General:Loranna's RP/Playing Houses/Section 3

Sheogorath

The ground was littered with broken bodies, some beyond healing, some moaning, their limbs broken. Among them were several of Almalexia's Hands. And Hlaluu Llethan Barreth, the King's cousin, though he had not seen the heroes of Ald Raathim yet. Blood was running down his face from a wound to his head, and one of the knights was casting a heal spell on him.

Sheogorath

The Silt Strider’s hissing scream for a moment could be understood by Anya:

A NEW KING, A NEW KINGDOM OF DEATH! ALL HAIL!

---

The Strider reared up suddenly, knocking Anya aside like a rag doll, crushing a Hand underfoot, and continuing galloping towards Pelagiad.

Sheogorath

"The smell of alcohol was enough to turn my stomach during my first two months," Kethiah grinned, touching her belly. "Which is really unfortunate when you live and work in a tavern ..."

She took a glass of wine that Reeds had offered. "To your continued good health, your Grace."

Sheogorath

"Geth," one of the passengers was wailing. "Vehk save us from Geth!"

A Hand gave Barreth a scroll, and on reading it, the King's cousin faded away.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim, The Temple of Nirn

Three women, all Bosmer, one a mere girl, one a grown, beautiful woman, and one a bent old hag came forward, hand-in-hand.

"The Mother welcome you," they said as one. "Speak and She will answer."

Sheogorath

"Why don't you come down to the cellar, and we'll see if any of our old vintages appeal to you?" the bartender replied.

The cellar was private and still. "That was something awful with the silt strider," the Dunmer said, shaking his head. "Never saw nothing like it before."

Sheogorath

The wind whistled through the tree, brushing the three women's hair and Nalion's. It was a sweet, fresh smell. Nature in harmony.

They spoke again, positing a riddle*, before falling silent.

(*OOC -- Forgive me not coming up with a riddle. This is a delaying tactic. Nalion will cleverly solve it on Monday when I can continue this ...)

Sheogorath

The bartender listened with a raised eyebrow. "B'Vek, Barreth is bold. I knew there is no love between the cousins, but openly siding with the enemy? I thank you for this information. I wish I could give more in return. The Silt Strider attack is only the latest of strange predations by normally docile wildlife in Pelagiad, and I understand there is even more such activity northward. Watch your step. The townships are dangerous now, but the open wilderness is positively lethal ..."

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, Loranna's excise tax and import/export clerk (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern.

Where Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is, what he's doing, and whether he's even alive is the question behind the quest Anya, Shaka, and Reichi are on. They know even the normally docile wildlife in western Vvardenfell have been acting bellicose lately, and as Goranthir has the ability to communicate with animals, there may be some connection there ...

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

In the Nymph and Noggin, Drunken Guar, Bloody Sandal, and other places in the town where gossip is spread, word began about a shipwreck.

Kallen sent a maid to wake the Duchess.

"Your Grace," she said, touching Loranna's shoulder. "A ship's run aground in the bay outside the castle. It was scuttled by the mangroves, and is half-sunk ... There doesn't appear to be anyone on board."

Sheogorath

The ship was grounded in the sand not far from shore. Its sails were still up, groaning in the full wind that had pushed it through the mangroves. It was a large vessel, built for commerce and not for war.

Kallen had already ordered a couple rowboats to investigate, and they were moored outside the ship while the guards looked in.

In a few minutes' time, they came back out, and began rowing back to shore. Their faces were pale, eyes wide.

"No one's alive in there," the first guard to reach dry land said. "They're all dead. Blood everywhere."

Sheogorath

Kethiah also was on her way to the beach. She saw Reeds, but her attention was drawn to the ship half-sunk in the water.

"That's Resartus's ship," she gasped.

Sheogorath

"Crew torn to pieces," the guard nodded, handing Dram the ship's log. "It looks like some merchandise may be missing. Some of the crates have been torn open too ... Pirates I guess."

Dram looked over the log. The last entry from Resartus said that the crew had been complaining of strange noises during the night on the way from High Rock, leading the superstitious to fear that the ship itself was haunted ...

Sheogorath

"If there's a manifest on board, we'll know what has been taken," Kethiah said thoughtfully. "Resartus was a good trader, and was mostly legitimate, but there's hardly a merchant who hasn't picked up an occasional unknown or illegal shipment if the price was right ... If there was moonsugar or something else in the boxes, there'd be no way of knowing for sure."

The rowboats began the grim task of bringing the bodies out of the ship. Kethiah hitched a ride on one of them to investigate the ship herself.

Sheogorath

Kethiah nods. "Yes, but I'd go insane if I played it safe all the time."

The interior of the ship was a horror show, as the guards had reported. Twenty-eight sailors bodies were recovered, all in various stages of gore. According to the log, there were forty-one crew members originally, so some were missing, either having escaped, gone overboard, or been part of ... whatever happened.

Kethiah examined Resartus's body. His eyes were wide-open, a milky-white. He had been dead for over a week, clearly. His throat was torn open so deeply, he had nearly been decapitated.

Sheogorath

Kethiah found the manifest and port of call log in the bridge. She studied it for a few minutes, and then took the books below deck to look at the cargo hold.

Water had seeped in below deck, and the boxes were half submerged. It was still pretty clear which crates had been broken apart.

"Actually everything seems to be accounted for," Kethiah said. "Including poor Reeds's books, which are ruined now I'd imagine ... There was a port of call in Koegria, Wayrest, but no record of any actual cargo picked up there. They could have been dropping things off, or it could be contraband that wasn't recorded -- in which case, it was likely whatever was in those crates ..."

Sheogorath

The Nix Hound whined, and he seemed confused, like a sleep walker:

The King has risen ... Sudanit ... He must be protected from those who seek him ...

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked at it, and then at Loranna, her red and violet eyes wide. It would have been rude to suggest that Kethiah was impressed, but she was.

"So it seems," Kethiah said. "They were carrying something living in these crates ... and it, or they, got out ..."

Sheogorath

The Nix Hound panted

Your King too in the evermore, the King of all who lived once ... the Lord of uncreation ... Geth is His unholy apostle ...

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked to Reeds and nodded. The loss of gold might not be as important as the loss of life, but it was still appreciable.

---

"They might not have known what they were transporting," Kethiah said. "Kinda hard to tell, but it doesn't look like the boxes had any airholes ... They might have been told they were something else, anything ... The other big question is -- since the boat landed here sometime last night, and no one saw it: did whatever was in these boxes get out, and get to land?"

Sheogorath

"I hear you, serjo," Kallen said from Loranna's office. "Tell me what you can, and I'll pass the information on to Her Grace."

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked to Loranna and Nalion. "I'm sorry, I'm missing something ... There may be a sload off of our coast, which we should deal with, but what does it have to do with Goranthir, or ... Mannimarco?"

The name was spoken uncertainly. Even though no one said the King of Worms comes when his name is spoken, one never knows ...

Sheogorath

Kethiah still looked confused, as her question hadn't been answered. "Well, if we're still talking about going after the sload, it'd be good to get some more mages ... They're not much of fighters, but they're powerful spellcasters ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah listened to Nalion and Loranna describing Mannimarco's connection to Goranthir, and nodded. "Yes, I heard the rumors, but I didn't know ... You should be able to get help from Zadion easily. The Mages Guild, now more than ever, is concerned with the threat of necromancy, and the Sload definitely represent that."

S'reddit

As Reichi had guessed, Wayn was no longer the weaponsmith at the Balmora Fighters Guild. In his stead was a rough-hewn fellow, burly for a Dunmer, named Lleran. He was polishing a silver short sword so it shone like the sun in the darkness of the Guildhouse.

"Good day to you, sera," he said. "What can I do for you?"

S'reddit

Zadion touched the walls, his long golden fingers emanating a soft red glow.

"This is very old, Dwemer in design," the Magister said. "The Sload is like a hermit crab, moving into a home long abandoned."

Sheogorath

Lleran said aloud. "You just need the right weapon to hunt with ..." and closed the heavy door to the upstairs.

"You just missed some people who came to the Guild last night, asking about someone who met Agent G's description," he said. "Odd folk ..."

Sheogorath

"There were two of 'em," the weaponsmith replied. "Common clothes, common cloaks. Good-looking fellows, polite ... But something about them gave me a chill. They just felt ... unnatural."

Sheogorath

"Hmm," Zadion said, touching the second crank. "Could be, but if I were a Sload, I keep my cave pretty wet. They're slow moving on dryland, but their fatness isn't such a hinderance in water ..."

Sheogorath

"They came at nightfall," Lleran said, grimacing at the thought. "But I don't think they could have been vampires. The Quarra, Berne, and Aundae all look monstrous, and like I said, these fellows were quite handsome ... if unnerving ..."

Sheogorath

"I hope so," Lleran said. "I met Agent G a couple times, and he seemed like a good kid. Hope you guys are able to find him."

Sheogorath

The Magister's eyes had narrowed at the sight of the Necromancers' lair. Like all officers of the Mages Guild, he found Necromancy to be an affront, an abomination to be crushed.

At the sight of the shambling undead, Zadion whispered a charm and fire leapt from his fingertips, unfurling in the air like a whip of flame, wrapping around two of the skeletons where it exploded, incinerating them.

Sheogorath

A wave of frigid wind billowed up around Zadion as the young Altmer took a step back, and unleashed it on the Bonewalker, freezing the undead creature.

Sheogorath

The Bonewalker shattered like glass at the guard's blow.

"Many thanks," Zadion smiled.

Sheogorath

As they made their way towards the clothier's, a shadow seemed to fall on Caldera, as if a cloud were passing over the afternoon sun.

Then someone screamed.

The woman was looking towards the west, where eight bull netches, their flesh bright red with hostile intent, their tentacles waving below them, were gliding out of the woods towards the town.

Immediately, the few citizens who were in the streets fled for shelter.

Sheogorath

The nearest shop was in fact the clothier's. And the door was locked.

Sheogorath

The little room was filled with rats of all sizes, scampering over the counter, through the clothes, chewing holes in the bolts of fabric. Beneath the writhing carpet was what remained of the clothier, Barenziah's spy.

The rats turned their hungry little eyes towards the three visitors.

Outside, meanwhile, the netches had entered the outskirts of the town and were moving steadily eastward, overturning everything in their path that wasn't rock solid.

S'reddit

The interior of the castle was even more different. All signs of Imperial life had been pulled from it, and redone in Redoran fashion. The halls were filled with peasant who had taken refuge there from the netch.

A few grievously wounded were there too, and one corpse of someone who had sought healing too late.

"It was worse before," a healer said. "At least this time, we saw them coming."

They knew the knight they were looking for, and found him. A serious, middle-age Dunmer with a broad Vvardenfell accent, Vhurre, sergeant of the watch. He walked past them, coming down from the tower, reporting to his commander that the netch had passed and there was no more trouble on the horizon.

S'reddit

"That's putting it mildly," the knight nodded, and looked around. Lots of people here. "I'm feeling a bit peckish myself. Shenk's Shovel should be able to accomedate you with food and drink, and perhaps a private room if you're tired. Who knows? I may be along there shortly if I can get off duty."

S'reddit

Zadion had been spending a few minutes in the sload's lair, gathering up some of the strange objects the creature had left behind. "The Archmagister Hannibal Traven has made the battle against necromancy a top priority of the Guild. Whatever we can learn about the practice can aid us."

"I will contact the Magister in Ephesus," he added as they made their way towards the sluice that would take them to the Bay. "They're in the Dragontail Mountains not far from Scourg Barrow. If there's anything strange going on in Mannimarco's former haunt, they'd know."

Sheogorath

There was a good-sized crowd in the tavern, talking about the various horror stories of the past couple of weeks. Some of the talk may have been exaggerated: people always seemed to know a friend-of-a-friend whose child had been attacked by mudcrabs, or carried off by cliff racers.

"Father Moonstone says it is unholy witchcraft, the forces of accursed Helseth at play," the tavernkeeper said. "Blessed Almalexia will cure this blight."

Vhurre arrived shortly there after. He saw the three in the corner, and shook his head before finding a table some distance away, where a couple people who recognized him greeted him.

Sheogorath

Vherre's expression went from relaxed to stricken. "Yisanne is dead? Who did this?"

Sheogorath

"She was a loyal subject to the King, and a dear friend," the Knight said, his expression becoming composed again, though his eyes showed his emotions plainly. "Geht or Geth is who you want to know about? He's rumored to be a number of different places. A couple days ago, two men stopped by in Caldera, asking similar questions. My commander suggested that there was a lot of activity in the old egg mine, but after we sent some men to investigate, it was empty. No Geth, no kwama either for that matter. A vast herd of them is in the east, from what I've heard ... Maybe Geth is with them."

Sheogorath

"Sudanit?" Vherre frowned. "Nothing about it specifically, but it's near Fort Buckmoth, which has been rendered basically uninhabitable by animal attacks. Everytime the Redoran try to clear it out, they're beaten back by more and more creatures ..."

Sheogorath

"I haven't been near it myself, so I couldn't tell you, but that'd be my guess too," Vherre agreed.

Sheogorath

Summary

The wherebouts (and even existence) of Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold and spy to his uncle King Helseth, is the quest Reichi, Anya, and Shaka are currently involved in in Redoran/Indoril-occupied Vvardenfell.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern.

Zadion, Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is returning to his Guildhouse to report on the encounter with the Sload, and to inquire of the Magister of the Ephesus Mages Guild any unusual activity in the King of Worms's former haunt, Scourg Barrow, in the Dragontail Mountains of Hammerfell.

Sheogorath

There had never been much vegetation on these inland badlands surrounding the volcano. Some had grown up through the dust settled after the last eruption, poking up in little budlings, but all that had been trambled by thousands of feet. The procession from the west had apparently joined one from the south.

It was difficult to see the horde because of the cloud of dust they churned up around them, but it was an appreciable army.

Overhead, dozens of cliffracers made circles in the sky.

Sheogorath

The mine now had multiple tunnels leading into it, holes dug by burrowing creatures, and their smell -- musk, guano, festering food -- was almost as overwhelming as the clamor. Howls, grunts, squeals, and chattering echoed forth from the mine as they approached it.

Sheogorath

But a few meters into one of the new tunnels was a wide open chamber, and the sound that greeted the three was a hideous snarling which they could recognize before they found the source. Nix hounds battling over a fresh kill.

The kill did not actually look so fresh. It was a human body of a young man, but it looked dessicated, almost mummified. The six nix hounds that were tugging at it were having a lot of trouble getting through the weathered, leathery flesh. Behind them, a couple alit paced, watching, waiting for their turn to feast.

The tunnel continued deeper into the earth past the "dining room."

Sheogorath

One of the Nix Hounds successfully gnawed through the corpse's neck, popping the head right off. It rolls along the ground towards the three, before one of the Nix Hounds bounded at it at the same time an Alit made a snap for it.

The head had full shoulder-length (when there were shoulders) black hair. Goranthir's was shaven when he left to go undercover in Vvardenfell to hide its distinctive (and un-Dunmeri) red-gold color.

The Alit and the Nix Hound began to fight. The other Nix Hounds and Alits looked to one another, and the fight, it seemed, was to be joined ...

Sheogorath

It was somewhat slow-going moving down the corridor as it grew smaller, avoiding the movements of alit, nix hounds, kagouti, and other man-sized predators that bounded through in both directions.

The corridor ended abruptly, falling off so it overlooked an enormous cavern, two hundred feet tall, and twice as wide. Similar tunnels were honeycombed across the walls on all sides, and a winding wooden platform connected several of them, though not the tunnel Anya, Reichi, and Shaka had come out of.

The floor was a mass of animals, a writhing carpet like at the clothier's house, on a much larger scale, with massive beasts instead of the rats.

Floating in the middle of the room was a bull netch, its tentacles curled up to support a humanoid figure, which roared, chattered, and howled to the assembled, like a priest addressing his congregation.

The figure was covered in strips of leather that bound tight against his body. Around his head was a crown of antlers. His eyes glowed gold.

It was Goranthir.

Sheogorath

Goranthir, seemingly unaware of the action happening in the little corridor, stepped out of the Netch's tentacles onto a platform about ten meters away and below them, to address a flock of cliffracers that had flown in, in a high screeching manner.

Sheogorath

The creature, whatever it is, did not disturb the animals in the tavern as it scuttled out. It was accepted as part of the place, part of the group. Then as it attacked, the cry went up. An intense, ear-aching wailing from the Netch, which spread to the cliffracers, and the hundreds of creatures along the cavern floor.

Goranthir turned for an instant, but the poison struck him, immobilizing him.

The cliffracers and bull netches moved quickly to attack the threat that had dared to attack their lord.

Sheogorath

As the spell settles over the creatures, the cacophony of animals howling in distress increases even more. Even some distance away, Reichi, Anya, and Shaka's ears rang, and they could no longer hear one another.

The cliff racers fled, but the massive bull netch barely hesitated before it lashed out its tentacles towards the man-spider, striking the walls behind it as the nimble humanoid evaded its touch.

Sheogorath

The fire striking the bull netch only enraged it more. One of its tentacles struck hard against the wooden platform, nearly knocking it off its foundations, sending both the man-spider and Goranthir falling to their certain death below.

S'reddit

A terrible roar filled the narrow cavern, and it took some time to figure out where it was coming from.

Goranthir had awoken. Still tied to the Scorpion-Man's back, his bright yellow eyes were wide and a terrible scream was issuing forth from his mouth.

The sound of galloping footsteps could be heard coming from both sides of the tunnel.

S'reddit

The tunnels on both sides swarmed with Kwama warriors. Their aim was primarily the scorpion-man, whom they set upon with ferocious determination, snapping and clawing at him until Goranthir tumbled to the floor, freed, and they continuing to pull at the strange creature's flesh. Others went for the snake-woman. It was impossible to tell how many of them there were. They seemed to be everywhere.

None of them attacked Reichi or Shaka, though they were jostled about a fair amount.

S'reddit

From Goranthir's mouth spilled forth a barrage of howls, chatterings, clicks, screechings, bellows, and roars in fifty different tongues, including, almost as an after-thought, the common language of men and mer in Tamriel:

DESTROY THE CREATURE WHO LOOKS LIKE A SNAKE-WOMAN AND SMELLS LIKE DEAD FLESH! ROOT HER OUT FROM HER BURROWS AND TEAR HER APART! THE KING DEMANDS HER FINAL DEATH!

The very walls of the mine seemed to tremble as creatures great and small rushed to do his bidding.

Though he resembled Goranthir, there was no part of the young prince's cavalier and friendly attitude in his personality.

The sound of his voice filled Reichi and Shaka with even more rage than they had before against the creature who held Anya. They were in control of themselves, but only barely.

S'reddit

Goranthir made Reichi's decision for him, charging into the tunnel together with the swarm of kwama warriors, their flesh still wet with the blood of the scorpion-man who was slumped against the floor, dessicated.

S'reddit

Goranthir and his creature minions clattered along behind him as he ran, and the sound of Goranthir's voice increased Shaka's fury tenfold.

SHE IS AN EMISSARY OF THE UNCLEAN ONE, THE HERETIC OF VVARDENFELL, TEAR HER APART!

S'reddit

The tumbling stone crushed five Kwama warriors, and sealed off the tunnel.

Goranthir's eyes narrowed and he made a bellowing noise.

The warriors retreated, and Kwama workers came in to begin to burrow their way out of the tunnel.

S'reddit

"Calm thyself, Shaka the Redguard of Argonia," Goranthir turned to him. His voice did seem to cool Shaka's blood, releasing the fury it had caused earlier. "My netches will be waiting them when they reach air. We thank you, for Geth would have been taken and destroyed if not for your intervention."

S'reddit

The rock began to give way to the assault, and Reichi and the Kwama workers burst their way through the tunnel. It was not far to sunlight.

S'reddit

"We do not know," Goranthir said, stepping out next to Reichi, and bellowing to the seven netches that were floating in the air outside. He waited for their response. "The netches did not see her. She must have a secret way of traveling."

S'reddit

Goranthir looked to Shaka. He did not smile, but his golden eyes seemed warm and friendly. "I am sorry, Shaka, but your friend Goranthir has been dead for some time now. He died, feeling he was doing his duty to his family and his friends, though I am sure that is cold consolation. Geth was born that day. The murderess of Goranthir sought to slay us, as we inhabit what was once his body, and we have been growing stronger day by day, to resist her evil assault. Now we will stay with you, at least until we have found your lover, alive or dead."

S'reddit

"The purpose, o Reichi, lupine of Balmora?" Goranthir replied, turning to Reichi with his mild golden eyes. "Why, protection, of course. We had to surround ourself with guardians while we healed. The Kingdom of Death is that of our Father, blessed be his name. But that is only as the animals with their limited capacity understand it. We would explain further, but we must help you find your companion."

S'reddit

"Yes," Goranthir replied, with a ghost of a smile. "And yes. There are vestiges of a former life in this shell, that was how we were able to command the natural beasts to do our bidding. We grow mightier as it fades away. Soon, we will be able to command everything that lives, man and mer and plant as well as animal to search for your friend Anya ... but we fear it will be too late then to save her. There must be another way to find where the accursed snake-woman has taken her."

---

"No, there are heretics, false Gods," Goranthir frowned, disgusted. "I do not know her true name or nature, but she is not of this life or the next."

S'reddit

Goranthir stood on the hill, and howled. It echoed over the hills, a haunting sound.

"They will report back when they have found her," Goranthir said. "Even if they are not nearby, nix hounds are a social group, and they will relay their message across the island. Do not worry."

(OOC -- Gotta head off to bed. We can assume Geth will listen for Nix Hound replies until I'm back on.)

Sheogorath

There were howls in the distance which Goranthir heard with his mild golden eyes, and howled back in response. Then he called out a series of gruff calls, and three large guar appeared over the hill.

"The trail's very hard to follow," Goranthir said. "But they are down south. As we get closer, it will be easier to pinpoint them."

Sheogorath

It was a dusty ride over the hillsides on the Guar, and slow, for whenever there were caravans, farms, troop movements, or any other Dunmer in the area, the Guar would smell them, tell Geth, and they would all hide.

As the sun set and the moons rose, they were in the shadows of Marandus, along Lake Nabia.

"I think she might be in Ald Sotha," Goranthir said, his golden eyes thoughtful. "But there is much activity there, and my nix hounds can't get too close ..."

Sheogorath

Goranthir listened to Reichi and Shaka talk, his face still, showing no emotion at all, his golden eyes taking it all in. In a way, it was a child's expression, simply absorbing all. Learning as if everything was a new experience, a new world.

"What is being a monster like?" he asked.

Sheogorath

"It is a little different than asking an animal what it is like to be an animals, because they know no other way," Goranthir said, looking at Reichi with his warm eyes. His voice was incredibly soothing. "You know what it was before you were a werewolf though. You have some means of comparison. We are sorry it is a lonely existence, though, Reichi of Balmora."

His voice showed he truly was sorry. Even sad.

Sheogorath

"My father is Death, and I know the children of Tamriel fear him as the great mystery, the dark unknown," Goranthir said, nodding his head. "All the wisdom of Julianos and Hermaeus-Mora do not comfort people for that ultimate knowledge is beyond the ken. As for us becoming a monster, yes, we likely will, by some people's estimations, as you are."

"Had Mannimarco not claimed our soul, we would not be who we are," Goranthir added. "Which is again like asking an animal what it is like to be an animal. We do not know what it is like to be other than what we are."

Sheogorath

"We know what we knew before, and more we notice by the hour," Goranthir said, turning to Shaka. "There is nothing living that does not interest us, but it is difficult to concentrate at times with so much life around us, whispering to us ..."

Sheogorath

"We have as much free will as Shaka," Goranthir replied. "He could choose to ignore his Redguard spirit, and we could choose to ignore our ties to Mannimarco. If the greater truth is that Shaka is a Redguard, and it is noble to embrace that, why is it not true for us? You may have your own interpretation of what Arkay is and what Mannimarco is, that is your prerogative, of course. But they are simply your beliefs. You have not spoken to either to know for certain."

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent to the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern, wondering why her betrothed hasn't sprung a wedding on her yet.

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, undercover spy for his uncle King Helseth in Vvardenfell, appears to be dead, or at least dying. In his stead is Geht, agent of the King of Worms, Mannimarco, who has the same power to communicate with animals that Goranthir had, but seems to be vastly more powerful, and threatening to become even more so. He is with Reichi and Shaka (and soon, Arynel) not far from Ald Sotha where he claims the nix hounds have tracked the captured Anya. He seems to be quiet and calming, but has little doubt he will someday be a monster.

Sheogorath

Goranthir turned to Arynel with his neutral expression and warm eyes. "Arynel the string-whispering bard, how doth the road treat you?"

Sheogorath

"No, likely the path is different, but we wouldn't not be on it but that our old road led us here," Goranthir nodded. "You have heard what befell Anya?"

Sheogorath

"If there is but one path for the hero, then you are correct, we have left it," Goranthir replied. "But if you have not been on our road before, how can you tell where it leads?"

Sheogorath

"You may have good reason to," Goranthir replied softly. "We only know the steps we are taking now ... and those are leading us to Ald Sotha."

Sheogorath

Goranthir nodded, and listened carefully to the call of the cliffracers in the distance.

"There's a patrol coming."

Sheogorath

Kethiah came in the front door, clearly in a bad mood. She had been feeling poorly lately, which may have been the reason.

Sheogorath

The twisted ruins of Ald Sotha had been unearthed since the days of the Blue Dawn, and now stood tall and mighty, even bigger than before. Evidentally much reconstruction had been done.

Before Shaka had gotten too far, he could hear a faint noise. It was actually several noises in harmony: whirs, gears switching, metal against metal.

There was a great deal of dust around the ruins. Troops were evident, though it was difficult to tell how many. Hundreds, at least.

Sheogorath

There was too much dust to see what was happening, but the cliffracers had been right: most of the movement was centered around the southern side of the ruins. There were troops in formation around the nothern side, but they were much fewer in number. There were also lights in the towers on the ruin.

Goranthir pointed up to the towers. "If we could get in there, we would have a better vantage ... And we'd be closer to Anya."

Sheogorath

"You know I wasn't feeling well," Kethiah frowned, shaking her head. "I was afraid there was something wrong, and I went to the healer at the temple. She gave me a little too much information about our baby."

Sheogorath

Goranthir had taken a sword as well, and held it as expertly as he ever had. A patrol passed over the ramparts of the darkest tower, but the three waited beneath the wall until they had passed, and then drifted onto the stone. They were two hundred feet above the ground, on the walkway between two dark towers. There were lights in both.

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked at Isidor curiously, and then laughed. "Oh, oh my darling, I'm so sorry. Nothing's wrong with, well, him. Except they told me it's going to be a boy, and I didn't want to know ... And now you know ..."

Sheogorath

Goranthir looked over his shoulder. His cliffracers were still there, far enough away that they wouldn't attract attention, but close enough that they could come in, and provide distraction or support as needed ...

They were moving towards the tower the patrol had come out of. There were still voices within they could hear.

Sheogorath

The tower door led to a winding stairwell up and down. The voices were coming from below, quite a distance away, but the light was shining from both directions.

Goranthir slowly began the climb up the stairs.

Sheogorath

"I'm sorry, I realized that was what you were thinking only after I scared you," Kethiah grinned. "No, he's fine. I was trying the same herbal tea as Loranna uses, but we have a little different needs and tolerances it seems ... As far as the name goes, I don't know ... You have any Nordic traditions you want to follow?"

Sheogorath

Goranthir stopped after a few steps. The dust was thick.

"Nothing of any substance has walked this stairwell in a long time," he whispered. "That would include Anya. Let us try another direction."

Sheogorath

"He will look Dunmer, you know," Kethiah said, glancing briefly at Dynate after the interruption, and then smiling at Isidor. "But it would be nice to name him something that honors his dual heritage ... Well, we will think on it. How are you, killer? Any word back yet from Shaka and the others?"

Sheogorath

Dust also cloaked the floor of the second tower, but Goranthir didn't have to point out the pattern up the stairs. A wide swath had been cut into it, like a giant broom ... or a slithering serpent ... Up the stairs ...

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded, her face serious. "They're undercover, so no news is probably good news. Let me check with my contacts and see if that's the case. I was too worried about the baby this morning to have my usual meetings."

There were a couple merchants hanging around the Nymph, waiting to talk to the excise and tax agent of the Duchess.

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked back at Isidor with a smile at his words. "I hope so too."

She had her meetings, but the smile remained on her lips.

Sheogorath

At the sound of the fireball, Goranthir picked up the pace, letting out little high-pitched squeaks, barely audible, as he talked to the rats inhabiting the tower.

Sheogorath

"My name is Geht," Goranthir said, over his shoulder, moving quickly down the dark hall. He listened to the rats and translated back. "We are close. And so are the guards."

Sheogorath

With a squeal so high-pitched it made mortal ears ring, Goranthir called out to the rats he had been talking to. They scampered down the stairs, under the feet of the guards, throwing them off balance.

Then he leapt at Dayla, sword drawn. Goranthir's body and mind knew the way of battle well, and Geht could use that skill.

Sheogorath

Geht did not seem to have a firm grasp on mortal sarcasm, as he spun at Dayla, his sword a blur, keeping a watch out for her tail.

Sheogorath

Goranthir's momentum sent his blade deep into the guard, and he cursed, rolling out of the way. At least this guard wouldn't provide much of a sustenance to the vampire, he reasoned, watching the Redoran's blood pour out onto the floor.

He roared. It was a cry of a creature no one in the room had ever heard before. Whatever it was, it wasn't small.

Sheogorath

Goranthir was now behind Dayla, and he called out to the others, "She won't be affected by sleep or paralysis, but try to get Anya immobilized. And then get to the top of the tower. We will show you how to escape."

With that, he leapt at Dayla's back, sword swinging to distract her as best as he could.

S'reddit

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise tax and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster) is at her tavern, meeting with merchants. Though her mind is on her unborn child, which she has just learned is going to be a boy, and on Isidor's suggestion of getting married soon ...

And Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is "dead," as in no longer in conscious control of his body, which is instead occupied by Geht, emissary of the King of Worms, who possesses Goranthir's ability to communicate with animals, amplified manyfold.

---

Goranthir flew across the room, his jaw dislocated. He tried hard to stay conscious when he landed on the floor heavily.

S'reddit

Blood flows freely from Goranthir's broken jaw as he gets to his feet. His golden eyes, so mild and unreadable since his "transformation" into Geht, blaze with naked emotion. Foremost is fear. He needs to be gone. The second emotion is less classifiable, but almost seems to be a strange sort of jealousy.

Dayla's back is to him once again. He rushes her, slashing at her with his sword.

S'reddit

Goranthir/Geht and Anya's eyes met.

They were similar creatures now. And both of them knew it.

Goranthir nodded, and unable to speak, made a gesture upwards.

Then he ran for the stairs.

S'reddit

Goranthir ran up the winding stairs, higher and higher. He knew that this mind knew a healing spell, but it wasn't working. The pain in his jaw was too much to concentrate on it. He hoped Anya understood him when he pointed up, and would know which way to run. He hoped the others would pay heed to him, and follow.

Most of all, he hoped his roar had been heard earlier, because with his jaw broken, he couldn't do it again.

He climbed out of the narrow window at the top of the stairs, and scurried out on top of the spire above.

Looking down onto Ald Sotha from this height, his eyes widened at what he beheld.

S'reddit

Goranthir looked at Reichi and tried to speak, but it was impossible with his jaw broken. He pointed down.

S'reddit

Goranthir looked hopelessly at Reichi, Shaka, and Nalion, trying to speak, blood burbling from his mouth at the effort.

S'reddit

Goranthir sighed in relief as his injured jaw mended, healed itself. He tested it once with words. "Thank you, Slyvos Dagoth Lichlord," he said.

Then he roared again, looking out to the sea beyond.

It was empty of all but the azure blue waves between Ald Sotha and Vivec city.

Down below, the guards were charging into the tower. Soon they would be on them, and the five of them were trapped on the roof of the tower.

Then, they noticed a darkness in the water, large as galleon.

S'reddit

The armored footsteps on the stairs could be heard coming closer.

Then the dark shape exploded, waves crashing some miles distant, but the sound was unmistakable.

It was sapphire green, this thing, two hundred feet long, that launched itself into the sky. Its leathery wings unfurled, to tilt its trajectory towards the tower.

Within a few beats of its wings, it was there, looking at the heroes as it hovered, its face long and sleek as a snakes, but with a cat's eyes, ears, and whiskers.

"You could live a thousand more years and never see a dragon," Goranthir said, stepping onto its wide back, ridged with four foot long spikes. "Come on."

S'reddit

Once all were on the majestic creature's back, it rocketed upward, into the clouds. Goranthir growled a few words to the dragon, and it growled back in response.

They were three thousand feet in the air in no time, but the air was warm and there was almost no wind, though they could tell they were flying very fast. The moons and the stars lit their way.

"Where do you need to go?" Goranthir asked, and then looked at Anya. "And what do you intend to do with her? The sun will be rising soon."

S'reddit

"That's a good suggestion, Reichi of Balmora," Goranthir nodded, and growled instructions to the dragon. It snorted in response, a plume of hot dark gray mist spilling out of its nostrils.

It made a gentle quarter turn and dove back down through the clouds, slowly angling itself towards the Velothi Mountains in the distance.

"There are some foothills outside Ald Raathim," Goranthir told the others. "A pretty extensive cave network. There might even be a wild guar or two in the area she could kill to slake her thirst before daybreak."

S'reddit

The dragon circled down, and just for an instant, those on its back could see a second dragon, a black one, twice its size, arch into the mountains, disappearing into a canyon.

Their ride did not reduce its speed as it shot across an alpine meadow, and then over a lake, the water below reflecting the green just for an instant before the force of the wind parted the water, splashing ten foot tall waves on either side.

They were coming into familiar foliage, and before the dragon veered into a cave, a royal fort could be seen, and the tower of the Duchess's castle over the treetops.

The dragon landed gently on the wet cave floor. Its long tail provided a slide of sorts to the ground.

"You are three miles east of the village," Goranthir said.

S'reddit

The Caves Outside Ald Raathim

As Anya, Reichi, Slyvos, Shaka, and Nalion slid off the dragon, Goranthir addressed them, his golden eyes mild once again. "As much as our destinies do not collide, I wish you luck with yours. I have no doubt we will see one another again, and I say sincerely, I hope it will be as friends again."

To Anya, he added. "Despite your bloodlust, there is much of the old Anya that remains. You may be able to preserve that. You may embrace the darkness. If you wish to change, my Father can help."

He looked to Slyvos: "You too will have some trials ahead. Mannimarco can protect you."

The dragon shifted with curious agility, avoiding the tiny people at its feet as it turned to face the cave entrance again.

"Tell those who loved Goranthir that they may mourn, for he is dead," Goranthir added.

The dragon launched itself out of the cave, its wings beating a wind nearly strong enough to knock the heroes off their feet.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah, after meeting with her various contacts, was no longer smiling. She was worried. Stepping out onto the pier to look at the rising sun of dawn, watching the fishermen and sailors rig up their vessels, it was as it always had been ...

She went to look for Loranna at the castle. It was early yet, but the Duchess was in the habit of rising early.

Sheogorath

"None, none at all," Kethiah replied. "At first, that made me relieved. No word of Goranthir being captured or killed, no word of Shaka, Anya, Reichi, Slyvos, or Nalion being spotted ... And that is still good news ... But then it got me worried. There's always something happening, a raid, a meeting, something ... But there is literally no information I can get out of any of my sources. The Redoran and Indoril have pulled back all operations. They must be planning something big."

Sheogorath

"I asked about Ald Sotha specifically from the merchants who have been to Vivec," Kethiah said. "No word. No one's been allowed close. I wish I could tell you something other than that I'm worried ..."

Sheogorath

"It's a relief he's alive," Kethiah nodded, stepping back to wait for Slyvos's arrival. "Maybe we can get some information at last."

Sheogorath

"We're glad to see you're alive," Kethiah said, and the questions burbled out. "What happened? What's the news from Ald Sotha? Did you hear anything about the others, Goranthir, Anya, Reichi, Nalion, and Shaka?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked to Loranna. This was the sort of big operation they had just been talking about.

"Fabricants, out of Sotha Sil's family seat," Kethiah nodded soberly. "Even if they don't scratch us, when word gets out that Sotha Sil is back creating Fabricants, even more people will flock to the New Church ..."

She turned back to Slyvos. "Go on."

Sheogorath

"Where are they now?" Kethiah asked impatiently, completely ignoring the part about the dragon as irrelevant, at least for now. "Do they need help?"

Sheogorath

"Yes, I agree, I imagine this puts their timeframe for whatever they're planning up," Kethiah nods. "But we still don't know when they're going to use these ... tools. It could be days away, weeks away ... Still, the King should be told, so he can alert everyone else."

Sheogorath

Barenziah was dressed in an elegant Imperial gown of silver, a color which matched the steak that wound its way through her hair. Pearls of a similar color wound their way through her hair as well. It was a very formal ensemble. Evidentally, there was an important meeting going on in Mournhold.

When she saw Loranna's face, she did not waste time with formalities and greetings. Evidently, the fact of the Duchess's bad news could easily be read.

"What's happened?" the Queen Mother asked, her eyes wide.

Sheogorath

"B'Vek," Barenziah gasped, and then proceeded to quiz Loranna on all the information she had gotten from Slyvos. The Duchess could see the Queen Mother was having the same thoughts as she and Kethiah had discussed. The timeframe for whatever Indoril and Redoran had planned had been pushed forward.

Barenziah's interrogation lasted some time. She wanted to know everything. It wasn't until she had heard the last "We're not sure yet," that she said. "Thank you for this information. It may save us. And, of course, we'll send our own agents to see what we can find ourselves ... Is that all? Any word about Goranthir?"

Sheogorath

Barenziah's face was still, stoic. She closed her eyes briefly, and then reopened them. "Thank you for that information too, Your Grace. Do you know where he is now? Still in Vvardenfell?"

Sheogorath

"Thank you, anytime, day or night," Barenziah replied, and Loranna could see she was already plotting something. "I need ... I need to go. Contact me when you know more."

With that, Barenziah shut her mind to Loranna.

The last expression on it was easy to read. Anger.

Sheogorath

"Very few traders from as far away as Firsthold, at least not ones that come through Ald Raathim regularly," Kethiah replied. "But I will let you know what I hear ... I should get back to the Nymph and Noggin, in case there is any news about what Slyvos was talking about."

Kethiah went to the door.

Sheogorath

Two young Khajiti males stepped into the alley, watching, with wide, relaxed smiles on their faces.

"Looks like the slavers don't know who they're dealing with," said the first of the Khajiit, whose fur was lightly silver in patterns that ran down his neck and up his arms.

His companion, less distinctly feline than the other, with brown woad tattoos over his face, laughed. "I still bet ten gold they win out."

Sheogorath

"Pay up," the brown-woad-colored Khajiit said to the silver one, who grumbled and gave him ten gold.

"How much do you want for them?" asked the silver-furred Khajiit to the slavers.

Sheogorath

"Well," the brown-woad-painted khajiit said, smiling, and holding up the gold he had won from the silver khajiit. "I find myself holding a fortune of ten gold, and I have to spend it quick. It's yours. And if you act now, we won't tell our boss about you and your little operation."

"She'll find out on her own," the silver-haired khajiit added. "I mean, honestly, she will."

"Probably, but they'll have a chance to get out of town this way," the brown one nodded, still grinning. "Which is an excellent bargain, any way you look at it."

"True," said the other.

Sheogorath

The brown-woad-painted khajiit handed the Imperial the ten gold. "A pleasure doing business with you. The advice on getting out of town fast, by the way, would be wise to heed."

"By Jephre, what are you going to do with your new slaves?" the silver-haired Khajiit asked the other.

"You know, I have no idea," the brown one chuckled. "They're not exactly sexually desirable, are they? But you know me and money ... in one hand and out the other ..."

Sheogorath

When Dar'Tessir and Reeds woke up, they were soft silk cushions on an enormous balcony made of white marble, overlooking the Topal Bay. A gentle breeze was blowing. The two Khajiti they recognized from the alley were there as well, drinking wine.

An enormous white palace surrounded them.

Sheogorath

"Hello," said the brown-woad-painted Khajiit, and there was an awkward pause as he looked to the silver-furred Khajiit. "You say something."

"I don't suppose you're interested in a career in slavery, are you?" asked the silver Khajiit.

Sheogorath

The silver-haired Khajiit chuckled at this. "Well, that won't do at all. Sarcasm in a slave, who'd ever stand for it? No, the thing to do is free you."

"Is there some legal process we have to go through to do that?" the brown Khajiit winced. "I'll just keep them if there's too much paperwork."

"I think we can just say 'You're free,'" the silver one replied with authority. "There, that's done. Why don't you throw your chains over the balcony, I think you'll find they're unlocked. Have a glass of wine, and we'll toast your independence."

Sheogorath

"All the better," the silver-haired Khajiit laughed. "So who are you, and what brings you to Senchal, if not a desire to enter the profitable and rewarding world of slavedom? I'm Alas, and the handsome fellow over there is my associate, Alack."

Alack raised his glass to Reeds and smiled, handing Dar'Tessir a glass.

It was excellent.

Sheogorath

"Dar'Tessir really ought to cultivate friends in a better class of neighborhood," Alas smiled, pouring another round of wine. "Was it business or pleasure?"

Behind them, a Khajiit female stepped out onto the balcony. She was easily one of the most beautiful creatures they had ever seen, clad in a tight tawny-colored dress which matched the color of her skin and hair. She said nothing, but just shook her head, and poured herself a glass of wine.

Sheogorath

Kethiah finished her meetings with her merchants connections. It was frustrating. No new news. She stepped downstairs and saw Isidor. She stifled a laugh at his expression, sitting there with his eyes closed.

Sitting down next to him, she whispered. "What are you thinking of?"

S'reddit

An image appeared to Anya, and only Anya, in the shadows of the cave. A soft-faced young man, with a bright pink and white complexion, scarcely more than a boy, in a rich robe of black darker than darkness. His eyes were wholly black as the cloak. On his head was a spiky crown, each spike a bone.

He had a beautiful guileless smile.

Anya knew it was Mannimarco, and knew too he wasn't present, but in her mind.

He vanished without saying a word.

S'reddit

"There may be trouble brewing soon," Kethiah said. "We need to shore up defenses in Ald Raathim ... But we may not get a better time than now."

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is now known at Geht, emissary of the King of Worms, Mannimarco. He was last seen flying off on a dragon (!).

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and export/import manager (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her tavern with her fiancee, Isidor.

---

"Shaka and the others are back," Kethiah explained. "They witnessed an army of soldiers and Sotha Sil's Fabricants amassing in Vvardenfell. We don't know where or when they'll attack, but no one's had an army like that without using it ..."

Sheogorath

"Hello," said the Khajiit woman with a slight smile. "Who are you?"

"They're some strays we picked up in the slums," Alas said. "They're enormously grateful for us keeping them from being sold into slavery ... I suppose ..."

"One of them has even told us his name when we asked," Alack added. "Just makes you feel good about doing good deeds."

"Shut up,” the woman said to the men, and turned to Reeds and Dar'Tessir introducing herself. "I'm Ya’Tirrje. This is my home."

Dar’Tessir knew that name. The most powerful smuggler in Senchal, also known as Goldcat.

Sheogorath

"I don't know any more than that, but that's certainly what others are going to think, that Sotha Sil created them," Kethiah nodded. "In addition to whatever damage they do, they will bring true believers to Moonstone."

Sheogorath

"And you were saying you are in Senchal on business when I came in?" Ya’Tirrje asked. "I'm sorry it was interrupted. Senchal has gotten much safer in recent years, but there's still a rough element around, particularly in the slums."

Sheogorath

Kethiah grinned. "Like I said, there may not be a better time."

Sheogorath

"My dear, just because something is illegal doesn't mean there isn't a lively market for it. Quite the opposite in fact," Ya’Tirrje laughed, low and friendly. "The price for slaves has increased manifold since Helseth's proclamation."

---

"He thinks we've made light of your and his predicament earlier," Alas nodded, still smiling. "I guess in our business you develop a somewhat dark sense of humor."

Sheogorath

Ya'Tirrje grinned more widely, her eyes twinkling. The sunlight on her hair, skin, and dress, all the color of sand, made her look more like a Goldcat that ever. "What a sweet sentiment. I wish you luck in your business, whatever it is, provided it isn't in competition with mine. You do look familiar in fact ... You aren't a native, are you?"

Sheogorath

"I feel like I've seen you somewhere outside of Senchal though, more recently?" Ya'Tirrje said thoughtfully. "Well, Dar'Tessir and Reeds, I admire your ability to keep your mouths shut about your business. My employees could learn a bit about that."

Alas and Alack looked at one another.

"She's talking about you, mate," said Alack.

"I don't think so, mate," Alas rejoined.

"I'm sure our paths will cross again," the golden beauty smiled. "I need to get back to work, and I'm sure you do too."

Sheogorath

Alack laughed. "I'm sorry, I thought you were enjoying our company. No need for permission, lads. Your weapons are in the great hall on the way to the front door."

He gestured beyond the patio into the house. It was a palace, but simply laid out. They could see the ornate marble front door from there.

"Good luck to you and your business," Alas added.

Sheogorath

Goldcat smiled. "Enjoy yourselves. It was a pleasure meeting you."

She went back into the palace with a swish of her tail.

Alas and Alack both breathed sighs of relief. "She's in a good mood. Must have had a good day at the docks."

Sheogorath

A drunk scuffle had broken out in the Noggin, and Kethiah was there to toss the three combatants out on their ear onto the docks.

"A little roughhousing I can tolerate," she told them. "But go to the Bloody Sandal if you want to break furniture."

Seeing Isidor, she smiled. "Hello, killer."

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked at the netch, then looked at Shaka, then at Isidor.

"I assume you're going to tell me what's going on soon," she said with a smile.

Then, overhearing Shaka and Reeds, she looked back at Isidor. "Wedding party?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah was nearly hysterical with laughter. She touched her hair, which was half-undone. A smudge of grease from the kitchen was on her cheek. Her common dress was stained from beer.

She wrapped her arms around Isidor and kissed him hard. "This is perfect."

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked out in wonder. Isidor saw a little tear in her eye which she quickly wiped away.

"Unbelievable," Kethiah smiled. "I love you."

Sheogorath

Kethiah laughed. "That's what makes this so special, Shaka. I'm a natural organizer, and in my career as an assassin, I was never surprised. Isidor surprised me."

"I might take you up on the offer of flowers, but there's something oddly appropriate about wearing this old thing," she looked at the plain, stained dress. "Isidor knows I have plenty of faults, but vanity is not one of them."

And the truth was, she looked lovely. Disheveled but beautiful.

Sheogorath

"Lord, Lady, and Wizard," Kethiah laughed, almost choking on the kwama meat she was eating. "That's like a lily telling a dandelion she looks radiant. But do you know, I feel radiant. If I had planned this, I would have dressed appropriately for a bride, and I wouldn't have been comfortable at all. I also would have made it a small, intimate affair, but Isidor tells me he's invited everyone."

Sheogorath

"Actually, I told him to surprise me, and he did just that," Kethiah laughed. "You know me, I like to do everything, and it is an amazing feeling just to let go and be the person things happen to, rather than the catalyst. If you had told me a year ago that today I would no longer be an assassin, but be a pregnant tavernkeeper getting married in a dirty old dress, I would have thought it was a curse. Now I know what a blessing it is."

Sheogorath

"Speaking as an unrepentant Planner and Schemer," Kethiah grinned. "Nothing we expect will come to pass. But tonight I refuse to believe it won't turn out for the best."

Sheogorath

"That's true, but I have never identified with a hero," Kethiah nodded. Seeing Anya and Shaka, she waved. "That was a marvelous way of arriving to the party, Shaka, thank you. You even surprised Isidor!"

Sheogorath

"I was just telling Loranna it's hard to imagine where I was a year ago being here, or even wanting to be here," Kethiah smiled. "Given our history, Shaka, it's equally hard to imagine you hosting my wedding party."

Sheogorath

"And it's lovely too," Kethiah smiled, greeting Anya. There wasn't much she could say to her, but Anya could tell from her eyes that she knew everything. "Thank you for coming, Anya."

---

"I wish the same for you," Kethiah replied, kissing Shaka's cheek.

Sheogorath

Kethiah chuckled. "That's true. Bear that in mind if ever you doubt it: the course of true love never did run smooth. Of course, now I'm thinking about all the gold and weaponry that's probably still buried in the Dwemer ruins under my old cottage in Vas ... In a couple months, when I'm able to, I really should go back and reclaim it."

Sheogorath

"I couldn't be happier having been caught," Kethiah laughed. "Welcome, Nalion. Thank you for being here."

Sheogorath

"They're pretty treacherous, those ruins, and filled with all manners of Dwemer constructs," Kethiah nodded. "If the Redoran and Indoril did try to plunder it and weren't aware of what they were getting into, they probably lost more men than they gained by the treasure. Here's hoping, anyhow."

Sheogorath

"That'd be my guess," Kethiah replied. "Did you get any information about Almalexia from Goranthir, or was he ... unable?"

Sheogorath

"Not at all, his old nurse may be the way to get through to him when we face him again, which I have no doubt we will," Kethiah said. Seeing Slashes, she smiled. "Welcome, commander. Thank you for coming. How go the preparations to defend Ald Raathim in case of trouble?"

Sheogorath

"They're exquisite, Nalion, thank you," Kethiah gasped, a tear coming to her eye which she quickly wiped away. "I'm so sorry. I've been so emotional lately. What a wonderful gift."

She kissed Nalion's cheek.

Sheogorath

"Loranna, Your Grace," Kethiah looks at Loranna and then back at the goblets. "B'vek, they're amazing."

She picks one up, and holds it before the candlelight, its facets blazing. Her violet and red eyes almost are lost in them.

"Thank you," she said quickly with a laugh, kissing Loranna's cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't say thank you. I'm just overwhelmed. Thank you."

Sheogorath

"You know how I refuse to cut into the Nymph and Noggin's profits, and am notorious for my policy of no free drinks from the cellar," Kethiah said with a wink. "But maybe this one time ..."

Sheogorath

"Thank you, Loranna," Kethiah said, smiling, as Loranna called for more wine from the castle. "Though on this occasion, I wouldn't mind cutting into the Nymph's profits a bit. And I know Isidor wouldn't mind ... Makes me wonder what happened to Tris, though, speaking of whom. I suppose being Count Sternhart is a lot of work, but strange we haven't heard from him in a while. Or Allerleirauh, for that matter ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's own eyes, red and violet, were perfectly reflected in the stones. She looked to Isidor as if to say something, but couldn't.

Instead she kissed him, and let the tears flow, not bothering to wipe them away this time.

Sheogorath

Summary

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, a.k.a Geht, is out of the picture for now, though his plight may still be discussed.

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and secretly her Spymaster) is at her surprise wedding feast. It was such a surprise that she's there with dishelveled hair and a wine-stained common dress ... but she looks beautiful and she has never been happier.

---

"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Kethiah whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "It truly is. You overwhelm me, Isidor."

Sheogorath

"That would be a most welcome gift," Kethiah smiled, finally wiping away her tears of happiness. "Please continue."

Sheogorath

"It's the Merchant's Festival, of course," said Kethiah.

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled, looking at Tyradil and Tilitalia, who were transfixed by the tale. As well they might be, P'rassha was a fine storyteller.

Sheogorath

The group, particularly the children Tyradil and Tilitalia, applauded.

"Thank you, P'Rassha," said Kethiah, touched. "That is very kind of you. I don't think there's much risk of me forgetting the story, but I'll treasure it ..."

Her red and violet eyes narrowed. "It's not ... Vaernima's, is it?"

Sheogorath

"I think you're supposed to ask him if he'll honor and obey me," Kethiah laughed, a little nervously. "B'vek, this is really happening, isn't it?"

Sheogorath

"Where shall we go for this?" Kethiah asked. "Do you have somewhere set up? By the pond?"

Sheogorath

"Right here is perfect, darling," Kethiah smiled.

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled, and took from around her neck a small, finely crafted ebony amulet, with two sapphires placed in the middle. It glowed with a magical effect, and shined brightly. It was the healing talisman he had given her after the attack by Herwyn Brand that had nearly claimed her life.

"This was the gift you gave me when you saved my life," she said, and corrected herself. "The second time you saved my life. I would like you to have it back, not because I don't treasure it and you, but because it is symbolic of the healing power of love. And how you have proven that by giving, you receive."

She put it around his neck.

Sheogorath

Kethiah did too, but also whispered to Isidor, with a wink. "You'll recall, I think it was also the first gift you gave me that I actually liked."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled wildly, and held Isidor's hand. "I do."

Sheogorath

Kethiah grabbed Isidor and pulled him in for a kiss.

Then she kissed Loranna full on the lips, laughing.

S'reddit

Ald Raathim Mages Guild

A figure swathed in a dark dun robe paid the incurious Guild Guide, and stepped onto the streets of Ald Raathim. He was a young man in his early 20s, with a handsome face slightly scarred from battle, an Imperial with dark blond hair and friendly green eyes.

Through the streets of the city he walked, looking around, smiling at the sights of the battle preparations.

At length, he reached his goal: the castle of Daruhn. Pulling back his robe, he revealed the red armor of the Royal Guard of Morrowind.

"I am Pythus Angelicus, emissary of the King, and I would like to have an audience with the Duchess as soon as possible."

S'reddit

Pythus bowed. "Forgive me, your Grace, for using the Mages Guild transport. As you know, his royal Highness requests that his emissaries use his ships at all times so no one knows our comings and goings, but this could not wait ... I understand that her royal highness the queen mother communicates with you through the gift of the mirror she gave you, but she is at sea, and does not know what had happened ... Tel Silgrid is under attack."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

The newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, hand in hand. Immediately Kethiah was besieged by merchants, frantically telling her they had been waiting for a moment to tell her news. She laughed them off for a moment, but they were persistent.

"I suppose we return to life as normal, my husband," Kethiah smiled, kissing Isidor.

S'reddit

"It hasn't fallen yet," Pythus says quickly. "I'm sorry if I miscommunicated that. They may still ... hold out ... But we need troops from you to save it."

S'reddit

Kethiah gave him a kiss, and went off to talk to the merchants. A moment later, she returned, and gave Isidor another kiss.

"Sorry, I guess I wasn't finished kissing you," she grinned, and then went off to get the news.

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn

Kallen went off to tell Slashes the news, and to bring him to the castle. As always, his expression was calm, the ultimate professional.

The Imperial emissary was equally calm, and professional. "The reports are not corroborated, but there is an army, and as large a one as the Redoran have ever used ... And there is something else. Some sort of construct, perhaps Daedric ..."

S'reddit

Kallen escorted Slashes to Loranna's office. He usually offered Slashes or anyone else a drink as they entered. This time he did not. The commander needed his sobriety.

S'reddit

A few minutes later, Kethiah came running down the stairs, nearly falling. Her face was pale.

"We're in trouble," she whispered to Isidor. "I'll be right back."

She ran through the city streets towards the castle.

S'reddit

Kethiah stepped into the office a moment later, panting, holding her belly. She looked angry. The damned thing was slowing her down ...

Then she looked at the faces in the room.

"You have heard already," she said. "I am sorry I could not tell you before, but they couldn't find me ... At least I can corroborate. The flag of the Redoran is flying over Tel Silgrid again."

Pythus could be seen whispering. Talking to his master, the King.

S'reddit

Kethiah said. "Your Grace, the gossip will be spreading soon. The people will need a post from you about what is happening, and what they should do. The children know how to defend themselves, and what to do in case of trouble, Dragon and I have seen to that, but if you will write a notice, I will be post at the Nymph and Noggin."

Kethiah waited for Loranna to compose the post, and then hurried off to put it up.

Sheogorath

Pythus Angelicus blanched slightly as he received a soundless message from his commander, King Helseth. He told his sovereign what Ald Raathim was facing, based on the latest reports.

"Mournhold is under siege" he said to Loranna quietly.

Sheogorath

The royal army, such as it was in the two small garrisons west of the village of Ald Raathim, also fell back to the walls. They had taken heavy losses already, but one could look in the eyes of every soldier and see they would fight to the death.

Sheogorath

Archmagister Zadion flew through the skies of Ald Raatham, looking at the approaching army before floating up to the tower of the castle where Loranna's office was located.

"Make certain you put some archers and mages up here to repel any other mages or parraptons," the Altmer sorceror said as he stepped in through the window. "I should tell you that several people have tried to break in to the Guild to flee through the Guild Guide. If worse comes to worse, we'll help with refugees, but I've placed a powerful lock on the door to the Guildhouse for now. People shouldn't be huddling within when they can be defending the Duchy."

Sheogorath

A flight of parraptons flew high above the city of Ald Raathim, and paper showered down below.

Pythus Angelicus rushing to join the royal army in defending the city walls picked up one of the papers.

"THROW DOWN YOUR ARMS AND SURRENDER NOW AND YOUR LIVES WILL BE SPARED!"

It was written in Cyrodilic, and in the cants of Argonia and Elsweyr and Morrowind.

Pythus crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it away.

Sheogorath

Summary

Pythus Angelicus, Imperial emissary of King Helseth of Morrowind is in Ald Raathim, receiving intelligence from his commander through his mirror link. He has told Loranna that Mournhold as well as Ald Raathim is under siege.

Zadion, Archmagister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is keeping his guild's neutrality, though he has promised to allow refuges to use its Guild Guide if the situation becomes desperate ... which it rapidly is ...

And Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, excise and import/export liaison (and secretly the Spymaster) for Loranna, Duchess of Ald Raathim, and newly wed wife of Isidor ...

The Nymph and Noggin

The tavern was a good place to stay for now. Kethiah could keep her eye on her stepchildren while their father was fighting. It was frustrating to stay away from the fight, but in her condition, seven months pregnant, it was wise ... Besides, she could get additional intelligence from the merchants who were taking refuge in the tavern, and pass the information on ...

Sheogorath

Pythus did not know Reichi, but he was close enough to shout to him. "The King and the soldiers in Mournhold have found a weakness in the crab fabricants!" he shouted. The other Royal soldiers in the vicinity continued to fight, but they listened to him. "Roll under them, destroy the air tube with a frost or electric spell, and you can gain purchase!"

Sheogorath

"You're doing it the hard way!" Pythus cried, running towards Slashes. "Listen!"

He began to repeat what he had said before, but his attention was suddenly averted to something else. His eyes widened, and he turned in a different direction.

Sheogorath

Pythus Angelicus shrieked in pain as he was immolated, but he continued to rush forward. His armor was brittle from being at ground zero of the blast, and when he stepped between the barrage of arrows and the two Dunmer children who were huddling together, exposed, he was pierced through the heart.

He dropped to the ground, dead, his body still smoking.

Sheogorath

The seal in the seemingly impenetrable underbelly of the crab cracked, just slightly. It had been built for warm weather fighting, after all. A slight curl of gas leaked out from the tiny exposed hole, as the crab rotated around to stomp Shaka.

Sheogorath

The Atronach punched at the small opening with all his might, but it barely dented the area. The hole was wider now, a definite gap in the air supply of the crab, but Shaka only saw it for a second before the crab dropped down on the Atronach, crushing it.

Sheogorath

Kallen stepped up to Loranna. He too was bloody from helping heal the people within the castle, but as ever, he was calm and professional.

"Shall I stay in your office to relay messages to you from the mirror, Your Grace?" he asked quietly, to not be overheard by any but she. "Kethiah just sent word about some information she's gathered from a merchant who just came into port. Apparently, there are ships with the Redoran flag approaching from the east. They will be here in a few hours time."

Sheogorath

"Kethiah said her contact's best estimate is that they're a couple hours away still," Kallen replied. "They must be planning on entering our main harbor ... they can't land in the castle's bay, with the mangroves in the way ... But I will report back when I hear more."

Kallen hurried back to the office.

Sheogorath

The Archmagister of the Mages Guild, Zadion, met Nalion in the village, not far from the march of the crab fabricants. Indeed, not far from the Mages Guild.

"So, we're going to break a few eggs, are we?" the Altmer said. "We better make sure the buildings are unoccupied."

With a wave of his hand, he cast a vast Detect Life to see who was in the area.

"There are refugees inside," he said. "We need to tell them to go to the castle, or the Temple, or some other safe location."

S'reddit

Smoke still curled up from the roof of the Nymph and Noggin, but the fire that had caused it had been quenched some time ago. Inside both the elegant main room of the Nymph, the rougher main room of the Noggin, and all the guests rooms throughout, there were wounded people being tended to. Kethiah had been frustrated not to be able to join in the battle to save Ald Raathim, but as the refugees came, and then the wounded, she had found herself too busy to thnk about it. Her personality was one of a natural organizer, so in no time, she had found any who had healing skills -- either magical or mundane -- and had them treating the wounded.

Tyradil and Tilialia had proven themselves invaluable aides in this, getting food and water for the people. They too wanted to leave at first and see how their father was faring, defending the city, but Kethiah kept them in her sight. The stories they heard from the refugees were horrifying, and when the battle in the bay took place and the Ald Raathim fleet was sunk, they had had a terrible view of it from the windows overlooking the docks.

In a sense, the Nymph and Noggin had been lucky. The roof catching on fire was the deadliest attack on its structure, and Kethiah had made certain that was doused almost as soon as it happened. One need only look, however, at the moaning, weeping, and in some cases dying people within, and the haunted expressions on those whose homes had been destroyed, to see it would never be the same again.

Nevertheless, Kethiah put a notice outside the Nymph that read:

Though we drown in tears,
And our horrors threaten to overwhelm us,
We Have Survived.

S'reddit

Kethiah was tending to an injured child, praising him for escaping from the Redoran army, though there was a nasty laceration across his leg, and he held her, crying. Finally, a proper healer appeared from the back, and Kethiah let the boy go.

She saw the brothers enter and ran into Isidor's arms. It was hard to tell which one of the two of them was more blood-stained, sweat-stained, exhausted.

S'reddit

Summary

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah, former assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, the Duchess's excise and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster) is at her tavern which survived the Redoran attack. All around her are wounded citizenry which she, being 7 months pregnant and unfit for combat, has been nursing during the attack. She is embracing her new husband Isidor, though she has noted too the presence of his brother Ingmar.

---

Kethiah could not find the words, so she kept the embrace. Finally, she opens her eyes and sees not only Ingmar standing by, but Loranna.

"B'Vek," she said. "How bad is it? I have heard terrible things from the refugees. Does the castle still stand?"

S'reddit

"Quite a change, me being the last one to know about everything," Kethiah nodded. "No one will be coming into port for any business for a while ... Does Pythus Angelicus know what the situation is in Mournhold?"

S'reddit

"Then we can't waste time," Kethiah shook her head. "The defenses need to be built up again, even faster than before, or they won't need another huge invasion. And Diamond should create a monument honoring those who have fallen."

---

"I didn't know you were back in Ald Raathim, brother-in-law," Kethiah added, turning to Ingmar. "But I am glad to see you survived."

And she was, truly. Despite everything, she still remembered him as the sweet-natured cook she had left in Skyrim.

Sheogorath

Kethiah shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't know about that. Maybe that's something I can help with, since I'm fairly useless right now, with my contacts temporarily lost ..."

---

"You too, Shaka," Kethiah smiled. "I'm glad everyone is regrouping here. Saves a lot of worry."

Sheogorath

"Like I said, I'd be happy to organize ..." Kethiah began, and then was distracted. A Breton man of middle-age and undistinguished looks had entered the tavern, looking around at the chaos, bewildered. With him were several sailors.

"Oan!" she cried, running to him. "B'Vek, how did you get in to port?"

"I didn't have much choice," the merchant said grimly. "I had to avoid the Redoran warships, and this was the only way. What's happened here?!"

"The war," Kethiah replied. "What news?"

"There were attacks in Vivec and Mournhold as well," he said. "Both were repelled."

"There was still fighting in Vivec," one of his sailors said, shaking his head. "Might be too soon to say whether the fight was really repelled or not ..."

Sheogorath

"I meant it when I said I'm glad you made it through," Kethiah said, looking to Ingmar, not smiling. "But if you're angry, and want to do something more useful than drinking, you could help restore order to the city. I've heard there's looting going on, and Dram is trying to organize a group to protect the businesses that survived the Redorans from being dismantled by our own citizens."

Sheogorath

"Like I said, that would be useful," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar with her one red and one violet eyes.

He was a puzzle. First, he was the sweet-natured cook in Skyrim, whom she had dallied with and then left when her assignment was over. Then he was Isidor's lost brother, professing his love to her. Then, a drunk, a brawler when she rejected him. And now, sullen, but evidently fighting for Ald Raathim still ... A good guy, but an infuriating one.

---

Kethiah welcomed the opportunity to turn away from her former lover and current brother-in-law. "If you're looking to help, there's more than enough to do. We need to stop the looting going on in the city, and put our defenses back up. Dram is the head of the Duchess's guards, and he's doubtless in the city somewhere, dealing with the situation."

Sheogorath

"It's my tavern," Kethiah said, touching her belly which was almost eight months' pregnant. "And I rarely drink, but I appreciate the offer. What do you mean that you were partly responsible?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked surprised for a moment, and then smiled, pouring Sego another drink. "Your help would be much appreciated, and rewarded, of course ... But why don't you first tell me a little bit more about your story?"

Very few people knew that Kethiah was the Duchess of Ald Raathim's Spymaster. She wanted to keep that secret for the sake of her family. That said, she was very good at playing the part of the friendly tavernkeeper, learning what she could about Redoran troop movements from this source.

She would have to do some research into this fellow, she told herself. He may have the markings of a damn fine double-agent.

Sheogorath

"Very interesting," Kethiah replied, and looked around the tavern. Isidor, Ingmar, Slashes, Anya, Kiseena, many more ... Enough to get together a group to find this enemy encampment if it existed and rout them out -- while still keeping their eye on Sego. He seemed trustworthy enough, but one never knew ... She signaled for the heroes within eyesight to come over, and told them what Sego was saying about the possibility of Redorans still being within the environs of Ald Raathim.

Obviously, they would have to keep it secret, to avoid panic. But it had to be investigated and dealt with immediately.

Sheogorath

"I'd like you to meet Sego," Kethiah said. "He was apparently a reluctant member of the Redoran force, but he is interested in switching sides ... And he says that the Redorans likely made camp somewhere in the vicinity, instead of simply fleeing. If that's the case, they need to be routed out as soon as possible, as vulnerable as we are right now."

Her red and violet eyes told even more than her words conveyed. Sego may be trusted, but maybe not. They should go with him, but watch their backs.

(OOC -- Running out to lunch, but don't wait on me if you want to go kick some camping Redoran butt)

Sheogorath

Blacklight

Muthsera Hlaalu Mortillara, chairman of the Alliance Military Offensive, was an elderly Dunmeri female with steel-gray hair, a slight stoop, and eyes that made powerful soldiers tremble when they fell on them. As one of the independent Hlaalu nobles who had not sided with the King, she had assumed the position of Chairman because of her neutrality: she would not side with either the Indoril or the Redoran, but the side that was right.

Her much younger lover Hlaalu Daris helped her take her seat.

"I have been going over the reports," she said, her voice low and authoritative. "I think there is little need to celebrate our successes so soon. Let us first talk of our failures, why they occured, and what we can do to capitalize on our situation."

She took a moment to look over those assembled.

"Our first failure," she said. "Mournhold was not taken. The King and Queen still live."

Sheogorath

Blacklight

"Always an interesting conundrum," Mortillara frowned. "If the leaders of our Alliance do not go into battle with the troops, it hurts morale. If they do and are killed, it hurts morale. It would be wise in the future for us to have more than one charismatic commander to rally the soldiers, particularly on an offensive as essential as Mournhold."

The Chairman's eyes had gone briefly to Muthsera Barreth at his seat. The King's cousin, the mer they wanted to place on his throne, had not participated in any battles, claiming it was too important for him to stay alive. If any had any doubt how much the Chairman had respected his decision, it could be settled right there. She disliked him, but she hated the King even more.

"Another issue that seems to have occured in both Ald Raathim and Mournhold," she continued. "Is that the supposedly neutral Mages Guild took side against us. I will be lodging a complaint with the Emperor and Archmagister Hannibal Traven about that. If we are to respect the Guild and not treat them as an enemy, they must not involve themselves. What else led to our failure in Ald Raathim?"

Sheogorath

Blacklight

"From what I understand, I agree," the Chairman nodded her head. "The battle had already been lost by then, and there is no honor in compounding that. There was an addition defeat that should be discussed. While we were pushing into Vivec, Ald Raathim, Mournhold, Tel Silgrid, and other points, Helseth pushed into Solsteim, and took it. I think it's safe to say that he would not call it an even trade, but we were kept completely off guard by that. Our intelligence to the north needs to be strengthened. I am making connections with the Nords to facilitate that."

Sheogorath

"I will make certain it is viewed exactly as that, an act of aggression against Skyrim," Mortilla smiled slightly. "Windhelm has been watching Helseth's rise with smoldering concern that can easily be stoked. At this time, I only want to use them for intelligence gathering in the northern sea, but they may make useful if temporary allies in the future."

---

"We took Vivec," the Chairman said. "And annihiliated the Muatramer's hold on many shrines in Vvardenfell. We hurt Helseth severely, and if we act quickly and wisely, we can keep him on the defensive until he has nothing left. I do not want us to celebrate our victories too much, but let us not despair. The wind is turning in our favor ... As for Our Lady ... Moonstone assures me that she is still smiling on us with favor."

In truth, the Hlaalu noblewoman did not believe Almalexia was a true Goddess. But that was a discussion for her more inner sanctum, not this group of squabbling councilors.

Sheogorath

"That's what we're here to decide," Mortilla said, glaring at the Indoril whispering, though she couldn't tell what he was saying. "I do agree that the south needs to be aided, but we cannot afford another large scale assault."

---

Mortilla turned to him, her eyes quick and aggressive, as if to tell him to watch his tone.

"We must be bold, and we mustn't discount out of hand using Helseth's other enemies against him if they may be of use," she said. "Including his stepsister."

Sheogorath

"In the ancient days, which you and I remember well," the Chairman said, meeting the old Indoril's eyes with the same intensity. "The Great Houses were led by Dunmer of action and intelligence. They were capable of coming up with solutions, not mewing like insipid children over every misfortune, pointing fingers instead of taking responsibility. They also did not jump to conclusions. Try to live up to their legacy, serjo."

Sheogorath

Blacklight

"Noble friends," the Chairman said, her voice softer now. "We cannot begin every meeting with a reminder than we are an alliance, for it is a bloody waste of time, but these ceaseless arguments are an even greater waste. Remember, we share the same goals. We will destroy the usurper, his traitorous Dres wife, and all his villainous cohorts. We will place his cousin, good Hlaalu Barreth, on the throne, as the Imperial treaty of old demands, but he will give the power of rule to the Houses, as it always should be."

Mortilla's young lover gave her a flagon of mazte to help her with her throat which was sounding dry.

"We do not need to negotiate with the Queen of Wayrest, but she has petitioned the alliance to be of service," she continued. "I brought up the subject because before we decide our next strategic move, we must discuss not only where trouble lies, but what advantages we have that we can use. A man does not begin to build a house before counting his gold, and we should know what our fortune is before proceeding with what needs doing. Even if we decide there is some gold we do not want to spend."

Sheogorath

Blacklight

"If Ald Raathim is surrounded on all sides, they too should be helpless," the Chairman added. "I believe we still have spies in the Duchess's household, do we not?"

S'reddit

"That is true," the Chairman replies, looking briefly at the young Indoril, and then at his elder House leader. Instruct your Houseman to mind his manners the look said. Or I will. "But for the time being at least, Ald Raathim would be foolish to indulge in an offensive, and I do not think them very foolish. We should put scouts in their land to the west, as that is their only land path. Unlike the royalty of Mournhold, the Duchess and her people regularly make use of the Mages Guild transport system as well -- they should be easy to track."

S'reddit

Mortilla smiled. "I did not know that. Of course, I know the Queen's reputation, and I agree with all that she will be an ally whom one should not turn one's back on, but she smells her stepbrother's blood and will get involved one way or another, so we would be wise not to ignore her ... As for their transportation, like I said, I am lodging a complaint with the Archmagister about the Mournhold and Ald Raathim Guilds lack of neutrality in Morrowind's affairs. Since we know that door's open to the Duchess and her heroes, we should discuss whether it should be shut, or allowed to stay open so we can watch it."

S'reddit

For a moment, the Chairman thought of another possibility: wooing Ald Raathim to join the Alliance. It was something she had suggested close to a year ago, when the war was still one of words, not blood. It struck her then, as now, as eminently reasonable – after all, Helseth was no great friend of Ald Raathim. But the Redoran and Indoril had balked at the idea of an alliance with an outlander Nord claiming sovereignty over a territory in Morrowind. Ousting her and her allies had been the strategy embraced. Mortilla put that thought from her mind yet again.

“Keep them busy, but not desperate,” the Chairman nodded. “That sounds like a good goal. We will have to turn our back on trade coming into their port, but send saboteurs in so that they are forever rebuilding.”

S'reddit

"I think she will still hate us more, and we will have broken their alliance but not their enmity of us," the Chairman mused. "I agree with the strategy for now, to keep Ald Raathim wounded, but not destroy them completely ... But eventually, even if we have to wait until the ear-clipper is off the throne, we will have to formulate a plan to make Loranna give up her rule. The stalemate can only last so long, but time is on our side in this."

S'reddit

"Yes, the old ways will be restored to Morrowind, we just have to be patient and wear them down a bit," the Chairman nodded. "And speaking of which, I move for a break. We'll be receiving new intelligence shortly, but I think our plan of giving Ald Raathim some breathing room to keep them from being desperate, but initiating periodic raids and acts of sabotage to keep them busy is a very good one, to be initiated immediately."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

More merchant ships had begun arriving in the harbor. Evidently, the shipping lanes were not blocked by the Redoran. Good news.

The scene at the Nymph and Noggin was less anarchic. The wounded and dead had been brought out, either to recover at the Temple or their own homes, or to be buried.

The bells of mourning rang in the air as services were held for those who had fallen. The few graveyards in Ald Raathim would have to be expanded.

Kethiah had meeting after meeting with merchants, some of whom were legitimate importers, and some of whom were spies. She had no time to witness the bardic duel, but her feelings about it were much the same as Loranna's. With so much to be done, it seemed like an extravagance to sing songs while buildings need to be repaired, to tell tales while the defenses needed to be built up. But, on the other hand, people needed comforting beyond what a healing spell could do.

Sheogorath

"That sounds good," Kethiah replied. She looked tired. She didn't remember the last time she slept soundly ... It would have been back at Shaka's yurt, she imagined. "As far as the news I've managed to gather and corroborate, some good news, some bad, some interesting ... It seems the reports of Vivec being saved aren't true. All the cantons belong to the Redoran and Indoril now. Moonstone has set himself up in the Temple. Molag Mar successfully defended itself, as did Mournhold. The shipping lanes appear to still be open for the most part. One of my agents is going to transport an emissary of the King's here in the next day or two, so that we can plan next moves. They don't dare to sail under the royal flag again, just yet, until they know what the situation is in the Inner Sea."

Sheogorath

Kethiah accepted the healing gratefully. "Thank you, I took a restoration potion a little while ago," she said, touching her belly. "I get tired really quickly now, but there's no time for sleep ..."

"As for the questions, I think Helseth's envoy will be able to answer them hopefully," she replied.

Sheogorath

"I have another month of usefulness, I hope," Kethiah smiled. "And, yes, I think Helseth's emissary will think it more important that we're rebuilding and shoring up defenses, rather than putting together a great banquet for him or her."

Sheogorath

"My contacts are on the outside, but if we can get some scouts out there to analyze the situation immediately around us, that'd obviously be very useful," Kethiah nodded her head.

Sheogorath

"That sounds good," Kethiah agreed. "We need to survey the surrounded areas as quickly and as thoroughly as possible."

---

"We'll need to balance keeping our foes out with keeping the people sheltered," Kethiah replied. "I'm buying some material from the merchants so we can patch up the buildings that just need a little work, but everyone will need to work together ... Those who have a house that survived will need to take in the homeless ... And we need you or Kallen to organize the effort, Gistral."

Sheogorath

"We do still have a number of talented shipwrights," Kethiah pointed out. "Maybe some of the ships could be salvageable. At least better than starting from scratch. But you have a good point about defending the harbor, and making it harder for them to attack us, while still letting merchant ships in ... "

Sheogorath

"Do you, did you?" Kethiah said, looking at Isidor. "I guess I didn't realize ... Well, we do need our allies more now than ever ... Perhaps, it would be good for you and maybe some other to go to Mournhold now. We can see for ourselves what the situation is before the envoy arrives, and know what to expect from the King. And what he expects from us."

Sheogorath

"Yes," Kethiah replied, still looking concerned. "Just remember the first rule of statecraft: don't make any promises."

Sheogorath

"You know Loranna will let you do what you will, if you feel up to it," Kethiah replied. "But diplomacy is a delicate task, as you know. It's easier to help rebuild the defenses than to chat with the King about him aiding us, but both are necessary ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah laughed. "Well, that's what Isidor is going there to do. It's not tourism."

Sheogorath

"I didn't mean any offense by that," Kethiah smiled. "I just wanted to make sure, since you weren't here at the beginning of the discussion, that Isidor is volunteering for a very delicate assignment, not a simple scouting expedition. I'm sure you'd be a great asset to him, but I wanted you to know what you're getting involved in."

Sheogorath

Kethiah chuckled. "I do enjoy talking to you, Reeds. I like to plan things out meticulously myself, but still, pretty much everything that happened in the last year and a half took me by surprise in a good way ... So I have to respect your philosophy."

Sheogorath

Kethiah led a Nord merchant to Gistral.

"Horig Boarkiller," she said, smiling, looking at both of them with her red and violet colored eyes. "This is Gistral. Horig was worried after he heard about the sinking of our fleet that we would have no use for the tarpelin material he was bringing to our shipwrights for them to make into sails. You know the stuff: very resilent, waterproof ... I told him if he and his sailors would help in tent construction, we'd buy the lot."

The Nord shook Gistral's hand warmly. "Thank Kyne we can help each other out."

Sheogorath

It was a hot day for this type of work, and the Nord sailors sweared and sweated as some cleared rubble, others set tent poles, and others cut the tarpelin into sections better suited for tents. The townsfolk too joined in, the strong on the heavy work, the young and old bringing water to the workers.

It was slow work, but before many hours had passed, there was a tent village in Ald Raathim in the square, in the roads, and through alleyways.

Sheogorath

Kethiah came out with a group of the villagers' children to help bring water to the workers.

"Have you seen Isidor?" she asked Shaka. "I don't know if he's already left for Mournhold yet ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah spotted him. "I was afraid I missed you. I wanted you to have this."

She handed him a wrapped present.

Sheogorath

"A wedding gift, I just finished it," Kethiah said.

Inside was a beautiful cloak, deep blue with gold embroidery. Kethiah turned it around and showed that the reverse side was oil-treated leather.

"A diplomat needs to look good," she said. "But I wanted it to be practical too. Just turn it around if the weather gets nasty."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled warmly, pleased Isidor liked the gift, and shaking her head at Loranna's pun.

"Any instructions for Isidor and Reeds?" Kethiah asked. "The only thing I said was not to promise anything, but is there anything we want to find out from Helseth?"

Sheogorath

"I didn't think you liked diplomacy and politics, Slyvos," Kethiah said, surprised.

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild

The Mages Guild had been largely untouched in battle, but had been used as refuge for many people. Like the Nymph and Noggin, it was slowly being depopulated, though there was much confusion still.

It took some time for the acolyte to locate Zadion, and little wonder: he was just arriving through the Guild Guide. Evidently, he had been gone, though no one at the Guild had known it.

"Nalion," the Altmer said. "That was a pretty impressive display during the battle. Glad to see you're doing better."

Sheogorath

"It's been a madhouse lately, I had half-forgotten," Zadion said. "Come along with me."

As he led Nalion into the corridors of the inner sanctums of the Guildhouse, he spoke. "I've sent some of what we found on to the Imperial City for my Archmagister. Artifacts related to necromancy are a particular interest of Hannibal Traven's, as commited as he is towards stamping out that menace. But there are some interesting books related to the Old Ways of the Psijics you might find informative."

He brought Nalion into a subterranean laboratory and library, where the Sload's equipment was arranged in neat piles. Zadion handed Nalion a book from one of the piles, a black leather tome of obvious ancient age.

Sheogorath

"The Guild Guide is maybe not the most secretive way to travel," Kethiah said. "But it'd be safer than sea travel, which is pretty ... well, we don't know how bad it is. And it's probably best to get to Mournhold quickly."

Sheogorath

Kethiah moved among the men, smoothing out their hair (where applicable), dusting off their shoulders, making sure they were as presentable as possible.

Sheogorath

Within seconds of entering the Guild Guide chamber at the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, they were in the Guild Guide chamber at the Mournhold Mages Guild.

Stepping out into the city, they could smell the smoke long extinguished that marked that this had been a place of battle. There were scarred remains of buildings along the streets in the process of being repaired, but amazingly, the markets were already open. Mournhold had either not suffered as greatly as Ald Raathim, or was better able to repair itself.

Going through Plaza Brindisi Dorom, they saw that the Temples were full of people going for healing, or to mourn or give thanks.

The flags of the royal family hung proudly all over the city, but when they reached the palace, the evidence of the battle was strongest. Half the building was completely destroyed.

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim

"That'd be the first choice, of course, on matters of the Old Ways," Zadion agreed. "But all over Summerset, there are great libraries. The Crystal Tower is one. The royal library in Firsthold has some of the oldest books in the Empire ... And what they don't have, they know where it is."

Sheogorath

"Your Grace, I was counting on you to stop them," Kethiah laughed hard. "Oh well, we didn't need that alliance anyhow, did we?"

Sheogorath

"Of course," Zadion replied. "Take all the time you need. But if you'll excuse me, I have some matters I need to attend to."

As he left the room, Nalion noticed he had muddy feet.

Sheogorath

The red-armored royal guard at the palace were on duty as always. In fact, there seemed to be more of them than before.

"Your business, serjos?" asked the first guard, just a kid really.

Sheogorath

"Right this way, serjo," the guard said, bringing the three into the palace. A serving girl met them in a courtyard which was still lush with greenery as if a million miles away from a war.

"His Majesty will be informed that you're here," she said. "May I bring you some refreshments?"

Sheogorath

The serving girl smiled, and returned shortly with Reeds's drink. Evidentally, she was used to all sorts of international visitors at the palace.

"His Majesty is very busy right now," she said. "He invites you to stay, but it may be some time before he is free. If you wish, I can tell which tavern you're staying at, and he can send an emissary when he is free."

(OOC -- Which, unfortunately, is my way of saying I need to sneak out for the night. If someone else wants to play Helseth and do this meeting, feel free. Sorry all.)

S'reddit

The Winged Guar, Mournhold

A courier in the red armor of the King of Morrowind arrived at the tavern, asking about the three who had recently arrived, saying he was under orders to bring them to the palace for an audience with His Royal Majesty.

The innkeeper, impressed, began looking for them.

Sheogorath

The courier was polite, and asked whether it would be possible to awaken Isidor's companions. The King regrets that he is so busy, but there is a limited amount of time when he can speak with the diplomats from Ald Raathim.

Sheogorath

"His Majesty has many people to see during the day," the courier replied. "He must by necessity rise early."

There were more than a few Imperials in the tavern, and though all were in dark cloaks, Reeds did notice on one the emblem of the dragon of the Septim dynasty.

Sheogorath

The courier nodded and accompanied them to the palace. There was a short wait outside the throne room before they were ushered in.

King Helseth, Queen Dinara, and the Imperial Crown Prince Geldall -- a tall, middle-aged man of handsome, mild aspect -- greeted them. Helseth, they noted, had a scar across his neck, healed but still red. A very serious injury.

Sheogorath

"And you," Geldall replied, smiling. "Who am I addressing?"

"Representatives of the Duchy of Ald Raathim," Dinara replied. "Isidor, I believe?"

Sheogorath

"You may not have met Geldall, the Emperor's son and heir apparent," the King said. He was Helseth without a doubt, but he did seem tired. His neck must have been bothering him still. "I sent an emissary to Ald Raathim to assess the situation and offer help if need be, but I don't believe he's arrived yet. Perhaps you would be good enough to tell us what the news is, how things after the attacks."

Sheogorath

"What is most essential right now?" Helseth asked. "A standing army, shelter, food, a symbolic gesture to aid morale? We have also obviously suffered an attempted invasion, and are in the process of serious rebuilding, and we cannot aid you in all ways immediately."

The Imperial Crown Prince watched the delegation from Ald Raathim with interest, with said nothing, taking it all in.

Sheogorath

"A very reasonable request," said the Crown Prince, looking to Helseth.

"We will send the third royal infantry battallion to Ald Raathim today," Helseth said carefully. "Together with fifteen ships of the western fleet. That should be ample for your defensive purposes for now, I would think. We can strategize more once they are in place."

"How fares the Duchess?" Dinara asked.

Sheogorath

"You have seen the castle from the outside, I take it you can infer the rest," Helseth replied, with his customary lack of emotion. "Before he was slain, our emissary to Ald Raathim, Pythus Angelicus, a cousin of His Imperial Majesty, described the battle and the army you faced. Ours was similar in intensity: larger, but then our defending army was larger, so I have no doubt that our danger was neither less nor more than yours."

Dinara looked to her husband as he talked, and her eyes told volumes. There was pride and love there. Though she was married to Helseth as a political expediency, it was evident that he had proven himself to her, and handled himself during the war in a way that neither would discuss, but made her glad to call him her husband and king.

"Something you might mention to your Duchess when you return," Geldall added. "We think the time has come to put an Imperial embassy in Ald Raathim. Naturally in this matter, we will remain neutral, but it has become more and more necessary for there to be open communications between Daruhn and the Imperial City. Helseth's emissary will discuss the particulars with Her Grace."

Sheogorath

"We appreciate your sincere concern about our mother's well-being," Helseth nodded. "Fortunately, Queen Barenziah was away from Morrowind at the time of the invasion. She reports that she is well, and offers her prayers to us."

Sheogorath

"Merely accept our thanks for your continued loyalty," Helseth replied with a bow.

"I'll see you out, good sirs," Dinara added, joining the ambassadors. From the look in her eyes, she had more to say, away from the Emperor's son.

Sheogorath

"My husband couldn't speak frankly about our situation with the Emperor's son there," Dinara said in hushed tones. "He will do as he promised, but we can scarcely spare any more, and our resources will be stretched as it is. The Empire is meeting both with us, and with the Redoran and Indoril Alliance, and we must portray ourselves as the stronger side ..."

She looked back towards the closed door, and continued. "I must ask you a favor."

Sheogorath

"We need Queen Morgiah to send us troops and gold," Dinara said frankly, but her eyes showed how desperate the situation was. "My husband would send people himself to tell her, but we are being watched very carefully now, not only by our enemies but by our Emperor, and we cannot afford to look weak. Can I ask you to go to Firsthold and plea for support?"

Sheogorath

Dinara kissed the cheeks of the three ambassadors. "Thank you."

Just two words, but they spoke volumes. They said that the need was great, that it was essential the troops and gold arrived soon, and that this favor would not be forgotten.

Sheogorath

Kethiah accompanied Loranna to the Guild, as the Duchess's import/export agent (as well as her Spymaster) she knew all the merchants involved.

Sheogorath

Dinara smiled, relieved, and with a farewell, returned to the throne room.

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern with her husband Isidor, the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent (and secretly her Spymaster as well) has been with Loranna, speaking with the troublesome merchant. She is impressed with Loranna's toughness, and when they are alone lets her know.

Meanwhile ...

Firsthold

The crystal and mirrored streets of Firsthold were even more shimmering than usual. Gossamer banners floated from every window and arch, so that passing through, one seemed to be floating through an ethereal spider web.

The citizens appeared even more ghostly than usual, wearing white in celebration of the Princess Rinnala's cotillion. Though she was but a child, she would be officially available for courtship this season.

S'reddit

Kethiah brings him a drink. It was not yet normal enough in Ald Raathim for her to charge for food and drink, which was odd for her. Isidor always gave out free drinks to his friends, but she never did. It was a business. But not these days it wasn't. Maybe in the future. Hopefully.

S'reddit

Kethiah kissed him in response. "What happened? How is it in Mournhold?"

S'reddit

One of the barmaids at the Nymph comes to serve the Argonian.

Sheogorath

"Not at all," the barmaid smiled. She was a pretty thing, a shoo-in, many thought, for this year's Harvest Queen at the festival.

Sheogorath

Kethiah's red and violet eyes opened wide. "You met Geldall? The future Emperor of Tamriel? B'vek ..."

She took Isidor's hand. "Well, let's get you to the castle to talk to Loranna."

Sheogorath

"He's apparently meeting with our future Emperor, whom Isidor and the lads met," Kethiah said, still looking at her husband, amazed that he was taking that brush with power so casually. "And apparently, he wants your help getting a loan of troops and gold from his sister in Firsthold."

Sheogorath

Kethiah turns to Loranna. "Any reason to wait for the emissary before sending people off to Firsthold?"

Sheogorath

"Ah, you'll be going," Kethiah nodded. "I didn't realize ... Well, Isidor, Slyvos, and Reeds's etiquette were good enough for a King, a Queen, and an Imperial Crown Prince."

Sheogorath

At that, Kallen knocked gently on the door. "The royal emissary has arrived. I've set him up in his room to rest, and told him I'd bring him to you as soon as you were available."

Sheogorath

The emissary, like most of Helseth's inner circle of confidantes, was an Imperial of quiet, serious aspect. He inquired about Ald Raathim, gathering detailed information about the impact of the attempted invasion and the current status. He also asked about Pythus Angelicus's body, and whether he might have it to return it to Mournhold.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Summerset

That was easier said than done. The finest taverns in town were fully booked. At last, Nalion was able to find a room at one of the more unfashionable taverns, the Honor Guard, because a minor Altmeri nobleman was unable to afford his room after gambling too much. He was looking for someone to share the room with in exchange for half the rate.

Sheogorath

"The Library?" the innkeeper thought about it. He was not someone who did a lot of reading.

"It's connected to the palace," the noble said. He was a young mer in fine but threadbare clothes, looking as if he had been drinking too much of late. "You need permission to use it. As for the celebration, it's the Princess's Cotillion, of course, the start of the social season in Firsthold. Innumerable social and charity engagements, ballroom dances, theatre, art exhibitions, a flower show, horse and boat races. Given sufficient leisure time, disposable income and stamina, it's quite fun."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Everything is open only by invitation, except the boat races, I suppose, and the best views have already been reserved," the noble replied, and then smiled slightly. "Though perhaps if you would loan me a little money, I could make inquiries for you about the Cotillion and the Library?"

Sheogorath

Kallen steps into Loranna's view quietly, giving her a slight nod to tell her that there was something on his mind, but it could wait.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, The Honor Guard Tavern

The noble thought a moment, which was clearly hurting his head, as hungover as he was. "Perhaps a slight loan as well? My needs are very modest -- perhaps a thousand? -- and I could pay you back in a day ... maybe in a few hours if I have a bit of luck, or can find a chum I know who owes me?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

The very pregnant Dunmer woman with one red eye and one violet eye brought him his drink and yam. "Welcome to Ald Raathim," Kethiah smiled.

Sheogorath

"Delighted," the noble smiled, shaking Nalion's hand. "I'm His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier. Ellec to my friends. I hope you have a few coins left over for yourself. You will need a white cloak and vest for the Cotillion and Library. And it should be of high quality, but I know just where to shop."

Sheogorath

Kethiah held out her hand. "You're in luck. The name's Kethiah. I'm the Duchess's excise and import/export agent. If you'd like to talk privately, we have rooms upstairs."

Sheogorath

Kallen began to speak, but seeing that Loranna was distracted by someone else, smiled, and stepped aside.

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled, pleased that anyone would consider her a potential threat at eight months' pregnant ... But that did suggest something about this Markir. He could recognize a killer, even dressed as a tavernkeeper, even carrying a child ... That was interesting.

She brought him into the private room, which was comfortable if spartan.

"What can I do for you, serjo?"

Sheogorath

The Honor Guard Tavern, Firsthold

"I pride myself on never refusing a drink with a friend," Lord Faormier laughed. "But do call me Ellec, at least when we're away from court, and this tavern, charming as it is, is as far away from court as one can be."

The young Altmer took a seat at a table, and ordered a Tanische, two clear liquids which when mixed together, turned red. The smell was grassy, but not unpleasant.

"I am rich in title, but not much else," Lord Faormier shrugged. "I need to find a wife who will support me before the season ends. So I will acccept your kind wishes on my endeavors, and I will wish you luck on yours with the ancient books."

Sheogorath

Kallen calls in a servant to show Erenius to a room.

"Your Grace, I just wanted to tell you, if you didn't know, that it is the Cotillion in Firsthold right now," the seneschal said. "If you and the other ambassador to court are not dressed in white, and finely wrought white as well, you will stand out. And not in a good way."

Knowing that a Nordic barmaid would have little knowledge of formal Altmer social customs, Kallen explained to Loranna about the social season beginning as the Princess Rinnala, Goranthir's sister, was being presented to the nobles of Summerset. As usual, he was thorough in his knowledge.

Sheogorath

"There is Cotillion every year, but when a Princess of Summerset comes of age, it is special time in that kingdom," Lord Faormier replied. "Many come to pay respects, and there are circles within circles. Because of my family's ancient position, I can get into most events, but because of my family's recent bad luck, I can't afford to have much fun once there. Rather defeats the purpose, I suppose. Still, there are many other young ladies presenting themselves at court, and surely one of them will have a nice, plump ... inheritance ..."

S'reddit

The Honor Guard Tavern, Firsthold

Lord Faormier (Ellec to his friends) was at the tavern when Nalion returned.

"Very fashionable," he smiled, looking at Nalion's new outfit. "Now, the thing is that there's a ball being held at the Library tonight. I know it seems like a strange place to hold a dance, but the main hall is very large, and there are so many young ladies who want to have parties during the Cotillion Week, a lot of them have to make due. This one is for Lady Venevria Koer, the only daughter of one of the wealthiest merchant princes in Summerset, and apparently quite a beauty. I got you an invite to it. I couldn't talk to anyone about getting you permission to go into the stacks yet since they were too busy, but we can talk to the Archivist at the party."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kallen took a seat next to Isidor. "Excuse me if you're busy, serjo, but I thought you'd want to know what is happening in Firsthold if you're intending to go there."

Sheogorath

Kallen explained the concept of Cotillion Week and the social season in Firsthold, emphasizing the dress code of all white clothing, though the style was up to the individual's taste. He explained that King Reman and Queen Morgiah were presenting Princess Rinnala's availability for courtship, but that was only one of many balls and celebrations scheduled.

"Her Grace is getting an appropriate gown for the occasion," Kallen said. "I thought you and whoever else is going to Firsthold should also plan accordingly. If you could let the other ambassadors know if I don't talk to them first, it would be much appreciated."

Sheogorath

"I don't think so, but I will let you know," replied Kallen, rising. "Thank you, serjo."

The seneschal left, continuing his duties as professionally and seriously as ever.

Sheogorath

"No reason to apologize then," Kethiah smiled. "I take no offense to offers of assistance. Then, let me rephrase: how can you help us?"

Sheogorath

"That is extremely generous," Kethiah smiled warmly, and then laughed. "Unless your men eat an extraordinary amount, or have very expensive tastes."

"We can accomedate you all at the Nymph and Noggin for now," she continued. "Are you and your men planning on moving to Ald Raathim permanently?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

They caught a coach to the ball, as it really wouldn't do to show up on foot. The royal palace of Firsthold was enormous. It was hard to get any perspective on it, at it was surrounded by parkland, but it shone like a white diamond for miles around. There were multiple gates, but Lord Faormier and Nalion passed the main palace gate, and continued on until they got to the line of other carriages at the gates to the Library. All the coaches were white, but some were extremely ornate.

A footman stood by the gate, and Ellec addressed him. “His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier. And His Grace, the Archduke of Tel Gorad, Lord Nalion.”

As the footman went in to announce them, Ellec whispered. “Don’t worry. It’s not like anyone’s going to check on your title …”

Sheogorath

"No offense taken," Kethiah shook her head. "Though we will see at the end of the war which community is 'nicest.' You are free to stay as long as you like, of course ... I merely ask because, as much as I appreciate your generosity, as a tavernkeeper I don't want to promise free room and board indefinitely. Someday, hopefully someday soon the Nymph and Noggin will be a business again, and I'll need to take on paying guests as well ... I hope my wording isn't offensive."

On Markir's next question, Kethiah's smile did not drop, but she gave her practiced half-truth: "My stance? I suppose it's left over from my days before I was a tavernkeeper, bureaucrat, wife, and mother. I was a self-taught freelance adventurer."

No need to go into her history as the deadliest assassin in Morrowind with someone she just met, after all.

Sheogorath

The Royal Library Ball, Firsthold

Their names were announced, and Nalion and Ellec entered the main hall of the library, descending a wide marble staircase. Below them there were a thousand revellers, who turned their attention to the new arrivals.

An orchestra, also in white, with instruments of white, played under a fifty-foot tall metal statue depicting Julianos. Their tunes were stately and slow, not meant for dancing to, but a group of naked acrobats tumbled about in front of them to the beat of the drums.

Servers wound their way through the throng, bearing drinks. The liquid served in very thin flutes of crystal was pure black.

"Ebonille," Ellec whispered. "The first trick is not to spill any on yourself. And not to be caught if you spill it on others."

Sheogorath

The Royal Library Ball, Firsthold

"She hasn't made her entrance yet," Ellec replied, also taking a glass of ebonille. The flavor was dry and herbaceous, but delicious. Like many things in Summerset, it was impossible to explain by comparison to anything else. One simply had to sample it. "We should find her parents though."

It was easy to guess the location of Lord and Lady Estacirce, the hosts, for many were gathering around them. One could also not help but hear the various bits of gossip. Venevria was said not to want this party, and her brother Lord Thios, to whom she was very close, had refused to attend, objecting to the whole thing. Venevria's gown, the noble women whispered, was supposed to be very grand, even more beautiful and expensive than the Princess's. That would be a scandal if true.

The hosts were found: a grandly dressed couple with delicate, noble features. It was easy to see why their daughter would be beautiful with such a lineage. They were speaking with Heliothrax, the chief archivist of the Royal Library.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Upon arriving at the Firsthold Mages Guild, the Altmer Guild Guide there did not raise an eyebrow. She merely said. "I suppose you're going to the ball at the Royal Library? Better hurry, or it'll be over. You can catch a carriage outside."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The white carriages trotted through the streets of crystal and mirror and silk. Even the guards who patrolled the upper walkways wore white, and seemed to be ghosts floating above all.

The diamond-like Royal Palace was glowing by torchlight as the carriages pulled up to the entrance to the Royal Library.

"May I have you name, milady?" the footman asked. With him was a long scroll with many names on it. Evidently, it was by invitation only.

Sheogorath

Heliothrax looked at Nalion with a slightly amused smile, and shook his hand. He was an old fellow, even by Aldmer standards, and it was clear he had read most of the books under his charge. Difficult to fool, but evidently, he didn't mind Nalion's deception.

Lord and Lord Estacirce smiled and bowed to Nalion and Ellec.

"Tel Gorad, how lovely, I haven't been there in too, too long," her ladyship replied, beaming, which would have been more impressive had Tel Gorad existed.

"But there is the war now," Lord Estacirce tutted.

"Too, too sad," his wife tutted too. "I hope it has not been too tiresome, your grace."

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

A lot happened in a very short amount of time. The footman scanned the list, and then nodded almost imperceptibly to another fellow who seemed to be of a higher rank, who was in an alcove off the main entrance. He nodded in reply, and the footman bowed and said. "One moment, your grace, while I announce you."

It was a model of efficiency for sure. An unexpected guest had been approved and given entry in but a few seconds' time.

"Dres Loranna Pyrel, Grand Duchess of Ald Raathim of Morrowind, and her entourage," the footman called to the company within, announcing them.

Lord Estacirce looked to Nalion with a slight smile. It was obvious what he was thinking. He hoped that the Duchess and the Archduke weren't on opposite sides in the Civil War of Morrowind. That would be very awkward.

Sheogorath

"Yes, His Grace Lord Nalion is a great collector of books, his library is one of the most impressive in the east," Ellec said breezily, on his second ebonille. "I told him he had to see the Royal Library collection while he was in Firsthold."

"How long is your Grace staying?" Heliothrax asked. "Unfortunately, the stacks are locked up for the next week while the Cotillion is on ... We don't want drunken noblemen stumbling among the rare manuscripts, vomiting after all."

"Really, milord," Lady Estacirce tutted. "You're being purposefully gruesome."

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

Servers handed the guests the thin crystalline flutes of ebonille as they passed. And they heard much of the same gossip as Nalion had heard earlier, as well as the information that the young lady in whose honor the ball was being held would shortly be presented.

Lord and Lady Estacirce, Master Heliothrax, Lord Fiormier, and "Archduke" Nalion were easy to spot.

Sheogorath

The naked dancers in front of the orchestra began moving towards the marble stairs in formation. The Altmer moved out of their way. Evidently, Lady Venevria was about to make her appearance.

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

Ellec looked towards the staircase as the dancer ascended and the orchestra took a more lyrical, almost celestial tone.

"There's a door to the stacks under the stairs," he whispered to Nalion. "It's never locked. People use it for dalliances all the time."

---

Ellec smiled at Loranna, and waited for his introduction.

Sheogorath

Lord Estacirce bowed to Loranna and her company, smiling widely, and thanking her for her kind words. He was very relieved that Ald Raathim, wherever that was, and Tel Gorad, wherever that was, were not enemies.

"Ald Raathim, how lovely, I haven't been there in too, too long," her ladyship beamed.

All eyes then turned to the entrance as the orchestra swelled.

A whirlwind of white billowed forth from the doorway, carried on a magical wind. At first it seemed to be snow, but as it fell, and glistening in the candlelight, it was evident that it was crushed crystal. An almost obscene expense.

"Lady Venevria Estacirce," the footman called.

A pale thin figure appeared on the stairs. The gown appeared to be very simple, painfully bodiced, and she wore a wimple that covered much of her hair and face. It glowed like starlight, and as she walked slowly down the stairs, the train behind her spread out and cascaded like an endless sparkling river.

Even at a distance, Venevria's eyes, bright like amber, caught the light and the attention of all.

Sheogorath

Ellec had been in the process of bowing to Loranna when Lady Venevria appeared. He finished it awkwardly.

"A great pleasure to meet you, your Grace," he said to her, smiling charmingly. "If you'll excuse me ..."

Lord Faormier whispered to Nalion. "The door by the stairs, remember ..."

And then he hurried through the crowd to try to get a dance with Lady Venevria as the orchestra began its waltz music.

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

Lord Faormier, by impressive diligence and speed, considering he was halfway across the hall when Venevria entered, managed to get the first dance with her. Her ladyship took her train in her left hand and Ellec's hand in her right, and they began the slow, graceful dance. The train, as it was enchanted to do, rose above the floor and circled the couple like a sparkling mist. Other couples followed their lead, but for the pure spectacle of it, Lady Venevria and Ellec were the most dazzling.

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

The little room under the stairs housed a few beautiful marble statues which had evidently been moved from the main hall to make it more open for the ball. The torches lining the walls were out, but Nalion could make out the circular staircase leading down to the stacks below.

Sheogorath

Nalion had been in enough libraries to recognize the organization, and make his way through the maze of shelves towards the section he sought. It was an amazing collection, possibly the best he had ever seen.

There were the usual creaks and groans of an old structure, and echoes of the party upstairs, but Nalion heard something else, he was certain of that. Footsteps. They were soft, cautious, but definitely someone else was down here with him.

Sheogorath

The pretty Altmeri girl Reeds had asked smiled politely, and then burst into tears, running away.

"Don't mind her, she was holding out for someone else," said another Altmer noblewoman, with golden eyes and a cute crooked smile. "But I'm available."

Sheogorath

She took his hand with a little laugh. "Glacia of Tourton," she said, as they joined the dance.

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

"At this moment, I feel wonderful," Glacia grinned, glancing quickly at Venevria and Ellec. "But two minutes ago, when she stepped in, I felt like a scullery maid."

Glacia looked pretty more than glamorous, as Venevria did in her personal cloud of stars. Her white silk gown was loose, and comfortable, though her figure was obviously very fine.

Sheogorath

The footsteps also slowed, as if whoever it was also heard him, and was trying to figure out where he was.

There was silence for a moment, and then someone shoved against the bookshelf to topple it onto Nalion.

Sheogorath

Glacia giggled. "Not used to the entertainments of the rich and vapid? Are you from Black Marsh?"

The dance ended, and the orchestra began a new tune.

"Almost before we began," she said, disappointed. "Would you like to ask me to dance again?"

Sheogorath

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

Nalion cleared the falling bookshelf unharmed, and saw a shadowy figure in a dark robe run into the maze.

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

"I hope that wasn't an impudent question," Glacia said as she spun around him. She was a very good dancer. "You are only the second Argonian I've ever met, and the first one I've danced with."

Sheogorath

Lady Venevria looked to Isidor and bowed gracefully, taking his hand. Lord Faormier looked disappointed, but smiled charmingly, and withdrew with a bow of his own.

As Isidor and Lady Venevria danced, her train once again billowed around them, as if creating a wall of stars between them and everyone else.

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

"I was only six years old, and too shy to ask, I suppose," she laughed. "Most of us 'highborn' Altmer find Bretons and Nords to be exotic and rarely seen. When we see a man with scales and a tail ... Well, unless one is adventurous, it's safer to stare. I'm sure it'd be the same if I walked into a village in Black Marsh where no one was used to seeing an elf."

Sheogorath

Glacia frowned. "Yes, of course, how daft of me. I'm sorry," she looked to Venevria and Isidor dancing now. "It looks like your friend has his eye set on the lady of the ball."

Sheogorath

The Library Ball, Firsthold

"I would like that," Glacia smiled, kissing Reeds on the cheek. She joined a group of her friends.

Sheogorath

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

He did not have to follow the figure far into the maze. Some papers had fallen on the ground, and the cloaked character evidently did not see them. There was a crash as the shadow tripped and fell against one of the shelves.

Sheogorath

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

The figure struggled in Nalion's grasp, and he could tell right away it was a girl. A slightly built wisp of a girl, in fact. Her jet black hair tumbled loose as she squirmed to look at him. She was extraordinarily beautiful, with skin like honey, and she looked at him with frantic, and very familiar amber-colored eyes.

Her hands began to glow.

"Let go of me," she hissed.

Sheogorath

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

"Please," she whispered. "Don't tell anyone. I'm trying to run away."

Sheogorath

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

"I begged them not to make me go through with it, but they wouldn't listen. I want to go to Artaeum ... It's not so far away if I slip away at night," Venevria whispered, looking into Nalion's eyes. She was still frightened, but a little less so when she found goodness there. "My twin Thios is taking my place ... at least until the ball's over, if I can escape tonight."

Sheogorath

Venevria smiled shyly. "Yes, I do like it down here, and yes, I can help you find that book ... But only if you stop calling me Venevria, and call me Ria, after my aunt Ria Silmane."

Sheogorath

The Stacks Beneath The Royal Library, Firsthold

"Thank you, and thank you for not telling anyone I'm down here," Ria said, as she guided him through the shelves.

Sheogorath

Ria smiled again. "Would you tell me your name? Other than Thios, who agreed to wear a very uncomfortable dress to help me escape, you're the nicest person I've ever met."

Sheogorath

"I will do that, I promise," Ria nodded seriously. She took a book from the shelves carefully. It was so old, its leather threatened to crack with the slightest pressure. "Is this the book you wanted?"

S'reddit

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern with her husband Isidor, the Duchess of Ald Raathim’s excise and import/export agent (and secretly her Spymaster) is in Ald Raathim, tending to business. She is 8 months pregnant, and feels it.

His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier (Ellec to his friends), a title-rich but cash-poor Altmer noble out to find a rich wife this social season, is at the Library Ball in Firsthold. He secured the first dance with the stunning Lady Venevria, and has been content to dance with other Altmer noblewomen of lesser wealth ever since. He is sharing a room at the Honor Guard tavern with Nalion.

Lady Venevria Estacirce has made the debut her wealthy parents would have hoped for, taking everyone’s breath away in her gorgeous (albeit painful to wear) gown, complete with a face-covering wimple and a gravity-defying train of star-like crystals. She continues to waltz with suitor after suitor.

The real Lady Venevria Estacirce, who prefers to be called Ria after her namesake and aunt the legendary sorceress Ria Silmane, has run away after hiding in the library stacks, where she met Nalion and helped him find an ancient book. She is trying to get to Artaeum to become a Psijic. The person imitating her upstairs, unbeknownst to all but Nalion, is her twin brother Lord Thios.

And there is another in this convoluted tale we are yet to meet ...

S'reddit

The Library Ball, Firsthold

As the orchestra drew to the end of a song, one of the guards who had been watching the festivities stepped forward, lowering his white hood. A buzz went through the crowd. The orchestra, also startled, struck a series of false chords, and then ended the song.

The Altmer had a handsome, noble face with a serious aspect. He approached Loranna and Slyvos.

"Might I ask for a dance?" he said. "My name is Aedrin. I believe you knew my cousin."

Crown Prince Aedrin, of course, the heir to the throne of Firsthold, and Goranthir's cousin.

S'reddit

The Library Ball, Firsthold

There was precious little similarity between the two. Goranthir, having a Dunmer mother, had dark skin, and Aedrin was fully Altmer. Goranthir's good look had been almost pretty, while Aedrin with strong chin and broad nose was far more rugged. Then, she saw the Reman link between the two: the red-gold hair. Goranthir had kept his shoulder-length until he went undercover in Vvardenfell when he shaved it. Aedrin too was very short, but the hue was definitely the same.

Aedrin's personality too was not at all like his cousin's. He was not flirtatious or light-hearted or witty. He did not dance particularly well either, though he clearly knew the steps.

He came to the point as they began the dance. "What are you doing here, Lady Loranna?"

S'reddit

The Library Ball, Firsthold

"Is that true?" Aedrin asked rather gruffly, looking her in the eyes. "What do you know of Goranthir? Is he dead?"

S'reddit

Prince Aedrin pulled a piece of paper out from his robes and handed it to Loranna. It was the tract Maranda and Jelsia had written.

"Then all this tripe," he said, more quietly. "It's all true. My aunt is the monster it makes her out to be."

S'reddit

Aedrin's eyes filled with rage.

He stopped dancing, and walked out of the room up the marble staircase.

All eyes were on Loranna. What had she said to him?

S'reddit

"Don't let it worry you," Lord Faormier said to her as she rushed past. He was tipsy, as was the young heiress he was dancing with. "The Prince is an odd bird. Everyone knows that."

The heiress giggled.

The odd bird himself was stomping through the dark parkland towards the kitchen entrance to the royal palace.

S'reddit

Aedrin stopped. He had raised his hood, so Loranna couldn't see his face.

When he spoke, his voice sounded raw, choked. "What?"

There was something otherworldly about the park, almost like it was a dream for some reason.

S'reddit

"Goranthir and I never got along," he said quietly, taking her hands softly. "We were both odd, but in different ways I guess. Still ... the last time I saw him, I knew something was wrong ... Worse than usual ... He had a terrible fight with his mother, and then the tract came out, and even though everyone laughed and said it was nonsense, I wondered ..."

The park still felt strange, though everything in Firsthold did. What was it? The crystalline palace? The perfectly trimmed trees and bushes?

"I must tell the King," Prince Aedrin said. "He must know what happened to his son."

S'reddit

Prince Aedrin sighed and then pushed away. Though he had kept his hood on, Loranna found that her shoulder where he had put his head was wet from tears.

"You're the only person I can remember who has told me the truth about anything important," he whispered. "I will do as you suggest. My aunt will not know what I know until it is time to act."

He stepped away, and pulled back his hood. "Thank you."

The Crown Prince of Firsthold walked alone across the park, to the entrance to the palace where guards let him in.

Loranna could not shake the feeling of unreality, of artificiality, like she was watching a play which was perfectly performed, but something was off. Everything she saw looked solid and three-dimensional. There was a gentle night breeze which brought with it the scene of flowers. But she felt like something, some part of reality was missing ...

S'reddit

A small group of curious party-goers who have evidently followed Loranna and the Prince outside, hoping to witness a scandalous brawl, stand disappointed in the torchlight at the end of the park. From what they had seen, the argument -- whatever it was about -- between the Nordic Duchess of Morrowind ("They're letting Nords in Morrowind now? When did that happen?") and the odd duck Crown Prince had ended with a hug. How frightfully tiresome.

S'reddit

The Next Morning ...

Loranna woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains of the large room in the finest tavern in the city. It was not a room one that was usually rented out, but when the tavernkeeper understood who Loranna was and that she had business with the Queen herself, he gave her his room and went to stay with relatives.

It was hard to remember the unpleasantness at the end of the ball on such a glorious morning, as Loranna looked out over the grand plaza of Firsthold. It was truly a breathtaking city. The smell of flowers wafted from the park, with exotic birdcalls ...

It was at that instant Loranna understood the piece that was missing last night. It was not a sight or a smell or a feeling. It was sound, or rather, lack of sound.

The entire time she had been in Firsthold, she had almost unconsciously noted the birdcalls, so different from the animal noises out east.

Last night, in the parkland, surrounded by trees, there had been no bird or animal sounds of any kind.

S'reddit

As Loranna went down the stairs, she could hear bells tolling.

Downstairs, everyone at the tavern who was awake at that early hour was gathered around to talk about the news. Prince Aedrin, the heir to the throne of Firsthold, was dead.

"They just found him in his room in the palace tower," the innkeeper was saying in a hush tone. "They saw he was torn apart."

S'reddit

He nods solemnly. "Sometime last night or early this morning in his room. That's why the bells are tolling, your Grace."

S'reddit

"There's talk," the innkeeper replied cautiously. "But it's just talk right now, your Grace. Nothing but gossip ... but it's not very nice. Murder, definitely."

"Some maniac got into his room and butchered him," one of the other guests whispered, as if the maniac might hear them. "They found him in fifty pieces."

"Now, milady, you know that's just talk," the innkeeper frowned.

S'reddit

The people in the room nodded solemnly at Loranna's description of Aedrin, though the truth was, no one there -- despite their relative wealth and social position, as guests of one of the finest taverns in Firsthold during the height of Cotillion Week -- knew Aedrin at all. None of them had so much as spoken to him. He was a strange peripheral character, considering he was heir to the Kingdom. That said, no one had heard of him doing anything wicked, worthy of such a gruesome death as it was rumored he had.

The conversation continued as breakfast was served in the tavern.

And the bells of mourning continued to be tolled.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

A barmaid spotting Stre-krel, shrieks, attracting the attention of Kethiah. The Dunmer hurries over, her arms glowing faintly blue.

"Fetch a healer," she says, laying her hands on the Argonian. It was not a powerful spell, but hopefully it would keep him alive until someone who knew better came. Why, she asked herself, when you're dying, would you go to a tavern instead of a temple?

S'reddit

The Lady's Kiss Tavern, Firsthold

More news came around during breakfast, much of it gossip, but some of it substantiated enough that there may be truth to it. Aedrin had not been torn apart, but he had been stabbed to death, hundreds of wounds all over his body. Mysteriously, his bedroom door had been locked and latched from the inside. His bedroom window was open, but it would have taken a very talented assassin to scale a sheer tower two hundred feet up. Perhaps someone had levitated, some wondered.

The memorial service was to be held in a few hours. The question of dress was raised. The immediate family, of course, was going to wear black for it, but there was some consternation among those at the tavern who wanted to attend what they should wear? No one could remember a funeral during Cotillion Week ...

Fortunately there was an Altmer there who, being almost two hundred, could remember a funeral during Cotillion Week. He said that the family wore black, but everyone else wore white.

"That's the way it's done," he said with authority. "Even in mourning, the traditions hold."

S'reddit

A healer arrives shortly thereafter, laying her hands on him.

"If I'm not too late," the priestess tells Kethiah, as she casts her powerful spell of restoration.

S'reddit

"You're welcome," replied Kethiah, handing some gold to the healer, and instructing the barmaid to clean up the blood the Argonian had spilled throughout the tavern. "Why don't you tell me what happened, and why you came to my tavern instead of one of the Temples."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I see," Kethiah nodded. "Well, for future reference, there are three temples in the village, all of which survived the invasion. So, what happened?"

Sheogorath

"Not particularly, no," Kethiah frowned. "We haven't had much of that, and any trouble our guards have managed to take care of. Good of you to do it though, serjo. Drinks on the house."

Of course, drinks were always on the house at the Nymph and Noggin lately.

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild

"He's not here, no," the Guild Guide said dreamily. He was used to resisting charm spells -- many who came through the Guild tried to use it to get information from him, but this was different. "He used the transport to leave an hour ago ... "

Sheogorath

"I really shouldn't," the Guild Guide shook his head. "I mean, I barely know you. Why do you want to know that Master Zadion is in Tel Dresori?"

Sheogorath

"He's usually been here, in the Guild, up until just after the attempted invasion," the Guild guide shrugged. "But after that, he's spent a lot of time in Tel Dresori. Can't imagine why. There's a Guild there, but it's kinda a wasteland now, you know?"

Sheogorath

The Docks

Kethiah, as the Duchess's excise and import/export agent, and Kallen, as the Duchess's seneschal, organized groups of villagers to unload the boats Erenius had brought in, and put the supplies and food in the warehouses along the docks.

It was a lot of work, but the supplies were much depleted, and this was truly a godsend for Ald Raathim.

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

"Of course," said the Guild Guide, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, leading Anya to Zadion's offices down the twisted corridors of the Guildhouse. When they reached the door, his face fell. "They're magically locked ... And the spell's too powerful for me ..."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, The Temple of Auriel

A shimmering semiopaque curtain floated over the tower, shielding the mourners at Prince Aedrin's memorial service. Like all Altmeri nobles, he was buried above ground, in a slot in the wall of the tower. A crowd of thousands gathered around to sing the psalms of the Ehlnofey, words that were familiar but meant nothing today.

King Reman, Queen Morgiah, Princess Rinnala, and a dozen other members of the royal family appeared to be smudges of black in the sea of white.

Reman's speech, however, could be heard by all, for his voice was strong. He praised his nephew as an ideal heir, who was serious abot his duties to the people of Firsthold, and mourned him as a promise that was not to be.

Sheogorath

After the service, much of the crowd drifted away, while others went forward to pay their respects to Aedrin's family. There was still the Princess's Cotillion tonight, but people were wondering whether it was still going to be held or not. Opinions were divided as to whether that was appropriate, but most seemed to think she should have her party, if she still wished it.

Princess Rinnala was sobbing, holding her mother, who appeared in a simple dress of black.

Sheogorath

"Thank you, milady," said the Princess.

"Loranna is a Duchess now," Morgiah corrected her gently.

"Sorry," Rinnala corrected herself, wiping her tears. "Thank you, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Your Grace," King Reman said.

"We should talk later," Queen Morgiah added, looking at Loranna. "Come by the palace in an hour or two."

S'reddit

Zadion's Office, The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

If the large cavernous office had a system of organization, it was a mysterious one. There were books, papers, chests, and cabinets everywhere. Some documents were in languages Anya had never seen, and others were sealed with wax.

There was in the fireplace a large pile of embers with a few scraps of parchment. Evidently, Zadion was in the habit of destroying sensitive material after he had read it.

S'reddit

Firsthold

A few hours after the Prince's memorial service, Loranna received a summons to meet with Queen Morgiah of Firsthold.

Sheogorath

Zadion's Office, Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

The scraps contained a few words that seemed interesting: "disciplinary procedures against Magister Zadion" and "request for removal," and there were scraps that appeared to be part of a map of a castle, though it wasn't Loranna's or any other castle Anya knew.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

A cheerful barmaid, Liothah, brought Stre-Kel his drink. She had been beside herself with grief over the last week since the invasion of Ald Raathim, having lost her entire family, dead or missing. Her little brother, however, had just turned up the other day ... Apparently, he had run away during the raid and gotten lost. Liothah and him had spent all yesterday at the Temple, thanking the Gods for returning him to her, and now she was back at work.

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

Loranna could not help but think during the short walk through the parkland to the front gates of the royal palace how much different it was with birdcalls again. The creatures were everywhere, particularly the crickbeaks, beautiful dark gray birds, nearly three feet high.

The lower levels of the palace was where courtiers met, and was all crystal of various degrees of opacity. Some steps were nearly invisible, so emissaries were forever tripping over them (a little test to see how well you knew your way around the Palace), and some were almost solid white, showing only the merest dark shadow of movement. It made the whole place feel like walking through the clouds.

The group was ushered in through these lower salons to a meeting room which might have been pulled out of High Rock. A stone fireplace, a heavy oak table, half-timbered walls … It was more Breton than Altmer … But, of course, the Queen of Firsthold was neither, but a Dunmer who grew up in Wayrest.

“Her Royal Majesty will be with your shortly,” the footman said to the group and withdrew.

Sheogorath

The Docks, Ald Raathim

"He speaks!" Kethiah laughed, and then groaned a moment, holding her belly. She looked a little faint, but recovered. "Remind me not to laugh anymore until this thing's out of me. He doesn't like it. But that's good news twice, Ingmar. You're speaking, and free mercenaries."

Sheogorath

"That should be no surprise, my clan in Morrowind was the Ra'athim," said Queen Morgiah, stepping into the room.

She was still dressed for mourning, in a simple black gown, but she had pulled back the veil so it cascaded, together with her ink black hair, down her back. She was sublimely beautiful, the image of her mother Barenziah at her age. Her cheekbones and chin resembled her brother Helseth's, features that she had inherited from her late father Symmachus.

Morgiah glided into the room, asking to be introduced to each person present.

When she had met everyone, she took a seat at the table, and motioned for everyone to do the same.

Sheogorath

The Docks, Ald Raathim

"I'll keep that in mind, but ... This business is leaking money faster than --" Kethiah began, and fainted, falling into Ingmar's arms.

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

"From what I've seen so far, you've picked up on a number of Ra'athim tricks and strategies, but I suppose that's why my mother and brother thought you'd be a finer ally than enemy," Morgiah said. "But we can talk about that later. There is something you're here to talk to me about on behalf of Helseth?"

Her tone was confident and conversational, and more subdued than Helseth, but that may have been the effect of the memorial service on her.

Sheogorath

The Tribunal Temple, Ald Raathim

The healers and priests rushed to help her, their spells and mundane healing crafts going to work.

Ingmar could tell from their expressions that it was very serious.

Sheogorath

The Temple, Ald Raathim

"She wasn't complaining of feeling unwell before?" the priest asked. "Well, complications at this stage of pregnancy can happen very suddenly ... Are you the father, serjo?"

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

"Oh, that fool," Morgiah frowned. "I offered him help at the beginning of all this, but he was too proud. Of course, whatever my brother needs he shall have. Gold and troops, I suppose? We can spare plenty of both. These are peaceful, prosperous times in Firsthold. What else?"

Sheogorath

Temple, Ald Raathim

"She's very ill," the priest said. "If you hadn't gotten her here so quickly, she'd be dead, I've no doubt ... If you worship any deity, now would be a good time for a prayer."

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

"Ships, of course, how else was I going to send a sufficient number of troops from an island nation?" Morgiah smiled slightly. "I'll have an armada sent off today. What else?"

Sheogorath

The Temple, Ald Raathim

"The child is very strong," the priest replied. "If we had to, we could force the birth now, and there's a good chance he'd survive ... I'd rather not though, of course ..."

Sheogorath

Temple, Ald Raathim

"I don't think we've reached the stage where we have to choose between the mother's life and the child's," the priest shook his head. "Don't worry unduly. I'll keep you informed on both their prognoses."

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

The Queen looks to Erenius and the others at the table with searching eyes.

"Please don't be offended," Morgiah said, looking back to Loranna. "But I don't believe you that there's nothing else. You arrived in Firsthold surreptitiously a day and a half ahead of schedule, you bring an army of followers, you attend a ball and are the last person to talk to the heir of my kingdom ... There are many things else."

The tone was never less than friendly, and the look in the eye was not hostile, but it was strong.

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

Morgiah looked to Shaka and Loranna.

"The investigations into the maniacs who stabbed the Prince to death have scarcely begun," Morgiah replied. "Arriving early is one thing, but purposefully misleading me ..."

Her eyes still on Loranna, she asked. "Tell me the truth. Did you send an empty ship to sea from Morrowind, so I would be watching that for your arrival, while you crept in some other route?"

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

"That's what I meant by a Ra'athim trick, sending a distraction while you arrive from another direction," Morgiah replied, looking in Loranna's eyes. "It is a ship that left from Morrowind, and when I heard you were coming, I assumed you were on it, as it is on a course for our port ... In fact, it should be here in a few hours, so we can see ..."

Sheogorath

Morgiah nodded. "I think ... Yes, the manner of death would be consistent with an attack by a flock of birds ... Thank you, that is a direction of investigation it might have taken us some time to pursue."

Sheogorath

It was not an unusual request. People brought messages to ambassadors to the royal family all the time.

"What is the man's name and what is the message?" the guard asks.

Sheogorath

"I will let you know if there is," Morgiah rose. "Thank you. I hope to see you at my daughter's Cotillion Ball tonight."

At that, a footman entered discreetly, and the Queen nodded to him to speak.

"Pardon me," the footman said. "I bear a message for Isidor. His wife is gravely ill."

Sheogorath

"A Nord gentleman at the front gates," the footman replied. "I believe he's still there."

Sheogorath

The priest Ingmar had met before saw them, and gave him a stern look: "Why did you leave? Oh, is this the father?"

Sheogorath

"Your wife is sleeping now," the priest said, looking Isidor in the eye. He was an excellent healer, but a kindly priest he was not. "So I cannot reprimand her for working herself near to death in the eighth month of pregnancy, so I will reprimand you. She and the baby are fine, but they will not be fine if she spends her days running around. I've asked around, and heard how many jobs she has ... You must tell her that she is to lie or sit down, and not to stand up for more than a few minutes at a time until the child is born. If you can't get her to stop working for a few weeks, she and the baby will be dead, and I won't be responsible. Do I make myself clear?"

Sheogorath

The priest brought the brothers to the room where Kethiah was sleeping. From the look of the sheets that were being carried away, there had been a lot of bleeding.

Sheogorath

One of the healers of a sweeter disposition than the head priest dabbed Kethiah's head with a wet cloth. She smiled at Ingmar and whispered. "You really did save her life, you know, serjo. Thank Vivec, you were around."

Sheogorath

The Royal Palace, Firsthold

When the group left the meeting room, they found themselves in a completely different environment than the one of ethereal salons they had seen earlier. It was alive with workers constructing the scene for Princess Rinalla’s Cotillion Ball, which was to happen in just a few hours.

Though it was too early to see quite yet, the concept for the Ball was simply Nirn. The guests were to be giants treading over its surface.

Furniture had been moved out, and the floor was being flooded. A series of temporary bridges let the workers create the artificial islands for the orchestra (a frozen mountainous region that was Atmora), the dancers (a desert island of Yokuda), the guests’ dance floor (a shimmering crystalline island that was Aldmeris), the main island for refreshments and mingling (the varied landscape of Tamriel, overscale compared to the other islands, but of astonishing detail … one could see the Imperial City, Red Mountain, the Wrothgarian Mountains as if one were a thousand feet tall), as well as smaller dotted islands, big enough for small groups to gather on each, suggesting the archipelagos of Akavir, Pyandonea, and Thras … The guests would move through some of the islands by little bridges, and others by boat.

S'reddit

The Royal Cotillion Ball, The Royal Palace, Firsthold

King Reman of Firsthold, of course, had a crowd gathered around him in his corner off of the main “continental” island of Tamriel. He leaned against an oversized replica of the Crystal Tower as he spoke with various courtiers and nobles, dressed a suit of white gold armor with a black fur cloak. All members of the royal family, in fact, were wearing black and white: white in observation of the Cotillion, and black in deference to the Crown Prince and Heir Apparent Aedrin’s murder.

Queen Morgiah, unlike her husband, preferred to keep in continual movement, mingling among her guests. Rather shockingly, she didn’t wear a gown at all, but a tight-fitted black suit, almost like a cat-burglar’s uniform. Her white cloak, embroidered with silver and diamonds, was sufficiently regal, however, with a tall, spiked collar that rose high above her head.

Other kings and queens of Summerset were also in attendance at the ball, together with nobles the group had seen or met: Glacia, the friendly young Altmer lady who had danced with Reeds; His Serenity The Baron-Praetor of Bellias, Viscount Limnil, Lord Faormier (Ellec to his friends) and Nalion’s room-mate at the Honor Guard was there, talking to all the pretty (and wealthy-looking) Altmer noble ladies; Lord and Lady Estacirce and their son Lord Thios were there too, and seemed blissfully aware they were being talked about behind their backs.

The gossip, of course, tended to be around the subject of Prince Aedrin’s shocking murder the night before. It seemed likely that King Reman would declare his daughter as the new heir very soon, perhaps even tonight as part of the Cotillion. Those less gruesomely inclined, however, talked of the Library Ball, and the surprising revelation afterwards that Venevria, who had not wanted to attend in the first place, had run away with some unknown noble afterwards. She had left a note to her parents that her twin brother Thios had found and delivered. The irony appealed to the Altmer: Venevria’s parents had coerced into having the ball so she might meet a suitor and increase the family’s power and wealth, and she had apparently met someone, and run away with him.

Meanwhile, the music began to swell and the guests turned to a ship which was coming from a nearby wing, floating on a sea of mist. They could not see the figure within yet, but it must be Princess Rinnala, in whose honor the ball was being given.

S'reddit

"I would like that very much," Glacia smiled, taking his hand. She was wearing a different gown made of layer after layer of translucent gossamer, with a simple white shrift dress under it for modesty's sake.

S'reddit

There could be no doubt that Thios was Venevria's twin brother, with the same eyes and thin physique. Considering that he, like she, didn't approve of the Cotillion balls, young nobles being traded between families like commodities, he was smiling slightly, as if he were enjoying himself.

S'reddit

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah was trying to get out of bed, when Isidor entered.

"Hello sweetheart," she said, looking tired and frustrated. "How was Firsthold?"

S'reddit

The Royal Cotillion Ball, The Royal Palace, Firsthold

The ship was a replica of that of the Niben, the ship that Topal the Pilot took in ancient days from Summerset to map out the vast continent of Tamriel. The Nibenay Valley and the Topal Bay still bore the marks of this historic voyage.

Some of the guests whispered fragments of the old verse they had memorized in school:

Only Niben returned to Firsthold, laden high with
gold and spice and fur and strange creatures,
dead and live.
Though, alas, Old Ehlnofey Topal never found, he
Told the tales of the lands he had visited to the
wonderment of all.

Rinnala herself was on the crow's nest of the ship, dressed in a shimmering gown, half black and half white, with a streak of silver that continued into her flowing cloak. She represented Auriel, as old tapestries had shown her (or him) to be.

The girl was only ten years old, and though she held herself with pose and elegance befitting someone of her lineage, it was clear she did not relish being the center of attention.

S'reddit

Glacia smiled. Together with the rest of the company, she bowed as Rinnala stepped off the ship into Tamriel. Ellec tried to get to her for a first dance, but he was out-classed in the competition.

As the Princess and the young Altmer, only a year or two older than Rinnala, began to dance, the others did as well.

"Nothing to understand," Glacia smiled. "If you are born into nobility, you gain much in the way of luxury, but possess little freedom ... It's all a compromise, like in all walks of life, I suppose ..."

S'reddit

Glacia chuckled. "You'll get no great defense of Altmer tradition from me ... After all, I am currently dancing with an Argonian, if you haven't noticed," her eyes twinkled. "The higher the noble's position, the earliest they do this to her. I was fifteen when I went through it, and it was horribly embarrassing."

S'reddit

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah's eyes were wide. "Is everything all right?" she touched her belly. It was clear what she meant: is everything all right with the baby? Does it still live?

S'reddit

"I don't know," Glacia shook her head. "Change is slow, almost imperceptible, especially when each generation may last a thousand years. But twenty years ago, it would have been unthinkable for a Dunmer to be Firsthold's Queen, but tonight many people are talking about her daughter Rinnala, who appears to be fully Dunmer even if she's not, becoming Reman's heir. The other traditions will change and die too, but we Altmer are naturally cautious about revolution ... for the most part."

S'reddit

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph And Noggin

Kethiah took this in, seriously, and nodded, letting Isidor help her back into bed.

"Yes, now I remember, I was talking to him on the docks when I suddenly blacked out," Kethiah nodded, a tear rolling down her eye. "Thank the Gods the baby is all right. And thank Ingmar."

S'reddit

"You wouldn't know it if you've only been attending cotillion balls in Firsthold, but there is a younger generation of Altmer who wish to break with all traditions," Glacia said, letting Reeds sweep her across the floor. "Some of them even try to change their bodies to make them look less Altmeri, and more like men, or orcs, or khajiit ... or even Argonians."

S'reddit

The Royal Cotillion Ball, Firsthold

Queen Morgiah, Loranna noticed, was being approached by a group of her guards. The Queen looked in Loranna's direction, and directed one of them to her.

"Her Majesty regrets that you have not had the opportunity to dance yet," the guard said, bowing. "But she bade me to tell you that the ship you had spoken of earlier has arrived in port. We are on our way to meet it."

S'reddit

Glacia laughed. "And the second Argonian I've ever met is a charming conversationalist and a marvelous dancer."

S'reddit

"Thank you," Kethiah smiled wearily, kissing Isidor on the cheek. "I don't want to chain you to hearth and home. Like I said, you're an adventurer, and I love you for that ... But if I'm really stuck in this bed for weeks, I'll go crazy if you're not around."

S'reddit

The guard nodded and bowed, going to join the Queen and her men were already slipping out of the palace discreetly.

S'reddit

It was Glacia's turn to blush, which she did in lieu of any reply, as the song came to an end.

The first chords of a new tune were struck up. A livelier dance.

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

Twenty ships the King of Morrowind had promised pulled into port, and with them a legion of royal soldiers. Kallen was there to direct them to the royal fortresses on the outskirts of the village which had been badly damaged in the invasion, and were in the process of being restored.

S'reddit

The Royal Cotillion Ball, Firsthold

Glacia nodded, laughing, and just then, an Altmer of bold physique, a warrior-noble clearly, tapped Reeds on the shoulder.

"May I take the honor of the next dance with Lady Glacia?" he asked politely.

Glacia stiffened slightly. It was obvious she knew him.

S'reddit

The military might of the Altmer was in its navy. Other provinces may boast larger, more powerful armies, but even Nord sailors admit that the ships of Summerset -- fast and sleek, strong and durable -- were the finest in Tamriel. As Morgiah had promised, a sizeable armada had already left Firsthold, bound for Morrowind, but there was still more than enough there to ensure that Firsthold had all the offensive and defensive capabilities it could dream of.

The harbor was also filled with merchant vessels and pleasure ships of all varieties. And one ship that looked different from any other. A great galleon with the royal crest of Morrowind proudly displayed.

As Queen Morgiah's group of guards and heroes made their way to the dock, they could see a figure on the ship. A white-clad female figure, surrounded by the red-armored guards of the royal house of Morrowind.

Morgiah was the first to identify her at a far distance. She seemed to sense who it was by her bearing rather than by the details of her face, and her eyes were wide with surprise.

"Mother."

S'reddit

"Of course," Glacia said, not looking Reeds in the eye. "May I present my fiance, Count Terilite?"

Count Terilite held out his hand to shake Reeds's.

S'reddit

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin

"I know he has, and I'm grateful to him for saving my life and our child's life," Kethiah nodded and added quietly. "But I'd rather count on you."

One of the chambermaids knocked on the door. "Sorry to disturb. I thought you should know Helseth's army and navy are in the docks."

S'reddit

The guards Morgiah had brought to arrest and interrogate whoever was arriving by ship became, instead, a royal welcome for Barenziah, the Queen's mother.

The Queen Mother of Morrowind's white gown and cloak whipped around her in the wind as she disembarked. Morgiah bowed to her, as did her men.

Barenziah did not return the bow, but for a small nod of acknowedgement, and then she glanced sideways at Loranna and the heroes of Ald Raathim. An eyebrow raised. "I had not expected to see you here, Your Grace, but I offer you my congratulations on Ald Raathim's success in the war. I have been at sea for some weeks now, but I've kept up on things, and you have reason to be proud."

S'reddit

If he did, he didn't show it, nor did Glacia do more than give Reeds a fast, sad smile before the couple began their dance.

S'reddit

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

"Just make sure the sailors and the merchants aren't getting into any fights, we need both of them," Kethiah smiled. "The sailors should probably be pointed in the direction of the Noggin -- they seem to like that more. You know, between Erenius's influx of goods, Helseth's men showing up, and all the rebuilding going on in town, we might soon be able to charge for food and drinks again, even if I have rented out all the rooms to Erenius's men ..."

S'reddit

"Poor Glacia," a young, thin Altmer lad, whose eyes immediately were familar to Reeds, said. "Terilite has been in Valenwood for the past two years. She probably hoped he had forgotten about her. Let me get you a drink, serjo."

S'reddit

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

"Of course," said Kethiah. Lying in her bed, holding her swollen belly, her hair dissheveled, she still looked lovely. "Thank you, Ingmar. I owe you more than my life."

S'reddit

"If you are here to ensure that the troops, gold, and ships that Helseth sent the Duchess here to bring to Morrowind have been sent, you have only just missed their launch," Queen Morgiah said to her mother, her eyes wary. "If you are here for your granddaughter's Cotillion Ball, it is underway right now ..."

"I am not here for either of those reasons," Barenziah said simply. "I am here to make certain you do your duty by your other child."

Morgiah stiffened. "I see. We should talk in private ..."

"When my grandson came to speak to you before, out of respect, he spoke to you privately," Barenziah replied. "It did not have a satisfactory conclusion. Why should I do you the same honor?"

The guards of both royal household stood at attention, but one could see that each and every one was staring at this rare sight, two powerful Queens preparing to do battle in full view of all.

S'reddit

"Thios," the youth said simply. "Perhaps you attended my twin sister's Cotillion at the Royal Library the other night? I am told we look very much alike."

S'reddit

"No, I'm glad to say you weren't," Kethiah smiled wearily. "Isidor says that you will be around, at least for the next couple of weeks?"

S'reddit

"Be careful, mother," Morgiah said, her red eyes narrowing. As if in sympathy to the mood, the wind off the sea was blowing strong, and the Queen's white cloak whirled around her like a live creature. "You are wroth, I can see that, but I will have no one speak to me rudely in my own kingdom, not even you."

"It is not your kingdom," Barenziah replied angrily. "It is your husband's kingdom, and your children's. It is only yours through a contract with a creature --"

"Mother," Morgiah growled. "There are road if you step down, you can never return ... Think on that."

S'reddit

"My future means nothing," Barenziah spat. "Your future and your brother's mean nothing. I could sacrifice us all without batting an eye if needs be."

"Think carefully, mother, before you act," Morgiah sneered. "Are you here to punish me, or help your grandson?"

"I am here for Goranthir," said Barenziah without a pause.

"I have done all I can for him," Morgiah replied, quietly. "I will discuss this with you in private."

"You have not done all you can," Barenziah hissed. "And the monster you have created is loosed upon the world."

S'reddit

"That's good," Kethiah smiled. She was bone tired. "I won't be getting around much I'm told, but I hope you'll take the time to visit me whenever you can. I have a feeling I'm going to be out of my mind, stuck in this room for weeks."

S'reddit

The War Room, The Royal Palace, Firsthold

Morgiah led the group back to the Royal Palace, but instead of going in the main entrance, they continued around through the parkland, through a silver door. It was here the generals and admirals of Firsthold prepared for war, and it was here, consciously or unconsciously, the Queen thought it best to fight with her mother.

If it was a conscious decision, its effectiveness was obvious. However the fight went, it was clear looking at all the maps and figures on the walls, all the weaponry and armor in display, that Morgiah held the ultimate upper hand: they were in her land, in her palace, surrounded by her troops. As powerful as Barenziah, Loranna, Nalion, Shaka, and all the others were, they would not stand a chance against these odds ... The message at the very least was be polite, for my sword is against your neck.

If Barenziah felt the threat, she didn't show it.

"Loranna," she said. "Tell Morgiah what has become of her son."

S'reddit

The Royal Cotillion, Firsthold

"Do you now?" Thios smiled, taking a sip of ebonille. "You've only just met me ... what hidden motivation do you think I possess?"

S'reddit

Morgiah took in Loranna's tale with rapt attention, but little emotion on her face. On the walk from the docks, she had composed herself, and there were no traces of the anger she had shown.

Then her face fell, looking at the silvery table they were all at.

"Pyokos," she whispered, and clouds emerged on the mirror-like surface of the table. It was a mirror, like the one Barenziah and Loranna possessed.

No face appeared in the mirror, however, and again Morgiah whispered the strange name.

Finally, something materialized. It was a face, but not a human one. A misshapen creature, fat and warty, its mouth seemingly too big for the Cyrodilic it spoke.

"Your Majesty," Pyokos said. "All is lost. Mannimarco lives."

Morgiah gasped.

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin with her husband Isidor, is taking a hiatus from her job as the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster). She is recuperating from a near fatal complication in her 8th month of pregnancy, and is stuck in bed, reluctantly given up her responsibilities.

Alas and Alack, former associates of the smuggling kingpin Goldcat, are Kethiah's first choice to take her responsibilities as Ald Raathim's Spymasters. They are enjoying themselves in the House of Dibella in Ald Raathim.

The Royal House of Firsthold has been torn apart, just when it was celebrating the Cotillion Ball of Princess Rinnala. King Reman and Queen Morgiah's first born child Goranthir now known as Geht, returned home as a pawn of Mannimarco, King of Worms. After killing the heir apparent, his cousin Aedrin, Geht turned on Rinalla. Though the 10-year-old girl was saved by Loranna and Maranda's sacrifice, Morgiah apparently decided the only way to save her son was to void the contract with Mannimarco she had made 20 years previously. Her marriage to Reman had been voided, and she and Rinalla are en route to Mournhold with her mother Barenziah.

On the other hand, the mission to Firsthold was a success: they are sending troops, ships, and gold to aid the effort against the Redoran and Indoril. An armada is en route now.

Sheogorath

"Loranna!" Kethiah grinned when the Duchess came to her door. "Forgive me for not getting up. Healer's orders. Tell me everything. Isidor said that Morgiah agreed to send troops?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah blinked, a little overwhelmed. Throughout Loranna's tale, she had been nodding, frowning, even smiling at times.

"Poor Maranda," Kethiah whispered. "What was the name of her girlfriend? Jelsia?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah had been listening to Loranna seriously up until the end when her throat got a little hoarse. That made Kethiah laugh out loud.

"I'm sorry, that's mean of me," she said, motioning at the pitcher of water by the bed. "Help yourself. I wish all my spies gave me information as efficiently as you do ... Ah, speaking of which ... You might've heard I'm not in the position to do my intelligence-gathering duties right now. But I have someone else in mind as a replacement. Actually, two persons."

Sheogorath

"First, let me tell you what I was looking for," Kethiah said carefully, smiling a little in anticipation of telling Loranna who she had in mind. "I wanted someone who no one would suspect, by virtue of their appearance and personality. I wanted someone who had a shady background, for their contacts, but who is resolved to put that behind them. I wanted someone who is planning on settling down in Ald Raathim, so we can rely on them to be loyal ..."

She took a deep breath. "And then they walked in. Alas and Alack. They've left Goldcat, and want to settle here."

Sheogorath

Kethiah wasn't quite sure what Loranna would make of her suggestion, but the reaction stunned her, and made her laugh and laugh.

"Ow," she moaned, still laughing, holding her stomach. "He still doesn't like it when I laugh. Or maybe he's laughing too ... I hope so ... Oh, Loranna, I don't know. I only talked to them for five minutes. I had Isidor check their interest in the job, and they seemed pretty ambivalent, which is probably good. If they were too ambitious, I wouldn't trust them ... But if you want to interview them about Ya'Tirrje, you'll find them at the House of Dibella. Isidor told me they were on their way there. Poor thing, I think he wanted to go too ..."

Sheogorath

"Oh, Loranna," Kethiah wiped her forehead, exhausting from laughing, but still giggling a bit. "If only you had slept with whichever one was flirting with you ... Then you could show up pregnant, and really hook him ..."

She laughed some more and managed to get herself to stop. "I'm sorry, Loranna. Truly. I'm going insane from boredom cooped up in this room. It's good just to be silly about really serious things somethings, you know?"

Sheogorath

"I know," Kethiah sighed. "Isidor's been great, running the tavern, running all sorts of little errands for me ... His brother Ingmar, with whom, I think you'll recall, I have a 'history,' well, he's back, but he's been very sweet too ... I have absolutely nothing to complain about. And that's why I'm complaining. I feel I'm just a baby oven right now, lying here, waiting for the damn thing to pop out ..."

She winked. "Oh, I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end. It better be."

Sheogorath

"Oh, I would have," Kethiah smiled. "Don't beat yourself up too much, Loranna. Other people will do that for you."

Sheogorath

Kethiah shakes her head. "No one's relaxing much with the war, Mannimarco rising, and everything else going on, but this is the way it's always been ... They call Tamriel an Arena for a reason. You're going to have Slyvos take over some of your duties now too, like I've done with Isidor?"

Sheogorath

"Our men have such a lot to learn," Kethiah smiled and yawned. "Good thing we love them. I'm sorry, your Grace, I really need to rest now. I'm glad to hear the trip went well ... I mean ..." she frowned. "I'm glad the mission was accomplished."

Sheogorath

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim

Alas and Alack rested in the temple pool after an afternoon’s debauchery. It was a mixture of water and oil that magically held together, softening and cleaning naked flesh. Candles lined the edges of the pool, casting a warm glow.

“’Zounds and ‘Struth,” Alack smiled, closing his eyes, and floating along the water’s surface on his back. “What I really likes the most about Ald Raathim be the devotional spirituality of its citizenhood. They be very accomedatious.”

“Aye,” Alas nodded, lazily propped up on the pool’s edge. “D’ye know, I thought for a mo I seed Isidor, like he decided to answer me invitation. But, no, it were another Nord, but it coulda been his brother.”

“Aye?” Alack grinned, not opening his eyes. “And how warm be yer Nord?”

“I ain’t found out,” Alas sighed. “I were distracted by a Breton lad what had a remarkable grasp of Dibellan theology.”

“Bet he weren’t nothing as good as the Dunmerian lass I met,” Alack laughed. “Such warm, supple convictions she had.”

"'Struth!" Alas laughed, a little too loud, causing some priests and priestesses to shush them.

Sheogorath

The House of Dibella

Loranna had a history of surprising Alas and Alack. When she told them who she was after Alack had flirted with her at the Nymph and Noggin, it caused the Khajiiti to fall backwards in their chairs. Revealing herself suddenly in the pool caused Alas, who was half out of the pool, to fall in, and Alack, who was in the pool, to leap out of it.

They made more of a racket, forcing more shushes from the priests and priestesses.

"Your ladyhood!" Alack cried.

Alas, rising from the water, cried. "Your Dukess!"

"Me brother and me, we was just discussing how archeologistically interesting this temple be," Alack said hastily. "And the finer, suppler parts of the Dibellan philosology."

"Like," Alas added, looking to Alack. "Like?"

"Beauty be ... pretty good," Alack suggested. "And you, your Dutchiness, you looks very good. Yer belly be so ..."

"Alack," Alas interrupted him, just shaking his head.

Alack got the hint and shut it.

Sheogorath

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim

Alack decided, belatedly, to cover up his appreciation of Loranna's naked belly, using both hands. "Ya'Tirrje? She bides well. Shouldn't be too long afore she be back in Ald Raathim with her extralegal merchandization."

"Alack and me, we had enough of rolling around in the water," Alas added, rolling around in the pool. "I means, on a boat. And we gots enough gold that we ain't gonna be a burden on no one. But Kethiah --"

Alas looked around, and noticed that the priests and priestesses, wanting to rest somewhere quieter, had moved off. Still, he paddled over to Loranna to speak softer.

"We hears Kethiah is takin' a vacation from the dirty business. Her lad Isidor said we was bein' considered to take her place, least for a little while?"

Sheogorath

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim

"To be honest, we wasn't even thinking of workin' when we got here," Alas said. "It'd just be to help our mate Kethiah out. Though if you're askin', there's a couple lads in here what could vouch that I'm qualified fer most positions. We're lazy cats, but Alack has already confididated in me that he'd love ta work under you in any capacity."

"Why doesn't you tell us what you wants," Alack said. "And we can tells you if we gots it?"

S'reddit

"So, ye wants us to shows you our hands," said Alack, holding up his hands to demonstrate, and thereby, no longer covering himself up. "And show ye how willing we be to go deep undercover?"

"See, Alack be salutin' ye already," Alas grinned, propping himself up on the pool's edge again. "We gots all kinda means of meetin' folk. Why, I were only just a while ago meetin' a friendly lad, and under vigorious interrogatorions, he tole me he sawed the body of that Indoril Councillor they be looking for. Thedas. The bloke what tried to kill the Queen Mum. He seen him buried in our own Memorial Service, but were too shy to say nothing."

"Loosin' tongues be our speciality," Alack smiled.

S'reddit

Alas swam over to Loranna, and pulled himself out of the pool, wiping the moisture out of his fur with his hand, while he stretched himself out luxuriously. "Goldcat put us through the motions. She wouldn't had kept us on if we hasn't an eye for detail. We know how to prod our contacts, and push just a little bit more, not too much, but just right."

"The other thing we knows," Alack added, kneeling in front of Loranna. "Is discretation. Never kiss an' tell."

S'reddit

"Oh, we was just waggin' our tongues," Alack smiled. "What we can still do, but maybe ye'd help us delve deeper into Dibella's mysteries?"

"We're gentlemen of leisure," Alas added. "But we works hard, as you can see."

S'reddit

And FADE OUT.

(The boys ace their rigorous interview, in case you're wondering)

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

When he asked, Shaka was told that Kethiah was in her room, and not only well enough to see visitors, but eager to as well.

"I think she's going out of her mind with boredom," the barmaid smiled. "She's not herself at all."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Ah, Shaka," Kethiah smiled from the bed. "They're beautiful! Thank you. How are you?"

It was evidently true that Kethiah was bored out of her mind. Right now she was balancing one dagger on her finger tip, and another one on top of that one.

Sheogorath

"Don't worry, you're here now," Kethiah grinned, throwing the daggers up so they impaled in the ceiling. "Tell me, how was Firsthold? Are you happy to be back? Loranna told me about Maranda ... Such a shame. I keep feeling sorry for her girlfriend, Jelsia ... "

Sheogorath

"You're a threesome consisting of a sorceress who used to be a man, a Bosmer who is now a vampire, and an Argonian who wants to be a Redguard," Kethiah winked. "If something goes as planned in your relationship, I'd be very alarmed. Were they more saddened by Maranda's death than you expected or what?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

"Oh, we're fine," Kethiah smiled. "Don't worry about us. There was a little scare, but Isidor's taking good care of me. And don't worry about your ladies too much. I can tell you from my perspective, my emotions are all over the place, and I'm just having a baby. I'm not a man turned woman, or a Bosmer turned vampire ..."

Sheogorath

"I don't know how wise I am," Kethiah laughed. "But if you think so, and it makes you want to come to me for advise, I'll keep up the pretense of knowing what I'm talking about. Come back anytime, Shaka."

Sheogorath

"See you soon," Kethiah smiled.

---

"You heard me saying nice things about you behind your back, darling?" Kethiah grinned, giving Isidor a kiss.

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

"You have plenty to do without having to worry about keeping me from going insane," Kethiah laughed. "I was thinking that right now wouldn't be a bad time to learn a little magic. Maybe we could get someone from the Guild to come in once a day, and teach me, and Tyradil and Tilitalia too?"

Sheogorath

"Plus, if I'm confined in here, I might as well bond with our children," Kethiah grinned. "Whether they like or not ..."

Kethiah yawned. "I'm sorry, darling. I'm tired again."

Sheogorath

Kethiah smiled and went to sleep.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Alas, a silver-furred Khajiit, and Alack, a brown-woad-painted one, walk into the tavern, and inquire about meeting with Kethiah. A barmaid goes to check on her, but reports back that she's sleeping soundly.

"That be fine," Alas shrugs. "We can wait. Two skoomas and whatever ye got that's fried."

"We don't serve skooma!" the barmaid replies, shocked.

"That's good, because it be illegal," Alack nods seriously. "Two brandy and branch waters then."

Sheogorath

"We was interviewed rigorishly by Her Duchiness," Alas said mildly. He was always discreet. "And she were gonna talk it over with you and Missus Kethiah, but we're happy to do it."

"At least temporary-like," Alack adds. "See how we all likes it."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

Kallen was there to take the letter and have it sent by courier to Molag Mar, a circuitous route in this day.

"There are also the royal troops sent by Helseth to visit," the castellian said. "And the royal ambassador is in residence at the castle, and would like to meet with you too, when convenient. He understands how busy you are, and is likewise much occupied building up the new embassy."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Alas narrowed his eyes. “I remembers ye. Litter Ratperson.”

“No,” Alack corrected Alas thoughtfully. “Loverov Booques.”

“I think it be,” Alas rubbed his chin. “Biblyo File?”

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"His name is Diano Asprenas," Kallen said. "He has a wife and two children back in the Imperial City which he might call for, if he believes it's safe here. He enjoys rich food and has a physique to match. I believe him to be a snob, but not a fool."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Oh, I remembers the circumstances, just not yer name," Alack replied, holding out his hand. "Yer our ten mark investiment."

"Actually five mark, one fer he, and one fer his mate," Alas added, also holding out his hand. "I thinks I remembers yer name! Tome Raeder!"

Sheogorath

"He's been taking most of his meals at the Nymph," Kallen replied with a shrug. "It seems to suit him. We have a few cases of the Wayrest wine left. It hasn't been touched since Isidor and Kethiah's wedding."

"Shall I fetch the ambassador and a bottle of wine?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"I ain't sure I remembers you sayin' you was from Ald Raathim," Alas smiled, shaking Reeds's hand.

"You doesn't happen to know any palaces on sale right now?" Alack asked, shaking Reeds's other hand. "We're Gentlemen Of Leisure now."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

The wine was brought in and opened before the ambassador arrived. As Kallen suggested, Diano Asprenas was a fat, middle-aged man but with aristocratic hauteur and a sort of finicky elegance of movement. He greeted Loranna with an extravagent bow that belied his corpulence.

"Your Grace," he said to the floor. "It is a rare honor to meet the legendary Dres Loranna Pyrel."

Sheogorath

"We likes Ald Raathim," Alack smiled. "The friendly people, the House of Dibella, the charming streets, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the House of Dibella, the gentle farmland, and, of course, the House of Dibella."

Alas shook his head. "There ain't no palaces around fer sale? Nothin' with meaningless successions of drawing rooms, carved from dado to cornice, white marble chimneys, coffered ceiling, great staircases, gilded columns, multi-story libraries, and a huge parkland for entertainin'? I mean ... not to be too specifical?"

"We mights have to builds it," Alack frowned.

"Sure lookin' that way," Alas agreed.

Sheogorath

"Hmm," Alas added. "Maybe we shoulda thoughts about that before we come."

"We gots gold," Alack added. "But buildin' takes time and workers. And I ain't that patient. Hmmm."

"Can we buys you a drink, o former slave?" Alas asked Reeds. "Though don't ask for no skooma, they ain't got any."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"Quite all right, Your Grace," replied the ambassador, taking a sip of wine, and then smiling. "Oh, I say, isn't this special? ... What was I saying, you have bedazzled my senses, including my palate ... Ah, yes, I too have been busy. We have begun construction of the Imperial Embassy next door to the Mages Guild. I hope that location is acceptible to you? We have only barely begun, and can easily find another more suitable site ..."

Sheogorath

"Ah, fillin' a library, you must be a booksella," Alas nodded. "We'll look into the warehouse idea ... Not a bad one at all."

Sheogorath

"I can show you the plans, Your Grace," Diano said, bringing some sheets out from his robe. The style of the building would, of course, be Imperial, but with some Dunmeri influences. Not too ostentatious. A villa-like structure surrounding a large open courtyard in the center. "It will take some months to complete. Your man Kallen said I might be able to stay in your castle before then, which I truly appreciate."

Sheogorath

"Of course, Your Grace," Diano smiled. "I have no agenda at this time rather than to make your acquaintance. What questions have you?"

Sheogorath

Alas and Alack looked at one another.

"Can ye sleep aboard a ship?" Alack asked.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

While Alack waited for Llana's response, Alas turned slightly ...

---

And smacked Alack's arm lightly, whispering. "That be the big slab o' Nord I saw last night. Cor ..."

Sheogorath

Alack was slapping Alas back. "Extually, we has a little job we could use you fer. We was hoping to meet someone just like you. Why doesn't we show you the ship, and you can decide fer yourself?"

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"I agree, Your Grace," Diano bowed. "A most satisfactory meeting. I think we will make good partners, the Empire and Ald Raathim."

Sheogorath

The Senchal Rose, The Bay of Ald Raathim

It was not a very big vessel, but big enough to have taken Alas and Alack from Elsweyr to Morrowind, skirting the coast of Black Marsh. There were two cabins, but one was being used for storage.

"We can clears it out and put it in a warehouse," Alas said. "And you could has this cabin, and he takes the other ... At least until we builds our palace."

Sheogorath

The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim Harbor

Alas began rummaging through the boxes in the second cabin, looking for something.

“Well, Llana of Cyrodiil, we has two jobs for you exactually. One what’s secret but legal, the other what’s secret but --” Alack said. “Unlegal. The legal one be we needs someone to let we know when people like us come along and asks you to do unlegal things. Say, they wants you to forge something for examples. You tells us when that happens, and you gets paid.”

“Now, for the unlegal one,” Alas added, handing Llana a sheet of paper. “We needs you to forge something.”

“Like I saids,” Alack smiled.

Sheogorath

The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim Harbor

It was pretty sophisticated. But within her abilities.

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, the very pregnant ex-assassin, ex-co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin with her (not ex, but current) husband Isidor, ex-excise (ex-excise?) and ex-export/import agent (and secretly ex-Spymaster) for the Duchess of Ald Raathim, is in her room, sleeping. When she wakes up, she will be doing precisely nothing on Healer's orders until she gives birth, and it is driving her crazy. The one plan she has so far is to get a Mage tutor for her and her stepchildren, Tyradil and Tilitalia.

Alas and Alack, Khajiti former smugglers turned "Gentlemen of Leisure" (and secretly Loranna's new Spymasters, in theory) are on their ship "The Senchal Rose" in Ald Raathim's harbor, making some kind of a deal with Llana, a document expert.

Diano Asprenas, the new Imperial Ambassador to Ald Raathim, is staying at the castle while his embassy is being built next to the Mages Guild.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

Magister Zadion stepped out of the garden with his small pouch. For some reason, the herb garden at the Nymph grew fire fern much more prolifically than the herb garden at his own Guildhouse or at the castle. Kethiah had given him permission to harvest a bit when he was running low.

He gave the barkeep a few gold for it, and squeezed his way through the crowded tavern, and into the night.

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

Down the dark streets Magister Zadion walked, ducking down an alleyway which was relatively untouched by the invasion. It was an area of Ald Raathim which resembled Caldera more than a Dunmeri village, with building abutted next to one another.

Zadion knocked on one darkened building, and a candle came alight on the second floor. A moment later, the door opened, and Zadion slipped inside.

S'reddit

Zadion could be seen through the dirty window handing the parcel of herbs to a man. A Breton or an Imperial, it was difficult to tell, for he was an usual specimen of any race. He was pale to the point of opalescence with a face that looked like it had once been very handsome before some unspeakable suffering. The dark circles under his eyes bespoke exhaustion, but the eyes themselves were alert.

Together, the two men walked up the stairs to the second floor, talking.

S'reddit

With Anya's vampiric senses, she could hear the conversation through the door as if she were in the room. Zadion was talking to the man, who definitely had an Imperial accent.

"Could it be a Keerilth?" Zadion asked.

"Very unlikely," the man responded. "They don't travel far from northern Valenwood. Montalion or Garlythi from the west. Volkihar, perhaps, though I don't think they like the warmth ..."

Then the voices faded as they went to the second floor.

S'reddit

It was a bare bedroom with a very uncomfortable looking bed. A second bed was in the room, with a dirty sheet covering was seemed to be a human body. It was still, not even breathing from what Kiseena could see. A corpse.

The two men, still talking, stood over the body.

It twitched. The man was still alive.

S'reddit

"It's an effective spell to stun them for a day," the man was saying, as he and Zadion stood over the covered form which had begun thrashing. "And then it wakes up, and it's mad."

Zadion pulled back the sheet, and there was the "man," such as he was. His face was hideous, pallid, twisted, all fangs and fury. A vampire.

"He looks like a Berne or any of the local varieties," Zadion frowned. "The ones in Tel Dresori --"

"It," said the man seriously, changing Zadion's use of the pronoun. "Is not of Morrowind. It only looks like this because it has not fed in seventy-two hours. Beast!" he said, addressing the vampire. "Do you know who I am?"

The creature growled, still thrashing. The chains that bound it glowed red, obviously enchanted. "Movarth Piquine."

"That's right," the man nodded, not smiling. "So you know you will die the final death tonight. The only question remaining is how long you will suffer. That is up to you."

S'reddit

The vampire snarled and writhed, but Movarth merely looked at it with cold hatred. "I have three questions for you. Answer them all fully and truthfully. What clan are you?"

The vampire hissed at him. "Bonsamu."

"Really?" Movarth said. "Zadion, would you fetch me the candle?"

Zadion brought it. When Movarth put it next to the vampire's head, a greenish skull could be seen beneath its skin.

"So you are," Movarth nodded, still not smiling. "Very good. Has your Clan infiltrated Tel Dresori?"

The creature shook its head violently. "No! It is not us!"

"Do you know who it is?"

"The Karath!" the creature answered.

"Is that possible?" Zadion asked Movarth.

"Even likely," the pale man answered. "And one more question --"

"You said three!" the vampire hissed.

"Did I? Well, I'm having such a good conversation, I don't want it to end," Morvath said. "How many vampires are there other than you in Ald Raathim, and who do they have influence over?"

The vampire looked at him with wide eyes. "I don't know."

A black mist drifted down from Movarth outstretched palm, and at their touch, the vampire howled in immortal agony.

"I don't know!"

"I don't believe you," Movarth said quietly, and continued the torture.

S'reddit

The torture continued, with the vampire shrieking, "I don't know!" as the black mist from Movarth's hands seeped into him.

"It's possible he doesn't know," Zadion said, looking a little nauseated.

"Unlikely," Movarth said coldly. "We sometimes don't recognize them, but every vampire can spot another one easily. This beast has been in Ald Raathim for weeks now ... He's surely --"

"In the ruins of the Drunken Guar!" the vampire screamed. "There's one! I don't know his name or clan, but he sleeps in the ruins of the cellar during the day!"

"There we are," Morvath nodded, still not smiling. "Who else?"

"That is the only one!" the vampire screeched. "Please! You said you'd kill me!"

"I'm in no hurry," the pale man said. "Who else?"

The vampire never spoke again, only screamed. Eventually, the mist drifting down from Morvath's hands turned from black to white, and it lay still.

"I think we got everything out of that one we could get," Morvath said to Zadion. "Maybe the one in the Drunken Guar knows more. I'll take him tomorrow morning."

S'reddit

From Kiseena perspective outside the window, the two men continued to talk, as the body which had been the vampire slowly, slowly disintegrated into nothingness, less than dust.

S'reddit

Much of the Guar had already been torn away by the workers, using its stones to rebuild Ald Raathim's defenses. In the cellar, though, much remained. It took over an hour to search the place thoroughly, particularly knowing that a vampire would be good as evading detection. Eventually, Anya had to conclude that it was not there. It was doubtless somewhere in the night, hunting, unaware that its sanctuary had been found.

S'reddit

Eventually, Magister Zadion left, and walked back through the dark city streets to the Mages Guild.

Sheogorath

After Zadion had left, Movarth Piquine spent the night going over a large map in his room. It showed the shape of Morrowind, but it seemed divided up by regions Kiseena had never heard of. It was almost like there was a different political system of states that he know of, and the borders were in flux.

Sheogorath

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night

Anya could feel it when the other vampire was near. Piquine had been right. It wasn't just her sense of smell, though that detected a slight sweet smell of undeath in the air, but it was her instincts as well. She was a predator, and she detected another predator in the area. The part of her that was a creature of instinct said it is feeding from our territory, and it is not family. Fight or flee.

Then her sense of hearing kicked in, and she heard the tap of clawed feet in the ruins above. There were four of them.

It was a dog, but it was a vampire that squeezed its way between pieces of wreckage and came down into the cellar. A skinny, bedraggled-looking animal, pathetic really, the kind you see in every alleyway without taking much notice.

Its muzzle was slick with blood.

Sheogorath

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night

The dog turned to Anya, its eyes alert. It had not been surprised to find her there. Doubtless, she was as easy to smell as it had been.

The transformation from dog to man was almost instaneous. If Anya had blinked, she would have missed it.

The man was tall, muscular, bearded, and, of course, naked. He took a seat on the dirty floor, and looked at her.

"Lahkbar," he said. "Is this a social visit, or a fight?"

Sheogorath

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night

Lahkbar stood up and wiped his bloody face with a dirty cloth, looking Anya over.

"I don't want to fight, and I don't want to tell you everything I know, but I want to know what you're doing in my sanctuary," he said. "So we're at an impasse. You tell me what you're doing here, and if I can, I'll answer a specific question if you have one."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah was awake, and currently reading the 36 Lessons of Vivec. She put it down after a page.

"This is slow reading," she said, rubbing her head.

Sheogorath

"Good morning," Kethiah smiled, and then looked to the window. "Oh, it's night ... My clock is all messed up."

Sheogorath

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night

"These people? What people?" Lahkbar snarled, also narrowing his eyes. "What's happening here is that I'm a dog of war, and I found a nice little town where I can pick off the wounded or the little ones without being bothered. It sounds like you're saying someone's hunting you. Tough luck, sweetheart. I don't share my den."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah shook her head. "Oh, no. He can't, sweetheart. I just got through talking to Loranna about how she was going to get him to take some of her burdens from her, like you're doing for me. I'd be like Slyvos hiring you to teach Loranna axe-fighting instead of working here at the tavern ... I couldn't possibly accept. Did he already agree to it?"

Sheogorath

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night

The vampire chuckled. It was not a pleasant sound. "So, first you come to my lair threatening a fight and seeking information. And now you complain that I am not sufficiently grateful for your charity. Why in the world would I trust a fellow predator, when I have seen no sign of even one vampire hunter in Ald Raathim? Believe me, I've been around long enough to smell them coming from a long way."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Yes, he's the best, no doubt, but the kids and I can make do with a much lesser mage for our training," Kethiah said. "Please thank him for me, but tell him that if I accepted, Loranna would kill us both. He's promised to be less of a bookworm for her, and I wouldn't want him to trade books for tutoring, when there are more important things."

Sheogorath

"Actually, yes," Kethiah smiled. "I would like Shaka to be his godfather. We have a long history: you and him, and him and me. Plus, he brought me lovely flowers."

Sheogorath

"I was thinking about Loranna too, but she'll have her own child soon enough," Kethiah smiled. "Though I'm sure she'd do a good job."

Sheogorath

The Cellar of the Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim, Night

"Aw, leaving already?" Lahkbar smiled, some blood from the night's victim was still on his lips. "Well, I suppose it's for the best. It'll be sunlight soon, and you'll want to take shelter with your copious 'resources' which I could never dream of. Sorry I couldn't be more help."

Sheogorath

"I'm sure you'd tell me what they are, but you're much, much too mysterious and discreet," Lahkbar rolled his eyes. "Good luck, sweetheart."

He turned back to the cellar, transforming once again into a dog, and crawling into a little hole in the corner.

Sheogorath

The Senshal Rose, Ald Raathim Bay, Morning

They were indeed in the cabin next door, fast asleep, it being very early morning. Alas and Alack did not prefer to rise in the early morning, nor in the mid-morning. From time to time, they would arise in the late morning, but early to mid afternoon was far more civilized for these Gentlemen of Leisure.

Still, when Llana peeked in, Alas said, without opening his eye. "You done already?"

Sheogorath

"Thank you," Alack mumbled. Neither of them slept hard. "We'll give your gold ... in a ... little ... bit ..."

S'reddit

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, ex-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, ex-excise and export/import agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and, secretly, her ex-Spymaster as well) is in bed. Bored. She is to stay there until the birth of her child with Isidor, in a few weeks time.

Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers, currently Gentlemen-of-Leisure (and secretly the Duchess's new Spymasters) are finally out of bed after sleeping in late. They're on the docks, inquiring after purchasing several warehouses, after paying Llana, a document authenticator (read: forger).

Zadion, Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is also awake and doing business at the Guild. He and his vampire-hunter comrade, Morvath Piquine, had tortured one vampire last night to find the location of a second. When they went there this morning, it was gone, so Zadion is notably frustrated.

Sheogorath

Zadion left the letter he was writing unfinished, and left at once for Castle Daruhn.

Within a few minutes, he had been ushered to Loranna's office.

"Your Grace," he said with a bow. "You wished to see me?"

Sheogorath

Zadion also looked tired, and at Loranna's question, he frowned a moment, as if not sure how to respond.

"Truthfully, I know, well, not enough," the Magister replied. "There are doubtlessly some of the traditional Morrowind clans present, and, more disturbingly, some infiltrating western tribes. I am trying to learn more to see what their aims and influences are, while I can, but time is running out. I wanted to talk to you about it when it was first brought to my attention, but that was unfortunately an impossibility."

Sheogorath

"The most important discovery that I've made so far is one which won't come as a great surprise to you," Zadion replied quietly. "I discovered that the Duchess of Ald Raathim, unlike the Lord of Tel Dresori, is not a pawn of the vampires. That is why I couldn't bring this to your attention. I had to do my own inquiry to make certain that, frankly, you could be trusted, Your Grace. Other than that, most of our discoveries are fairly minor in importance or very preliminary."

Sheogorath

"I brought in an expert on matters vampiric," Zadion said. "Morvath Pisquine is his name. The thing he keeps emphasizing to me is the nature of the Immortal Predator. They are eternally patient with their goals, but they have immediate needs to be met -- for shelter and for food -- which how they can be defeated ... I am curious, though, Your Grace: did you hear me when I mentioned that the Lord of Tel Dresori is a pawn of the vampires? Did that not surprise you, or had you been aware of it for some time, and not sure if I could be trusted with that information?"

Sheogorath

"You've heard of Pisquine?" Zadion asked, surprised. He clearly interpreted Loranna's words to mean that the vampire hunter's methods were known to her, not that an agent of the Duchess's had witnessed last night's torture. "Well, I have witnessed these methods first hand, and I can tell you, they are disturbing. But they are also effective ...

"On the subject of Tel Dresori," Zadion frowned. "I went there the day after the invasion to see how they had fared. As you know, I have some history there with Dres Minsero. It seemed to be utterly deserted, but I found people huddling in their homes, afraid to leave. The estate, they said, had been overrun by vampires. I went to the castle, and found Minsero. He seemed to be in a kind of a daze, unaware of the horror that had come to Tel Dresori. As I tried to ask him questions, I missed how late it had gotten, and was not aware that the sun had set until I was attacked. Minsero aided the vampires in their attack on me, but did not seem to be a vampire himself.

"I managed to escape, though it was a deadly gauntlet through a town filled with vampires, some of whom seemed to be soldiers of the Redoran and Indoril who had apparently attacked Tel Dresori only to be killed and embraced into darkness.

"I've returned there several times during the light, and there are fewer and fewer townspeople left. They've either fled during the daytime, or been fed upon, or become vampires themselves. Minsero has also disappeared. I don't know his fate either ... I contacted Morvath Pisquine to aid me, and he suggested seeing how far the infestation had gone, and whether Ald Raathim was soon to fall to them."

Sheogorath

"I had begun looking into that, but Pisquine thought it important that we make sure all is well in Ald Raathim first," Zadion nodded. "Minsero's estate is enormous, though, and whether he is control of his own faculties or not, there are many secret passages for him to hide in ... There is another issue that is forcing me to chose my battles. I have been resisting a summons to the Archmagister in Imperial City, telling him that I have work that I must finish before meeting him. I believe he will have me replaced here, as he did to the Magister in Mournhold because of abandoning neutrality during the invasion there ... Right now, I can use the Mages Guild to aid my research into these matters, but later, that may not be an option."

Sheogorath

"Yes, I heard the gossip," Zadion nods. "The Mages Guild is, of course, very concerned about all matters pertaining to Mannimarco."

Sheogorath

"He's a frightening fellow, no doubt about it," Zadion frowned and nodded. "He's single-minded in his pursuit of the vampire. That said, there is nobody more knowledgable in the field, and I did not know when I contacted him how dire the situation was. Perhaps --"

There was a polite knock on the door.

"Pardon me for interrupting, Your Grace," Kallen said. "A gentleman by the name of Morvath Pisquine would like an audience."

"Speak of," Zadion smiled slightly. "I was going to say 'Speak of the Devil.'"

Sheogorath

Morvath Pisquine was as Anya had described him. Somber and serious, with flesh paler than white and the darkest of eyes. Suffering and anguish had marked him early in his life, destroying the features which would have otherwise been handsome.

He bowed to Loranna and nodded to Zadion.

"I heard at the Guild that Magister Zadion had been summoned here," Pisquine said. "It seemed an excellent opportunity to introduce myself."

Sheogorath

"Yes," Pisquine replied, taking a seat. "We have been tracking down the undead in your domaine, and interrogating them to try to find how many there are, and what their aims are here. Zadion has allowed me to search the Guild for them, and I would like your permission to search the castle."

Sheogorath

"Of course," Morvath Pisquine nodded seriously. "I have a number of specialized spells at my command which allow me to detect and immobilize the vampires. They work best at close quarters, so it is also valuable for me to interrogate the ones I have captured, to find the general location of others. I use other spells at those times to get this information. Some vampires give up the locations of others easily, and others need to have the very stolen blood in their veins boiled before they can confess all that they know."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"There are a very few of them," Pisquine acknowledged. "I was once one myself. Chances are, we would never have to deal with them, because if they were so horrified by their monstrous nature, they would be spending their energy trying to track down a cure, not involving themselves in infiltrations of places like Castle Daruhn. But if they are caught, they must be disposed of. They may not be malevolent like their willing brothers and sisters, but they are dangerous nevertheless."

Sheogorath

Vivec

A dozen skiffs, gondolas complete with sails marked with the emblem of House Ra'Athim, floated up to the canton. Muthsera Barreth, cousin of Helseth, and hopeful King of Morrowind, was at the head of the formation. His guards helped him out of his skiff, and grandly wrapped in the ancient clothes of the House, he nodded to Faryon.

"I believe we're a bit early, serjo Faryon."

Sheogorath

"Y-your Grace," Zadion stammered. "How could I ask your permission before we knew whether you, like Minsero, were controlled by the vampires?"

Morvath Pisquine held up his hand. "Your Grace, I understand your ambivalence towards my methods. Truly, I do. I was one of the monsters once, and afterwards, I sought to bring them to salvation, not destroy them. It has taken me many years to become the man you see before you, devoid of the slightest sympathy for them. I could describe to you all the horrors I have seen, the cruelties that these creatures are capable of, but I know that I would not convince you."

He went to one knee. "I would beg you once more, humbly, to allow me to search your castle for the sake of your unborn child. There is a clan to the west whose members particularly crave the flesh of newborns, and if any are in the vicinity, waiting for you to give birth, and I didn't ask one last time, I would not forgive myself."

Sheogorath

Vivec

"Indeed, she is," Mortillara said, coming over the bridge, also unescorted. "What is this, Barreth? You're trying to bring back the Ra'Athim?"

"'Twas something I wanted to discuss," Barreth replied, a little offended at Mortillara's casual tone. "Not a major object, but of interest to me."

Sheogorath

Vivec

"Well," Barreth said slowly. "I was thinking that since the Alliance is all about bringing back the ancient traditions of Morrowind, the House Ra'Athim, of which my family was a member, is one of them. Instead of being King of Morrowind, I might take the title Duke of Mournhold instead. I and my descendants will still be Morrowind's representative to the Empire, but there will henceforth be no more questions about whether House or King has authority, because there will only be Houses."

Sheogorath

Morvath Pisquine stood up and bowed. "I sincerely hope there is not some terror lurking in the shadows of your castle which I might have helped you at the very least to find. I do not agree with you, Your Grace, but I have no choice but to respect your decision to spurn the help I offered."

He went to the door and bowed again. "I beg your leave."

Sheogorath

Vivec

Mortillara was frowning too. "I don't know. There are issues to be worked out, and it is too soon to see them all before the war is over. Would Ra'Athim claim their ancient land, which is divided among other Houses now? Who would be a member of the House, any with a blood ancestor in the Dukes of Mournhold? I myself have one, am I to leave Hlaluu to join you? As Serjo Faryon says, it may be a good idea, but we must mull on it for now. I would not bring it up in the meeting."

Sheogorath

Morvath Pisquine adds. "And you, Your Grace." before leaving, closing the door behind him.

Zadion frowns, but stays behind as Loranna's eyes had suggested for him to do.

"I wish you had allowed him to search the castle, Loranna," Zadion says quietly.

Sheogorath

Vivec

"Very difficult subjects indeed," Mortillara agreed. "Made more difficult in our council's stubborn refusal to accept any outsider alliances. You will recall I suggested speaking to Helseth's other enemies, his step-sister and the Nords, but the practicalities of modern warfare hurts the Alliance's pride. So they form alliances, while we sit and argue."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

The whole area around the Drunken Guar was filled with buildings in various stages of disrepair. After a few hours of searching the old tavern and the surrounding buildings, she got her first cold touch which said he, or another vampire, was nearby. Anya was near the site of the former Mages Guild, the wooden barn which now a pile of rubble.

Sheogorath

"Yes, indeed," Zadion replied, glumly, taking a sip of wine. "I will never forget the sights I saw in Tel Dresori, the vampiric children ... I find it very difficult to think first of showing mercy to the undead above our own safety myself ..."

Sheogorath

"We flatter another of Uriel's heirs," Mortillara said. "Enman or Ebel. But if I even suggest speaking to the Empire, I will be shouted down as talking to an outlander group. Would you suggest it?"

Sheogorath

The Ruins Of The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

Where the foundation of the barn had cracked, she saw two bright red eyes gleam.

"Hello, sweetheart," Lahkbar voice floated up from the darkness. "As you see, I decided to take your warning after all ... I figured that sooner or later the workers would want to tear down the Guar anyhow, and this would be more comfortable. And it is very nice."

Sheogorath

"I wish I could share your optimism, Your Grace," Zadion frowned. "I know there are hundreds of different vampire clans throughout Tamriel, and Morvath Pisquine would have been able to identify their powers and their weaknesses, while your companions -- for all their strength -- will have to improvise as best they can when they witness for themselves what they're facing. That lack of expertise may be deadly ... I just wish ... I knew what to do now ..."

Sheogorath

"I agree that the moderate faction should stay united, and if anything, find a way to send the radicals out of council, on other errands of state. " Mortillara smiled. "And yes, a visit to Wayrest would be very helpful. But let me suggest this -- Elysana should not think that she's doing us a great favor by this alliance. It should be understood that we are helping her out by foisting her hated stepbrother from the throne, and she should aid us to thank us for going to that trouble ..."

Sheogorath

The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

Over the roar of flames down below, there came the piteous howl of a dog. For a moment thereafter, it was silent.

Then something burst from the wreckage some distance away. It was the dog, black from smoke, and as it ran across the square, more fire leapt from its crisped fur. A group of workers, spying it, cried out, "Oh, poor animal!"

It disappeared into the darkness of a smithery across the square.

Sheogorath

"Have you heard what happened in Tel Dresori?" Barreth asked.

"It wasn't a target of the invasion," Mortillara shook her head. "But I have heard rumors of a squadron getting lost near there and disappearing ..."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"The letters from the Imperial City display a lot of impatience with me, taking too much time finishing my affairs here," Zadion said. "If I'm not there in a week, I can see the Guildmagisters coming here to collect me."

Sheogorath

Smithery, Ald Raathim

The place was filled with ironworks in various stages of completion, surrounding an open fiery kiln, which belched forth smoke. It was difficult to differentiate a smoking dog in such a place. She was able to determine that there were no exits from the place, at least not on the first level. There was a loft, however, above.

Sheogorath

"We have the north, the south, the west ... Why not begin an assault to the east, in Necrom, for instance?" Mortillara replied. "Squeeze the royalist forces on all sides until they pop?"

Sheogorath

The Smithery, Ald Raathim

Anya's sense of the vampire's presence increased dramatically, and with a shiver, she knew what she was sensing: there was more than one vampire up here.

Something shuffled through the hay, and then something else. Scratches against bare floor board.

Lahkbar stood up. He was no longer in dog form, but his entire body was blackened and still smoking. His eyes were bright red and furious.

"Goodbye, sweetheart," he hissed.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

Zadion grinned, relieved. "Thank you, Your Grace. I confess, I thought you were angry ... I didn't hope to ask you for your help in this. Perhaps, I should ask the Guildmagisters to come here themselves, to see what the situation is, so they can appreciate it?"

Sheogorath

The Smithy, Ald Raathim

The blindness struck Lahkbar just as he shot off a fireball. It struck the hay instead of Anya, and it quickly erupted into flame.

"You miserable (censored)!" he screamed as her claws dug into him. "You're no better than the rest of us!"

Something behind Anya scampered away, half-jumping and half-falling off the now-flaming loft.

Sheogorath

"Let me ask you something else then," Zadion gave a half smile. "I don't know quite the polite way to ask this but ... Would you know anything about anyone spying on me at the Guild? While I was traveling back and forth to Tel Dresori, a young Altmeri girl came to visit me, I was told by the Guild Guide who I believe was Charmed. And there was some signs that thing in my office had been looked over ..."

Sheogorath

As the fire bloomed up in the loft, Anya could see the bodies of several village children in various stages of decomposition. Lahkbar and his friend had been using this loft to store their prey for some time.

Lahkbar burbled up a last spout of black blood, and fell back, torn apart, dying the final death.

A group of workers ran in from below, yelling about fire.

The second vampire had apparently gotten away.

Sheogorath

Zadion chuckled, and drank the rest of his wine in one relieved gulp.

"You can imagine how that played on my paranoia," the Altmer grinned. "Coming back from a village overrun by vampires, unsure whether Ald Raathim was next to go, and then small, subtle signs someone was watching me ... Perhaps considering that frame of mind, you'll understand me bringing in Morvath Pisquine as soon as I could ..."

Sheogorath

Putting out the fire in the smithy took the efforts of several workers, and it wasn't long before the gruesome discovery was made in the loft. The rumors began to fly: something was hunting the children of Ald Raathim.

At the Nymph and Noggin, some hours later, even Kethiah, bed-bound as she was, heard the rumors. Immediately, she got from her bed to fetch Tyradil and Tilitalia, and could only be coaxed to lay back down when she saw the children with her own eyes, and knew all was well.

Sheogorath

"I'm afraid I know little more than I did when Pisquine first came," Zadion frowned. "We only captured one vampire, and Pisquine identified him as belonging to a tribe that hales from northern Valenwood ... What made me most nervous, however, was the threat of the tribe that is native to Cyrodiil ... They are the masters of subterfuge. Even other vampires do not recognize them if they are fully fed ... Pisquine knew a spell to ferret them out, but I do not know it."

Sheogorath

"Pisquine said that vampires like civil wars because they hide much of the blood the undead spill, but you're right, the situation in Tel Dresori is unusually bad. Even Pisquine thought so," Zadion nodded. "There is something else. The vampire identified another one he knew of in the ruins of the Drunken Guar, but when Pisquine and I went there this morning, it was gone. It's possible that it was never there, and the first vampire lied, but I'm also afraid that despite our precautions, whatever vampires there are in Ald Raathim may be aware of our heightened awareness of them. Whether that means they are inclined to flee or attack, I wouldn't like to guess."

Sheogorath

"Obviously, anything I can do, Your Grace," Zadion replied, seriously. "Just ask."

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

As usual, Alas and Alack slept in, not rising until the late morning. They greeted Llana and Erenius, who were also on their boat The Senchal Rose, and then went to town.

There was a tailor shop who could provide them with what they needed and pretty quickly too with ample gold expenditure.

Then the two Khajiit met with Kallen, discussed their plans, and went to the Nymph and Noggin for mid-day drinks.

Kallen went to see Loranna, Duchess of Ald Raathim.

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"The Khajiit who call themselves Alas and Alack would like to petition you for permission to expand the docks," Kallen replied. "They tell me that they have bought the warehouses there, plan to create more for improved commerce, and to create a Temple dedicated to Zenithar, the God of Business ... With your permission."

S'reddit

"Of course, Your Grace," Kallen replied, withdrawing, and going to the Nymph and Noggin to set up a time for a meeting.

He escorted them back to the castle an hour later, after he knew Loranna had dealt with other day to day issues. Kallen knocked on Loranna's study door.

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"Good day to ye, Your Grace," Alas smiled, eyeing Loranna's bottle of Wayrest wine.

"Your mate tole ye about we buying up the warehouses?" Alack asked, eyeing Loranna's other assets.

S'reddit

"Yes, we thought Zenithar's blessings be welcome in Ald Raathim to help commerce begins again," Alack nodded, taking a sip of wine.

"We has the warehouses now," Alas added, taking a sip of wine. "And the Holy Zenitharnic Father am sendin us workers an supplies ta complete a full complex. We was thinking it would stretch over the wharf to the village. Big place. Temple, warehouses, the works."

"That is, if it's okay with ye," Alack added. "What else be on yer mind?"

S'reddit

"Discreet we be," Alas nodded, drinking the rest of his wine. "We'll let ye know what we find."

"So, is it well with you that we build the Temple complex?" Alack asked. "It won't cost you a septim. We ain't using no one but Temple faithful, brought in from Cyrodiil."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah, Tyradil, and Tilitalia had just finished their second lesson with Uardia, an Imperial sorceress they had hired from the Mages Guild. She was an old Imperial woman with wild silvery hair, and her appearance had at first frightened and then fascinated Tyradil and Tilitalia before they understood was a kind-hearted though eccentric mage she was.

Their first lessons were on spell absorbtion and reflection.

"I think your boy's also learning something," Kethiah smiled, touching her belly. "He's definitely knocking around in there."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Absolutely," Kethiah grinned. "I might even -- ooo." She winced a little, and took Isidor's hand and placed it on her belly. The kicks were regular and strong. "Feel that? He definitely has some Atmoran barbarian blood in him from his dad ... Ooo."

Sheogorath

"If he's not in a hurry," Kethiah laughed. "And decides to join us earlier, which it almost feels like ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"He's come to visit me from time to time, like he said he would," Kethiah replied. "Why?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"He says he's happier," Kethiah smiled. "I'm glad. Actually, I have a theory that he fancies someone, but I didn't want to pry too much ... It would certainly explain it."

They continued talking, Isidor, Kethiah, and the kids, until Kethiah felt too tired to continue. The baby had been very active lately, and it was exhausting. She sent her family off so she could get some sleep.

S'reddit

Summary

Kethiah, the ex-assassin and formerly busy co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin (as well as formerly Loranna, Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent, and secretly, her Spymaster) is asleep in her room at the Nymph and Noggin, grateful that her unborn son is not kicking her quite so hard right now.

Alas and Alack, Khajiti ex-smugglers and currently (secretly) the Duchess's Spymasters, are waiting at the docks, because ...

The Docks of Ald Raathim

Two boats sailed into harbor, flying the symbol of the Anvil, the symbol of the Resolution of Zenithar. On board both ships were fifty men and mer dedicated to their God, and to the temple they were building to him.

Alas and Alack looked at one another. They had picked up their uniforms at the tailors, and looked every bit the part of Priests of Zenithar.

Immediately, they put the men to work on the warehouses.

S'reddit

The Docks of Ald Raathim

A most impressive object was being unloaded carefully from the second ship: a hundred-foot tall obelisk made of alabaster so finely polished, it reflected back shades of the sea and sky. A crowd of villagers, sailors, and merchants had gathered among the docks to watch it be unloaded, and carried to the warehouses where it would stand above all, welcoming commerce to the Resolution of Zenithar.

"It be very good to unburden yerself of your sins, my child," Father Alas nodded seriously to Llana. "We wants you always to come to we on spiritual matter suchly."

"Forsooth and verily," Father Alack agreed, as they found a quiet spot near the Senchal Rose to talk.

S'reddit

"Mmm," Alas said thoughtfully.

"Ah," Alack added.

They paid Llana as agreed for her information, and took a peek at the map that Erenius had commissioned. It was a mite queer, but perhaps it was just his desire to get things moving that caused him to overpay for the work.

"Some peoples only has two speeds," Alas said. "Full speed ahead or dead stop."

S'reddit

"I like it too," Alas nodded, smiling. "Even if it do look like a [censored]."

"Prolly because it look like a [censored]," Alack suggested.

"Prolly," Alas agreed.

They went back to marvel at it, as the workers continued to construct a massive temple around the warehouses.