Ald Raathim.

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern, after a bit of a fight with Isidor. She is suggesting they go pick up the children from school.

Barenziah, Queen Mother of Morrowind, is in Tear, after a mysterious meeting with a cloaked figure. She is accepting Tris's "gratitude" (tha nekkid kind) for manipulating the situation in Wayrest, giving him and Ciel a pardon, and paving the way for his inheritance.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"It's not up to you if I dye my hair or make a dirty joke, or do something that is just for me," Kethiah said, taking his hand. "But this business of mine does effect you, and that's why I wanted you to know. I will help us financially, not only with the salary Loranna's paying me, but the business it will bring to the tavern. It will also help because we will know before anyone if there's trouble ahead ... But it does come with some risks."

"It's the closest thing I can do that I'm good at without leaving Ald Raathim," she said. "The spy is the close cousin to the assassin."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah smiled. "I know why you are worried, and I wouldn't lie to you and say there are no risks. You're an adventurer yourself: you know about risks and rewards. I will promise to be careful ... just as I'll believe you the next time you are off on a quest and you promise to be careful too. We are running a tavern together, my love, but you and I, we know we are not tavernkeepers alone."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I know, and it's sweet, and I'll try to be a good girl, much as I can be," Kethiah kissed him back. "We have a new guest ..."

She went to the man by the hearth. "Good day to you, sir. Do you need a room, or a drink, or a meal, or all three?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"We have a varied menu that gets more varied by the day," Kethiah said, signaling to a barmaid to come over. "Piralle here will tell you what our chef has prepared today, and can show you a room too, if you'd like. If you'll excuse me, I'll be back shortly."

Kethiah and Isidor left to pick up the children from school. On the way, she told him about Tris's suggestions for the tavern, saying that he was interested in investing gold into it.

Sheogorath

"No, it shouldn't take me away from the tavern at all, all business will be conducted here," Kethiah explained. "That's why I'm doing it. That, and I owe it to Jazbet and Loranna to help them out however I'm able to."

Sheogorath

"I have everything I want," Kethiah said with a half smile. "Why? Do I seem discontented?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah kissed him.

"Would you mind taking care of the tavern for a few minutes?" She asked. "I just have an errand I need to run in the village."

Unlike Isidor, Kethiah was a suspicious person. And she was good at tracking people down, particularly when they didn't want to be found. She wanted to know what Tyradil after school. Maybe it was studying illusion, but maybe not.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah had tracked down dangerous people with excellent stealth skills from one end of the Empire to the other. Finding Tyradil's secret meeting spot wasn't too hard.

She smiled when she saw them, and left them to their privacy.

Back at the Nymph and Noggin, she resumed her meetings with the merchants, ship captains, and other parties interested in the little town which was now on the major shipping lane.

Sheogorath

Solitude, The Shipyards

Goranthir was well-dressed enough to be taken seriously when he asked to talk to Lorick Moon, the representative of the shipwrights of Solitude. In the back room of his favorite tavern, Goranthir told him what he was looking for.

"I'm sorry, you want to buy a ship?" Moon asked. He was not hard of hearing, but he liked people to repeat themselves when he wasn't sure.

"I want to buy nine ships," Goranthir said. "One square-rigger, two brigatines, three warships, three frigates. And I'll need a crew for each."

"Why don't you come back tomorrow with your money and we'll see what we can do for you?"

Goranthir nodded, and left the tavern for his room in the city.

Sheogorath

Solitude

"You must be freezing," said Goranthir, after his initial surprise, and draped half of his fur cloak around Tris. It was indeed snowing in the dark streets of Solitude, and both the men's breath came out as mist. "I suppose Loranna or Allie told you what I'm up to."

Sheogorath

Solitude

"Let's talk inside," said Goranthir, pushing Tris into the grand tavern where he had rented his room.

Being Goranthir, of course, he had automatically rented the best room in the place, where the hot springs that heated the entire block surfaced. Half the room was open to the sky, with a view out to the Sea of Ghosts beyond, and the snow and cold air made the boiling water merely a pleasantly hot bath.

"I suggested months ago that Ald Raathim needs a navy, but just building the Akarvina was enough to make people worried about what kind of a message it would send, building a warship in a time of peace," said Goranthir, as he stepped into the bath. "I suggested it again. Allie and Loranna thought it was a fine idea now, but I was too young to take charge of the project, and that someone with money -- like you -- should pay for it."

"So, I came out here to buy the boats, but I think I'm looking like an idiot," Goranthir sighed.

Sheogorath

Solitude

"I'm in warm water, I'm not getting out into that air," Goranthir laughed. "Of course I'm envious of you. Except your ability to disrobe, I feel a little pity for that."

He stopped laughing, but still smiled as he added. "No, I know I won't be taken seriously for years to come. And it's more important that Ald Raathim gets a coastal defense than that I get credit for it."

Sheogorath

Solitude

"I think," said Goranthir, grinning. "That we make a great team."

FADE OUT

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah finished up her last meeting, and seeing Tyradil sitting by himself, took the seat next to him. In a low voice, so no one else could hear, she asked. "So, what's her name? She's pretty."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"You should know I have eyes on the back of my head," Kethiah chuckled softly. "And one of them is always on you, and one of them is always on Tilitalia. Now, why did she tell us you were studying your illusion skills? Why don't you want your father to know about Davala?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah stood up from the table.

"I'm sorry, Tyradil, I thought this conversation was more private," she looked at Trason angrily. "A word, if you would, in the kitchen?"

Sheogorath

Kitchen, the Nymph and Noggin

No one was in the kitchen. That was good. Kethiah didn't want to lose her temper in front of too many people.

"You are not to interrupt private conversation I am having with anyone," she said, her eyes flashing. "That will destroy my business. You are especially not to interrupt private conversations I am having with Isidor, Tyradil, or Tilitalia. That will destroy my new family. You are not to humiliate an 11-year-old boy who was too shy to tell his father about the little girl he has a crush on by crowing about it in the middle of the dining room."

"If you want to keep your job here, you will go back in there and in a whisper, promise Tyradil that you won't tell anyone about his ... girlfriend ... or whatever she is to him. I didn't get enough of the story before you interrupted it."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah nodded, still not smiling, though the anger had gone out of her eyes.

---

Kethiah sat back down next to him. "Why didn't you want your father to know?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah hugged him. "You can call me whatever you want, sweetheart. Just remember, you can't keep anything from me for long, so it's not worth trying."

She was surprised by her own reaction. Being called "mom" was ... somewhat pleasant.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Everything is more than fine," Kethiah said, wrapping her arms around him, her red and violet eyes shining. "Tyradil just called me 'mom.'"

Loranna

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT

After tonight, the Playing Houses campaign will be making a SIX MONTH jump into the future. Players are asked to determine what will happen to their characters during that time frame - the events of Morrowind at large during that period will be detailed when the time jump occurs.

S'reddit

Summary: Tamriel -- 6 Months Later

If Tamriel is an Arena, it has been booked for the last season straight, with the finest gladiators around.

In Skyrim, the conflict is over several cities taken by the Nords during the War of Bend’r-Mahk. Dragonstar in particular is a divided city with a wall literally dividing the two factions warring against one another.

In High Rock, Queen Elysana and King Gortwog’s surreal alliance has held, and as marriage between the heirs is quite out of the question (“It would be grotesque,” says the Queen diplomatically), it is a question of land. Menevia is now entirely under the reign of King Gortwog, with Elysana as its protector. Likewise, Elysana controls the entire mouth of the Bjoulsae River, with Gortwog acting as her muscle.

In the Summerset Isle, Queen Morgiah has continued to laugh off the broadsheet printed about her. Most people agree it is outrageous libel, not worth the trouble to respond … except where is the child Goranthir?

In Cyrodiil, the Emperor gets older and undoubtedly wiser. His three sons continue to be bachelors, however. Are there no Queens worthy of marriage?

In Elsweyr, the Cyrodilic County Leyawiin has won back lands west of the Niben from the Khajiit who settled there. While the settlers have moved on, a group of bandits who call themselves the Renrijra Krin have taken up the cause of returning the land.

Black Marsh has become even more insular. Though there is the question of the prison break in the impenetrable dungeon called Blackrose which has everyone wondering what new dangerous criminals have been loosed on the land.

And Morrowind …?

S'reddit

Summary: Morrowind – 6 Months Later

Morrowind, as anyone who has been following the story so far, is at war with itself. King Helseth unapologetically has made a grab for absolute power, recognizing a vacuum of power as the Tribunal has fallen.

His first move was to marry, some five months ago, a daughter of the House Dres, once known as Vendama, now known as Queen Dinara. The ceremony was a beautiful mixture of ancient Velothi and modern Imperial traditions, and all in Morrowind were invited to attend. Of course, certain characters in the RP – Loranna, as Lady of Ald Raathim; Goranthir, as nephew of the groom; Tris, as, well, occasional paramour of the groom’s mother, attended, for certain. Others may have depending on their wont.

Then, actually before the wedding but after the engagement, there was the attack on the Queen Mother Barenziah, and the resultant attack on those Indoril radicals in Bal Therec who ochestrated the attack. Helseth’s decision not to ally with the Indoril and the Redoran on their terms, and his attacking of an Indoril stronghold alienated the two Houses to a degree which could not be ignored.

Nor was it. On the very same night that the marriage was taking place, the Redoran attacked the bride’s estate of Bodrom Mora, capturing her brother, and holding the land, despite Helseth’s attempts to retake it.

Gnisis, the heart of the Redoran colony in Vvardenfell, was laid siege to for two months in response. The noble Redorans never surrendered, but with all supplies cut off, the Royal army and navy was eventually able to march in and destroy the rather feeble defenders.

Helseth has focused his energy on the Indoril and Redoran pockets closer to home. In the Deshaan plains, battles have been won and lost by both sides, though largely by Indoril. Helseth has proved himself a shrewd battle tactician, better than they could have anticipated. Likewise, the Redoran have been forced to climb northward, following a battle in Tel Silgrad, in which the army of Ald Raathim, pushing from the east, played a decisive role.

The alliance of Redoran and Indoril have proven their worth, by contast, on the field of battle in Vvardenfell. One of their most cunning moves was to apparently enlist the Neverarine in their battle plans. Old Imperial strongholds in Caldera, Pelagiad, Fort Moonmoth, and other locations quickly crumbled by a popular uprising, until it was revealed that the Nerevarine was a fraud when he died of a commonly contracted disease. The victory had been had already, however. The only parts of Vvardenfell that were not taken by the joint Indoril and Redoran troops were independent Telvanni towers and some Ashlander lands, considered not worth the danger in getting them.

Blacklight to the north continues to be the alliance of Redoran and Indoril’s strongest capitol, but it is facing pressure less from Helseth than from the Nords of Skyrim, who have seized on this opportunity to take back land from Morrowind which they considered theirs.

In short, where things are at now …

Redoran and Indoril control Vvardenfell utterly, with the exceptions of the Telvanni towers and Ashlander territories, as mentioned above, and Vivec City itself.

Vivec is controlled by the Redoran and Indoril, in the sense that their armies patrol its streets, but its heart is more divided. A Dunmer priest who calls himself the Moonstone has appeared, pointing to signs that Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec are not gone. Firmly allied with the Indoril, he shows the people signs that they must resist the greed of Helseth, and keep their hearts with the true Gods.

Others in Vivec believe in the New Temple, a monastic order which follows the teaching of Almsivi, but reveres Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala.

Mainland Morrowind is largely Helseth’s domain, due to his alliances with the other Houses of the land. The exceptions are the north, which is Redoran (and sometimes, depending on the battle, Nord) territory, and the South, which has been held by Indoril, centered around Bodrom Mora. The Dres-hating Argonians of Blackmarsh have backed up this claim.

The Inner Sea sees battles daily.

And Ald Raathim ..?

S'reddit

Summary

King Helseth of Morrowind, as the six month summary of his kingdom has suggested, has been quite busy lately. Always up to now, he has been a political and diplomatic warrior, but now he has shown himself to be an adept commander, tactician, and fighter. The months following his near death illness spent sparring have made him stronger and more resilient than ever. He has not spent much time at home in Mournhold, but those who have seen him, even people who did not know what to make of him before, say he strikes an inspirationally regal figure, and is much beloved of his army.

Queen Dinara and her mother-in-law the Queen Mother Barenziah remain in Mournhold, in charge of the other aspects of ruling the realm. They are doing an excellent job, bringing in diplomats from the allied Houses and the Imperial Court to keep relations tight, and helping those whose lives had been shattered by the war, distributing food and leading rebuilding efforts, beginning in Bal Therec. Dinara particularly is the heart behind these efforts, and though she does her duties with diligence, her brother Obael’s captivity has caused her many sleepless nights.

Queen Elysana of Wayrest, as described before, is continuing with her alliance with Orsinium – though, of course, she has not giving up her spy network, and gets regular intelligence from Herwyn about the orcs, as well as the other potential threats throughout High Rock and Tamriel. She has been sharing some of what she’s learned about Helseth’s battle plans with the Redoran and Indoril, which is one of the factors keeping the southern Dres lands in Indoril possession.

King Gothryd and Queen Aubk-I of Daggerfall had their fifth child recently, whom they named Laurent, after their court favorite, found brutally murdered on a country road some time ago.

Quill, formerly Dygbal of Ivytyde, continues to run the Quill Traveling Circus, and his dark-humored entertainment has become much lighter since he learned he was to become a father. Still, he won’t allow Mirea to do any more acrobatic than jugglings and clowning until after the child is born.

Razbiah and Thianas, Loranna’s cooks, were married at the new Temple of the Tribunal in Ald Raathim, and all were invited. Since they didn’t cook, their staff at the castle created the meal – which was too spicy, frankly – and the cake, which was delicious, but simply a cube, with no magic. A wonderful time was had by all.

Kethiah, former assassin and now co-propriestress of the Nymph and Noggin, is, as Stargazey said, pregnant. Three months along now. She has continued in her (secret) job as Loranna’s Spymaster, gathering intelligence from the network who pose as merchants, but no one except her partner and lover Isidor knows that, even at the tavern. The bulletin board outside the tavern has become a regular place for people to get news about events outside of Ald Raathim. Kethiah’s bonds with Isidor’s children have also continued to grow, though only Tyradil calls her “mom” regularly. And every morning, regardless of guest and merchant meeting, she and Isidor walk them to school, and every afternoon, they walk them back.

The Nymph and Noggin is a massive place now, thanks to an influx of Tris’s money, and sprawls across the docklands. The rougher part, called the Noggin, is favored by sailors and soldiers, serving traditional fare and featuring plenty of saucy barmaids. Kethiah and Isidor won’t abide fights there, but they do tolerate a good amount of good-natured rough-housing and drunkeness. The more elegant side, called the Nymph, has become a gallery of Tris’s ancestral art and Diamond’s new paintings of the heroes of Ald Raathim. It is a good place for a quiet drink, a fine meal, or a discreet meeting in one of the private rooms.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, divides his time between the forest – where, like Thom and Nylus, he acts as a scout, using his animal-speaking abilities to watch out for trouble – and the ocean where he patrols the coastways aboard the Akarvina. He fought at the battle of Tel Silgrad, and was injured with a sword slash to the back of his head. In order for it to better heal, he shaved his head (much to the dismay of Tris and Allerleirauh), but it is growing back in.

S'reddit

Present Day
Castle Daruhn

Goranthir arrived at the castle at dawn, asking the servants if Dragon or Loranna were awake. He had to speak with them at once.