General:Loranna's RP/Playing Houses/Section 4

S'reddit

"Ah," Alas nodded approvingly. "As the Good Book say ... 'Trullaly, thou canst not havesth too many [censoreds].'"

"Aman," Alack bowed.

S'reddit

Much Belated Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, on hiatus as a tavernkeep and as Loranna's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and, secretly, her Spymaster) is in her room, learning magic from Uardilla, sorceress of the Mages Guild, as she comes into her 9th month of pregnancy.

Alas and Alack, ex-smuggler Khajiiti and currently the Duchess's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and secretly, her Spymasters) are supervising the construction of a Resolution of Zenithar temple on the waterfront where they will act as priests.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"Your Gracity," Alas bowed low, his priestly vestments sweeping grandly. "Has you seen the Resolution of Zenithar's constructation? 'Twill be a grand additation to Ald Raathim's worfs."

"Forsooth and 'sblood," Alack agreed with another bow. "Though the House of Dibella still reigneth supreme."

S'reddit

"There be ever so many faithful in need of absolutation," Father Alack sighed. "Such a lot of confession from them merchants at sea that is coming into harbor again. Specially now that Tel Dresori ain't trading anymore."

"There be a couple Redoran ships in the harbor there," Father Alas added. "But they looks abandoned apprently. Musta sent some troops in who didn't return ..."

S'reddit

"Oh, the Alliance ain't finished yet," Alas shook his head. "They're sending in more ships soon, word be."

"And this be interestin'," Alack added. "There's a river now that weren't there before. Sorta sprung up over the course of a couplea nights ... Goes north to south, cuttin' off Tel Dresori from the west. Not too deep or wide ... Hard ta tell what it's used fer."

S'reddit

"Yeah, Tel Dresori be cut off, but like I says, it ain't a deep or a wide river," Alack replied. "Queer that. No good reason fer it, as far as anyone can say."

"Pisquine hanged around for a little while," Alas added. "Tried to get in to see Magister Zadion, but didn't have no luck. Then he took off into the trees to the south, and ain't been seen since ..."

S'reddit

"No, no word 'bout he," Alas shook his head. "Though they says his ship's still in the harbor --"

"Though it's flag is down," Alack added, frowning a little. "Instead, there's a flag with a symbol of a Wheel. Ain't got a clue what that's means."

S'reddit

"I can do better 'n that, Your Gracitude," Alack replied, taking out a scrap of paper. "I had me contact write it down. Now, he didnt wanna get too close, right, but he swore it looked as this."

It was a wagon wheel, with spokes that went slightly beyond the circumference, turning into spikes. There were twelve of them, and the middle of the wheel looked like an eye.

S'reddit

"Of course not, Duchness," Alack grinned. "I got it for you."

"Tryin' to think of anything else of innerest," Alas scratched his head. "You know the Queen Mother and Morgiah, who be Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah now, and 'er daughter Rinnala is all in Mournhold now? One big happy family in the palace."

S'reddit

"Always hard to tell with the King, you know?" Alas smiled. "If Helseth's happy, he don't smile. If he's sad, he don't frown. Only thing you can tell be when he's angry, and he ain't that. When he bellows, you can 'ear it from the harbor, and no one says they heard nothing."

Magister Zadion had entered the tavern, and Alack touched Loranna's elbow subtly to draw her attention to him.

"That's all the news that's fit to tell, and more," Alack grinned.

S'reddit

Magister Zadion was not heading to the bar, but through the tavern en route to the garden where there were a number of herbs that wouldn't grow in the Mages Guild herbarium. He was startled for a moment by Loranna's approach, and then smiled.

"Of course, Your Grace," the Altmer smiled. "Would you come out with me to the garden? You can probably spot the choicest blooms as well or better than I."

The garden behind the Nymph and Noggin was almost a jungle. Kethiah had begun it, but as she was used to the poor conditions of horticulture in Vas, she was not used to pruning anything back. Bob took what was needed for the kitchen, and Isidor had tried to keep it well weeded in his expanded duties, but it was still very overgrown.

"What can I do for you, Loranna?" Zadion asked.

S'reddit

"A little of both, plus any interesting mushrooms you see ..." Zadion replied, then he took a look at the paper, the color draining from his face. "Yes, I recognize it. It is a mark of a vampire tribe called the Diodata. By the Nine, don't tell me that's been seen here!"

S'reddit

"Very soon," Zadion said, as seriously as Loranna had ever heard him. "As you know, I'm no expert in matters of the vampire. But Morvath Pisquine told me about the Diodata. They are an abomination, even among the undead, for they are bolder than their brethren. This is about Tel Dresori, isn't it? That was something that Pisquine thought might have been the tribe responsible ... They are very powerful, but there exists another tribe which is even more powerful, which requires their blood to live. The Diodata usually take over islands, because their enemies, the Korgari, cannot cross over water. It is usually only a matter of a few weeks before the Korgari find a way to get to them ... and then there is a bloodbath like no other, and it always, always crosses over to neighboring lands."

Zadion took a deep breath. "You will need all the help you can get to stop this before it escalates beyond the borders of Tel Dresori."

S'reddit

"The Diodata have the usual weakness of the vampire, with regards to sunlight, silver, and the touch of the holy," Zadion replied. "Their power seems to be in their physical strength. The Diodata Ancients, they say can watch through the eyes of the others ..."

"The Korgari have none of the weaknesses of the vampire," Zadion continued. "They do not fear the sun, or holy places, or any weapon but the mightiest. Water does burn them however, and they cannot cross over it, like I said. Not surprisingly, their power is heat. They can even transform themselves into living flame, and even teleport into nearby fires. You can see between the Diodata's strength and the Korgari's flames how destruction follows in the wake of their war."

S'reddit

"While I am in control of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild," Zadion said, not bothering to add the disclaimer for not much longer. "We are at your disposal. In fact, if we're able to act quickly, I can dedicate the entirety of the Guild to this endeavor. Archmagister Traven cannot look unkindly on such an endeavor against the forces of the undead. I have to tell you, in all seriousness, that if we don't stop the Diodata, we will be at the mercy of a vendetta between two tribes which will spread throughout the east."

S'reddit

The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

Magister Zadion nods, and the two (not forgetting their herbs and mushrooms) leave the tavern, and make their way to the town center. The construction of the Imperial Embassy is still under way as they make their way into the dark musty interior of the Mages Guild.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Anya felt it again. The unmistakable chill, and scent of the vampire in the vicinity.

Opening up her eyes, she immediately knew the other creature was close, but the tavern was crowded. Helseth's royal soldiers, the former Muatramer warriors, the Zenithar faithful, the locals, all crowded together.

Then she saw the vampire.

He was a Breton with blond hair that fell to his shoulders, tan living flesh, not at all the portrait of the undead. But his dark eyes had found her too. He was talking with a group of soldiers, sharing a laugh, but he was looking directly at Anya.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

The vampire walked over to her, an enigmatic smile on his lips.

"Greetings, sister," he said quietly. "Awkward situation. I looked for marks, but I didn't see any that said this tavern was someone else's domain. Are you new to Ald Raathim as well?"

Sheogorath

"Of course you don't," the vampire nodded, flashing his own fanged smile at her. "Why would you want others to share your hunting grounds and risk exposing you? Don't worry, sister. I'm only here for a day or two, and then I'm moving on. Kingston is the name."

Sheogorath

"Do you mind if I sit?" Kingston asked, taking the empty seat before Anya had a chance to give a yay or a nay. "I guess you'd say the winds of war brought me. But I don't think I usually have a reason for anything. Mostly I just go on instinct. Serves me pretty well. But you're right -- we're not the only predators in Ald Raathim. I don't think it's quite overhunted yet, but there is that risk, of course."

Sheogorath

"My plans are in flux," the vampire smiled and gave a shrug. "Before I realized that this tavern was your domain, I was thinking about luring one of those soldiers out for a bite, and then finding a place to sleep. Then, like I said, in a day or two, I'd move off. If you'd like to make sure others don't hunt in your territory, Cheryl, I'd recommend affixing your tribe mark somewhere. Won't guarantee you won't have any trouble, but at least creatures like me won't invade your domain out of ignorance."

Sheogorath

"It's completely about my own safety," Kingston chuckled. "If we fought, under the best of circumstances, I'd win. But what would I win? I don't want your domain, Cheryl, or your blood. I think we would be wise to take one another's advice."

He stood up.

Sheogorath

Kingston laughed. "I'm going to assume you meant that as a compliment, and I'll take it. You're not a Diodata, that's clear. I would count this as a pleasant meeting, Cheryl. I sincerely hope that when and if we meet again, it will be the same."

The vampire with a wink left out the front door.

Sheogorath

Kingston's departure left Anya with two seemingly contradictory feelings. When his vampiric presence was gone, the slight psychic chill also left. But she also realized that while he had been sitting at her table, there had been a comfortable warmth, and the candle had glowed with a mellow, complimentary golden light. It had not even flickered. Thus, she felt both the absence of one chill, and the absence of another warmth and light.

Sheogorath

"If we attack during the daytime, expect many battles indoors," Zadion replied, stepping quietly into the room. One of Loranna's servants had fetched him from the Guildhouse. "If we attack at night, expect hell."

Sheogorath

"If you have not been there before, Tel Dresori is not like Ald Raathim," Zadion said, addressing the group. "It is essentially a rural community, a very large plantation, on rugged semi-mountaineous terrain. It is arranged in a circle, with ring after ring of farmland separated by hedgerows, leading to the center where the village marketplace, Mages Guild, and Dres Minsero's castle is located. The farms are infested, but I could only go into the castle a little before I fled, there were so many bloodsuckers within. There is a Tribunal temple in the marketplace as well which appeared to be abandoned ... It is likely that the creatures cannot enter it."

Sheogorath

"It is, but the Guildhouse itself is abandoned," Zadion replied. "I can bring in a Guild Guide so you can use it to escape. If you try to teleport with a Guide, you risk losing yourself forever."

Sheogorath

"Perhaps, but there was no one in the Temple when I went in there," Zadion frowned.

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin currently on hiatus as co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin (her husband Isidor is assuming the duties), and the Duchess of Ald Raathim's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and secretly her Spymaster) is resting in her room, while learning the arts of magic with her stepchildren Tyradil and Tilitalia. She is nine months pregnant, and not allowed to leave her bed.

Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers Khajiiti "brothers" (though their parents are not the same) are currently Priests of Zenithar, supervising the construction of a massive temple called a Resolution of Zenithar on the harbor of Ald Raathim. They are the Duchess's Excise and Import/Export Agents (and secretly her Spymaster) while Kethiah is on maternity leave.

Zadion, Altmer magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is with the group at the Nymph and Noggin, telling them what he knows about Tel Dresori, the Diodata, and the Korgari. Additionally, he knows he will soon be facing his superiors in the Mages Guild on grounds that he abandoned neutrality in the current war.

Kingston, Breton vampire, has left the Nymph and Noggin after exchanges a few fairly friendly and barely hostile words with Anya. Whether he left Ald Raathim or is just keeping out of her "hunting domain" remains to be seen.

Sheogorath

Anya's "Mine"

The moment she did, she felt the familiar chill of another vampire's presence. The mine itself was dark, but she could see movement ... It was only the "cattle" shuffling about in the gloom.

But there was a vampire in there somewhere.

Sheogorath

Anya's "Mine"

The vampire was somewhere hidden, possibly invisible as well. The chill Anya felt only told her that there was one nearby, not precisely where it was.

There was only one light in the gloom, a burning torch.

Sheogorath

Anya's "Mine"

"Cheryl?" a voice called out from nowhere. The candle flame spouted upward into a roar of fire.

Kingston stepped out of the flame, looking around.

"This is your domain too?"

Sheogorath

"I don't have claws myself," Kingston said, looking at his fingernails, and then cleaning them a bit. "Sorry about invading your place and hiding like that. I didn't know it was you until you turned visible ..."

Sheogorath

"You liked the candlestick trick?" Kingston grinned, pleased. "It's a very basic Korgari maneuver, any neophyte of my tribe learns it early on. I wasn't actually resting here ... I took your advice and tried to keep a low profile by getting out of town. I was thinking about going to the royal forts on the border, but I smelled your cattle and I thought they might be prey before I realized they were already enthralled. I was just about to leave when I sensed you come in, and not knowing it was you, I decided to hide. So, no, I'm not looking to rest just yet."

Sheogorath

Kingston smiled. "I haven't slain a mortal in fifteen years. You have a deal ..." The smile faltered a moment. "Though, I do have a question about your tribe ..."

Sheogorath

"You can manipulate your shape, and I've seen the mark on your cattle ..." Kingston returned Anya's searching look. "I guess, I just have to be blunt and ask: what tribe are you? The evidence seems to point towards the impossible ..."

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim

Zadion had gathered a meeting and spoken to his Guildmembers, telling them what they were facing.

Twelve members volunteered to accompany Loranna's group to Tel Dresori.

VITUS, a Cyrodilic battlemage, perhaps a bit past his prime fighting condition with his paunch, but who had the most beautiful old ebony armor that made him fast, strong, and sturdy.

LHERES, an Altmer sorceror, particularly skilled at healing.

BAORIAH, a Dunmer battlemage, beautiful and dangerous in her armor, the spitting image of Boethiah.

ANDRYK, an elderly Breton enchanter and alchemist, whose billowing robes hid a variety of herbs and soul gems, capable of "field enchanting" to repair and recharge magickal items.

ZARA, a female Khajiit nightblade, quiet and quick.

MUTHOG, an Orc shaman, wielding a massive enchanted ax.

DOLKIRRE, a very eccentric Dunmer mage whose destruction magicks were unpredictable even to himself.

FRAGON, Dolkirre's brother whose job it is to make sure others are shielded if Dolkirre's destruction effects are too strong.

WARD-BACKS, another eccentric, an Argonian mystic, master of the withershin.

XYLLINA, a female Altmer master of Illusion. Pale and serious.

EGIN, a Dunmer mystic, trained to act as Guild Guide.

and, of course, ZADION, Altmer master of the schools of Destruction and Restoration.

Sheogorath

Zadion and his eleven mages met the group at the Guild.

"We are ready," he said, simply.

Sheogorath

Kingston took Anya's hand, and brought her to the Argonian brothers.

"Look at them closely, on their chests near their hearts, there is a symbol there but you have to use all your new senses to see it," the vampire said.

It took Anya a few minutes to see what Kingston was talking about. Three curved lines intersected to form a loose triangle. It was actually quite beautiful.

"That is the symbol of a tribe of vampires who could change their bodies into virtually anything," Kingston said quietly. "Their name has been whispered for a thousand years, but it is believed that the last of them disappeared in the 2nd Era ... They are called the Bathogorgen."

Barely had those words left his mouth when the vampire started, looking towards the door.

"Someone approaches!" Kingston snarled. "A warm blood!"

In a flash, he transformed into a spark of fire, traveling quickly across the cavern floor and under the door where Loranna stood.

Sheogorath

The flame rose into the air, dancing, and attached onto an extinguished torch. There it bloomed up into a burning facsimile of a face: Kingston's face to be exact.

"This is a friend of yours, Cheryl?" Kingston said, looking at Loranna. "Anya?"

Sheogorath

A shower of flame poured from the torch to the floor, and Kingston stepped out of it. He looked at Anya, eyes narrowed.

"For a creature who does not know her tribe, you are very comfortable with the warmbloods," he said, and then turned to Loranna. "What raid is this you're going on, Your Grace?"

Sheogorath

“I am interested in her because she is a rarity, indeed, most of our kind would think those such as she are no more,” Kingston replied. And then he smiled at Anya’s words. “And I am amiable because she is. I believe in responding in kind. Now, what is this about a raid?”

Sheogorath

Kingston's eyes went wide. "Is that to the south?" he asked. "I felt drawn there. Korgari always are drawn to the Diodata, even if we don't know exactly where they are ... What are you going to do? Destroy them?"

Sheogorath

"It may already be too late," Kingston replied quietly. "If there are Korgari closer to Tel Dresori, they may already be gathering, ready to attack ... Are you confident in the force you're sending against the Diodata?"

Sheogorath

"Well," Kingston shrugged. "I was going to head down south anyhow. If you want me to come along, you might find me useful. For one, I've fought the Diodata before, and secondly --"

Fire enveloped his body, and the vampire smiled.

"I can be useful in other ways."

Sheogorath

"I can't believe Anya's true nature is known to all either," Kingston replied. "I wouldn't tell them that I'm a Korgari. I'd say I'm an expert on matters vampiric ... With a few neat fire spells ..."

Sheogorath

"That's true," Kingston nodded and smiled. "I don't have any particular reason to trust you more than you have to trust me, except that neither of us have attacked each other so far. I told Anya that I haven't killed a mortal in fifteen years -- there's never been a reason to. If I'm found out, and the mages unwisely decide that it is in their interest to attack me ... I'll escape. I won't fight them unless I have no other choice."

Sheogorath

Kingston nodded. "Well, I hope that any who are smart enough to figure it out will be smart enough not to attack us while there are more dangerous adversaries about."

He followed Loranna and Anya through the woods back towards the village and castle, to find the rest of the heroes.

Sheogorath

"Kingston Mune," said the Breton with the shoulder-length blond hair and the ruddy tan complexion. His handshake was warm and solid, as he introduced himself to P'Rassha and the other heroes present. "Her Grace thought I might be useful on this expedition. The study of the vampire has been a hobby of mine for some years now. Hopefully, I can prove myself useful."

Sheogorath

"If you're a fish expert, you head for the sea. If you're a vampire expert," Kingston said with a wink. "You head to Tel Dresori."

Sheogorath

Zadion stepped onto the platform, and told the Guild Guide. "Send me to Tel Dresori, and then bring me back right away ... I want to see what the conditions are ..."

In a twinkling, the magister of the Mages Guild was gone.

In another moment, he was back.

"They're in the Guildhouse," the Altmer said. "Be prepared to go in fighting."

Sheogorath

"Be careful," Zadion said. "Remember, the Diodata's special power is their strength. You're used to being the strongest person in the room, friend, but you may not be in this situation."

Sheogorath

"I think an area damage effect spell would be more useful," Zadion replied.

"Or maybe Silence to keep them from calling for reinforcements," Kingston suggested.

Sheogorath

"I don't think they did see me," Zadion replied. "We should still have the element of surprise ... I hope ..."

S'reddit

The Altmer Xyllina, a master illusionist, finally stepped forward, looking at the others. Her dark eyes against her smooth marble-like skin surveyed the group.

"I will go in and cast silence over the Guild and blind everyone I see," she said, pulling back her white-yellow hair as she stepped onto the platform. "Don't dawdle."

Zadion nodded, and in a moment Xyllina shimmered out of sight.

S'reddit

"A nice large fireball?" Kingston grinned. "I think I can handle that."

He stepped in after Xyllina, and in a flash, he had disappeared.

Sheogorath

All who entered thereafter witnessed a most strange and peculiar sight.

The Mages Guild, what was left of it, of Tel Dresori was built on a mountain peak. Any windows they found looked out over an expanse of steep farmland, every parcel of land divided and separated by trenches and bushes. Water spilled through them all, created a rolling swampland.

In the Guildhouse itself, vampires crawled like cockroaches along the ceiling and walls, stumbling and bumbling, unable to call out because of Xyllina's spell. A pile of them lay dead, burned to a crisp at the floor of the tranportation room, because of Kingston's fireball. The smell of burning undead flesh hung in the air.

S'reddit

Kingston's hands burned with fire and he reached out, grabbed the spellcasting vampire. Smoke poured out of the open neck of the armor as the interior became an oven.

S'reddit

Xyllina the illusionist cast a light spell down the tunnel, Dolkirre, Fragon, and Ward-Backs behind her.

S'reddit

"Blessed Syrabane," Zadion shook his head. There would be time for mourning later.

S'reddit

"Reeds and Reichi and Anya also agree," Kingston replied. "If we go down there, they can collapse the tunnels on us ... and the tunnels if they lead anywhere will go somewhere we will have more of a chance against them -- above ground. I think we should collapse the tunnels, and fight the Diodata in the houses."

S'reddit

Stepping out of the bakery, the group surveyed the marketplace for the next location which seemed to be sealed from within.

S'reddit

Xyllina casts a light spell to illuminate the interior of the school house, while the others help clear away the barricades, stepping in.

S'reddit

Kingston does not pause a moment, and no one sees even a glimmer of consience in his eyes about attacking vampiric children. He launches a wave of fire into their midst.

Something drops on him from above, in the rafters. He curses as the little girl knocks him to the ground. He should have thought to look up.

S'reddit

Lightning and fireballs rocketed through the school house as the mages defended themselves. The Orc Shaman's axe made sickening thuds as it sliced through the horde.

"Use it on the windows!" Zadion cried out. "Let's get some sunlight in here!"

The flames on the desks and chairs that had caught fire seemed almost alive, reaching out and grabbing at children. Kingston was able to concentrate on this since Anya and Reichi had destroyed the little girl who had knocked him down before.

S'reddit

Unable to concentrate on it, Kingston lets the fires on the desks and chairs burn normally. Instead he defends himself by creating a long whip of flame to push the children back, towards the wall of the schoolroom where the windows are being broken open.

One of the silence spells strikes Andryk, but he had herbs to counter it.

Lheres, the Healer is overwhelmed by the children, and torn to pieces.

S'reddit

Kingston immolates one of the Dremora with an intense blue-white flame that almost seems alive. He starts to turn towards Slyvos to help, but he catches sight of one of the men heaving what seems to be a bucket of water at him. Kingston rolls out of the way of it, cursing.

Wards-Back casts a burning sigil backwards in the air, trying to counteract the charm on the Nord.

S'reddit

Xyllina screamed as her hair caught fire, but at a glance from Kingston, the fire extinguished itself instantly. All around the room, the fire seemed to back away from the heroes as if it had a mind of its own.

Wards-Back, disappointed that his anti-charm withershin hadn't cured the Nord, casts its reverse, trying to overwhelm the charm with another one.

The mages concentrate their fire on the Dremora, being careful not to hit Slyvos.

Sheogorath

Update

Also with the party in Tel Dresori are ten members of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild: VITUS, a Cyrodilic battlemage; BAORIAH, a Dunmer battlemage; ANDRYK, a Breton enchanter and alchemist; MUTHOG, an Orc shaman; DOLKIRRE, a Dunmer mage; FRAGON, Dolkirre's brother; WARD-BACKS, an Argonian mystic; XYLLINA, a female Altmer illusionist; EGIN, a Dunmer mystic; and, ZADION, Altmer magister of the Mages Guild.

Two members have been killed: the nighblade ZARA and the healer LHERES.

KINGSTON MUNE, "Vampire Expert" (and secretly a KORIGARI vampire himself) was the last to flee the schoolhouse. The front of his shirt is stained with blood ... as he drank deeply from some of the schoolchildren before leaving ...

In Ald Raathim, former assassin and current very pregnant bedridden KETHIAH is greeting her husband Isidor ...

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

When Isidor walked into the room, he found Kethiah bathed in sweat, her eyes wide open.

"Isidor," she gasped. "Fetch the healer quickly. I think it's happening ..."

Sheogorath

Kingston's senses were heightened and he winked at Anya, stepping up to her and whispering. "Don't worry. No one saw me. Now what were you talking about before? Who is this 'she' and 'her' you're referring to?"

Sheogorath

"So, it's more than just the Diodata that are here," Kingston frowned. "I wonder if they are allied, or if your mater is using them ... I take it you would not mind if some harm came to this Dayla?"

Sheogorath

"The tricky thing is going to be to doing that while avoiding letting everyone here know what we are in the process," Kingston nodded. "Clearly, they know a lot already. Arrows with silence spells are more effective against mages than vampires ... And they came in with a bucket of water in the school room, so they must have known there was a Korgari vampire in the group ..."

Sheogorath

"I will," Kingston smiled. Anya could see in his eyes how little he was troubled by these events.

Sheogorath

Kingston had overheard the conversation with Shaka and Anya as he moved into the Temple with the others.

Sheogorath

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

Tyradil and Tilitalia were in the room when Isidor returned with the healer. They were both looking frightened towards Kethiah, for there was a bit of blood.

"It's okay, everything is natural," the healer smiled, moving into position to help Kethiah with it. "Wipe her head with a cool damp cloth to make her more comfortable."

Sheogorath

"I hope so, but no one answered my calls before," Zadion replied, as they stepped into the echoing chambers.

Sheogorath

The Temple, Tel Dresori

Cold, beautiful blue and gray marble formed the interior of the sacristy, and the heroes footfalls echoed within the empty space. There were wooden benches for a congregation to sit, all of them empty.

At the back of the temple were steps leading down to the crypt. At the center was a twenty foot tall obsidian statue of a woman of great beauty and benevolence.

"This is not a mere temple," said the Dunmer battlemage with a gasp. "It's the tomb of Saint Meris the Peacemaker."

Sheogorath

Kethiah reached out and grabbed Isidor's hand, squeezing hard. And she was a strong woman.

"All right, my dear," the healer said quietly and calmly. "Don't push too hard. Just get your breath, and relax ..."

Sheogorath

Nalion's voice echoed back. Xyllina cast a light spell down the steps.

"I don't hear anything," she said, after a moment of listening.

Sheogorath

The Temple Crypt

Baoriah followed Shaka down the twisting stairwell leading to the crypt below. A series of intricate carvings lined the walls, showing Dunmer at war with one another. It was allegorical, but it was easy to tell by their emblems and their actions that they were all the Houses, Redoran, Dres, Indoril, Telvanni, and Hlaalu. It was an ancient war between the Houses, but one need hardly comment that it was precisely the same as today.

The stairway opened up into a low-ceilinged room with many pillars. The motif on the wall were still basreliefs of Dunmer of the various Houses, but they were hand-in-hand along the walls, having achieved peace. Raised sepulchers lined the walls, each marked with a different crest, as different members of different Houses were buried here. In the center of the room was a white marble sepulcher of Saint Merris.

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

"I can't breathe," Kethiah gasped, trying to relax, but the way the muscles on their neck were standing out taut showed how difficult that was. "Is ... there something wrong?"

The healer from her position shook her head, but looked serious.

Sheogorath

"Sometimes achieving peace requires a complexity of --" Baoriah began before she noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye. "Shaka, look out!"

Two teenagers, a boy and a girl, rushed at them, holding glowing white swords. The girl swung hers for Shaka's head. "Die, vampire!"

Sheogorath

Kethiah gave a loud cry, which was matched by another one as the healer held up a tiny child.

"You can welcome your son," the healer smiled. "You are a richer man today, Isidor."

Sheogorath

The Temple, Tel Dresori

The girl had dropped the sword, and was holding her arm, rubbing the bruise.

"Prove it," the boy said suspiciously, holding out his own blade. "Touch it."

"These are the weapons of the House members brought to peace by Saint Meris," Baoriah said quietly. "Holy relics."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

Tyradil and Tilitalia crowded to see their new half-brother. He was dark, though a little lighter in color than Kethiah, and though his eyes were still closed, they knew that he would be red like hers. Still, there was something about Isidor to him as well.

Kethiah, tears in her eyes, held out her arms to hold him.

"Do you have a name for him yet?" the healer asked.

Sheogorath

The Temple, Tel Dresori

As Dana, Nalion, and Shaka each touched the sword, they felt its holy power. It was a relic of peace, and the blessing it bestowed on them was one of clarity and calm. All their inner conflicts and anguishes seemed to melt, and they felt ... well, they felt good. In all the meanings of the word.

Baoriah also touched the blade, and asked the children. "The vampires, what happened to them when they were touched by it?"

"It made them terrified," said the girl. "They ran away."

Kingston had entered the crypt as well, but stood some distance away, not choosing to touch the blade.

"My name is Evorde," the boy said. "This is Carana."

Sheogorath

"Or an 'I' name to go with Isidor and Ingmar?" Kethiah chuckled, holding the child, tears of joy flowing freely now.

Sheogorath

Evorde and Carana looked at one another.

"Our grandfather told us about the swords," the girl said. "There are five of them. They will bring despair to the undead, but if they are used in war, against the Redoran or the Indoril, it will be a sacrilege."

"We shall return them when the vampires are gone," Baoriah nodded.

Evorde reached out for the scrolls, smiling. "Thank you for saving us. I don't know how long we've been down here ..."

Sheogorath

Baoriah nodded. "And we will return them to the crypt when this town is free of this unnatural menace."

"Ditto," Kingston added, smiling, and not coming any closer. "I swear and all that."

Sheogorath

"Well, if we're going to take them, we should get on with it," Kingston said. "We've got a lot of town to clear out, and still have the castle ..."

Sheogorath

Baoriah took up the katana.

"Now you should go, children," she said to the teenagers.

Evorde and Carana nodded, and thanking the heroes, once more, read their scrolls and vanished away.

(OOC -- Outta here, but I think there's a spare sword or two in here if any one wants it)

Sheogorath

"Her name was Zara," said the illusionist Xyllina, fading from view. Her voice continued. "And she wasn't the only mage capable of sneaking around."

Sheogorath

"No," Xyllina replied, appearing at the opposite end of the crypt. "But I can silence opponents while you slay them."

Sheogorath

"Again, my only concern is that in the tunnels during the day, the Diodata have most of the advantage," Kingston added. "Maybe we should go survey the castle, and at least get an idea of what we're dealing with."

Sheogorath

"Yes, Zadion's right, they can see through other vampire's eyes," Kingston added. "Some of the most powerful ones have even been known to be able to see through mortals' eyes as well ... Knowing that they know they're dealing with mages, we should cast Dispel as well as Blind at any we encounter, because they're probably casting Reflect. I know I would if I were fighting a bunch of mages."

Sheogorath

The mages and others who had been upstairs came down.

"We should go," Andryk the alchemist said. "The sun is still in the sky, but when it goes down ..."

Sheogorath

Andryk looked to the sky. It was cloudy, but that estimation seemed about right. He nodded.

The central plaza in front of the castle consisted of a fresh-water well and stalls for selling produce, all in dilipidation. Rotten fruit, vegetables, and meat lay strewn about.

The castle itself was an ancient Chimer structure, complete with a drawbridge that was currently up, and a dry moat. It had been drained to add to the river about twenty feet beyond the village, which as had been learned before, was a recent addition to Tel Dresori. It curved through the trees, thin, but stretching down into the woods, doubtless for miles.

Sheogorath

Andryk did. Opening his robes, he found small metal vials, one for invisibility, one for healing. They were much smaller than usual potions, and in their metal casings, unbreakable.

"There are three doses each in these," Andryk said, as he passed them around. "They're highly condensed. Be sure to sip, not gulp."

Sheogorath

"There are creatures ahead of us," Kingston whispered as they slipped into the darkness. He didn't tell how he knew. Let them assume it was the expertise of a "Vampire Expert," and not the senses of a true vampire.

The others too cast invisibility on themselves as they moved forward.

Xyllina prepared to cast Dispel, Blindness, and Silence on the vampires as soon as she saw them.

Sheogorath

Xyllina launches her Dispel, Blind, and Silence spells at them, one after the other.

Sheogorath

There was a sudden cracking of thin wood, and a puff of dust. A trap hidden beneath the tunnel floor. Then a splash.

Kingston suddenly became visible as he emerged from the water, a few feet below. He was shrieking in agony. The flesh on his skin burbled as if he were immersed in acid.

All others who fall into the water, of course, will find it wet and cold, but scarcely acidic.

Sheogorath

As he thrashed in the water, Kingston's eyes burned bright white, and his vampiric fangs extended.

An explosion of steam billowed up around him.

Sheogorath

As he reached the water, the mist dissipated, and Kingston was gone.

Vitus, Dolkirre, Fragon, and Zadion also cast offensive spells at the Diodata vampires, while Baoriah and Muthog held back, preparing to engage in hand-to-hand combat if needed. Angryk, Ward-Backs, Egin, and Xyllina prepared spells to protect those on the front lines.

Sheogorath

"It seems we had a Korgari vampire in our midst," Zadion frowned, looking to the well. "The ancient enemy of the Diodata. No wonder he knew so much about them ... Other Korgari may be on their way ... 'Tis best we keep moving, for they can survive in sunlight better than the others ..."

It was clear from his tone that Zadion did not consider Kingston's fate as tragic as the deaths of Zara and Lheres.

S'reddit

Summary

Kethiah, former assassin and currently co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim is in her bedroom atthe tavern, nursing her new baby boy.

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, stepped into a water trap in a tunnel in Tel Dresori and revealed that he was no mere "Vampire Expert." The water burned him, as it burns all members of his peculiar tribe, the ancient enemies of the Diodata Tribe who have taken Tel Dresori, and he is apparently dead, even for the undead.

The Volunteers of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild are awaiting their fate in the dungeon of the castle in Tel Dresori with the rest of the heroes. Four of the twelve are definitely dead, and more likely met that fate ... We shall see ...

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

The celebrations in the Nymph and Noggin were loud and raucous, everyone toasting the new child, and arguing whether his name would be Dunmeri in deference to his mother or Nordic in deference to his father.

Loranna was led up to her room by one of the tavernmaids.

Sheogorath

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

Kethiah was nursing the child for the first time, and Tyradil and Tilitalia were by her side, chatting about their new half-brother.

"Ah, welcome Your Grace," Kethiah smiles. She is tired, but radiant. "Come to say hello to Ald Raathim's newest adventurer?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah holds out the baby boy so Loranna can see him better. His eyes are only half-open, showing little slits of Dunmeri red behind them. He is large for a Dunmer babe as well -- no doubt he will be a Dunmer with the physique of a Nord. Fine black hair is on his head, and his tiny fists grab at Loranna's fingers in a firm grip.

"Feel that?" Kethiah laughs. "You can tell both his parents are good with a sword."

Sheogorath

"No doubt we're going to need all the help we can get," Kethiah grinned. "We asked Shaka to be his godfather, and he agreed. Then, there is the issue of the godmother ..."

Sheogorath

"Anya, for one. She would certainly be a ferociously devoted godmother," Kethiah smiled a little uneasily, and then chuckled as the baby took a handful of her hair and pulled. "But she has not exactly been herself lately. The other person who seems the most obvious choice is a wise noblewoman who might be too overwhelmed with her own upcoming childbirth to accept ..."

Sheogorath

"I think Isidor was going to talk to her, but he hasn't done it yet," Kethiah replied. "It's a difficult subject to broach ... I doubt Anya even knows if she's up for the responsibility, as overwhelmed as she is by her new condition ... But I wanted to know if you'd consider it too. I don't want to put you on the spot. I know you have your own overwhelming responsibilities ..."

Sheogorath

"Take all the time you need," Kethiah smiles, and then looks more concerned. "Have you heard from Slyvos and the others about how the mission is going?"

Sheogorath

The Diodata lieutenants, the Argonian, Nord, and Dunmer vampires that were fighting the party earlier, step into the dungeon. Without speaking, they began taking the limp, weak bodies of the heroes down from their chains, and slapping slave bracers on them to keep them weak, but able to be transported.

Two Elders, a haughty male and female Dunmer in ebony armor, who had before been hacking at the mages, joined them. They each carried a heavy iron chest, seemingly effortlessly.

"Come along now," the lieutenants said to each hero as they pulled him or her down. "It's time for your death."

Sheogorath

"Come on, stop stumbling," the Argonian Diodata hissed at him through the fog, pushing him to his feet and down the stone corridor towards Anya's cell. "Our mistress will want to see you before you die."

Sheogorath

The Nord had Shaka and Dana in one powerful hand each. It was like being held by steel. He pushed them into Anya's cell.

"Mistress," he said to Ashana. "Do you want them to die here?"

The other lieutenants and Elders followed in, with the rest of the prisoners.

Sheogorath

Four mages guildmembers were brought into the room by the lieutenants as well: Vitus, the Cyrodilic battlemage; Xyllina, the Altmer illusionist; Ward-Backs, the Argonian mystic; and Zadion, the Archmagister. They looked around as they entered, as if hoping to see more of their company arriving.

Sheogorath

The barely glowing torch on the opposite wall suddenly sparked, and then exploded outward in an audible boom.

The flames enveloped around the male Diodata Elder, and he shrieked as fire arched through every joint and crevasse in his ebony armor, roasting his undead flesh. Smoke poured out of his helmet and with his last effort, he managed to pull it off.

The fire burst once more and the blackened face of the Elder cracked and fell away to dust. Behind it was another burned and scarred face, the blond hair mostly burned away from the scalp, fangs fully exposed behind splintered lips.

It was Kingston Mune, now wearing the armor of the Elder who was no more.

He was closest to Zadion, so he unlocked his slavers chains.

Zadion, in turn, cast a massive unlock spell that enveloped the room.

Sheogorath

Nalion’s fireball flew out at the Nord, and midway in its flight, it caught Kingston’s eye. It suddenly expanded to twice its size, and when it struck the Nord Diodata, it hurled him across the room, past Erenius, smashing him against the door. It continued to burn, like a giant hand holding him, as his flesh crackled and the door began to give way …

Sheogorath

Wards-Back sigil is completed, and he seems as surprised as everyone that it went off successfully. Along the wall, fissures of light leap forth and a ten foot by ten foot section of it simply vanishes, filling the room with the last dying light of the setting sun.

Zadion seeing what Ashana is trying to do, using telekinesis to pull the blade back and stop her from freeing herself.

Vitus casts a drain health on the remaining Diodata Elder.

Xyllina cast Blindness on the Argonian Diodata.

Kingston Mune concentrated on the fire holding the Nord to the door, giving it one last burst of power to vaporize the creature, calling out to Erenius, "Get back!"

Sheogorath

Kingston walked past Ashana, Dayla, and the blackened corpses of the Diodata vampires and looked out the barred window facing west. The fires were raging across the river.

"They'll be fording the river soon, and be across," he said, and then crossed the room, knocking Zadion aside.

Looking through the square open hole in the wall that Ward-Backs had crafted, he could see east and the last of the setting sun. He could also see sails in the Tel Dresori harbor below.

"The Redoran have arrived," he added. "There will be a hell of a clash soon. Even worse than this one."

Sheogorath

"What about Dres Minsero?" asked Zadion, looking to Kingston and then Erenius. "He could be anywhere in this place ... and is likely dead ..."

Sheogorath

"Foolish, I know," Kingston smiled, his face burned and ghastly, a true monster. "But like I told Anya, a predator has to rely on his instincts."

---

"Yes, my brethren will be shortly," Kingston replied. "You should not be."

Sheogorath

The sounds of fists hammering against solid wood echoed off through the hallway.

“Help me! Father, Mother, and Wizard, help me!”

Sheogorath

The hammering continued.

"Let me out! By all that is holy, let me out!"

Sheogorath

Dres Minsero was not as Shaka had remembered him. He was gaunt, wild-eyed, frightened, close to madness. He was dressed in rags, and chained to chunks of wood which must have once been an item of furniture but which he had undoubtedly destroyed.

From the window of the tower, they could see down into the village, and a mighty battle. The Redoran battlemages were clashing with someone in the farmlands -- undoubtedly the Diodata that were stationed there.

"Please help me, friend!" Minsero begged them. "I don't know what I'm doing here!"

Sheogorath

"Loranna?" Minsero asked, bewildered, taking the scroll. "I don't know who you're talking about, friend, but thank you ... "

Sheogorath

Ingmar heard footsteps, soft and quick, running along the upper story of the Temple. A Redoran scout.

Sheogorath

"I find that very unlikely," Zadion sighed, stepping into the crypt from above. "I would imagine this temple will be razed to the ground when the two side collide."

In the distance, there were indeed sounds of battle coming closer.

Sheogorath

Xyllina joined them. "We could magically lock the door, and cast an illusion to disguise it," she said.

"It's marble," said Kingston Mune, joining them in the crypt. "Maybe it'll survive the fire if there isn't a battle inside ..."

Sheogorath

Xyllina, Zadion, and Kingston joined him, and after Nalion and Zadion had most cast Lock spells on it, Xyllina used her mastery of illusion to make it vanish from sight.

Outside the sound of the battle was coming closer. The very ground in the Temple was trembling.

"You need to go," Kingston said, looking at them, his face still burned and blackened. "Now."

Sheogorath

Zadion first checked on Minsero before heading up to the castle.

On being informed that the Duchess was with Slyvos, he told the servant to give them some time. He'd wait. They had a lot to talk about.

Sheogorath

"Yes," said Zadion awkwardly. "Can I ask you -- does Her Grace know about ... your condition?"

---

Zadion doesn't have a chance to get his question answered before he is ushered into the office.

"Hard to know where to begin ..." Zadion replied.

Sheogorath

"Yes," Zadion nodded slowly, looking at Anya and then Loranna. "And we've brought back a handful of survivors including Dres Minsero, who is at the Tribunal Temple here right now. His mind has suffered from the ordeal ... He doesn't seem to know who he is or what has happened. Besides what happened to your husband and Anya here ... We lost eight of the twelve Mages of my Guild."

Sheogorath

"Slyvos's daughter, Ashana, is dead," Zadion said quietly, looking at Loranna and then Anya. "Anya and Slyvos killed her together in the dungeons at Dres Minsero's castle."

Sheogorath

"Yes," Zadion nodded slowly, looking at both Loranna and Anya. "Had I known the full extent of what we were facing, and who was on our team, who Anya, and Slyvos, and Kingston are ... I might have done things differently ... And might not have caused offense ... But overall, as terrible as it was, it seems to be a hard-fought victory."

Sheogorath

Zadion nodded. His expression was equally mixed. He had always thought of vampires as monsters, and recently had his belief in that strengthened by the horrors of Tel Dresori. On the other hand, he saw two vampires who fought bravely beside him ... Thinking of that, he added. "Kingston Mune, your Vampire Expert, is still in Tel Dresori. He's keeping his eye on a holy site, the tomb of St Meris, to try to protect it in the battle that must be raging around it at this very moment."

Sheogorath

"It's a very special site, worth protecting," Zadion replied. "You should see it, your Grace. It is dedicated to peace between the Houses ..."

Sheogorath

Zadion nods sadly. "There were tragedies on top of tragedies, your Grace. Slyvos in revenge for the slaying of his wife abandons his daughter Ashana. Ashana in anger at her father rejects Dayla and attacks Anya and her both. Dayla out of loneliness and desperation embraces Anya ... So much hate born out of sorrow ..."

Sheogorath

"This is all none of my business," Zadion said, feeling uncomfortable. "I should probably go."

Sheogorath

"Thank you, Your Grace, I'll take you up on that," Zadion bows, and then bows to Anya. "And thank you, Anya, for showing me that undeath, like life, is rarely simple."

With that, the Magister of the Mages Guild leaves Castle Daruhn.

S'reddit

Tel Dresori

The battle had lasted some hours, but it was still nightfall as Kingston Mune made his way through the ruins of the village. You wouldn't have known the time of day, for the fires burned high. The schoolhouse, the marketplace, all would be nothing but ash, but for now they were a glorious inferno.

He was gluttonous, feeding on the dying Diodata, Redoran, and his own Korgari as he wound his way through hell. From time to time, he'd find a healthy mortal soldier or Korgari, and he would leave them alone, let them go about scavenging like him, eventually leaving east or west, wherever their fate demanded.

He could have healed himself, but the burns on his face he felt suited him right now. There was no pretense about being a "Vampire Expert." He could be the monster tonight.

Eventually, he found himself at the foot of the castle. Like the Temple he had watched over during the battle, it would survive the cleansing flames that swept over Tel Dresori. Its sturdy rock would be around for many years to come.

Still, there were parts of it that were destroyed. The wooden stairwells. The doors. The stables.

Up a stone stairwell then he went, until he found himself on the topmost tower. And there he found he was not alone. Dayla was there.

He took a seat next to her, not saying a word, but smiling through his burned, scarred face, as they watched Tel Dresori burn below them.

Sheogorath

As soon as he stepped in, Kethiah grinned.

"Eodir," she said to the baby in her arms. "Say hello to your Uncle Ingmar."

Sheogorath

"No," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar's expression. "Tell me."

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded soberly throughout the tale, asking questions for clarity, but not making many comments.

"He has to find his own way, with Loranna's help," Kethiah replied quietly. "Though this is much to burden them both with. If he won't talk about it, we should talk to her and see what we can do to help. I know he was helping her with some diplomatic work ... Maybe we can lighten that load for a while ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin

"Yes, got a couple people filling in for me there, and Isidor's doing the work of two people in the inn," Kethiah smiled. "Though I imagine he's getting antsy ... No, I was just thinking if there's something that Loranna needs help with ..."

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori, Night

"We vampires are a bit of contradiction," Kingston said thoughtfully. "We're predators, creatures of instinct. But we're also immortal, so we'll take eons to make our plans ... and then ruin them with our passions ..."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin

"Just meeting with various people, the Mages Guild, the Imperial Embassy, the Royal House of Morrowind," Kethiah replied. "Diplomacy takes up most of a noblewoman's time."

Sheogorath

"I will, and thank you," Kethiah smiled, holding her baby close to her.

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

"She had been dead for a long time, in my view," Kingston nodded. "A member of a tribe capable of changing her body, but not her soul. An immortal who thought only of the past, not the future ... I hope you and your fila learn from her, Dayla, and do things differently."

Sheogorath

"That's the spirit, break some things!" Kingston shook his head. "Did you hear nothing I said, Dayla? You have to stop obsessing about the past, or you'll end up like Ashana."

He stood up.

"I think the sun's coming up pretty soon, best to get inside."

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

“Maybe what you’ll be is free for the first time in your life,” Kingston smiled, his blackened scarred grin lighting up as he cast a small ball of fire in the palm of his hand. “You know, we Korgari think of our fire as being a great cleansing force. We wipe away what is weak and untrue, and leave behind only what is strong and real. Sometimes that’s nothing, but it’s better to begin again, clean and clear, that to build yourself on what cannot last.”

Sheogorath

"A little of both," Kingston winked, blinking out the flame. "Frankly, there's nothing more tiresome than 'The Tragic Vampire.' And I find cheap metaphors are good medicine for that ..."

Sheogorath

"To which I would say, be careful, you're playing with fire," Kingston laughed, and walked with her back inside. Once there, he put a blue glowing hand over himself, and healed. There were still a few marks on his face and neck, but his handsome features had replaced the monstrous visage. "That better? I sometimes like to play the monster."

Sheogorath

Summary:

Kethiah, ex-assassin and new mommy, is in her room at the Nymph and Noggin, the tavern she owns with her husband Isidor.

Eodir Isidorsen is the name of their new little boy.

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire who was part of the Ald Raathim expedition, is in Tel Dresori with Dayla, the Bathogorgen vampire, discussing the future and the past among a present of desolation.

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

In the smoking ruins of the tower, away from the sunlight, the Korgari vampire and the Bathogorgen sat down and continued their chat.

"So, is it just you and Anya now?" Kingston Mune asked. "Anya didn't know much about your clan when I asked her, or didn't trust me enough to tell me ..."

Sheogorath

"Long enough," Kingston replied. "I was pretty weak, close to death in fact, and I knew I had to be at fully capacity before acting ... So, I heard a fair amount ... Though to be honest, my concern was mostly for me and hoping no one blew me out, not on you two."

Sheogorath

"Yes," Kingston grinned. "I have two bits of advice, and they're contradictory, so you can take one or the other, or neither ...

"Shortly after I was born into darkness, I asked my pater when I would be ready to create a filus of my own," Kingston continued. "And he said, 'You'll be ready when you can think about someone else before yourself.' Since I never have, I never have. No great loss, I think. Less predators and more prey is a satisfactory arrangment to me.

"So my advice: choose to only think about yourself, and leave Anya alone, and let her come to you when she wishes to, or be a proper mater, and stop worrying about your feelings when she looks at you with hatred, or says she is angry with you, and start thinking about what's best for her, what she really wants."

Sheogorath

"Ah," Kingston smiled. "Well, I'm 131, and I was born into darkness at 37 ... so I've been a vampire for 94 years ... Still a youngling, I suppose, giving advice to my elders."

Sheogorath

The docks had undergone a lot of changes in the last week, with most of the warehouses now being incorporated into the massive Resolution of Zenithar. A hundred workers still labored on the enormous complex, but its shell was very impressive, and merchants were already using it to pray for good profits. And to store their goods, of course.

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

"I don't try to make plans," Kingston smiled. "But my immediate thought was going to Ald Raathim to see how Anya and the others survived. Just for a night or two ... It's a delightful town, but I'm afraid they would try too hard to influence me for the good there. And then, who knows? I'll follow the warmest breeze I feel."

Sheogorath

The barmaids and servers looked at one another nervously, beginning to approach the drunk woman. Usually Isidor or Kethiah threw unruly customers out, and they were prepared to do the same if necessary ... They just didn't want to act too soon if it was going to blow over ...

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

"There you have it," Kingston smiled. "That's thinking. You tell her a bit about her heritage, she tells you a bit about herself ... Get to know each other."

Sheogorath

"You try and swallow me, Bathogorgen," Kingston said, kissing her. "And you'll have a whole new meaning of heart burn."

Sheogorath

She started to pass by a blackened torch, when she suddenly felt the familiar cold chill of another vampire's presence.

The torch sputtered to life.

Sheogorath

A stream of fire dripped from the torch, and Kingston Mune stepped out of it.

"I wanted to make sure you were well, Anya," the vampire smiled. The scars on his face now gone completely, and his healthy tan flesh tone returned from his gluttony of feasting. "We did not have a proper goodbye in Tel Dresori. Not that I blame you. It was an emotionally as well as a physically treacherous ordeal."

Sheogorath

"No, I'm not alone," Kingston replied carefully. "I thought I would be the diplomat, and make the introductions if I may? Anya, this is your mater, Dayla ..."

Sheogorath

"Well," Kingston smiled pleasantly. "We're off to a good start. No blood spilled so far. What I told Dayla, Anya, is that she needs to tell you about herself, and the Tribe which you are now a part of. And you should listen and learn. And you should tell her about yourself, and Dayla will listen and learn that you are more than just her filia."

Sheogorath

Kingston bowed at the compliment, and then looked at Dayla. "Is this the sort of thing I shouldn't be present for? Trade secrets and all that?"

Sheogorath

"I'll be in town for a night or two, I think," Kingston smiled, withdrawing from the chamber. "Thank you for your kind offers, ladies. And good luck."

Sheogorath

Kingston went to the center of the town to look at the new construction continuing on the Imperial Embassy. It would be a stately building when completed, and the park in front made a lovely square, with the Mages Guild, the House of Dibella, and the Temple of the Tribunal all in close proximity. Very elegant, he thought.

Sheogorath

The Imperial City, Cyrodiil

Indoril Faryon was led through the palace, past chambers and antechambers, courtyards and ballrooms, staterooms and thronerooms. He passed couriers, courtesans, Moth priests, mages, knights, ladies, and many, many guards.

Finally, they went out to a back piazza which opened to a vast private lawn. There were two Cyrodilic ladies, dressed in the latest fashion, lounging under an umbrella while they watched Imperial Prince Ebel practice his archery. The target, Faryon noted, was larger than regulation, and closer to the Imperial Prince that tradition required.

But considering that he was cheating, Ebel was an excellent shot.

"Lord Faryon," said the courier, using Indoril Faryon's "western" title.

"Pleased to meet you," said the Prince turning to him. He was an affably, reasonably handsome middle aged man, in casual but very well-wrought clothing.

Sheogorath

"Please rise, my Lord," Ebel smiled, gesturing towards the two ladies. "May I present Mnaeta, Marchioness of Thios Major, and Princess Kolympa of Riyleel?"

Sheogorath

"Yes, of course," the Prince replied, turning casually back to the archery for a moment to score a bullseye, and then looking at Faryon. "You want Imperial support for the Redoran and Indoril Alliance in the civil war in Morrowind, yes? What specifically do you want, and what specifically will you give for it?"

Sheogorath

"You would reinstate Caldera, Fort Buckmoth, Moonmoth, Pelagiad, Gnisis, Wolverine Hall in Sadrith Mora, Vivec's Foreign Quarter, and Ebonheart as Imperial holdings in Vvardenfell immediately?" Ebel asked.

Sheogorath

The Imperial Palace, Cyrodiil

"My Lord Faryon," replied the Prince after a pause. "I have done my research into you. My agents tell me you are a honest, honorable noble. And I know my father, my brothers, and I always want to be fair to our subjects. But you must recognize that it is damned difficult to negotiate an arrangement when you are not able to truly speak for the Alliance you represent. I merely asked whether the situation could be restored to what it was before this conflict, and you could not promise me that, as there are influences within your group who are hostile to my interests ..."

Sheogorath

The Imperial Palace, Cyrodiil

"I would highly recommend getting your house in order," Ebel nodded. "Regarding Helseth, I am no friend of his. I find his eternal grasping unseemingly in a king -- it would better suit an ambitious swine merchant. But I know that his mother, his closest advisor, is a friend of my father, and so I do not believe him and his rise to power to be a threat to us ... If you had evidence against this, I would be interested in seeing it. You did ask, however, that the Mages Guild, Fighter's Guild, and other organizations be forced to be neutral in this conflict. To that, I will agree, but they will insist that if they are bound to neutrality, then they will be allowed to reorganize their Guildhouses in Alliance-controlled Vvardenfell."

Sheogorath

"No," Ebel shook his head. "Helseth has agreed to allow them to build fortresses on the mainland, and retake their old properties should Vvardenfell become his again. It is in our interest to fight with him to simply regain what we had before. You will need to make concessions for us to give up that struggle."

Sheogorath

"Very good, my lord," Ebel smiled. "If we have no losses, we have no reason to fight. That would be very satisfactory."

S'reddit

Update

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is taking in some of the lesser known sights of the town of Ald Raathim, particularly the new village green, the elegant square where the new Imperial Embassy, the Mages Guild, the House of Dibella, and the adjunct Temple of the Tribunal are located.

Kethiah, ex-assassin and new mother is resting in her room with her new baby, Eodir, while her husband and co-proprietor of the tavern runs the Nymph and Noggin.

S'reddit

The Village Green, Ald Raathim

The wealthier merchants of Ald Raathim had discovered the square, and were fond of making promenades around it during their leisure hours. The Nymph was still a popular place to dine, but the village green was becoming the place to live. Among the construction were several townhouses for the upper classes.

The fashionable people bowed as the Duchess passed them, and among them was a young Breton man with shoulder length blond hair and a deep tan. She recognized him at once as Kingston Mune.

S'reddit

"Ah, Your Grace, I heard things were hot in Ald Raathim, and I'm always attracted to that," Kingston replied, offering his arm to the Duchess as they began to walk around the parkland. The plantings were still young, but it promised to be a lovely place. Already there were flowers in abundance. When they were a distance away from the rest of the strollers, Kingston added. "There was a vampire in one of the Imperial Legion's fortresses to the west, feasting on soldiers while they slept. Not enough to kill any of them, but enough to make them wake up late for duty. Seemed like a security risk, so I ate him."

S'reddit

The Village Green, Ald Raathim

"It had its ups and downs," Kingston nodded, and continued on casually. "But overall, it was quite satisfactory. My enemies the Diodata were annihiliated, your enemies the Redoran suffered a major rout. Anya and her mater have made steps towards understanding one another. Slyvos's old unseen nemesis was destroyed. Yes, quite satisfactory, overall ..."

The vampire knelt and picked a flower for Loranna. It was a deep red rose. "I think it goes with your hair very nicely ... Oh, your question about how long I intend on staying? Not long. Another night at tops, I think. Why?"

S'reddit

"Some would say one is too many," Kingston laughed. "There was a nasty little anonymous note left on poor Anya's door last night. She must be more careful. Just because she's being more comfortable with her dark nature doesn't mean everyone is ... Of course, I'll tell you what you want to know about vampire clans. So far, I've only spotted in your area Aundae, Cyrodillics, Bonsamu, Keerilth, and, of course you know about your Bathogorgen. There may be other varieties, but those are the ones I witnessed and could easily identify. I sensed other vampires, but they may be the same tribes, or different ones ... "

S'reddit

"The Cyrodillics," Kingston replied, warming to his subject. "Obviously, they're the dominant tribe of the Imperial Province. Very tricky. They can appear so human if they've fed often enough, that even other vampires don't recognize them ... If I hadn't come across that one in the act of feeding on that soldier, I wouldn't have known it was there ... The Bonsamu feed on innate magicka as well as blood, and what they take can never be replaced ... the Keerilth are rather pathetic curs. The dogs of war we call them, and they call themselves. They just appear as mangy mutts most of the time, and they're the first scavengers in a time of conflict ..."

"As for the animal blood question, I'm not sure," Kingston replied thoughtfully. "I've heard about vampires who do that solely, but they don't last too long ... I don't know if it's the nutrition, or that the ones who do that tend to hate their condition so much, that for one reason or another, they don't make it. Oh, don't tell me that's our Anya! I've seen her cattle!"

S'reddit

"Candelight usually keeps them away, but I don't know if it's because it exposes them as skeletons, or they just don't like it," Kingston smiled. "And as for what they take, I mean everything. Any wounds they inflict can never be healed. They say some of their more powerful members can drain away a victim's intelligence or strength permanently as well ..."

When the vampire mentioned the candlelight, Loranna may have remembered the creature Zadion and Morvath Pisquine interrogated, as Anya reported. It was exposed as a Bonsamu when they brought the candlelight to its face.

S'reddit

"Their Elders can become quite horrific beasts, I understand, but they're pretty rare. The pups usually take out anyone who gets too big, in a pack if need be," Kingston replied, smiling in the sunlight. "I don't know the Cyrodillics too well, though ... But they're a powerful group. Strong enough that other vampire tribes know well enough to stay out of the Imperial Province."

Then he frowned, looking to Loranna. "I understand your concern about vampires who feed on newborns ... I wish I could tell you they don't exist. But I can think of at least four tribes with just that as their specialty ..."

They had made a circle around the park, and Kingston Mune frowned even deeper when he saw Magister Zadion walking up the path towards them.

S'reddit

"Loranna," Kingston says seriously, looking at her, before Zadion comes into earshot. "I've been happy to talk to you about vampire tribes, and what I know. Everyone likes to pontificate. But I think you need to understand that in the large picture, you don't have a vampire problem. You have thousands of people in this town of yours, and maybe a dozen vampires. That's normal. It's scary, perhaps, but if you think about all the other types of characters who are attracted to a growing city, freelance assassins, thieves, psychotics, we're a small minority ... Oh, here he comes ..."

S'reddit

"Has he now?" Zadion looked at Kingston. "What a helpful chap you are. I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Magister Zadion is annoyed," Kingston sighed. "Because I paid him a call after I discovered the note on Anya's door. I thought he had left it. I might've been a little ... brusque."

"Yes, threatening to roast me for hours while you dined on my innerds is brusque," Zadion replied. "I think I satisfied him that I did not leave the note. If I have a problem or concern with someone, I will tell them."

"Your Grace," Kingston said with a bow to Loranna. "I should leave. There is little point in continuing this."

S'reddit

The vampire left, walking out of the village green and towards the wharfs.

"I'm sorry about that, Your Grace," the Altmer mage frowned. "Perhaps, Anya is one thing, but that creature ... He is only helpful when it suits his purposes. And he has no sense of horror for the monster that he is. Surely, you noticed, that the worst something is, the more he smiles?"

Zadion composed himself. "Yes, the company ... None other than the Archmagister of the Mages Guild Hannibal Traven will be coming to Ald Raathim to decide my fate with the Guild. They did not give a time, but they said it would be within a few days ..."

S'reddit

"No, I've never met him before," Zadion shook his head. "He's relatively new to the position of Archmagister ... But from what I hear, I will certainly not be revealing anything about friendliness with any vampires of any sort, mortalish or not ..."

He took a moment before continuing. "I am somewhat concerned with what his reaction will be about your husband, to be frank, your Grace."

S'reddit

"Is it ..." Zadion frowned, trying to find a way to express himself. "Is it well-known that your current husband is possessing your first husband's body?"

S'reddit

Zadion groaned a little. "Yes, that's what I had heard ... but I hoped it wasn't true that it had been so publically announced. Your husband is no longer a lich, but he is a four thousand year old soul in another man's body by means of a necromantic ritual. I fear ... Your Grace, there is no other way to put it, but I fear that my lack of neutrality in the conflict will take me out of this position. And I am afraid that when Traven hears about Slyvos, there will no longer be a Mages Guild in Ald Raathim."

S'reddit

"Your Grace, he can close down a Guildhouse on a whim," Zadion shook his head. "We must do more than fight. I can show him that the Guildhouse is engaged in serious study, and that this peninsula is an essential point of magickal interest, as it is. I can show him what we've found in his own area of interest, necromantic artifacts from the sload ... but Slyvos must be ready, he must be sane and he must be able to politely and diplomatically show that he is a boon not a bane on this land."

S'reddit

"Fathers" Alas and Alack were, it being fairly early morning, asleep in their beds aboard the Senchal Rose.

But they awoke upon hearing the news.

"Shall one tells the Dutchiness?" Alas asked Alack sleepily.

"Aye, this would be the kind of thing what she'd want to know," Alack replied, as they got themselves together.

S'reddit

"I hope we have a couple days to ready for this," Zadion replied. "And I sincerely hope I've panicked you for no good reason at all. If it's that, I'll do whatever I can to make it up to you. A woman in your condition shouldn't have to worry about more than she had to ... but I wanted to tell you the worst that I feared ... And now, I need to go back to the Guild, and make sure everything is as he might expect it to be."

Zadion bowed. "By your leave, Your Grace."

Sheogorath

When Loranna returned to the castle, Alas and Alack were there to tell her the news they had received from Llana (and double-checked with other sources). The Altmer armada had launched a devastating attack against Tear, and was on its way northward. They would be in the Inner Sea in but a few days.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

An Altmer with a strong physique, clad in silver mail, walked into the tavern, and began asking around for the location of a bookshop owned by an Argonian named Reeds. He introduced himself as Count Terilite.

Sheogorath

"Thank you," Count Terilite replied with a bow, and left to find the bookstore. It was not too far away, as she had said. He knocked briskly on the door.

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah came downstairs, holding Eodir, and wearing the gold kanet Slyvos had sent her in her hair.

Sheogorath

There was a knock on the door.

"Your Grace," Kallen said. "Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah has just arrived."

Sheogorath

The former Queen of Firsthold was in the grand hall. She was wearing a distinctly Dunmeri gown of black and gold, and looked beautiful, not at all the stricken, wounded creature they had seen in Summerset. Kallen had supplied her with a glass of Wayrest wine, which she was drinking with a smile.

Sheogorath

The Grand Hall, Castle Daruhn'

"Your Graces," Morgiah bowed, showing deference. "My mother suggested that I come here straightaway through the Mages Guild. I had meant to come here at some point, but she thought now would be a good time to show, presumably, that there are many persons of influence who come to your city. I understand that the archmagister has already arrived."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Yes," Kethiah smiled proudly. "This is Eodir Isidorsen, your godson. Would you like to hold him?"

Sheogorath

"I left word at the Guildhouse that I would enjoy seeing Traven again when he was available," Morgiah smiled. The old glint of wheels turning were in her eyes. "Best not to rely on Guild gossip to get him here ... Rinnala's quite well. I think our little voyage at sea was beneficial to her, and she has never been to Morrowind before, so her mind is on the adventure and seeing new things, not on her brother and all the other matters of Firsthold. It is kind of you to ask about her."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Indeed he was not. Eodir's eyes, now fully open and taking in everything all around him, seemed entranced by Shaka's Argonian features. He reached out with one pudgy hand to touch his godfather's snout, and giggled.

"An instant bond," Kethiah smiled.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"You should feel his grip, he'll definitely be able to handle a sword," Kethiah laughed. "Anyhow, I thought it was time to bring him out and show him the world outside of one little bedroom. How are you, Shaka?"

The Khajiit "brothers" Alas and Alack entered the tavern, immediately heading towards Kethiah, Shaka, and Eodir.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"I'm at your disposal," Morgiah replied. "If you need me to involve myself in something, or get out of your hair, I'm happy to help. I understand you have a lot that you're trying to deal with, and you might need a diplomat."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Is this the little what was up in you for nine months?" Alack asked, looking to the baby, and giving it a big toothy grin. "What does you call it?"

"He is called Eodir Isidorsen," Kethiah replied, rolling her eyes.

"Bit Nordic," Alas nodded, peeking briefly under the baby's blanket. "Yes, he's got some very Nordic features."

"All sorts of new arrivers today," Alack said. "Though this is the most distinguishing, of course."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"Of course," Morgiah nodded. "My mother filled me in on all the specifics. I've met him before, you know, at the Guild in Firsthold. What would you have me do?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"These ain't secrets you won't hear elsewhere," Alas shrugged. "The former Queen of Firsthold ain't skulking around, everyone's gonna know Morgiah's in Ald Raathim ... same with the Archmagister of the Mages Guild."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Morgiah also looked at Slyvos with appraising eyes. "Your background should be a positive boon ... Maybe ... Is there anything that you can tell us that Hannibal Traven himself wouldn't know? For example, the present location of Mannimarco?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I doesn't know, I ain't never met him," Alack replied. "Apparently, he don't do a lot of smuggling."

"Though I bet he has," Alas shook his head. "Most Mages does. You gotta gets yer weird herbs, unguents, oils, and phasmagor from somewheres."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"Fighting fire with fire," Morgiah smiled. "Can you imagine Hannibal Traven shutting a Guildhouse out of a town that was preparing a major offensive against the King of Worms? I couldn't. He can't be a fool, or too much of a fool."

Sheogorath

"Is there a way to light the fire now, but not get too close to it yet?" Morgiah asked. "For example, could you find the closest Necromancer's lair, not necessarily the God of Worms's location? It might be good enough for now to show what you can do ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Thank you," Alack replied pleased. "We is just doing the good holy work."

Sheogorath

"Good day to you, sir," the former Queen of Firsthold said, with a bow.

Sheogorath

"After we find whom?" Morgiah asked. "I'm afraid you've come in at the tail end of a conversation, sir. We are currently discussing finding Necromancers in the nearby vicinity."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"You are part of our family now, Shaka," Kethiah smiled. "So bless you too."

Alas and Alack bowed to Shaka, grinning.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"Since our aim is to show Ald Raathim's intolerance for necromancy," Morgiah replied, looking at Arynel curiously. "I would advocate slaughter."

Sheogorath

"Yes," said Morgiah simply. "So have I. But we cannot compound our problems with inaction."

Sheogorath

"I understood that from the start," Morgiah replied. "And I believe that Hannibal Traven will have heard of it as well. After all, eight of his Guildmembers were killed there ... But as vampirism and necromancy are closely intertwined, I think that he will consider that a fair sacrifice for the cause. I also think Traven is well aware of how scalding these energies are, thus his desire to stamp out necromancy ... But Slyvos is better able to handle them, and use them against liches and dark sorcerors even in his current state, than any one else. That is what we must make Traven understand, one way or another."

Sheogorath

"And what will you do if he does not show you courtesy?" Morgiah asked cooly. "What would be considered incourteous? Whispering, sighing?"

---

"Perhaps I've done more harm than good with this line of thought," Morgiah admitted. "I did not mean to aggravate you, your Grace."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"I have not forgotten that," Morgiah replied calmly. "Losing a child is difficult, particularly through your own hands. I know a little something of that. But if I did not ask what he was able or willing to do, where would we be?"

Kallen came into the grand hall. "Your Grace, I believe the archmagister is coming."

Sheogorath

"Nothing like expediency to kill indecision," Morgiah said, with a grim smile. "I suppose now we improvise."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"Magister Zadion has brought the Archmagister into the herb garden to show it to him," Kallen said, opening the door for the group.

Zadion was indeed there, with Archmagister Hannibal Traven, a tall, affable-looking Breton. With them too was a Dunmer woman in a dark robe. What flesh that could be seen was covered in white tattoos, which Slyvos noted were wards against the undead.

"The archmagister was just admiring the flowers of your Noble Sedge," Zadion said, turning to the group.

"We don't have that in the Imperial Province," the Breton said, with a bow. "Hannibal Traven, your Grace."

Sheogorath

"Both practical and beautiful, I can see why it would be so," the Archmagister replied, as he bowed to the others. "My lady Morgiah, 'tis good to see you again. I heard about your recent troubles, and it's good to see you've weathered them admirably."

"You are kind to say so," Morgiah gave a small smile. "It was a pleasant surprise that you chose this time to visit Ald Raathim. I have not been here before, but I am looking at purchasing a property near the village green."

"Is that so?" Traven replied. "Mournhold too dull for you?"

"You know me well, archmagister," Morgiah winked.

---

"And you, Duke Slyvos, how are you?" he continued. "I have heard something of your ordeal in Tel Dresori."

Sheogorath

Morgiah blinked, looking to Loranna.

"I'm fine too," the archmagister replied, still smiling. "Thank you for the details you were able to spare, your Grace. I understand that besides the herb garden, your library is an impressive feature of Castle Daruhn. I wonder, might I be permitted to see it?"

Sheogorath

The group stepped into the library, and Traven whistled in appreciation. "I could spend a lot of time here," he said, smiling.

The Dunmer woman thought of pie.

Sheogorath

While the tattooed Dunmer mage walked towards the door to Slyvos's private library, Hannibal Traven turned to Loranna and Slyvos. "Are most of these books yours, your Graces? Or were they left by the previous Lords of Ald Raathim?"

Sheogorath

"It's an impressive collection, but I don't see much that would reflect your former interests, your Grace," said the archmagister, looking towards Slyvos. "Did you destroy your old tomes?"

Sheogorath

"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce you," the Archmagister said. "This is Charroah."

Charroah Chane. A very famous hunter of the living dead and those who would control them. She was the bane of liches and vampire ancients throughout Tamriel.

"I would consider it a great honor if I could see your library, your Grace," Hannibal Traven added, as Charroah bowed to the group.

Sheogorath

Hannibal Traven and Charroah walked past the heavy door into Slyvos's private library. Charroah's eyes went to the strange carvings on the desk, and Traven's to the books on the shelves. There were not very many, but passing the chests along the side of the room, he noticed a few that were interesting.

"Chimer?" he asked, smiling. "What are your areas of interests these days, your Grace?"

Sheogorath

"Old methods?" Hannibal asked. "Mysticism or Necromancy?"

Charroah walked to the desk, looking intently at the carvings on it.

"Slyvos does not practice necromancy anymore," Morgiah said quickly, looking to the others for support.

Sheogorath

"What prompted this change?" Hannibal asked, frowning. "I have not heard of very many former liches leaving their craft."

"Archmagister," Zadion said. "We should be going. You wanted to see some of the other necromantic artifacts we recovered from the sload's lair?"

Zadion definitely seemed as nervous and unsure as anyone had ever seen him.

Sheogorath

"You would be the first," Hannibal smiled. "That is why I'm so curious about it, but I can understand if those are among the details you don't want to discuss."

---

"Yes, we should," the archmagister nodded, turning to the group. "I will be around for a couple of days, if you would like to see me. I'll be at the Guildhouse. Thank you for your hospitality, your Graces."

Sheogorath

Zadion, Charroah, and Traven left with bows and well wishes. If one was to judge from Zadion's face, it was the end of the world. But he was a worrier.

"I think we need to make our case better, and really, like you said, make it so the Mages Guild have no option but to keep it open," Morgiah said as they left. "That was some considerable scrutiny."

S'reddit

Summary

A lot of characters to keep track of ...

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin is in the main room of the Nymph with her newborn son, Eodir.

Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroah Chane, and Magister Zadion are at the Mages Guild.

Hlaalu Morgiah, former Queen of Firsthold, has gone to visit the Imperial Embassy.

"Fathers" Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers and currently (secretly) Loranna's Spymasters are on the wharfs, receiving confession from their agents at the Resolution of Zenithar.

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is also on the wharfs, checking out the latest merchants and sailors.

And Count Terilite of Firsthold ...

---

"My apologies, in Firsthold one has to knock at the better shops to be let in," Count Terilite said. "I was wondering if you had something, or someone. An Altmer by the name of Glacia who has gone missing."

S'reddit

"You weren't the first person I went to, Reeds," said Count Terilite. "But she left some time after the ill-fated Cotillion Ball for Rinalla, and I know you were friendly with her during that, and the ball before that as well ... I hoped you might have some idea where she might have gone to. I had hopes she might be here."

S'reddit

"I appreciate frankness," the Altmer noble nodded seriously. "May I ask what leads you to those conclusions? It appears you know my fiancee well."

S'reddit

"I would appreciate it," Count Terilite replied proudly, also taking a seat. "She left without telling anyone. If you know anything, I think I can handle it. You may be intimately acquainted with Glacia, but you don't know me. I am a professional warrior. I do not quake and quail when given bad news."

S'reddit

"I see," Count Terilite replied stiffly, standing up. "Thank you for you for being so informative."

Without another word, he left the bookstore.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

Mid-morning the next day, Morgiah came to the tavern for a meeting with Count Terilite, one of her former subjects from Firsthold. They found a private area of the Nymph to talk.

Kingston Mune was in the rougher Noggin section of the tavern, talking with several drunk royal soldiers.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Count Terilite cannot help but look his direction with sharp eyes, while he carries on his conversation with Hlaalu Morgiah.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Count Terilite's voice was low and angry. "I don't see him anymore, but he's here, blast him."

Morgiah's voice was also low, but unlike most of the rest of her family, she kept her emotion out of her voice, so it was difficult to read. "Now, what did he say, again? That Glacia was planning on leaving you before, and that he encouraged that?"

"Words to that effect, yes."

"And you don't believe him?"

"Her family was as surprised as I was, and as worried, though her father did say that she kissed that creature. At least in a friendly way ... I don't know what to think. She has no resources outside of Firsthold. If she had another lover, and no one knew about him ... I suppose she could be with him. But the other very real possibility is that she's been kidnapped."

"But you haven't been given any ransom demands."

"No, but there a number of groups in Summerset who would love to have a young noblewoman for their disgusting sort of sport ... They might not want her for money, but for their own 'fun,' as horrifying as it is to imagine it."

"I'm sure His Majesty is doing all he can to investigate that possibility."

"Yes ... but if the Argonian is right, and she was thinking of leaving me, that's a whole different scenario ..."

"But," Morgiah pointed out. "She may be in trouble either way."

"If she left of her own device, and has gotten into trouble, that's not my concern."

S'reddit

The Resolution of Zenithar, Ald Raathim

Alas and Alack, not twins or even strictly speaking brothers, were in their temple complex, and easy to find, especially as the walls were not completely built up yet. They were consulting with a smuggler who had a lot of information to get off his chest in "confession," but they smiled when they saw Llana. Always interesting info from the forger.

S'reddit

She felt a vampiric presence chill her, not in the elegant Nymph part of the tavern, but coming from the more proletarian Noggin section.

S'reddit

"I've been searching for her for weeks now," Count Terilite grumbled. "It has reached the stage where I am going to hire the Dark Brotherhood to track her down."

"The Dark Brotherhood?" Morgiah replied, her voice taking on an edge.

"You've employed them yourself, I've no doubt."

"You should have some doubts. You're a fool if you don't."

"Very well, I've hired them already. I must know either way. And then I'll decide what to do about it. My honor is at stake here."

"Your honor," Morgiah chuckled.

S'reddit

The Noggin

She could tell that Kingston had also been slightly on edge -- no doubt sensing a vampiric presence himself, and relieved that it was her. He was with a group of soldiers well into their stages of inebriation, but he himself was sober.

The Noggin section of the tavern was rowdy and loud, with many songs and good-natured but rough play. There were several women there who were certainly prostitutes, bawdy and joking with the rest of the crew.

"Look who it is," Kingston smiled at Anya. "I think this part of the tavern in much more congenial than the stuffed-shirts in the other. No one brooding in here, eh, Kortyr?"

Kortyr, a drunken soldier at Kingston's side, nodded, and sized up Anya with appreciation. "Fwaaa. She a fend of yourn, Kinnstin?"

"And a friend of the Duchess's too, Kortyr, so hands off."

S'reddit

The Resolution of Zenithar, Ald Raathim

"Very interesting," replied Alas, handing Llana gold from the sleeve of his robe. "I thinks we need to a consultation with Her Dutchitude about how to proceed."

"Forsooth and forthwith," Alack agreed. "But tells him you'll do it, and we'll get back to ya."

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"An eavesdropping Argonian complains about honor," Count Terilite sneered, standing up. "Did it ever occur to you that she has been kidnapped and is being assaulted as we speak? What if you are wrong? If you care so very much about her, what have you done since our conversation to determine her health and happiness?"

"Gentlemen, please," Morgiah said quietly. "Let us speak with civility. I think you, milord Reeds, have mistaken the Count's intention to use the Dark Brotherhood. Never has he suggested he wants his fiancee dead, only to determine her location and her situation. The Brotherhood is well equipped to do that, as I'm sure you're aware."

S'reddit

The Noggin

"The usual crowd in the Noggin," Kingston replied. "Sailors, prostitutes, field hands, and the King's finest soldiers."

"You gut that right!" Kortyr shouted, egging his fellow soldiers into a rousing if most incoherent army fighting song.

While they were doing it, Kingston took Anya aside. "I'm not hunting anyone, at least not here, if that's what you're worried about."

S'reddit

The Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

The mood in the Guildhouse is certainly tense. The place is neater than Loranna had ever seen it, like children cleaning up their room before their parents come to see it. Loranna is told by the chief alchemist, with whom she has become very familiar, that Zadion is in his office in a foul mood. The Archmagister and Charroah Chane are in the main library.

They bow upon Loranna entering.

"Ah, your Grace, we had not expected to see you so soon," Hannibal Traven smiles.

S'reddit

"No, it isn't your job to do that," Count Terilite sniffs. "Merely to interrupt conversations and be enormously unhelpful."

"You seem to assume the very worst of the Count," said Morgiah quietly. "Something he has in common with you."

S'reddit

The Mages Guild

Alas and Alack went first to the castle, and hearing that the Duchess was at the Mages Guild, went there instead. As she was in a meeting with the archmagister, they waited.

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"If you want to make this about you and your wounded pride, I don't think we have anything to talk about," Count Terilite glared at Reeds. "I am talking about means of finding Glacia, and you are only talking about yourself."

"Terilite, stop it," Morgiah replied cooly, turning to Reeds next. "And you too. My own resources are depleted right now, as I'm sure you know. If you would like to mock me for that, pray pick a time when we aren't discussing more important matters than my misfortune. If, however, you have a plan or a thought or a suggestion we can discuss in a civil way, we would be happy to hear it. You are volunteering yourself and your friends?"

"A bookseller is better equipped to track down people than the Dark Brotherhood?" the Count chuckled.

"I told you, Terilite, be quiet or this meeting you requested is at an end," Morgiah said, with a flash in her eyes.

S'reddit

The Noggin

"Was it a good meeting?" Kingston smiled, pleased. "I wasn't sure it would be. She wanted to see you, and I think I did my best to discourage it, unless she was willing to get to know you, as you, not as the pretty thing she saw you as, a being to give her love. She's not a terrible sort as vampires go. I've seen ... oh, Gods, have I seen worse."

The song having finished, Kortyr grabbed up Kingston in a drunken bear hug.

"What'd ye say? Fancy a trip ta the House of Debellyah, Kinnistin?"

Kingston looked to Anya and then back to Kortyr. "I'm just talking to an old friend I haven't seen in a while. Give me a few minutes, and I'll show you a short cut."

Kortyr laughed and joined his mates.

"I know," Kingston smiled. "Drunken soldiers. Hardly a challenge, eh?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Count Terilite stood up. "If you want to find her, be my guest. But I am not going to abandon my search for Glacia on your word alone, Argonian."

As the Altmer strode out, Morgiah sighed. "Well, you better get on it, Reeds. He's already hired them."

S'reddit

The Mages Guild

"Not at all, not at all," Hannibal Traven replied, gesturing to a seat. "What is on your mind, your Grace? We were just comparing the Guild's library with yours, and saying that this one needs quite a bit of work to be your equal."

S'reddit

"I didn't get much of a chance before you interrupted him and refused to have a civil conversation," Morgiah replied coldly. "By Arkay, why you men can't put your pride aside to discuss important matter is beyond me, always has been."

S'reddit

The Noggin

"Always be happy if given the choice," Kingston laughed. "Have I ever sought a cure? For what?"

S'reddit

The Nymph and Noggin

"There were two fools arguing here," Morgiah said, raising an eyebrow. "And I'll address the other one when I see him. As I'm talking to you, try to see it from his perspective for a moment. His fiancee goes missing. He tears Firsthold apart looking for her, fearing the worst. You come along and say she didn't love him. That may be true, in fact, it almost certainly is, given what I know about them. But would that wound you? And then you interrupt a conversation after hearing a bit of it, accusing him of trying to have her killed. I ask for civility, as both of you want the same thing, Glacia found safe and secure, and you refuse."

Morgiah stood up. "You seem so confident that you know better than anyone else. You find your own direction. But you might try the Firsthold Mages Guild. That's where he began, but I didn't get any more information than that before you burst onto the scene."

The former Queen of Firsthold left the tavern.

S'reddit

The Mages Guild

"Oh yes?" Hannibal Traven replied. "I don't think we had any questions that I'm aware of. We asked if your husband still practiced necromancy, and you said no, he was against it in principle. You and Hlaalu Morgiah and Magister Zadion all agree that he has abandoned the habits of the lich, and I have not unearthed any evidence that contradicts that. But you loved him even when he was a practicing necromancer, yes?"

S'reddit

The Noggin

"Gods, no," Kingston replied, beginning to smile and then letting it die when he saw that Anya was serious. He kept his voice low, though the tavern sounds easily drowned out all but the loudest of conversations. "I am proud of it. I always have been. True, there are some very rascally individuals of our type ... maybe the majority of our species is not to be trusted ... But, frankly, that could be said for mortals as well. If you can't find happiness in being a vampire, in the joy of the hunt and the feast, I don't know how one could find it anywhere ..."

S'reddit

"Very impressive that you succeeded in turning him around," Hannibal replied. "Necromancy is a drug that very few can cease to take."

An apprentice of the Guild stepped in with a note for Loranna from Alas and Alack outside, briefly outlining what Llana had told them.

S'reddit

Not an hour later, the Khajiit had a name for Loranna: Valdroon Tradas, former member of the thieves guild in Ald Raathim. Checking with the thieves, it seemed this was not a scheme of theirs.

Sheogorath

"It has been fascinating for me too, Anya slash Cheryl," Kingston laughed. "I'll be around for another night, I think, and then I should be leaving ... Anyhow, as you say, the prey awaits."

***

Kintyr woke up the next morning in the woods, feeling groggy, much as he always did after a late night carousing. He tried to remember, but he didn't think he made it as far as the House of Dibella last night.

His neck also hurt a little bit, but he didn't think much of it as he made his way to the royal fortress to the west. Fortunately, he wasn't expected on duty for a couple hours yet.

Sheogorath

The Nymph

Anya nearly collided with Hlaalu Morgiah, who was leaving while she was entering.

"Pardon me," the former queen said quickly, moving on.

The atmosphere of the Nymph after being in the Noggin was palpable, almost hushed. While the people in the Noggin sang, the ones in the Nymph whispered, and Anya's senses picked up the major subject: the fight between the Altmer noble, the former Queen of Firsthold, and the Argonian bookseller.

Kethiah was in the corner, watching her husband Isidor talk with Reeds and Erenius, while she nursed her baby. All her instincts had been to get involved with the argument. Well, all her instincts, but the most powerful one.

When she saw Anya, she smiled and waved.

Sheogorath

"I didn't hear any of it," Kethiah replied, with a slight smile. "But Morgiah and an Altmer male with some aristocratic pretensions were having a quiet conversation in the corner, and Reeds went over to listen in on it. He then interrupted them, and voices were raised. Erenius and Isidor went over to make sure everything was all right, and the Altmer left, and then Morgiah left ... I guess everything is all right for now ..."

"But here, I don't believe you've met Eodir yet," she said, her smile widening. The Dunmer babe looked up at Anya with sleepy eyes. "He's always a little tired after feeding."

Sheogorath

Kethiah nodded. "Oh, I know. I hope he gets most of his personality from Isidor, or it's going to be hell ... Isidor asked you to be his Godmother? Um ..." She frowned. "We talked about you and Loranna as ideal people to ask, but in both cases, we were worried that you wouldn't be interested. Loranna because she is going to have her own child to worry about soon, and you because ... well, you know, you haven't quite been yourself of late. And I went ahead and asked Loranna, and she's thinking about it. Is this something you're sure you'd want to do, Anya?"

Sheogorath

"B'vek, no, no, I never wanted any," Kethiah shakes her head. "I never even liked other people's children, but for some reason, I would never accept any assignments to kill children ... And believe me, there are plenty of them out there for the Morag Tong and the Dark Brotherhood. People wanting this heir out of the way, or the evidence of this liaison taken out ... Anyhow, that's as maternal as I thought I was -- just enough not to kill children."

"And then I met Isidor's children, Tyradil and Tilitalia, and they were lovely. It was good having that practice with children who were already raised to a certain degree. And now, my life before motherhood just seems so far away, though it's only been a few days ..."

Kethiah looked dreamy for a moment, before returning back to the subject. "I do trust you, Anya. I think perhaps I might have been leaning towards Loranna being the Godmother simply because I think you and I are too similar, and Loranna could provide something with her tender heart and healing ways that you and I, dark ladies that we are, would not. But I want you involved in Eodir's life, one way or another, however you're most comfortable at whatever time ..."

Sheogorath

"I didn't plan any of this, any more than you planned what happened to you," Kethiah smiled, taking Anya's hand. "You and I aren't sharp women because we have ever thing planned out, and all the answers at hand. We're sharp because we do the best with what we have. I'm sure I'll make plenty of bad choices as well as wise choices in raising Eodir. My life and his are works in progress, just like yours."

Sheogorath

Kethiah laughed softly, trying not to wake Eodir up. "No, my stomach did enough churning in the first couple of months. Now I'm content ... Isidor's the restless one now."

---

Kethiah grinned when she saw Loranna, and waved her over.

"Speaking of prospective Godmothers."

Sheogorath

"Some rumbling between Reeds, Hlaalu Morgiah, and an Altmer aristocrat of some kind," Kethiah replied. "I'm afraid we don't know the details. I was out of earshot, and Anya just came in. We're on to more pleasant conversations now ... Like whether you or she would be willing and able to assume the awesome responsibilities of being Eodir's Godmother."

Sheogorath

"Loranna, what do you think?" Kethiah asked. "I told Anya why I asked you first, how I think Anya and I are similar, and Eodir would benefit from a Godmother like you ... But I know that like Anya you have a lot you're dealing with right now. Have you given it more thought?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah shook her head, and gently cradled Eodir to pass him to Anya.

Sheogorath

"Amazing, isn't it?" Kethiah whispered, smiling.

Sheogorath

Kethiah nods, whispering to Anya. "Is that all right with you, Godmother?"

Sheogorath

"No, it's for me to thank you," Kethiah smiled softly. "Both of you, really."

---

"Hello, Reeds," Kethiah welcomed the Argonian. "We were just talking about you and the little scene with you, Hlaalu Morgiah, and the aristocratic Altmer a little while ago, wondering what that was all about."

Sheogorath

"Who is this damsel in distress?" Kethiah asked. "An Altmer? Who wants to kill her?"

Sheogorath

"Your tavernkeep is right here," Kethiah replied, confused. "What do you need?"

Sheogorath

"Did he now?" Kethiah's eyebrow raised. "Yes, this is the first I've heard of it. Isidor and I seem to be having a speechcraft problem lately ... How long did you say you thought you'd be gone?"

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked to Anya, rolling her eyes. "Didn't I just say that I feared Isidor was getting restless?"

With a smile, Kethiah turned back to Reeds. "Good luck with your quest. If your damsel-in-distress is burdened with a tavern, three children including a two-day-old son, and a missing husband, she'll have all my sympathy."

Sheogorath

"No doubt, I've told him often enough that I knew he was an adventurer not a tavernkeep when I married him," Kethiah replied, her smile tight. "But if he thinks he can sneak off without a word to me, I'll remind him gently he married an assassin."

Sheogorath

"Don't worry, you're not in quite as much trouble as my husband is," Kethiah smiled, after draining her drink. "Ah, thank you, Loranna. Anyhow, I'm not going to stand in the way, Reeds. You just might be a good friend to remind Isidor of his other obligations as soon as he starts volunteering for the latest quest. You'll find he lives longer that way."

Sheogorath

"I was not talking about Isidor being killed on the quest," Kethiah smirked. "But by his loving wife."

Sheogorath

"I don't kill people for exercise anymore, Loranna," Kethiah chuckled. "And I'm not depressed, I'm annoyed ... Anyhow, I'm just glad we settled a little of the support structure for Eidor around here before this little shake-up."

The tavern was steadily being filled by the well-to-do merchants and military types who frequented it. The noise volume while not quite that of the Noggin next door was rising.

"Speaking of whom, I should probably take him upstairs before all this wakes him up," Kethiah said, holding out her hands to Anya. "Unless you'd like to do it."

Sheogorath

"Would you?" Kethiah smiled. "Thank you. He'll probably sleep for a couple hours anyhow, if he has some quiet ..."

"Why don't you two go on to Firsthold, and I'll send Isidor along after I've had a few words with him?" she added to Reeds and Erenius.

Sheogorath

"Men," Kethiah shook her head. "Who can say?"

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, is at her tavern, looking for her husband Isidor for a lovely little "chat." She was just informed that he volunteered himself for an adventure without telling her.

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is looking particularly tanned and rested, having just feasted on a drunken royal soldier (don't worry, he lived, no permanent harm done).

Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroah Chane, and Magister Zadion are all at the Mages Guild.

Hlaalu Morgiah former Queen of Firsthold has returned to Castle Daruhn after a heated talk with Count Terilite and Reeds.

Sheogorath

The Woods Beyond Ald Raathim

If anyone inquired at the Mages Guild, Archmagister Hannibal Traven had gone on a walk. He found he needed to that from time to time when pondering.

He had followed a random road in town, which as it stretched into the farmland and woods was no other than a footpath. It straggled onward into the mystery of the primeval forest.

Darkness and vegetation hemmed it in so narrowly, so black and dense on either side, and disclosed imperfect glimpses of the sky above. Overhead was a gray expanse of cloud, slightly stirred, however, by a breeze; so that a gleam of flickering sunshine might now and then be seen at its solitary play along the path. This flitting cheerfulness was always at the farther extremity of some long vista through the forest.

In short, it was a gloomy area of the woods that the mage walked alone, with only his thoughts.

Sheogorath

Firsthold Mages Guild

"That's me during the day-time," the Guild Guide, a painfully thin ascetic of an Altmer replied. "Hleoa handles the duties at night. Why?"

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim Mages Guild

Zadion had him shown in. The Altmer looked tired, and he bade Nalion to have a seat.

"What can I do for you?"

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Ald Raathim

The two mages met at a crossroads.

"Hello, Your Grace," the Archmagister smiled, though he was a little startled at the Khajiit's sudden presence. "Are you on your way somewhere or just wandering?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold Mages Guild

"Yes, you're not the first person to inquire about her," the mage replied. "Count Terilite was also trying to find her, as I recall ... She came in here, in traveling clothes, carrying a bag, and asked to be transported somewhere called Ald Raathim in Morrowind. She seemed very nervous about something, and as soon as I had been paid and she was in position, I guess she changed her mind, and she hurried out, saying she'd be back later ..."

"Before you ask, I never saw her again, and Count Terilite already asked Hleoa if she remembered her. She said she didn't, but there are so many people using the Guild in the evenings lately with all the balls and social events that last well into the night, she doesn't remember everyone who comes through. Lady Glacia may have come through later that night and gone to Ald Raathim, or somewhere else, or she might not have returned at all ..."

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Of Ald Raathim

"I would presume your duties as Duke would take you all over your territory," Traven replied. "I spoke to your wife earlier, and I must thank you again for letting me have a peek at your private library. It certainly puts the one in the Ald Raathim Mages Guild itself to shame."

Sheogorath

The Ald Raathim Mages Guild, Zadion's Study

"It is an Imperial concern, not merely a local one," Zadion nodded. "And it is much on the archmagister's mind, I can tell you. For some time, Mannimarco has been presumed dead, but there is plenty of evidence that it is not so anymore. Not only in Ald Raathim and Firsthold, but in other areas of the Empire, it appears that the Necromancers are on the rise again. Have you spoken with Morgiah about this?"

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Ald Raathim

"Your wife is charming indeed," Hannibal Traven replied before launching into a long discussion about the mystical energies that are involved in the teleportation system of the Guild. The two of them walked for some time in the woods deep in discussion, and Slyvos was reminded that Hannibal Traven was a very wise and very powerful sorceror in his own right, not merely a politico of the Mages Guild. It had been some time since Slyvos had met anyone so knowledgable in the actual workings of the Mages Guild most remarkable but least understood process, nor talked to someone who in many ways was his equal in the magickal arts.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim Mages Guild

"The expedition was lost," Zadion said soberly. "And then ... Ephesus was. Not just the Guild there, the whole area. Much like Tel Dresori, but any who come within a few miles of the territory in the mountains has died ... The King of Sentinel has requested assistance from the Archmagister on dealing with it ..."

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Ald Raathim

"I do have my own personal bias, I'll grant you," Hannibal Traven nodded thoughtfully. "But when I took over the Guild, I held a symposium where Magisters from all over could debate the Guild's position on the Dark Arts. We came to the conclusion that Necromancy is inherently dangerous. One cannot ‘dabble’ in it. The simplest spell requires the spilling of blood, and immediately begins to corrupt the caster’s soul. It has has proven itself, time and time again, to bring nothing but terror and misery on the practitioner and world. Certainly one can be a terrifying, 'evil' for lack of a better word, mage merely knowing the school of Destruction, but one can also be a good, noble Battlemage. I have never known a necromancer ..." Traven paused, smiling at Slyvos. "And by that you know a practicing Necromancer whose power was used to benefit any but himself."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

A servant answered the door.

"May I help you?" she asked.

Sheogorath

The Ald Raathim Mages Guild

Zadion returned the handshake.

"I would advice discussing these matters further with Hannibal Traven particularly while he is still in town," the Magister replied. "He can tell you what has been tried and what hasn't in these matters."

Sheogorath

The Firsthold Mages Guild

Hloea was not difficult to find. The Guild was understaffed, with most people being at the boat races. A pretty but serious-looking Altmer, she was in the garden, picking herbs.

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Ald Raathim

"I understand a little of what caused you to abandon the ways of the necromancer," Hannibal Traven replied. "But what caused you to take them up in the first place, if you don't mind me asking?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"They're at the boat races," the servant replied, but her eyes opened wide at the mention of the daughter of the house. Clearly, there was no matter more pressing. "I could send for them immediately, or tell you where to find them there ..."

Sheogorath

Firsthold Mages Guild

As Reeds described her, the young Altmer replied. "Oh, you must work for Count Terilite? I can only tell you what I told him -- I don't remember anyone like that who came through here. But like I said, it's been very busy here lately with the social season and all ... "

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servant told Erenius that Lord and Lady Rysleire would be at the King's pavillion during the boat race. He could ask anyone and they would be able to point it out.

"Have you found her?" the servant asked, obviously concerned herself.

Sheogorath

The Firsthold Mages Guild

"In traveling clothes?" Hloea asked. "No, I suspect not. I would have noticed if someone was casually dressed, with everyone being so dressed up these days."

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Ald Raathim

"It's a personal question, yes, but I think the dark road to necromancy is a personal one in itself," the archmagister nodded. "It is often something like revenge that prompts it -- anger, jealousy, that sort of thing ... But sometimes it is simple curiosity, even an innocent desire to resurrect a lost loved one. It is inevitably sad. I think that there are two battles to be fought against necromancy. The fight against those who practice it, and the fight to save those who might go that path ..."

There were more rain drops.

"Perhaps we should head back," Hannibal Traven said. "It is a long walk to shelter ... But I have to ask -- do you not miss any aspect of your old ways? The power and the immortality?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold, The King's Pavillion

The gentlemen all wore blue, and the ladies all wore red. It was a glorious day for the boat races, and all Firsthold was gathered in the tiers above the harbor to watch. No one was more elegantly dressed than the nobles in the King's Pavillion.

Erenius was stopped by the royal guards after a few steps onto the Pavillion.

"What is your business here, sir?" the lead guard asked, looking at Erenius's outfit.

Sheogorath

The Woods Outside Ald Raathim

"I appreciate you being honest with me, your Grace," The Archmagister smiled. "I know it probably feels like I'm asking you too many questions about your past, but I'm only doing it so I can understand ... You're a unique case for me. I seldom am able to ask questions of someone who was involved with necromancy, and expect the answers to be truthful. If you want to turn it around on me at any time, and ask me questions, I won't take offense."

They were walking fairly quickly, though the rain was still relatively light, little more than a heavy mist.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, The King's Pavillion

"They aren't here," the guard shook his head. "This is only for the nobility, not the aristocrats. I imagine they have their own pavillion somewhere, but I wouldn't know where it is."

Sheogorath

"That would be nice, I would take a glass of brandy," The Archmagister nodded. "The matter of Ephesus has much been on my mind of late."

The three entered the Nymph and Noggin, taking a table.

Sheogorath

The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold

It took the better part of two hours to do just that, until Erenius finally found the right pavillion. It was also well-positioned to see the race, which was just coming to a conclusion among much cheering.

Erenius was led directly to Lord and Lady Rysleire, an attractive and opulently dressed couple, who raised eyebrows at Erenius's approach, until he told them he was there about their daughter.

"Who are you and what news do you have?" His Lordship demanded. He was a pompous sort certainly, but there could be no doubt that he was worried.

Sheogorath

"Thank you," The Archmagister replied, as the two tables came together.

---

"If that were easier to do, Nalion, I would have done it myself," Hannibal Traven replied. "Do you have a suggestion about how this could be done?"

Sheogorath

The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold

"You cannot mean that the Count intends to assassinate our daughter," Lady Rysleire replied, eyes wide.

"No, he means they are being employed to find her," her husband shook his head. "Well, certainly, my lord Erenius, if you are able to find her, the reward will be yours. I thank you for your interest in this family matter of ours."

Sheogorath

The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold

"Not at all," Lady Rysleire replied. "Go ahead."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Pavillion

"Glacia's never been outside of Firsthold," his Lordship replied. "There are some relatives, but we've already enquired of them and none of them have seen her."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Mannimarco appeared to you?!" The archmagister looked astounded. "Who are you that he would do that?"

Sheogorath

"I see," The archmagister replied, blinking. "How extraordinary. I don't know if it is a bad idea, I rather suspect it is, but do you think he will return to you?"

Sheogorath

"Hard to say," Traven frowned. "If Mannimarco showed an interest in you, then that interest has likely not died just based on your wise refusal to do business with him. As Nalion said, I am assisting King Lhotun in trying to find a way to Scourg Barrow, but the aura of death is very strong. Even with powerful healers in the group, no expedition has made it very far into the domain of Ephesus without having to turn back. Your health is just drained from you ... and all around, the trees and wildlife have died out ... The Dragontail Mountains are lethal for miles around ..."

Sheogorath

The Rysleire Pavillion, Firsthold

"It will be two weeks tomorrow," said her ladyship. "I'm afraid virtually all paths are turned out to be cold ... But his majesty has his guards searching the countryside for any sign of her."

Sheogorath

"My mages are trying all of that, but the spell is powerful and the effect is shattering," the archmagister replied. "If there is an easy way of doing it, we don't know it."

"It does, however, seem likely your former friend Goranthir is somewhere other than there, though, doesn't it? What good would it be to control living things if everything around you was dead?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"I don't believe she took anything," Lady Rysleire replied, frowning. "But we're not sure. Her maid reports that nothing was missing, anyhow. It's possible she might have bought something for the journey ..."

"Or that she was kidnapped and did not pack a thing," His Lordship added, frowning. "No message, no info from the docks ... and nothing unusual, except that she kissed a certain Argonian before leaving ..."

Sheogorath

Anya got a quick shock of a chill to her soul as the Korgari vampire, Kingston Mune, entered the tavern quickly. He looked urgently in her direction and mouthed the words "GET OUT," as he exited through the garden.

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah, he found, was upstairs, nursing Eodir. She raised an eyebrow at Isidor's appearance before looking back at their child.

"Reeds and Erenius are in Firsthold," she said coolly. "They told me you volunteered to go there for a couple weeks and look for a damsel-in-distress."

Isidor knew his wife well enough to know when she was angry.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"They've been asking everyone in the city if they've seen her," Lasy Rysleire shook her head sadly. "No luck. But it was a busy time in the city ... Perhaps you could inquire specifically at the Guild ... I don't know if anyone has or not."

"Yes, I know it was you," his lordship replied. "And that shocked Altmer in the doorway? That was me."

Sheogorath

Kethiah's Room

"Yes, it's pretty easy to be busy in this place," Kethiah nodded. "I don't know how I'm going to handle it all while you're gone, frankly. With your two-day-old son needing to be fed every couple of hours, I'm pretty exhausted ... Isidor, why couldn't you have talked to me about it before you volunteered? I would have told you to go ahead and go, but I like to think I'm at least a factor in your thinking."

Sheogorath

Anya had barely stepped outside, followed by Shaka, when Charroah Chane entered the tavern. She walked over to the table silently and motioned to the archmagister.

"I am sorry, I'm needed at the Guildhouse," Hannibal Traven said, frowning. "I truly think we've got some interesting directions. We will have to meet again soon. You know you have my full support on any plan involving the eradication of the King of Worms. And with my support, of course, you have the support of the Mages Guild of Tamriel."

He bowed and left.

Out in the garden, Kingston Mune watched with Anya and Shaka.

"She's gone," he said. "I don't think she detected us."

Sheogorath

"Run of the mill vampire-hunter," Kingston grinned. "We could have taken her out, but I got the impression you don't want to have full-fledged battles in your domain. That would be it."

Sheogorath

"I know, and I know you were getting restless," Kethiah sighed. "Okay, get going. I told them I wouldn't keep you long, yelling at you."

She winked. "But don't do it again, and don't get killed, all right darling? I actually love you, even when you're a [censored]."

S'reddit

Firsthold

"You must have misheard her," Lady Rysleire replied. "We have always had our own pavillion for the boat races."

"Or she misspoke," His Lordship offered. "Perhaps she was trying to give directions about how to get here, what direction to go when you reach the King's Pavillion, and simply got muddled ..."

S'reddit

Firsthold

"A dislike to our culture?" Lady Rysleire looked shocked. "Certainly not. And we are very close, mother and daughter. Are you certain?"

"Lady Glacia was a very happy girl, she had everything she ever wanted," Lord Rysleire frowned. "There is no reason for her to have taken a dislike to us. No reason at all."

S'reddit

Firsthold

"Of course they're made for political alliances," Lady Rysleire said, taking the hand of her husband. "That is no secret, anymore than any contract or negotiation is made for political alliances. But she certainly never expressed any rebellious thoughts to me about it."

"Our daughter had, or I should say has many friends," Lord Rysleire added. "Who wouldn't want to be a friend to a girl as pretty and happy as Glacia? Lady Delphina Daille was probably her best friend, yes, my dear?"

"Oh certainly," Her Ladyship smiled. "But we've talked to her, and she doesn't know anything. Poor girl is as distraught as we are."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Of course," Lord Rysleire replied. "There is nothing more important to us than finding our daughter."

On that, at least, Erenius could see that that the aristocratic couple was speaking truthfully. They were pompous, vain, and perhaps clueless about who their daughter was ... but they wanted her safe.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

It took some time for anyone to answer the door of the stately Daille residence. When the door finally opened, it was a servant with a stolid, superior expression. Upstairs, it sounded like a brawl was happening, a high-pitched female voice was screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Yes, gentlemen?" the servant asked, unmindful of the tumult behind him. "How may I help you?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Lady Delphina is a girl of strong opinion, as is her mother, and they are discussing a social engagement of which they are in disagreement," the butler replied, as if it were perfectly normal. "Can you tell me what your business is here?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Now would probably not be the best time," the servant replied gravely. "Could you come back --"

There was the sound of a door slamming upstairs, and a young woman, her hair in disarray, her expensive gown only half-on, flew down the stairs, screaming. "I hate you!"

She rushed past the adventurers on the doorsteps and into the streets.

Immediately she was followed by a noble-looking older Altmer, obviously her mother, and two female servants, who gave chase.

"Yes, now would not be the best time," the servant continued, nonplussed. "Could you come back again later?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Lady Delphina Daille raced through the city with her mother and servants behind her, and she was quite a good sprinter. Her mother ran out of breath before the girl had passed the first corner, and run down a set of stairs that took her along the path of the river.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servants were being passed quickly by. Overhead, Isidor could see the Firsthold guards, those robes figures who took pathways above the city and could see all. They had not yet spotted the pursuit.

The girl ducked into a dockhouse where river boats were kept.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Alas and Alack, the Khajiiti smugglers turned priests of Zenithar, entered the Nymph and Noggin. With their drinks in hand, they bowed to Loranna and the company.

"Blessings of Zenithar be bountiaciously upon thee," Alas grinned.

"And that thing what you wanted to know about," Alack said cryptically to Loranna. "It's all done, Your Gracitude."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Boathouse

"[Censored] off, you [censored] sons of [censored] [censored] who like to [censored] up a [censored] pig's [censored] [censored]!" a young lady's voice called back, throwing a lantern from the boat's bow down on them. "Who the [censored] are you anyhow?!"

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

"Of course, it's big," Alas nodded solemnly. "Come with us to the Resolution, my Dutchness, and we'll lets you puts yer hands on it."

They guided her over the wharfs to the temple complex, where deep in its depths, they showed her Llana's forgery. It was impressive.

"So, do we lets him have it?" Alack asked.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"You look like her kind of friends," Delphina said, looking over the ride of the boat, with a rather petulant expression. It was evidently not a compliment. "What do you want from me? I don't know anything."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Well, you're not aristocrats, that's for sure."

---

"What are you, freelancers?" Delphina giggled, coming down from the boat. She smoothed out her hair a little when she saw them closer. "I'll tell you what I know, but it's not much ... so the favor I'll ask will just be a little one in return."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"You have to take me home, and tell my dad you saved me from being ravaged by brigands," Delphina grinned. "Then I'll tell you everything I know."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"They'll break down in tears and ask me if I'm okay, and I'll get my way," Lady Delphina replied, as if it were so obvious it didn't need to be said. "And they'll probably give you a reward for saving me. Everybody wins."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

"Ain't a good idea to takes too long with it," Alas suggested. "Pleasure deferred be pleasure denied, you know."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Drunken sailors, perfect," Lady Delphina beat her little fists together in girlish glee. "You have a knack for this!"

---

And so she did.

Upon arriving at her parents' doorstep, she burst past the servant into her mother's arms.

"It was horrible! Horrible!" Delphina sobbed. "If it weren't for these heroes, I shudder to think!"

"What happened?!" Lady Dialle cried, holding her daughter, and looking to Erenius, Isidor, and Reeds.

"What's all this fuss?" roared his lordship, coming downstairs. "Delphina, stop your caterwauling at once!"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"By Auriel, my angel!" Lord Dialle threw his arms around mother and daughter, stricken. "Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"

"I'm fine!" Delphina wailed. "I'm sorry I ran away!"

"Oh, sugarblossom," Lady Dialle sobbed. "It was all my fault. Of course, you can wear whatever you like to the theater ... What a horrible mother I've been, can you ever forgive me?"

"Mother, of course!" Delphina hugged her tighter, winking over her shoulder at the three adventurers. "Daddy, don't these men deserve some kind of --"

"By Auriel, yes, I am so sorry, gentlemen, please," his lordship turned to his butler. "Please bring them to the north drawing room, and give them whatever sustenance they require. I will be with you shortly."

The butler gestured for them to come to the north drawing room, an opulent room of gold and silver.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The butler took their orders for drinks, left, and a moment later, Delphina entered with a wide smile.

"That worked brilliantly," she giggled. "Now what would you like to know about Glacia? I did warn you that I don't know very much, right?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Well, here's the truth, and I didn't really tell all the truth to Terilite and his men because ... I didn't like them," Delphina replied. "Glacia and I aren't friends. I mean, I like her all right ... We went to school together, but ... she's a little weird. She used to pay me to tell her parents she was out with me, and I always thought she maybe had a secret lover or something she didn't want them to know about, you know? ... So I asked her, and she confessed that some nights, she just wanted to stay home. She would hide from her parents and they thought she was out! The exact opposite of what every other girl is doing! How weird is that?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"We really didn't talk all that much," Delphina replied. "I don't think she really thought of her engagement to Count Terilite as real, 'cause you know he was out in Valenwood for two years or whatever ... I think she thought he might change his mind ..."

Lord Dialle and his butler entered simultaneously. The butler brought the men the drinks they asked for, and his Lordship brought three perfect six-karat diamonds and handed them to each.

"For rescuing my jewel," he said, very pompously.

"Oh, daddy," Delphina smiled shyly. "Would you leave us for a few minutes? I was just thanking them again, and you make me blush."

Lord Dialle smiled and kissed his daughter's forehead before leaving.

"I really didn't get the impression Glacia was unhappy," Delphina continued. "But then again, who really knows?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Like I said, she was a homebody, she really pretty much kept to herself," Delphina shook her head. "Any time I saw her in town, she was alone or with a servant."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"It was a pleasure," Delphina smiled, showing them to the door.

Sheogorath

Update:

Kethiah, ex-assassin and co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin is running the tavern, and caring for three children including a two-day-old son, while her husband Isidor is off on some quest in Firsthold.

Khajiiti ex-smugglers, “Priests” of Zenithar, and Loranna’s Spymasters Alas and Alack are preparing to follow a forgery to where it leads.

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, is enjoying his last night in Ald Raathim.

Archmagister Hannibal Traven, Charroal Chane, and Magister Zadion are at the Ald Raathim Mages Guild.

And Lady Glacia Rysleire is … somewhere … Only Erenius, Isidor, and Reeds can find her, or her fiancée Count Terilite’s Dark Brotherhood contacts …

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah breathed a sigh of relief, and immediately set Ingmar onto six different tasks, while she ran upstairs to feed Eodir. She returned a short time later.

"Thank you, you're a life-saver."

Sheogorath

The Village Green, Ald Raathim

Goldcat always said Alack was good at not being seen. Sometimes, she said, he would not be seen at work for weeks. But he also was good at subterfuge, and the Khajiit used it to follow Raven, using his natural stealth and an illusion spell or two to follow him.

Sheogorath

The Village Green, Ald Raathim

Goldcat always said Alack was good at not being seen. Sometimes, she said, he would not be seen at work for weeks. But he also was good at subterfuge, and the Khajiit used it to follow Raven, using his natural stealth and an illusion spell or two to follow him.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"He didn't tell me until the last minute," Kethiah grinned, shaking her head. "But believe me, if he's not back in a week or two at most, you're going to have to hold me back."

S'reddit

Alack had seen enough. He could tell his contacts, merchants who sailed between Blacklight and Ald Raathim illegally, to report info about this Thadas character. From Ald Raathim to Cyrodiil to Blacklight, it had taken much time to follow this link ...

Alack used the secret routes of the smugglers to get back to Ald Raathim in a day's time.

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn

"There's a Breton fellow to see you," Kallen told her as she neared the castle. "He didn't give me his name. Shoulder length blond hair ... I asked him to wait, but he went out to the cliffs overlooking the bay. I daresay he's there now, Your Grace."

S'reddit

Castle Daruhn

"You're glad it didn't rain," the Korgari vampire chuckled. "That's fire from the skies for me. But I do like looking at it, isn't that funny?"

The vast expanse of the Inner Sea was indeed a breathtaking sight from the cliffs next to Castle Daruhn. A strong wind was blowing, and tuffs of mist were torn from the crests of the waves like errant ghosts.

"It's perverse, but I'm always drawn to it. I suppose we can't help but look in awe at what would destroy us, eh?" Kingston smiled. "In any case, I came to say goodbye. I told you I wouldn't outstay my welcome, and I wanted to thank you for extending me your courtesy. It is a rare thing."

S'reddit

"Ah, Anya," Kingston smiled, shaking his head. "I'm glad she's found herself with mortals who don't hate and fear her, and it is good if she doesn't hate and fear herself ... but she should not become so comfortable that she puts herself and others in danger. If I hadn't come by the Nymph at that moment, and seen that nasty woman with the tattoos, she would have walked right to your table and known what Anya was and attacked. And besides the possibility that Anya would have been killed -- a slim possibility for a Bathogorgon, even a neophyte, I'll grant you -- it would have been quite a diplomatic kerfuffle ... And then there's the note ..."

Kingston sighed, but the smile was still on his face. "To be a vampire, living in mortal society, is to always be on edge."

S'reddit

"After a few centuries of undeath, vampires cannot be cured," Kingston replied, flicking his fingers, producing little bursts of flame. "At least, that's the common wisdom among my kind. There are stories about exceptions to this, but they're legends ... Truthfully, cures have never interested me, though it is said that the King of Worms with a snap of his fingers can turn a vampire mortal ... and vice-versa too, for that matter."

S'reddit

"He can exert control over you too, my dear," Kingston winked, and then launched a fireball high into the air. It exploded into a beautiful flower of yellow and red.

"The fire, of course. The heat of it. The crackle, and burn, and sheer glamor. Even its ephemeral mortality," he added as the flower faded from the sky. "I think Anya would agree that using her power, stretching out her claws, changing her face, that is what tantalizes and teases us ... But the reality is, for all vampires, it's the blood."

It seemed Kingston was a little closer to her that Loranna had first realized.

S'reddit

"No, it is the blood alone," Kingston replied, extending his fangs. "Oh, the tease, the hunt, the moment before, all can be exquisite, but feeding ... it is the greatest meal and the greatest sex you've ever had, rolled into one, every time, and then some. It does more than sustain us. It inspires us."

S'reddit

"You asked the questions," Kingston laughed, his fangs receding. He took a couple steps back. "I've left a short letter for Anya, but if you have any dire need, write the letters K.M. on a piece of paper and throw them into a fire ... I'll come when I can, but it's not instant, by any means ..."

The vampire bowed. "Fare thee well, Duchess of Ald Raathim."

He began the walk away from the cliffs.

S'reddit

Kingston looked over his shoulder and saw Loranna, and smiled.

He continued on to Anya's mine. Finding her not at home, he left the note he told Loranna he would.

Then he continued to walk. North and west.

And he fed.

On royal guards, and Redoran, and Nord in the days and weeks that followed until he crossed into Skyrim ...

Sheogorath

My Sister Anya,

I am off for parts unknown. I’ve felt the winds luring me north towards Skyrim for some reason, but who knows if they may change? Regardless, I felt it was time to leave Ald Raathim. A charming town, but I am not the sort of predator to stay in one place for very long.

I spoke to Loranna about you, and how important it is for you both not to get complacent, and believe that your existence is acceptable to all. Remember the tattoos on that vampire hunter: many of their kind have them, and if you are alert, you can spot them before they spot you.

There is a little trick I don’t share with many, but I told Loranna and I’ll tell you. If you need me, write my initials K.M. on a piece of paper and burn it. I will know who wrote it and where the burning took place, and I will come if at all possible.

I wish you well on your journey of discovery. May your amorphous limbs be limber, and the blood you find be sweet and hot.

K

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servant of Lord and Lady Rysleire who had opened the door earlier for Erenius opened it. "Can I help you?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"I'm afraid Lord and Lady Rysleire aren't home right now and won't be home for several hours," the servants shook her head. "I couldn't let you in without their approval."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servant handed back the diamond. She didn't look offended, but she shook her head.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen," she said. "I can't."

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servant blushed, averting her eyes. "I made a mistake. I'm sorry, sir. Please come back later."

She shut the door.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Shortly after they began to encircle the mansion, they heard the sound of the front door opening and closing. And then a woman's heels as someone ran down the street.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Their quarry lost them very quickly, seemingly well used to slipping into the city streets, but not before they could see it was the servant girl who had opened the door earlier.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

A different servant, a male Altmer, answered the door this time. "Yes, how may I help you gentlemen?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Gram found himself in a marketplace, filled with people, and asking any of them if they had seen a young Altmer of the servant girl's description, he found that few had noticed her. After a few false starts, he was able to track her down to the river and a small flotilla of fishing boats. Someone said they thought they saw her talking to one of the fishermen there, but neither he nor she were there now.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servant frowned. "My master and mistress aren't home right now ... They would not be happy about having their home searched while they are away ... Which they will be for a few hours ..."

Isidor recognized right away someone who wouldn't be averse to a bribe.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Let you in, sir?" the servant's eyes bugged at the gem. "I'll tear the place apart with you!"

The vast interior of the mansion was like most architecture in Firsthold. Magnificent. Reflective. Cold.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

"Oh, Thrandra you're looking for?" one of the fishermen replied. "She's here all the time, getting produce for her household ... I think her cousin gives her a good deal, not that those people need it or nothing ..."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

"This'll take you some hours," the servant nodded. "Best get started ..."

There was a whole closed off wing of the mansion ("It's the winter wing," the servant explained) with ballrooms, suites, and libraries. Glacia's room was enormous, filled with clothing neatly hanging in closets, a huge view over the plaza -- everything a rich girl could want.

And then was the wine cellar, fruit cellar, wood cellar, three attics, and storage rooms to search ...

But no Glacia was there to be found.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, The River

"Himble don't have a shop, he sells right here," the fisherman replied, looking around. "At least, he does when he's around. But I'll sell you the freshest, choicest meat of the briny deep you ever wanted, and give you a good price, sir."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

"No, sir," the servant replied, shaking his head. "I'd tell you if I did. She just disappeared."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, The River

"Not 'round here," the fisherman replied, smiling, as he sold Gram the fish, which was indeed of a very fine, very fresh quality, and at an excellent price. "He's got family down south river, in Bourrill or therebouts. He just comes up here daily to sell his stock. But he ain't got nothing on mine," he added proudly.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The servant girl who had answered the door earlier came up the road, bearing fish.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

"Excuse me?" the servant girl replied, blushing furiously. "I didn't run away! I have errands to run. By Auriel, I don't know anything!"

She went past them into the house.

Sheogorath

Rysleire Manor, Firsthold

"Leave me alone!" the servant girl cried, continuing on to the kitchen. "I ran because if I don't, I don't get my chores done in time, and I get in trouble. I don't have anything to say to you!"

Sheogorath

Rysleire Manor, Firsthold

The girl burst into tears. "I don't know anything! Why do you think I do? What do you think I've done with her?"

Sheogorath

Rysleire Manor, Firsthold

The servant girl wiped her eyes with the handkerchief Gram provided. "Thank you."

---

She nodded. "I know how worried everyone is. If I knew anything, I wouldn't have anything to gain by holding back, would I?"

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

The girl turned to Gram, and then to Isidor, and sighed. "She's in Lillandril."

Suddenly, the men noticed the face at the open window to the kitchen. A dark-hooded figure, who upon being spotted, turned and fled.

S'reddit

Firsthold

As they ran out the door, they thought -- once again -- that they had lost their fleeing quarry. They were in the expansive back lawn of the Rysleire Manor, and no one was in sight. Then they heard it. Footsteps running across the roof of the next manorhouse to the east. Actually, there were three pairs of footfalls.

S'reddit

Firsthold

It was a circuitous route alongside the manorhouses of Firsthold, passing shocked aristorcrats and their retinues, as the men kept pace with the figures on the rooftops. From time to time, they would catch a glimpse though the alleys between the manors, seeing the dark cloaked characters leap effortlessly through the air.

Finally, at the end of a long row of manorhouses, there was a wide boulevard with a park running down the middle of two streets, and no more manors. The figures leapt from the roof, breaking their falls in the boughs of a tree.

One of the figures continued to run down the street, while two of them stayed behind to greet their pursuers. Under their dark robes, they were indistinguishable in race, gender, or age, but one pulled out a curved saber that glowed with a dark light, and the other pulled out a barbed whip.

S'reddit

Firsthold

Here, as everywhere in Firsthold, there were upper walk-ways for the use of the city guard. Two of those guards seeing the fight about to happen, ran along the walk-way to prevent it.

On the boulevard meanwhile the figure with the whip cracked it at Erenius in an arc, to disarm him, and by the look of the barbs on it, deliver a vicious blow as well.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The other dark-cloaked figure met Gram's admonition with nothing but silence and a rush forward. His technique was impressive as he swung his glowing blade at the Nord. A Dark Brotherhood assassin to be sure.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The assassin's hand flew from his body in a bloody arc, as he bellowed in pain.

The guards joined the heroes, but all were held at bay by the remaining assassin, whipping at them, keeping them at a distance.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The assassin did not deflect it, but elegantly dodged, allowing a moment where --

---

-- Reeds could slip past him and race down the street. The third assassin had slipped down an alleyway off the main boulevard.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

One of the Firsthold guards had also charged at them, and the assassin snapped his whip around the guard's neck, getting it between the helmet and the armor. With a flip of his wrist, the whip returned, and the guard's head tumbled to the ground.

He turned quickly to face Isidor and Gram, but there was an opening.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Alley

It was a deadend alleyway, filled with refuse, large and small, a nasty little place just off the clean, pristine streets of Firsthold. Reeds's vision immediately placed the assassin, skulking behind a bag of garbage, a blowgun to his lips as he watched the Argonian carefully.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The assassin turns to face Gram, whipping his weapon around before the axe strikes him, hacking into his shoulder and freezing him. The whip flicks against Gram's cheek -- another bit of force from the assassin would have decapitated the Nord, but it is the tiniest of lacerations now.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Isidor slices through hard, frozen flesh, killing the already half-dead assassin.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Alley

He saw the assassin get into position to blow the dart, and he was still quite a distance away -- too far to reach him before the dart reached Reeds ...

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Alley

The action surprised the assassin, who dropped his blowpipe, and made a run for the wall, starting to scale it with surprising skill.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Alley

The assassin cursed, and a short thing blade slipped out of his sleeve ...

---

But before the assassin could strike Reeds, he was impaled against the wall.

S'reddit

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, mother, and tavernkeep, is at the Nymph and Noggin, tending to business and grateful that her brother-in-law Ingmar is there to help her.

Alas and Alack, Khajiiti ex-smugglers, false priests of Zenithar, Loranna’s excise and import/export agents (and secretly, her Spymasters) are compiling reports about activities in Blacklight, where the forged letter Llana had copied was brought.

Summerset: The River to Bourrill

Erenius, Reeds, Isidor, and Gram in their race to find Glacia Rysleire finally found a link in a servant girl named Thrandra at the Rysleire Manor. Though the girl claimed that Glacia was in Lillandril, the heroes decided to follow a different path first, knowing that Thrandra has a cousin named Himble, a fisherman with a family “down south” in Bourrill. After dealing with a trio of Dark Brotherhood assassins who were scoping out the Manor, they began making inquiries about Bourrill.

There was no Mages Guild transport to Bourrill, of course. Nor, they discovered, any roads. Bourrill was a village on an island in the river, about half a day’s journey, and there was no other way to get there than by fishing boat. After talking to several fishermen who at first thought they were joking (“No one goes to Bourrill, what do you think there is to do there?”), they found an Altmer fisher by the name of Quilge willing to transport them.

The skiff brought them out of Firsthold into the southern forests, which were an astonishing change from the beautiful but very unnatural cityscape they had been in.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Kethiah, holding her baby Eodir in one arm and a long wrapped bundle in the other, made her way through the village to the Castle Daruhn. She asked Kallen where she could find the Duchess. She had something for her.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim, Castle Daruhn

"Hello Loranna," Kethiah smiled. "I don't know if this would be useful to you at all, but I just came across it today. As you know, after the attempted invasion, the Nymph and Noggin was filled up with refugees, and we had to clear out a number of rooms that we usually kept for people -- including Goranthir's old room. I put everything in the cellar, and I was looking for something for the kitchen today, and I came across this. I guess he left it behind when he went to Vvardenfell."

She handed the long wrapped object to Loranna. Inside was Goranthir's sword, the Kynarine Blade.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim, Castle Daruhn

"Possibly, it's mostly clothing, and I think I do remember a ring," Kethiah nodded, looking at Loranna curiously. "Something special about it?"

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"I'll do another search through his things, and see if I can find it," Kethiah nods. "Of course, it could also be on the Akarvina. You know, it's been restored by the same Nordic shipwrights who built it, so we at least have one warship in the harbor again ..."

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

"I'll walk back with you to the harbor, and look in the cellar while you look on the ship," Kethiah smiled.

The Harbor

Kethiah went into the tavern, and Loranna could see how busy the harbor had become. Among the freetraders, Nords mostly, the word can been spread about the Resolution of Zenithar in Ald Raathim, and even those whose business was elsewhere came to make prayers for favorable negotiations and good profits.

The Resolution itself was nearing completion, thanks to work around the clock by the temple faithful. It had changed the skyline of Ald Raathim with its enormous obelisk, set upon the top of the Resolution, nearly a hundred feet above the sea.

Goranthir's warship, The Akarvina, was in dry dock while the Nord shipwrights worked on restoring it. Two hundred and fifty feet long with a displacement of three thousand tons, and a fifty foot tall forecastle, it was an impressive sight to behold again. Diamond's unfinished figurehead of Kynareth still graced its bow.

The shipwrights bowed to see their Duchess.

Sheogorath

Drydocks, Ald Raathim

"Of course, your Grace," said the head shipwright, helping the gravid Duchess on board the ship. Besides, the familiar lines, there were still scorch marks from the Akarvina's role in the two battles against the Butcher Of The Bay, which were being sanded down and restored. In the captain's quarters, she found Goranthir's armor, and the three skimpy outfits and body make-up he, Tris, and Allerleirauh had worn when they dressed as Vivec, Hircine, and Almalexia for the masque in Firsthold.

"We'll be done with it soon," the head shipwright added. "Perhaps your Grace would commission us for another ship?"

Sheogorath

Drydocks, Ald Raathim

The shipwright nodded and grinned. "Of course, your Grace. I have a lot of work to do yet ..."

He returned to his men as they continued to work on the deck. As she passed them, Loranna remembered the last time she had been on the deck of the boat, and the vision of Sheogorath came to her:

As I look down from my golden path,
Whom do I spy in the bubbling bath?
She’s grown a flower what was but a bud
From the sea to the ashfields of blood
A Goddess behind thee, and a Goddess ahead,
Death crawls behind, and before thee doth tred,
I tell thee the truth of which thou dost fear
Thou willst bury two thou love most dear
Do not fear the dark, for here comes the sun,
And it ‘twill not set ‘til the fight’s lost and won.

Sheogorath

The Akarvina, Drydocks, Ald Raathim

After more wandering, over the ship and through her memories which it invoked, Loranna was ready to give up. Perhaps Kethiah had better luck in the cellar at the inn, among Goranthir's belongings there? As she started for the steps, she saw something glinting between the floor boards of the deck.

It was the ring. Evidently, it had been swept from the captain's cabin, and become lodged in the floor. With a little effort, Loranna pulled the ring out of the crack.

S'reddit

The bustling squares of Wayrest were like no bazaar Faryon had ever seen. Here more than any other place, the merchant-prince ruled. Anything that could be had anywhere, could be found in Wayrest. From the east up the Bjoulsae River, or from the west down the Iliac Bay, commodities and ephemera of every variety collided.

Had Faryon been used to the city, he would have noticed how much it had changed. It had always been a wealthy, mercantile center, but now there were nearly as many orcs wandering the streets and selling their goods as there were Bretons. The alliance between Elysana and Gortwog gro-Nagorm had changed the culture enormously.

The great royal Dome of Wayrest dominated the skyline. Upon arriving there and giving his name, Faryon received a much different reception that at the Imperial Palace, where it had taken him weeks to receive a reception with the Emperor's son. Only a few minutes went by, and the guard hurried back.

"The Queen will see you immediately," he said.

S'reddit

The Royal Dome of Wayrest

Two Breton children, a boy and girl, walked past Faryon, together with a well-dressed, handsome Breton man, who from the look of him was obviously their father. They were engaged in conversation, and merely looked in Faryon's direction with a smile as they passed. Though he was not introduced, they were the Queen's consort and their children.

Faryon was escorted into the dining room, where the Queen sat as food was being carried away.

"Would you like to eat anything before it's taken away," Elysana asked. Faryon knew who she was instantly. A beautiful, blond Breton with confidence and authority which would put Mortillara to shame, and likely rival that of Queen Mother Barenziah, who, as he recalled, had once been Elysana's stepmother. "You're from the Alliance, yes, Lord Faryon?"

S'reddit

The Royal Dome, Wayrest

The Queen smiled widely. "How marvelous. Do take a seat, Faryon. I have been watching your Alliance with great interest, and I know even a little something about you ... I'm a little offended that no one from your association came to me earlier. Together, we could have ended that miserable cur's reign months ago, I've no doubt."

Even while she was talking about being offended and destroying her stepbrother, the wide, innocent smile was on her face.

"Now, tell me your aims and ambitions, and what you need of me."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome, Wayrest

"All right," the Queen of Wayrest chuckled. "Really, I don't need to be talked into despising Helseth, Barenziah, and Morgiah, Faryon. The only reason I haven't sent emissaries to your Alliance before is that I didn't think the group as a whole likes outsiders. Some of your councilors would rather lose the war than join forces with someone such as me. But I have considered myself your ally for months, though we have only met just now. So, I repeat, what are your aims and ambitions? What can I do for you?"

As they spoke, Elysana's war councillor came into the room. She was probably a she, but undoubtedly the ugliest, toughest-looking orc Faryon had ever seen. She looked at Faryon with emotionless, beady eyes as she took a seat.

"This is my war councillor," Elysana added, by way of introduction. "This is Sera Indoril Faryon of the Indoril and Redoran Alliance of Morrowind. Faryon, this is Beauty."

S'reddit

'The Royal Dome, Wayrest

Beauty looked over Faryon's maps, tracing the boundaries and borders with a thick, warty finger.

"Surrounding Morrowind will be impossible," she said, her voice surprisingly soft and cultured for so repulsive a creature. "You will need to draw Helseth out ..."

The orc fell into thoughtful silence, pondering the various maneuvers.

"Yes, you are in need of allies," the Queen nodded, also studying the maps. "The fortunate thing for you is that political connections are forever in flux. It was not long ago that I was investing considerably in those 'heroes' of Ald Raathim. They haven't joined Helseth because they like him, I can tell you that. They have formed an alliance with him for the same reason anyone does -- he offered them much in return. Have you considered trying to turn them to your side, rather than destroying them?"

S'reddit

The Royal Dome, Wayrest

"Perhaps," Elysana nodded, the smile fading from her face. "You're closer to the situation than I am. But your method of dealing with the radicals in your own Alliance struck me as both creative and wise, so I was curious if, just as you purge yourself of unhelpful elements, enlisting the heroes could be managed. I still say that they have no emotional commitment to Helseth. Kill him, and you eliminate a resource of theirs ... but I still think they would fight you as long as they felt threatened ..."

Beauty waited until her Queen had spoken, and then said. "I would need some time with you to discuss possibilities. I don't know Morrowind well ... But I think the King would respond quickly if he thought there was a crack in your defenses. Invent the illusion of one, somewhere in the south perhaps, far from where the Altmer and Imperial forces could aid him. And then surround and crush him there, not in Morrowind ..."

S'reddit

The Royal Dome, Wayrest

"It will need to be set up carefully," Beauty replied, thoughtfully. "Helseth is not so great a fool as to fall for an obvious trap ... He must be led to believe that it is his own ingenuity that detected this crack, not something obvious."

Another councillor stepped into the dining room, and Elysana saw him at once. That was something Faryon could not help but notice: the Queen's preternatural ability to see everything, almost in all directions.

"My Lord Faryon," said Elysana, standing up. "I have other business I must attend to. But you must stay the night in our finest room. Tomorrow we can discuss specifics of our plan."

The Queen left the room with the councillor.

"Faryon, I am curious about something," Beauty said after Elysana had left. "Our Spymaster has been reporting back that these heroes of Ald Raathim are engaging in some movements against Mannimarco, the King of Worms ... Do you know anything about that?"

Sheogorath

The Royal Dome, Wayrest

Beauty shook her head, and smiled, revealing off-color tusk-like teeth. "No, not in Gortwog's territory, but in Lhotun of Sentinel's territory ... Very interesting."

The war councillor also stood. "You are tired, no doubt. Why don't we continue this conversation tomorrow?"

A servant appeared at the door to escort Faryon to his room.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Loranna returned to the Nymph and Noggin with Goranthir's ring in hand, and found that Kethiah had not returned from searching the cellar, but there were other people of note in the tavern. Hlaalu Morgiah, Archmagister Hannibal Traven, the undead hunter Charroal Chane, and Magister Zadion were at a table together. The men stood up and bowed when Loranna came in.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Quite well," the archmagister replied, gesturing to a chair which telekinetically rolled into position for Loranna to sit in it comfortably. "We were looking for you earlier, but your man Kallen said you were heading to the wharf. We assumed he meant here."

"The archmagister has concluded his investigation of the Guild, and has come to say farewell," Morgiah said.

"Good news and bad news," Zadion added, a slight smile on his face. "It has been determined that it is vital for the good of the Guild that Ald Raathim has a Mages Guildhouse here, and the archmagister is determined to increase its prominence and expand on its library and laboratories. The bad news is that I will not be here to see it expand. I will be going back to Summerset, as soon as my replacement arrives here."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Zadion blushed slightly and smiled. "Thank you, your Grace. But the decision had been made. I will try to come back here when I can ..."

"Zadion is not being punished," the archmagister added with a slight frown. "I recognize that he has done a lot of good here. The Guild would not be what it is without him and his leadership. But there are a great many issues ... By the way, we will be reopening several Guildhouses in Vvardenfell. They will be under strict instructions to be neutral in the matter of the war, but I wanted to let you know so it would not be a surprise to you. The question that remains is whether non-Guild-members should be allowed to transport using the Guild Guide between enemy territories."

"The archmagister is talking to the Redoran and Indoril about their preferences in the matter," Zadion said. "But I'm sure you can see it's a complex issue. On one hand, we believe in freedom to travel where one likes. On the other, you don't want Alliance agents using the Guild to infiltrate Ald Raathim; and they don't want your agents in Vvardenfell ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Wise words, your Grace," the archmagister beamed approvingly. "Of course, there are others who will need to be consulted about this, but I will keep you apprised."

Hannibal Traven and the silent Charroal Chane rose from the table.

"We will be going now, no need to walk us to the Guild," he added. "It has been a pleasure, Duchess Dres Loranna Pyrel."

They left, leaving Zadion and Morgiah behind.

"Glad that's over," Zadion sighed, taking a sip of his drink.

"It went better than could be expected," Morgiah nodded.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"Lack of neutrality, as you might expect," Zadion replied, shrugging.

"Or at least the appearance of lack of neutrality," Morgiah suggested.

"No, I am partisan in this war," Zadion corrected her. "The archmagister could see through that right away. And concessions had to be made if the Guildhouses in Vvardenfell are to be reopened."

"And you're the sacrificial lamb," Morgiah said.

"So it would seem," Zadion nodded. It was interesting to note that Zadion did not seem overly distressed about being removed from the Guild, particularly as worried as he had been about it and the fate of the Guild before the meeting. "But it will be a few weeks before my replacement arrives, and until then, I have permission to aid you on the matter of Mannimarco. Whatever you need, you only have to ask."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Loranna, the soon-to-be-former-magister-of-Ald-Raathim, and the former-queen-of-Firsthold ordered more drinks and continued the discussion, hoping all was well with the adventurers across Tamriel on their various quests.

Sheogorath

Summerset: Bourrill

As the skiff had floated southward, the river had twisted and turned, and finally widened, so the shores could only just been seen on either side. Night had fallen, and the riparian islands were looming up in the distance, always floating above the water, not resting on it. The stars came out with magnificent brilliance and the wind was soft and cooling.

There was no time any more, just the skiff and its passengers drifting along.

“That’s Bourrill up ahead,” said Quilge, but there was no discernible difference between the pile of lightly forested rocks in the river, and any of the others they had passed. It did occur to them that if one wanted to disappear and not be found, this would be a good place to do it. They had not passed another fishing boat in some hours.

Quilge brought them to the island, rowing standing up, pushing instead of pulling. He seemed absolutely tireless, moving his heavy burdens about at will with deft and almost imperceptible movements of the wrist.

As he turned around the island, Isidor, Reeds, Erenius, and Gram saw that there were other similar skiffs anchored in the rocks, but there was no sign of anyone. The trees, wild, curling, and thick, like giant vines defying gravity, blocked off the secrets of the island of Bourrill from any on the water.

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"Just squeeze through," Quilge grinned. "You can't miss the settlement. It ain't like it's a big island ... So, you want me to wait for you, or you got a way back?"

Sheogorath

Bourrill

The men squeezed through the trees around the periphery of the island, and they found themselves in a clearing, composed of massive boulders tumbled upon one another. The small community of fishermen consisted of little more than a dozen shacks built on the rocks, under the shelter of the flowering twisted trees that grew between the cracks between the boulders.

Altmeri children peeked out from their play among the boulders, looking at the four curiously. A couple fishermen walked over and asked whether they were lost.

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"That's me," said one of the men, a gray-haired Altmer with a weathered, sunburnt face. "What do you want?"

Isidor noted that several of the men were carrying hooks and clubs on them, not holding them menacingly, but they seemed ready if need be.

Sheogorath

Bourrill

Himble did not take Gram's hand, and merely shook his head. "Sorry, someone told you wrong -- ain't no one here by that name --"

A young woman in a gray robe stepped out from behind a rock. "Reeds?"

She lowered her hood. It was Glacia. "It's all right, Himble. They're okay."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

Glacia was frozen with surprise as Reeds embraced her. “By Auriel, I didn’t think you’d – How did you find me?”

Then she held him tight.

“Good friends to my cousin,” Himble smiled. “Thrandra told you where to find us? Where is she?”

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"I was going to go to Ald Raathim," Glacia said, her face buried in Reeds's shoulder. "But they would have tracked me down there. Someone at the Mages Guild would have talked. It seemed safer to take the long way ... But when we tried to get into a city, they were looking for me there too ..."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

Himble grinned, and slapped Gram on the back, taking his hand now. When it was obvious that they were friends of Glacia's, he was no longer the grim, gray-haired Altmer, but a jovial oldster.

"Aye, she sent word that she had some visitors she sent on a wild goose chase over the pavillions of Firsthold," he chuckled. "Hope you enjoyed the tour. There weren't no way of knowing who you was, you know ... Anyhow, you gonna take Glacia off our hands? Sweet girl, but she don't even know how to bait a line ..."

He looked over at Glacia and Reeds fondly, a broad grin on his face.

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"Nowhere in Summerset or Valenwood," Himble replied. "The Count has property there, and they'll be looking for her that close to Firsthold ..."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"Depends on who the Count has looking for her," Himble replied, shrugging. "How well does he know you? If we disguised her, but he had his men looking for you too, it wouldn't do much good."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"I'd take you, but my boat's not really built for sea travel," Himble grinned, and then his smile faded. "So, you did have a run-in with the Brotherhood ... Thrandra warned us that they were about."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"It would have to be a big distraction," Glacia said quietly. "Thrandra said the Mages Guilds would the first place they'd expect me to leave by ... "

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"They are watching the house?" Himble shivered. "Thrandra wasn't certain ..."

"It would certainly attract the attention of the Brotherhood to make a scene there," Glacia nodded. "But if you were the Brotherhood, wouldn't you just keep some agents watching the Mages Guilds of Summerset, regardless of other distractions? There are that many of them ... I don't know what to do ... I guess that's why I just stayed here."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"Of course I do," Glacia smiled. "Where else am I going to go?"

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"I told you I do want to go there, more than anything," Glacia replied to Reeds unhappily. "But Terilite won't give up, no matter what ... And even if we're safe in Ald Raathim thanks to the Duchess, he'll take his revenge on Thrandra and everyone in Bourrill if he ever finds out they helped me ..."

She shook her head. "I've been a fool. I should never have left. I've caused too much trouble already."

Sheogorath

Summary

Lady Glacia Rysleire is on a riparian island south of Firsthold (vocabulary word of the day -- Riparian = of or on a river) called Bourrill, having been found by Reeds, Erenius, Isidor, and Gram. She is worried that her running away from her fiancee Count Terilite and her family is putting too many people in danger.

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"Nonsense," Himble said, taking Glacia's hand. "You deserve your chance at happiness, same as anyone. Better you stay here, than go back to Firsthold and be miserable for the rest of your life ..."

"I couldn't bear it if you or Thrandra were hurt because I didn't want to marry Count Terilite," Glacia said, embracing the old fisherman.

Sheogorath

Bourrill

"Bourrill was too small for Thrandra," Himble laughed. "That's why she up and went to Firsthold. If she don't jump at the chance to see more of the world, then I'm a sload ... But as for me, I don't want to go nowhere else. This is my home. And as long as no one followed you here, it'll stay my home."

"Of course, this means we'll have to go back to my family's house to see Thrandra," Glacia grimaced. "And if you fought the Dark Brotherhood there before, there will be more there now, and they'll be expecting trouble."

Sheogorath

Bourrill

Quilge was right where they left him, napping sitting up on his skiff, which rocked gently in the river. As they approached him, he got lazily to his feet.

"Seen what you need to see? Taken in all the sights?" the fisherman smiled, on seeing Glacia. "Oh, I see you grabbed a souvenir."

As the now five passengers got aboard the boat, Quilge pushed off. It would be morning before they returned to Firsthold, and whatever awaited them there ...

Sheogorath

The Temple of Healers

The healers’ asylum was a clean, humane place for housing the citizens of Ald Raathim who had been kissed by Sheogorath over the years. That did not make it quiet. Throughout the halls echoed screams and laughter, snatches of songs, babbling …

Egalius Soccitus led Loranna through, quietly nodding to the workers who brought the inmates their food and tried to comfort them to little avail.

Finally, they arrived at the cell where Dres Minsero lived.

Magister Zadion was in there with Minsero, who was rocking back and forth on his bed.

“I don’t understand,” the Dres nobleman was saying, his eyes dark and haunted. “Who are you? Where is this place? I don’t understand, I don’t understand.”

“Loranna,” Zadion said, standing up quickly.

“Who are you?” Minsero asked plaintively.

Sheogorath

The Temple of Healers, Ald Raathim

"You know Dres Loranna," Zadion said to Minsero. "Remember, you recommended me to her?"

"I don't know who you are," Minsero shook his head violently. "I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE!"

There was a soft, rose-colored light that leapt from Egalius's hands to Dres Minsero, calming him down, but he continued to mutter, "Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? Who are you?"

“Magister Zadion visits Sera Dres Minsero every day, sometimes twice a day,” Egalius Soccutus said to Loranna, his voice low. “And Minsero still doesn't know who he is, or what he's doing here ... Magister Zadion actually asked me today if I knew of any asylums in Summerset which would treat him well, and might know of a cure ...”

Sheogorath

The Temple of Healers, Ald Raathim

Zadion looked back at Loranna, with equally sorrowful eyes. In fact, Loranna could see with Zadion and Minsero next to one another, with eyes of desperation, how similar the Altmer and the Dunmer looked. Their brows and the shape of their eyes were identical, even if their eye colors were not.

"Egalius says they may be able to help him in Artaeum," Zadion said quietly. "That is the only hope ... that, or time ..."

Sheogorath

The Temple of the Healers, Ald Raathim

"I think he will like it in Summerset," Zadion smiled through tears. "He did like it years ago, when he met a young Altmer sorceress there, my mother ... It will not be a strange place to him, no more than here, when he recovers."

Sheogorath

The Temple of the Healers, Ald Raathim

"By Stendarr's blessing, that will be soon," said Egalius Soccitus, eager to move on, and get a drink.

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Dawn

Another half day’s journey over the river ended with the sun rising over a bend in the river, its light blindingly bright, caught in the silver and crystalline prisms of the by now familiar skyline of Firsthold. Quilge’s skiff joined other boats coming in from the straits to the west, forming a virtual armada of fishing boats entering the urban waterways of the city. The quietude of the country was replaced with the cries of sailors hailing one another in familiar and sometimes profane terms.

Quilge brought his boat to dock, and accepted payment for the trip.

“Now we go on to my parents’ house,” Lady Glacia Rysleire said, stepping onto the low walkway along the riverside. She was trying to be brave, but in her heart, she was imagining not only her parents being home, but also Count Terilite … and a host of Dark Brotherhood assassins.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

When the Duchess returned to her home, her seneschal Kallen sought her out. He had a letter with him.

"This is something you should see, your Grace," he said, frowning just a touch.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

Kallen had read the letter. As trusted as he was, Loranna let him read all her correspondence. When he handed it to her, she noted that the broken seal was the mark of House Indoril.

The letter read:

To her Grace, Dutchess Loranna Pyrel;

It has come under my knowlage that you are sending fowarth an expedition against the king of Worms. There are few things worse in this world that the Tyranny of Hesleth, but the King of Worms is one of them. I would like to offer any support I can give, troops or weapons I would gladly give to rid the world of such evil.

I hope to hear from you soon
Yours truly
Councillor Indoril Faryon, Councillor House Indoril, Governer of Kragenmoor

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Summerset

"I don't know if Thrandra will come with you, just based on your assurances that you're my friends," Glacia frowned. "I might need to come along ... Besides, I don't know where in Firsthold I'd be safe without you."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

"That is what I've been wondering, your Grace," Kallen nodded. "I'm perplexed. If it is a trap, it is a strange one. I think there's a distinct possibility it may be an honest offer."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Summerset

As they talked, they could hear applause coming from the town.

"It's the theater festival beginning," Glacia said. "My parents and the Count will be there ... And no one should be at the house except servants."

As the sun rose, there were more expensive pleasure crafts that were pulling to the dock. Well-to-do Altmer disembarked chatting with one another. Apparently, Baloth-Kul's new play would be debuting.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Glacia grinned, but it was a nervous grin.

The group skirted the edge of the city, trying to stay a distance away from the palace grounds where the theater festival was being held. It was like working one's way against the current of a strong river, but soon, they found themselves in the elegant residential boulevard where Rysleire Manor stood.

Glacia looked it, shivering a little, and then summoned up her courage, walking forward to knock on the front door.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The door opened, and for a moment Thrandra and Glacia just looked at one another, and then the servant girl grabbed her in a tight embrace.

“What are you doing back here?” Thrandra cried. “It isn’t safe –“

“I’m here with my friends,” Glacia replied, gesturing to the four behind her. “How would you like to go with us to Ald –“

Glacia stopped speaking, and slumped forward as Thrandra tried to keep her from falling.

“My lady?!” Thrandra cried. “My lady!”

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Gram immediately spotted them in the trees, clad in black. Assassins. At least ten of them, dropping down into the front garden of the Rysleire Manor like leaving, swords and whips flashing out.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

A tiny quill, scarcely bigger that a hair, was sticking in Glacia's arm.

She was breathing, it was only a knock-out drug in her.

The assassins came closer as Reeds's poured the potion in Glacia's mouth, and Thrandra screamed.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

Glacia coughed, her eyes fluttering open. Thrandra grabbed her around the arms, dragging her into the house, away from the assassins.

“Step away from the girl,” a dark, deep voice came from the first assassin, spinning his whip around to the left and right. “We aren’t being paid extra for blood.”

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The assassin that Reeds was addressing had nothing to say, but groaned as he lay on the lawn. Another assassin ran to him with glowing blue hands to heal him.

---

The assassin dodged Isidor’s axe swing, and fell against Reeds, to knock him off-balance, pushing him towards the open door.

Thrandra had pulled Glacia into the foyer and was calling for help. The sound of servants’ footsteps could be heard from within.

---

The assassin dodged Erenius’s blow unsteadily, caught a bit off balance by having his whip snapped in half while it was taut.

Of the nine remaining assassins (not counting the one Isidor and Gram both swung at who fell into Reeds, the one with his guts out, the one healing him, and the one caught off balance by Erenius), five ran directly for the open door, two (both with swords) went for Isidor and Gram, and two (one with a barbed whip, one with a sword) charged at Erenius.

“Get inside!” Thrandra cried out.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The assassin Reeds is on top of knees the Argonian, trying to throw him off.

Four servants, a thin maid, a thinner valet, and two burlier handy men run into the foyer from all directions, staring at Lady Glacia groggily getting to her feet, staring at the Argonian and the assassin wrestling on the floor, staring at the big Nord blocking the door with his shield.

A powerful volley of blows reigned against Gram’s shield. They may not be able to split the shield, but by sheer force, they could push their way in.

“The kitchen door!” Thrandra cried, pulling at the heroes. “Hurry, before they circle around!”

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

“I meant,” Thrandra shouts, supporting Glacia. “We should escape through the kitchen door! That’s the Plan B!”

“What’s happening?” the valet cried. “Lady Glacia, are you all right?”

“We can go out through the stables …” Glacia murmurs.

The two brawnier servants ran to help Gram with the shield against the door.

Thrandra began pulling Glacia towards the back of the manor and the stables. "All right, Plan C ..."

Sheogorath

Firsthold, Rysleire Manor

Thrandra shakes her head. "Only five."

"What is going on here?!" one of the brawny servants shouts, holding onto the pounding door. "Who are these people?! Who are you?!"

"The guards will be here any moment!" the valet cries. "Leave us alone!"

He grabs at Lady Glacia, who slaps his hand away.

Sheogorath

Rysleire Manor, Firsthold

Thrandra leads the group through a courtyard to the well-appointed stables, where five beautiful horses were housed. Only one of the servants followed them, the thin maid who kept wailing. "What are you doing? Who are you? What do we tell the master?"

Glacia ignored her. "Take the alley, and go left. We'll be going towards the theater festival, but away from the assassins ..."

Thrandra ran to the gates to throw open the bolt.

Sheogorath

Rysleire Manor, Firsthold

The skinny Altmer maid weighs less than Gram's favorite sword and is easily scooped up, even while she struggles and screams.

The gates are flung open and everyone runs for a horse.

"Um," Thrandra says. "It's worth mentioning now, that I don't know how to ride ..."

From down the alleyway came the sound of running footsteps, coming closer, from the right, just where Glacia said the assassins would be ...

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The horse behind Reeds is fortunately occupied by Isidor, so Thrandra clings to him and shuts her eyes as the four horses (one with Reeds and Glacia, one with Gram and the shrieking struggling skinny maid, one with Isidor and Thrandra, and one with just Erenius) charge left down the alleyway. One assassin is immediately trampled by them, and the rest give chase.

The alleyway opens to the main boulevard where there is a parade in progress. The four horses leap over marching soldiers in a mad dash for the Mages Guild.

Sheogorath

Firsthold

The soldiers in the parade turned against the four horses and their riders, and the only route open was through a tent just off the royal park.

At that moment, Baloth-Kul’s play was reaching its climax. In a dark, haunted house, two actors were huddled together, whispering. The audience, enraptured, was leaning forward to hear every line.

At that moment, the four horses broke through the set and galloped up the aisle to screams and applause.

Hours later, the playwright, well-pleased, took all the credit.

On the other side of the tent was the small plaza that contained the Mages Guild of Firsthold.

Sheogorath

"Please," the skinny maid whispered, grabbing Reeds, still unsteady from the ride. "Please, let me go ..."

Glacia turned to her, and handed her a few gold coins. "Stay here and send word back to my parents' house that you're here. They'll make sure you're safe."

She looked at Reeds, smiled, and turned to the Guild Guide. "I'm sorry, my friend misprounced it. Alcaire."

"Ah, High Rock," the Guild Guide smiled. It was the Altmer woman they had interrogated before. "Good thing you corrected him. I almost sent you to Morrowind."

Sheogorath

Mages Guild, Alcaire

"Let's make it at least a little difficult to track us," Glacia explained, as she, Reeds, Gram, Thrandra, Erenius, and Isidor arrived. "Six for Senchal, please."

The heroes popped around Tamriel for quite some time before arriving at last in Ald Raathim.

S'reddit

Ald Raathim

None of the trips through different capitols where there was a Mages Guild was very long. The heroes would step out onto the streets for a few minutes, perhaps for a walk of a few block to get a sense of the place. At a few key locations, they paused long enough for a drink in the local tavern.

Glacia and Thrandra held each other’s hand and gasped at the sights, large and small. The Altmer had never travelled but a few miles away from Firsthold in their lives, and they had questions about everything. Their knowledge varied from astonishingly astute, as befits people who read a lot, to amazingly wrong-headed, as befits people who have never been anywhere.

In Skyrim, they quizzed Gram and Isidor about everything. Erenius showed them where he was stationed in Elsweyr, as well as showing them the wonders of the Imperial City, while Reeds showed them the quieter charms of Bruma.

Glacia also asked many questions about the life and people of Ald Raathim.

Thrandra had already made up her mind. She was going to be the head housemaid either at the Duchess’s palace or the Nymph and Noggin.

“Either will be lucky to have me,” she said confidently, and then she told a dirty joke so no one would think she was stuck up.

Glacia seemed less sure of her future, but swore it didn’t bother her.

Finally, they arrived in Ald Raathim, and stepping out of the Mages Guild, they wanted to see everything. The Arena. The Village Green. The Resolution of Zenithar. The Nymph and Noggin. The Royal Fortresses. The Bay. The House of Dibella (said Thrandra, giggling). The Castle of the Duchess.

“Or is that not what people do?” Glacia asked, carefully. “I mean regular people don’t go to see the Duchess, do they? I’m no one.”

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, tavernkeeper of the Nymph and Noggin, and new mother is working with her brother-in-law at the tavern. Her adventuring husband Isidor should be arriving back from Firsthold anytime.

Zadion, magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is dividing his time between the Guild house, where is gathering resources to fight Mannimarco and preparing for his own replacement, and the Temple of Healers, where he visits his father, Dres Minsero.

Glacia Rysleire and Thrandra, Altmer women out of Summerset for the first times in their lives, are getting the full tour of Ald Raathim.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

The Nymph area was quiet. When Isidor entered, the barmaids who were serving the few customers present told him Kethiah was next door at the Noggin, dealing with a fight.

Entering the rougher tavern, he found that the fight was over. There was a broken table, a couple bloody noses, but Kethiah was lecturing the group. It was obvious that the majority of the bloody noses had been inflicted by her.

"Oh, hello, darling," she said, jumping into his arms and kissing him. "You're back early!"

The patrons looked at one other, and sullenly got back to drinking.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I'm not still mad, no," Kethiah grinned. "I told you I was angry at the time, and that's it. But you said it might be a week or two, and it's only been a couple days, so right now, I'm happy. How was it? Did Reeds get the girl? Eodir is upstairs with Ingmar, Tyradil and Tilitalia are at school ..."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

Kethiah was an appreciative audience, laughing at the image both of the wild ride through Firsthold and of Erenius barricading the door Thrandra meant for them to use to escape. ("The stables were better anyhow, clearly," she added.)

"'Nice to get out of the tavern occasionally,' I'll bet," she laughed at the end. "So, you wouldn't mind if I left suddenly, leaving you to care of the tavern and the children?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah shook hands with Glacia and Thrandra.

"So, you're the damsels-in-distress who took my husband away," she joked.

"We were indeed in distress," Glacia smiled. "Thank you for loaning him."

"You weren't the first and you won't be the last," Kethiah replied. "Come, let's go to the Nymph side of the tavern. I think you'll find it more comfortable."

"I like it here," Thrandra grinned, winking at one of the soldiers, but following the group to the more refines environs of the Nymph.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Off on various quests dealing with the situation with Geht," Kethiah replied. "Unfortunately, I'm a little out of the loop on information right now ..."

She turned to Thrandra. "So, you're looking for work?"

"Yes," Thrandra nodded. "I was head housekeeper at the Rysleire Manor in Firsthold. I think I can handle working here, or at the castle ..."

"Why don't I show you around?"

Kethiah and Thrandra walked off to take a tour of the Nymph and Noggin, while the others stayed in the Nymph to order drinks.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"I've given thought to nothing else," Glacia laughs, taking the drink from Reeds. "Thank you. I keep thinking about it, and it's terrifying. I have no skills of any practical kind to earn a living with. No place to live. I hardly know one anyone. But I'm glad to be here, very glad."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Glacia smiled. "She should know that my vocational training thus far in life had consisted of going to parties, dancing, and making conversation. I have never so much as picked up a sword, or learned the simplest magical spell. I was expected to marry, have children, and train them to be equally useful members of society."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"To the aristocracy of Firsthold, nothing is truly friendly beneath the surface," Glacia shook her head. "It's all a game, and it's a vicious one ... We learn about music and art and poetry in order to mask our intentions. I suppose it's politics as usual the world over."

Sheogorath

Glacia looks surprised. "Please, don't think I'm being modest, your Grace ... I really have no other skills besides --"

---

"Pleased to meet you, your Grace, Serjo Kena Slyvos Araberith," Glacia smiled, bowing to Slyvos. "All my gratitude to you and your wife for giving me shelter in your wonderful city."

Sheogorath

Nymph and Noggin

"Truly?" Glacia's eyes lit up. "By Auriel, that would be wonderful! I've been quizzing Reeds, Erenius, Gram, and Isidor about everything about Ald Raathim, and it really wouldn't take me long to learn the details. You do have so much going on, keeping relations with Mournhold and the Imperial City ... I should meet with your seneschal Kallen right away, yes?"

Sheogorath

Glacia turned to look at Reeds, wondering what he was thinking. He almost sounded angry ... At her? A line of worry rose on her forehead. The last thing she wanted was for Reeds to be unhappy, just after having saved her life ...

---

"You're inspiring a lot of trust in me, your Grace," Glacia said, turning to her. "I don't have any preferences about accomedation. Whatever is most convenient for my responsibilities ... I'd say the castle if there was room, but maybe close to the Village Green since the Mages Guild, Imperial Embassy, and everything is there ..."

Sheogorath

"That'd be wonderful, and the location would certainly be convenient," Glacia replies smiling. "The only thing I'd be worried about is whether it'd be a problem to bring representatives of the Empire and the King of Morrowind in and out of a room above a bookstore ... Maybe I live there, and have an office at the castle or somewhere else in the village for meetings? What do you think, your Grace?"

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Kallen came to the door.

"Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah is here to speak with you," he said.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Morgiah stepped into the study. "Not on my account, my dear."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Morgiah took Loranna's hands, but did not smile. "You can tell me how the plans are developing towards destroying Mannimarco and rescuing my son, your Grace."

Sheogorath

"I don't see what they would have to gain by lying to us," Morgiah replied. "The Indoril and Redoran are sanctimonious buffoons, but they wouldn't ally themselves with the King of Worms. What I want to know is, how soon are we going to go to Scourg Barrow, and what can I do to aid the effort?"

Sheogorath

"I will make certain that they do as needed when it's needed," Morgiah nodded. "The House of Mournhold and the House of Sentinel will surely lend their aid as well ... So, is it my understanding that the plan is to send a smaller group, made invulnerable to the death aura by the Hist sap, into Scourg Barrow, and then do what is needed to end the death aura so the larger army of the Mages Guild, the Temples, the Alliance, and whatever Imperial and Royal armies we can assemble comes in?"

Sheogorath

"His sword?" Morgiah frowned, thinking. "You mean that blade the Psijics gave him? I didn't realize he still held onto it ... You think giving him back his sword will cause him to abandon his allegiance to Mannimarco? It won't just make him a more powerful adversary against you?"

Sheogorath

Castle Darun

"You mean Taolle?" Morgiah replied, looking surprised. "She still lives. Probably not up to stomping through the death auras of the King of Worms, but ..."

Sheogorath

"Perhaps," Morgiah frowned. "But his love for Rinalla was not so great to prevent him from actively trying to kill her in Firsthold ... I'm not sure if a token would be more powerful if she herself was not able to subvert his intentions."

The former queen of Firsthold sighed. "I'm sorry, Loranna. This disaster is largely my doing, and I come here demanding solutions from you ... I was just hoping that you had a definite plan for saving him, and I was disappointed that you don't. I don't mean to be a monster, I've just had a lot of practice at it."

Sheogorath

"That's for certain," Morgiah nodded, but her mood didn't lift. "Well, I should go and assert myself on the various factions involved, so at least they are prepared to jump when we tell them to ... By the way, there's a girl in town, an Altmer, who looks very familiar to me ... Someone from Firsthold?"

Sheogorath

"Ah, I knew I recognized her, even with those horrible clothes," Morgiah smiled a little. "You must get her a new wardrobe if she's to be your adjunct. I mean, nothing to outshine you, of course, but you can't have the Duchess of Ald Raathim represented by a girl in traveling rags ... If you'd like, I can have her accompany me to the Mages Guild, the Embassy, and all the other places so she meets the people who matter."

Sheogorath

"An admirable idea," Morgiah nodded. "Let us make your protege shine."

The women stepped out into Ald Raathim to begin their good work.

Sheogorath

Ald Raathim

Glacia, Morgiah, and Loranna went to the tailors, and then Morgiah and Glacia went on to the Imperial Embassy, the Mages Guild, and the Temples of the city, to introduce Glacia as the Duchess's ambassador. Loranna noted that Glacia treated Morgiah with the same deference that would be afforded a Queen, though she always got her new title quite correct as well. The Altmer, though young, was very serious about her duties, and the importance of the mission against Mannimarco.

The wardrobe bought for Glacia initially was very "mainland Morrowind" for lack of a better word. Glacia felt that in time she could buy outfits that would allow her to fit in at court in the Imperial City, Mournhold, or wherever her work took her, but she must look the part of the representative of Ald Raathim always.

Sheogorath

Summary

After a long day buying new outfits for her duties as Ald Raathim's adjunct and meeting with the important factions within the region with Hlaalu Morgiah, Glacia Rysleire makes her way back to Reeds's shop. She is aware that he is upset about something, but is too excited about the possibilities of her new future to think about it much ... Until she is at the doorstep.

---

Glacia steps into the shop, and looks to Reeds with a shy smile. "Is everything all right?"

Sheogorath

"That would be nice," Glacia smiles. "Are you sure everything's all right? You seemed a little tense at the Nymph and Noggin ... not that I should assume that has anything to do with me, but you want to talk about it?"

She looked around the room. "Oh, Reeds, it's charming."

Sheogorath

"The uniform of the office of ambassador," Glacia grinned. "I can hardly believe it ... Just a few hours ago, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, and now I have more work and more responsibilities than I could have imagined ... Speaking of which, are you the only person who works in the bookstore? Is it just closed when you're out of town?"

Sheogorath

"Seems like you could use an assistant," Glacia said. "At least when I'm not doing my work as Loranna's adjunct ... I'm a voracious reader. That's about the only thing I could do in Firsthold to get away."

Sheogorath

Glacia hugged him back. "Well, I can't do much else to thank you for saving me. I still can't believe you just showed up in Bourrill like that."

Sheogorath

"I'm afraid I'm going to be frightfully bored then," Glacia laughed, but then grew more serious. "Are you going to be going to Scourg Barrow?"

Sheogorath

"I'm helping organizing the front against Mannimarco, and I didn't know if you were going to be involved," Glacia nodded. "I'm relieved that you're not."

Sheogorath

"I think that a number of the people here are going to be going there," Glacia frowned. "And you're right, it will be life-risking. I'm afraid many of your friends won't be coming back ... People you love. I don't even know, do you have wife or a significant other?"

Sheogorath

Glacia looked startled, and then sat down. "How could you? You don't even know me."

Sheogorath

"I could understand that you like me," Glacia said, a tear running down her face. "I like you very, very much ... I need ... some air ..."

Glacia walked slowly out of the bookstore.

Sheogorath

"No," Glacia shook her head, wiping her tears. "I've been an idiot."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Glacia nodded, and the two of them made their way to the Nymph and Noggin. The Altmer ordered a mazte, as she was trying to develop a taste for all things Morrowind.

"It's Reeds," she said after a moment. "I should have recognized it from the beginning, but I don't Argonians well, what their emotions are ... He says he's in love with me."

Sheogorath

Glacia shook her head. "I told him I really liked him a lot, which I do, but I don't think I know him at all. Everything I know about him is wonderful, but ... I don't want to reject him, I don't want to lead him on, I don't want to be less that completely grateful that he saved me, I don't want him to be afraid to tell me his feelings ... It's horrible. Here I am, Loranna's adjunct, supposed to deal with sensitive diplomatic issues, and I don't know how to talk to Reeds."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

"I wouldn't tell him I love him unless I do," Glacia nodded, and another tear formed in her eye. "He's given me a place to stay, and I told him I'd help him in the bookstore, but now ... I don't know if it's going to be too uncomfortable for him for me to be there, or it'd be worse for me to find somewhere else to live ..."

Thrandra came down with Kethiah, and seeing Glacia and Isidor at the table, joined them.

"What's happened?" she asked.

Glacia shook her head, wiping her eyes, and then looked at Isidor. "I hate to drag you into this, but would you talk to him? Just make sure he's all right?"

Sheogorath

Glacia gave Isidor a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for caring about me and my problems again."

Sheogorath

The Resolution of Zenithar

The vast temple complex dedicated to commerce was nearly completed. There were already decorations within, antiquities illustrating commerce and agriculture, profit and loss, allegorically represented. As befitting such a temple, it was opulent, gold and silver and ebony glistening on the walls.

Alas and Alack welcomed one of their agents, a particularly well-connected merchant, and he told them his tale, which underscored a similar tale told by another agent.

"Well," said Alas. "We best tell Her Graceness before everyone's talking about it on the docks."

"Let us proceed with alacritude," Alack agreed.

The Khajiit set off to the castle to find Loranna.

Sheogorath

"In and out, in and out, you're --" Alack began.

"Not now," snapped Alas. "First, the Dutchessa should knows there's been a battle. The Altmer fleet splashed into the Inner Sea, and the Alliance met them. A huge armada of Indoril and Redoran ships, staggering belief, like a storm of death --"

"Not now," Alack snapped. "Just tell 'er."

"Oh," Alas said. "We wons."

Sheogorath

"Two days be the estimate," Alas replied.

"As for how they did it," Alack shrugged. "The best beats the most. Casualties is pretty high, especially for the Alliance. They doesn't want to retreat, you know."

Sheogorath

"Not so big, but ... You know that fella Indoril Faryon?" Alas asked.

"Indoril fella by the name of Faryon?" Alack added. "Apparently, he's be touring around quite a bit. Got confirmation he's gone to the Imperial City to meet with Ebel, the Emperor's middle kid. And then he went to Wayrest to meet with Elysana what's there."

"And we met yer new emissary, Glacia," Alas said.

"Has you already 'interviewed' her thoroughly?" Alack asked. "And if not, can we at least watch?"

Sheogorath

Alas and Alack nodded. There were two known agents of the Queen of Wayrest in Ald Raathim, and they were regularly watched to see who they talked to. The Spymasters had considered approaching them to see if they would turn double-agent, but they wanted to wait first to see if they had anything that could be used on them -- a skooma addiction, some strange behavior at the House of Dibella, perhaps a little light Daedra worship, but so far nothing had come to light.

After some brief veiled discussion of appropriate interviewing techniques, the Khajiits moved on to their duties.

S'reddit

Thrandra told him where to find her. She was just finishing a meeting with the Imperial Ambassador, and was on her way from the Village Green.

"I told her to meet me here afterwards," Thrandra said. "Would Reeds mind if I talked to him, you think?"

S'reddit

"Well then I better talk to him," Thrandra winced. She walked over to Reeds's table. "Glacia's on her way. I was hoping I might have a word with you first?"

S'reddit

"I'm a servant, milord. I speak sarcasm," Thrandra smiled a little and sat down. "I'm upset because my best friend is upset. And she's upset because she's made you upset. So it seems to me that we need to make you happy so we can all be happy. You're quite sure you're in love with her?"

S'reddit

"I'm biased because she's my best friend, but you're right, she is wonderful," Thrandra replied, looking at Reeds with sharp eyes. "Were you under the impression that she loved you too before you told her?"

S'reddit

"That's good," Thrandra nodded. "Though it certainly confirms what Glacia fears, that she led you on. Just think of it from her perspective for a moment. You're being forced into a marriage to someone you don't love. A stranger appears who tells you that you don't have to do it. You're inspired by this, and escape ... and then it turns out the stranger wants you for himself. You're still grateful for all he's done for you --"

Glacia appeared in the doorway, and walked over to the table.

"Please, just stop," the Altmer said quietly. She was dressed for meeting Diano Asprenas in a simple yet elegant dark dress which set off her golden skin and hair. "Thank you, Thrandra, but I should have talked about this with Reeds instead of running out like I did ... Would you leave us alone?"

Thrandra nodded, and walked away, while Glacia took her seat.

S'reddit

"Like I said, I'm sorry for running away like that," Glacia said, looking at the table. "I owe you more than that. I owe you my life. I was just so surprised, and I couldn't tell someone I am so fond of that I don't share the depth of his feelings right now ... It just wasn't a confrontation I was prepared to have. I understand that I hurt you, and I hate myself for that."

S'reddit

"You weren't an idiot," Glacia looked up, smiling a little. "I am so flattered that you feel that way towards me. Maybe in time, once I get to know you more, and myself more, I'll feel the same."

She frowned. "But there is also the possibility, I won't. Can we still be friends if I never do fall in love with you?"

S'reddit

"I can't imagine anything which would make me less happy than never seeing you," Glacia frowned. "I want to stay in the room at your bookstore, and help you as an assistant like I said. Nothing's changed for me, but would that be hard for you, having me work and live so close, but knowing that, right now, I am not in love with you? Honestly, Reeds?"

S'reddit

"You always tell me the truth," Glacia smiled. "From Firsthold to Ald Raathim, you have been honest, and I truly am grateful for that ... Then it's agreed, I'll stay at your bookshop and help you with it when I'm not doing my duties for Loranna. And you must tell me if it gets too difficult, and we'll make other arrangements then. Deal?"

S'reddit

Glacia laughed, and Reeds could see a great weight had been lifted off of her. If it were true that she wasn't in love with him, it was obviously equally true that she cared about him a great deal.

As the food arrived, the conversation turned to other matters: books, business, and the Imperial ambassador who, when Glacia had made certain no one was listening, she compared to a finicky water buffalo.

Sheogorath

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, tavernkeeper, and new mother is at the Nymph and Noggin, dividing her time between work and caring for her new son with her husband Isidor, Eodir.

Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers, “priests” of Zenithar, the Duchess’s import/export agents (and secretly, her Spymasters) are at the Resolution of Zenithar, compiling reports on the war and the arrival of the Altmer ships.

Glacia Rysleire, displaced Altmer noble and the Duchess’s new diplomat envoy has had a conversation with Reeds about their feelings for one another, and is dividing her time between learning how the bookshop works, and preparing for the battle against Mannimarco with Hlaalu Morgiah.

Hlaalu Morgiah, former Queen of Firsthold and sister of the King of Morrowind, is in Ald Raathim, but is preparing to leave for Sentinel to help organize the battle where it will occur.

Letter sent today by fast courier

Serjo Indoril Faryon, Governor of Kragenmoor,

I have recently been honored by the Duchess of Ald Raathim, Her Grace Sera Dres Loranna Pyrel, and appointed her diplomatic envoy, and as such it falls to me to reply to your letter offering assistance in the battle against our mutual foe, Mannimarco, the so-called King of Worms. It would indeed be in our best interests, and in the interest of all of Morrowind and Tamriel, to lay aside our arms against one another, and face this threat as brothers.

Might I suggest a meeting on neutral territory? The district of Tel Dresori, as you know, lies in ruins and is uninhabited. I have been informed that in its center is a temple that survived the cataclysm that befell it, a temple dedicated to St. Meris, a monument to cooperation between the Houses.

Our plans to do battle with the Worm King are nearing fruition, and it would be best for us to meet soon if the offer still stands.

Yours respectfully,
Glacia Rysliere of Ald Raathim

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

The fires had long since burned out, but the wind blew black ash billowing up over the shroud that covered the former plantation and city of Dres Minsero. Glacia Rysleire arrived at the ruins of the Mages Guild, accompanied by two others. A Dunmer sorceress named Xyllina who could activate the Guild transport system, and a Dunmer priest of the Tribunal Temple, Kena Nerim.

The three walked silently through the desolation until they arrived at the Temple of St. Meris. It was as Xyllina remembered: a somber sepulcher containing the remains of the saint, and basreliefs of the Houses, showing peace through cooperation. They hoped the symbolism would prove prophetic as they waited for their enemies in the Civil War of Morrowind to arrive.

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

Glacia bowed. "Glacia Rysleire, envoy of the Duchess of Ald Raathim," she said. "These are not henchmen, my lord. Kena Xyllina represents the Mages Guild, and is here as an interested neutral party, as well as someone who survived the devastation here. And Kena Nerim represents the Temple, on whose grounds we are meeting. If you would prefer to meet without them, they can be dismissed. I meant no disrespect for asking them to come along."

Sheogorath

"The Duchess was surprised and delighted to receive your letter," Glacia replied, and then began explaining what was known about the situation in Scourg Barrow, the death aura that stretched across Ephesus, and the parties who had volunteered their assistance. She explained that Loranna and the heroes were finding a method of combatting this aura, and that a combined army of the various parties was being organized to take position in the Dragontail mountain to move against Mannimarco when the defenses were done.

"It will be a dangerous mission," the diplomat said simply. "And we will gratefully accept any help you can give."

Sheogorath

"Will you be going into battle against Mannimarco yourself, my lord?" Glacia asked. "And will you be able to transport your troops to Sentinel yourself, or do you need assistance in that?"

Sheogorath

Tel Dresori

"And to think he's one of the more decent members of the Alliance," Glacia grimaced, looking to Xyllina and the priest. "Well, let us finish what we came to do."

The three went down into the final resting place of St Meris, as the priest of the Temple began his prayers ...

In an hour, they were back in the Mages Guild of Ald Raathim, with the blades of St Meris in hand. Glacia Rysleire set off for the castle.

Sheogorath

Kallen found her in the dining room.

"Muthsera Hlaalu Morgiah asked to see you," he said. "Shall I tell her you're indisposed right now?"

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Can I help you?" Kethiah asked him, politely, not recognizing him.

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Morgiah met Loranna in her study a few minutes later. The former Queen of Firsthold was dressed in an elaborate gown of red and gold which cried of wealth and taste, and a deep decolletage which whispered of more. She wore a lavender-colored veil as well. Not the sign of mourning, Loranna knew. It was the sort of things well-bred women often wore in Hammerfell.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"B'vek!" Kethiah stared and then laughed, a little nervously. "Shaka?"

She held up a candlelight up to him. "I can't believe it. You did it."

Sheogorath

"B'vek," Kethiah said again, shaking her head and smiling. "I have to confess, I halfway forgot about this personal quest of yours ... Wasn't there something you had to sacrifice for it? Your grotto where we had the wedding?"

She poured him his stout. "How does it feel? I was going to say it looks good on you, but that sounds like I'm talking about a new cloak, not a new you. But it does. It suits you."

Sheogorath

Kethiah looked at Shaka confusedly as he explained what he did. "I don't understand. You gave up your love of Anya for the transformation? Isn't that much harder than giving up your land?"

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"Thank you," Morgiah smiled. "I am leaving for Sentinel now. I think your protege Glacia is more than capable of organizing things here, but she needs someone to set things into motion near Ephesus. I'm going to meet with Lhotun. He apparently remembers me from years ago, though he was only a little boy when I left the Iliac Bay for Firsthold."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"So the goddess wanted nothing in return for the gift," Kethiah asked. "That's extraordinary. I'm glad you were able to keep it, but it was quite a gamble. You must have been terrified."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

"She didn't," Glacia said, stepping into the room. "We have the swords, and we have a pledge from Faryon for fifty troops. Rather officious fellow. He was so offended by me being there instead of you, and for me having other people with me, he left even before I had a chance to give him the present of peace you were offering."

Glacia put the sash down on Loranna's desk.

"But we have his pledge. He is sending his men to Sentinel straight away. So I suppose mission is accomplished."

Sheogorath

"I'm sorry for all the questions. In Morrowind, it is the Daedra, not the Aedra we're used to, and when they ask for sacrifices, they do not give you things for free," Kethiah said, smiling. "But even if you lost both of your loves, it would be worth it to be yourself at last."

Sheogorath

Castle Daruhn

Morgiah chuckled, looking into Loranna's eyes. "Pray, don't force on me a gift that was rejected by the Indoril. Now, I should go. I hope to see you both in Sentinel in a few days."

The former Queen left with a bow.

"She seems to think you're going to Sentinel too," Glacia frowned.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Kethiah laughed. "Sorry to be so suspicious. I hope you can teach Eodir a little of the faith that is obviously lacking from the poor lad's mother."

Then she turned to Isidor with a wink. "Don't start thinking you can go to Dibella and ask her to make you into a sload, and offer my love as sacrifice, sweetheart."

Sheogorath

"I would love to go to Sentinel as well," Glacia sighed. "But I can see now that it would be best for me to stay behind, and help Kallen keep things running smoothly. Not to mention run Reeds's bookshop. He swears he isn't going on this adventure, but I bet when he sees that all his friends are going that he'll change his mind."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Well, it would be easier to keep you at home," Kethiah laughed. "I presume you're intending to go to Scourg Barrow, my husband?"

Sheogorath

"That someone is me," Glacia smiled. "If you don't think you're up for the trip, of course I'll do it, but I suspect there will be just as much work here as there is there, if not more. I suggest if you feel up to it, you go to Sentinel, ask for a few extra silk pillows for your comfort, and be at hand for the attack. My need to see the world can wait."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Oh, really?" Kethiah looked surprised. "Well, we can talk about it. I don't want to deprive you of a chance for an epic adventure, Isidor ... And I daresay they could use you both."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"I'd be heartbroken," Kethiah replied softly, and her eyes said she meant it, no joking. "But I told you before, I knew when I married you, I was getting an adventurer, not a tavernkeeper. The only thing I don't want is for you to avoid a quest because you want to please me, and then getting unhappy or bored, and blaming me as a result."

Sheogorath

"Of course, your Grace, I know just where we're going," Glacia said, and the two ladies walked to the Nymph and Noggin.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"I'm being serious and wonderful and self-sacrificing!" Kethiah exclaimed, her frown turning into a giggle. "How dare you, you cad ... All right, stay, but remember -- I fully expect you to wander from time to time. I just don't want you to do it without discussing it with me first."

She heard a tiny cry, almost indistinct to anyone but a mother, from upstairs, telling her that Eodir was awake and hungry.

Kethiah gave Isidor a quick kiss and hurried upstairs, just as Loranna and Glacia came into the tavern.

Sheogorath

"You assume correctly," Glacia nodded, not smiling, and looking to the Redguard who had addressed Loranna so flippantly. "Sir, this is the Duchess of Ald Raathim. Show respect."

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Alas and Alack, the Khajiiti dressed in their ecumenical finery, also entered the Nymph and Noggin.

“The fleet is arrived,” Alas said.

“And there was a dragon sighted over Makiburea, Totambu, Hammerfell,” Alack added. “And then there be no more Makiburea, Totambu, Hammerfell.”

Sheogorath

"My apologies, Shaka," Glacia said, frowning. "I did not know it was you."

Her curious expression turned serious again as the talk turned to battle.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

"Running away be also an option," Alas added.

"So be kissing your [censored] goodbye," Alack offered.

Sheogorath

The Nymph and Noggin

Glacia glared at the Khajiiti before speaking.

---

"You will not be going alone," the Altmer said. "The finest knights of the Imperial army, the royal army of Morrowind, the royal army of Sentinel, the Mages Guild, the Tribunal Temple and the Temple of the Eight will also be there ... and even some from the Indoril Redoran Alliance. Not every threat must be personally defeated by you heroes."

Sheogorath

"With enormous certinitude, sera," Alas said. "Has you any talents, like being delicious to dragons?"

"Or zombies?" Alack added.

Sheogorath

"I'll be the judge of that," Alas winked.

"Your intelligence is useful, your jokes not so," Glacia said, looking towards Alas and Alack. "This is a very serious quest."

Sheogorath

"The plan as I understand it," Glacia said quietly. "Is to bring in a group of heroes, anointed against Mannimarco's death aura, to Scourg Barrow. The armies will wait on the periphery, and wait for the signal that the King of Worms's defenses are down. And then the archlich will be destroyed utterly."

Sheogorath

Glacia said nothing, but merely watched. These heroes had accomplished great things, and she herself was new to the group. Their ways worked for them, clearly.

But still, to offer Spellbreaker or one of the swords of St Meris to someone who didn't know what it was?

Sheogorath

"Also, as I said, there will soldiers of the Indoril and Redoran Alliance fighting with the army," Glacia added. "We think they will be honorable, but if they prove treacherous, you cannot use the swords of St Meris against a knight of one of the Houses. To do so would be to invite calamity."

Sheogorath

"There is also Ingmar, Slashes, Dar'Tessir ..." Glacia rattled off the names of the other heroes she had met in town. She blushed a moment when she thought of Reeds Saloat. She had talked him out of volunteering, but she wondered if that was wise. They could use him, no doubt.

Sheogorath

The tavern had filled up with the usual crowd of merchants and aristocrats, locals and visitors, and Alas and Alack, not being much good at planning battles, had drifted away from the group to chat with the others in the tavern. Apparently, there was something interesting going on, by the sound of the buzz.

Alack and Alas, intrigued by something they had heard, stepped out of the Nymph and Noggin.

Sheogorath

"A naked woman?" a merchant was chuckling. "Where?"

"Three naked women," a shocked merchant was saying. "Came a-wanderin' out of the woods and into the village. A girl, a grown woman, and an old crone ..."

"Coulda done without seeing that old crone," a farmer sighed.

"Why? Who are they, and why ain't they got any clothes on?" a barmaid asked.

"Wrong in the head," the merchant replied. "Egalius Soccotus better lock 'em up in the Temple of Healers is all I can say ..."

Sheogorath

If her aim were to catch them before anyone else saw them, she was too late. She merely followed the crowds to the Village Green, where the three women were surrounded by a moving circle of locals, whispering and wondering as the followed the three naked women in their somewhat rambling wanderings.

It was the three witches from the woods, who tended the shrine of Nirn. The merchant who said they were "wrong in the head" may have been unkind but he wasn't inaccurate. Their expressions seemed dazed, terror-struck by sights that only they seemed to see, clutching at one another, as they murmured words that made no sense.

"Arena-bound, cradle torn, she is the Life," the girl whispered.

"She walks blind, she walks dying, she walks without pause," the woman murmured.

"She has the Life of Dawn's Beauty and the Dragon Land, the Elder Wood and the Coral Kingdoms," the crone moaned. "But death is all around her!"

Sheogorath

“Elloat ohw sklaw ni Susehpe,” the crone whispered, her eyes clouded, as if blind.

“Elloat ohw sklaw ni Susehpe,” the woman, also blind, also whispered.

“Elloat ohw sah deltnam … “ the girl, also blind, said, her voice hoarse, and then she spoke again. “Elloat ohw sah deltnam … Nirn …”

Color rose in her eyes, like the rising sun. As it did for the other women, and they embraced one another, shaking in terror.

Sheogorath

"Duchess Loranna," the woman whispered. "We have seen it. She walks through death, nearer and nearer, with each blind step. She has been walking for weeks, for months, and she will face him soon."

Sheogorath

The girl grabbed Loranna's hand. "Come, come!"

"Gently," the woman whispered to the girl. "The Duchess blossoms soon."

The crone looked to Loranna. "Come quickly as ye can. We will show you in the woods."

Sheogorath

The Shrine of Nirn

Deep in the woods beyond the village, there lay a twisted tree, its branches and roots clutching at a collection of boulders, forming a rude circle around a tiny, muddy garden. The three witches led Loranna into the circle ...

The Dragontail Mountains

Loranna was suddenly on a mountain peak. A dark wind blew over it, through blackened, dead trees and withered mummified bones. She could see for miles around, and there was nothing but death.

But she felt no breeze, and when she looked at her hands, they were transparent. She was but a spectre. Her soul was thousands of miles away, but her body was still in Ald Raathim.

The shades of the three witches were with her too. The crone pointed off to the east.

"There she walks," she said.

Taolle was a tiny figure in the vast mountain range, an ancient Bosmer, wrinkled and weak of flesh. Her eyes were white and blind. She barely would take one step and then fall, and groaning, pull herself up and continue her relentless journey.

As she touched the dead, black ground, grass would spring up. As she touched a tree for support, it would bud and then bloom.

The moment she passed, however, the ground and tree would darken and die in the cold power of the death aura.

Sheogorath

The three witches as one shook their heads.

"That is Mount Nombaje," the girl said, her voice high over the keening winds. "She will reach that in two days, and face the unholy minions of the Worm King. She is blind and has no power to defend herself, and she will die."

"Even if we were truly here, she hears no one but the Goddess in her ears," the crone added.

"With her, hope will die," the woman whispered.

Sheogorath

The Shrine of Nirn

The mountains melted before her eyes, and Loranna felt the warm, moist breath of the grove. Her feet were deep in the soft mud and the redolence of the delicate flowers filled her senses. The beat of life was all around her, and within her as well: the heart-beat of her child, and the movements of its tiny body was as strong as her own.

Still, the witches looked at her with striking, serious eyes.

"Stones of death have formed a necklace around the throat of the world," the crone said.

"The future King's blood mother cursed him, but his soul mother gave him power and goodness," the woman said. "Her life's journey has brought her where she is, stumbling and blind, inflused with the spirit of life while her body dies, and soon that journey will be at an end."

"The future king must meet again with his soul mother," the girl said. "Or the dark spirit that calls itself his father will have him and the world evermore."

Sheogorath

The Shrine of Nirn

"When your heroes meet Taolle, they must call her Nirn, for that is where she finds the power that keeps her alive even now," the girl said, and the three witches bowed to Loranna.

"Lady," the crone said, tears in her eyes as well. "May your feet and the feet of your heroes be fast, for there is precious time."