General:Loranna's RP/Playing Houses/Section 2

S'reddit

Present Day
The Nymph and Noggin

"Fine," Kethiah said. She had taken to drinking herbal teas which the healer at the Temple had suggested. "I haven't had any morning sickness in the last five days now. It's early though. Did you sleep all right?"

Her hair was longer now, just past the shoulders, but she usually kept it pulled back.

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Castle Daruhn

Loranna's smile wasn't returned. He was worried about something.

He did smile when he saw Shaka's reflection, however. It was good to see him again.

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"What I have to say can be said quickly," Goranthir replied, looking to Loranna and Dragon. "Tazelhoth, the wolf, found a Redoran scout in the woods, not very far away. There's not much left of him now, unfortunately, but where there's one, there's more."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"That's good, I was afraid I had started to snore," Kethiah smiled. "Nothing would surprise me anymore. It looks like there was a big party in the Noggin last night after we went to bed. Good thing the walls are thick. I guess they were celebrating some victory or another."

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"Of course, but there's nothing I can do about it," said Kethiah, touching her belly. "So, right now I'm more worried that our larder is low on smoked slaughterfish ..."

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The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah gave Isidor a look which he had learned over the months translated roughly to: That's very sweet, but you're being a trifle patronizing to a woman who used to kill for a living, and isn't exactly the meek lady-in-distress type.

She gave him a kiss, and then paused as Loranna's message was sent to her.

---

"I need to get to work," Kethiah whispered. "Loranna needs information."

S'reddit

Kethiah had her regular meetings, and no one had additional information about the Redorans encroaching on Ald Raathim.

"Loranna," she whispered after the last one, talking to Loranna's mirror. "I'm sorry, no one has any solid information ... but I do have one more source to talk to. His ship arrives in a couple hours, so I should have more information then ..."

Then she woke up Tyradil and Tilitalia to get them ready for school.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Loranna," Kethiah called a few hours later. "I can't say for sure, but my contact tells me that the Redoran are far away. If there are scouts in the area, they're either a lost batallion, or just here to gather intelligence about us. I think we're okay for now."

The contact had been not at all what Kethiah had been expected. A smuggler who she had bribed into turning informant by asking Dram to turn the other eye to the illegal activities. Really a quite charming and helpful rogue, the Goldcat was.

S'reddit

Varnim Watch

Queen Dinara toured the ruins of the Indoril fortress which had stood there since Velothi’s time, and had been torn asunder. As much as she wept for her brother and her ancestral lands in the south being in the hands of the Indoril, she could understand too how wretched it must be for them. They had none of their ancient lands anymore, at all. Only Vvardenfell which they had retreated to, while the mainland was being taken, and the south.

Barenziah had scoffed at Dinara’s worries about the losses in Vvardenfell. The mainland was more important to take first, the Queen Mother had explained, and the crushing defeats that the Indoril and Redoran had suffered there they would not be able to recover from. With most of the mainland in their hands, they had the volcanic heart of Morrowind surrounded. And they would take that too over time.

One had to be patient.

Dinara watched while the emblems of the Indoril were ripped from the walls of the fortress and wondered if she could be.

S'reddit

Summary

Barenziah and Dinara are in Mournhold. As the activity in the castle suggests, they are making preparations for greeting an important visitor.

Helseth is in the north, off the coast of Dagon Fel, where a sea battle is raging.

Kethiah is in a private room at the Nymph and Noggin, ostensibly meeting with an important importer. In reality, she is gathering intelligence on the battles in Gnisis and Baldaras, Heseth's movements, and the Queen and Queen Mother's visitor to pass on to Loranna.

Goranthir is aboard the Akarvina, patrolling the coastline of Ald Raathim.

S'reddit

The Akarvina, 5 Miles South Of Ald Raathim

Goranthir was on the deck of the ship. With his shirt off, helping hoist the sails with the others in the crew, it was evident how much six months of sailing with Nords had done to him. He was wider, more muscular, more peasant-like. His tailor back in Ald Raathim had complained about it. He hadn't gained much in height, only breadth.

When he saw Tris, he let another man handle the sails and kissed him. The crew had seen their master both with Allerleirauh and Tris, and didn't bat an eye.

"We saw a ship," Goranthir said, wiping the sweat from his brow, a little out of breath. "Pull into the cove. It may be the Butcher of the Bay's."

S'reddit

The Akarvina

"I'm not very particular about whom we catch off the coast of Ald Raathim, Indoril or Redoran," Goranthir nodded. "But that is one privateer I'd like to take apart myself. I'm not old fashioned enough that I believe there is much honor in war, but the things they've said he's done ..."

"Having a few of the parraptons on the deck would be useful ... I'll talk to the Queen."

Goranthir smiled. "I'm glad you're here. I haven't seen you in days ... Wasn't there an important meeting you had in Wayrest?"

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

"Trason's back in the kitchen," Kethiah said, off-handedly as they were in the ear shot of the soapmonger. Kethiah ordered too much of it to carry, but paid for it to be delivered later that day. "He's doing well enough, but Vivec only knows when he'll feel the need for another vacation ..."

When they were back in the throng, out of hearing of all, she said. "Helseth has pulled back from Dagon Fel. The battle wasn't going well. He's enlisting his allies in Firewatch for another attempt ..."

They stopped by another stall, and sampled the dried kwama meat. "Good for the Noggin," she said, and took a bag full.

"I have a new contact," Kethiah added as they again moved into the crowd of the crowded market. "A shady one but with good information ... Even if I don't quite understand it, there are strange things happening in a, ah, spiritual way in Vvardenfell ..."

S'reddit

The Akarvina, 6 Miles South Of Ald Raathim

Goranthir laughed, rubbing the back of his head as he did so, and the scar there. It had become a force of habit. "Yes, please to everything. I'm glad your fortunes are on the rise, Tris. I'm bloody skint. Grandmother can't afford to give me any more right now, and, of course, mother ... I finally had to ask Loranna for my share of the Emperor's reward to pay the crew."

He squeezed the back of Tris's neck affectionately. "I was more envious of you when our fortunes were closer. Now ... I'm glad you enjoy your meetings with financiers."

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

"A terrible storm that won't leave the seas there," Kethiah answered, frowning. "It is almost unearthly, and the more suspicious superstitious types have pointed out that it is the Dam Dog's region of Sheogorad, and perhaps the Prince has chosen a position in this war ..."

The former assassin paused. "But that, strange as it is, is not the spiritual crisis on Vvardenfell ... Milady, there are apparitions which have been appearing that are causing some folk to believe -- actually, many folk to believe ... that the blessed Tribunal still exists as it has done for thousands of years. They saw that Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec are alive and reside in Vvardenfell, protecting it from Helseth."

S'reddit

The Akarvina, 6 Miles South Of Ald Raathim

"You would be wise to listen to your sister," Goranthir smiled. "I hope my uncle doesn't renege on his debt, but I can't promise anything ... and I regularly hear of him hiring more mercenaries, and rebuilding more destroyed towns ... Both of which are good for the war, I suppose. He can't repay what he owes unless he wins."

"I have no qualms about borrowing gold from you, Tris. It doesn't embarrass me in the least. Gold has never been something that's concerned me much, which I suppose isn't good, or at least isn't normal. People are supposed to worry about such things, but I never have. I just ask for the best food, the best clothes, the best ship, and I get it. I guess after seventeen years of that, I expect it, but I don't necessary treasure it."

The seabirds called to him, and he answered back.

"The ship is ahead," he said.

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Ald Raathim

"Yes, but I didn't understand it," Kethiah smiled a little. They were outside the Arena now, where the roar of the crowd indicated there was a fight going on. "Maybe you ought to talk to her yourself. I know she's in there, watching the fight. Got a lot of gold running on the challenger. Like I said, she's shady, but I know her very well. We've worked together for years ... If you have a moment, she can tell you better what she knows."

S'reddit

"As long as Allerleirauh can be found quickly," Kethiah replied. "I believe Ya’Tirrje is to sail tonight, and I don't know -- and frankly, I'd rather not know -- what other business she had in Ald Raathim outside this fight. I'm sorry, Loranna, I know she's not the type of person you want to have operating in your realm ..."

Kethiah frowned and pulled at her hood. Her violet eye withstood the sunlight better, but it still was too bright.

"The last I saw, Allerleirauh was having dinner at my tavern with Arynel at the Nymph," she added. "Let us hurry and see if she's still there."

Kethiah and Loranna hurried back down the docklands, and knocked upon the door of the room Allerleirauh had been using.

Kethiah opened the door. "I hope we are not disturbing you?"

S'reddit

The Arena, Ald Raathim

The old dirt arena of Ald Raathim had indeed undergone many changes. Vast stands now encircled it, and the Bloody Sandal was only part of the complex it had become.

The stadium was nearly full for today's bout between the challenger, a brawny Nord named Helgom and the challenger, a much smaller Dunmer called Camirr. The fight was now in its sixth round, and both fighters were bloody and tired. They were armed with whips.

Kethiah led Allerleirauh and Loranna through the stands. The spectators, though enthralled with the fight, paid their homage to the Lady of Daruhn.

Finally, Kethiah had them sit, and touched the shoulder of a woman sitting the next bench in front. Her hair was a tangle of golden curls, like a mane, and her long slim back seemed to be naked at first glance, before it was obvious that her tight dress and her skin were the exact same flaxen color. She and the two Khajiit sitting next to her turned and looked at the three ladies.

"Ya’Tirrje," said Kethiah. "This is Loranna, Lady of Daruhn, and Allerleirauh of Solunastra."

"Everyone calls me Goldcat," Ya’Tirrje the Khajiit smiled, her emerald eyes twinkling. "I'm surprised I haven't seen you at the House of Dibella."

S'reddit

"Oh yes," said Ya’Tirrje, turning back to the fight. "Vivec appeared before the people at Ghostgate, then leapt into the volcano, and was seen once again in the city that bears his name. Sotha Sil tromped through Pelagiad with a squadron of fabricants. And Almalexia, they say, had appeared in Tel Aruhn and Tel Branora. All of them not only look exactly as the people remember, but by their words and their presence, have infused them with the same spirit of power."

Helgom's whip encircled around Camirr's neck, and the champion pulled it hard. The crowd gasped, expecting to hear the snap of a neck, but after stumbling through the dust, the Dunmer grabbed the whip, and yanked it out of Helgom's hands.

The Goldcat turned back to the three ladies with a sly grin. "There's nothing like a well-matched fight, is there?"

S'reddit

The Arena, Ald Raathim

Camirr chased the larger champion around the arena, snapping both whips at his buttocks, until the Nord finally gave in.

"For too little, you say?" Ya’Tirrje laughed, still facing the arena. "I made a bundle on this fight, I'll have you know. Everyone always roots for the underdog, but no one ever bets on him."

Goldcat turned back around. "No, I don't have an opinion, except that the people of Morrowind have always loved that their Gods walked among them. That was something they had that no other province could boast of. The Aedra and the Daedra are adequate substitutes, but they don't really take the place of flesh and blood manifestations, do they?"

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The Arena, Ald Raathim

"No thank you, my lady," Ya’Tirrje replied, standing up with the rest of the crowd. She straightened her tight velvet dress. "I had been telling Kethiah for some days that I wanted to meet you, but she told me that it would only be possible if I had very interesting information to give."

The two Khajiti males on either side of her also stood up. They had the same fine features as Goldcat. Evidently, they were related.

S'reddit

"Is there a more delightful phrase in Cyrodilic than 'richly rewarded'?" Ya’Tirrje laughed. Her tail, long and full, curled up behind her, and she adjusted her skirt before continuing. "I will do what I can to earn it. In the meantime, I must leave before the Imperial Barge makes its way through, and security is tightened too uncomfortably. Of course, you know that the Emperor's son Enman is meeting with Barenziah?"

Kethiah replied. "Yes. I was just about to tell her ladyship that. I heard it from another source."

Goldcat shrugged. "Ah well. Loose lips."

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The Arena, Ald Raathim

Goldcat kissed Loranna's hand softly, and she and the two other Khajiit stepped out of the stands.

"Underdog my owl," Kethiah said. "That fight was fixed."

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The Arena, Ald Raathim

"You could tell the Nord dropped the whip at the end if you watched carefully ... But I have to admit," Kethiah frowned. "I didn't know about the Emperor's son coming to Mournhold ... I just couldn't let her be too smug about her information."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah looked at him curiously, and sat down. "Yes?"

Sheogorath

The Akarvina, 6 Miles South of Ald Raathim

Goranthir, Tris, and the Akarvina's archers stepped up to the fifty foot tall forecastle of the warship to try to catch sight of the ship. It was a balmy day for springtide, but a thick layer of mist floated along the shore.

The Butcher's ship would be fast, but if they attempted to flee, they would see just how much faster than a normal warship the Akarvina was.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Yes," said Kethiah simply. "Why do you ask?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah frowned. "That is the only way I can show my feelings to you? Not starting a business with you, walking your children to and from school, sleeping with you ever night, having your child ... These things mean nothing unless I marry you?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I don't know that there is a problem, except if you want to make one," Kethiah said quietly. "I won't be your children's mother if I marry you. I won't cease to be this one's mother if I don't marry you," she said, touching her belly. "I love no one else but you. Why is it important to you that we get married?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"They can wait a few minutes." Kethiah didn't look placated. "I am serious, Isidor. If you're going to keep asking me, I want to know why. Why do you think we should get married? What will it do for us that we don't have already?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"You can be sure of me without that, and us being married does not guarantee that we'll always be together," Kethiah replied, and then after a pause, she leaned in closer to Isidor. "You want a real reason not to? There are people who want me dead. Many people. I put you, and Tyradil, and Tilitalia in danger just by being close to you -- if I am your wife, and they are my stepchildren, you may all be targets."

Kethiah stood up from the table, raised her hood, and stepped out into her garden in the back of the tavern.

Sheogorath

Kethiah continued to work in her garden, which had grown enormously in the last six months. It was an exotic wonderland now, filled with herbs and flowers from all over Tamriel in profusion, particularly now that it was springtide. The herbs inevitably made their way into the cooking at the Nymph and Noggin, and some she had even given to Razbiah and Isidor for new dishes at the castle. Merchants grateful for a contract passed to Loranna and Kallen often gave her seedlings, and she had some plants growing there that grew nowhere else in the east of Tamriel.

The ex-assassin was always on the lookout for weeds. Whenever she had a moment between running the inn, and acting as Loranna's Spymaster, she was out in the garden, working. It was calming on her, and symbolic. If her life were a garden, it was lush and beautiful now, but only because of constant care.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah had told Tilitalia that the most important thing in all athletics was a well-honed sense of balance, and had shown her a game she had played as a girl, balancing on the edge of a table and catching things as they were thrown to her.

As they were doing the game, the smell of dinner being cooked wafted in from the kitchen.

"Go get your brother and dad," Kethiah said, after Tilitalia caught the pot Kethiah threw to her.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

In the bay of Mournhold, a dozen ships of the Imperial Fleet sailed into harbor. They were fast moving river skiffs, taking the rivers from Cyrodiil through former Redoran now Royal territory into the Inner Sea, and from there to the royal capitol.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

Allerleirauh was shown into Barenziah's chamber, where her maids were putting the final touches on her gown and hair. It was a deceptively simple Imperial style in both, with stringed "pearls" of ebony corded through her upturned hair.

"Pardon me for not standing," said the Queen Mother. "I'm afraid the Empire has arrived early, and I'm not quite ready."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"If he turns up while we're gone, tell him to stay put or he'll be in worse trouble," said Kethiah, taking Isidor's hand. The servers in the tavern could watch over it and Tilitalia while they were gone.

All the sailors and fishermen on the docks knew Tyradil, and after a few inquiries, Kethiah and Isidor knew that he had gone into the woods.

Sheogorath

The Queen Mother's Chamber, Castle Mournhold

"That's a relief that it isn't true," Barenziah smiled. "I confess that the way of the walking Gods are not my specialty, not, I daresay. is it of most Dunmer. It seems more plausible than not that Gods, being immortal, do not die. So, we don't have the Tribunal themselves opposing us, but we do have opponents more energized by this false revelation. It is good news, but not great news."

Sheogorath

The Forest of Ald Raathim

Some distance away, Kethiah put her finger to her lips, and stopped Isidor from trodding forward. She pointed to a half-footprint in the mud, and a broken branch.

"A grown man or mer in medium armor came through here," she whispered. "Very recently."

Tyradil's footsteps had disappeared.

Sheogorath

The Queen Mother's Chamber, Castle Mournhold

"I appreciate your professional judgement on this," Barenziah nodded thoughtfully. "The intelligence is not new to me ... I already have some spies looking into it, interrogating the 'witnesses' of the blessed events. Would the Nerevarine be at all helpful in sorting this out? It's on a personal assignment right now, but I could call it back."

Sheogorath

The Forest of Ald Raathim

Kethiah and Isidor could see them through the bushes. The ex-assassin held her lover back from charging in, and silently made a O sign in the air: Circle around on the other side.

There was some guar scat on the ground, and Kethiah picked it up and rolled it under the sleeve of her blouse.

"Now if I were you," Kethiah said, calmly, stepping into the clearing, holding her hands up to show that she is unarmed. "I would untie the boy, and let him go. The Lady of Daruhn is famously kind to prisoners of war, and you can't be planning to carry him far enough to escape, now that you've attached him to a tree."

Sheogorath

The Queen Mother's Chamber, Castle Mournhold

There was a knock on the chamber door.

"Your Majesty, your son requests your presence in the audience chamber," said the servant.

"Tell him we'll be there in a few minutes," Barenziah replied. Turning back to Allerleirauh. "So we are clear -- you are speaking of your spies in the New Temple, not your spies in Ald Raathim?"

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

Barenziah chuckled softly, standing up. "Yes, as far as alliances go, I consider the one with Ald Raathim to be solid, for strategic and personal reasons ... That's why I was thinking it almost goes without saying that we would share important intelligence gathered."

The Queen Mother took Allerleirauh's arm as they made their way to the audience chamber. "Enman may not be the next Emperor. Geldall and Ebel are both well-regarded in the Imperial City as well. But Enman is the handsomest, if that counts for anything."

The two women entered a little chamber behind the throne, so they could enter the dias at the center of the stage, behind Helseth and Dinara, who were bowing to the Emperor's son.

He was a handsome man, if well into his middle-age by Cyrodilic standards. His hair was flecked with gray and slightly receding, lines, some deep, etched across his face. But his eyes were bright and his jaw-line and the figure of his body were strong.

"Barenziah!" he shouted enthusiastically. "You look like a goddess."

The Queen Mother smiled coyly, and bowed gracefully.

Sheogorath

The Forest of Ald Raathim

Kethiah looked at the scout as he talked, but could see Isidor behind him, coming up to the tree where Tyradil was tied.

She lowered her arms slowly, and Isidor could see the anger building behind her red and violet eyes.

"A noble knight of House Redoran threatening to kill an innocent little boy, you are beneath contempt," she sneered, and then flicked the pile of guar scat into his face. "Eat [censored]."

Sheogorath

The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold

"Your Imperial Highness," Barenziah said. "May I present Allerleirauh, Patriarch of the New Temple of Morrowind?"

"Honored to meet you, your Eminence," Enman smiled, as widely as Allerleirauh's own, and bowed, making an educated guess as to how the Patriarch of the New Temple would be addressed. There was a little twinkle in his eye that suggested he hoped he got it right, but knew he wouldn't be corrected if not.

Sheogorath

The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold

"Actually it was more pleasant than we thought it would be," Enman replied with a grin. His style was casual, and Allerleirauh could see that Helseth, Dinara, and Barenziah were relaxed as well in their tone and conversation, though this was clearly an important meeting. "I was expecting to cruise past plague and war, but the worst we faced was a guar who snorted at us rather rudely from the banks."

"If you had travelled by the north, it was raining a bit," Helseth said with a half of a smile, evidently not truly amused by his problems in Dagon Fel, but attempting levity.

"So I heard," Enman chuckled. "Is there a term you have for rain and ash storms when they combine?"

"A bad day to wear your whites," Dinara suggested.

Sheogorath

The Forest of Ald Raathim

Kethiah ducked and rolled under him. Even pregnant, she could knock him off his feet with ease.

Sheogorath

The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold

"Oh, the plague is a little further south, the Blackwood Company's checking to see if it's the Khnaten again," Enman replied. "Wouldn't that be a treat? May I ask a question about the New Temples' beliefs, Your Eminence? I've received some briefing about you, but I confess I've never been a great student of theology."

Sheogorath

The Forest of Ald Raathim

The scout scrambled to reach his sword, but Kethiah was already on her feet. Stomping down hard, she broke his back, paralyzing him. He screamed in agony.

"Make sure Tyradil found his way home, darling," Kethiah said to Isidor, and then called out to Loranna. Loranna -- I have another prisoner for you to interrogate. Could you sent some guards to the woods, and tell them to follow the screams? Take your time. He won't be getting away.

Sheogorath

The Throne Room, Castle Mournhold

"You must also let me know if my ignorance is insulting," Enman smiled. "You follow the teachings of the Tribunal, but do you worship the Daedra as the Anticipations?"

Sheogorath

The Woods of Ald Raathim

Evidently, Kethiah said. There was anger in her eyes still, but her tone seemed strangely relieved. He tied up Tyradil, and threatened to kill him. Can you even imagine? The Noble Redoran.

The scout's screams had turned to whimpering, so Kethiah kicked him hard to get him to start it up again. Had to let Loranna's guards know where they were. And he deserved it.

Sheogorath

The Woods of Ald Raathim

I don't need one, Kethiah replied, wiping her hands on the scout's quivering back. But would you send one to the Nymph and Noggin? I think Tyradil's all right -- he ran like he was -- and Isidor should be with him by now ... but it's good to be sure ...

Sheogorath

"That's fascinating," Enman replied, still smiling, but Allerleirauh could tell that he understood only a little of what she was saying. Still, his interest seemed sated, though looked a little disappointed. Daedra worshippers would have been a little more exciting perhaps. Whatever his Imperial Majesty's faults, he could not be accused of being a dangerous intellectual. "Rather more complicated than what we do."

Barenziah winked at Allerleirauh. "The New Temple is dedicated towards the good of the Dunmer people."

"As I hope we all are," Helseth added.

"Will Your Grace Allerleirauh be staying for dinner?" Dinara asked, and then blushed a bit, looking at Enman to see if he took offense to her "correcting" his etiquette. He evidently did not notice it.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah was at the Nymph and Noggin twenty minutes later. Tyradil had a few cuts and bruises, but did not seem too shaken by the experience. Clearly he was being brave for the Lady of Daruhn.

Isidor brought the kids up to bed, while Kethiah changed, and joined Loranna in the quiet dining room. A few people were eating, but it was a refined, subdued atmosphere. Loranna, having passed the Noggin on the way, knew that it was in stark contrast to the party going on there.

"Thank you for checking on Tyradil yourself," Kethiah smiled, bringing Loranna a glass of the High Rock wine which had just come in. "I think he was very impressed with himself than he was considered important enough to warrant your care."

S'reddit

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is with Tris about his ship, the Akarvina, nearing a fog-cloaked cove six miles south of Ald Raathim. They believe they are closing in on the Butcher of the Bay, who unbeknownst to them is Falco.

King Helseth, Queen Dinara, and the Queen Mother Barenziah are with Allerleirauh in Mournhold, entertaining a most important person -- Enman, one of the three heirs of Uriel Septim VII.

And Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-propriestor of the Nymph and Noggin --

---

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah nodded. "Maybe there is a place in Tamriel where children grow up without knowing and fearing hunger, disease, war, and death, but I have never found it in my travels around the Arena. Ald Raathim is as close it comes to that, in my experience."

"I have put up a notice on the bulletin board, telling parents to watch after their children -- that the entire battallion of scouts may not have been defeated after all ..."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Well, more than a note, it was a whole symphony of terror to me," Kethiah said. "I had just told Isidor that I was afraid that I would make him and the kids a target for my old enemies -- like the one who did this to me" she gestured to her violet eye. "And then Tyradil disappears. It's ghastly, but when I saw it was a Redoran, and not related to my old job -- I felt this sense of relief. It was less 'personal,' I guess ..."

S'reddit

The Akarvina: Six Miles South of Ald Raathim

Goranthir, Tris, and the archers stood up on the fifty foot forecastle, peering into the fog bank. On the deck, the sailors were reading to hoist the sails, and more were below, at the galley, ready to add to the Akarvina's speed with their own backs.

It was still.

A gull's cry caused Goranthir to look more intently into the fog bank.

"It's there," he said, pointing to a murky shadow cutting through the gloom. "It's the Butcher's ship!"

The archers dipped their arrows in oil and prepared to set them alight.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I must admit that having known Jazbet, I found the arrangement afterwards to be ... unsettling," Kethiah said frankly. "But Slyvos is so different -- he doesn't dress, eat, exercise, or ... well, not to be too vulgar, but I imagine he doesn't make love like Jazbet did. It's still a strange, unsettling thing when I think about it, but when I see Slyvos, I honestly don't. Not anymore."

S'reddit

The dinner was splendid, course after course of exquisite food. Barenziah's compliments on Razbiah's and Thianas's cooking was heartfelt, but it was clear that the royal family of Morrowind ate well, particularly when a guess like Imperial Prince Enman was in attendance.

As the servants brought out food and the orchestra in the candlelit chamber played softly, Helseth said to Allerleirauh. "We can speak frankly in here. None of the servants have use of their ears."

"Which means that the orchestra occasionally lapses into dissonance," Barenziah smiled.

Enman wasted no time in beginning the frank discussion. "The Empire wants its bases in Vvardenfell recovered. We want additional bases throughout the mainland and the island. We want the first child of your union to marry into the Imperial family."

"And what will you give in return?" Helseth asked, his face not showing his thoughts.

"We can talk about doubling the assistance we're giving you now," said Enman, smiling.

"We can talk about it?" Barenziah laughed.

S'reddit

The Akarvina

"He's a bloody coward, up for a battle with a pleasure craft or merchant's scully. We would beat him in a straight ahead battle and he knows it," Goranthir said angrily, as the sails were lifted and the galley began rowing, lurching the Akarvina into the chase they were prepared for. "We're almost close enough to fire!"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"I thought things were going well, but Isidor has his mind on marriage, and when I resisted, he took it as a sign I didn't love him," Kethiah sighed. "Maybe it's not logical, but I'm afraid of the consequences. Someday someone will come here and want me dead. I'm tough to kill, though, provided I'm a lone target. With a husband and children -- there are lots of ways to hurt me."

---

"He is, thank you, Dragon," Kethiah said, standing at the Nord's approach. "A few cuts and bruises, which Loranna took care of. He's a brave boy ... And I should apologize to you more than you to me. My spies didn't know anything about the lost battallion, until it was too late."

S'reddit

Dinner at Castle Mournhold

"I haven't been drowning in my own ships for the last fortnight in Sheo-bloody-gorad because I meant to abandon Vvardenfell," Helseth replied. "Since no help seemed to be forthcoming ..."

"How is the weather in Molag Mar?" Barenziah asked. "Is it more clement?"

"Allerleirauh and I are of the same mind, even if my eye is on Caldera and Pelagiad," Enman said. "But they are too far inland. We should sweep up from the south ..."

"If I might make my own plea," Dinara said, with a small smile, but eyes that glistened as if holding back tears. "It may not be militarily strategic, or important spiritually, but the occupied south is important to me."

S'reddit

The Akarvina

"Tris!" Goranthir yelled after him. "Be prepared to abandon ship!"

The Akarvina was just within range, and the archers had been told not to wait for the order. They lit their arrows ablaze and fired them onto the deck and sails of the Red Falcon.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah nodded. "Your advice, both of your advice, is logical. But I can't help thinking that if I wanted revenge on someone, I would certainly go after her husband and stepchildren ... And I only perhaps would go after her business partner and his children ... I suppose I think that way because I don't want to live in terror everyday that what I'm doing now is terribly selfish, and I'm putting these people's lives in danger, when I should really be living in a cave somewhere ..."

S'reddit

Dinner at Castle Mournhold

"Then let's stop talking about what we don't have, and start talking about what we do," Barenziah said. "Thanks to my son's genius, we have almost all the mainland. And we still have a foothold in Molag Mar. We use that as a launching point for the invasion ..."

"Invasion? Mother, we hold the mainland by our presence. There are plenty of Indoril and Redoran supporters who would be happy to take it all back as soon as we plough forward with a massive invasion," Helseth said, looking at Allerleirauh. "You truly don't have to lecture me about the importance of the Temple strategically. If you'd like, I can draw up a map the entire kingdom, and I can show you how many shrines to Almsivi I've saved on the mainland ..."

"You're being petulant, Helseth," Enman said, slapping the king on the shoulder, and receiving back a glare. "How many ships and men do you need to take Molag Mar, and hold it?"

Helseth thought a moment, and gave the Imperial Prince a figure. It was high.

"Done," said Enman. "Is there dessert?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"You misunderstand, I wouldn't hide in a cave because I'm afraid for myself, but I'm afraid for other people," Kethiah frowned. "Isidor knew what I do, or did, but ..." She couldn't help laughing. "I love him completely, but he doesn't always think things through ..."

S'reddit

The Akarvina

It was a difficult shot for the mages of the Red Falcon to strike the masts of the Akarvina. With a fifty foot forecastle in their sight range, they were forced to arc their shots. Most missed completely, though causing considerable consternation on the deck where they landed before being extinguished.

One, however struck home, and the foresail behind Goranthir ballooned up in flame.

Goranthir was distracted, looking at Tris in his impossible battle, but the sailors on the Akarvina didn't have to be told what to do. They unhooked the sail and let it fly away into the wind, like a fiery shadow. That left two sails and a rowing galley to race after the Red Falcon. The Akarvina was still fast, faster than a typical warship, but it began to lag behind.

"Another volley!" Goranthir cried as they started to fall out of range.

The flame arrows launched once again.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Please don't condescend when you're asking me not to take things lightly," Kethiah replied, a little of the old anger in her eyes. "Isidor is an adult, and I agree, he's taking his own chances by being with me. But I am not talking of him. I am talking of two eleven year old children who didn't choose to take a former assassin under their roofs, one of whom but a short time ago was at the edge of a knife. I know I'm being a bit unreasonable with my pretty lies, but damn it, isn't that how most people get through life without going insane?"

Kethiah shook her head, frowning. "My apologies. It was too close of a call today, and my nerves are frayed. You don't deserve my anger."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"It doesn't help much, except it was sweet of you to be concerned," Kethiah smiled. "Dragon, I don't have the least idea what a normal childhood is supposed to be. I was taught not to have the slightest qualm about putting a dagger through someone's neck, or breaking his back, for that matter. I have killed hundreds of people in my career, Dragon, and all of them wealthy and powerful, so I could not possibly tell you all the names of all my enemies ..."

She took Dragon's and Loranna's hands in hers. "Thank you though. That's some unpleasant medicine you're forcing down my throat, but I need it."

S'reddit

The Akarvina

Goranthir dove off the Akarvina, and swam strong and hard to Tris, through the crashing shoreline waves. He didn't bother to watch the Red Falcon as it doubled the distance. By the time he and Tris were pulled back onto the ship by the crew, the Red Falcon was gone.

Goranthir carried Tris to his cabin, and the ship's healer checked his wounds, and cast the healing spells.

"Take us back to Ald Raathim," said Goranthir, holding Tris's hand.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah nodded. "That's not enough. My children aren't the only ones in this town. There should be a curfew, Loranna ... My regulars at the Noggin won't like it, but that's tough. All the children of Ald Raathim should know some defensive spells -- they should teach them at the school Tyradil, Tilitalia, and Luxi go to ... After all, in this case, it could have been any child in the woods who was grabbed by that man ..."

S'reddit

Goranthir's Cabin, the Akarvina

Goranthir felt his head swim from emotion. First, relief when Tris stirred; then, he began to laugh at Tris's comment about shaving his head; and, then, incredulity, anger, sorrow, at what Tris said next.

"Falco is the Butcher of the Bay?" Goranthir gasped. "I can't believe it. I mean, he was a thief, but ... now, he's some sort of homicidal maniac?"

He remembered back to the wedding, what a ridiculous clown he had been, pretending to be a musician for the free food.

"And why would he hate us so much?"

And then, it was back to relief. Goranthir kissed the bump on Tris's head. "We're heading back home. I'm glad you had that bloody ring. How do you feel?"

S'reddit

The Dinner at Castle Mournhold

Barenziah nodded, as the dessert was brought out.

"You have heard that the Tribunal may still live and be battling on Vvardenfell on the side of our enemies?" Barenziah asked Enman. Enman nearly choked on his dessert, while Helseth glared.

"Why, yes, I did hear that, and I wondered if we would politely not mention that our armies wil be facing living Gods who could flood us all if they put their mind to it," Enman chuckled. "You have a plan about fighting them? Maybe bring back in that bloke that lived in the volcano."

"The Patriarch believes very strongly that they are imitations of the Tribunal, who, save Vivec, truly are in their graves," said Barenziah. "The question is who are they?"

Helseth nodded, his mood brightening. "And how can we unmask them for who they are at a politically inconvenient time for them?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"Exactly," Kethiah said. "And it's important we proceed with confidence. If people believe we are under imminent attack, they'll panic. The announcements about magic training should be shown as an opportunity granted by the generosity of the Lady of Daruhn, not something that must be done because the town is being overrun with kidnappers ... I play a game with Tilitalia every night to improve her balance -- tomorrow, Isidor and I will talk to her teacher about having all the children come to the Nymph and Noggin for games after school ... Games which will teach them what to do when they're under attack, but still be fun ..."

S'reddit

The Akarvina

Goranthir shook his head. "If you feel betrayed, imagine how poor Isidor is going to feel."

He kissed Tris back, and whispered. "Thank you for changing in a good way."

And he meant it.

S'reddit

"Not every Dunmer," Helseth said.

"Son, don't start being blasphemous around the Patriarch," Barenziah frowned, laying her hand on his arm.

"It's not blasphemy, it's simple truth that if we want an agent to go in and not be seduced by the promise that the Tribunal lives, we could use any Dunmer raised outside of Morrowind. Someone who can be objective because it is not his true faith," the King said. "Goranthir, for example."

"That's a dangerous assignment for your nephew," Queen Dinara said.

"The lad loves danger, volunteered for the Vaults of Gemin right away, when he was nearly starving from walking across the continent," Helseth said. "I think he'd be an excellent candidate, but really any Dunmer who can pretend to be with the faithful, and secretly aiming to unmask the false Tribunal would do..."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"You have just described a game," Kethiah smiled. "If you want to, you can take an assortment of the children and try to make them into little soldiers, and I'll take an assortment of the children and use my exercises which are both educational and enjoyable, and I'll bet you my share of the Nymph and Noggin that my children are better prepared."

S'reddit

Helseth grinned a little at Allerleirauh's comment on Goranthir's looks.

"The nephew of the King who is never at court is not as an easily recognized figure," Barenziah replied. "No one has ever guessed his identity without being told it first -- even when he was in the royal guard, the other guards did not guess who he was. But, extrapolating on your objection about Goranthir not wanting to leave the Akarvina ... He would have to want to do this assignment. And he has no training in spycraft."

"I'm sure he's a fine lad," the Imperial Prince Enman added. "But there should be someone of more experience with him as well."

S'reddit

"I'm going to assume there's been a miscommunication between us," said Kethiah with a wink. "You are talking about training the townsfolk, right? I am talking about training the children. The games are for them."

S'reddit

The Dinner at Castle Mournhold

"Not necessarily, the Redorans and Indoril, like all Houses, have non-Dunmer members," Helseth replied. "Though it would certainly be less suspicious if he or she were Dunmeri."

"I don't see any Cyrodiils or Nords being greeted with open arms in Vvardenfell at this moment," the Imperial Prince grinned.

"Why don't we just use one or more of the spies who are already in Vvardenfell?" Dinara asked. "Why would we put Goranthir or anyone else in danger, when we could just give the orders to the people who have already infiltrated the place?"

S'reddit

Kethiah sighed. "So, you intend to scream like a drill sergeant daily to every toddler in Ald Raathim? I know you have the best intentions, Dragon, and like you, I don't want to bicker, but I strongly suspect, no, I know that what you'll have at the end of that exercise is a hysterical, blubbering nursery. I am with you completely on drills for the townsfolk. But you have to remember that children -- even at war -- are children. The same way you train adult soldiers does not apply to them. Their minds work differently."

She smiled. "Six months of being a mom, and I talk like I know what I'm saying ... But I do. Dragon, I really can teach the children of Ald Raathim to defend themselves, if you'll let me do it."

S'reddit

The Dinner at Castle Mournhold

Dinara looked to Helseth, who shrugged. Dinara sighed and shook her head. "I don't."

"Our spies in Vvardenfell can be useful contacts once Goranthir and his team are in place," Barenziah said. "Before we proceed any further, let's talk to him and make certain he's willing to do it."

"A formality," Helseth nodded. "He'll do it."

"Now, I hate to bring it up," Enman said, uncomfortably for the first time in the evening. "But I read this tract ... it sounded like perfect flapdoodle and balderdash ..."

"That it was," said Barenziah, with a sidelong glance at Allerleirauh. "I know the one you're talking about."

"Well, that's good," the Imperial Prince laughed. "I'd hate to have your spy turn into zombie or something midway through the mission."

Dinara, Barenziah, and Helseth smiled politely while the Imperial Prince laughed, but there was worry in all of their eyes.

S'reddit

"I don't doubt your wisdom, Dragon, you've proved it over and over again," Kethiah smiled slyly. "And wise as you are, no doubt you know there are other methods than yours, that are just as effective. I can see how confident you are in your ways, and if you look in my eyes, I think you'll see I am no less confident. I did nothing but play as a girl, and when a stranger tried to touch me when I was eight, I broke both his legs. I'm not guessing that games can make children able to defend themselves, I know it."

S'reddit

The Dinner at Castle Mournhold

"Well, it had to be said, I suppose," Enman chuckled, and surpressed a yawn. "I'm terribly sorry. I've been traveling for a week straight on that barge, and I'm no sailor."

"Your rooms are ready, of course," said Dinara, happy to be useful. She had clearly felt out of her depth all evening.

"Then I'll retire and we can continue our negotiations over breakfast," the Imperial Prince smiled, and withdrew.

The Royal Family bowed to him.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I admit that I was fooling myself thinking Tyradil and Tilitalia were not in danger because of my past," Kethiah replied. "I did not consciously keep the danger from them. When Isidor is back, I will talk to him about discussing it with them. I remember when I first met them, they asked me whether I was Isidor's lover, and I told them I was. They understood that. They asked me what had happened to my eye, and I asked them if they knew what an assassin was, and they said yes, and I explained it ..."

"I regret that I didn't tell them that I was an assassin myself, and I will rectify that as soon as I am able to," Kethiah took a deep breath, obviously not looking forward to that conversation. "I don't think I'm too late."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Indeed," Kethiah nodded. There were more people coming into the tavern, and she rose to take care of them. "Thanks for the advice. I better get back to work."

Sheogorath

The Akarvina

The ship pulled into harbor, and Tris and Goranthir were soon on the docks.

Goranthir looked at the Nymph and Noggin. "We need to tell Loranna, Dragon, and Kethiah what we've learned about the Butcher ... and, also, we need to tell Isidor ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah walked into the Nymph, having politely but firmly escorted three drunken soldiers to the Noggin next door.

When she saw Isidor, she gave him a kiss. "How is Tyradil doing?"

Sheogorath

"Oh, he's fine, he's in custody with Loranna's guards. He won't ever walk again with that broken back, but he's fine," Kethiah smiled, wrapping her arms around Isidor. "We need to talk to the kids about being careful. Dragon, Loranna, and I just talked ad nauseum about how to prepare the kids of Ald Raathim for the war, and the dangers ... He's going to handle the training, but I said I'd help teach the younger kids how to take care of themselves, and watch out for trouble ..."

Sheogorath

"That, drills, just generally telling them what to do under certain circumstances ... For example, if there's an invasion of Ald Raathim, they'll undoubtedly come in at the harbor, right here at the Nymph and Noggin," Kethiah said seriously. "They should know not to come back here if they here about that, but to go to the castle or Mages Guild ... That sort of thing."

"But all the children in Ald Raathim will be getting training after what nearly happened to Tyradil, not just them," Kethiah added. "It's not just important that our family survives, but that the whole town does."

Sheogorath

"Would 'give me some time to get used to the idea' be better to hear than 'no'?" Kethiah asked, smiling. "I've put you and your kids, and this one," she added, touching her belly. "I've put us all in danger by being here. Dragon and Loranna told me I mustn't fool myself by thinking otherwise ... And I need to figure out for myself if I could live with myself if something ever happened to you or the kids because of me ..."

Goranthir had entered the tavern. "Isidor," he said, signaling to him. He didn't want to interrupt, but his expression made it look like it was urgent.

Sheogorath

"Tris and I just got back from patrolling the shoreline," said Goranthir seriously. "The Butcher of the Bay, the pirate who has been terrorizing the Inner Sea for months now, murdering everyone who comes in his path, decorating his ship with their bodies ... He was there, but he got away from us ... Isidor, there's no nice way to put this, but it's Falco. He's the Butcher. We were on our way to tell Loranna, Dragon, and Kethiah, but I know how close you were to him, and ... you had to know first."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Goranthir turned to Tris, sadly. "Maybe you should have done the talking," he said quietly.

Sheogorath

"Yes," Goranthir nodded solemnly to Tris's comment, and then said to Isidor. "But you have nothing to be sorry about, Isidor. There was nothing you could do ... We just thought you should hear from us, and not from gossip ..."

Sheogorath

"I could probably use one, but you know me, Isidor, if I have two glasses of wine, I'm under the table," Goranthir smiled. "And I should really tell Loranna, Dragon, and Kethiah what we've found out ..."

Sheogorath

Goranthir embraced and kissed Allerleirauh, and smiled and nodded to Dragon and Kethiah.

Goranthir smiled to her as well, though his eyes were serious.

In a private room in the Nymph, he and Tris told them about the Butcher of the Bay.

Sheogorath

"How do we know for certain that's his goal?" Goranthir said. "He was happy to kill Tris, or at least order his men to do it. Perhaps he's gone insane. Not that I suppose his motivation matters ... We will have to kill him, or at very least stop him, but you have to understand, Dragon, we fought with him. You can give us one moment to be appalled immediately after receiving the news before calling us all children."

Sheogorath

Kethiah hadn't said anything, though she knew Falco too.

"It should not be difficult to track him," she said. "He makes a production of himself. He has struck all over the Inner Sea though, and it will be difficult to get to him quickly by the time we receive intelligence that he has struck."

Sheogorath

"I'm 17," Goranthir smiled. "When I'm your age, perhaps I'll be able to switch my emotions off so easily."

Sheogorath

"I agree," Goranthir said. "I'll get it together right away ... Falco must have some way of concealing himself -- the King hasn't been able to track him down so far -- so we may have to go to the trap suggestion ... but it won't be for lack of trying."

Sheogorath

"Sure," said Goranthir to Dragon. "I'll have the Akarvina ready to sail at a moment's notice, and talk to the Queen to make sure her children can sail along too ..."

He looked to Allerleirauh and smiled. It was good to see her again after the adventure at sea.

Sheogorath

"No, I don't mind," she smiled, a little sadly. "I would have been surprised if you didn't want to get involved. He was your friend."

Sheogorath

"I feel sorry for Dinara," Goranthir said. "It doesn't sound like her brother will be free anytime soon ... But of course I'll go, that's not even a question. What do I do when I see one of these false Tribunal chaps? How does one prove that someone isn't, say, Almalexia?"

Sheogorath

"Just to see what happens to me and my pants?" Goranthir grinned. "All right, I guess the plan is just to see what it is we're dealing with ... This takes precedence over finding Falco. I can send the Akarvina off without me. They sailed to Summerset without me, they can go up and down the coast without me too ... Though they'll need to have riders on the parraptons instead of just me squawking at them."

Sheogorath

"I thought you'd never ask," Goranthir laughed. "I've been thinking about it since you mentioned the word 'undercover.'"

(OOC -- Outta here, and FADE OUT)

S'reddit

Across the room, Loranna saw a familiar figure come into the Nymph. Clad in tight breeches and a loose blouse the same tawny color as her lightly furred skin, Ya’Tirrje, also called Goldcat, winked at Loranna.

Kethiah and the Khajiit smuggler went upstairs, but the two Khajiit males the Goldcat travelled with took a table and ordered drinks.

S'reddit

Mimlea, one of the barmaids, brought two drinks over to Tris's and Loranna's table.

"From the, ah," she searched for the word. "Furry gentlemen."

S'reddit

"Actually, I'm sorry," said the first of the Khajiit, whose fur was lightly silver in patterns that ran down his neck and up his arms. "We're expecting someone. Pretty lad and lass we saw when we came in."

His companion, less distinctly feline than the other, with brown woad tattoos over his face, laughed. "I think this is they, mate."

"By Rajhin, I think you're right," the first cat drew in a breath of air as he looked Tris and Loranna over. "Sorry, Tris Gaerington of Wayrest, you look different in this candlelight. But no matter, have a seat. I'm sure you have a fine personality."

S'reddit

"If your luck's run out, you're in the right company," said the first silver-furred Khajiit, holding out his hand. "They call me Alas. And that there is me mate Alack."

"First time on this end of the place," Alack said. "It's nice. A little quiet for my taste though. Usually prefer the company at the Noggin, but never seen the likes of you two in there, so it's ups and downs."

S'reddit

"Now, I have seen you before," said Alas. "At the fight, am I right? Your man win, or your luck run out too?"

S'reddit

"I fare fairly," Alas said. "How 'bout you, mate?"

"Only barely fairly," Alack replied. "I don't know if you can tell, because we're being so bleeding charming, but we ain't been in polite society in some time. Unless you count the society at shipyards and arenas, which for a fellow of my delicate nature ain't so hot. So, what is your name, lassy?"

S'reddit

Alas smiled. He had beautiful teeth. "Well, if it's privacy your after, Tris Gaerington of Wayrest, we could always --"

"Nuh uh," Alack interrupted him.

"Not enough flirty flirty yet?" Alas sighed. "I never know."

S'reddit

The two Khajiit looked at her, and then one another.

"Naw," said Alack, his smile uncertain. "You're havin' us on ..."

"Please tell us you're havin' us on," added Alas more seriously.

S'reddit

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in his room at the Nymph and Noggin. Allerleirauh is with him, having discussed with him the idea of him going undercover to discover what is behind the false Tribunal sightings in Vvardenfell. What's odd is that he's only just gotten the assignment, but she's already debriefing him.

Kethiah is meeting upstairs with Ya’Tirrje, a.k.a. Goldcat, a notorious smuggler, and the Spymaster's best informant.

Goldcat's two sidekicks, Alas and Alack, are flirting in the bar with Tris and Loranna. They've just been given the unpleasant news that the "lassie" is the Lady of Ald Raathim.

S'reddit

Alack stumbled to his feet. Alas tried as well, and fell over in his chair.

"We meant no disrespect to you, my Lady," Alack said nervously. "Or you either, my good ... lord ..."

Goldcat and Kethiah stepped down the stairs. Ya’Tirrje smiled as she looked at her boys.

S'reddit

Ya’Tirrje curtseyed as well. Kethiah shook her head.

"Tomcats, always leaving their mark," Goldcat grinned. "I don't know what you boys have been up to, but I'm sure the diplomatic consequences are something I'll live with for years."

"We was just apologizin to her ladyship and his countship about our, um," Alas searched for the words. "Overfamiaritee. We didn't know who they was."

"Next time stick to the Noggin," Ya’Tirrje sighed. "We'll be going now, Lady Loranna. If you like, I'll give the boys some lashings."

S'reddit

"That's good, I'm no good at diplomacy," Ya’Tirrje gave Loranna a half-smile. "I always surrender. Until we meet again, my Lady ... Good luck."

The Goldcat led the two Khajiit out the front door of the Nymph. Both Alas and Alack looked over their shoulders, for one last look at Loranna and Tris, and to mouth the words "Sorry."

"What a den of iniquity I own," Kethiah sighed.

S'reddit

"Ah, business partner are you suggesting a new specialized wing of the tavern?" Kethiah asked. "The Nymph, the Noggin, and the Flogging?"

S'reddit

"I'm sorry you weren't able to corrupt those two innocent lads," Kethiah smiled. "But the evening wasn't a total loss. The Goldcat knows where a certain ship makes berth."

S'reddit

Kethiah nodded. "Hla Oad."

S'reddit

"Isidor is part of the we," Kethiah said. "You can't leave without him."

S'reddit

Goranthir and Allerleirauh were not, actually in flagrante delicto when Tris entered the room. They had finished three minutes and six seconds before. Allie's head was on his chest, and he was running his fingers through her silver hair. Goran had been asking her about Dragon, and why he was the way he was, and if it was possible he was happy.

Tris's sudden appearances almost didn't give Goranthir a shock anymore. Almost.

After he recovered, he said, "Is it my birthday again already?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah stepped in and with a smile, sat on his stomach. "Don't get too comfortable, sweetheart. You'll be off soon."

Sheogorath

Kethiah took his hand. "But you have to do it?"

Sheogorath

"Yes, but you don't have to go, if you don't think you can do what needs to be done," Kethiah said, holding his hand to her lips. "There are others here who have less of a personal relationship with Falco who could do it instead."

Sheogorath

"You should go, but not because you're at all responsible," Kethiah said, looking him in the eye seriously. "If someone steals from you, it's not your fault if you force him to stop, and it's not your fault if he turns to worst crime after that. Falco made the decision to steal from a friend of his, and made the decision to become a monster. You couldn't control any of that."

Sheogorath

"Certainly," said Ielyn, a Breton man who was behind the bar at the time. "Our proprietors are currently indisposed, but I can give you a drink -- and show you a room if you're in a hurry."

Sheogorath

"I think Loranna is still gathering together people, letting them know what's happening," Kethiah whispered, pulling at his shirt. "I think you have a few minutes before your boat launches."

Sheogorath

The bartender handed the Khajiit his drink, and quoted a couple different prices, as there were a handful of rooms available, from small, simple rooms over the Noggin ("though they're a bit loud"), to respectable rooms in the Nymph, to one multi-room apartment which was generally held for VIPs, though it was currently available ... and extremely expensive ...

Sheogorath

"You can use my ship," said Goranthir, looking at Allie and then Tris. "But I need to go somewhere else ..."

He told Tris about the assignment in Vvardenfell.

Sheogorath

"The people who know spycraft haven't been able to get anywhere in Vvardenfell," Goranthir replied, touching Tris's face gently. "The Akarvina doesn't need me. I'm as much of a figurehead on that as the statue of Kynareth. At least I can do something towards the war effort if I go. Which I am."

Sheogorath

"I'm not embarking on a permanent career as a spy," Goranthir smiled, deeply touched at Tris's words. His eyes shone. "It will just be long enough for me to see what's happening. And there's no reason why you couldn't come visit me from time to time while I'm there ... you just couldn't let anyone else see you."

Sheogorath

"I'll miss you too, both of you," Goranthir said seriously, holding Allie and Tris's hands. Then he smiled. "It's a pity though that Tris couldn't play my slave. That would have been fun."

Sheogorath

"I just like the idea of disciplining you, because I have a feeling you would be a disobedient slave," Goranthir grinned. "Anyhow, whether you're going to Wayrest or Hla Oad, you should be off, and so should I ..."

Sheogorath

Goranthir didn't know about Alas and Alack, but he more than made up for it.

Sheogorath

"Good luck to you, and to everyone," Kethiah said sincerely. "All battles are difficult, and this is one is one of the hardest."

"Loranna, one thing I think we need to talk about when you come back is constructing warning bells around the town. I'm having the children come over this afternoon to begin their exercises, but it's difficult to tell them how to know when we're under attack without them ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded to Dragon. "I'll talk to Kallen, and get them put up while you're gone. There should also be one here ... We may see an invasion if it comes up through the bay before anyone else."

Goranthir came downstairs with Allerleirauh. "That's right, and I probably won't be here when you get back. My captain's excellent, though, and the crew are all hard-workers and hard-fighters. They won't let you down."

Sheogorath

Kethiah held the children's hands as they walked down to the docks to see their father off.

Goranthir walked down as well, to make sure everything was all right with the captain and crew of the Akarvina. He also spoke to the parraptons. "They're ready."

Sheogorath

Kethiah stepped back into the tavern, still holding Tyradil and Tilitalia's hands. She sent them off to play, and then saw Trason.

Sheogorath

"Not," Kethiah asked with a half smile. "Tonight's dinner specials, I take it? What's on your mind, Trason?"

Sheogorath

"They'll be lucky to have you," Kethiah replied. "I told Isidor just a little while ago that he had to do what he had to do, and then I gave him a kiss. So, it seems only fair to do the same for you."

She kissed Trason on the cheek.

"It will be difficult to replace you," she said. "But I understand."

Sheogorath

"Thank you, Trason, I know you'll do us proud," Kethiah smiled, and went back to work. In addition to beginning the self-defense classes with the children, getting the bell installed at the Nymph and Noggin, running the tavern, and keeping the intelligence network well-running, she would have to find a new cook.

It was a good thing she never liked to be bored.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

Goranthir put on the same outfit that he wore when he went into the Eight Spheres. His enchanted cloak, shirt, and breeches which, in addition to being magically enhanced armor, could change color and fabric, repair and dry themselves with a touch, and which at the moment appeared as gray woolen cloth cloak, white shirt, and black breeches. His belt buckle which would let him breathe underwater and survive the effects of poison. His boots which allowed him to cast jump and freefall.

"Does it say 'incognito' too much?" Goranthir asked Allerleirauh. "Should I go the opposite way, and have bright colors like that Lyonswurst bloke?"

---

"Neither is my accent ..." Goranthir rolled his eyes, and practiced his voice. "That's hopeless. I should have a different story to tell."

S'reddit

"That's bad," Goranthir frowned. "They don't trust outsiders, and I sound like one."

With a touch, his cloak and breeches were the leather of a cliffracer, and his shirt appeared in the coarse cloth of the island. "That's better, isn't it? Though how I can get by without talking ..."

S'reddit

"That's true," Goranthir nodded, and smiled. "It's going to be hard enough for me to observe the Redoran virtues of duty, gravity, and piety without having a bizarre backstory to try to defend."

S'reddit

The Garden of the Nymph and Noggin

Every kid, Dunmer, Nord, Khajiit, between the ages of five and fifteen were in the garden of the Nymph and Noggin as Kethiah explained to them that they had to be brave and be prepared. She kept the lessons short this first time, demonstrating to them the alarm bell, and telling them that they must get somewhere safe when they heard it. She told them that a safe place may not be home, but be at a temple, the Mages Guild, or the castle.

The garden was a good place to teach some basic rules of concealment. She also took out a stuffed dummy she had used for practice and showed the kids where to hit it to give them enough time to get away.

Tomorrow she would teach them more exercises.

S'reddit

Goranthir pulled an old copy of the Pocketguide to the Empire from the shelf in his room, and read:

"Clan Indoril claims kinship with all three of the legendary Tribunes, which doubtless accounts for Indoril's preeminence among the five clans. Indoril's capital is Almalexia, also the capital of Morrowind itself, and the Tribunal priesthood (which is one and the same as the bureaucracy of civil government) is dominated by the Indoril and their subclans."

"The book needs updating," Goranthir said. "But that, sounds, like you say, like 'valor, brass polish, and obsessiveness' to me."

S'reddit

"I could go by Goran again, like I did in Wayrest, and Galos seems to be a relatively common Dunmer name," Goranthir said. "It's close enough to my real name I shouldn't forget it. Galos Rethan?"

Responded to her touch, he smiled. "That feels nice ... and I was thinking the same thing. Too much gold for a full-blooded Dunmer, eh?"

S'reddit

Kethiah jumped. Her eyes darted around instinctively for an escape route. There were a couple possibilities.

"I knew you'd be back," Kethiah said hoarsely, surprised of how frightened she was. Much worse than when she had seen Herwyn Brand six months ago. "I'm going to do something I've never done, ever. I'm going to beg you not to kill me."

Kethiah dropped to her knees.

S'reddit

"I think Tris would still rather I cut my hair than get caught," Goranthir nodded. "Before I forget, there is someone I'm leaving behind. A good friend who is wandering the hills around Ald Raathim, staying away from everyone, but acting as an excellent scout. Tazelhoth, the wolf. If I'm gone for too long, you'd be able to find him and make sure he's all right, wouldn't you?"

S'reddit

Kethiah stood and looked Herwyn in the eye. He could still see the scar above the now violet-colored eye from their last encounter. He could also see now why this assassin would not fight him this time. She was clearly pregnant.

"You have an advantage, I know why you came the last time, but I don't know why you didn't kill me," she said.

S'reddit

They took off into the springtide woods of Ald Raathim. On the mainland, far from the ash of Red Mountain, one could actually get lost in the wilderness. Particularly now that it was so green and lush with new growth.

Goranthir called out to Tazelhoth, and the wolf greeted him.

He was bigger than Allerleirauh had remembered, and he had been big in her remembrance.

"Ah," said Goranthir after a few barks of discussion. "He's ready to move on too. Six months of tackling wild guar and alit, and he thinks he's ready to go back to his pack in Solitude and vye for the lead alpha."

S'reddit

"Helseth too appears to have had some other plans than to die, despite my ministrations," replied Kethiah, not quite smiling, not quite off edge. "You best be careful. Failing my assignment to kill him brought you to me. Failing to kill me might bring another to you. And it might be that at that time, you won't have other plans but to die."

"I thank you for your congratulations, though," she added softly, touching her stomach. "I think you're right. His or her father is ... a very fine man."

S'reddit

Goranthir looked at Allerleirauh, and then to the tree.

"It's --" Goranthir looked for the word. Beautiful hardly described it, though it was. Artificial things could be beautiful. Beauty wasn't Nirn's sphere: for the world was more than just the well-arranged, the symmetrical, the conventional lovely. Instead he said, "It's just right."

He knelt, and kneeling he saw some lizards no longer than his finger were in the tree. He clicked a few greetings to them and got a reply.

"Thank you for bringing me here," Goranthir said quietly. "I forget sometimes that I can be pious."

S'reddit

"I'm more than well, I'm happy," Kethiah said as Herwyn left. And that was true.

It had been an encounter she had been expecting, but not how she was expecting it to be. There was nothing else to do, but go back inside and get back to work. There was a lot of it to do.

Still, Herwyn's words haunted her as she met with merchants and guests, helped Tyradil and Tilitalia with their homework, and prepared reports for Loranna. It wasn't her day to die then? For hundreds of people, she had made a day for them to die.

S'reddit

Goranthir did not pray exactly. Nirn was not the sort of goddess you asked things of. You simply revered and respected her. He let his mind, and all his senses open to her.

Finally, he stood, and kissed Allerleirauh. "I'm ready."

S'reddit

Goranthir nodded. He knew what to do. What contacts to make with Helseth's spies.

At the quiet bay beneath Castle Daruhn, he went into the water and didn't resurface until he was in Vvardenfell.

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, has gone undercover in Vvardenfell to try to find out what he can about the entities there who seem to be Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec.

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim, has just had an unsettling but peaceful encounter with Herwyn Brand, the man who tried to kill her a while back. She is back to work now, running the tavern, helping the children of Ald Raathim learn self-defense, and secretly acting as Loranna's Spymaster.

And OOC -- Sheogorath / S'Reddit is out of town until early next week, so these characters aren't going to be seen much, though one may assume, of course, that Kethiah is always around the Nymph and Noggin. Just because I'm off-line doesn't mean you won't be able to get a drink or a room.

Sheogorath

"Pretty much everything," said the barmaid. "Mazte, flinn, mead, brandy ... and more exotic drinks, like rothmet and jagga from Valenwood, wine from High Rock ... Oh, there's Kethiah now!"

She motioned over the co-proprietor of the tavern, Kethiah, a tall, athletic, serious-looking Dunmer woman with shoulder-length black hair, with two different colored eyes, one Dunmer red, and one bright violet.

"This fellow was asking about the job as a cook," said the barmaid.

"Oh yes?" said Kethiah, turning to him. "What experience do you have?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah didn't move, but the barmaid brought him his wine.

"The Nymph and Noggin is really two taverns linked together," said Kethiah. "Though they share the same kitchen, one generally goes to the Noggin for heartier fare, and the Nymph for delicacies. Cheeses and scuttle. Pan roasted oysters. Kwama crisps. Smoked slaughterfish with a peppery pastry leaf. That sort of thing. Did you have experience with that level of cuisine?"

Sheogorath

"Exactly, and we have important guests more often than every once in a while," Kethiah nodded. "Well, if you want to be one of the cooks in the kitchen, we can start you on that right away, working with the others. If you want the position as head cook, I'd want you to cook me something so I know you're fast and good. In either case, I take it, you need a place to stay? Either position comes with room and board on top of the salary."

Sheogorath

"I'll show you," said the barmaid. The room was small, but neat and comfortable, on the Noggin side of the tavern.

Kethiah went back to work. It was good to have another cook, but Ciric wasn't a replacement for Trasan. Not that they needed one immediately -- the cooks in the kitchen could continue to make what they had been making all along. But they did need a new head cook to manage them and develop a new menu as spring turned to summer and new ingredients came into season ...

S'reddit

Summary

Goranthir is undercover, trying to find out who are the false Tribunal in Vvardenfell.

Kethiah is at the Nymph and Noggin, keeping the tavern going while receiving intelligence as Loranna's Spymaster.

Helseth --

---

The King of Morrowind heard that his new prisoner, the Butcher of the Bay, wanted to speak with him.

"He was a privateer for the Redoran, wasn't he?" King Helseth replied, going over maps of Vvardenfell. "Torture him until he tells all he knows. Then I'll speak with him before his trial if I have a moment."

S'reddit

"Would you mind keeping it down?" asked Alack, stepping out from behind a curtain, naked. "Some of us are trying to fu-- Oh, sorry --"

He stepped back when he recognized Tris.

S'reddit

The Temple of Dibella, Ald Raathim

"Yer countship, I -- well," Alack pulled the gossamer curtains around himself. "It's like this. We blundered hard by just hangin' round the Nymph, when our boss told us to go to the Noggin ... And then to insult you and the Lady of Ald Raathingy ... Well ..."

He turned to show Tris the fresh welts along his well-muscled back.

"We're just trying to have fun without no one getting offended or upset nor no diplomatical crises ... So, I'm sorry to have disturbed you ... Again. And, please, no word to the Goldcat?"

S'reddit

"Yeah," said Alack, wincing slightly despite Tris's gentle touch. "He's me brother, though his mum and dad ain't mine. We was born in the same tribe, but I was borned ten hours before him, which is why they say I'm an Ohmes-Raht and he's an Ohmes. Funny, them moons."

S'reddit

Alack looked at Tris carefully. "If you want to, that's okay ... But it don't hurt too bad. It kinda feels good if you touch it right. Like a bite can feel good if it ain't too deep, you know? ... What was you looking for us for anyhow, Tris Gaerington of Wayrest?"

S'reddit

Alack grinned and dropped the curtain that he was using to cover himself. He took Tris's hand.

"Alas asked for someone like you," the Khajiit said, bringing him to the room where his brother was bound with a blindfold on.

A young Dunmer man, about Tris's age and physique, stepped into the room.

"I'm gonna leave ya," Alack whispered. "But any chance that Lady Loranna is coming 'round to the House?"

S'reddit

The silver-furred Khajiit squirmed in his restraints. "Use me as you will, your countship," he gasped, obviously not expecting that "the countship" himself was present.

S'reddit

Alas inhaled, and had already reacted by the time Tris spoke, jerking a moment in his restraints, and then relaxing. To his credit, after his initial shocked expression, he returned to his usual flirtatious nonchalance, complete with a confident smile.

"Ye Gods, you can even do the voice," he grinned, rolling his head, blindfold still in place. "I paid good gold. If I wanted flirty-flirty, I'd still be back at the Nymph."

S'reddit

And Alack would return too before it was all over.

Fade out.

S'reddit

Kethiah could be found on the docklands, renegotiating some tavern-related trade with a merchant. It was her contention that with the Butcher of the Bay no longer terrorizing the sea, the price of goods should go down. The merchant agreed to a slight discount, not as much as she was suggesting, citing that the war still made the Inner Sea dangerous.

Sheogorath

Kethiah took no time at all to recognize him. "Ingmar, what a surprise," she said with a smile. "What brings you here?"

Sheogorath

"I'm sorry I didn't leave you a note, that was rude of me," Kethiah nodded. "And taking advantage of you -- that was rude of me too. This is truly a coincidence you being here? Do you really need a job?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded. "I remember your gingered apple pastries and those amazing venison roasts ... You'd be perfect for the job, except ... Have you met Isidor already?"

Sheogorath

"I don't know who has been sniffing all the Nords in Ald Raathim," Kethiah looked at Ingmar curiously, still smiling. "But, yes ... now, that you mention it, there is some similarity. I'm not sure why I didn't notice it before that you look like him ... Though, since I met you first, he actually looks like you ..."

Kethiah lost her smile. "Why are you here, Ingmar? Don't play games with me. I'm not who I used to be ... I don't find that sort of thing amusing anymore."

Sheogorath

Kethiah took her hand back. "Of course I'm uncomfortable. Isidor isn't just my business partner, Ingmar. He's the father of my child. And before we hire you on, I'll have to tell him that I've been with you. Are you still comfortable with this arrangement?"

Sheogorath

"I hope it's fine with him too," Kethiah replied, more softly. "I am sorry about what I did to you, but you have to understand that ... well, he's a man. And not many men are comfortable with hiring on men who have been intimate with their women."

She touched his shoulder affectionately. "Stay here, I'll go talk to him now."

Kethiah left Ingmar on the docks.

Sheogorath

"He is, he is a good guy, and a very good chef," Kethiah said, and then gave Isidor a kiss. "But there's a complication. I knew him quite well about four years ago ... Long before I met you, but -- we have a past together. There's nothing there now, but ... I know you. I don't think it would make you comfortable, knowing he's sharing our roof, working together with us, even though there is nothing in my heart for him, and nothing in his heart for me anymore."

Sheogorath

The springtide fog was thick in the streets of the Redguard capitol of Sentinel, rolling up from the coast, blocking out the sun. It was cool for the season, but the citizenry looked like nothing so much as ghosts as they conducted their business.

The King, Shaka learned at the palace gates, was in residence. His sister, Aubk-i, the Queen of Daggerfall, was also visiting, having shown up as part of a practical joke during Jester's Day, following diplomats with petitions of war. It was a pretty good joke, most agreed.

Sheogorath

"No, none, I couldn't say I ever had any," Kethiah said, sitting on Isidor's lap. "I used him to get close to a job I had in Winterhold, and then I left as soon as the job was done. I wasn't very nice, I'm afraid ... But he says he's moved on too, and has no feelings for me if he ever had any. Maybe it would have been best not to tell you, because there's nothing to tell, but if you found out some other way that we had a past ... I don't want you to be more jealous than you already are."

Sheogorath

Sentinel

The King of Sentinel and the Queen of Daggerfall were in the royal zoo, where several pens and cages housed the more colorful and exotic birds and reptiles of Hammerfell. Shaka was shown in, but they were deep in conversation about something.

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir is still undercover in Vvardenfell. His exciting tale will be told anon.

Kethiah is at the Nymph and Noggin, telling Isidor of her past relationship with the head chef they are considering hiring.

Helseth is in Mournhold. His torture-specialists are at work on Falco. They sometimes pretend to be pissed off, but they know that they will get the information they need out of him, as they are the best in the business.

King Lhotun and his sister Queen Aubk-i are in Sentinel at the royal zoo. They are about to have an audience with Shaka.

Sheogorath

And he received it.

(OOC -- Gotta head out, but I told Shaka how it would go on this bizarre request to ask a King, albeit a benevolent one, for his blood).

S'reddit

Kethiah helped Tyradil and Tilitalia with their homework, and then came downstairs to make sure everything was going smoothly in the tavern. She smiled, but her mind was occupied. Isidor wanted to know how many men I've slept with right away. Clearly, he's the jealous sort. But then he agrees to hire on one of my former lovers, and then, upon discovering that he's his half-brother, seems delighted. He is either different than I thought he was. Kethiah thought. Or this situation is going to explode in all of our polite faces.

When she saw Loranna at the tavern, she motioned to her. There was news.

Sheogorath

"Briefly," Kethiah whispered, taking Loranna into a private room. "The date for Falco's trial is the day after tomorrow, with the execution to follow immediately if he is found guilty, which he almost assuredly is. They are giving it a couple more days to interrogate him. He's holding out now, but he'll crack.

"If he's holding out, hoping for a rescue by the Redorans, that won't happen. They agreed to hire him on as a privateer, but as far as they've fallen from their noble ideals recently, they weren't willing to embrace the horror show the Butcher of the Bay provided. They didn't try to stop him, because he was effective, but they're not going to do anything to stop his execution.

"The big news, however, is that the Imperial fleet has been sighted off of Solstheim, coming south. The Redoran and Indoril likely know that they're coming to reinforce Molag Mar, and are moving to take it before they arrive ..."

Sheogorath

"Have you been shown around the kitchen?" Kethiah asked him, when she noticed him looking at her.

Sheogorath

"Yes, you both seem relaxed about working with a half-brother you didn't know existed, who has a woman you both have been with," Kethiah shook her head. "I'm realizing more and more everyday that I'm not as tough as I thought I was. If you both are truly comfortable with this rather, to my way of thinking, peculiar situation we're in, I'll grow to accept it. But I won't pretend it's not strange."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's eyes softened at Ingmar's words.

"Oh, you think it'll be easy to fire Isidor's brother?" she said with a small smile. "I'm having trouble telling you to stop drinking, get off your butt, and get to work. And if you talk to any of the staff, you'll know that I normally have no problem telling them to do that."

Sheogorath

The lead interrogator stopped for a few moments, and then Falco heard Helseth's voice.

"Tell us everything you know about the Redoran and Indoril forces in Vvardenfell, Butcher," he said cooly. "If you lie, we will proceed to advanced techniques which will only cease when your mind is gone entirely, and only your pain remains."

Sheogorath

"Well," said Kethiah, ruffling Isidor's hair from behind. "I'm on the record as being the uncomfortable one about this whole situation. I told your brother I'd try to adjust, but you need to let me know if things start to bother you too. I don't want you to be quiet about it, just because I'm going to try to make the best of it."

Sheogorath

"You'll know in a half a day if that's enough," Helseth replied. "If the torture begins again, either we need more information or what you've provided was a lie. When your trial begins, you'll know we're satisfied with your level of cooperation."

Sheogorath

"You may request anything you like," said the King of Morrowind. "But I will need to have a very good reason to grant the request of the likes of you."

Sheogorath

Kethiah laughed and kissed Isidor back. "I sincerely doubt that'll be necessary, and I can do my own punching as you know -- but I'll keep that in mind, my sweet barbarian."

Sheogorath

Helseth smiled. "If that is your ideal of a formal request, you have been with rough company too long, Butcher. I was listening for a rationale to grant you your request, but you chose to squander it. As for wishing me a miserable death, the difference is that I can guarantee one for you."

To the interrogator, he added, before leaving. "I want this reptile ten percent descaled by the time I return."

Sheogorath

"He is a good man, like his brother," Kethiah nodded. "It was just an obstacle in the way of a job. But I did hurt him, and even before I knew he was your brother, I apologized for that."

Sheogorath

Kethiah kissed Isidor again, and they both got to work. It wasn't until later, while passing by the kitchen and noticing just for a second how big the muscles on Ingmar's arms were as he was chopping vegetables, she thought, Oh, yes, I'm a fine woman for being so accepting of his brother. I remember accepting him in the storeroom in the kitchen in Winterhold.

She left quickly to check to see if there were rooms available for a merchant who had stopped by unexpectedly.

Sheogorath

Mount Kand

A flock of cliff racers exploded into the dusty sky, reacting the the rumbling footfall of the approaching Redoran and Indoril army. They found refuge in the cave of Assu, not to come out until the soldiers, passing on towards Molag Mar, were gone.

They were at least a day's march from Molag Mar, but close enough for intelligence to come to Kratos, telling him of imminent danger.

S'reddit

Vivec

It had taken some days to be accepted into the folds of the Church of the Tribunal, the new faction on the island of Vvardenfell which held tightly to the belief that no member of the Tribunal was dead or even gone from Morrowind, as Goranthir understood Vivec to be. Still, it was simply a matter of being dour, and pious, and spitting on anything that wasn’t Dunmer in origin.

There were bonfires throughout the Redoran, Arena, St. Delyn and St. Olms cantons of Vivec, where books, clothing, furniture, anything that was Imperial or foreign was burned.

Goranthir had talked to many true believers in addition to Helseth’s spies in the city, but the faithful seldom have great insight on themselves. They knew what they had seen: Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec were walking among them.

On the second day in Vvardenfell, Goranthir had a stroke of luck, meeting someone who introduced him to Moonstone, the archcanon of the Church. He was a simple, unremarkable-looking Dunmer of middle age and modest dress with eyes like fire. Goranthir guessed he was mad, but there was little doubt of his charisma.

Moonstone told him that Vivec himself had seen Goranthir (or, Galos, as Goranthir called himself in Vvardenfell) and would visit him soon. Apparently, Vivec was impressed with Goranthir’s faith. Apparently, Vivec was a poor judge of character, Goranthir thought.

He reported what he had heard to Helseth’s spies for dissemination, but he was careful. Goranthir’s job was to find out who the false Tribunal were – and he wanted to make sure that if whoever was pretending to be Vivec actually was going to visit him, he would give him no reason to be suspicious.

He knew Allerleirauh and Tris were watching him, and he hoped they were watching him often. Despite Helseth's spies being present, he felt very much alone in a hostile world.

Sheogorath

Kethiah's only reaction was to leave the immediate vicinity, seemingly on other business. She was a woman who seldom stayed in one place for very long.

At the door, she met Kallen. The castellian was out of breath, and less composed than usual.

"Is the Lady here?" he asked.

Sheogorath

"My apologies, sera," Kallen said, his face turning calm, but no less concerned. "The Queen Mother has spoken through the Mirror, looking for you on urgent business. Molag Mar is about to be under siege by an overwhelming force, which will decimate them without reinforcements. The Imperial fleet is on its way, but it will arrive to a smoking ruin unless ships are sent that can arrive there before it, and stave off for invasion. She is calling on her allies to send whatever ships and soldiers they can spare."

Sheogorath

Kallen immediately did so.

Sheogorath

Kethiah came downstairs from a meeting with one of her merchant/informants. She looked Isidor in the eyes and said. "Yes, it seems to be true. They're marching on Molag Mar. They'll probably be in the streets of the city in twenty-four hours."

Sheogorath

"The situation's serious," Kethiah said carefully. "Even with reinforcements from Ald Raathim, the Muatramer in Molag Mar will be badly outnumbered ... If you ask what I think, I don't want you involved in something that will be pure suicide if the Imperial fleet is late in arriving."

Sheogorath

"And I don't want you to go," Kethiah said with a hint of a proud smile. "Even though I know you'd help save the town."

"Ingmar?" she replied then with a frown. "I don't know. I presume he'll be here, cooking like we hired him to do."

Sheogorath

There's a battle about to happen in Molag Mar," said Kethiah. "I think I've just talked Isidor out of fighting in it, and I hope I can do the same for you. After all, you've just started working here."

Sheogorath

"This isn't about me," said Kethiah, a little shaken. "The battle is certain suicide if the Imperial fleet doesn't arrive in time. You'd just be holding off the inevitable. Why would you do that? What are you trying to prove?"

Sheogorath

"I always hated that nickname 'Keth,'" Kethiah frowned. "And, yes, a little action often hurts. And again, this isn't about me. I know Isidor would miss you. He just discovered he has a half-brother, and if you get yourself killed ..."

She swallowed. "You're your own man. Do what you will. But don't get killed."

Sheogorath

Kethiah glared at him as he left.

"Some day," she said, taking Isidor's hand. "We're going to have to hire a cook who just cooks."

Sheogorath

"A romantic and impetuous message," Kethiah frowned, adding: "He wanted me to tell Cidala what a brave foolish man he is. Yes, you'll have to punch him in the nose when he returns, if he still has one. Excuse me, darling."

Kethiah went to talk to Cindala. Of course, the message had not been for her, but she wanted to talk to the barmaid anyhow, to tell her that the man she had been flirting with was going to war.

Kethiah was angry. Ingmar had said he would try to make things easier on her, and had lied. What kind of a game was he playing here?

Sheogorath

The fishermen shared the docks with Ald Raathim's small six ship fleet. Half the ships were being deployed out to Molag Mar, and were being hurriedly packed up.

One old fishermen looked out to the red-cast sky, and said. "It's a blood sky, so there's trouble ahead. I guess the only question is for who."

Sheogorath

"You going to war, Isidor?" asked one of the soldiers, a Dunmer named Zoniel who was a regular at the Noggin. "It's gonna be a battle you can tell your grandkids about!"

Sheogorath

"I got a family too, Isidor," Zoniel said, a little disapprovingly but still with a friendly spirit to his favorite innkeeper. "And I hate to think what would happen to them if we lost this war, because I was going to stay home with 'em ... As for it being a suicide mission," the Dunmer grinned. "What great victory wasn't against overwhelming odds?"

Sheogorath

"I told you not to get yourself killed," Kethiah replied quietly. "Actively trying not to get killed beats luck, but I wish you that too. You should hurry. If the winds don't favor the ships, you'll get to Molag Mar too late."

Sheogorath

"You idiot," Kethiah whispered, to herself as much as to Ingmar as he left.

The sails were unfurled and the three ships pushed off to sea. The winds were light, but the fishermen who had already been out in the Inner Sea thought that they picked up offshore. The soldiers prayed it was so.

OOC to players not present -- If you're not online now, and you want to be at the Battle of Molag Mar when it occurs, assume you caught one of the three ships before they departed.

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

The three ships caught wind not far from the coast, and with full sails bounded over the waves eastward toward Molag Mar. The wind was brisk and cold, smelling of spring rain. The skies overhead continued to glow with fiery blood clouds.

The Akarvina, Goranthir's ship, was the fastest warship in the fleet and led the way, but the two other Altmeri-designed vessels, the Cululaire and the Estwe, followed close behind.

The soldiers beat their drums and roared their battle chants in anticipation.

Sheogorath

Vivec

Goranthir's heart was beating hard. He had seen her. And, worse, she had seen him ... and had smiled ...

He started to go to one of Helseth's spies to tell him about it, but -- well, there wasn't anything to say, except that if she wasn't a Goddess, she was something like one. You could feel her power, her magnificence.

Goranthir returned to the temple. But it was empty. The Goddess had left it.

"She'll be back, though," said Moonstone, smiling at the handsome young Dunmer. "She liked you."

Sheogorath

Kethiah had busied herself as usual, and it had taken a while for her to notice that Isidor was back to drinking.

"Hey, killer, I haven't seen you toss back so many drinks in a long time," she said, touching him gently. "What's the matter?"

ooc -- Outta here for about an hour. Post away and we'll see if we're ready for the big battle then ...

Sheogorath

You asked me what I'd like, and are resentful that you listened to me? Kethiah thought, but didn't say.

I have a choice between a drunk man, or a dead one? Kethiah thought, but didn't say.

What she did say was "How drunk are you now? Can I ask you a serious question?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"I think you are just the right amount of drunk for this," Kethiah said with a small smile. "Will you marry me?"

Sheogorath

"Really, you ask me why when I say no, and you ask me why when I say yes," Kethiah laughed, kissing him back. "I think I decided to say yes a while back, while talking to Loranna and Dragon about my illogical reasons for saying no. And then, when I was talking to Ingmar, and I stumbled when I was trying to figure out what to call you -- partner was too cold, boyfriend didn't seem right, and lover seemed a little intimate ... I realized then that I really wanted to call you 'husband.'"

There was more to than that, but that seemed like ample enough explanation.

Kethiah took his hand. "Now, why don't we celebrate upstairs? The barmaids and stewards can take care of the dinner crowd for one night."

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

The red-gray clouds of south Vvardenfell grew ever darker and the winds picked up in intensity. Lightning flashed in the clouds, linked together in chains, but no rain fell.

The mist on the crashing waves of the sea looked like ghosts.

It was a rocky ride, but they were moving fast.

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

The water and the sky were both so dark with clouds, it was hard to get ones bearings, and the tossing the sea didn't help. Only the constant lightning kept things illuminated enough that people could see where they were walking across the rolling deck.

Pockets of red still appeared the clouds. Two smears of red overhead, a curl further down ... In fact, it looked as if it were forming into a face.

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

The face in the clouds is unmistakably that of a man with wild hair and eyes. The Mad One. Sheogorath.

To most, his voice sounded like the whistling of the wind combined with the shriek of a chorus of seabirds, but Loranna heard it quite clearly.

As I look down from my golden path,
Whom do I spy in the bubbling bath?
She’s grown a flower what was but a bud
From the sea to the ashfields of blood
A Goddess behind thee, and a Goddess ahead,
Death crawls behind, and before thee doth tred,
I tell thee the truth of which thou dost fear
Thou willst bury two thou love most dear

As he finishes this, the redness of the clouds fades to black.

There is another lightning flash, and Sheogorath in the flesh, and his natty banker’s suit, is standing next to Loranna. His eyes flash, reflecting the lightning.

Do not fear the dark, for here comes the sun,
And it ‘twill not set ‘til the fight’s lost and won.

With another flash of lightning, the Mad God was gone, and the sun was shining through the clouds.

They could see the southern shore of Vvardenfell ahead, and a dozen ships marked with the flag of the King of Morrowind approaching from the south.

Sheogorath

OOC -- Outta here for a couple hours, but please note a slight edit to the post from the daM doG. Namely that only Loranna heard the actual words of the poem. Everyone else saw the face as well but the voice "sounded like the whistling of the wind combined with the shriek of a chorus of seabirds."

S'reddit

The Coast of Molag Mar

The three ships of Ald Raathim came into harbor, followed an hour later by the ships of the royal navy. As small as the group of reinforcements were, they filled up the little harbor. If more were coming, they would have to set anchor and take their boats in.

In the distance, the heroes could hear what could be low thunder, but it was a storm of a different kind. The Redoran and Indoril armies were fast approaching.

The sun was shining, but the mist cloaked like the land like a shroud.

S'reddit

Vivec

Word was spreading that a battle was brewing in Molag Mar to the east. There were all sorts of rumors -- that the Imperial navy was coming to support one side or the other, that Helseth was in Molag Mar leading the defense, that the Mages Guild was joining forces with the New Temple, even that Ald Raathim was sending some of its vaunted heroes ... To the last, Goranthir tried not to show any reaction.

The Mages Guild rumor had apparently been sufficient to cause supporters of the Church of the Tribunal to line up along the lockways across from the Foreign Quarter (the bridges between the factions had long since been destroyed), and to produce a yelling match, and occasional arrows and fireballs to be lobbed on both sides. It was not an unusual sight in Vivec nowadays, but unsettling.

Sheogorath

Molag Mar

The silver and bronze armor of the Indoril and Redoran armies seemed to glow in the misty dales north of Molag Mar. It was impossible to tell how many of them there were, but even the most optimistic would guess that they outnumbered the people defending the town by at least three to one. Five to one was conceivable.

Spells whipped around the army, additional lights in the mist, intensifying each soldier's strength, speed, endurance, and agility.

Their battle roar was the stuff of nightmares.

Sheogorath

Fifty bronze-colored shapes seemed to rise from the mist, and up into the sun where they were difficult to spot, even as they circled Molag Mar. They were the Indoril parraptons, in light Indoril armor, scouting the defenses of the fortress.

Sheogorath

It was exceedingly difficult for even the finest marksmen to hit the parraptons with the sun in their eyes, and the erratic flight of the giant wasps. The archers had no luck at all, but the fireballs took down several, sending their scorched bodies tumbling towards earth.

One of the eagle-eyed soldiers on the ramparts, looking out to the army in the mist, cried out. "They've got a battering ram!"

Sheogorath

Slashes's flame arrow, and the other fireballs and flame arrows from the defending mages rained down on the siege equipment long before it reached the west wall, blackening it, and then exploding it into cinders.

Before anyone could celebrate, there was a resounding crash. A second battery ram against the east wall. It had not broken through, but huge cracks splintered forth along the wall.

Sheogorath

The walls trembled from the assault, and as the archers and mages neared it, a second wave of parraptons took to the sky from the army. They fired bursts of lightning at the mages and archers, trying to keep them from destroying the second battering ram.

Sheogorath

Slashes's flame arrow, and the other fireballs and flame arrows from the defending mages rained down on the siege equipment long before it reached the west wall, blackening it, and then exploding it into cinders.

Before anyone could celebrate, there was a resounding crash. A second battery ram against the east wall. It had not broken through, but huge cracks splintered forth along the wall.

Sheogorath

The walls trembled from the assault, and as the archers and mages neared it, a second wave of parraptons took to the sky from the army. They fired bursts of lightning at the mages and archers, trying to keep them from destroying the second battering ram.

Sheogorath

The atronach tore into the soldiers, knocking the battering ram aside. With alarming speed, however, it was overcome, and new soldiers came to take over the battering ram. It was a respite from the assault but not a long one.

Sheogorath

The battering ram was indeed rendered useless by the strikes of Ki'arre and the others, but it had already struck a couple times, hard enough to begin to crumble the first outer wall.

The battlemages cast shield spells on themselves, and then concentrated their fire on wall. It shook from the stress.

Sheogorath

The Mages fired their offensive spells through the hole in the wall -- a few of them fizzled due to Loranna's spell, but most of the mages were well-trained enough to cast defensive to prevent that. Afterwards, they stepped back, and let the soldiers armed with warhammers finish clearing the way through the wall. The archers backed the warriors up, firing into the defenders now open wall.

Sheogorath

This noble sentiment was put to the test when, in addition to the arrows being fired into the fortress, the battlemages sent a torrent of Demoralize Humanoid spells flying.

Sheogorath

The attackers screamed in agony as the fire poured over them, dancing in death as they tried to extinguish it.

The defenders had a few moments respite from the attack.

Sheogorath

Update

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is undercover in Vivec, gaining information on the false Tribunal, and currently witnesses a budding riot ...

Kethiah, former assassin, is celebrating in Ald Raathim with her new fiance, Isidor.

Sheogorath

Molag Mar

The army of the Redoran and Indoril roared with praise of their Goddess, Almalexia, leading them to victory in this holy war.

Sheogorath

Vivec

It was a full-scale riot now in the channel separating the Redoran Canton from the Foreign Canton. Mages on both sides were levitating across the causeway, raining fireballs down on one another. The Mages Guild on the Foreign side had the power, but the Redoran mages had the numbers.

Goranthir knew he couldn't join in the battle, but he stayed close. Rumors were flying about the battle at Molag Mar, and once again, he heard that the heroes of Ald Raathim were there, and many had already been killed. He prayed to Nirni it was not so.

Sheogorath

A rider on an Indoril parrapton glided next to her. He said something quickly to her about Vivec, looking worried.

S'reddit

Molag Mar

Though their Goddess had left, the enormous army of Redoran and Indoril still felt her power with them. They continued charging forward towards the defenders, mercilessly.

Sheogorath

"You are going down, Dres scum! You don't have a choice about that!" one Redoran knight laughed, charging at her. Loranna had seen him in battle before, slaying many of her allies. He was powerful warrior. But he paused just for an instant as he began to swing his sword at her. Something behind her, in the sea, was giving him pause. "B'Vek, what -?"

Sheogorath

The knight collapsed, his helm falling off as he did so, and she could see the look of shock on his face.

The Muatramer who were nearby also looked surprised, looking over her shoulder, but they tried not to be too distracted. One of them, however, actually laughed with delight as he skewered his opponent with apparent new vigor and faith.

The cry went up from the sea. "For the Emperor!"

It sounded like a thousand voices.

Sheogorath

Anyone looking east and south into the Inner Sea would see them, hundreds of boats coming onto shore, with the black silhouettes of Imperial warships behind them.

The Imperial knights leapt from their boats, fresh for battle, and joined the fight. New magic burst around them. They were freshly fortified, and their sheer numbers easily matched that of the Redoran and Indoril armies.

Sheogorath

The Redoran and Indoril armies may have been shocked by the sudden appearance of the Imperial fleet, but they were far from ready to retreat. Instantly, orders went around, and parraptons launched into the air.

Lightning flashed from the parrapton's riders into several of the small boats still coming into shore. There was nowhere to run in a small boat from an air assault, and those aboard were slain quickly.

Still, the new blood pushed hard against the tired Redoran and Indoril armies, with the help of the Muatramer and Ald Raathim warriors. They were pushed back for the first time, away from the bridge.

Sheogorath

More boats were getting ashore than not by a lot, and many of the parraptons were struck from the sky, crashing into the sea.

"Sorry we're late," murmurred one of the Imperial captain, hurling a massive fireball into the midst of the Redoran and Indoril armies. "Rather ghastly weather you have around these parts. No offense."

S'reddit

Molag Mar

The citizens of Molag Mar began emerging from hiding, helping heal the wounded, and cleaning up their home. Most of them were old or very young -- the able-bodied had joined in with the battle, and many of them had been killed. Still, the mood was joyful, celebratory.

Half of the Imperial forces began leaving shortly after victory was assured.

"Helseth took Hla Oad," the captain explained. "But he needs us to help hold it."

The rest of the Imperials assisted with healing, and fixing up what had been broken in the town. They had Molag Mar now, but with the walls torn down, it, like Hla Oad, needed to be held.

S'reddit

The Inner Sea

The voyage back to Ald Raathim was considerably calmer than the voyage out. Though, when the people looked towards Vvardenfell, they saw the sky was red from fires burning in Hla Oad.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"I'm glad to see you made it back safe and sound," Kethiah said quietly behind him. He hadn't heard her approach. "Was it as terrible as they say?"

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vivec, investigating the false Tribunal's true identities. He has witnessed the riot in Vivec, which was then put down by Almalexia.

Helseth is returning to Mournhold from his successful invasion of Hla Oad to commence the trial of Falco Redflash.

Kethiah, the ex-assassin and now co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern talking to her former lover and -- it is revealed -- half-brother of her current fiance, Ingmar.

---

"The reports I heard were not exaggerated then, I hoped they were," Kethiah said softly. "Do you want to be alone?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah took a seat at the table. "I've killed many people in my time, but never in battle. I can't imagine what that would be like. It must be like Oblivion come to Nirn. I'm glad you want to talk about it, though," She smiled a little. "You and your brother both have a tendency to drink rather than talk."

Sheogorath

"From the kitchen to the battlefield," Kethiah nodded her head. "I don't think there is any way to get ready for it. It sounds like Almalexia left to put down a riot in Vivec ... thank the Gods for that."

Sheogorath

Mournhold

The three members of the Tribunal to judge Falco Redflash were Hlaluu Llethan Barreth, a distant cousin of the King's representing trade, Deacon Holare Niris, representing the Temple, and, representing the crown, the Queen of Morrowind, Dres Dinara. The Tribune had their chairs in front of the accused. The King sat in his throne behind them, observing the proceedings.

"On the grounds of treason, murder, rape, piracy, extortion, and conspiracy, how does the accused plea?" Queen Dinara asked.

Sheogorath

"When I wasn't training the children of Ald Raathim in self defense, negotiating deals for the tavern and Ald Raathim with merchants, running two taverns, helping Tyradil and Tilitalia with their homework, and running the kitchen because the head chef decided to run off to war," Kethiah replied, looking at her fingernails. "I might have squeezed in a bite."

Sheogorath

"We will consider your motions," Deacon Holare Niris, an old Dunmer by any standards, with a dry voice, replied. "Was your defendant hired on as a privateer by House Redoran?"

Sheogorath

"I think that would count, particularly if it cures you of the ailment of kissing me in full view of my staff," Kethiah shook her head. "I can't let you do that ever again, Ingmar."

Sheogorath

"Would the Advocate assent to the charges changing from treason to espionage and piracy?" the Queen asked.

Behind her, the King frowned.

Sheogorath

"Apology accepted," Kethiah smiled. "I just don't want the staff to think I'm available for kissing, particularly now that I've agreed to marry Isidor."

Sheogorath

"His acts were intended to harm the Crown," Dinara replied seriously. "As a neutral party, as you allege, he is not guilty of treason, but of trying to sabotage a sovereign's will from within. Thus the charge of espionage."

Sheogorath

Hlaluu Berreth frowned a little. "I take it there is evidence that the defendent did not pass information to the House Redoran? Please proceed with your case, Advocate."

Sheogorath

"He's a living casualty of war," Kethiah sighed, taking Isidor's hand. "I don't think anyone really completely survived the Battle of Molag Mar."

Sheogorath

"Our spies kill themselves upon being captured," King Helseth said, still frowning. "How much civility, dignity, and mercy our enemies show to their corpses is not the question today, though there is ample evidence that your client is not a great example of mercy in that regard himself."

"Is the Advocate finished with his case?" the Queen asked.

Sheogorath

"I don't have any doubt Ingmar will find someone soon," Kethiah smiled, kissing Isidor. "Your brother is an unrepentent flirt, and handsome enough to get away with it. I predict we will have to keep our eye out that there is nothing going on in the kitchen except cooking."

Sheogorath

Helseth raised an eyebrow. To suggest that the King of Morrowind cared nothing for his soldiers to his face was dangerous. To do so in a court of law was even more so. An usual tactic for the Advocate, an employee of the King's, to take.

---

"Does the defendent wish to say anything more about his motivation for these acts?" asked Dinara. "According to the reports, he seemed to have done them with great enthusiasm for carnage."

Sheogorath

"Does the Advocate have any witnesses to corroborate that the defendant set prisoners go, and murdered the rest with mercy?" Hlaalu Berreth asked. "I needn't remind you that Imperial and royal law is based on the unassailed Marukhi precept that all are guilty until proven innocent."

http://til.gamingsource.net/dfbooks/b025_legalbasic.shtml

Sheogorath

"The throne of Morrowind shares your sadness for your loss," the King said. "But unless you refrain from additional outbursts, you will be escorted from the proceedings."

Sheogorath

"The defendant will remember the rules of the court and not address those who disrupt the proceedings," said Hlaluu Barreth. "And the Advocate will remember that we will direct the guards, not he. If the woman will restrain herself from further outbursts, she may stay. As for the motion for the witness, it is granted. Please proceed."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled. "I'd prefer that, I think ... And the sooner, the better."

Sheogorath

Deacon Holare Niris asked the questions for the Tribunal.

"How long have you been in the employ of the defendant?"

"How did he come to be the captain of the ship, if you know?"

"Did the Defendant ever explain why he took the position as privateer for the House Redoran?"

"Have you yourself already been sentenced for piracy, conspiracy, extortion, and murder by a lower court?"

Sheogorath

"Loranna's right here," Kethiah laughed, pointing the Lady sitting with the others. "She can marry us whenever she wants. Of course, it might be nice to have a bit of a party for it. Might take a couple days to make sure everyone's here we want to be."

Sheogorath

The Deacon nodded, and then asked, more casually. "Did he seem to enjoy his job?"

Sheogorath

"I don't have any friends who weren't your friends first," Kethiah replied. "Just associates. If your friends can come, that would be wonderful."

Sheogorath

"Necessary in order to earn his living, then?" the Deacon asked, curiously. "Was he in trouble financially? How was the crew paid? By booty taken from the boats?"

Sheogorath

"But you say he found it unpleasant," the Deacon continued. "How did he express this? Was it merely the unpleasantness of the hard work of killing people and chopping up their corpses? Did he ever seem hesistant about doing his job, and having you do it as well?"

Sheogorath

"I see," said the Deacon, turning to the Advocate. "No further questions for this witness. Do you intend to put the defendant on the stand?"

Sheogorath

"We can continue the trial tomorrow," said Queen Dinara, nodding her head. "But we will not schedule its conclusion. The court is recessed until tomorrow morning."

Sheogorath

"Thank you," Kethiah smiled, taking Isidor's hand. "If you and all of our friends would be present for the ceremony, despite all the business of war, that would be gift enough."

Sheogorath

"Vas," Kethiah shook her head. "That seems like another lifetime ago. But, you know, the next time someone is looking for a quest, you could send them into wartorn northern Vvardenfell, into the Dwemer ruins below my old cottage, and have them retrieve a couple of my old weapons. I'd certainly pay them for it."

Sheogorath

"Like I said, your presence will be more than gift enough," Kethiah replied. "The weapons are all in a chest, which an adventurer shouldn't open unless he's particularly skilled in lockpicking or has an unlock spell of great power ... I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't a few corpses around the chest if anyone already tried to raid that ruin."

She stood up to get Tsei a drink, as the barmaids seemed to be particularly busy right now.

Sheogorath

"There's really no hurry on it," Kethiah said quickly. "And it's not going to be easy. Northern Vvardenfell may not be the center of hostilities, but Redoran and Indoril still control what isn't Ashlander territory ... And there's the storm off Sheogorad that doesn't seem to be dissipating ... And once you get to the dungeon, it's filled with Dwemer automatons ..."

"Point being, my weapons have been down there for over six months now, and I haven't needed them. It'd just be nice to have them back at some point ..."

Sheogorath

"It is a strange storm, that's why I mentioned it," Kethiah nodded. "It sprung up shortly before the King's attempt to invade northern Vvardenfell. The people there say that the Dam Dog has chosen sides ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah rose early every morning for her exercises, and to make sure the staff was properly cleaning up the tavern from the night before. The soldiers who had fought in Molag Mar had a very enthusiastic night of celebrating in the Noggin, but she made sure that there was no evidence of it.

Ingmar would find her there, directing the clean up.

Sheogorath

Kethiah took him aside, and said softly. "I'm sorry, Ingmar, I really am. What will you do?"

Sheogorath

Mournhold

The trial of Falco Redflash began early the next morning, as before, with the three members of the judicial Tribune (Hlaluu Llethan Barreth, Deacon Holare Niris, and Queen Dinara) present. The King was also present, glowering.

“I believe the Advocate was about to call the Defendant to the stand?” said Queen Dinara. “Unless there were other witnesses?”

Sheogorath

"I hope you do return," Kethiah smiled sadly. "When are you leaving? Will you tell Isidor?"

Sheogorath

"Now you have me stuck between being sorry to see you go," Kethiah replied, with a hint of a frown, not a smile. "And being angry that I'm the one who had to explain to Isidor why his recently discovered half-brother decided to suddenly leave."

Sheogorath

"What was your occupation before becoming a 'privateer'?" asked Deacon Horace Niris. "And what prompted your decision to begin this career?"

Sheogorath

"We will discuss what you believe to be right in a moment," said the Queen. "Under what circumstances did you leave Dres Loranna's employ?"

Sheogorath

"You do what you think you must," Kethiah shook her head. "Just try to imagine his reaction if you were him."

She took Ingmar's hand and held it to her lips. "I should go. Take care of yourself."

Kethiah walked away quickly.

Sheogorath

"In fact, you were forgiven multiple times and continued to steal from the person who entrusted you to preserve her security. So, though you say you embarked on the new career as a privateer because you believed it was the right thing to do, your sense of right and wrong is questionable, even to yourself," said the Queen. "You would not deny that your privateering served a political purpose? It was more to you than just a job?"

Sheogorath

"I see," the Queen nodded. "And did House Redoran tell you precisely what to do, how, and when, or were your orders more general?"

Sheogorath

"I have a question," Hlaluu Llethan Barreth said with a frown. "Your Advocate and your crewmate state that any who asked for mercy were given it during your raids, is that true? Was that always true?"

Sheogorath

"Just wanted to hear that from your own lips," Barreth nodded. "Why was that? Part of your 'moral compass'? Wouldn't it have been easier just to slay them since they were putting up no defense? Perhaps throw them a sword while they were half-awake so you could kill them with impunity?"

Sheogorath

"Well, then that was noble of you," Barreth nodded. "Turning to other matters, who is, or was T'Zar?"

Sheogorath

"And what was her last assignment?" Barreth asked, his eyes steady on the Defendant.

Sheogorath

"The questions, rhetorical or not, go but one way, Mr. Redflash," Barreth smiled. "This innocent gathering of public news did end with the destruction of the notes gathered, and the murder of T'Zar, did it not?"

Sheogorath

"You had her deliver a note to Loranna Dres saying you intended to murder her, did you not?" the Deacon asked. "Clearly your act of 'self defense' was premeditated while she was in Ald Raathim and you were in Skyrim. Now, moving on to other matters. What was the purpose of what you did with your victims' bodies after slaying them?"

Sheogorath

"Simple extortion," the Queen agreed. "We have no further questions for the Defendant. Does the Advocate have more he would like to present on this case?"

Sheogorath

"The King is the Emperor's official representative in Morrowind, and as such this is an Imperial trial," said Helseth calmly. "Anything else?"

Sheogorath

"Very well," said the Queen. "Captain Ignatius, will you please take the stand?"

Sheogorath

"Will you describe to us the circumstances in which you met the Defendant?" asked the Deacon mildly.

Sheogorath

"Did the Defendant explain why you were being spared?" asked the Queen.

Sheogorath

"Thank you," said the Deacon, turning to the Advocate for the Defendant. "Do you have any questions for this witness?"

Sheogorath

"Quite a few people have asked for a moment of the court's time," said Berrath. "Too many, in fact, for us to give them all the time they deserve. I would ask that each of these family members of alleged victims of the Defendant confine their comments to one minute or less."

So began a horrible parade, more horrible because the individuality of the persons slaughtered by the Butcher was made evident by the individuality of the speakers. Most were tearful described their lost loved ones, some to the point of incoherence. Others were angry, screaming at the defendent, calling him all sorts of names -- a few of these had to be dragged away from court by the guards. A few were calm, having come to peace with their loved one's death, but wishing to have their voice heard by the murderer. There were even a few who asked their King to be forgiving, hoping not to add blood to blood.

It took the better part of two hours for all to be heard who wished to be heard in the matter, and there was hardly a dry eye in the court.

"Is there anything more than needs to be said before the Tribune adjourns to reach its decision?" asks the King, looking to the Advocate and Falco.

Sheogorath

"This court is adjourned until the Tribunal have reached their decision," said the King, and the room began to disperse as the prisoner was led away. The Advocate, however, had approached the Tribunal in a whispered conversation ...

Sheogorath

The Tribunal considered it, and after a few concessions to security -- making certain the visitor would be searched and the meeting would be monitored -- they agreed.

Sheogorath

Summary

We have not heard from Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, in some time. He is still undercover in Vvardenfell, trying to discover the true identity of Almalexia and the rest of the false Tribunal.

Kethiah is in the Nymph and Noggin, getting the kids out the door to school. She has recently agreed to marry Isidor, and accepted the resignation of his half-brother, her ex-lover, Ingmar, from his position as head chef at the Nymph and Noggin.

Helseth and Dinara, King and Queen of Morrowind, are in Mournhold, having completed the trial of Falco Redflash. Dinara, as part of the Tribunal, is meeting with the other two members, deciding Falco's fate. Helseth has gone on to other administrative duties for the time being, to return when the verdict is ready.

Sheogorath

The courtroom was still, though it was filled to capacity.

The Tribunal handed their verdict to the King, who read it once, and then again to the crowd, his eyes on Falco.

"It is the opinion of this Tribunal, having examined the evidence, that the Defendant, Falco Redflash, is innocent of the crimes of treason and rape, and guilty of the crimes of espionage, murder, extortion, conspiracy, and piracy. It is the opinion of the court that the Defendant remains a danger if allowed to live, and having consulted the Book of Veloth for appropriate punishment, we have decreed that he is to be drawn and quartered.

The Defendant is to be dragged on a hurdle from this place to the Plaza Brindisi Dorom, where is to be hanged by the neck but removed before death. Thence, he to be disembowelled, and the genitalia and entrails burned before his eyes; his heart shall be the last to be removed and will be shown to the condemned before the entrails are burned. He is then to be beheaded and the body divided into four parts. These parts are to be put on boats and sailed to Gnisis, Vivec, Sadrith Mora, and Dagon Fel as a warning to all privateers in the employ of House Redoran that such activities against the King and people of Morrowind are not legal nor to be tolerated.

By the Lady, Lord, and Wizard, it shall be so. This matter is closed."

The King folded the verdict in half. He did not smile.

The crowd roared its approval, and word spread fast. Thousands gathered along the streets to witness Falco being dragged through the city streets to the plaza and his death, to hurl stones and insults at the Butcher of the Bay.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah heard about the verdict shortly after it was reached. She let Isidor, Loranna, and all other interested parties know that Falco Redflash, former companion of the heroes of Ald Raathim, and former Butcher of the Bay, had been executed.

She did not go into details unless the person asked. No reason for that.

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded to Nalion, and rubbed Isidor's shoulders once, affectionately, before going on her duties. She didn't know if Isidor was thinking now that it would have been more humane to kill Falco in Hla Oad ... but he would be thinking it soon ... And she knew her love enough to know he would feel guilty for it.

Sheogorath

"An old neighbor of mine was on one of the boats the Red Falcon visited," said a merchant at a nearby table quietly. "His mother won't be provided for anymore, and she got to hear how her only son was mocked and descecrated after death. I doubt very much the pain the Butcher felt compares to the pain that one victim's mother will feel for the end of her days."

Sheogorath

"A knife and a heart," Kethiah shook her head. "It's beautiful. Have you figured out what you're going to do yet?"

Sheogorath

"That's not fair, Ingmar, you told me that you were uncomfortable and that's why you're leaving the position here," Kethiah said, her eyes more sad than angry. "None of this is up to me. It's up to you."

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded. "No, it's not easier on me, but ... You should talk to Isidor before you make your plans."

She balanced the dagger on her fingertip. "And thank you for this. I'll treasure it."

Sheogorath

"The restructuring of the trade routes is more directly responsible, Kena Sarath," said Kethiah, stepping past, having just greeted one of the regular merchant traders. "Ald Raathim hasn't had slaves for many years now, but it has only grown comparatively recently."

Sheogorath

Kethiah held out her hand. "Kethiah. Co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin and Sera Dres Loranna's excise and trade negotiator. That's why I'm perhaps biased in my reasoning for Ald Raathim's prosperity. The trade routes were reorganized to favor our ports by order of the King of Morrowind as part of our alliance with him and his mother over six months ago."

Sheogorath

"Thank you, Kena, but the alliance is causing some to worry that we've made a deal with a devil lately," Kethiah nodded. "In fact, I should probably make an announcement about Falco Redflash's execution on the bulletin board ..."

As she wrote up an announcement about the execution of the Butcher of the Bay for the bulletin board, she continued talking. "We try to keep the board in front of the tavern updated with the latest information about the war and other events. People have gotten used to getting their news here. You will be teaching at the school, I understand?"

Sheogorath

"No one has any sympathy for the Butcher of the Bay outside of a few people here," Kethiah replied. "I think the King sought to make an example of a man who killed and mutiliated his victims, and the Redoran would be hard-pressed to make him into a martyr out of someone most viewed as a monster."

She went to put up the notice. "Good luck with the school. I take it you need a room until you've found a more permanent place to stay?"

Sheogorath

"Every one of the merchants I've met with so far think that Falco deserved even worse, and they're grateful to the King for giving a clear message to any who might follow in his path," Kethiah shrugged. "But, yes, to go onto a more pleasant subject, we do have several rooms available. Less expensive accomedations at the Noggin, which is our more boisterous part of the tavern, which are small but clean, to mid-sized rooms here in the Nymph side of the tavern, which are larger and more quiet, to larger suites we usually reserve for VIPs passing through Ald Raathim, which are quite expensive."

Sheogorath

"It's not a question of avenging, my lord, it's a question of discouraging others from following in that path, by showing them what awaits them," Kethiah replied, taking the requisite amount of gold for two nights stay from the bag. "Thank you, Kena. Whenever you're ready to go to your room, any of the staff will be happy to show you."

Kethiah smiled, and went out to hang the notice outside.

Sheogorath

Kethiah stepped downstairs from one of the private meeting rooms where she had been with one of her merchants contacts, and smiled at Isidor.

S'reddit

Kethiah nodded back quietly. "You know everything I do. There are no secrets. I told him we were getting married, and he said he couldn't stay here because he loved me ... I'm sorry. I didn't ask him to leave. I wouldn't want you to lose your half-brother you just recently discovered, but he won't stay."

Sheogorath

In Vvardenfell, four boats came into port, bearing with them a bloody chunk of the Argonian once known as Falco. With them was a note from the King. "Enclosed is the last shipment of meat from the Butcher of the Bay. All Butchers hired by the once-noble Houses of Redoran and Indoril to carve the people of Morrowind will be likewise seasoned and cut."

Ald Raathim

At the same time, a ship bearing the flag of the royal house of Morrowind was sighted coming into the bay of Ald Raathim.

Sheogorath

The ship came into harbor, and a small group of diplomats disembarked. The rest of the crew went into the Nymph and Noggin to wait while the diplomats made their way up to the castle to seek an audience with Lady Dres Loranna.

Sheogorath

Slashes recognized a couple of the men from the Battle of Molag Mar, and saw by their brief but friendly smiles that they too recognized him, as they went into the Nymph and Noggin.

Sheogorath

Commander Mynosah Vril, a short but sturdy female Dunmer, with two missing fingers on her left hand from the Battle of Molag Mar, slapped Slashes on the back as he entered.

"I saw you there," she chuckled. "So this is Ald Raathim. Funny, I pictured it much smaller ... Let me buy you a drink, mate."

Sheogorath

"It ain't the only little village to turn into a town overnight," Commander Mynosah nodded, ordering a flin for Slashes and a mazte for herself. "Whatever was big is small, whatever was small is big. How're the others from the battle? Everyone all right?"

Sheogorath

"About the same, I got a half a regiment still in Molag Mar I'm bringing soldiers over to replenish once we're finished with this," Commander Mynosah sighed. "And then I gotta bring in a group in to help reinforce things in Hla Oad, so we can be in a good position when they want to take Vivec and Ebonheart. Whenever that is."

Sheogorath

"That confederacy of lunatics is lending its assistance by staying out of our way," Commander Mynosah chuckled.

Sheogorath

Sera Dres Nimrirgael Zael greeted Loranna with a smile. He was a handsome, middle-aged Dunmer noble of a slightly saturnine aspect, so the smile was more a part of a ritual of greeting than a felt emotion. Loranna had seen him at the wedding of Helseth and Dinara, though they had not talked before.

"Greetings, Housesister," he said. "The journey was dismal. I can't abide boat travel, but I wasn't slaughtered, so I suppose it was safe enough ... And you? How are you getting on up here?"

Ald Raathim was considered to be "up" by most Dres, whose lands were further south.

Sheogorath

"The half of them the Indoril haven't taken?" Nimrirgael shook his head. "Not enough rain this season for a good planting. Only good news is that there's no rain on their side of it either ... So, enough pleasant talk. How much time would it take you to pack up and come to Mournhold?"

Sheogorath

"The King, Queen, and Queen-Mother have requested your presence. Just you and a couple of your most trusted advisors," the Dres noble replied. "Top secret stuff. Probably just be there for a day or two. Maybe a week."

Sheogorath

"Tomorrow's fine," Dres Nimrirgael Zael nodded. "I should probably get cleaned up myself. After a day at sea, all I can smell is fish."

Sheogorath

Kallen led the guests away, and brought in Kethiah, who had been waiting by the door.

"Sorry," she said, stepping in. "I only just got word about the diplomats Helseth was sending around to a number of his allies. It sounds like its going to be a big summit of some kind in Mournhold."

Sheogorath

"I don't know what it's about, but the concentration seems to be on House Dres," Kethiah replied thoughtfully. "I don't know if that's because, as the Queen's house, it is Helseth's best ally, or there is some southern military strategy being planned. I know Queen Dinara has been trying to get that happening for some time, ever since her brother was made prisoner."

Sheogorath

"I'm sure that's in the plans too, but maybe not the subject of this meeting ..." Kethiah looked at Loranna. "What's on your mind, my lady?"

Sheogorath

"Mournhold," Kethiah grimaced. "Best not, my lady. I have too much of a past there. It would be bad for both of us if I went back ..."

S'reddit

The Castle of Daruhn, Ald Raathim

Floating out from Razbiah and Thianas's kitchen was an enticing blend of smells, roasted meat, coupled with cloves, saffron, pepper, ginger, sage, and rosemary. The feast for the diplomats from the royal court was to happen shortly.

Sheogorath

The Castle of Daruhn, Ald Raathim

After making certain the new guests were comfortable, Kallen went to the Drunken Guar, where a renowned bard, an Imperial named Mnastius, was staying. He agreed to perform his ballad of Topal the Pilot for the banquet's entertainment.

Sheogorath

Kethiah left the castle after meeting with Loranna, and as the misty spring breeze ruffled her cloak and brushed her shoulder-length hair away from her violet-colored eye, he came across Isidor on the docks.

"How are you doing, killer?" she asked.

Sheogorath

"Absolutely, let's go get changed into something appropriate," Kethiah smiled, taking Isidor's hand and leading him to their rooms in the tavern. "Loranna also wanted me to go with her to Mournhold tomorrow, but I said that I couldn't."

Sheogorath

"The King is having a summit of some of his allies, that's what the diplomats are here for," Kethiah replied, slipping into a long wine-dark gown. "They haven't said what the meeting is about, only that Loranna should bring her most trusted advisors ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah laughed, kissing him. "If you want to go, we really need to get you some nicer clothes."

Sheogorath

"Forget what I said," Kethiah grinned. "Don't be a court dandy. I love the way you look now."

Sheogorath

"Thank you," Kethiah smiled. "From the look in your eyes, I believe you. Shall we go to the banquet?"

She took his arm.

Sheogorath

Summary

Dres Nimrirgael Zael, ambassador from King Helseth's court, is finishing cleaning and dressing at the castle of Daruhn, getting ready for the banquet. Not the most gregarious of people, he is waiting for Loranna to put together her group of advisors for a meeting with the King in Mournhold.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and (secretly) Loranna's Spymaster, is on her way to the banquet.

Gorathir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfell, investigating the false Tribunal.

Sheogorath

The Dining Hall

As it was a smaller banquet than the one for Barenziah, Kallen elected to serve it in the castle dining hall. The table was set up like a T, with Loranna and Dres Nimrirgael Zael near the intersection, so that everyone was pretty close together.

At the center of the table was a stone circle with a low white magickal flame. It was slowly cooking Thianas's cake, which over the course of the meal, was to rise to an etherial cloud-like consistency as the diners watched.

Sheogorath

Dres Nimrirgael Zael looked less green than he had been after his voyage, and he introduced himself to each of the guests as they arrived, smiling as if he were enjoying himself. He seemed particularly to enjoy meeting the attractive women of Loranna's acquaintanceship, and lavished praise on the Lady of Ald Raathim's own dress and appearance.

"I was here once, long ago," he said. "During the time of Lord Raithmat. I think he would approve of the way you've improved his old place."

Sheogorath

"That's Minsero's slave's work, isn't it?" Zael smiled. The cake had only just begun to rise, but it burbled and set off delicious smells as it did so. He looked at the Argonians and Khajiiti coming in and, while still smiling, said under his breath. "Yes, Raithmat wouldn't recognize this place at all ..."

Sheogorath

"B'Vek," laughed Zael, looking from Reil to Loranna. "Now there's a diplomatic greeting for you."

Sheogorath

Zael nods as the roast fowl and slaughterfish are brought out. The fowl is crusted with layer after layer of finely shredded herbs, arranged like feathers across it, and the slaughterfish is similarly set but with fine slices of bulb herbs, so it seems to still have its silvery scales. The smell is rich and savory.

Despite the seeming exuberance of spices in the two dishes, Razbiah has not gone entirely over to her husband's will. The food, while delicious, is not over spiced. Browning the herbs before setting them makes the smell stronger but the spice milder.

Sheogorath

As Zael had moved on to the feast, it would.

Sheogorath

"An eclectic company and a fine meal," Zael said. "And I appreciate you not giving me anything too heavy after that voyage. Not every host would be so considerate. Tell me, will you use your own vessel to go to Mournhold, or would you be coming with me?"

Sheogorath

"I don't know exactly what it is," Zael frowned, also speaking in hushed tones. "But it was suggested I bring an economic advisor and strategist ... I'm afraid the King wants to raise taxes ... But then I was also told to bring the chief of my guards ... So, your guess is as good as mine. Bring whoever you can trust, who's smart."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled at Isidor, and squeezed his hand. She didn't mind. In fact, she was glad he volunteered. Not fighting in the Battle of Molag Mar she knew was disappointing to him, and she didn't want him to resent her for holding him back.

S'reddit

The dessert was the perfect ending to the meal. It was sweet and warm, but light. Zael again expressed his gratitude to the hostess for not serving a heavy, cloying dessert after the meal, in deference to his sensitive stomach.

With a smile, he bade goodnight to the other guests.

"I rise early to go back to Mournhold," he said. "You can either come with me, or I'll meet you there very soon."

S'reddit

"I hope it's a bloody bore," Zael replied, with a laugh. "The interesting ones are always trouble. Goodnight."

With a bow to the lady, the Dres noble retired for the evening.

S'reddit

"It can be a nest of vipers," said Kethiah. "Be careful. That goes for everyone. And don't forget, whatever your feelings for Helseth, he stands on ceremony. Challenge him at your own peril."

S'reddit

"I know this probably goes without saying," Kethiah smiled a little. "But you won't tell him that you think he did the wrong thing to Falco, will you?"

S'reddit

"Just make sure everyone knows to be on their best behavior," Kethiah replied. "And that includes no whipering in his presence, which I know some people are fond of doing. Not only is it rude, but it is dangerous to do that in front of a King who is, depending on your perspective, paranoid or justifiably careful ... As for what the meeting is about, best be prepared for anything."

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

Very early the next morning, while the sun was just beginning to rise over the sea, the royal barges were readied for the voyage to Mournhold.

Dres Zael rose as early as he could, which wasn't too early, and began to make his way from the castle to the docks. It would be a long trip to Mournhold, and it was best to get an early start of it.

S'reddit

Kethiah, Kallen, and a number of other regular castle folk were on the docks to see them off.

"I'll check in with you regularly with the mirror," said Kallen. "Be careful."

The ship's sails were raised.

OOC: If you're planning on being on this ship, but you're not online, we'll assume you make it before it takes off.

S'reddit

Dres Nimrirgael Zael shivered and held his stomach as the ship lurched over the waves. It was actually a mild sea, but the noble was turning green over his ashen skin nevertheless.

"Have you ever thought about silt strider service to Mournhold?" he gasped to Loranna. "Just a thought ..."

S'reddit

Mournhold

The gray lady was bathed in the lights of dawn. It had taken a full day to go from Ald Raathim to Mournhold, and the new day was just beginning.

On the docks, it was much like Ald Raathim on a grand scale. Instead of a few dozen fishermen readying themselves for the day, it was a few hundred. Instead of one large tavern off the docks, there were ten.

A group of figures were standing at the wharf as the ships arrived. Their gray cloaks of House Dres were immediately apparent. Then Loranna recognized Dres Minsero, looking much older and more tired than she had remembered him, though admittedly it was early for anyone to be awake.

He raised a hand in greeting as the ship came into port.

S'reddit

Minsero's red eyes opened at the sight of all the others Loranna had brought with her. "Did you bring the entire population of Ald Raathim? B'Vek, Dres Loranna ... It is good to see you too. I am sorry I haven't seen you in Kragenmoor, well, except recently. Your house there is, I think, occupied by the Indoril."

S'reddit

"I would presume so," Minsero nodded gruffly. "Certainly, none of mine survived. Well, let us go up to the palace and get you settled."

The wide but dark streets of the city were beginning to fill with merchants and traders as the group made their way to the palace of Mournhold.

S'reddit

The dark facade of Castle Mournhold is made less oppressive by the sight of Dres Vendama, now Queen Dinara, and her guards stepping out of the gates. She runs to embrace Loranna.

"I heard you were coming today, but I didn't think it would be so early," she laughs, her hands in her hair which is indeed a tangle, though she looks as beautiful as ever. "It will have to be an informal greeting to court, I'm afraid. Helseth is up, of course, and up to something or another. Come, let me show you your rooms."

S'reddit

"Just be sure to tell my husband and mother-in-law that I was perfectly coiffed and regal when I met you," Dinara giggled, taking Loranna's hand, and leading the group into the castle.

The enormous hallways lead through salons and gathering rooms, map rooms and halls of artwork -- statues and tapestries depicting the history of the Dunmer from the exodus of Veloth to the rise of the Empire. Servants and soldiers went about their business, dropping to bows and curtesies at the sight of their Queen.

Dinara led the group to the north wing, where each person had his or her own room. They were huge, beautifully decorated rooms with the most comfortable beds anyone had been on, and wide balconies with views over the Inner Sea.

"I hope these will suit you," the Queen smiled.

S'reddit

"It's already begun," Dinara replied. "There were meetings all yesterday, but there are plenty of people who will be arriving today, and quite a few still tomorrow. I imagine the King will tell you when your presence is needed."

She motioned to some servants down the hall to come closer. "In the meantime, if you need anything, these fine ladies will take care of you. There's a dining room in this wing if you want your privacy, or there's the main dining room we passed on the way through. I know this is all business, but you should have some comfort as well. Anything you want."

"And Shaka," Dinara added. "I barely recognized you. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

S'reddit

"B'Vek, that would be refreshing," Dinara laughed. "What's on your mind? Or should we go somewhere more private to talk?"

S'reddit

"That's why I didn't recognize you at first," Dinara smiled. "You look ... well, there's an extra sparkle to your scales. You look happy. I'm glad."

S'reddit

"Of course," the Queen nodded, turning to the others. "Please, go to the dining rooms if you're hungry. Our cooks aren't as grand as you have in Ald Raathim, but they try awfully hard, and it would make them so happy if you pretended to like their food --"

OOC -- The food in Castle Mournhold is excellent.

"And if you're bored and need to work off some post-travel energy, there are trainers down in the courtyards."

OOC -- The trainers are excellent, and one fighter, a handsome, middle-aged Imperial is a great sparrer.

"Now, go on with the gossip," Dinara grinned to Loranna.

S'reddit

And so they do. Within reason for the Queen of Morrowind and her vassel, the Lady of Ald Raathim.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

Tienius Delitian, the King's chief of security, and his men arrived to tell Loranna that her presence was requested. He looked at her entourage, and one could almost hear his mind working as he looked at everyone with a friendly but appraising eye.

Sheogorath

Loranna and her companions were brought to the map room they had passed earlier -- a two-level room featuring a large map of Morrowind on the wall in beautiful mosaics.

The King, his advisors, and a group of about twenty other nobles were present. The meeting seemed to be informal: almost more of a party than a meeting, which everyone split into small groups, chatting.

Tienius brought Loranna to the King directly.

"Your Highness, the Lady of Ald Raathim, Dres Loranna Pyrel," the Imperial said.

"Good to see you again," said Helseth mildly, turning from the conversation he had been having. He didn't offer a smile, but neither did he frown.

Sheogorath

"Tolerably well," the King nodded. "I appreciate you making haste to join me. There are many things that need to be discussed ... How is it in Ald Raathim right now? Your planting season proceeding without trouble? Any trouble after that business with the lost regiment?"

S'reddit

"Only as usual?" Helseth frowned a little. "I understood your economy was flourishing with all the new trade."

Sheogorath

"Excellent," Helseth smiled, and it seemed genuine. His voice lowered slightly as he added. "Do not be modest about Ald Raathim's success. It does neither of us a favor among this group to imply anything but an economic boom. And you might underplay the gold my mother gave you, and the changing of the trade routes when describing it ..." In his normal voice, he added. "We will need to erect a fortress for the royal and Imperial armies near you, but we can discuss the proper location later."

Sheogorath

"You've probably already heard about the tax increase," Helseth said. "It will be temporary though. Six months to a year, unless the war drags on much longer. Sorry about it, but it's the cost of security."

Sheogorath

"My agents say contact has been made between your agent and Moonstone, but I haven't received any reports yet. I believe they were leaving Vivec, and heading for Ghostgate for some ritual or another," Helseth frowned. "Troubling. I will look into it tonight, and let you know anything I find out."

The King's security minister signaled him to bring another newly arrived noble over.

"Any other concerns?" the King asked Loranna. "Problems you've been having that I should be made aware of?"

Sheogorath

"That is -- cheerful news," Helseth replied, with a half-smile, somewhat distracted as he looked at Shaka. His eyes showed recognition. "Excuse me. We'll begin a formal meeting in the throne room in a few minutes. I just have someone I need to talk to."

Looking to Shaka once more, Helseth moved on to talk to the Telvanni sorceror who was being escorted to him.

Sheogorath

She did not have to wait long. In a few minutes, Tienius Delitian walked across the floor at his touch the mosaic of Morrowind rose up. On the other side was the cavernous throne room. Comfortable chairs and desks had been placed in a circle around the throne, with the flags of fifteen different territories.

"Please take your seats," the security minister said to the group.

Ald Raathim's flag was just right of center, in front of the throne.

Sheogorath

The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold

"Please close and bar the doors," Helseth said to his guards as he took his seat on his throne, prompting an uncomfortable murmur from those assembled.

OOC -- If you're not online and want to say you're present at this meeting, that's fine, but no one will be permitted into the throne room once the doors are closed.

"This is not a meeting of all my allies," Helseth began. "Only those most important for various reasons at this juncture. As you know, I am not a slave of tradition. I respect it when it has a purpose beyond itself. When I saw that the struggle of the Houses was hurting the overall integrity of the kingdom, I sought to change that. There is another tradition of Morrowind which perhaps served its purpose in the past, but is now doing more harm than good. It is right, strategically and morally, to discuss it now. So there is no doubt: I am not interested in a debate. My mind is made up on this matter. It is only up to discussion how to best proceed forward."

The crowd looked to one another, trying to understand what the King was talking about.

"The topic for discussion is how we shall implement the abolition of slavery in Morrowind," Helseth said, looking to his allies, with fierce, purposeful eyes.

Sheogorath

The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold

"Your Majesty," a tall, aristocratic elderly Dres noblewoman stood up, trembling with emotion. "Please reconsider. Our lands have already been torn asunder by this war. To crush now what is our economic system will annihiliate us."

"It would if you were not forewarned," Helseth acknowledged. "There is no better time to do it than now. You will need to rebuild yourself anyhow. And the Indoril who are holding your land, and using your slaves will be the ones faced with a sudden rebellion on their hands, while you, who have been forewarned, will prepare for such an eventuality."

There were still many murmurs in the audience. Hardly anyone seemed happy by this.

"I direct your attention to the example of Ald Raathim," the King said, gesturing towards Loranna and her group. "In the days of Raithmat, it was a backwoods region no one had ever heard of. Now that slavery has been abolished, it has steadily grown in significance, becoming one of the glittering jewels in the kingdom."

Sheogorath

The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold

"Death to the tyrant!" cried one of the old knights of House Dres, whose region's flag was next to that of Dres Minsero.

The knight launched a fireball at the King before anyone could react.

The fireball shimmered as it touched Helseth, and then was redirected, back to the knight. The old Dunmer screamed as the blast swept over him.

Helseth didn't have to call for his guards. They were on the assassin in no time.

"We will continue this meeting later today," said the King, frowning. "No one will be permitted to leave the castle until this matter has been resolved."

With that, the doors were opened.

Sheogorath

Summary

Helseth, King of Morrowind, has just revealed to a group of fifteen of his allies his interest in abolishing slavery in Morrowind. He pointed to Ald Raathim as an example of a community that has thrived since outlawing slavery. Then he survived an attack on his by an assassin, furious at this plan.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfell, trying to find the identity of the false Tribunal. As Helseth revealed to Loranna, he has left Vivec and is heading, with Moonstone, to the Ghostgate.

Kethiah is in Ald Raathim, at the Nymph and Noggin. She's going to cut Ingmar off pretty soon.

Sheogorath

Kethiah wouldn't have minded it if he were doing it at the Noggin, but she knew how to handle drunkeness at the Nymph.

"Ingmar," she scowled, grabbing his arms behind him, she pulled him off his stool and tossed him into the street. "Go get a room at the Drunken Guar or the Bloody Sandal. Don't come back here until you're sober."

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold, North Wing

Three of the nobles they had seen in the throne room, two middle-aged Dunmer of House Dres and one young Dunmer female of House Hlaluu, approached. They seemed shaken.

"Greetings to you," they bowed.

Sheogorath

Kethiah sighed. "I'm sorry, your uncle had too much to drink and was causing a scene."

Sheogorath

"Of course," Kethiah smiled. "A friend from school?"

She knew most of the kids from the self-defense classes she had been teaching.

Sheogorath

"Oh," Kethiah looked at Tilitalia. "What's his name?"

Sheogorath

"Wonderful," Kethiah grinned, narrowing her eyes a little. "And how old is he?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah took Tilitalia's hand. Delicate situation, she told herself. Obviously Tilitalia liked him -- but how much did he like her? She seemed so young for this, but in truth, Kethiah had only been a little bit older when she had been with a boy. Tilitalia was already embarrassed, and so Kethiah was gentle.

"We'd love to meet him," she smiled. "You've been spending a lot of time with him?"

Sheogorath

"Is he fighting again soon?" Kethiah asked. "I'd like to go watch him."

Sheogorath

The Dunmer introduced themselves as Lord Fedavos, Lord Relam, and Lady Mirille.

"I am sure you will tell all how you freed the slaves and avoided massacre," the female, who was small and pretty in a serious sort of way. "But we are still nervous about it. My father was killed by a slave revolt a year and a half ago."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I haven't been to an arena fight in a long time," Kethiah smiled. "Let me just tell the barmaids and stewards to hold things together while we're gone, and we'll go together."

It was a beautiful, clear evening for a fight.

Sheogorath

"So you had no similar experience?" asked Lord Relam. "Forgive my ignorance, but my land lies to the far south-east, and I know little about Ald Raathim ... Are your harvests still tended by the former slaves? Was there really no violence at all? How did you prepare for it?"

"I believe," Lady Mirille said. "You inherited the land after the slaves had already been freed? Or did I hear that incorrectly?"

Sheogorath

"I am sorry you lost your family," Lady Mirille said, eyes flashing. "I truly am. But if you think that makes you qualified to dismiss me and my loss, my father who was the kindest, gentlest man I ever knew, you are sorely mistaken. I would never presume to judge your level of grief, so please do me the courtesy of not assuming you know me and mine."

Sheogorath

"That does make sense," Lord Relam nodded. "I'm afraid we are still reeling from the shock of this announcement. We will do as our King asks of us, but ... it will be very difficult ..."

Sheogorath

Lady Mirille nodded. "Like I said, I understand why you hate me without even knowing me. It's actually exactly what I fear. It's one thing to die for what you've done, quite another to die for what you represent. But, like I said, I am sorry for your loss."

---

The group made its way down to the throne room again. There was much murmuring between the different groups, waiting for Helseth to rejoin them.

Sheogorath

The Arena, Ald Raathim

Kethiah laughed hard, from the ridiculousness of the compliment. "Not a bad fight at all, no," she said. "You were obviously playing to the crowd, but I'd watch out for some of that fancy footwork. You looked like you almost fell twice, and if you lost your balance around a fighter like that, you'd be in trouble."

Kethiah knew a thing or two about fighting.

Sheogorath

The Throne Room of Castle Mournhold

Noticeable was the absence of the entire group of representatives who had included the attempted assassin. They were apparently all under arrest now, according to the whispers.

Helseth walked quietly into the room, and the doors were shut and barred behind him.

The room turned quiet as he took to his throne.

"My Lords and Ladies," the King said. "I feel the need to repeat myself. Slavery will be outlawed in Morrowind by my order. The Indoril to the south, and the Redoran and Indoril in Vvardenfell will suddenly find themselves with rebellious slaves on their hands, while we will have prepared for it. We will join the civilized, free world of the Empire. You cannot dissuade me from this, and my patience is thin for those of you who try."

He was evidently speaking directly to some people in the room, as his eyes went around the room.

"Let us talk now about the risks and how to eliminate them," Helseth said, looking to Loranna's group.

Sheogorath

The Arena, Ald Raathim

"Yes," Kethiah smiled, looking to Tilitalia and then back to Fadril. "I've just been so busy. But it was worth it. Sorry if if I sounded too critical, it was a good bout. Would you like to spar sometime?"

Sheogorath

"I have over a thousand slaves," remarked one sour-faced Dres nobleman. "How am I supposed to determine which ones are hard working and which ones aren't? They all act like they're hard-working ..."

"It's not only us they're going to seek revenge on," said a Hlaalu nobewoman. "They're going to go after anyone who punished them, or sold them, or any member of their family ... Thousands of years worth of grievances ... I'm not even saying they're not justified, but are we now to stand trial for what we did to them when slavery was legal?"

Sheogorath

"When's your next bout?" Kethiah asked, smiling. "I don't want to tire you too much before it ..."

Sheogorath

"We will establish communities, like Freetown, so all slaves who wish to leave their old homes," said the King. "Lord and ladies, please remember that though I expect them to be delighted, the former slaves will be just as bewildered by this change in policy as many of you are now. They will not know what to do, where to go, how to earn a living. You should give them three choices: stay with you to work on your plantation as a freeman, go elsewhere if they know where they want to go, or go to one of these communities, which will be well policed and occupied by former slaves to teach them trades, and give them direction."

Sheogorath

"The army is an excellent choice," the King nodded. "Not only yours, but opportunities in the royal and Imperial armies will be given to the freed slaves. For some, the sudden freedom will be frightening, and it will be good to be in an organization that encourages discipline and order."

Sheogorath

"It's just sparring, nothing more than exercise which is good for the baby," Kethiah replied, smiling. "Of course, if you'd rather I didn't, I won't. Just thought it'd be nice to get to know him better ... You do like him a lot, don't you?"

Sheogorath

"Your Majesty," said Dres Minsero, clearing his throat. "When will this abolition go into effect?"

"Forty-eight hours from the end of this summit, I will make the announcement," Helseth said. "None of you are to talk about it outside of here, except to your most trusted people. If House Redoran and Indoril hear of it, it may ruin the economic devastation and riots I expect.

"I will expect every one here to use that time to set up whatever precautions and organizations to handle the transition that we decide on here during those forty-eight hours. That includes not only the system for what to do with slaves who don't know what to do with their freedom, but means for you and yours to escape in the possible case of a violent revolt. It includes researching which slaves might be put in organizational and managerial positions on your estate. It includes investigating cases of abuse, and prosecuting any in your employ who have treated the slaves cruelly."

"If you take the initiative and go after those that the slaves would have revenge on, then they will more quickly be productive and not violent members of the community."

Sheogorath

The nobles seemed to be taking the emancipation of Morrowind as the equivalent of a promised natural disaster. There was nothing they could do to stop it, only be prepared when it happened.

Chief among the things discussed was the question of finances, and it became a fairly technical discussion. The different economic advisors proposed different systems, as the King both wanted to upend their traditional model and raise the taxes simultaneously. In one sense, it was a tedious discussion, in another, it was a revolutionary one. It is one thing, after all, to end slavery. It is another to survive that change. There could be no doubt about it, though, the Redoran and Indoril, having no time to adjust their economies, would be hard hit by this change. Helseth had planned that well.

Sheogorath

"Do you know how he feels about you?" Kethiah asked.

Sheogorath

"He might be thinking what I know you know I'm thinking," Kethiah smiled, touching Tilitalia's chin to bring her around so she could look at her eyes. "That he's too old for you."

Sheogorath

"Don't be upset, honey, I'm just stating the obvious," Kethiah said sympathetically. "What have you been telling him? He said that you must have 'finally' talked me into coming to the fights ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah went to talk the boy. It wouldn't be difficult to gauge his feelings for Tilitalia. 16-year-old boys were simple.

Sheogorath

Castle Mournhold

As plans were hatched, the doors to the throne room were opened up, so that people could meet individually to talk (and commiserate).

Helseth had a large group of people around him, filled with suggestions and entreaties.

Another group was speaking with his cousin, Hlaluu Llethan Barreth.

Sheogorath

At Loranna's approach, Barreth and his group (which included Minsero and the elderly Dres noblewoman who first voiced an objection to the King's plans) stop speaking, and look at her with polite distrust.

"Greeting Dres Loranna of Ald Raathim," Hlaluu Llethan Barreth smiled. "Your sun it seems continues to rise."

Sheogorath

Ursaina, a Nord woman, big and beefy with wild red hair, one of Dram's top guards, stepped over to the cell. She smiled at the prisoner.

"Good morning, serjo, how are you feeling today?"

Sheogorath

"Only because your fine has been paid," she said. "Step up to the bars."

Sheogorath

"Indeed," Barreth replied. "The sun shines brightest after the storm. Was there something you needed, Sera Loranna?"

Minsero looked at her. "I would like to have a word with you, if you have a moment."

Sheogorath

Ursuaina's hands glowed blue, and she passed a healing spell over Ingmar. "The proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin. She also paid for me to fix you up, when I told her you were roughed up a bit."

The guard heaved open the heavy iron doors.

Kethiah was standing outside in the sunlight.

Sheogorath

"You don't owe me a thing, we're even now," Kethiah said quietly. "I hurt you, and now you've hurt me. Now, go away, like you promised to."

With that, she began walking back towards the docks.

Sheogorath

"I tell you what, you keep thinking that," Kethiah whirled around, glaring at him with her red and violet eyes. "You're the victim here. The only one who feels pain. But I guarantee this: if you ever come into my tavern again, and scream obscenities at me that my stepdaughter overhears, you won't be the one hurting yourself."

Sheogorath

Minsero took her aside, and they walked into a drawing room where they would not be overheard. "It's been a strange year, and a stranger couple of days. I look around me, and nothing is the same."

"What would you do if you were me?"

Sheogorath

"You said before that this situation must be difficult for me," Kethiah shook her head, tears in her eyes. "I cared for you most then. But the truth is that you may love me, but you don't think about anyone but yourself. I offer you a job you throw back, I bail you out of jail, and still I'm the bad person in all this. That's fine. I can take being the bad person, I've been one all my life. So, go on with your life, and think of me as the emotionless, evil [censored] who never sympathized with you or did enough for you, who preferred to run two taverns, the excise business for a growing town, and to love a man worth ten of you and his family, rather than you."

Sheogorath

"Not at all," Minsero nodded seriously. "Those were my thoughts precisely. Change or perish. The Dres council is behind the King. You will have no trouble with your claims ..."

Sheogorath

"I don't wish you ill. Like I said before, we're even now," Kethiah replied quietly, and walked back to the docklands and the tavern.

Sheogorath

"No reason to, you'll be fine," Minsero replied. "Stick with Helseth, not Barreth. The King is the future."

He escorted her back towards the main room.

Sheogorath

Loranna could see that Barenziah and Dinara had entered the room from a side conference room. They were with a very tall, thin Altmer lad in the robes that befitted someone of the Mages Guild. Dres Minsero went over to talk to them, and she could tell from the Altmer's expression that they knew each other, and he was somewhat nervous to see Minsero.

Sheogorath

Minsero, Barenziah, Dinara, and the Altmer mage came over to Loranna's group, giving their greetings. Barenziah and Dinara both looked beautiful, in informal gowns of blue and green respectively. It appeared obvious seeing them side by side how much Dinara emulated Barenziah in her style.

The Altmer bowed to Loranna and the others. "Magister Zadion, at your service."

Sheogorath

"I hope so, my lady," Zadion replied, smiling. "I've just asked to be made a master at the Mages Guild in Ald Raathim, and being told you were here, I asked to be introduced to you."

Sheogorath

"Destruction and Restoration, with Alteration a close second," Zadion replied. "Do you have an interest in magery as well? How delightful. Most nobles don't have the patience for that."

Minsero rolled his eyes.

Sheogorath

"Have I worked here? No," Magister Zadion replied. "I was born here, but I've worked in the Imperial Province and Summurset Isle ..."

"The Mages Guild has already approved of his transfer," said Minsero.

"But it's traditional for the new Magister to introduce himself to the resident noble," Barenziah looked at him with a half smile. "I don't think Loranna is objecting to the position at all. Merely making conversation."

"I think we will get along just fine," grinned Zadion.

Sheogorath

"Not at all," Zadion replied, with a grin.

"We thought it would be a good match as well," Barenziah nodded. "He's a practical wizard, and a good fellow to have in a war. Not that Ald Raathim is in the center of it, but it's good to be cautious."

"What did you think of the news Helseth gave?" Dinara smiled at Loranna. "I wish I could have told you, or at least seen your face when you heard. Isn't it wonderful?"

Sheogorath

Dinara laughed. "Damn it, you're being practical now instead of celebratory. Yes, I suppose it is a lot of work."

"I'll see you in Ald Raathim in a few days," Zadion smiled.

Sheogorath

"Oh, I know, I wish I could have told you for that reason alone," Dinara snickered. "Damn these surprise plots!"

"I'm glad to hear Thianas is still cooking well," Minsero said. He wasn't smiling with the rest of the group, but that wasn't really his way.

Sheogorath

"Very good, I hope their creations give you delight for years to come," Minsero nodded. "Excuse me."

Minsero disappeared into the crowd, which was, indeed, beginning to disperse. The business here was done, and there was plenty to do for each back home.

Sheogorath

"I can't think of a thing, but we'll be in touch," Barenziah said.

"We'll have to celebrate sometime after the announcement is made," Dinara grinned.

Sheogorath

Barenziah ignored the whispering, but Dinara looked at Isidor and Shaka, still smiling but with an eyebrow raised.

Sheogorath

"You are, of course, welcome back at any time," Dinara smiled. "And my apologies as well. Staring is much ruder than whispering."

"We should see to our other guests," Barenziah said, taking her daughter-in-law's arm. "Few are as pleased with this turn than the good people of Ald Raathim."

Sheogorath

Dres Nimrirgael Zael, looking frustrated and worried, joined the group. "I can give you a ride back to Ald Raathim, but we'd have to leave now ... I have a lot to do in 48 hours, and, particularly if I'm bring you back, over 24 hours of that will taken with travel ... I'm happy to do it, of course, but you might find the Guild Guide at the Mages Guild a faster means of transportation."

Sheogorath

Zael looked at Anya. "So, you don't want a ride back, I take it?"

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, we have not heard from in a long time, but he is still undercover in Vvardenfell, gathering information about the false Tribunal.

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern, no doubt greeting Isidor on his return from Mournhold. She has met with Loranna already and gotten the information on the meeting that took place there.

Sheogorath

"Your brother got drunk here, I threw him out, he went on to the Guar, got into a fight, got thrown in jail, and I bailed him out. I don't know where he is now," Kethiah said, and then with more of a smile, she added. "And I met a boy Tilitalia wants to bring over for dinner. Our little girl has a crush."

Sheogorath

"Okay, don't get excited," Kethiah put her arms around Isidor. "I just told you I met him. As soon as Tilitalia said she wanted to bring him around for dinner, of course I wanted to meet him. His name is Fadril, and here's the bad news: he's sixteen years old. He's a fighter in the Arena. Very nice boy, very cute, bit of a show off. I'm sure Til's not the first girl to have a crush on him. But he's very respectful, and hasn't laid a finger on her, and has no intentions to do that. But she really likes him, and I can understand why."

Sheogorath

"He caused a ruckus here, singing rude songs, and when I kicked him out, he yelled obscene things about me loud enough that Tilitalia overheard them," Kethiah shook her head. "I pretty much raked him over the coals about that, and he feels terrible about his behavior. It's just ... sad. He's still in love with me, Vehk knows why, and he's suffering. I feel bad about it, but I just can't tolerate it."

Sheogorath

"Like I said, don't be too rough on him," Kethiah smiled sadly. "I really let him have it after I bailed him out of jail. No one's at fault ... And I missed you too. After the meeting in Mournhold, what do you think about diplomacy? Is it the career for you?"

Sheogorath

"He doesn't have to, being a King," Kethiah replied. "He's about the only one there who can say what he really thinks with impunity."

Sheogorath

"Interesting question," Kethiah said thoughtfully. "Only a fool would underestimate Helseth. He thinks things through and gets his way most of the time, if not all. The question I guess is what effect the King wants, what he's said he wants and what he really wants. I don't know about the short term of causing slave revolts in the Indoril and Redoran occupied lands, and economic chaos ... That sounds likely, but will it be enough to end the war? The long term effects are going to be most interesting ... It may very well be the salvo that decimates the House system and the traditional powers of Morrowind."

Sheogorath

"Very true," Kethiah nodded. "No one doubts that Helseth is strong and ruthless, but this act will make many people think he is good as well ... Even if it was largely for strategic rather than altruistic reasons ... How did everyone else react?"

Sheogorath

"Ending slavery might make it all worth it," Kethiah smiled, kissing Isidor. "You know, the boy you wanted to meet, Fadril, is fighting down at the arena now, if you wanted to meet him ..."

Sheogorath

"Sure, but we better hurry," Kethiah said, grabbing his hand. "I think we're already late for it."

Sheogorath

Kethiah frowned, kissing Isidor's cut and bruise. "I'm sorry, love. You really tried to talk sense to him, didn't you?"

Sheogorath

"Turn him in for what?" Kethiah asked. "I think the best thing is just to let him figure out things for himself. Let time heal things. I am sorry, though. You didn't know you had a brother before, and now you have to let him go."

Sheogorath

Kethiah put her arm around him. There wasn't anything more to be said that hadn't been.

"The fight's starting again," she said softly.

Sheogorath

Kethiah saw Shaka in the stands, and motioned to him to come join them.

Sheogorath

"I didn't recognize her," said Kethiah. "Truth is, I don't know her very well. But the boy she's fighting is a friend of Tilitalia's, so our loyalties are mixed ..." She winked, and then, more seriously asked, in a hushed tone as the subject was not to be discussed openly. "How are you? Isidor says that you and Anya didn't take the news of the slaves being freed as necessarily a good thing?"

Sheogorath

"That's good to hear that our Lady represented us well. Diplomacy is a tricky business, for certes," Kethiah smiled. "As for it being short notice -- there is never an easy way to upend thousands of years of tradition. I don't blame you for being uneasy about it, but it's certainly better than keeping the old ways of slavery, yes?"

Sheogorath

"Possibly some slaveowners are tired of it -- obviously, there are people like Jazbet and Vendama and her brother who tried to stop it locally ... but I suspect that the nobles in general weren't pleased with this change, even if they were sympathetic to the plight of the slaves. It gives Helseth a lot of power," Kethiah said. "Which is, of course, why he did it."

She smiled. "Sorry, serious talk at an enjoyable game. I'll be quiet now."

Sheogorath

"Yes," Kethiah frowned, looking to Isidor for a moment. "Romantic complications seem to be epidemic in Ald Raathim."

S'reddit

Morrowind

The Nymph and Noggin was filled with merchants, traders, sailors, soldiers, all giving different accounts of what was going on in Morrowind after the King's announcement. When Kethiah had verified accounts with one than one reliable source, she put accurate information on the bulletin board outside the tavern to try to keep rumor and misinformation to a minimum.

Among the announcements:

The reports of rioting in Mournhold are baseless.

The reports of rioting in the Indoril-controlled city of Tear are accurate. The freed slaves have taken the docklands, and stolen most of the ships.

The Dren Plantation in Vvardenfell was the scene of another riot, with many deaths on both sides.

The reports of a riot in Indoril-controlled Kragenmoor is inaccurate, though all slaves within have been arrested and many have been killed.

Reports of rioting in Narsis have been unsubstantiated.

The rioting in Bodrom Mora has been overstated. The slaves in the Indoril-controlled region have escaped north with relatively little loss of life.

Riots in Vivec were indeed quelled by a group that calls themselves Vivec, Sotha Sil, and Almalexia, however the Temple calls those Redoran and Indoril allies "imposters."

The reports of riots in the Dres-territories to the south are inaccurate. Former slaves are being relocated and organized according to their interests, with no troubles reported.

The reports of riots in the Hlaalu-territories to the east are inaccurate. As in the Dres territories, former slaves are leaving or staying as is their wont.

Five ships filled with slaves wanting to live in Ald Raathim arrived late that afternoon.

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

The scene in Ald Raathim was not quite a riot, but a joyous celebration the likes of which outshone even the Harvest Festival, for it was spontaneous.

The three taverns, the Nymph and Noggin, the Drunken Guar, and the Bloody Sandal were all filled to bursting with cheering people. The party spilled out into the streets, where musicians began playing, and everyone was dancing.

The temples of all types threw open their doors, giving blessings to the grateful faithful.

The new Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, Zadion, brought his mages up to the roof to treat one and all to a display of pyrotechnics that lit up the sky.

The newly arrived former slaves joined the celebration, and made it even bigger, more joyous, though there were plenty of tears too.

Sheogorath

Kethiah was busy receiving new intelligence and making sure everything was reasonably under control at the Nymph and Noggin. Several times people asked her to drink with them, but she smiled and shook her head. "I'll celebrate tomorrow when things are quieter."

Sheogorath

"Did he?" Kethiah said, brushing her dishelved hair out from her face. Even in the "down time," she was keeping her eye out on what was happening in the tavern. Some of the more exuberant bartenders had been pouring free drinks, which was fine in spirit, but could have easily drained the bar if they kept it up. She had corrected them, and apologized to the people who had come running in for more free drinks. "What does the note say?"

Sheogorath

"I wish him well, poor thing," Kethiah smiles, and kisses Isidor, before running over to help at the bar.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah pulled back the lock of hair that had fallen over her left eye, and looked at the young woman. The two eyes of different colors, one fiery red and one bright violet, took her in, and then she nodded. "I have a private office upstairs. Follow me."

It was a simple room, but very quiet.

"What's your name, and why did Ya’Tirrje think you should talk to me?"

(OOC -- I'm outta here for the night, and probably the weekend, so if this conversation can wait, cool, if not ... Um, we'll assume that Kethiah got called away for a tavern emergency and had to leave it with apologies.

Have fun all!)

S'reddit

Update

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is still undercover in Vvardenfell. His tale will hopefully be continued soon.

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is in a private room upstairs at her tavern, meeting with a mysterious woman named Jane.

---

"Tell me, what do you have in mind?" Kethiah asked.

S'reddit

There was one question she hadn't answered yet, though.

"What do you hope to get from this?" Kethiah asked. "Obviously, I'll pay you for information, and you'll be paid by Indoril Faryon for the weaponry ... but why do you want to do this?"

S'reddit

"I trust you want him dead," Kethiah said carefully. That much seemed to be true. "I am not in the habit of hiring people who don't share with me their motivations ... I hope you don't mind that I'll be asking Goldcat about you. But, yes, go ahead and make contact with Faryon, and offer him your services as a weapons procurer. We'll see to it that he finds that helpful."

Kethiah and Loranna had already discussed means of cutting off the supplies to Kragenmoor, but no reason to discuss that with Jane yet -- at least not until she had proven herself trustworthy. There were plenty of double-agents around already.

S'reddit

"Thank you for your offer of help," Kethiah smiled. She left when Jane left, and walked up to the castle to talk to Loranna.

S'reddit

Kethiah, on her way to the castle, smiled at Telera and Shaka. A most neurotic threesome ...

S'reddit

Kethiah laughs. "If you want to know what I'm smiling about ..."

She begins singing a song from her childhood.

"It's Second Seed, lusty Second Seed
That lovely month when everyone wants what they don't need
Tra la, it's here, that shocking time of year
When tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear

Second Seed, For every mare and steed,
When every maiden prays that her lad will be a cad
You feel the greed, you feel the need to breed
Those dreary vows that everyone takes, everyone breaks
Everyone makes divine mistakes
That Lusty Second Seed

Whence this fragrance wafting through the air?
What sweet feelings does it's scent transmute?
Whence this perfume floating everywhere?
Don't you know, it's that dear forbidden fruit

It's the month of Second Seed
That darling month when everyone lets lust supercede
It's time to do a wretched thing or two
And try to make each precious day one you'll always rue

It's Second Seed, the month of "Yes, I concede"
The time for every frivolous whim, proper or im-
Our souls are freed, our lust do mislead
The birds and bees with all of their vast amorous past
Gaze at the human race aghast
The Lusty Second Seed!"

She laughed hard and without rancour.

"Don't think I'm making fun of you, my dears. I'm in love myself."

S'reddit

"I needn't remind you two of anything," Kethiah grinned, winking. "But this is the month where you're supposed to do things a little crazy ... It's supposed to be good for the harvest to go a little wild. But you two don't need that reminding ..."

S'reddit

"All right," Kethiah added, as she continued up to the castle. "Just remember: don't take it all so seriously. You're supposed to have fun from time to time. Shaka, if you've shown them the pleasure meridians east to west, let me know and I'll show you the ones north to south. Isidor swears by 43 by 177, and so do I ..."

S'reddit

"Something to come back for!" Kethiah called back over her shoulder, laughing, as she continued up the path with a wave. "Trust me, Telera, you ain't seen or felt nothing yet!"

S'reddit

Kethiah laughed to herself. The things I do for the war effort.

Coming to the castle, she didn't have to ask permission to go to Loranna's study and knock on the door.

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and secretly Loranna's Spymaster, has informed Loranna about Jane, who will be going undercover. She has returned to work at the tavern.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is currently undercover in Vvardenfell, and speaking of whom --

---

A young Imperial in the employ of King Helseth, Octovides, brought his report to Kratos.

"This is from one of our agents undercover in Vvardenfell who has been to Telasero," he said.

Telasero

The Redoran and Indoril have the shrine well-protected, and there are a number of powerful battlemages in their employ. Some of the walls have been sealed, and when I inquired about the reasons, I was told it had something to do with the former inhabitants of the shrine ... Which would be Sixth House adherents ... I investigated further, and could hear faint scratching sounds behind the walls ... It may be that some ash slaves survived to this day and are sealed within.

Agent G

Sheogorath

"Thanks, Diamond," Kethiah smiled. "And how is your newest painting coming along?"

Sheogorath

"Take your time, but know that I can't wait," Kethiah smiled. "By the way, there's another project I was talking to Loranna. What would you think about being commissioned to do a sculpture for the central town square of Jazbet?"

Sheogorath

"Loranna will be happy to hear that," Kethiah replied. "She wouldn't trust a memorial to her late husband to anyone else."

They discussed payment and costs a bit more before Kethiah went to check on the rest of the tavern.

Sheogorath

"You know me, I'm happiest when I'm occupied," Kethiah smiled. "Diamond told me you'd been dwelling on the situation with your brother ..."

Sheogorath

"Well, when you asked me to marry you and I said yes, I guess 'wedding' sounded like part of the plan," Kethiah laughed. "Unless you want to just have a little ceremony, get Loranna or one of the priests to bless us ..."

Sheogorath

"I've never been there, but it sounds lovely," Kethiah smiled. "Not a big party ... I feel we get just enough noise and festivity on the average night right here."

Sheogorath

Kethiah could be seen near the bar, smiling, in close, flirtatious conversation with Isidor ...

Sheogorath

"Why don't you just surprise me when the time's right?" Kethiah smiled. "Just pick me up and carry me to the garden. When I least expect it."

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn, Loranna's Room, Night

Moonlight came through the window sporadically as the curtains rustled in the warm spring air. Loranna's room in the tower was far above the fog that drifted into the town and farms, but still a soft, wet mist crept into the room.

For some time, Gthyon stood by the sleeping woman's bedside. She was truly beautiful. Her husband was evidently working well into the night, but he might return. It was important to act now.

He stepped into the shadows where he knew he would not be seen, except for his preternaturally bright eyes and whispered, "Loranna, Lady of Ald Raathim, Loranna ..." until she woke up ...

S'reddit

The bright eyes glistened in the dark corner. "Forgive this intrusion, Lady of Daruhn. My and your enemies can approach you away from the shadows, with candlelight on their faces, but I cannot ... I have come here to warn you of a great danger, and to seek your help."

S'reddit

Jazbet's ring did give her some view of her guest before he stepped out of the shadows revealing himself. His clothes were black and gray, befitting the shadows, but they were curiously dandyish, considering his face: finely wrought silk and lace, a shirt of great tailoring, a long jacket of a technique lost in modern times.

It was his face, though, that commanded attention. Beautiful black hair. A face like a melting candle. Eyes like fire. His teeth were white and very, very sharp.

"I am Gthyon of the Clan Aundae," he said. His voice was soft. "My nature and that of the threat is the Vampire."

S'reddit

Gthyon chuckled, and it was a pleasantly human sound from his inhuman mouth. "Balmora was ... No, in short, my people have no issue with yours about that unforunate incident ..."

His pallid, yellow-white face came closer. "You have nothing to fear from those of us who look like monsters to you ... The greatest danger facing your land is from creatures who look like you, beautiful to you even ... But are not you. What you consider worthy of revulsion is here to help you. I know you are a disciple of Dibella, and therefore my relative ugliness is suspicious to you, but the creatures of the west will take advantage of that. They will come to you in the loveliest of forms, soft skin, dark eyes, and they will destroy you unless you listen to me."

S'reddit

Gthyon grinned, and as the white-yellow flesh dripped over his open mouth, yes, he was as horrible as he thought he might be.

"Yes, the vampires of the west appear as humans do," he said, patiently waiting for the drip on his upper lips to be sucked into the soft tissue of his chin. "They have begun coming here at the time of the civil war, and finding good feasting in the escaped slaves, have begun with them ... You should know. The revolution that is happening among the mortals of Morrowind is reflected among the immortal as well ..."

S'reddit

"We watch you," Gthyon said, his own eyes narrowing slightly. "I know it is not what you want to hear, but you as a ruler of the land of men and mer know it already that you are being watched, always, by many ... And we do not believe yet that human-seeming vampires have to come to your court and land. But if they have already, we wanted to warn you against trusting them ... and if they haven't yet, you should know that they soon will ..."

There was a knock at the door.

"Milady?"

S'reddit

"They will come only at night," Gthyon said, and then, at the interruption, he sank into the floor and seeped into the walls, hissing. "And they will not abide holy places ... You have been warned ... I will come again."

As he vanished completely, a servant Kisses-With-A-Scratch -- a young Argonian female -- came into the room, bearing with her a letter.

"This just came," she said, handing Loranna the letter.

It was a declaration that Ald Raathim be considered a Duchy of Morrowind, with Loranna proclaimed as the Grand Duchess, by Dinara of Mournhold.

Shgeogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is undercover in Vvardenfell still. His story will shortly resurface.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and (secretly) Loranna's Spymaster, is at work at the tavern, currently meeting with one of her many contacts.

Gthyon, vampire of Clan Aundae, has vanished into the night.

******************************************

Kethiah had her merchant contact send word to Kratos in Molag Mar. According to one of Helseth's agents in Vvardenfell ("Agent G"), there was a large army gathering outside of Vivec near the ruins called Ald Sotha.

Shgeogorath

Kethiah nods, and they go to the private room above the Nymph.

"I just sent word to Kratos in Molag Mar," she says. "Goranthir has reported to Helseth an increase in Redoran and Indoril presence in Ald Sotha ... What is your news?"

Shgeogorath

"Congratulations," Kethiah smiled, after reading the letter. "Seems to be part of Helseth's plan, to change over the traditional power structure of Morrowind, and reward those he considers loyal. As for the vampire," she lost her smile. "I don't have much experience in that world, though it would make sense for there to be revolutions in the shadows. The Aundae, Quarra, and Berne are part of the old ways, and times are changing. I'll keep my ears and eyes open."

Shgeogorath

"They do have a great advantage eastern vampires don't have," Kethiah nodded. "They can pass as a normal person. One can really become paranoid about vampire infestations if you're not careful."

Shgeogorath

"Emphasize that it is an honor for Ald Raathim, not you," Kethiah suggested with a smile. "That's what it is. The land is now a Duchy, and it just so happens you're in charge right now."

Shgeogorath

"One cannot simply come into the guild and demand to see the Magister," said the Breton woman in the Guild foyer. "If you'll tell me your name, and what you want to speak to Magister Zadion about, I can tell him --"

"Or we can save a little time," said Magister Zadion, stepping into the Guildhouse behind Reeds. He was a young Altmer, very tall and very thin, and he carried with him a bushel of weeds. He handed them to the woman. "These were choking up the mniver roots. Please burn them."

The woman looked to the Magister and then to Reeds, and left to do as she was told.

"Now then, sir," said Zadion. "What can I help you with?"

Shgeogorath

"Interesting, and this just started happening?" Zadion asked, and followed up the question with more about Reeds and the symptoms of his affliction, including his place of birth, the date of his birth. As he asked the questions, his long, nimble fingers created sigils in the air, rippling currents of magicka as his spells identified through restoration, alteration, mysticism, and the old school of thaumaturgy.

Shgeogorath

Zadion nodded, and motioned to a small box with a key in it on the mantle. It flew into his hands, and he removed the key.

"Try opening this," he said, an eyebrow raised.

Shgeogorath

"You are born of the Beggar's Nose in the shadow of the Tower," Zadion explained, as around them the room darkened and pinpricks of light seemed to form the tapestry of stars. "Why your gift has not manifested itself before now, I do not know, but if it had, you would have more control of it than you do ... I would not worry, though. In time you'll be able to detect enchantments and magicka by force of will, and the colors will not distract you any more ..."

He then presented Reeds with a bill. "Sorry, chap, but we have to keep the Guild's profits up."

Shgeogorath

"Yes," Kethiah replied. "I only just now got some interesting information about Narsis, and the situation with the slaves there ..."

She described to Loranna the information she had been given from a very reliable source.

Shgeogorath

"That they are," Kethiah grinned. "Helseth and Dinara must know about it too ... Something worth discussing with them when you agree to the new title ..."

Shgeogorath

Kethiah smiled, and led Loranna downstairs, where she poured the former barmaid, turned adventurer, turned Lady, turned Duchess, a mead. "On the house, your Grace," she said, and winked. "And you know I rarely say that."

Shgeogorath

"Here, here," Kethiah laughed, clinking Loranna's glass with one of her own. She rarely drank, but now seemed like a fine time to do so. At least one glass.

Shgeogorath

Kethiah took Isidor's hand, and brought him out to look at the notice. "We better prepare for more feasting and celebration," she laughed.

Shgeogorath

"No kidding," Kethiah winked. "We better make sure everything's nailed down."

Shgeogorath

Kethiah looked around to make sure no one else was in earshot. Of course, in the docklands of Ald Raathim there were always some folk nearby, so she lowered her voice: "Things may be heating up in Vvardenfell and down south in Narsis. Can't say for sure what any of it means, but some battles are undoubtedly to come."

Shgeogorath

"I want you to be safe," Kethiah said, touching his cheek softly. "But I fell in love with an adventurer ... it wouldn't be fair if I tried to hold you back. We'll talk about it when the time comes."

Shgeogorath

Crowds had already started to gather to discuss the news as they read the bulletin board. It was almost unbelievable that a tiny little hamlet, a backwater village no one but its neighbors had ever heard of, had become a Duchy, a Dukedom, in such a short time.

Music began in the garden behind the Nymph and Noggin as Kethiah organized the regular musicians to play Dunmer and Nordic tunes for both the posh, sophisticated crowd of the Nymph, and the rowdier, rougher regulars of the Noggin.

"Remember," she told the bartenders and barmaids seriously. "No free drinks, and keep your eye out for troublemakers."

Shgeogorath

"Wonderful," Kethiah smiled, and then, when they were out of earshot, whispered to Isidor. "When did we hire a lunatic? Best keep our eye on him too."

Shgeogorath

"Hazard of the profession, I guess," Kethiah giggled, and then got back to work, getting the place ready for the celebrating rowds that were beginning to fill both taverns.

Shgeogorath

Kethiah was out by the garden, making sure the revelers weren't trampling on her precious herbs. "How's the situation inside?" she asked with a weary smile.

Shgeogorath

Leaving the barmaid outside with orders to keep people away from the herb beds, Kethiah made her way inside. She took Isidor's hand, and gave her other to Reeds. "Kethiah. Pleased to meet you, serjo."

Shgeogorath

Kethiah nodded her head noncommitally, but Isidor, who knew her better, could tell she was interested. "Are you envisioning a general subject bookstore, or a rare book store, or a bookstore commited to one particular subject?"

Shgeogorath

Kethiah nodded again. Another good answer. "After your inventory is depleted, do you have contacts for more? Having stuff to sell now is good, but if you want to keep the shop going, you'll need to be able to restock pretty quickly ..."

Shgeogorath

Kethiah looked to Isidor. "Well, I think Ald Raathim needs a first class bookstore. The biggest issue I could see would be in getting new copies in. With the war, shipping becomes a real issue, and its good to have more than one supplier ... Maybe I could introduce you to a merchant or two I know who might be able to help. All importers come through the Nymph and Noggin to pay their excise taxes and negotiate sales, so if there's someone who can get us more books, they'd be here ..."

"How much gold would you need?" Kethiah asked.

Shgeogorath

"Isidor and I will have to discuss the finances, but I think it's a very good idea," Kethiah nodded. "I'll set you up with some meetings in the meantime. Let's keep this between us until a location has been found and we're about ready to open. The idea's too good, and we don't want someone else to open up the first real bookstore in Ald Raathim before hand ..."

Shgeogorath

"How was the investiture ceremony in Mournhold, your Grace?" Kethiah asked. "Short and sweet?"

Shgeogorath

Kethiah got the look and at the same time saw one of her favorite merchants, a fat but friendly Imperial who ran regular shipments between all along eastern and central Tamriel. She introduced Resartus to Reeds, and told them to discuss the matter.

She then excused herself to talk to the Grand Duchess.

Shgeogorath

"Something that might be useful," Kethiah said, nodding. "I've discovered someone I'm pretty certain is a double agent. We could spread to him misinformation that we're planning on attacking, say, Tear. Get the opposition to organize along the wrong front ..."

Shgeogorath

"Don't worry, no one you know," Kethiah replied. "An Argonian who seemed to have a lot of information, but too much of it was contradictory to what I had heard before ... So I checked up on him, and his connections to Moonstone and the New Church, and the Redoran and Indoril through them, sound pretty definite. I haven't done anything about it yet though ... I figured it's better to test out the waters, and see if we can't get some misinformation across before he's useless."

Shgeogorath

"Not yet, but we can think of one when we've made other plans," Kethiah grinned. "Let me wait 'til I hear back from Kragenmoor."

Shgeogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is undercover in Vvardenfell, passing information to Helseth and his allies, such as the set-up of Telareso and the suspicious activities in Ald Sotha.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, and (secretly) Loranna's Spymaster is at her tavern.

S'reddit

Ald’ruhn, Vvardenfell

The moons always look sanguine across the expanse of Red Mountain, but today they had an ochre cast. Masser is full and Secunda is waning, he thought. For some reason, he remembered his nurse’s words. It is the night of the Senche.

In Elsweyr, a tiger is born.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, grandson of Queen Mother Barenziah and nephew and agent of Helseth, King of Morrowind, made his way through the dark streets. It had been a ruin, but all those rounded little doors to rounded little rooms had built themselves back up. The Manor “District” where he was bound for was much as it had been, though he had never seen it before.

Inside, he was to meet Moonstone. And Almalexia was to be there too.

If they had suspected he was a spy, this would be the end for him. Goranthir was glad he had sent word already back to Helseth (and from Helseth, no doubt it would go to the Muatramer in Molag Mar, and Loranna in Ald Raathim) about the fortifications in Pelagiad and Khuul. And the horrible developments in Ald Sotha …

With a deep breath, he stepped into the massive hole that was the new Manor District of Ald’ruhn.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"That's on the house," Kethiah said quietly, making sure no one else heard it, before Shaka had paid. Turning to the Argonian, she said. "I hear you've been in battle."

S'reddit

"I'm holding up well," Kethiah said, touching her belly slightly. "Last I saw you, I was singing you off to battle, advising you to have some fun during Second Seed. I hope you did, in addition to battle ..."

S'reddit

"The unexpected is sometimes delightful as you know," Kethiah smiled, and giving Shaka a wink, went back to her guests.

Shgeogorath

Ald'ruhn, The Manor District

Goranthir was led into the platform at the center of the District, and then the Hands left him, their footsteps echoing into the shadows as they disappeared.

For a moment, all was still.

"Faithful Disciple," the voice called out, and Moonstone, high priest of the True Church of the Tribunal, stepped out of one of the alcoves. He was clad, as always in rags. His face was old, ugly, and arresting, particularly his eyes which seemed to pierce through the very soul.

"Revered Father," Goranthir said, dropping to his knees.

"I have told Ayem about you, your true piety, and She is interested in meeting you and giving you Her Blessing," Moonstone said.

Goranthir felt a shiver. This is what he had gone undercover for so long ago. He was to finally meet the Imposter Almalexia. He had finally earned the trust. He knew his face showed fear and anticipation, which he didn't try to hide. Those would be appropriate emotions if he really was a faithful disciple, after all.

Shgeogorath

Manor District, Ald'Ruhn

Goranthir could feel his breath was shallow: every intake was sweet perfume, and he didn't dare let himself be seduced. He looked on the face of the Goddess as he rose, for a Goddess she was to so many, and no wonder.

"I - I live to serve You," he said, unable to raise his voice above a whisper, as he stepped closer to Almalexia.

She was an Imposter. Allerleirauh had told him that. He believed it. But ... what if she were real? What if the real Almalexia, Living Goddess, were standing before him, about to bless him? What would happen? Would he survive it?

The question flickered in his mind, but above all was Awe and Desire.

He wanted her to touch him, more than anything.

Shgeogorath

"I have fooled everyone so far," Goranthir thought in his last coherent moment. "I can fool this fraud too."

Then cold darkness exploded within him, and he knew nothing more ...

Shgeogorath

Kethiah quietly took out the maps she had received from her agent in the south, showing troop formations in Narsis, and spread them out on the table.

Shgeogorath

Summary

We last saw Goranthir, undercover as a true believer, going in to meet the mysterious figure in Ald'ruhn who calls herself Almalexia. Whatever happened next ... wasn't good.

As for Kethiah, the ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, Loranna's tax and import/export agent, and (secretly) her Spymaster ...

Ald Raathim

The information was sketchy, but Kethiah hurried to the castle to tell Loranna what she had heard so far about the raids in Narsis.

Shgeogorath

"I'll go back to the Nymph and see if anyone has heard anything else," Kethiah nodded. "There're always a lot of false rumors floating around, so I'll wait until I hear some corroboration before letting you know ... There's another thing I thought you should know about. Helseth's lost one of his agents in Vvardenfell. Missing and presumed dead ... Someone you know. Goranthir."

Shgeogorath

Narsis

There was a slight growl from the trees beyond, but that was all the warning they got before the boughs exploded outward, and a dozen huge creatures moving fast through the darkness annihilated the archers.

The commander had a moment to scream, “Werewolf!” before his throat was torn out.

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

“I heard a rumor about it this morning, but it was corroborated just before I came here,” Kethiah nodded soberly. “I only know he was undercover, trying to gather what information he could about the false Tribunal in Vvardenfell. He had passed on some valuable information about Teleras and some suspicious activity in Ald Sotha, and he was somewhere to the west part of the island, perhaps near Ald’ruhn, but I’m not certain … He missed his last meeting with his contact there, and now Moonstone’s men in the New Church are saying that a heretic tried to infiltrate them, and was destroyed …”

Shgeogorath

The werewolves as a pack, led by one particularly large one, galloped past the heroes of Ald Raathim and into the forest by the ships. The sound of battle could be heard ... Evidently, more reinforcements had appeared and were being met.

Shgeogorath

"I will find out all I can and let you know," Kethiah replied, and hurried off to the Nymph and Noggin to talk to her regular contacts there.

Shgeogorath

The scene in the tangled woods was pure chaos. Fangs and claws met Indoril guard, and blood splashed into the branches. The darkness was lit by spells of defense and offense, but the wolves knew the woods well, and seemed to vanish into the shadows before they were targeted.

Several of the guards attempted to flee into the less forested river bank, running headlong into Reichi.

Shgeogorath

The screams and sound of combat in the woods died down, and a black werewolf stepped out of the tangled vines, transforming into Rasar.

"Reichi," the young Dunmer with the serious eyes and the wolfish grin said. "Haven't seen you in a couple months. How have you been?"

He turned to the woods and yelled out, "It's safe!"

A hundred slaves emerged along the river banks.

"From the Tagghil Plantation to the east," he said. "I don't think there's enough room on your boats, but some of them want to go south to Blackmarsh ... Do any of yours? We can escort them."

Shgeogorath

Rasar called out to the slaves in the boats. "These ships will take you safely north, to Ald Raathim, or to one of the other royal forts where you will be protected! If you want to go south, back to Black Marsh, follow me and my wolves, but you best make up your mind quickly!"

---

"We're being amply compensated," Rasar nodded, with a wink, as slaves came off the ship to join the ones he and his pack freed. Some of those likewise swam for the ships.

Even with Rasar and his pack taking a good portion of the freed slaves, the ships would be packed.

Shgeogorath

Rasar's face was expressionless during Shaka's compliment, and then he added. "Good luck to you too. I expect there'll be some trouble up the river."

The former slaves who had wanted to go south gathered together on the riverbank. Rasar transformed into a werewolf, and together with his pack, led them off into the woods, looking quite a bit like sheepdog herding a flock.

Shgeogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

Kallen went in search of his mistress, the Duchess. His ever cool demeanor did not suggest it was any great urgency, but when he found her, he whispered. "The Queen Mother wishes to speak to Your Grace in your office at your earliest convenience."

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

The Queen Mother's face appeared in the mirror. She looked more worried than Loranna had ever seen her, actually showing her ancient age. "Loranna, I need your help. Your spies may have already told you, but if they haven't: Goranthir has gone missing in Vvardenfell."

As Barenziah spoke, Kethiah entered the office and stood by, quietly.

"If I could, I would unleash all of Morrowind's armies to search for him, but if I react too strongly, they may learn he is more than a spy, that he is my grandson and a Prince of Firsthold," she said, her voice low. "He has a far better chance of being found and rescued if I only send a few of my best champions to quietly enter enemy territory to search. I beseech you, if you have any champions to spare, I will be in your debt."

S'reddit

"Very little, we are still gathering information," Barenziah replied seriously. "Something dire happened in Ald'ruhn, which is where he was last seen, but Goranthir was my only spy there. I have champions en route there, and your companions can use them and my spies in Balmora and Caldera."

Barenziah told Loranna the names and locations of the royal spies in western Vvardenfell, and the code phrases her champions could use to identify themselves to them.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

Kallen nodded, and left to go to find Loranna's companions. The Nymph and Noggin would be his first stop.

"I have some possibly useful information," Kethiah said. "There are reports of very strange behavior from the wildlife in western Vvardenfell. Cliffracers flying into villages, attacking the people far from their aeries ... Kwama, guar, kagouti, even mudcrabs showing bizarre, hostile behavior from Ald'ruhn to Pelagiad ... The natives don't know what it is causing it, a daedra or a ghost of some kind they believe, but they have a name for it. Geth. Daedric for 'G.'"

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"No, there's no strategic logic to it," Kethiah agreed. "If Goranthir is Geth, using his ability to communicate with animals to cause the wildlife to act this way, there's something wrong ..."

Sheogorath

"Yes, it would be best for Anya and any others who aren't Dunmer to stay out of sight if they're going to Vvardenfell," Kethiah nodded. "It's never been a friendly place for outlanders, and especially now with Moonstone and the New Church of the Tribunal running things. But you're right, interrogating the animals would be helpful if Goranthir is behind it."

Sheogorath

"You're going to have to use your skills for stealth as well," Kethiah agreed. "Goranthir got to Vvardenfell by traveling underwater using his cloak which allows him to do that, and hitching on the back of slaughterfish, dreugh, and other underwater creatures ... What you could do is use the Guild Guide to get to Vivec, and then sneak off from there. The Guild Guide is an agent of Barenziah's, and won't tell the Redoran and Indoril that you're there ... But this should be a fast mission. Sooner or later, despite all your skills, they will discover you."

Sheogorath

"I think we can also bill the Queen Mother for this," Kethiah said without a smile.

Sheogorath

"I agree," Kethiah nodded. "Only wish I could have been there ... I'm sure we'll hear the reaction from the Indoril about it very soon ..."

Sheogorath

"That is not the same as being gone," Kethiah frowned. "I respect portents and omens ... But is there any way to learn more? Can you research it further, or do you need help?"

Sheogorath

"A 'half-breed' Bosmer would raise too many questions," Kethiah said. "For that matter, Bosmer slaves are pretty rare ... If Anya employed some body paint and wore a hood down, she should escape all but close scrutiny -- and all of you should avoid that. You should make yourself part of the scenery as much as possible ... And Loranna's right. We don't know what's out there -- even if Goranthir's not in a Daedric shrine, we know you'll be facing hostile soldiers and frenzied animals at the very least."

Sheogorath

"Her eyes are more distinctively non-Dunmer than her hair," Kethiah said. "Best to keep both concealed under a hood, like I said."

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, grandson of Barenziah, and nephew of Helseth, is currently missing in Vvardenfell, after having gone undercover to investigate the nature of the "False Tribunal" that reigns there. Reports have surfaced about chaos in Ald'Ruhn, and strange behavior of animals throughout western Vvardenfell, attributed to something the people call "Geth," which may be Goranthir.

Kethiah is at Castle Daruhn with Loranna, Shaka, Anya, Nalion, Reichi, and the other champions. The ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, Loranna's excise and export officer and (secretly) her Spymaster, has gathered some information, and --

---

"Exactly, time isn't on our side," Kethiah nodded, walking towards the door. "I'll see if I can't find any more information at the Nymph and Noggin ... Swing by before you leave so I can tell you what I've learned."

Sheogorath

"The Manor District in Ald'ruhn I understand, and it's been corroborated, has been shattered," Kethiah said, her voice still and serious. "It is as if some great force exploded out from within. Three of the false Almalexia's guards were injured in the explosion, which apparently occured a few days ago, and one was killed. Father Moonstone, the head of the church, was there as well, and also injured. He walks with a limp now, but that only increases the awe and respect people have for him ... Almalexia was apparently present as well ... And probably Goranthir."

Sheogorath

"One other thing," Kethiah said, frowning a little. "I don't know whether to tell you Ald Sotha is a place to be avoided or investigated, but something is happening there ... Reports of activity have only increased, but security is tight. It may have nothing to do with Goranthir, or it may be the key to everything. I guess my only advice is that it might bear inquiry, but proceed with caution. There are a lot of soldiers there."

Sheogorath

“Yes, the key is to be inconspicuous as possible,” said Kethiah. “And remember to seek information from the royal spies in western Vvardenfell: the clothier and knight in Caldera, the maid at the former Hlaalu fortress and the weaponsmith at the Fighter’s Guild in Balmora, and the bartender in the Halfway Tavern in Pelagiad. Tell them ‘I do not know whether I am more hungry or thirsty, for I am equal parts both,’ and they will know you can be trusted.”

Sheogorath

"I agree that delaying is bad," Kethiah nodded.

Sheogorath

Zadion, the tall, thin Magister of the Mages Guild, stepped out and greeted Shaka. "As you know, the Guild must remain neutral in all these matters, but on a personal level, I wish you luck."

Sheogorath

Kethiah and Isidor arrived shortly thereafter. She had bought a dress in the Imperial fashion for the festivities, a flowing pink gown that hid her expanding belly.

"Ah, I knew this was a good investment as soon as I heard it," she smiled, holding her hand out to Reeds. "This is going to be a great success, I know it. What are you calling the establishment?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah punched Isidor lightly in the arm, smiling. "I didn't know you were a big reader. What are you looking for?"

Sheogorath

"That's very generous of you," Kethiah said. "Was this something Resartus got for you?"

Sheogorath

"Oh, I'm only teasing him," Kethiah grinned. "I fell in love with an adventurer, I already know that. And besides, if he never left the tavern, we'd completely run out of mead."

Sheogorath

"Welcome to Vivec," the Guild Guide, a tall, fine-featured Dunmer women said. They recalled she was one of Barenziah's spies in the region. "If you'll be wanting to get to the mainland, you know you'll need to take a gondola or swim. The bridges from the Foreign Quarter have been torn down long ago ..."

Sheogorath

"Then I don't feel too bad about cutting into your, and our profits," Kethiah laughed. "Is Resartus coming tonight? I haven't seen him in weeks, but he said he was getting some rare books for you from High Rock ..."

Sheogorath

"A week late?" Kethiah frowned. "That isn't like him. He's so dependable, he's usually early. That's why I had you meet with him ..."

Sheogorath

The heavy crunching footsteps of a Silt Strider could be heard behind them, coming from Vivec, coming closer.

Sheogorath

"He carries too much merchandise to use the Guild Guides," Kethiah shook her head. "The war hasn't stopped him before, and he should have been here long before the raids in Narsis ... It's worrisome."

Sheogorath

The sound grew louder and faster. As the Silt Strider came up over the hill, they could see that it was running, charging northward. There were passengers on it, but they were being tossed off.

The creature issued forth a high-pitch scream, the likes of which no one had ever heard come from such a docile, domesticated creature.

It ran towards Reichi, Shaka, and Anya, crushing rocks and vegetation in its path, while its few passengers held on, and screamed.

Sheogorath

"I will," Kethiah nodded her head, smiling again, though not comfortably. "I didn't mean to spoil Reeds's party ... I might have a half a glass of wine. The healer said that it would be good for the baby to take a little bit from time to time."