Online:Dacia Caro

Dacia Caro
Home Settlement	Tel Dreloth
Location	Outside Tel Dreloth
Race	Imperial	Gender	Female
Health	39959
Reaction	Friendly

Dacia Caro

Dacia Caro is an Imperial and former servant of the Dreloth family. She asks for your assistance in rescuing her lover, Nathyn Dreloth, from his mother's tower.

Related Quests

• Lovesick: Assist in the rescue of a captive lover.
• Chronicle of Fate: Learn what was forgotten.

Quest-Related Events

Lovesick

Approaching her:

"I can't believe she threw me out! What am I suppose to do…."

Speak with her to begin the quest.

"Please, I have no one else I can turn to. I need help.
I worked as a servant in the towers of Tel Dreloth. Nathyn, the son of Mistress Dreloth, is being kept prisoner there. At least, I think he must be."

Why do you think that?

"Nathyn and I had plans to leave Tel Dreloth together. Someone must have found out, because the day we planned to leave, I was dismissed from my position.
Mistress Dreloth—or Sathile, I suppose—pushed me out without a chance to see Nathyn."

Where do you suppose Nathyn is now?

"If she's holding him against his will, he'll be in the isolation tower. The only access is through the lab in the caverns that run underneath. There's a key in the top floor of the main tower.
Please, can you help me? I'll pay for your assistance."

I'll help you get the key so we can rescue Nathyn.

You can ask her a few questions before continuing.

"Thank the Eight you came along. I had no idea how I would do this on my own. I know Sathile would just throw me out again, but Nathyn is my whole world. I can't possibly leave Tel Dreloth without him.
The first step is finding that key."

I have some questions.

"Certainly.
You know, it's been so long since I spoke to another outsider. I didn't think I'd miss it so much."

Why can't Nathyn escape on his own?

"I say this with love, but Nathyn's not a fighter. He's lived a sheltered life, and Sathile is a very skilled mage.
But he wouldn't fight his mother anyway. Until he met me, he seemed content with heeding Sathile's every word."

Why is she so focused on keeping you two from being together?

"I wish I knew. If she were any other Telvanni master, I'd guess she didn't want her son settling for some lowborn servant girl.
But nothing like that ever seemed to matter to Sathile. She was far more focused on her research than her rank, anyway."

What exactly is she researching?

"From what I understand, she's trying to cure the Knahaten Flu. It took the life of her husband many years ago, when Nathyn was just a baby.
I'm sure that's why she's so protective of her son, but it's no way to let him live."

And you think she's keeping him in the isolation tower?

"I heard Sathile used to keep test subjects in the isolation tower. If she's keeping him anywhere, I imagine it has to be there.
He spends most of his time on the balcony of the main tower. But he hasn't been out there at all since I left!"

Do you think Sathile would let you and Nathyn be together if you weren't planning to leave?

"Would it matter? Nathyn deserves to make his own choices, regardless of his mother's wishes.
And if she really felt that way, why wouldn't she just make her feelings known instead of throwing me out? I wasn't trying to steal him from her."

How did you end up at Tel Dreloth?

"I used to ask myself that question every day. It all happened so fast.
I had a big family in Cropsford. We fled east from Cyrodiil when the Three Banners War began. By the time I made it here, I'd lost everyone. I was on my own."

And Sathile hired you on?

"She gave me lodging and fair wages, too. She was kind to me, in her way.
I used to think it was out of some goodness of her heart that she took me in. After she dismissed me, I was left wondering if she even has a heart."

What did she say when she dismissed you?

"Very little, actually. It's not what she said, rather ….
While packing, I found a note in my belongings signed by Nathyn, full of hurtful things. Things I know he would never say to me."

You think Sathile wrote the note, pretending to be Nathyn?

"I'm certain of it.
I know Nathyn's handwriting, and more than that, I know his heart. He'd never say such cruel things to me. And the fact that Sathile made up those lies hurts me even more."

Tell me about you and Nathyn.

"As in how we met? It's a bit of a silly story. I have a habit of whistling while I work. Songs from back home, to keep my mind busy.
One day, when I was working in the garden, I heard it—chords of Chim-el Adabal, coming from the balcony above me!"

Nathyn was playing it for you?

"He'd never even heard it before. He learned it on the lute just from listening to me!
He would play, and I began to sing again. It was like Nathyn gave me my voice back. And I could think of home again in a way that felt like healing."

What happened after that?

"Nathyn started dropping notes for me in the garden. He folded them so beautifully to look like flowers.
He'd make up excuses to send for me. We'd stay up all night talking or reading. It took a long time for either of us to admit our feelings."

Who admitted them first?

"I did. I'd suggested that Sathile was being a little overprotective of him.
We were almost arguing about it when I just admitted that I'd fallen in love with him. But I didn't know if I wanted to stay at Tel Dreloth forever like Sathile."

When did you decide to leave Tel Dreloth together?

"Only recently. That was Nathyn's idea.
After losing my family, I sought safety and found it in Tel Dreloth. But over time, we both realized life is too short, too precious to spend it stuck in just one place. We decided we wanted to see the world."

As you walk up the road towards the tower, she comments on some notable locales.

Dacia Caro: "There's the main tower. And you can see the isolation tower to the north, there."

When you approach the entrance, she remarks:

Dacia Caro: "They're not like the towers back home, but they're beautiful in their own way."

If you speak to her after you enter the tower, she'll say:

"Right. Walk with purpose, don't make eye contact, and no one should pay us mind.
Mistress Dreloth's chambers are at the top of this tower. The key is there."

You can ask her the same questions from before. When you enter the tower's antechamber, she'll say:

Dacia Caro: "Good. Nobody's noticed us so far."

When you enter Mistress Dreloth's Chambers, she'll tell you where the key is:

Dacia Caro: "The key is in that chest. It's a spare for when the researchers misplace theirs."

Once you have the key, she says:

Dacia Caro: "Got it? Let's speak for a moment."

Talk to her.

"All right, we have the key!
This is going better than I thought it would. And it's strange—everything looks so different in here without the wards. It all feels so empty."

Wards? What wards?

"Nathyn's protective wards. You know—Sathile's magic barriers that kept Nathyn's half of the tower in isolation. I couldn't cross them at all. They certainly made tidying up a bit of a trial.
I mentioned the wards before, didn't I?"

You did not.

"Sorry. I guess I've been here so long, it's become normal to me.
Sathile said the outside world would kill Nathyn, and she was working on a cure. But as far as I know, she and her husband were trying to cure the Knahaten Flu."

Her husband?

"He died years ago, when Nathyn was just a baby. From the disease they were trying to cure.
Sathile must be sheltering Nathyn for fear of losing him, too. She's doing it out of love. That I can understand. But that doesn't make it right."

Now that we have the key, how to [sic] we get to Nathyn?

"We'll take the portal pad to the cellar. Then the key will get us into the labs.
From there, it's just making our way through the caverns to the isolation tower. As long as we don't cross Sathile, the others will be too busy to stop us."

Delving more further into the background of Sathile's research:

And what happens if we run into Sathile?

"Good question. I've never known her to be particularly combative. But if Nathyn's wards were any indication, she does wield very powerful magic.
Which she may use to … escort us out."

What about the researchers? Will they try to stop us?

"Nathyn's well-being is a family affair, and the researchers are far more focused on their work.
They're tasked with observing their subjects for the slightest changes, so they won't keep their eyes on us for long, anyway."

Subjects?

"Test subjects for her experiments. Animals, as far as I know. Some of the experiments are rather grisly. I kept away from the lab for that exact reason.
I've heard some of these Telvanni use slaves for such things, but Sathile's not like that."

Has Mistress Dreloth tested any of these cures on Nathyn?

"No. And that's exactly what worries me—she's tested no cures on him because there's nothing to cure! He's not sick. She just wants control.
Poor Nathyn. His mother loves him, but it's almost like she's the one with the sickness."

Once you enter the cellar, she cautiously notes:

Dacia Caro: "I don't think I've ever seen it this empty down here. Where is everyone?"

If you speak to her here, she says:

"The door to the labs is at the far end of the cellar.
Let's just hope we don't meet anyone on their way out."

Once you enter the cavern, she says:

Dacia Caro: "Wait, what are these subjects doing out of containment?"

If you speak to her:

"Something very wrong has happened here. There's a lab ahead—let's just keep fighting through.
Maybe there we'll find out what's going on."

Once you pass a few groups of Afflicted Wolves, she says in a trembling voice:

Dacia Caro: "Why are they like this? What has Sathile done to them?"

Once you reach the research station in the caverns, Dacia points it out:

Dacia Caro: "There! Are those research notes?"

Dacia Caro: "Look around. Maybe there's something here that explains what happened."

If you speak to her here, she says:

"There's books and papers scattered everywhere. Let's check everything. Maybe there's something that can explain or help with what's happened here."

After you read Sathile's Research Notes and the Note to Nathyn, she inquires into your findings.

Dacia Caro: "What's that? It looks like a letter."

Talk to her.

"What did you find? Anything that explains what happened?"

I found Sathile Dreloth's research notes. I also found a letter. Did you write this?

"Let me see …. No, I'd never write such a thing! Did Sathile write this? Does she really think this sounds like me?
What did the research notes say?"

Sathile is testing some sort of cure, and has notes on some toxic spore interfering with her wards.

"Spores? The researchers spoke of those. Little seeds on the air, invisible to the eye—like flu or fever. I think that's how molds and mushrooms make more of themselves.
"Delmon Spore Sample." Delmon, Delmon. What is that? It sounds like a name."

You don't know what it means?

"It sounds familiar, I just can't place where I've heard it before.
She mentions these toxic spores interfering with wards. Does that mean Nathyn's wards? If these spores reach the isolation tower, he could be in danger."

Let's keep moving and see if we can find Nathyn.

If you speak to her again, she says:

"Thanks for keeping me safe through all this. I don't think I could fight my way through these caverns on my own."

You'll soon stumble across a ruined outpost. Dacia is upset by the sight of it.

Dacia Caro: "No. The observation outpost! What happened? Where is everyone?"

Not too far ahead lies an injured researcher named Tun-Shei. Dacia calls to him.

Dacia Caro: "Tun-Shei? Thank the Eight you're all right!"

If you talk to her before speaking with Tun-Shei, she says:

"Sathile thinks she's protecting Nathyn, but now he could be in more danger than ever. We need to figure out what happened here."

You need to speak to her after addressing Tun-Shei.

"I'm glad Tun-Shei is all right, but he's just given us more questions than answers.
I know he's one of her most trusted assistants, but if this Delmon is one of Sathile's experiments, how does Tun-Shei not blame her for what happened here?"

We still don't understand exactly who or what Delmon is.

"I know, but …! Fetch it all, I just wish I could remember where I've heard it before.
Delmon, Delmon …."

Is it possible Nathyn said something about it?

"No, that's just the trouble—if Nathyn had said or written it, I'd probably remember it exactly. Delmon, Delmon. It's on the tip of my tongue.
Where did Tun-Shei say Sathile took the subject, again?"

He said she coaxed him back to isolation.

"That must mean the isolation tower. Where Nathyn is.
Let's keep going. I don't know what we're going to do, but Sathile needs to be stopped."

I'm ready. Let's keep moving.

When you see your first Afflicted Researcher, she grows distressed:

Dacia Caro: "The researchers too? Gods, what has she done?"

If you talk to her:

"The researchers, too. I didn't want to believe it. Tun-Shei said what did this to them is back in isolation, but let's be on our guard just the same."

Once you enter the next large, open chamber, Dacia remarks:

Dacia Caro: "Wait, do you feel that? It's like we're being watched …."

<Sathile Dreloth projects an image of herself before you not long after Dacia makes her observation. >

Sathile Dreloth: "I've tolerated this incursion long enough."

If you speak to her after this comment, she says:

"We can't waste time. We need to get to Nathyn as quickly as we're able."

After your conversation with the Mistress of the tower, you'll need to talk to Dacia.

"Delmon was her husband. That's right. I must have heard it from her once. Long ago, when she first brought me on. He died from the Knahaten Flu—the thing she's trying to cure.
I've never seen her like this before."

If Delmon has been dead for so long, how could he be responsible for what happened in the lab?

"I don't know. Has she gone mad? Was she always this way?
If so, she's been hiding it—and I can't blame her. If she were carted off to Gorne, she'd be parted from Nathyn. The thought of it probably only made things worse for her."

Are you sure you want to keep going?

"If you mean to heed Sathile's words and leave, then I'll have to go on alone.
Nathyn is my whole world. I'm not leaving without him."

I'm with you. Let's keep going and find Nathyn.

"Thank you. I know I wouldn't last long on my own, but I've known that for a while.
It's why I couldn't leave Tel Dreloth in the first place."

If you speak to her once you enter the Isolation Tower Cellar, she says:

"Nathyn must be all right. With Sathile protecting him—if something terrible had happened to him, we'd know. Right?"

You'll find Nathyn in the Isolation Tower's main hall, enveloped in a shimmering ward.

Nathyn Dreloth: "Dacia—stay back! I tried to escape, but she was right. My mother was right about everything!"

Dacia Caro: "Nathyn…what are you talking about? We're here to rescue you!"

You can talk to Dacia before addressing Nathyn.

"What does he mean, his mother was right? She can't be. She just can't be!
Please, speak with him—see if you can understand what's happening."

After you speak with Nathyn, Sathile Dreloth appears behind the ward in the flesh.

"Nathyn was the one responsible for what happened in the caverns?
I … don't believe it. This has to be some kind of mistake."

You need to ask Dacia about her choice after learning more about the situation from Sathile.

"Nathyn and I could finally be together. But the way to do so means becoming his mother's … experiment.
But I'd be safe. Provided for. I'd get to dance and sing every day with the one I love. Some would kill for such a gentle life."

You could consider Sathile's other option. Or, you could just leave.

"Leaving for good is no option for me. My heart is Nathyn's, and his is mine.
If I don't give up my freedom, I can help Sathile find a cure. I'd get to see the world like I always wanted … but I'd be in her service. And I'd be alone."

You'd really give up your freedom? There's no guarantee you'll find a cure.

"Life offers no guarantee of love either, but I found that, didn't I?
I don't see it as giving up my freedom. I see it as a choice of how I get to show my love. But … my heart is split. If you were in my place, which would you choose?"

I would stay with the one I love and wait for a cure.

"If my freedom is the price of being with Nathyn, then I'll pay it. To be with my love is better than having to wander the world alone.
Thank you for keeping me safe and helping me see the best choice, stranger. Here's your reward."

I would keep my freedom and try to find a cure.

"I made it this far—I can work and wander a bit longer to have Nathyn by my side for good someday. Sathile and I are going to find that cure.
Thank you for helping me see the best path forward, stranger. Here's your reward."

I want to see what Nathyn and Sathile have to say about this.

Exits the conversation.

If you exit the conversation without picking anything (or say that you want to ask Nathyn and Sathile for their opinions) and speak with her again, her greeting changes:

"After I lost everything in Cyrodiil, Tel Dreloth became my home.
I can't possibly leave it behind me. But does that mean I should stay here forever?"

Tell Dacia to Stay

If you exit the conversation after telling her to stay, then talk to her again:

"I feel at peace with my decision to stay. Thank you for helping me make the right choice."

I wish you and Nathyn every happiness together. (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

After the quest, she and Nathyn exchange a few words.

Nathyn Dreloth: "You're staying? Truly? Are you sure, Dacia?"

Dacia Caro: "I fought this hard just to get to you, Nathyn. Of course I'm staying."

You can talk to her after the quest.

"Finally, a place to call home again. Thank you for helping me see the right decision."

What are you going to do now?

"I think I'll take one more walk around the grounds before I join Nathyn.
It'll be my last moment alone for quite some time, and I want to spare some thoughts for my family. I think they'd be happy I found my true love."

Tell Dacia To Leave

If you exit the conversation after telling her to stay, then talk to her again:

"I feel at peace with my decision to stay. Thank you for helping me make the right choice."

I wish you luck in finding a cure. (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

After the quest, she and Nathyn exchange a few words.

Nathyn Dreloth: "Dacia … I love you. I'm glad you're going to see the world."

Dacia Caro: "Nathyn, until you can see it with me, my road will always lead back to Tel Dreloth."

You can talk to her after the quest.

"I feel better having a path forward so both Nathyn and I can be free.
We'll find a cure soon, I just know it!"

What are you going to do now?

"I expect I'll get straight to work for Sathile—I mean, Mistress Dreloth.
If I can spare a moment alone with Nathyn, I'll take it. But I don't want to waste any more time when I could be searching for a cure for him."

Chronicle of Fate

If you persuade her to travel the world to find a cure to Nathyn's affliction, she will be in attendance alongside Nathyn who is in a projection form.

Speaking to her:

"I was booking passage to leave the peninsula when I heard about a gathering at the Necropolis. Glad I could make it!
It's lovely to see you again. And Nathyn's here, too! In his own way. Did you see?"

You're leaving the peninsula? Where are you headed?

"I'll start at the Library of Vivec, then head over to Winterhold…Sathile and I have the whole route planned.
And since she taught Nathyn how to project his image, it's like he's here with me! Sort of. He's still getting the hang of it."

Why didn't Sathile think of that sooner?

"Well, you know receptive she is to ideas that aren't her own.
I'm so glad I got to see you once more before I left! Thanks for helping me make the right choice. You're traveling, too, right? Maybe we'll see you around!

Maybe. Safe travels, Dacia.