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Tales from Morrowind

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[As the Resident Writer at Candelhearth Hall I have been sought out by many a Traveller. This Tale starts in Skyrim. Adonato.]

 

The Priestess and the Black Star: As told to Adonato Leotelli - Resident Writer Candlehearth Hall

Chapter 1

I

“Holla art thee the scholar who is't resides h're yond can recount mine own tales in Skyrim?” were the first words that came to me from the glowing Mer as I sat ensconced in my thoughts on a cold, fresh Loredas morning on the 2nd day of the First Seed in 4E year 200.

“I am but a humble Scribe my Lady, how may I serve you?” I said, as I stood and bowed in reverence.

“F'rget the custom of greetings and answ'r mine own questioneth sir, befpre I loseth all patience with thee” was her reply, while staring at me intently with eyes that burned red and looked deep down inside my very core.

“I am who you seek” I whimpered.  

“Valorous, thankfully thou art not a blinking idiot as most N'rds so i shall entreat thee with mine own tales, and asketh yond thee rec'rd those folk accurately, and without embellishment” she instructed, and I nodded, while motioning for her to join me at a table upstairs.

“Please my Lady, come this way…” I began before she cut me off

“Grces of Azura sir, i has't did travel far a needeth rest, 'rganise aroom f'r me, and then i shall entrust mine own tale to thee in valorous timeth, sayeth at dinn'r, sometime aft'r sundown?” she spoke in a smooth flowing tone, that while it appeared as a command, it sounded to me like a song.

“Certainly” I stammered as I attempted to speak with Elda Early-Dawn who was watching us with a look of amusement, and then a calmness as she smiled and said

“Right this way” before I had even uttered a word or offered her a single Septim.

“What luck i am having, such gratitude f'r thee both, may i has't a pheasant and leeks did prepare f'r at which hour i awaken at travelling lamp down madam?” The Mer spoke as she glided to the room near to where we stood, at the base of the stairs.

“Certainly, my Lady” Elda replied, and left as the Mer closed the door behind her, leaving me in the hall alone, with my mouth agape.

I spent the rest of the day, preparing myself for the re-emergence of the Elven Traveller, who was dressed in long flowing robes concealed beneath a dark cloak.  The sense of calm and serenity that had overcome me when I was in her presence  vanished the moment the door of her room closed, and I felt a distinct unease about what stories she was going to entrust me with, and if I was indeed worthy to re-tell them as she so desired. 

Mid consternation I found I had been summoned to the Palace of The Kings, the Jarls residence, and  oldest Castle in Skyrim, where I sat for what seemed like half the day waiting to have an audience with  Ulfric Stormcloak, the Jarl of Eastmarch. After losing patience and trying to leave I was taken by the guard to see the Steward Jorleif, who had heard of the arrival of a glowing Dark elf and wanted me to report back to him who she was and why she was in Windhelm. The Nords did not trust the Dunmer let alone someone that appeared to be a Mage or a purveyor of Magic. Jorleif was quite direct,

“Discover who she is and bring this information to me. The Jarl is most concerned that whoever it is may unsettle the Gray Quarter and bring false hope to the accursed Dark Elves who reside there.”

“Of course, I will report back as soon as I know more” I offered, and I was dismissed without further courtesy.

Being an Imperial and a citizen of The Empire, I was used to the arrogance and damned hostility of the Nord rulers and their hatred and distrust of the Dunmer. But this seemed more than that. I walked back to Candlehearth Hall mulling this over when I noticed that the sun was already setting.

I hurried inside to have my meeting and was greeted by Suzanna, a Nord waitress, who ushered me upstairs to a table that was already set with roast pheasant and boiled leeks for two. A fresh journal, inkwell and quill were also siting on my side of the table next to a plate.

“How can Elda hate the dark elves when she knows so little about them?” she offered as I sat down.

“This may be about to change my dear” I replied as she hurried off to the next table to take orders.

I was sitting facing the stairs and felt the presence of the Mer come up towards me before I saw her dark skin and beaming red eyes. The calmness that I felt when I first met her returned and I stood and bowed as she approached the table.

The Lady Elf was dressed in a dark blue robe, with bronze-gold trim that appeared as though gold flake had been sewn or imbued into the material around the edges next to her skin. Her neck was adorned with a amulet that was also golden. About her waist a golden belt sat just below her hips and on her right wrist were an assortment of golden bracelets. Her dark ebony hair hung straight down passed her shoulders almost to her waist and was parted to the left. Her features were classic ancient Mer, and her skin was dark grey, and her lips matched the colour of her hair. Her appearance was fierce in nature, but I did not feel any threat at all from her. She glowed as if the sun shone from within her, not the midday glare, but the soft ethereal hues of early dawn, or late dusk, and without the cowl of her cloak there was what appeared to be a halo effect shimmering around her shoulders and hair. She was as I realised earlier a Dunmer, a Dark Elf. But like none I had ever encountered.

“Greetings to thee again scribe, has't thee been waiting longeth? and prithee sut down, i needeth not to beest did bow to ev'ry timeth we meeteth” she cooed as she took a seat next to me.

“Of course,” I offered and sat down.

No words were exchanged as she ate, and none were needed. I sat transfixed by the apparition before me and was unable to take a bite of the food on our table and struggled to consume more than a sip of the Ale Suzanna put down not long after I ordered it. The Mer finished her meal and poured wine from the bottle on the table into a goblet, and for the first time since sitting, met my gaze.

“Thee behold putteth out scribe, art thee not fill'd with pangs of hunger?” she asked, to which I shook my head.

“So alloweth me introduceth myself.  I am the Priestess Irdi Sul.  I s'rve the Daedric Prince Azura” she began in silken smooth tomes that reminded me of birds awakening to the morning sun.

“I has't did search f'r the star of Azura, hath lost by the N'revarine and p’rhaps taken and c'rrupt'd by a necromanc'r nam'd Malyn Varen.” She continued.

I sighed and sunk into my chair, oblivious to the enchantment I was under until she scowled and leaned forward and snapped her fingers under my nose.

“Frightful fool, awaken Imperial, and take out your journal.” The words shook me from my malaise, and I took the quill in my hand, brought the inkwell close to it and began to write.

The majestic tranquillity I had been experiencing vanished and I began scribbling down as she spoke.  

“Suffer no more Imperial, for I have released you from my Charm” she spoke, and I understood that she had me enraptured in a spell, thinking it would make her task or relaying her tale less arbitrary for herself.

“Perhaps I am the fool Adonato, for I sometimes forget my manners. I am so used to mixing with other Mer, that I forget how susceptible men are to my aura. Please relax, I will allow you time to compose yourself and begin by telling you some things about myself, for context?” She said this quietly and lowered her gaze.

“No, no I’m fine please continue my dear Priestess” I entreated, relieved to have my own thoughts back, and glad to be a little frightened of the Dunmer Priestess before me.

“Very well, so I will tell you of my life somewhat and my reasons for seeking you out” said she and began her tale, as most others do, by giving me details of her life as she remembered it.

 

 

II

Released from her Charm enchantment, I now understood immediately all that was being relayed to me, and the ancient language of The Mer had become the prose of men (at least to my ears, who knew what sort of enchantment she was using now?) This intrigued me, yet I dared not interrupt the Priestess as she began to inform me of her upbringing and early years in Morrowind.

Irdi Sul was she told me, an obedient daughter, an only child, born in Morrowind in Almalexia City in the early 400th year of the Third Era. Her birthplace is near to the Morrowind Capital, Mournhold. Her father Ezhmaar Sul (known as Sul) and Ilzheven her mother were not Noble by birth, yet wealthy and respected.  The Priestess was not sure how well off her parents were, but she believed them to be close to the Nobles of the House of Indoril and served the House in ways that allowed her to live a life free of the burdens of common Dunmer.  She told me she was born under the sign of The Ritual. This sign is one of The Mages charges and the aspects on the moons and the divines gave her the ability to cast the spells Blessed word, Blessed touch and Mara’s Gift from a very young age. As all Dunmer, the Ancestor Guardian Sanctuary ability was also hers at birth. This is not a spell but an enchantment that a Dunmer can release that will cause anyone or anything to burn if they come too close during battle.

When she was old enough, she told me, her eyes meeting mine briefly as she spoke, that she chose for herself, under her mother’s guidance to train as a Healer. Her mother encouraged her she said, to follow this path, and to focus on Restoration, Alteration, Mystic Spells and Speechcraft.  Being the obedient daughter, Irdi Sul told me spent her time honing her skills, while growing up as most Dunmer children do, serving their parents and respecting the ancestral heritage of their people. For many Nirn seasons this was her life, and she became an excellent student. Irdi Sul informed me that she was invited to attend The Academy of Majic in Mournhold, The Shad Astula, a very prestigious and exclusive place to study majic in Morrowind and she was never expected to marry, and was never promised to a Male from another family. This led to her being independent, and able to live as not many Dunmer females could. Irdi Sul told me that her life was dominated by the worship of the Tribunal, and the Dunmer Gods; Lord Vivec, Sotha Sil and Almalexia. “If not for my dreams of Azura, I would most likely still be in Morrowind.” The Priestess said to me, as she sipped from her goblet, her free hand momentarily touching her shining ebony hair.

Irdi Sul paused for a moment, while she adjusted her seat and spoke to me about the training she received from her father.

“He grew tired of his wife’s influence on his only child”, she offered “and so he decided to teach me how to wield a dagger and defend myself in mortal combat”.

This angered her mother; the Lady informed me however, she did not interfere as it was part of the path for a Healer, to learn hand to hand combat, and who not better to train her than her father, the legendary Sul?

The Priestess said to me she grew strong, and after years of training was close to a match for her father in combat. She said this pleased him, and he would jest with her that if she focused purely on his training, she would be the equal of any warrior in Morrowind. Irdi Sul believed that she improved remarkably in her duels with her father, not by any great skill with the blade, but by incorporating Conjuration spells under stealth, learned in her studies at The Academy of Majic, that fooled her father at critical times, and left him open to her less capable attacks.

The Priestess Irdi Sul explained that she had also discovered that by combining Willpower and Magicka she could increase the damage of the conjured weapon. As her preferred spell produced dual wielding spears it became her favoured weapon of choice, rather than the conventional ebony blade.

“The first time I conjured Bound spear, it would have been an early day in the Second Seed, and I was training with my father, alone in the courtyard of our Home.” Irdi began telling me of her memories of training with Sul.

“There was plenty of room to manoeuvre, but not enough to avoid a melee attack if you stepped or weaved at the wrong angle. I was tired of the repetitive parry and thrust of using a dagger, and constantly defending myself from his attacks. He would instruct me to follow his technique, to use single strikes, then defend, consecutive strikes and defend, then repeat, all the time instructing me

“Keep your weight forward Irdi Sul, on the balls of your feet Irdi Sul, no, not like that!” He would scold me.”

She breathed in and with the glimmer of a smile continued,

“So, I stepped back conjured the spell Bound spear while dropping my ebony dagger, and advanced towards him letting them go and watched his eyes grow wide with surprise as the first spear grazed his right arm, the second imbedding itself into his right leg. He did not yell or scream in fear. He held his ground and stood looking at me. No words were exchanged for a moment. He waved his left hand while using a healing spell and the spear dissolved leaving no mark. He then spoke.

“Irdi Sul, this is indeed not my teaching, although I have to admit, a great tactic. You have exceeded my expectations today. Work on the power of this spell, for as you can see, a Bound spear is a very useful weapon, but it does not cause the same amount of damage as the enchanted dagger you dropped,” said she, sitting upright in her seat and looked pleased with herself.

 

The Priestess relaxed back in her chair with a silent breath out and spoke some more,

“My father then left me and from that day forth he would give me no instruction, only the command – begin – when we scrimmaged together. I kept the Bound spear spell to myself for some time, developing its strength and, some seasons later on a day in Suns dusk unleashed it again. This time, luckily for my father, my mother was present. The spears this time found their targets, piercing my father’s light armour chest plate and throwing him back sprawling to the ground, with the sound of his breath rushing out of him. He lay motionless and my mother hurried to him, as did I, and we were able to revive and heal him before the full effects of the damage my spears had caused brought mortal harm and ended his life. My mother looked at me with a dark scowl and sent me to my quarters. Later they both came to me and explained that maybe from now on I should concentrate on my Alteration spells, as my father had no more to teach me in hand to hand combat.”

The Priestess then poured more wine, sat up in her chair, and told me that was the last time she would scrimmage with her father, and instead she focused on her spell casting along the path of a Healer. Many more Nirn seasons passed and she grew Adept and then Expert at many spells and improved her abilities beyond her mothers. Her life was her own, and she remained devoted to her family, and the Great House they served.

All seemed to be a Dunmer life of servitude to her House and Family for Irdi Sul, until she began to have dreams of Azura. At first, she told me she resisted the visions, calling out in her dreams to Almalexia to intervene, and drive away this Daedric Prince that dared tempt her. Of course, the Mother God of The Tribunal never answered her pleas and over time the dreams became so vivid that even when she awoke at dawn, she could hear the voice of Azura, calling to her, forewarning her of her perils, and the return of Nerevar in the form of the Nerevarine.

Irdi Sul said she would go to the local Temple and pray to Almalexia for guidance, to perish the temptations and sorcery of Azura, but the Priests there ignored her and informed her parents that their daughter was not welcome anymore. This played on Irdi’s sanity, and on the night of her 27th Frostfall in Morrowind, she submitted to the dreams as they came that night, and fully experienced the visions that Azura had been trying to enlighten her with.

“I remember falling asleep in a sweat but deciding to finally submit to whatever the Daedric Prince wanted me to see. After closing my eyes, I tumbled into the back of my mind and fell into unconsciousness, or so I thought. The next thing I knew, I was lying in the sands on the Coast of Azura in Vvardenfell, and the Daedric Prince Azura was standing in front of me, her arms outstretched, her hands open, beckoning me to stand up and come to her.” the Priestess said to me.

 “I could feel the soft ash of the sand on my face and hands, and smell and taste the salt of the sea of ghosts. I stood and took her hands and felt the warmth of the morning sun in her touch. I did not expect this and felt comfort.”

Irdi Sul continued “Azura spoke to me”, and said “yes my beautiful one, I am here, for you to follow and serve, as my Priestess, you will have many perils to overcome, but you will survive, and bring the Dunmer back to us.” 

The Priestess said that Azura then beckoned for Irdi Sul to follow her and in an instant, they were both on the island of her Shrine, beneath the statue of Azura and the Daedric Prince spoke again,

“Irdi Sul, your Gods are not who you have been led to believe. They were an Ancient Race, The Chimer that served me, Boethiah, and Mephala. In time they managed to overcome all their enemies and became more powerful than any Mer in Morrowind and they formed what would become The Tribunal. This was not enough for Vivec, and he used Kagrenac's Tools on the Heart of Lorkhan to tap its power and make himself, Sotha Sil and Almalexia Gods – The Almsivi. I cursed them for blasphemy, turning the golden-skinned Chimer into the grey-skinned Dunmer and prophesied Nerevar's return.” Irdi Sul said she was shocked to hear this heresy but kept quiet as she said Azura continued,

“In the aftermath of the Battle of Red Mountain, as punishment for using Kagrenac's Tools and for killing Nerevar, I proclaimed that Nerevar would return to punish them and right the Tribunal's wrongs.”

“The Tribunal Temple have persecuted those who believed that Nerevar would return, and knowledge of what the Tribunal had done.”

Irdi told me she knew this, because when she had gone to The Temple of The Almsivi seeking solace, she had been scorned and turned away. Irdi Sul told me after a pause, Azura spoke again,

“Pre-Tribunal worship of the Daedra has been all but been forgotten. The Ashlanders continue to believe in Nerevar's return despite opposition from the Temple. I now grant you a vision of what is to come, and the coming of The Nerevarine.”

The Priestess said that Azura placed her hands on her temples and the sky became white, then grey and then she saw In 3E 427 the Nerevarine, a prisoner born to uncertain parents under a certain sign, was sent by Uriel Septim VII to Morrowind, and arrived in the port town of Seyda Neen. This was done to set the prisoner up as a member of the Blades and fulfill the Nerevarine prophecies. She then found herself in The Tribunal Temple, Dunmer fleeing the wrath of the Nerevarine, and watched as the Gods of her Tribunal were rendered powerless. All this occurred in an instant and she was again on the sands on the coast of Azura, looking into the Daedric Princes eyes, searching for answers. Azura told her to leave her family, to seek out the Ashlanders, and tell them of the visions she had been given, and to reclaim the Dunmer to the True Tribunal of Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala.

Irdi breathed in and looked across the table at me. She spoke slowly.

“I then awoke from this dream, this nightmare, whatever it was and screamed loud and long enough for my mother to make her way down to my quarters to comfort me. I couldn’t stop crying, for the visions of death and destruction I had witnessed, and the fall of what I had been raised to believe were the Gods of my people. My mother held me as if I was a child and for a time, I believed that there was no way that what I had seen could be true. After my mother had left, Azura appeared before me in my room, and told me it was time to leave. She bestowed upon me the power of Vivecs Wrath, telling me that this spell would enable me to destroy any who threatened my safe passage to the Ashlands. It was a Destruction spell that only Vivec himself was able to wield, and I knew then that my destiny was to follow the path laid out before me by Azura. This was the last time I saw my mother. I have only seen my father once in the centuries that followed.”

 

 

III

The Priestess took some wine, and there was silence between us. Gathering her thoughts, she took some time before she continued.

Irdi Sul, Priestess of Azura then told me of her trek to the Ashlands. Following direction from Azura, she packed her belongings and some provisions along with some ingredients that could be used to prolong her life in the wild and left Almalexia City. Azura took her leave but would return to give Irdi Sul guidance as she trekked through the outlands of Morrowind.

Occasionally Irdi Sul said she would come across strangers that would introduce themselves and teach her spells.  She also encountered many of the wild beasts that inhabit Morrowind, and she was able to defend herself against their attacks with the spell Azura had bestowed upon her, as well as the skills she had learned from her father.

Irdi Sul believed the Mages, Warriors and Merchants she met were also touched by Azura and sent to help her on her pilgrimage. She told me thus;

On the 1st dawn of her walk, she met Larlenne Macrina who gave her instruction to cast Gods Spark.

On the 2nd she came across Llanas Drilvi who taught her the spell Saintly Ward, to be used against the undead. This complemented other spells she already knew.

Aldiril appeared on the road on the 3rd dusk and taught her how to cast Heartbite and Summon Clan fear.

On the 4th   evening in her pilgrimage Sara Orelh came to her and gave her the ability to cast Righteousness and Rilms gift.

“At the time, I don’t know if I was asleep or awake when I encountered these Mages. They did not greet or convey anything other than the ability to learn the spells, and then they were gone. It was as if Azura was bringing them to me for the sole purpose of enhancing my spell craft, and nothing more,” said she.

The Priestess continued after a short pause to reflect on what had occurred.

“I don’t believe if I had traversed the entire continent of Morrowind or walked all of Vvardenfell I would have met any of them in the time I travelled from Almalexia City to the Ashlands.” She said to me, her voice soft and gentle as she spoke.

“Indeed, that would not have been possible” I remarked.

“On the 5th dusk, as Red Mountain loomed on the horizon, I found myself in the presence of Gava Drin. We spoke for some time about many things, as I knew of him, and his loyalty was to the Almsivi Goddess Almalexia.” The Priestess continued

“Gava Drin was The Archcanon of The Tribunal Temple in Mournhold. He told me he had been granted visions of the Nerevarine as well, but his concerns were with the new King Helseth.  He asked me if I would swear fealty to him in turn for granting me the power of Almalexia’s Shield. I agreed as I believed it would have been poor manners not to. He granted me the ability to cast the spell, and walked away into the ether, claiming that we would cross paths again.” The Priestess took a sip from her goblet and looked at me. She then said,

“Azura appeared when he had left and spoke to me again on the return of the Nerevarine, and the false Gods of The Tribunal Temple. I must convey Azura gave me the ability to learn many other spells including Wizards Brand, and Charm mortal, which I was able to cast after some practice.”  The Priestess told me this and added that the great majic that occurred next still haunts her.

“Azura then bestowed upon me the Divine powers of Almalexia’s Light and Blessing as well as Almalexia’s Wrath Spell”, said Irdi Sul.

 The glow and enchantment rushed over me as she spoke,

“Cometh to me all Dunm'r, begeth f'r guidance and reclaim thy birthright f'r i am the lighteth of the dawn, and the shimm'r of the dusk!”

I knew that Azura had blessed upon her powers rivalling The Almsivi Tribunal themselves. The enchantment vanished as quickly as it appeared and the Dunmer Voldsea Giryon, who had begun to make her way towards us stopped in her tracks and stood staring at us both. I then realised the time and it was almost dawn. The Priestess waved the Dunmer Sailor away, and she bowed and left to pursue whatever it was she would have previously been about to entertain herself with.

“My lady, we have sat here all night and I need some rest, can we reconvene again soon enough?” I asked and the reply was thus

“Of course, Adonato, same time this evening?” said the Priestess.

“Yes, I will be here” I conveyed, and she rose from her chair and was gone.

I sat trying to make sense of what I had heard and witnessed this evening. I was in quite the predicament. If I believed all that I had seen and been told to be true, then The Priestess was the most powerful being in all of Skyrim. If I reported this to Jorleif, as I had promised, I feared that the repercussions for me personally could be disastrous. What was I to do? I gathered up my Journals, inkwell, and quill, and retired to my room. I fell into a restless slumber, to be disturbed not long before late noon by two Guards, who had been sent to bring me to The Palace of the Kings immediately.

It was not Jorleif who had summoned me this time. I found myself again waiting under guard, for what seemed like hours, until I was directed upstairs to the quarters of Wuunferth the Unliving, The Jarls Court Wizard. The Guards escorted me to his door, and shoved me inside, then left.

“Ahhh Adonato, how pleasant of you to join me” the Wizard said as I made my way into his room and smoothed down my ruffled tunic. 

“Why the pleasure is all mine old friend” I replied, “Why have the Guards man handled and dragged me up here, I will always answer your call if you require a scribe?” I offered, hoping that this was a social call, and he wasn’t also concerned with the Dunmer who was staying at Candlehearth Hall.

“Adonato” he mused now turning away from his Arcane Enchanter and facing me “you have a visitor that you are entertaining at Candlehearth Hall, and I would like to know what it is you are hoping to achieve, and if indeed you know who she is and why she is in Windhelm?” he asked, gazing directly at me, with more of a smirk than a smile.

It was as I feared, he wanted information on the Priestess.

“My dear friend, I do have a reputation to maintain, and if I divulged the secrets of every traveller whose tales I transcribed before the release of my book, how am I meant to earn a living?” I hissed and moaned as the words retched from my lips, more as a delaying tactic, because we both knew I would tell him everything I knew eventually.

“Good sir, tell me what I want to know, as the Lady herself has caused quite a stir among the Nords who reside here, and she may be in some danger” Wuunferth said this evenly, without malice, but the conviction of his words compelled me to reveal all that I knew so far.

It came out in a rush, the enchantments, the prose, the glow of her robes, the beauty of her skin, the darkness that I felt when she looked directly at me. I couldn’t contain anything, and my thoughts came out in a jumbled mess. Wuunferth looked at me with concern and asked me to sit down. I sat breathing deeply trying to compose myself, but I was terrified of the consequences for what I had just spoken of.

“Do you know why she is here in Skyrim Adonato?” the wizard asked

“Oh, to find Azura’s Star, I believe” I mumbled back.

“Hmmm The Black Star, the Star of Azura, this has not been heard of since The Oblivion Crisis, why does she think it is in Skyrim Adonato?” he posed this question as if I would have an answer and then I remembered I did know,

“She believes that a Necromancer by the name of Malyn Varen has corrupted the Star, and he is somewhere in Skyrim my friend” I offered.

“Good I have heard of this Necromancer, and also know that one of his Apprentices is holed up in Winterhold. Thank you, Adonato, you are free to go. I will keep this dialogue between us both for now. I advise you to do the same, and not crumble again and reveal any of this to Jorleif. Agreed?” and he met my gaze and reassured me all would be well.

“Thank you Wuunferth, I appreciate your wisdom. What do I do now, do I avoid Jorleif, or do I …...” and the wizard cut me off.

“Do not concern yourself with the Steward. I will inform him you are in league with me as far as the Dunmer is concerned and that I will deal with her when the need arises. Return to Candlehearth Hall good sir, I believe your Traveller is waiting for you”, and with that he returned to his Enchanting, and I was free to go.

 I made my way down the stairs back into the main hall of the Palace of the Kings and was not delayed by guards or the annoying Jorleif. I returned to Candlehearth Hall, changed my clothes, washed up in a hand basin as quickly as I could and returned with my journals, and implements of scribing to the table I had sat in the evening before.

The Priestess was waiting for me, indulging in the fine fare that the Hall had provided again for our enjoyment.  She looked up as I approached, neither smiling nor frowning but looking through me with those intense dark crimson eyes. I grimaced as I sat down placing my journals to the left and waving for Suzanna to bring me an ale.

“Greetings Scribe, do you believe tardiness to be a virtue? said she as she sat back and poured herself some wine.

“My apologies my Lady, I was delayed by an old friend who wanted to know why you were in Skyrim” I blurted out without even knowing why.

“And this friend learned?” The Priestess asked, her eyes narrowing, eyebrows slightly raised.

“I told him you were here to find the Star of Azura, and that was all” I said, and was amazed at how easily this flowed from my lips.

“It would serve you well Adonato, to remind inquisitive Nords, that I am here at Candlehearth Hall and available to answer questions myself if they so desire” the Priestess reminded me, or was it a statement?

“Never mind, eat and we will continue our conversation, and you will not try my patience on this again?” said she,

“Of Course, my Lady” I replied, as I tried to swallow the roasted meats and vegetables that were now sticking in my throat. I took a gulp of the fresh ale Suzanna had just put down, to wash the clotted meat out of my mouth and down my throat, trying not to regurgitate the half-masticated cow under the stress I was feeling for speaking about her with Wuunferth The Unliving.

The Priestess Irdi Sul finished her meal in silence as she had done the evening before, and after some more wine, indicated that she would like to continue our conversation.

“I am still inconvenienced by the interruptions of the Nords in this city Adonato. Have they caused you a nuisance? I would very much like to know if I would be better served now by obtaining a meeting with the Jarl and putting their concerns at ease.” said the Priestess Irdi Sul, and the glow returned momentarily, but I felt no calmness or serenity.

“My Lady, I have assurances from the Court Wizard himself that we will not be disturbed. Can we continue please?” I offered and she agreed with a nod, and looked across the room, as if to gather her thoughts.

Breathing in deeply I took up my quill and the Dark Elf before me began where she had left off previously.

“I came to realise on the 5th night” the Priestess surmised “that Azura had given gifts to me that Almalexia had acquired from Vivecs corruption of the Heart of Lorkhan. I had received powers no mortal was meant to obtain, either through sorcery, or through devotion to the Arcane Arts. It was as if Azura had bestowed this power upon me to show the Dunmer, that only worshipping the Three Daedric Princes – The Old Ways, would advance their cause, and to know their place as mortals.”

I listened as she continued.

“Azura explained that was exactly her intention, and that my newfound abilities would be tested, that I would have to learn to control them, and that I would face her trials which she referred to as The Perils, as I made my way into the Ashlands”.

 

IV

The Priestess Irdi Sul, told me Azura laid bare what the Daedric Prince was foretelling in her visions. This can be found in  Nerevar at Red Mountain, a Book from the Apographa, the hidden writings of the Tribunal Temple. It is a scholarly retelling of a tradition transmitted through the Ashlanders concerning the battle at Red Mountain and subsequent events. Transcript below:

Then Azura came forth anyway and cursed the Tribunal for their foul deeds. She told them that she would use her powers over dusk and dawn to make sure Nerevar would come back and make things right again.

But the Tribunal laughed at her and said that soon they would be gods themselves and that the Chimer people would forget their old ways of worship. And Azura knew this would be true and that it would take a long time before her power might bring Nerevar back

"What you have done here today is foul beyond measure and you will grow to regret it, for the lives of gods are not what mortals think and matters that weigh only years to mortals weigh on gods forever.

And so that they might know forever their wicked deeds Azura changed the Chimer into Dunmer, and their skin turned ashen and their eyes into fire.

"Let this mark remind you of your true selves who, like ghouls, fed on the nobility, heroism, and trust of their king."

Thousands of years after their apotheosis, the Tribunal are still the gods of Morrowind, and the old ways of worship are remembered only by a few. And the murder of Nerevar is known to fewer. But his queen and generals still fear his return, for the words of Azura linger long and they see the mark of her curse on their people every day. *

* Nerevar at Red Mountain

Irdi Sul said she made her way into Vvardenfell on the 6th Dawn of her Pilgrimage, and to Vivec city. The large city is the capital on the island of Vvardenfell, and it is the seat of Dunmer religion in all of Morrowind. It is named after one of the Tribunal gods, Vivec. The city is made of nine cantons. It lies on the southern coast of Vvardenfell, by the Inner Sea. The whole city is guarded by Ordinators, strict peacekeeper’s who are trained in mortal combat, and wear a distinctive chitin plate armour.

The nine cantons that form the city are Vivec, Foreign Quarter, Redoran Canton, Arena Canton, Hlaalu Canton, Temple Canton, Telvanni Canton, St. Delyn Canton, St. Olms Canton, and the Palace of Vivec. The separate cantons are joined by walkways. Each canton is a single sprawling structure, containing many inhabitants, traders, temples, Inns and much more. There are Gondoliers offering, for a small fee, a ride to and from the different cantons. It is a beautiful city.

A moonlet can be seen suspended above the Temple; it is called the Ministry of Truth. Irdi Sul told me she had arrived at Vivec City on the evening of the 5th Dusk, and, guided by Azura, she had met with a Priestess of The Temple, Mehra who had sympathies with the Ashlanders. The Priestess Mehra escorted Irdi Sul through the Canals under the city. They then they headed out towards Mount Kand in Molag Amur. The lure of Vivec City and the attractions of The Cantons was undeniable. The sheer magnificence of Baar Dau tempted Irdi Sul, to stay and enjoy all the city had to offer, as she would have in her past visits, however her duty was to Azura she told me. It was also important not to give the cities Ordinator’s an opportunity to interfere with her pilgrimage, I was informed as she offered me wine, which I gladly accepted.

Once outside the city’s walls, Irdi Sul told me she found herself in the volcanic terrain of Molag Amur south east of Red Mountain as Magnus the sun climbed up out of the Sea of Ghosts. It is a desolate expanse of hardened lava flows, ravines, and fields of ash. Travel is difficult, and ash-storms frequently strike the area. Parts of the region are considered impassable even for Ashlanders. Left by the Sympathiser Mehra to make her own way, Irdi Sul said she found herself facing her first Ash storm.

“The gathering winds began to whip up the ash as they gathered force, coming in off the Coast of Azura. Before I could find shelter the Ash-Storm was upon me.” She said.

 Irdi Sul described it to me thus,

“The sky had grown dark as the ash rose up from around me, swirling and becoming a choking mass of dust and debris. I struggled to find shelter in a ravine, hoping it would pass as quickly as it had come upon me. I covered my face with my cloak, and squeezed my eyes tight, I cowered down as low as I could, struggling all the time to breath.”

The Priestess’s eyes grew slim as she continued. “It was then that I realised I was not alone. I had in my haste to avoid the storm, clambered down into a nest of Shalk.”

“Oh my, my Lady, wretched creature” I said out loud.

“Yes, I was surprised by the soft warmth of their bite too Adonato” she said with a bland tone and pressed on.

“I realised that after being bitten my only option was to paralyse the nest and try and escape without sustaining too much damage to my health. After I felt the sting of that first bite and the heat of the fire building as other Shalk were alerted to my presence, I manipulated my hands and breathed in, summoning my willpower and drawing on a large reserve of Magicka, casting the paralysis spell and hoping that it would last long enough for me to climb up and out of the ravine.”

The Priestess then described how her spell was effective enough for the predators to become immediately innate and for her to scramble up the sharp edges of the ravine, and back into the maelstrom of the storm.

“I was bent over, almost crawling along the rough sharp crevices of the hardened lava surface when another threat presented itself. I was slowly beginning to suffocate, and I began to feel as though I was about to lose consciousness. I managed to wedge myself behind an out crop of twisted lava boulder and with the wind roaring over and around it, I could adjust my cloak and empty my mouth of ash. This relieved some of my discomfort and inability to breath. I hunkered down and waited for the storm to pass.”.  

The Priestess looked across at me, took some wine and showed me her right arm. There were scars from the bite of the Shalk beetle, that looked as though they were scratches from a serrated weapon.

“This is the best I could do for myself after the storm passed. The Shalk that bit me must have been diseased as it had infected me with Collywobbles, and my attempts to cure the wound proved fruitless,” said she.

“I eventually was able to cure the disease using the healing spell, Rilms Gift.” The Priestess continued, “Not knowing I was infected meant that my arm suffered more than it should. This was a lesson for me, as I was not aware that I could become infected so easily and that this would prevent Restore Attributes, a healing spell I had known since childhood,  from being effective against what was a minor wound.”

The Priestess went on and described what happened next.

“Caught in the storm, unable to heal my wound, and slowly choking to death I felt helpless, and in frustration cast a ward. This given my experience with wards, surprised me in how effective it was against the suffocation of the Ash storm. Almost at once the ash cleared from around me, and I could breath. I had time to gather my senses and used the gift to cure myself, and with the last of my Magicka reserve, reinforced the ward. The storm began to ease as the ward slowly ebbed and I had survived.” Irdi Sul, drank more of her wine, withdrew her arm, and sat back in her chair.

“Then, I was attacked by a swarm of Cliff Racers!” This was said in consternation and she hissed the following words,

“Damned creatures flew in and began pecking at me and my possessions. Their trill like shrieking shook me into action and I withdrew my Daedric dagger and stood to face them.” The Priestess then recounted how she fought them off.  

“As my Magicka was depleted I would have to repel them with a weapon until I had time to replenish it. This involved using the techniques I had learned from my father, and they proved effective enough for the wretched Ondo Imbarl to flee once I had inflicted damage on the largest one. I was pleased with myself and cursed them as they flew off”.

The Priestess then told me of how she continued on her trek through Molag Amur and into the Ashlands.

“The terrain eased from sharp twisted outcroppings of centuries old cured lava, to sand like ash and dead flora. As I moved around the hinterland of Red Mountain, the landscape appeared more dead and deserted than any I had ever seen. How living things could survive here troubled me. How was I to survive I wondered aloud, to which I received an answer I did not expect”.

 

“Noa daruh su pargo aonorin”

 

“The language of the ancients floated out of nowhere and sung its way to me across the faintest of a zephyr. At first, I thought that it was Azura, but I then saw the outline of a warrior as they faded in and out between the dead trees scattered about the Ashland province. “

Irdi Sul, then described how from the ash laden trees emerged what appeared to be a Dunmer who had descended from the Ancient Mer or had stepped directly out of the Merethic Era at that moment. His face was covered, and he had goggles of some kind that glowed red matching his eye colour, his armour a combination of Netch leather with the resin and moulded bone plate of creatures I could not determine (Chitin armour). His skin was covered from head to toe except for his forearms. His gauntlets again were Netch leather and resin. He was armed with a short bow and arrows and a sword which remained in its hilt. He stood tall strong and limber.

The stranger, Irdi Sul told me as she met my gaze with those piercing scarlet eyes, approached her position and stood before her, arms crossed and spoke again, as if waiting for a reply from the Priestess.

Irdi Sul didn’t know what response he was looking for and thought to say just that, when the phrase “Antuta adman” passed from her lips.

This she knew from her readings on the Ashlander History and how they lived close to the Old Ways of the Mer.

“My Lady” I interrupted “I am not familiar with the language you are using, or the phrases?” I asked hopefully.

“Let faith be your law” was the greeting and “Learn by serving” was the response I gave Adonato. This seemed to be enough for the Ashlander as he gestured for me to follow him and we walked to his settlement in Molag Amur, Erabenimsun Camp.” said the Priestess.

“As we walked, I asked the Warrior if he had a name, and introduced myself as Irdi Sul.” She continued “This drew a sideways glance but nothing more. I entreated the Warrior of my pilgrimage, and that Azura had sent me, which failed to gain a response at all. We walked for some time before we came to the camp, and he then directed me to a large tent like structure, what Ashlanders refer to as a Yurt, where I was met by a female Dunmer, who spoke tersely to me.”

"I am Manirai, Wise Woman of the Erabenimsun. Do you need my services?” was how she greeted me.” The Priestess said.

“The village if you could call it that was more of a camp, with the tent like Yurts arranged in a circular pattern around a central area, that contained a large fire pit, and what appeared to be a working forge. The smell of dried meats, boiling cabbage and yams was overwhelming.” Said the Priestess.

She also described how there were no children that she could see, and that the open sewer that ran down the outside of the camp made her feel for the Ashlanders, that they were poor, and perhaps uncivilised compared to her upbringing in Morrowind.

“I introduced myself to Manirai and told her of my pilgrimage,” said Irdi Sul. “I spoke with the Wise Woman for some time, and she told me that unfortunately she was not able to help. Her Tribe was under the control of a war like Khan, who was averse to Outlanders, and she told me I was not welcome.

Irdi Sul said she was directed to a smaller Yurt by Manirai, where she was offered a meal, and water.

“The Ashlander there was named Assaba-Bentus and turned out to be the Warrior who I had encountered in the Ashlands of Molag Amur.” said the Priestess.

“You find no welcome here Outlander, why are you surprised?” Assaba-Bentus asked Irdi Sul as she sat in his Yurt the Priestess told me.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Irdi Sul and continued. “I only know that I am meant to be here. Are you one of the Gulakhan?” the Priestess said she asked him to which he replied that he was not.

“I am a hunter of the Erabinimsun. I have proven my bravery many times among the war-loving Erabenimsun who think all the peace-lovers are cowards." Irdi Sul told me he said this with pride and that he explained he was able to provide game and fare for most of the tribe, along with another who hunted with him.

He didn’t believe that the current Khan understood the Old Ways, and was more interested in taking from other Tribes, than providing for his own.

Irdi Sul explained that the Ashlander Tribes were yet to be united and that this was part of the Nerevarine Prophecy still to be realised. She ate and slept well after her ordeal and was grateful to still be alive.

That night Azura came to her in her dreams she told to me, her eyes fixed on mine, the scarlet iris glowing and the black pupil growing large in the dim light. She told me in hushed tones, drawing me closer to her as she spoke that Azura explained the first of her Perils would begin soon, and to prepare herself.

“Azura was pleased with my progress,” said Irdi Sul, “and told me not to trust anyone in the Erabenimsun Camp.”

 

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Chapter 2 The Perils

I

"You've strayed into the wrong camp, n'wah. The Erabenimsun greet outlanders with steel, not pleasantries. Pay respect, leave, or die." These were the words that greeted the Priestess Irdi Sul as she was roused form her slumber, she said to me as she shifted in her chair, and her always calm and delightfully proportioned face, for a moment revealed some creases and age lines that I had not noticed previously.  

She informed me she was awoken on the 7th Dawn of her Pilgrimage by the Ashkhan of the Erabenimsun, Ulath-Pal. She said he stood over her, as she lay on the bedroll Assaba-Bentus had provided, his face leering at her with a mix of contempt, and loathing.

“I didn’t know how to respond, so I just lay there looking up at him” the Priestess said to me.

"What do you want, outlander?"  he demanded, not as a threat, as I posed none to him, from his point of view anyway, but I believe because he at least recognised that I was Dunmer.” The Priestess said this to me while taking a small sip form her goblet, wiping her lips with a linen napkin afterwards.

The Priestess said to me she replied to the Ashkhan and said to him, “I am on a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Azura, Great Ashkhan. I only ask that you grant me your indulgence. I have had visions and been instructed to inform your clan. Azura tells me the Prophecy of the Nerevarine….” Irdi Sul said the Ash khan cut her off mid-sentence, before saying,

"We know about the prophecies. We think they are foolish superstition. Don't bother us with this nonsense."

“Ulath-Pal sneered, his face dark, while stepping closer to try and intimidate me.” Said the Priestess.

“I managed to get up,” Irdi Sul told me, her eyes wide, with the faintest of lines above her eyes arching upwards “and now, as I was facing him, he recoiled a little when he realised, he no longer had a height advantage.

“Are you always this hostile?” Irdi Sul said she asked him.

“The tribe shows mercy when it suits us. For example, you still have your tongue. The Wastes do not suffer fools, n'wah. Nor do we."  Was his retort she informed me.

“I thank you for your hospitality. I ask no more. I shall take my leave” Irdi Sul said she told him calmly, resisting the urge to escalate the situation any further,

"Go away. I do not wish to soil this Yurt with your blood," the Khan said this dryly Irdi Sul told me and he turned away and left her, without further incident.

The Priestess moved back in her chair, adjusting her robes and continued. “I noticed outside another Ashlander, watching closely. Assaba-Bentus informed me that it was the Ashkhans personal guard, Ahaz.”

The Priestess said this was her only interaction with the Ashkhan of the Erabenimsun. Assaba-Bentus then told her she had to go, and he would take her to the Grazelands to meet with the Ahemmusa Tribe.

Irdi Sul took a breath and told me what Assaba-Bentus then said to her.

"This is our promised land.” He said, “As it provides, so does it test our strength and our will. We must never forget the old ways, lest we grow frail. And weakness is death." He spoke with conviction she told me, his voice reverent, and commanding her full attention.

"We speak death for the enemies of the Ashlanders. The Velothi people face threats on all sides. Beasts, Daedra, House scum. While the Zainab, Ahemmusa, and Urshilaku pray and gather roots, we the Erabenimsun hunt and kill. We keep the Ashlanders safe." Irdi Sul looked at me and said that it was at this moment she realised that the Ashlander hunter, Assaba-Bentus was a Dunmer she could trust, that he would not betray her.

The Priestess sat silently for some time, sitting quietly in her chair. When she spoke again, I stopped writing for a moment and listened to her voice, as it was soft and full of affection for the Ashlanders who had taken her in so early on in her pilgrimage.

 Irdi Sul informed me that Assaba-Bentus informed her he would act as her guide, and travel with her to keep her safe on instruction from The Wise Woman Manirai. He believed her, as did Manirai. She had inspired them that the arrival of the Nerevarine was at hand. This pleased the Priestess; however, she had hoped that she could have spoken to more of the tribe.

“What I didn’t realise then, is what you see now when you gaze upon me.” She spoke quietly, her face relaxing and the subtle lines above her eyes that I had noticed earlier were again gone.

“I didn’t know but I had begun to glow like the first rays of dawn, and this essence that was now part of me, and radiated outwards when I stood up in the Yurt during my meeting with Ulath-Pal. I was completely unaware, that when my willpower and emotions were raised, I would begin to radiate the sun. Inwardly I was trying to keep my emotions in check, however the blessings I had received from Azura were no longer dormant and they were beginning to manifest themselves. I would have to learn to control my Aura, because if I lost control of my emotions, and flared with anger and rage, the Wrath, could emerge without warning, and spell instant peril to those near me.”

The Priestess Irdi Sul maintained that the blessings of Almalexia, granted to her by Azura were only now beginning to appear, and that it was as if the power and flow of Magicka within her was now raising every time she rested. “The tribe had heard of my arrival, and talk had spread quickly. The Ashkhan was afraid, as he didn’t want the balance of power with his tribe threatened. He came to witness the Shimmering n’wah and was satisfied that I posed no threat.”

The Priestess then stood, informed me that this was enough for now, and she would see me again at dusk. I managed to stand, as good manners were always my custom, and she was gone. She left The Hall as if to attend to some other business in Windhelm. Exhausted, I gathered my things and went to my quarters, where I fell asleep as soon as I lay down.

We reconvened that evening for dinner, as we had the past three nights. It was getting colder in Windhelm, if you believe that it is ever warm there, and the fire across from us was a welcoming sight as I sat down, the glowing embers a gratifying respite from the cold winds scurrying down from the North outside. I was considering asking the Priestess where she was during the days, when we were apart, but I thought better of it when she appeared at the top of the stairs and made her way to our table.

“Greetings Scribe, I hope you are well rested and ready to begin?” the Priestess said this while seating herself.

“Indeed, I am” I replied, while standing and sitting with her again as is my custom. Not bowing at the entrance of a Lady took some getting used to, but I would stand for her, and be damned if this was insulting to the Dunmer Priestess.         

“I would begin before eating tonight Adonato, as I wish to retire before dawn if this is compliant with you?” the Priestess asked as we both drank from the wine bottle placed by a very quiet Suzannah.

“I am at your mercy” I replied. “Good” said she.

The Priestess Irdi Sul then recommenced her tale and explained that before she left the Yurt of Assaba-Bentus, he had been able to gather some new items for her to wear out into the Ashlands. He had a complete outfit that consisted of bone mould braces, boots, common pants, and shirt, as well as bone mould chest plate armour. He also provided a provided a helmet and a pale faded red cowl that covered her face entirely, as well as a new set of goggles to protect from the storms and swirling ash they were bound to encounter. The clothing was prepared with wrappings to keep out the ash and dust.

“I was grateful for Assaba-Bentus and his generosity. He explained that many members of the tribe had provided pieces of the outfit, and that it would be safer for me to travel as one of them, instead of as n’wah from now on” The Priestess said “I had the look of a Telvanni Sellsword as we left camp.” She smiled.

The Priestess spoke of how they made their way back into the Ashlands, and how her guide told of the dangers yet experienced and warned that she was to stay close on their journey.

“We need to be wary of the Nix-hound, they hunt in packs and are sometimes used as scouts by Bandits”, Assaba-Bentus said to the Priestess as they marched into the wastelands of Molag Amur, she said to me.

The Priestess told me she knew scarcely anything about these creatures, only that they were fierce and would attack any that encroached on their territory. Irdi Sul said the company of two made good time in the morning and had passed Mount Kand by noon, and that she was glad to stop, remove her helmet and have some of the rations of bread and Ash Yam Assaba-Bentus offered as a meal when they rested.  

“The weather had been more kind than her previous days travelling, light winds, dry air, and they encountered no threats,” Irdi Sul said to me as I reached into my satchel for some more ink.

The Priestess remarked she was beginning to feel comfortable in the dry, arid wasteland. Taking some water, she told me she noticed Assaba-Bentus looking into the distance.

“We are not alone Outlander, put your helmet back on,” he said to her she told me, her eyes meeting mine for a moment.

Irdi Sul said he then got up and moved to higher ground and indicated she should follow. “Is it someone, or something out there” Irdi Sul asked him she said, her eyes narrowing as she spoke.

“Someone” she said he replied. The Priestess told me they then waited for whoever it was to catch up and kept out of view.

“Assaba-Bentus, I know you are near” the stranger called out as they approached where she and Assaba-Bentus were hiding the Priestess said after a short pause.

“Come out, I am here to kill your companion!” This was stated as a matter of fact by the intruder, according to the Priestess.

Irdi Sul described to me that a female warrior dressed in Ebony mail armour with silver outlines moved silently into the clearing where they had moments before been sitting. She wore matching boots and gauntlets. It was smooth, well-constructed and hugged her body. Her lower face was covered with a cowl, and her grey hair cascaded down to her shoulders. Her red eyes glowed and the Priestess realised she was Dunmer.

Twin serrated Ebony swords were strapped to her back. Her appearance suggested that she was indeed very powerful, and her confidence and swagger was that of a fearless predator. Tall and beautiful, would be how she was looked upon by men, so the Priestess informed me.  Irdi Sul said that she had no weapons drawn and she stood silently in the clearing and waited defiantly for a reply.

Assaba-Bentus indicated for the Priestess to stay hidden, she told me, and she nodded back as she couched in the thicket while she watched as Assaba-Bentus then moved slowly to the right and down the embankment to outflank the armoured Dunmer.

The Priestess said she watched as Assaba-Bentus drew his bow and loaded twin arrows and knelt, aiming directly at the Dunmer’s head, the bow silently creaking to full extension. “Why are you here Naryu” he called to her. “For it is not to murder anyone in my company”.

The Priestess said the Dunmer kept very still, not even moving her head towards where Assaba-Bentus knelt.

“Let fly your arrows and we shall see who lives and who dies today,” she goaded him., the Priestess said.

“Maybe I will” he countered, and the stalemate was set, or so Irdi Sul observed.

The Priestess informed me she became quite anxious about what was taking place and had noticed an increase in her heart rate, “feeling the flow of Magicka rise through my body,” she told me “I could feel the sweat coming off my neck, and trickling down my back, my breathing became shallow, however my mind remained clear. I began to manipulate my hands with the movements necessary to cast a ward spell that would protect Assaba-Bentus, and prevent harm befalling him from any magical attacks. Again, I did not realise that this had led to me exposing my Aura” she said.

“I was gathering and focusing my will power and the Dunmer named Naryu turned to where I was crouching and exclaimed loudly,

 “By Azura, it is true!!” and she dropped to her left knee covering her face with her right arm the Priestess told me, as she sat up a little straighter in her chair.

“She didn’t draw a weapon, and Assaba-Bentus moved out from his position, watching her while I too moved down into the clearing’, said Irdi Sul. The Priestess then described what happened next.

“I will ask you again Naryu, why are you here?” Assaba-Bentus demanded while still training his arrows on her the Priestess explained.

The Dunmer looked up at him, said Irdi Sul and spoke,

“Why to assassinate this fair lady, on behalf of Ulath-Pal”. She said this while still kneeling. The Dunmer known as Naryu then explained how she came to be there and said Irdi Sul thus,

“I was summoned the evening before, as I was collecting on a writ for the Ashkhan of a nearby Tribe and word was received from Ahaz, that my services were needed. The contract was to murder the n’wah Irdi Sul and bring proof of her death to Ulath-Pal once it was completed. You must understand that I did not know who she was, a writ of murder for us, is a solemn vow”.

The Priestess told me that the Dunmer Assassin then turned her eyes on her, holding her gaze, unflinching. The intensity in her eyes did nothing to calm her racing heart the Priestess informed me.

“Yes, I am aware of the customs of the Morag Tong” she said Assaba-Bentus replied, still training his arrows on her. Assaba-Bentus turned towards Irdi Sul and she said he indicated for her to remove her helmet.

Irdi Sul said to me “I was unaware the glow of the Aura had continued to build as I did not trust the assassin. Assaba-Bentus did notice and said,

“Outlander, you betray who you really are, be calm and refrain from anything we may regret” he instructed me. I then noticed that any of my exposed skin radiated warmth and an incandesce that I had not noticed before.” said the Priestess.

“You are blessed by Azura” Naryu exclaimed said Irdi Sul “You have been sent to bring the Dunmer people back to the True Tribunal.”

“How do you know this?” The Priestess asked her. “Manirai” was her reply the Priestess told me.

Irdi Sul said that Naryu then slowly rose, her palms facing outwards to indicate she meant no malice. The Dunmer Assassin kept her arms up and tried to explain why she was no longer a risk of completing her contract against the Priestess. She spoke thus according to Irdi Sul.

“Manirai believes you have been sent by Azura to prepare the Ashlanders for the return of Nerevar. Witnessing your Aura for myself I believe her, and this is worth more to the Dunmer, my People than any vow I made to the Ashkhan of the Erabenimsun. I will not dishonour my Tong, but these are extraordinary circumstances.”  

“What do you propose to tell the Ashkhan then Naryu?” Assaba-Bentus asked her, said the Priestess.

“I will have to provide a trophy as proof of her death, preferably a Dunmer body part, and no later than dusk in the morrow” Naryu gave them as a reply said Irdi Sul.

“We could hunt down a Mabrigash and present her head as a replacement?” Assaba-Bentus offered. The Priestess told me he said this while lowering his bow and relaxing the tension on his drawn arrows for the first time since the Dunmer assassin had caught up to them.

“This could work Naryu replied to him, while shifting her gaze from me to Assaba-Bentus” said Irdi Sul.

“I asked them, what was a Mabrigash?” Irdi Sul said to me, her face alive and reliving the events as they unfolded, her eyes bright, and large in the candlelight. Assaba-Bentus replied she told me “they are Ashlander witch-warriors, women who defy the man's rules of behaviour for women, mastering the man's weapons of war and the sorcerer's powerful magics. They believe men are fools and cowards. They believe only women can understand the secrets of the ghost snake and its hidden mysteries that make men tremble like maidens."

“Sounds like my mother” the Priestess said to them both she told me, a slight glimmer of a smile appearing as she moved in her seat, repositioning her legs.  

“Don’t be fooled Outlander, the Mabrigash are wicked, and do not follow the Old Ways. They would kill or enslave us all, in the name of their deity, the Ghost Snake” Assaba-Bentus said as he returned his arrows to their quiver and shouldered his bow said Irdi Sul.

“Shashurari camp is close, could you lure one of the witches out from there Assaba-Bentus?” Naryu asked Assaba-Bentus said the Priestess and he nodded in reply,

“I know one who would like to have me as a slave, and any of her acolytes will be tempted to chase me. Let us make haste. Helmet on Outlander”, Assaba-Bentus instructed Irdi Sul, she said, while she pressed her hands together and leaned forward in her chair.

The Priestess, her gaze now directly at me, then said  “and now as a three, we made our way back out into the wastelands, and to the Mabrigash Camp.”

 

 

II

“The journey to the Shashurari Camp involved back tracking and then heading down towards the coast” the Priestess explained as our meal for the evening arrived. Suzannah and Elda brought us vegetable soup and bread, followed by Venison stew. The aroma of the stew was as intoxicating as the charm of my dining companion. The extra bread was a welcome accompaniment. More wine was also provided and included a nice bottle of Argonian Bloodwine (at my request).

“I must admit Adonato, the Nords here certainly know how to make the most of the fare they serve” the Priestess said as a compliment after finishing her meal.

“Yes, my Lady, they do well with the produce they have available. How is the wine?” I enquired, pouring us both some more into our goblets.

“Strong and sharp, it’s Argonian isn’t it?” she remarked.

“Yes, it is.” I replied, not surprised she knew the taste on her palate.  

“Shall we continue?” I ventured, and with a raised right eyebrow and a nod.

“We shall” said she.

The Priestess Irdi Sul then spoke of the discussion that ensued as the company of three began travelling quickly towards the Mabrigash camp.

“I informed both Naryu and Assaba-Bentus that it was obvious they knew each other and asked how it was possible one of them had been assigned my assassin without the other knowing?” the Priestess said.

Assaba-Bentus informed her, she told me, as they traversed a rugged outcrop of hardened lava, “to answer your first assumption Outlander, Naryu is “The Beautiful Darkness” and, yes, I have encountered her kind many times out here in the Ashlands” to which the Priestess said Naryu interjected scornfully,

“My kind? It didn’t seem to bother you when I saved your stinking Ashlander skin from a pack of Bandits?”

This got a laugh from Assaba-Bentus, said the Priestess as he chuckled back, “Saved me?  So, it was me who needed saving?”

Irdi Sul told me that Naryu marched on and said back over her shoulder,

“I had completed my contract, I had the helm of the Bandit Chief, and would have been away from their camp if you had not rushed in arrows blazing, trying to save the frail Dunmer mirie, or some rubbish.”

“I did save you “, Assaba-Bentus countered according to the Priestess to which Naryu stopped and looked back at him and the Priestess, raising her voice said “I was fine, I was quite capable of…...”

Assaba-Bentus then swore said Irdi Sul and blurted out, “Nchow! S’wit!” Now she will know we are quelna Naryu” and he let loose a long loud roar of laughter which Naryu quickly joined in on, Irdi Sul said to me, her face betraying a smile as she spoke of the moment she discovered that Assaba-Bentus and Naryu Varian were more than just a professional acquaintance.

“Yes Outlander, we know each other.” Assaba-Bentus confirmed after they had both stop laughing the Priestess said, her attention momentarily drawn to the waitress Suzannah so more wine could be brought to us.

 Assaba-Bentus then explained the Priestess told me, they had been lovers for some time, and despite the disagreement about how they met, they were indeed close.

“Lucky for you Outlander, Manirai was able to manipulate the Ashkhan Ulath-Pal and his lacky Ahaz, into procuring the services of “The Beautiful Darkness” a Morag Tong assassin known to us, who would not fulfill their request blindly, unlike Varon Davel.” Assaba-Bentus told her said Irdi Sul.

“I disagree, Varon would have sought my counsel before fulfilling any contract associated with the Erabenimsun.” Naryu interrupted almost immediately, Irdi Sul noting that she said this seriously.

“Sure, about that?” Assaba-Bentus shot back she said, his manner also now serious she observed. “Please stop interrupting me.” Assaba-Bentus scolded Naryu the Priestess informed me and continued,

“So, as I was saying,” the hunter explained eyeing Naryu with a grin the Priestess said to me “Manirai had spoken with Naryu after she negotiated her contract and told her what she believed. She sent her out here to see firsthand what all the fuss was about. Turns out Naryu wasn’t convinced, until you shone like the morning sun with how shall we say, your unique Alata Gandral.

I had to interrupt the Priestess; all this elven language was confusing me. “Alata Gandral?” I asked her to which she replied

“Assaba-Bentus used the Altmer language to describe my coruscation as a gift or “Gift of radiance”. It’s not an exact translation, but the prose describes the effect eloquently don’t you agree?”, she spoke as if making a point that the language of the Ayleid was grand and majestic, to which I did agree and nodded my approval.

“Yes, quite” I whispered, which raised the right eyebrow again, and a warm smile from the Lady.

“So” the Priestess continued “I was not as adept as my companions in travelling at such a pace, over unfamiliar terrain which had become rocky, treacherous and steep, and I began to find it difficult to breathe.”

The Priestess told me Naryu did notice her distress and asked her to march on as they were not far from the witches’ camp. This reminded The Priestess of an earlier time in her life, when she had friends and companions who she knew from neighbouring Dunmer Districts who also lived in Almalexia City and Mournhold.

 “Naryu reminded me of a Bosmer Sellsword I trained with when my father was away”, Irdi Sul began “she would push me to physically exert myself in hand to hand combat, instructing me in grappling, a combination of manoeuvres meant to unbalance unwary opponents. Her lessons where exhausting and she would sense my lack of fitness and conditioning, pushing me harder with the words “not much longer, you can do this Irdi Sul.” The Priestess breathed out slowly, drank some wine and continued her reminisce

“Her name was Anrel and she served a Noble House in Godsreach, a District of Mournhold. Her skills were varied, an expert marksman, accomplished in the art of Conjuration and adept at hand to hand combat, however she excelled as a teacher.”

She knew Sul, The Priestess’ Father, Irdi Sul told me, her eyes smiling as she spoke, and would make comment about how she was honoured to work with his daughter.

“Was it unusual to have a Bosmer instructing you, given the tensions between their race and the Empire?” I asked.

“The Empire had little influence in day to day matters in Mournhold, I can assure you Adonato,” the Priestess replied tensely,

“Yes, I am aware of current tension between the Aldmeri Dominion and the Empire, but at this period in history, the Bosmer where favoured as personal bodyguards, and Sellswords by Dunmer Nobility,” Irdi Sul said this, her face drawing tight and a shadow forming for the briefest of moments.

“Anrel became a frequent visitor and we spent time together as more than just student and Task Master,” Irdi Sul informed me, “her acquaintance offered me opportunities to explore all Almalexia City had to offer. I was not often able to go into Mournhold unaccompanied, however with Anrel as my escort, this was not a problem. With her I enjoyed the freedom to walk around the Plaza Brindisi Dorom and explore the Great Bazaar.”

The Priestess was enthused and spoke of how Anrel made her feel safe, while guiding her through the Capital’s many attractions. The Priestess explained she wondered at the scale and scope of the statues of Almalexia defeating Mehrunes Dagon, the vast array of markets, the assault on the senses of the many spices and herbs on offer, The Khajiit Caravans found in the Great Bazaar that held exotic and rare items that fascinated her.

She witnessed her first open air play in the Great Bazaar and was captivated by the passion of the actors, and the tragedy of the fable, how it made her heart ache, her skin tingle, watching as the tales of love, lust, death and treachery played out on stage.  All the time her confidant, Anrel would explain and mentor her on the social aspects of a Nobles life, and what it meant to live among the elite of Morrowind. The expectations around behaviour, customs, and social graces.

“Anrel understood her station, as a hireling to the Noble House she served. She explained it was different for me, as I served only my parents.” The Priestess said this to me with joy, her face glowing while pouring herself more wine.

 “She explained that I was blessed by providence, however I should remember that if a member of a Noble house interreacted with me, I should know my place, and how to not offend them through my actions, or omissions of social piety.”

“Many times, in my travels with Anrel, we came across the Nobility who frequented the Great Bazaar in Mournhold.” Irdi Sul continued after a short pause, “They viewed me with suspicion, however thanks to Anrel’s tutelage I always followed the accepted customs and deferred to “their fine graces”. It was on one such visit to the Winged Guar, an Inn in Godsreach where I met Elbert Nermarc.”

“Who was he to you my Lady?” I asked

“He, my dear Adonato, was a Breton. A Mage, and he became my lover.” Said she.

 “Goodness, how scandalous” I said without realising,

“Yes, it was at the time, and probably still is. It upset Anrel immediately, once I told her about him, but he was such a knowledgeable Enchanter, and he knew how to woo a not so young Dunmer maiden, and I fell for his charms almost immediately.”

“Please go on,” I insisted, and the Priestess informed me that Elbert the Mage, had the bravado to come to her residence outside the walls of Mournhold and into Almalexia City to see her, and gained permission from her Mother to escort her about the Great Bazaar and other Districts in Mournhold on the pretence of instructing her in enchanting.

This indeed led to the Priestess learning how to enchant items however she had fallen completely under the charms of the Breton and would indulge in sordid tasks for him without the merest whimper. This went on for a many a season and cost her a dear friendship with Anrel. At the time Irdi Sul could not understand why her friend would no longer come to see her, and it wasn’t until the Breton tired of her, and released her from his charm that she realised what had occurred.

Heartbroken she reached out to her Mother for solace, only to be told that it would dishonour her Father to know, and to keep it to herself. As far as Ilzheven was concerned, her daughter Irdi Sul had learned a valuable lesson from The Enchanter Elbert Nermarc, and his teachings were no longer required.

“That was a sad part of your life?” I asked to which she replied light heartedly

“No Adonato, it was a wonderful time, I was in love, and the enchantment I felt for the Mage was real. Yes, he took advantage of me, but I loved him. It broke my heart when he cast me aside for another. But I learned valuable lessons in life, love, and the mysteries of the divine. What hurt more was losing Anrel’s devotion, and guidance. We never again walked through the markets of the Great Bazaar together, even after I sent her a heartfelt letter expressing my sorrow and begging that she would forgive my indulgence for the man-elf I loved.”

“Did she forsake you because he was a Breton?” I asked, wide eyed at the intolerance of the Bosmer.

“Partly, yes, she did not approve of mixed races, and like most pure-bred Mer, she had a distaste for the Bretons. I believe it was more than that, that I had betrayed her sense of honour, by ignoring her requests not to see him.”

Irdi Sul became stern and developed a seriousness as she talked of honour, her Father, and the role that Anrel had assumed.

The Bosmer, Irdi Sul told me, believed that the Priestess chose her own feelings, over the honour of her family, and therefore she abandoned their friendship. It was as if the student, feeling they had outgrown the Master, refused to acknowledge any fault, until it was too late. Honour was lost and could not be redeemed easily.

The Priestess explained that her father, Sul came to her one evening not long after her letter of contrition had been sent and explained that Anrel had been assigned to another Noble House and would be unable to teach her in his absence. Sul consoled his daughter and told her that the invitation to attend Shad Astula would arrive soon and take her away to the esteemed Magic Academy outside of Mournhold.

Irdi Sul said to me “I never saw Anrel again in my home and overheard from my mother that she was now a personal guard to the wife of the King, Ravani Llethlan. This did not surprise me as Anrel was held in high esteem by all Mournhold, and why I missed her company all the more because of it. I then decided I would accept the invitation to Shad Astula, and study Conjuration Majic, not just the healing spells and Restoration Majic I had been focusing on under my Mother’s tutelage. It was there I learned the Bound spear spell and Summon Ancestral Ghost.”

“Perhaps the Dunmer Naryu reminded you of Anrel Priestess?” I asked, changing the subject.

“An assassin of the Morag Tong?” she quipped back, “At the time, it may have been the feelings that Naryu distilled in me that led to the events that transpired.” She said this as if it was fate that brought the three of the them together, at this time, and in this place.

“As we grew nearer to the Shashurari Camp” The Priestess explained “The more I felt the presence of another near to us. I couldn’t explain what it was that made me feel this way and when I asked my companions to stop, and wait, they refused.”

Irdi Sul paused briefly and continued “I think they thought I wanted to rest, but the feelings grew stronger until I insisted.”

“Enough!” the Priestess told them, she informed me, as she came to a halt and took cover behind a crop of warped volcanic rock,

“Someone else or something is upon us!” I raised my voice, and I must have begun to radiate again, so they both made their way back, and crouched down beside me, Assaba-Bentus asking “What or who do you think is near…….”

“By the Gods!” Naryu exclaimed as she looked up above them, Irdi Sul said to me……………...

 

 

III

“The purple and blue flaming orb that appeared above me crackled and spit white lightening, as it descended, and in seconds, we were taken” The Priestess explained “Assaba-Bentus and Naryu had drawn their weapons while I cast a ward around us as we were dragged into the portal that had been conjured to claim us.”

“Azura, hath heard mine own calleth and grant me protection!” I spoke the enchantment as we were sucked into the vortex. It closed, and we were in darkness.”

“My Lady” I gasped as she gazed deeply into my eyes with hers, before continuing, “We had been summoned, by Mephala herself, to her realm. She had a trial for me, which would be the first of my Perils, and the other two just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time”, the Priestess told me.

One moment they were crouching behind a boulder in Molag Amur, the next they were on one of The Eight Strands of Skein, the Priestess told me, her eyes becoming thin, her mouth drawing back as if she had tasted something she did not enjoy.

“My ward was quite powerful, as I had called to Azura when I cast it, and this with my increased Willpower and Magicka proved to be quite effective. We arrived unharmed and stood to look across at the Pillar Palace in the Oblivion Realm of Mephala.”

The Priestess told me that they looked about in the murk and the first thing that accosted them was the odour, it filled their mouths and leeched into their consciousness, overwhelming them with revulsion and arousal all at the same time.

“By the Gods!” Naryu exclaimed for the second time, “it is as if I have awoken next to my lover after longing embraces that fired the depths of my passion! The smell, I……...I love it!” she cried,

The Priestess described her turning towards the void, opening her arms and breathing in the rank stench as if it was the sweetest scent.

Assaba-Bentus too was unable to control his excitement and expressed how he too was immediately taken by the redolence of the Skeins savor. “It is the smell of a woman sated! It is the fine flavour of a freshly slaughtered Kargouti; it is all the things I crave as a hunter!” he blurted out.

Neither of them seemed to pay the Priestess any mind she told me.  “They sheathed their weapons and met each other’s eyes, walking towards each other mouths agape, not looking at me entranced with their own intoxication. “said she.

“As if to spoil their next move towards each other to engage in whatever carnal thoughts were cascading through their minds, they stopped in their tracks when the Daedric Prince Mephala appeared before us and spoke to me.” The Priestess said, her lips barely parting as she breathed the words out.

“So Azura hast chosen thee.  A ingraft Dunm'r, to reclaim our right as the True Tribunal Irdi Sul.”                                                                     

“What doth thee possesseth yond maketh h'r bethink thee shall bringeth backeth our people to us I won’dr?” Mephala said to them by ways of an introduction, the Priestess told me.

“The words floated out of the creature before us. There was no malice, or I felt none. Not then. I still find it difficult to describe what we saw, and how it made me feel” The Priestess confided. As she spoke I sensed she seemed vulnerable and uncertain. The Priestess Irdi Sul did her best to give a description of what appeared before her.

“The Daedric Prince Mephala displayed themselves as an aspect, ethereal as Azura had when she first appeared before my eyes at my parents’ home that fateful morning, however there was no discerning sexuality. What I saw was neither male nor female, it was androgynous. The form was floating a small distance above where we stood. There was an aura of faded crimson, white and blue, their face having no discerning features other than eyes, nose, and mouth. They appeared to be wearing armour under a shroud that flowed from their head to down over their feet. The Gambeson armour underneath the shroud was embraided with swirls across the chest and a skirt flowed down from the hips and hugged the apparitions’ slender figure. As it spoke, I was entranced by ….” The Priestess’ voice trailed off as she remembered the moment. Regaining focus, she continued.

“As Mephala spoke the form began to change, and slowly the figure before us was less human in appearance, the legs of an arachnid slowly revealed themselves, four each side extending from their back. Mephalas’ skin was now a metallic steel colour, grey, silver and white, and the crimson aura was emanating from within and around them, bathing the Daedric Prince in its purple and red glow. Mephala wore a crown of multiple entwined crescents, the edges appeared to be sharp like razors. The soul piercing eyes of the Daedric Prince glowed red and now standing before us, the feeling of mysticism, confusion and puzzlement was overwhelming. The lower half of their amour was a cascading flow of thorns, knotted vines and sparkled tresses that were weblike, covering all the way over what appeared to be pedipalps, not feet, and extended back behind them like the train on a gown.”

The Priestess was gazing past me, reliving her introduction to the Daedric Prince of Lies, Sex, Murder and Secrets, and I could see that it was a moment that repulsed and enthralled her.

“It was difficult to determine whether I was in the presence of a God or a Goddess, and I don’t believe for a second Mephala could care less.” The Priestess told me.

“Goddess of Addiction, Sex and Murder. God of Lies and Secrets, The Web Spinner, who knew what I was in the company of, and what would be expected of me?” The Priestess was measured now and continued, leaning towards me, her eyes blazing as she spoke,

“The aspect is deliberately ambiguous, I understood that, but seeing it up close, in all its glory was creating a swirl of emotions I struggled to comprehend.”

“It was terrifying and alluring all at once with the promise of all the carnal pleasures that mortals craved,” Irdi Sul continued to explain.

“I removed my Helmet, and for reasons I didn’t understand, began to take off the Chitin Armour I was gifted by the Erabenimsun. I stripped down to my underwear and stood almost naked before the Daedric Prince.”

The Priestess told me she could feel the rush of blood through her veins, the throbbing of her heart against her ribcage and the power of Azura’s Gifts flowing within her. She told me she opened the palms of her hands, manipulating the movements of her fingers, tilted her head back and felt the warm rush of Majic and the sense of power flow from her soul, lifting her up on to her toes, as she concentrated her Willpower and focus on the Daedric Prince.

“Thy gifts from Azura shall not provideth thee an advantage 'gainst me m'rtal, howev'r i am improess'd yond thee bethink so,” the Daedric Prince said to her she informed me.

“Mehpala spoke dismissively to me, however I readied to conjure Bound Spear and to engage in combat for I was now sensing malice from the Deadra.” Irdi Sul said still looking directly at me, her gaze powerful and alluring.

 “Mephala then spoke to Naryu,” The Priestess told me,

Naryu Virian, doth thee bethink thou art h'r by chance? Yond breaking a contracteth is not going to finally beest thy undoing?” Mephala said this to her, her gaze fixed on the Morag Tong assassin before continuing “Wherefore haven't thee tken the headeth of this Dunm'r and hath returned to the Ashkhan thee sw're to s'rve?

Thee did solve the myst'ries of the Llodos beshrew and yet h're thou art failing in a holidam of religious assassination, f’r what?” Mephala praised and mocked Naryu Irdi Sul said.

“Assaba-Bentus was ignored.” The Priestess continued “Naryu stood transfixed as Mephala spoke and took some time to reply.”

“I would take your displeasure as a virtue, Great Prince,” Naryu said to the Daedric Prince of Murder “I will slay the Alata Gandral Dunmer if that is your wish.” And the Priestess said Naryu then drew her Ebony blades, the crepitating sound of them coming out of the scabbards raising the hairs on the back of her neck.

“What is it you want from me Mephala?” The Priestess said she asked, the arduous recitation of the game the Deadra was playing frustrating her now she informed me.”

“I could sense the misdirection was amusing to Mephala , and continued to build and focus my willpower, moving onto the balls of my feet, the Bound Spears now glowing dark red in my hands and my aura flowing out of me causing Assaba-Bentus to move sideways and to my right, glancing at me with a concern for his own well-being.”

The Priestess spoke, her breathing shallow, her hands entwined in front of her, telling me the confrontation was, in her mind, turning sinister and she was prepared to use force to earn the respect of the Daedric Prince if needed.

Thee tireth of mine own riddles Irdi Sul? Then chooseth a way out of mine own realm, and chooseth wisely.  Only one of the strands shall reward thee with what thee seeketh and i require f'r thee to succeedeth.” Mephala then teased the Priestess, she said.

“I have chosen my path, why don’t you choose this one for me, so that I might be tested against your greatest Peril? Why hold back and use trickery when it was you who summoned me? I will forsake this as testament to my faith in Azura being strong enough to overcome any challenge you pose for me, your Holiness?” Irdi Sul said she replied.

The Priestess told me challenging Mephala with her reply, surprised even herself, but rather than choose a Skein that could lead the three further into the void, why not play the Prince of Secrets and Lies at their own game?

“Done.  I has't chosen” Mephala informed the Priestess without hesitation and immediately she said they were on the eighth strand, a flaming Skein of fury, the representation that death comes to all mortals, and they faced an array of Spider Daedra, despicable servants of Mephala and deadly foes.

“We found ourselves in mortal combat with creatures that had the form of spider-humanoid centaurs, their upper head, torso, and arms of human proportions, mounted on the eight legs and armoured carapace of a giant spider.” The Priestess told me

“They spawned spiderlings, tens of similar tiny spider like minions, that made their way towards us, my Bound Spear finding its target over and over, as Assaba-Bentus using his bow, attacked the closest Spider Deadra, attempting to nullify its tactic of spawning spiderlings.  Naryu focused her blades on the swarms of their minions crawling across the carapace and attacking us with paralysis spells”, said Irdi Sul, her eyes ablaze as she spoke.”

“The Spider Dearda would spit venomous webbing, a shock-like majic, attempting to trap us, forcing me to constantly move to my left then right to avoid the vicious strands of death.”  The Priestess said this as she explained the battle in detail to me.

“Watching Naryu in full flight was inspiring, The Beautiful Darkness a swirl of whizzing blades, cutting down her prey in an eddy of deft, precise movement. Assaba-Bentus, exhausting his quiver, taking his sword and joining with her, building their intensity together, fighting in tandem, losing themselves to the savagery of the carnage and hostility. The Spider Daedra spawning spiderlings again, every time we cut them down, the two warriors rising to the challenge, despatching them while I kept the larger Spider Deadra at bay with volleys of Bound Spears.”

“I found myself enthralled in the majesty of my own majic, raised off the skein and then turning counter clockwise, throwing Daedric spears as quick as I could conjure them, spinning faster and faster, becoming a whirlwind of destruction” The Priestess was breathless and told me she felt exalted in her fury.

 The Priestess said to me that the violent intensity of the Skein awoke something within her, that she felt an eruption of anger that threatened to consume her consciousness, releasing a rage that became a tempest that flowed out in a burst of flaming white light. Her spears became flaming orbs exploding on impact. This proved effective and she had hoped it would give her time to conjure a diversion, an Ancestral Ghost, that would draw the ire of the Spider Daedra and allow her time to finish them with her newfound destructive majic. The size and intensity of the spectre she conjured filled the space they were in and consumed the Spider Dearda within moments and then threatened to destroy her companions Irdi Sul said to me.

“The conjuration was like nothing I had ever summoned before,” The Priestess explained, “In my heightened state it was immensely powerful and quickly defeated the Spider Deadra. It then turned its attention to Assaba-Bentus and Naryu, and as I attempted to warn them, it destroyed them as well,  sucking the life out of their bodies, their faces twisted in agony and contorted in silent screams as the lifeforce that was their essence was absorbed by the ghost. They fell to the ground shrivelled inside their armour; their dead black eyes gouged and sunken in their sockets. I was left alone in the Skein once the phantom returned to the outer realm and ravaged by guilt for what I had done. I had killed the two Dunmer by summoning a spectre and then failing to control it. The hate for Mephala welled up and I howled and cursed the Daedric Prince for their deaths, fell to my knees, exhausted, tears flowing up from within my aching heart and down the front of my face.”

The Skein chosen endues death to all m'rtals and yet thee liveth Irdi Sul?” The Priestess could hear the voice of Mephala, but she told me the Daedric Prince did not appear before her again.

Taketh the reward off'r'd and leaveth mine own realm with the knowledge yond thee can nev'r chooseth the destiny of oth'rs, but only thy owneth.”

Through her sobbing tears the Priestess told me she could make out the glistening gem stone and shape of a ring that had appeared in front of her, nestled in between the lifeless corpses of her friends.

“As I picked it up and put it on, the roar of a purple and blue flaming portal descended, spitting and crackling lightening, and blackness befell me.” The Priestess said.  She told me she awoke, unsure of how much time had passed, finding herself behind the sharp outcrop of hardened lava boulders in the Ashlands of Molag Amur, staring up into a grey ash coloured sky.

 

 

 

IV

The Priestess sat quietly for some time. The silence between us was not uncomfortable, and I took the time again to refresh my ink supply and blot out some overzealous stokes of my quill. She then beckoned the barmaid to order another drink, this time some Cyrodiilic Brandy.

The Priestess then said, “I am sorry Adonato, I still find it difficult remembering these times. Let us continue”.

“Of course, my Lady”, I replied.

 She began again by telling me that at first, she was still quite distraught when she opened her eyes after returning from the Spiral Skein. Her body ached, and her mouth was dry, as were her eyes, she could feel the burning sensation on her cheeks of dried tears, and it took a while for her breathing to settle into a normal rhythm as well. The dryness of the air around her, the cruel terrain of hardened rock and lava mocked her she felt. It was reminiscent of her inner desolation, the gaping wounds on her soul battered by the events of the Skein, much like the surroundings she lay near naked in. She was exposed to the elements, her mind exposed to the realisation that she had killed those who had taken risks to ensure that she would live.

Racked with remorse and self-loathing, she lay prostrate on the rock, sobbing quietly. On her left index finger, she held the ring Mephala had offered as reward.

“I was devastated with what had occurred and could still see the lifeless bodies of Assaba-Bentus and Naryu Virian in my mind, when I thought about what had happened,” She set forth. She also noticed that she was dressed in only her underwear and naked from the waist up.

“I could see the dark marks of burnt ash on my arms and legs, and the stench of the Skein was still in my nostrils and my mouth. I lay looking up at the sky, breathing in the warm evening air and thinking of what I was going to do now. What to wear was not my biggest concern, I thought to myself Adonato,” Irdi Sul said to me.

“The ring burned into my flesh, and I thought what to do with it, when I heard a murmuring near me, a voice, which I did not at first believe was real” the Priestess said.

“Good; you’re alive.”

The Priestess said she heard the pain ravaged voice of Naryu, who was lying nearby on her side, sprawled out across an outcrop of hardened lava.

“What? How? What is going on?” The Priestess Irdi Sul said she sat up, every muscle burning as she did so and could now see that they were back in Molag Amur, and a barely alive Naryu Virian was lying close by. Assaba-Bentus was however, nowhere to be seen.

“I have been waiting for you, Assaba-Bentus has gone to find water, and you have been asleep there for some time Irdi Sul.” Naryu spoke to her and the Priestess informed me that her words were not kind, in tone or manner, and she feared that Naryu meant her harm.

The Priestess said she crawled closer to where Naryu was lying and could see she was gravely injured, her breathing ragged and her face twisted in pain.

“You killed us both, Irdi Sul, in a rage of destruction that sucked the life out of me and Assaba-Bentus.” Naryu winced as she spoke the words through dried tears and cracked lips, the Priestess told me.

There were bloody scars cleaved across her face and around her mouth and lips the Priestess described to me, and she feared that she would watch her companion die in front of her for a second time. Naryu groaned as she spoke said the Priestess, lying where she was,

“Mephala made it clear to me when they returned us to this plane, that you murdered us. I know that this is maybe a trick, and that you lost control, or at least that is what Assaba-Bentus believes, but I am untrusting of you and your visions Mucroth. If I had the strength to get up, you would be dead now.”

The Priestess told me that these last words etched their way out of Naryu’s mouth in a whisper, her strength and vigour depleted by the perils of the Skein.

The Priestess said she was so glad  to see Naryu alive, she forgot the ring and leaned in to console her, hugging her close to her naked self, and immediately felt Naryu push her way “Get off me, I want nothing from you” but the Priestess, with tears glistening in the deep crimson of her eyes told me how she used her hands of healing spell on Naryu, and the Assassin became warmer in her arms as she held her, and they both lay together for some time afterwards once she was healed.

“I could see her face had endured the ravages of the Wrath spell, and that there were scars creasing her nose and others on either side of her face.” Said Irdi Sul “I attempted to heal these as well, however Naryu stopped me, “No leave them”, she said to me.”  

The Priestess said that Naryu, breathed out slowly, recovering enough to move away from her and as she got up, she told her “This changes nothing.” The Priestess said Naryu gave her a stern look as she moved to a nearby clearing to be alone. Irdi Sul said she just lay back on the ground exhausted, looking up at the sky, thanking Azura that her companions were still alive.

Assaba-Bentus returned sometime later with a stranger, a man dressed in dark blue robes and scaled amour, said the Priestess, as night fell and he gave her what appeared to be an armoured tunic with a hood, some water and food. The robed man sat down next to Naryu, yet he did not speak, or offer a greeting the Priestess informed me.

His face was covered by the cowls of his robes, and his armour was similar to what Assaba-Bentus had given to her. Naryu did not look at him, her focus was on Assaba-Bentus, and the Zahato he held out to her. The Priestess told me she watched Naryu Virian drink the squirting liquid in long streams into her mouth, gulping down the water, despite the hunter’s best efforts to encourage her not to do so. The Priestess said she was glad for the small cup of water she had and some boiled ash yam and watched transfixed as Naryu drank her fill from the goat skin bag.

The Priestess went on to tell me of the conversation that started as they sat in the ever-growing darkness under the Night sky of Molag Amur.

“Irdi Sul, we need to talk about what happened.” Assaba-Bentus said to her “I have concerns that Mephala has shown you the misgivings of your gifts, how your Alata Gandral could destroy you, in fact all of us, if it remains unchecked, and fuelled by fear and anger.”

The Priestess said that Assaba-Bentus looked at her, his face sober and earnest and then across at Naryu. The Priestess said he noticed that she was looking a lot better than when he left them.

“The Mucra healed me.” Naryu told him. “By Azura, thank you Irdi Sul “, said the Hunter, and he went to his lover, and held her in his arms.

The moment lasted long enough for Irdi Sul to put on the armour gifted to her, adjust the belt, and gather the ring, and tuck it into a pocket in the centre of the tunic. She said she found the strength to sit up.

“I was drained by the spell I used to heal Naryu’s wounds, and I was still tired.” The Priestess said.

“Neither of them realised that I had survived my first Peril, and that Mephala had gifted me a ring. I didn’t begrudge their distrust. Naryu continuing to curse me as a witch in the ancient language was the least of my problems. I asked them what they remembered of our time in the Skein together,” the Priestess said.

Naryu was dismissive the Priestess set forth and said to her “What more do you need to know other than your wretched spells consumed us Mucra? I can still feel the inner reaches of my soul being dragged out of me, as I witnessed firsthand how your real power is to destroy, not heal.”

Irdi Sul told me that she understood her outrage but wanted to hear it from her in her own words. However, Naryu Virian was too angry to do so. Assaba-Bentus was more measured and said thus.

“One moment we were beholden by the Daedric Prince Mephala in all their glory, before them in their realm, when moments previously we were crouched at this very spot” he began. “You had called to us n’wah to come back to you, because you felt a presence and the fear in your voice compelled us to at least listen to your reasons. A flash of light and swirling purple cloud of the summoning portal propelled us to the Spiral Skein and an audience with Mephala. At least for you and Naryu. Neither a word was spoken to me, or my part in our journey together acknowledged by the Daedric Prince. I remember feelings of overwhelming excitement and the smell of sex and death, but not much else. I was returned here moments after you made your choice, or whatever it was Mephala tricked you in to doing.”

Assaba-Bentus sat for a moment the Priestess remembered, thinking through what had occurred, he looked across at Naryu whose eyes were blazing like orbs of fire at him, before he continued said Irdi Sul,

“I sat here waiting for you both to return,” Assaba-Bentus said this slowly, measuring his words according to The Priestess “and was grateful when Naryu, although near death, did, and then yourself moments after. Naryu was screaming in agony, cursing you and it took all my will not to kill you Irdi Sul. But something was amiss, and I tendered my lover’s wounds best I could and left you alone.”  

Naryu then hissed at the Priestess she told me “Don’t pretend you know not what occurred, you summoned a daemon that consumed us. This was the choice you made. Nagar! Mucra moris!!” and the Priestess said that the assassin lunged forward, snatching up her own dagger and if Assaba-Bentus had not held Naryu back, the Priestess told me her life would have ended then.

Irdi Sul sat before me, her eyes glowing, her skin resonant with the shimmer of dusk, and she spoke solemnly of this moment with her companions in Molag Amur that had twisted their growing friendship and threatened to fracture the accord between them. After Naryu had given Assaba-Bentus the dagger and sat back down the Priestess then spoke to them she said.

“I remember you both dying.” she told them “I was consumed by the power of Almalexia’s Wrath and released what I thought would be a spell that would defeat the foes Mephala had engaged to test my will and devotion to Azura. Instead it killed all before me and left me crying over your lifeless bodies. I wept for you both, for some time before Mephala gifted me a ring. I was only returned after Mephala told me I could control only my own destiny, and not the fate of others. I see now that this is the case. I am truly sorry.”

The Priestess said Assaba-Bentus nodded and took some time to reflect on what she said, but Naryu Virian was not prepared to let it go.

“You lie, you may have wept, but no foes were summoned. Your choice was to kill us, as Mephala promised you rewards for my death.  Mephala made it clear I had betrayed the Morag Tong and my life was forfeit. Why not admit this is what occurred?” Naryu was livid, and shaking with rage, her dark crimson eyes burning with tears and her voice cracking, filled with the betrayal she felt, the Priestess said as she avoided my gaze as I looked up at her as she spoke.

Assaba-Bentus was able to make sense of what occurred though, the Priestess said, after a moment or two, and by his reasoning able to at least construct an outcome that swayed Naryu somewhat.

“You both say you saw me die, yet I saw nothing, and I am very much alive. You both spoke with Mephala and yet I had no such conversation. Irdi Sul, you tell us that in a rage you killed us both, yet here we are together.”

Looking at Naryu, who was still not convinced, but looking less murderous in her intent to end the Priestess’ life, Irdi Sul said he continued speaking directly to Naryu Virian,

“Did you really betray the Morag Tong, Naryu? Is the Morag Tong still part of who you are? My understanding is you have not followed the creed of the Tong for a long time. I am beginning to see that Mephala has tugged at your conscience somewhat?” said the hunter, and the Priestess said that Naryu’s face began to soften some.

Assaba-Bentus continued extolling his thoughts the Priestess told me, and his explanation for what occurred was that from the moment that they were summoned through the portal, nothing they experienced was reality. That they were deceived at every turn by the Daedric Prince of Lies, and this was all part of some test for Irdi Sul.

“Show me the ring” the stranger asked, from the darkness, startling Irdi Sul as she had forgotten he was there.

“Oh, introductions n’wah, this is Othreloth, he was with the Ahemmusa Tribe and said he knew you?” Assaba-Bentus informed the group, and the Priestess said she was indeed surprised to see a fellow student from the Shad Astula out in the Ashlands.

“Muriil Othreloth?” she asked him, and the stranger lowered his cowl to reveal his face.  

The Priestess described him as a young-looking Dark Elf when she knew him at Shad Astula, but now he looked aged, mature and his face was dark for a Dunmer, blacker than grey, and the creases were deep in his jaw and jowls. His eyes were dark red and sunken, and his cheekbones pronounced and high. His dark red hair was now lighter, and his frame looked to be strong under his clothing.  Time had given him strength and wisdom it appeared, but at a cost Irdi Sul noticed.

“It’s just Othreloth out here.  You have changed Sul, what is it Mephala gave you?” he asked again, insisting now the Priestess told me, and his manner was not friendly. She was reluctant to give up her prize, but took it out of her tunic, and gave it to him to examine, the Priestess said this her eyes again returning to mine. I lowered my gaze and recommenced taking notes as she continued and began to describe the prize she had been given.

“The ring was made of the finest Mammoth Tusk ivory, the band carved and polished with what appeared to be emerald shards adorned around its left and right flank, while just below the focus of the ring a gleaming flawless emerald set atop the ivory band.” Said Irdi Sul.

“Under the emerald were patterns that lent to a hint of its enchantment and gave the ring its power.” She added this as I took a moment to write down exactly what she had just said. She had just described a Ring of Legend, one of the rarest Daedric Artefacts of Nirn.

Othreloth after taking some time to examine the ring, even holding it up in the glow of Secunda to inspect the carvings, spoke to them all, the Priestess explained, sitting tall in her chair, her voice and tone rising slightly as she spoke.

“As I thought. It is Rhajins Ring, the Ring of the Khajiit.” The Priest said to me I was informed. “You have passed your first Peril Sul. This proves it. I am glad, as otherwise Naryu Virian would be bound to honour her writ and kill you. Luckily, she can take this and trade it for your life, as well as hers.” Irdi Sul told me that Othreloth’s words for her, were encouraging to hear.

The Priestess said that Othreloth gave the ring to Naryu Virian and told her to return with it to the Morag Tong in Vivec City.

“Your journey with Irdi Sul ends here Naryu, you are destined to meet the Nerevarine, and if you show faith Mephala may spare you yet. Noa daruh su parjo aonorin.” He said.

The Priestess informed me that this translates to “Let faith be your only law” and that Naryu said she understood what she had to do.

Irdi Sul told me that Othreloth would accompany her now on her journey and this had them heading to the Holamayan Monastery, not further into the Ashlands.

“We need to meet with Master Gilvas Barelo and gain his confidence Sul” he told her.

The Priestess sat back and said to me she was done for the evening, and once again, the night had slipped us by as she regaled to me her first meeting and the aftermath of her tragic encounter with the Daedric Prince Mephala. Irdi Sul bid me good night and I sat for a while checking over my notes and sat there in amazement as I read over what I had heard.

I gathered up my journals and writing implement’s and headed off to bed.

I was awoken around the middle of the day by a Courier, who had a Letter for me. It read:

To the Scribe of Candlehearth Hall,

Adonato,

I have to attend to some urgent matters in Solstheim and have left this morning on the Northern Maiden. Please keep my confidence and our dialogue between us, and we will continue when I am again in Windhelm. If I could ask one favour, could you let Ambarys Rendar know I am indisposed until further notice.

Yours Sincerely

Azura’s Servant - Irdi Sul”

 

“By the Divines’” I muttered to myself. Now I’m in her confidence and consorting with the Dunmer’s of the Gray Quarter as well. Unable to go back to sleep I washed up and took myself up to the second floor of the Hall, to eat and think it through.  First, I was accosted by the Steward Jorleif, and then counselled by Wuunferth the Unliving, the Court Wizard, about my dealings with the Dunmer Priestess. Now she has involved me in a conspiracy with the owner of the New Grisis Cornerclub, a known den of thieves? What was I to do, I thought to myself?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Joined: 05/18/2020

Chapter 3 The Peril of Disease

I

I am Adonato Leotelli, resident Writer and Scribe for hire. I reside at Candlehearth Hall in Windhelm and put down on parchment the many adventures and tales of travellers throughout Tamriel.

I feared that this time I had gotten in way over my head and was so distressed about it, to the point I was unable to control my anxious thoughts, or the shivering of my hands and arms as I sat waiting for service. While seated at my table on the first floor of Candlehearth Hall, lost in my thoughts, I continued to mull this over, my fine predicament, or so I told myself, twisted into the servitude of some Dunmer Priestess to a Daedric Prince no less, in Windhelm, a city full of Nords who abhorred them and would not tolerate what they believed was the treachery of the Elven races, and their false gods.

 

I have resided at Candlehearth Hall since first coming to Skyrim after the end of the Great War. I had been enticed to discover the wild and untamed land of the Nords after talking with many a soldier who called Skyrim home before enlisting in the Imperial Legion and being garrisoned in Cyrodiil. I had begun my journey travelling from my home in the Imperial City, through Bruma and across the Cyrodiil mountain pass into Skyrim. I was immediately accosted by the freezing ice and snow of Eastmarch Hold in Suns Dawn that was like nothing I had imagined. I arrived by carriage in Windhelm, the first stop after entering Skyrim and found the only choice of accommodation was Candlehearth Hall.

I had intended to stay for a few days, and yet here I still was, years later. The Inn itself is an apex shaped hall, with 2 levels and a basement, that has rooms for rent, and a resident chef who is renowned across all of Skyrim. The owner, Elda Early-Dawn, a Nord woman who at the best times is about as welcoming as the Skyrim climate, knows how to manage a business. The aromas and fragrance of the kitchen is always blissfully wafting through the centre of the hall, and the twin hearths keep the temperature inside at a constant warmth that can make one forget the freezing winds and blizzards that regularly blow through Windhelm outside.

I have been able to procure myself an ongoing tenancy and my vocation as a writer, sees the work I do finding me, often times due to word of mouth from readers of my books, or from the subjects themselves. The Adventurers and Mercenaries who believe I have in some way guaranteed their immortality due to the scribing of their life’s adventures, their journeys into ancient Nord ruins seeking lost relics or buried ancestors who may hold the clues to the mystery of life itself. More so than that, I had developed an understanding of why the Nords loved their land with such a passion and believed that they were the decedents of the first race of men, in Tamriel.

So here I sat, in the Hall I called my home. I was indeed perplexed and feeling very much like a very small fish on a big bloody hook. Staring blankly out across the room I noticed the Bard Luaffyn approaching me, and she asked if I was busy?

“What is it you want, of course I am a busy,” I told her, attempting to dismiss whatever it is that she wanted, too concerned with my own troubles, to consider a song, however she ignored my protests to move closer, then whispered to me,

“The Dunmer woman you have been spending time with, she has not gone to Solstheim, she is waiting for you elsewhere.”

“What did you say?” I mumbled and she was away again, to another table, promoting her catalogue of song to the other travellers seated nearby.

Now I definitely needed a drink, and spotting Suzanna, I ordered Ale, Tomato Soup and some bread. I ate my fill, drank another Ale and decided that I would have to go into the Snow Quarter. Maybe my Dunmer friend Ambarys knew where the Priestess was.

I gathered my journals, inkwell and quill, packed them into my knapsack and made the unpleasant journey down into the Gray Quarter, thus the renamed Snow Quarter by the local Nords. I was confronted by frigid North winds, and sleet like snow outside, and I found the streets steep and slippery.

I managed to get down the frozen slate steps of the Snow Quarter’s alleys, then up to the New Grisis Cornerclub, the only Dunmer Inn in Windhelm, and through the door without falling and cracking open my skull. I welcomed the warmth as I walked inside.

I was met with cold stares and disdain from the Dark Elves who were sitting near the entrance, a rag tag bunch of patrons, dressed in various Dunmer garb, Netch leather and patched up robes of the Great Houses of Morrowind.  The tang of spilt Dunmer liquor filled my nostrils as I nodded to the blank faces that looked up at me as I made my way inside and across the room to the bar.

I sat myself on a stool, and engaged in pleasantries with the owner, my friend, Ambarys Rendar. He is a pleasant enough elf, who was weary of the cruelty of the Nords of this city, which he felt was undeserved. His dark skin and red eyes, the natural curse of these people suited his demeanour, and the top knot of his twisted dark hair enhanced his appearance as a busy innkeeper even though he had the physique of a seasoned soldier.

His tunic and apron were always flawlessly maintained, and he was, in my opinion, a very shrewd operator.

“Greetings to you Ambarys, may I have a sample of your finest Ale?” I asked and prepared myself for him to give me an update on the travesties that the Dunmer people, his kinfolk, must endure here under the rule of Ulfric and his Stormcloak Nords.

“Adonato, I have been waiting for you.” He tells me, pours me some Black Briar, and leans in secretively and invites me to follow him upstairs.

“Oh, is it warmer up there?” I ask to which he replies, “You will see.”

 

We climb the steps and open a door to the right which reveals a small room, with a single bed, a table with wine and two goblets, two chairs, and the Priestess Irdi Sul, standing in the corner facing us.

“My Lady” I mutter, using all my best efforts not to bow.

“Leave us Ambarys, I thank you for your discretion.” The Priestess Irdi Sul, says to Ambarys, who does as asked.

“Thank you for coming Adonato, I was unsure if you would come tonight, or if at all.” The Priestess says to me, while looking regal and alluring.

“Please sit, Ambarys will return with dinner shortly and some wine. We need to continue our conversation, as I do not have much time left here in Windhelm, it would seem.” Said Irdi Sul, her smile warm, and she returned to her chair and placed a goblet on my side of the table as I sat down, pouring in what I deduced to be a locally brewed Brandy.

“May I ask why we are here My Lady, is something amiss at Candlehearth Hall?” I say to her, to which she replies,

“The Nords of Windhelm, are at this moment conspiring to have me arrested. It would appear I am not welcome in Windhelm, nor is my allegiance to the Reclamations appreciated by the Jarl.”

“I can assure you I will do my best to protect your modesty” I say to her, not really understanding why I would say that, but she nods kindly and says she is ready to continue the tale of her journeys in Vvardenfell and the Perils she faced. The late afternoon chill of Windhelm was again forgotten as we returned to Vvardenfell and her trials in the Ashlands.

“The night had grown very dark as we sat together, Naryu Virian still not convinced that the Peril faced in the Spiral Skein was a deception by Mephala and she sat with a dark look, not speaking.” The Priestess began.

The Priestess explained that Assaba-Bentus constructed a fire with the flint he carried and the dead branches of some trees he had gathered during his walk back to us. Othreloth was the only one prepared to break the silence, and he had a few things to say that didn’t improve the mood of the three companions, as they sat listening to his musings on the Prophecy of the Nerevarine.

“You claim The Reclamations are at hand Sul and you have come here to play an important part. I believed that perhaps you were the one of prophecy, that your presence here in the Ashlands was a sign. But I now see that is not so. Can you tell me of why you came to be in Vvardenfell?” Othreloth asked her, the Priestess said to me, while the other two sat close to each other, savouring the remaining time they would have before Naryu would leave and head back to Vivec City.

The Priestess said she then went over her visions from Azura, her dreams and then the meetings of other Mages as she walked from Almalexia City across Morrowind to Vvardenfell and into the Ashlands, all the time guided by the Daedric Prince, the bestowing of the many gifts, that led to her Alata Gandral her radiant glow of dusk and dawn. All the time Othreloth listened carefully, occasionally stopping her to clarify a point, or who it was that she encountered in her pilgrimage.

“This is compelling to say the least Sul,” he said to her, I was informed “and yet I am unconvinced that you have been telling the truth.”

“What you are suggesting is that The Tribunal will fall, and the Reclamations will come to pass, and that you are here to guide the Dunmer, yet you claim you are not the Nerevarine?” Othreloth said this icily, the Priestess said.  

“No, I am not the One.“ She said she replied to him, just as tersely, as she was beginning to tire of his loathsome approach, and she began to feel all was not well with this Priest.

“They will emerge elsewhere Othreloth, Azura has provided me with this in her visions of The Twilight.” The Priestess said to him, she told me, while keeping her eyes level with mine, her face neutral, her mouth turned down a fraction.

“I believe at this moment you are misguided Sul and ask that you do not resist the offer I have been tasked to present to you.” Othreloth said, addressing her with open contempt and a little disdain said Irdi Sul, her mouth turning down a fraction more as she remembered what occurred next.

The Priestess described how three Ascended Sleepers of The Sixth House then emerged from the shadows, flanked by Ash covered soldiers, Ash Berserkers in support, nine in total surrounding them, Magic spells evident, their arms extended and palms open, and in unison they chanted,

 

"The Sixth House was not dead, but only sleeping. Now it wakes from its long dream, and with its Lord, Dagoth Ur, it comes forth to free Morrowind of foreign rulers and divine pretenders”

 

The Priestess described the beasts that emerged from the night as human in form but with 4 eyes and trunk-like tentacles instead of mouths which could be seen from under their hooded cowls. They were dressed in purple flowing robes and stunk of death and decay. She believed them to be transformed Dunmer, who had given their lives to Dagoth Ur and to serve him as powerful magical beings. Their skin was mottled and blue in colour and they appeared to be very powerful.

The Ash Berserkers, she told me, were misshapen and diseased beings, grey and beastlike in appearance, once Dunmer, or Imperial, caught and cursed for service to the Sixth House, destined to die miserable deaths, yet enslaved to serve their master’s until this occurred.

“Join us Sul, join the Sixth House and return with me to my Master, so that you may learn the deception of the Daedra, and the true powers of Dagoth Ur” Othreloth made the offer generously enough, she said and using good manners, but it was a threat, to either submit or die.

The Priestess told me she was surprised by the betrayal of Othreloth, how he had led the Sixth House to them, concealed his true intentions, and that he had been able to coax information from her of her visions while detailing why she was in the Ashlands.

“I admit Adonato, after the experience of the Spiral Skein, I was not sure how my companions would respond to Servants of The Sixth House taking me.” she said.

“For a few moments, there was silence, the Ascended Sleepers standing around us with the Berserkers rasping breath the only sound, using their superior numbers to intimidate and ensure compliance with Othreloth’s request. Who I now realised was a Servant of The Sixth House? Dagoth Ur lived? Othreloth stood up and signalled for me to stand as well and accept my fate to join him or perish. Assaba-Bentus stood as I did, his gaze directed to the Ascended Sleeper closest to him. Naryu was nowhere to be seen.” The Priestess said this to me, her eyes burning bright, her voice raising an octave as she then explained what happened next.

Irdi Sul said the first move of defiance was from “The Beautiful Darkness”. She had slipped on the Ring of Khajiit, and with the precious and short amount of time of invisibility it granted her, had taken the head of an Ascended Sleeper clean off with one of her ebony blades, before it had time to scream, its mass of tentacles separating from their lifeless face as it tumbled to the molten rock and bounced towards the fire, the blood squirting out of its neck and cascading down upon her. It was as if a pink mist was coating her invisible form, giving the faintest outline of her movement shimmering in the firelight.

The Priestess told me that the body of the dispatched enforcer for Dagoth Ur shrank and fell, knocking into the Sleeper next to him. With the fizz of blood still spitting from the open cavity of the dead corpse causing a catacaustic distraction, it had little time to say “Fool, you will…...” before it too was cut down in the swirl of Naryu Virian’s other sword.

Assaba-Bentus, said the Priestess, also took the opportunity to strike first as well, grabbing the Sleeper next to him, twisting it towards himself by grabbing their tentacles and piercing its throat with the sharp point of his sword, the crack of gristle and bone sending forth more foul smelling entrails spraying across the campsite, this time bathing Othreloth in dark crimson-blue pearls, as he attempted to move out of the way.

The Priestess told me her intentions then, were to capture the betrayer Othreloth, and she set a ward round Assaba-Bentus, and moved quickly towards him, her Bound Spears drawn, floating within her open palms.

Mere moments into the melee and the odds were now even the Priestess went on, describing how the remaining Ash Berserker’s retreated to stand back to back, two facing Assaba-Bentus, the others attempting to cover their Master, their arms held aloft, snarling at them.

The power of the Ring of Khajiit was always going to prove their downfall, especially on the finger of someone as skilled in the art of death as Naryu Virian. They all died as the others before them, slain by the twin ebony blades, with neither knowing where the invisible opponent was going to strike them from, their tortured screams echoed around the twisted rock of the Molag Amur as they were torn limb from limb unable to defend against what they could not see.

“Othreloth attempted to flee, so I struck him with my spears, sending him sprawling to the rocky outcrop of hardened lava in agony.” The Priestess said, “It was then that a bloody soaked Naryu materialised before me and went to take his head, and only my screams of wait, he must live, saved his life”

“Quite the gory encounter my Lady” I said to her.

“Yes, not the first time I had witnessed the fury of Naryu Virian up close Adonato. Her reputation was well earned, she was unmerciful death personified. The Beautiful Darkness was a force to reckon with,” replied the Lady.

“I was interested to know why a Mage who I knew from the Shad Astula would be a Priest and servant for the Sixth House, and I wanted to know more about how Dagoth Ur was still alive Adonato.” The Priestess said to me.

 

“He wasn’t keen to speak after feeling the sharpness of my bound spear, and cursed death towards me, unleashing the Corprus curse, that caught me off guard. I felt the sting of the attack and fell back. Naryu Virian was more than happy to oblige him with extinction, however resisted when I called for her not to, and instead rendered him unconscious with a double blow to his right temple from the hilt of her sword.” Said Irdi Sul, her face again relaxed, and the warm tenderness of her aura once again surrounding her as she spoke.

 

The Priestess told me of how Naryu took manacles from Othreloth's limp form and with more force than needed bound the Mages arms behind his back, before pushing him to sit with his back up against a rocky outcrop of molten hardened lava.

 

“Othreloth kept his composure when he reopened his eyes, he had the look of a zealot, prepared to die in the name of his cause”, said Irdi Sul.

The Priestess explained how Assaba-Bentus spoke and told her that he was given no choice but to bring Othreloth to them, as he was outnumbered when they set upon him as he left the Ahemmusa Camp earlier that day. For his compliance he was offered his and Naryu’s life in exchange for helping Othreloth capture her. Assaba-Bentus said Othreloth knew of the writ agreed to with Ulath-Pal and that he could persuade the Morag Tong to overlook the matter. He confided he was able to convey as much to Naryu Virian as Othreloth was lost in his monologue while they sat next to each other earlier.

 

The Priestess Irdi Sul said Naryu had heard enough and was skilled enough in integration to procure the information that she needed. She told me Naryu took her swords to the prone Dunmer, slicing slivers into his exposed arms, his neck and hands, and his ears, inflicting small cuts, that would cause incredible pain, but not death. Othreloth screamed in agony but said nothing.

 

“Who in the Morag Tong would do this?” she demanded, her face close to his, some fluid escaping her mouth as she spoke, “Tell me!”

The Priestess said Othreloth relayed nothing, staring back at Naryu Virian with defiant dark crimson eyes.

“The Muriil Othreloth I knew was an orphan, and before I had left the Academy, he told me he was going to train in the Temple, serving the Priests there.” Said the Priestess.

“As an orphan, he had little to no opportunity to serve one of the Great Houses of Morrowind, so he took his chances with the Priests of the Tribunal.” Irdi Sul said this quietly, her eyes lowering, for moment.

The Priestess Irdi Sul told me that Othreloth may have been seduced by the Sixth House and turned his favour towards Dagoth Ur. She knew well enough he was not going to respond to violence, and that her memories of him were of a soul deserted by his family, and in need of guidance, perhaps reconciliation, not retribution.

“It was as if Azura was guiding me, as the sun began to rise over the horizon Adonato,” Irdi Sul spoke softly “I looked across at the blood covered Mage, knelt down beside him and spoke these words.

“We art children of the twilight. Beings who is't art to beest did guide from the darkness into the lighteth. And from the lighteth into darkness "

“I then felt the glow of Almalexia’s Light emerge from me, surrounding the space and combining it with healing hands, as I had used with Naryu the previous day,” The Priestess was now glowing, her golden Alata Gandral surrounding me as she recalled the memory.

“Engulfing both myself and Othreloth, his eyes growing wide with surprise and then wonder, the healing properties of the spell combined with the essence of a calming touch enchantment began to close the wounds on his arms, neck and hands. I could feel the rapture in his gaze, the fullness of his heart and his understanding of what Azura had bestowed upon me.” Said Irdi Sul, her face aglow, her lips pursed in a smile.

“I guess we aren’t killing him now, Naryu Virian said to me as she watched me heal the Mage Othreloth.” The Priestess recalled. “Naryu was less than impressed, maybe jealous, who knows?” Irdi Sul said as an afterthought.

“Othreloth was either overcome with the calming influence of my enchantments, or perhaps taken with a newfound faith in Azura, but he opened up and began telling me why and how he came to be there.” Said the Priestess Irdi Sul. She continued thus,

“As it turns out he did well in his training with The Tribunal Priests. Eventually he moved up through the ranks and he was tasked with the clandestine and unsavoury matters associated with the Morang Tong, Religious Assassination and the darker arts of The Tribunal.” Said Irdi Sul

“When they proved unreliable, or refused unsanctioned writs, he engaged with a new Guild of Assassins, The Dark Brotherhood. He was to seek out the Dissident Priests, and silence their heresy, capture them and return them to The Tribunal for judgement, then have them killed. It was murder most foul in the name of the Three Gods, but it had to be done in secret. No one could know. No one from the Tribunal Temple would speak for him if he was caught.”

“He was caught” she told me, “by members of the Sixth House, who he had been tasked to eliminate through dealings with The Morag Tong. For his life he pledged allegiance to them and was taken to the Ilunibi Shrine before Dagoth Gares, who took pity on him.”

The Priestess then explained that over time the Priest Dagoth Gares of the Sixth House mentored Othreloth and allowed him to learn his greatest curse spell Corprus, and to take a role in tracking down and recruiting potential allies for his Master.

One of the slain Ascendant Sleepers was once a Dissident Priest, who he had turned to his service with the promise of life over death. This led him to the Ashlands and the fateful encounter with Assaba-Bentus.

Irdi Sul paused, took a sip of her brandy, and began detailing her questioning of Othreloth to me,

“So, you are not a Priest, yet you dress as one, and you were sent here to kill me.?” Said she

"No, I came upon Assaba-Bentus by chance, and word of your exploits has already spread from the Erabenimsun Tribe to the Ahemmusa where I was in waiting for one of the Dissident Priests, who is friendly with them. My mission is to gain the trust of powerful Mages, and turn them to worship Dagoth Ur, and serve The Sixth House. The spread of false prophets and the lies of the Daedra confuses most and it is difficult out here.” He told her.

The Priestess detailed how Othreloth confessed to believing there is only one path, and that is through following Dagoth Ur and the Sixth House. The prophecy of Nerevarine was a myth, spread by those who believed in the old ways and would not come to pass.

“Now I am not so certain, and perhaps it is I who should beg for their life and live in your service Sul?” Othreloth said reverently to her she told me.

It was then that she detailed how she was interrupted by one of her companions, who had unanswered questions of her own.

“Who is the traitor within the Morag Tong” Naryu Virian asked him evenly, keeping her emotion in check this time said the Priestess

“Balyn Omavel” he said to her without hesitating I was informed.

The Priestess said Naryu was not surprised by the name revealed,

“I suspected as much” Naryu said, the Priestess told me while slipping her fingers through her hair, catching a knot in her ebony mane, and twisting it out.

“Irdi Sul, I will need to return to Vivec City and take care of this matter, I am keeping the Ring of Khajiit, and will use it to barter with Mephala for my life. Do you agree?” Naryu said this to her, more as a statement, than a request, Irdi Sul told me.

“Yes Naryu, I do. Take Assaba-Bentus with you. Othreloth and I will continue to the Holamayan Monastery.” The Priestess replied to her.

“Do you trust this Mage now Irdi Sul?” Assaba-Bentus asked The Priestess as she nodded her approval to Naryu Virian.

“Yes, completely” I said to them Adonato, as he was now my servant, and no longer beholden to The Sixth House. He was mine”

 

Said she,

The Priestess Irdi Sul.

 

 

II

I sat in my chair, looking across at The Priestess Irdi Sul, as she leaned back, gazing at me with those intense crimson eyes, a half-smile on her face, her eyebrows slightly raised, waiting I expect for me to say something. I sat silently, averting her stare, and thankfully, Ambarys entered the room with dinner.

“Ah Ambarys, impeccable timing, our Imperial friend I feel is in need of some Dunmer fare, and some more wine, perhaps some Surilie Brothers?” The Priestess said as the owner of the New Grisis Cornerclub laid out the table with a platter of Crab Meat, prepared Dunmer style and spiced, Roasted Ash Yam and bread.

“I am not a Wine Merchant My Lady, and don’t stock Cyrodiilic Wine, perhaps some Sujamma would suffice?” Ambarys Rendar offered as he gave me some cutlery and a look of “say something Sere?”

“Sujamma would be excellent,” I coughed out, and this got a nod of approval from Ambarys and a laugh from the Priestess.

“Very well Adonato, however you may regret it later on, said she, while serving some of the food in front of us, onto my plate, and a little less for herself.

“My Lady,” I began, “Am I to believe that you turned a Priest of The Sixth House, to become your servant, merely by touching and healing him with enchantments?”

“It would have seemed so Adonato.” Irdi Sul replied. “I was quite confident that I had.”

We ate in silence for some time, Ambarys returned with two bottles of Greef, a Sujamma popular in parts of Morrowind and we toasted the benevolence of The Queen of the Night Sky, with a nip each in a small cup before the Priestess continued her tale.

“I bid Naryu Virian and Assaba-Bentus farewell, as the sun rose above us, the dawn passing,  Naryu, heading back to make good her intention to pacify her Morag Tong Masters, while Assaba-Bentus was to return to his Tribal Camp, and meet up with me at the Monastery in 4 nights time.” Said the Priestess

“Thus, began the 8th Dawn of my journey, and I was now alone with Othreloth as we made our way out of Molag Amur and down towards Azura’s Coast.”

“I was curious Adonato, as to why Othreloth had not used his Majic against us, the previous evening,” The Priestess said to me “It was odd, given that my two companions were able to overcome the Ascendant Sleepers before they had time to conjure even a breath, he had time moments into the melee, to cast a number of spells at Assaba-Bentus or myself, and yet he only cast the one spell, at me, that caused no effect, or so I thought.” Said Irdi Sul.

“I engaged him in conversation, and he would reply that he was attempting to track Naryu Virian, and this led to him failing in his strategy, to even cast a spell, other than the one he managed at the final moment before his submission.”

The Priestess then described to me how as they trekked down out of the rocky hardened lava, Othreloth continuing to talk of how much he was looking forward to seeing the Holamayan Monastery, and how grateful he was for her use of Almalexia’s Blessing and kindness when her companions meant him nothing but harm.

He reminisced with her about their times together at the Academy, Shad Astula. Othreloth talked continuously, not stopping as they crossed the difficult terrain that caused the Priestess some discomfort to traverse. As they made their way out of Molag Amur, and into the easier terrain of Azura’s Coast, the beauty of the coastline shone before her.

Tall green trees, a sudden burst of undergrowth and the singing of native birds greeted them. It was a beautiful contrast to where they had come from, and it surprised her.

After some time walking, enjoying the milder terrain of the coastal region, Irdi Sul said she began to feel short of breath and had to use her own healing spells to keep up with Othreloth, as he marched ahead of her in his excitement.

“I began to struggle to keep up with him, and when I asked him to slow for a moment, his mood changed somewhat, and he urged me to continue, that we would stop and rest once we reached the coast.” The Priestess said.

This she told me continued until noon, and then well into the day.

“Eventually, I could not go on, and stopped and sat on a rocky outcrop, the ocean in view. Othreloth, noticing I was not behind him, trekked back to where I sat, looking unconcerned”, said she.

“So, Sul, you have lost your golden glow, you do not feel well.” Othreloth said this to her, not as a question, the Priestess said she realised.

“The curse that I inflicted has begun to worm its way into your blood, limiting your ability, you will soon feel the full extent of Corprus Disease Sul, and you will die.” Othreloth said this to her, his face now grave, and sinister, she said to me.

The Priestess told me she looked at him as he laughed, and he stood up straight and raised his arms in triumph.

“The Great Azura, bestowed upon you gifts that were to transform you into a rival for The Almsivi and save your people?” he said, mocking her in his mirth, while she told me she could only watch as he began dancing about, shouting now, his face contorted and  vile in appearance

“And yet here you are, alone, on the coastline, so named after the Daedric Prince Azura, dying of a curse from the Sixth House, the true saviours of Morrowind.“ His eyes gleaming red, burning into her as he clapped his hands together to reemphasize his point said the Priestess.

“You have cursed me with a disease? I said to him, not believing that it was possible.” Said Irdi Sul.

“How insolent you still are Sul, and yes, it is a disease with no cure.” Othreloth replied gleefully the Priestess told me, her eyes narrow, and her mouth thin.

The Lady said she felt shock again being deceived by Othreloth. As she sat there, she told me she felt the effect of his curse grow. The Priestess said her legs began to stiffen, her arms cramping. Irdi Sul said she sank from the rock she was sitting on, to the ground, unable to remain upright.

She told me Othreloth stood over her, bathing in the glory of his deceit, telling her that he felt the strength of her charm, and that the healing of his wounds, and the calm spell, had enchanted him, but like all calming spells, the effects were only temporary.

“I will say, the experience was a revelation Sul, your power was all encompassing. If you had chosen to join us, you would have been a force to reckon with. The Sixth House and Dagoth Ur himself would have embraced your Alata Gandral to great effect.” the deceiver, Othreloth said to her, as she lay prone, unable to even meet his gaze now.

“I felt death coming for me Adonato, I lay down, unable to move, only my mind stayed clear. I decided to journey inward, and conserve whatever strength I had left, and ignore the rambling of Othreloth, and focus my Majic on continuing to breath. It was all I could do.” Said Irdi Sul, while pouring us both two more shots of Sujamma. She then raised her cup and skulled, indicating I should also do the same.

After a moment or two, she continued and told me that as she lay dying, Othreloth, knelt down and looked into her eyes, kissed her, and said.

"The Sixth House cannot be restored without war. Enlightenment cannot grow without the risk of upsetting the tradition-bound and complacent herd."

The Priestess told me she knew he was gone, when she could no longer hear the irritating inflection of his voice, and that he had assumed victory and left her to spend her final moments alone.

“I felt my limbs swelling Adonato, from my jaw to my toes I was wracked and twisted in pain, as if clamped between stone and rock.” said Irdi Sul, her voice even and quiet.

“I prayed to Azura. I kept my faith, as I believed this to be my second Peril. I focused my Magicka, and used it sparingly, doing enough to prevent the physical symptoms of the disease from becoming unbearable. I held out hope that I could survive for a day or two, if I stayed true to Azura, and her visions.”

“You must have been in great pain my lady, the curse of Corprus is rumoured to be excruciatingly painful” I said to her, as I poured what was our fifth nip of Greef into our cups.

“Yes, but it is no rumour, the pain is like bare skin touching flame, and then being hammered out on an anvil like a sword from the forge. It almost broke me, I spent the first night using all my resolve, exhausted by the next morning, the only vision I had been granted was of a mystic Dunmer, a Mage of legend, known to me as Divayth Fyr. Why would Azura send me visions of a 3,000-year-old Telvanni wizard? I was on the verge of submitting. Death would have been better than holding out hope and continuing to suffer, waiting for rescue by a Mage no one had seen in centuries.” She said this mournfully, before drinking her nip of Greef in one gulp.

“As the sun rose, I did not believe that another soul would venture to this part of Vvardenfell, and find me, and yet the creature that did was a Bosner, and she spoke to me as an old friend.

“Irdi Sul, I have found you.” She said to me “What foulness has become thee?” she asked, and all I could manage in reply was “Corprus Disease, Fyr, you must find Divayth Fyr.”

“It was Anrel.” I said to her.

“Yes Adonato, she had been contacted by my mother, not long after I had begun my pilgrimage.” Said the Priestess, as she opened the second bottle of Sujamma.

“While my mother is a compassionate woman, she was not prepared to suffer the shame of her daughter renouncing The Tribunal so publicly, and then running off to Vvardenfell to proclaim it to the faithful in the Ashlands.”

“How did she find you?” I asked her.

“Luck, and providence. Anrel, had tracked me to The Erabenimsun yet no one there would provide any detail on where I had gone when I left. The Ashkhan believed me dead, as a victim of his writ with the Morag Tong, and Manirai, said she knew nothing else other than I had left to visit another tribe.” The Priestess said this, pouring us both another nip of Sujamma, and then smiling at me, before she threw back her head and skolled it. I thought to myself, “Divines save me”, and followed suit, the liquor burning the back of my throat causing me to wince and gulp mouthfuls of air to ease the sting.

“I again owed Assaba-Bentus my life, as he returned to the camp that evening, met with Anrel and told her I was travelling down to the Holamayan Monastery with Othreloth, and she would find me there.” The Priestess said this with a shy smile I believed, however the room was now beginning to spin, ever so slowly, as I put both my hands down on to the table in front of me, to steady the dizziness I was experiencing.

“It was fortunate you have a mother who cared for you my Lady, and a friend to venture forth to find you in your time of need.” I said to her, the Sujamma now beginning to make my conversations more romantic in nature, and my vision a little cloudy.

“My Mother was only thinking of herself, and Anrel, the loyal servant of my Father, bound by honour to help her.” Said the Priestess. “Anrel I believe was there to teach me a lesson, not to save me. Given I was near death, and in dire need of saving, was not to her liking.”

The Priestess told me Anrel picked her up and placed her on her back, ignoring her cries of pain and discomfort.

“Do you refer to the Wizard of Tel Fyr Tower in Zafirbel Bay? Should we head there Irdi Sul?” Anrel asked me, said the Priestess, who told me she  whispered back, “find Divayth Fyr,” and she informed me that Anrel, told her it was a day’s walk, and they needed to find a way to sustain her until they arrived.

The Priestess Irdi Sul, relaxed a little, sat back in her chair, and told me that Anrel was a skilled warrior, and adept in magic, however her only restoration spell was the Grace of Almsivi, which she could use on her own wounds, not others.

“Can you heal yourself, until I find water Irdi Sul? “she asked. “Can you use the Grace of Almsivi to galvanise yourself as we travel?”

The Priestess said to me that she had been using other restoration spells to keep herself from succumbing to the disease and had no thought to cast another charm. She said she was also having trouble now staying awake, and would lapse in and out of consciousness, the journey a blur to her, as they made their way up along the coast to Zafirbel Bay. Anrel found a fresh water source, and was able to get Irdi Sul to drink, she told me, and this revived her somewhat, yet her only focus was to keep the spread of the disease at bay, until they reached Divayth Fyr.

“I felt better after drinking, and Anrel was able to feed me some scraps of Ash Yam, and with her encouragement I cast the Grace of Almsivi. It brough comfort. I felt better after it, and it didn’t use all my reserves of Magicka, as the gifts from Azura did.” Said Irdi Sul.

“I was not caught out by the irony here Adonato,” The Priestess Irdi Sul said to me, her eyes steady and focused directly on me as she spoke. “I was using a charm created in reverence towards The Tribunal, the Three. I had known this spell most of my life, and it felt strange yet comforting as I cast it.”

They continued on, with Anrel carrying her the Priestess told me, and by dawn of the next day, had reached the scattered islands of Zafirbel Bay. She informed me that there they found Bensiberib Camp, a single Yurt and Anrel was able to enlist the help of the local inhabitant to provide water and food for them in exchange for keeping his identity secret.

“It was here that Azura blessed me again.” The Priestess told me. “Anrel was exhausted, from carrying me all the way to be within sight of Tel Fyr and had no way of getting across the ocean to the Tel Fyr the Priestess said to me. “My condition now was that of a swollen, stiffened corpse, and while not succumbing mentally to the disease, I had all the physical ailments.” She said.

The local, an Ashlander Barbarian who went by the rather elegant name of Odaishah Yasalmibaal was able to let Anrel know, that a member of the House of Tel Fyr, regularly came to see him. Her name was Uupse Fyr, and he claimed she was a wife of the great Mage, Divayth Fyr.

“She is due later this morning Sere, so you will not have to wait long,” he informed Anrel, the Priestess said, while looking at me seriously, or so I thought, the Sujamma now causing me to droop my head and pass out.

I awoke in the bed, alone the next morning, my temples ringing, my vision blurred and an ache in my belly that cried for more Sujamma. I lay there hoping the feeling would pass. It didn’t. and I got up and poured myself some of the remaining Greef into a cup and drank it quickly, which then resulted in me vomiting over myself, and passing out again.

Ambarys found me on the floor and put me back to bed after cleaning me up, or so this is what he told me, when I awoke again later that day.

 

 

III

“This is why the Nords refer to Imperials as Milk Drinkers,” the owner of the New Grisis Cornerclub said to me as I opened my eyes, in the small room above his Inn.

“I need water Ambarys, not a lecture.” I say in reply, and thankfully he had some, and a thick soup of vegetables as well.

I sat up and thanked him for his kindness and noticed the odour of my own insides  still prevalent down the front of my shirt.

“Oh, my I need to get back to Candlehearth Hall and change” I mutter out loud.

“You might want to rethink that Adonato, Hold guards have been here looking for you.” Ambarys informed me.

“They did? Oh my, and The Priestess, where is she?” I ask while slurping up the warm meal while sitting up in  bed, slowly beginning to recover from the night before.

“The Lady you met with; I have no idea.” The Dunmer replies, winking at me “and I have no idea about where you are either, except I will tell you this. The next Carriage to Winterhold leaves at noon, and you need to be on it, which doesn’t give you much time.”

Ambarys Rendar, Dunmer and now a co-conspirator, then gives me a clean Dunmer outfit, a worn cloak with an attached cowl and leaves me to change. A wash basin in the corner of the room allows me to clean and wash my face, and I am refreshed enough to venture downstairs. Before I leave the room, I fetch my journals, inkwell, quills and parchments, pack my knapsack and after checking that my boots are free of vomit, I make my way out of the room and down the stairs, slowly, still a little unsteady on my feet.

“Hurry now Adonato, take the back route to the Main Gate, and keep your head down, no one is going to pay a Dunmer any mind at this time of day. Also, the Lady left some gold for you to pay your way. Off you go then.” Ambarys says to me, as I eye the bottles of Sujamma behind the bar.

“Thanks, Ambarys, may your kindness not go unrewarded.” I offer as I tear my gaze from the infernal liquor that is tempting my downfall.

“Oh, I’ve been rewarded, she left enough gold for me to cover all expenses, “  he said as I headed out into the freezing snow of another Windhelm day.

I made my way as suggested, with the cloak wrapped around my aching bones, the knapsack tucked up under my arm out of sight, and my head down under the cowl of the surprisingly warm Dunmer Cloak, I thought to myself.

I arrived at the Windhelm Stables, paid my fare to Alfarinn the carriage driver, who barely looked at me, and we were off to the second most remote part of this icy, cold, and mostly unpleasant province. It took most of the day and into the evening, however we arrived without being accosted by Bandits, or wild beasts, and I made my way down towards the Inn, the aptly named Frozen Hearth.

It was empty inside, bereft of patrons except for a forlorn looking fellow siting alone and I was surprised to see the Innkeeper, beaming a welcoming grin, standing behind the bar at the rear of the building.

“Come on in, out of the cold traveller, I’m Dagur, what can I get for you?” he greeted me, as I came in and shook the bitterly cold snowflakes from my cloak.

“Good evening to you good sir, I’m in need of a place to stay.” I say to him as I walk up to the bar.

“Are you by chance Adonato?”  he asks me, with a broad smile, as if he knew that this Imperial dressed as a Dunmer was expected.

“I maybe, why?” I stammer, afraid that there is a bounty on my head large enough to follow me from Windhelm.

“You have a friend waiting for you downstairs. He has paid for a bed and dinner, and insisted I make you welcome, please down the steps behind me.” He motions to what appears to be a ladder, but these Nords, and their sense of humour.

I clamber down, managing to not fall and break my neck, and I am greeted by another Elf, who is no doubt in the confidence of the Priestess Irdi Sul. I am beginning to understand why the Nords dislike them so. They sneak about, keeping to themselves, and seem to be in every Hold, up to no good.

“Greetings friend, I am Adonato” I say to him. He looks me up and down, and with a cursory look at my attire, says “Of course you are.”

“And you are?” I attempt to be polite, but I am tired and cold, and it is not warm in the cellar.

“Who I am is no concern of yours. Let’s just say someone very dear to me has asked that I look after you until they arrive. There is food on the table, and some wine. I suggest you eat; it will help you recover from the cold.”

The Elf eyes me with the weary look of a fellow who has seen the many harsh realities of life in Skyrim, and perhaps most of Tamriel. I give him thanks and sit down to eat what is a surprisingly good meal of roasted meats, baked vegetables and warm bread. I pass on the wine and open a bottle of Nord Ale.

“Any chance you have some Sujamma friend?” I ask the Dark Elf, as he sits across from me, sipping Alto wine from his goblet.

“I think you may have had enough of that last night Sere?” he says sarcastically. “I advise you to resist the urge to drink more of the Greef liquor, it will consume you, enslave you to its sweetness.” He then gets up and wanders to the back of the room and sits behind a table set up to display the wares of a trader, or so it appeared.

Some time passes, and the Elf stands as someone begins the descent into the room, and I notice the familiar glow of the Priestess Irdi Sul, as she makes her way across to greet the Dunmer, as an old acquaintance

“Greetings my dear Enthir, I trust you have kept my friend entertained?” and they embrace, with him saying “I am in the presence of majesty, your holiness, of course, your merest whim, is mine to obey.”

“Adonato, this is Enthir,” the Priestess introduces the Dunmer and continues to sing his praises.

“He is an old friend currently engaged in the service of the Arch Mage at the College of Winterhold. Enthir has been gracious enough to provide me safe lodgings at the College, and for you to stay here at the Inn, so we may continue our dialogue, undisturbed by the local Nord rulers and their petty suspicions about my intentions.”

 “Thank you for dinner Enthir,” I offer the Dunmer, however he ignores me, entranced by the Priestess, and gave but a quick nod in my direction, maintaining his gaze on Irdi Sul, that I’m sure she would have taken as a compliment. I found it odd, and a bit creepy.

“Adonato, we need to continue our conversation. Enthir, would you be kind enough to order more Alto wine, and leave us? I will send for you when I require an escort back to the College.” Said the Priestess, and without a moment’s hesitation, he was up the steps and gone.

“Now, where were we Adonato, I take it you have your writing implements with you?” asked the Priestess.

“Yes, here in my knapsack,” I reply.

“And your head, is still attached, after the previous evenings sojourn into the dire consequence of consuming too much Sujamma?” she asks, with a broad smile.

“Yes, My Lady, although I only remember up to a certain point, your story, that is.” I say to her, hoping that my embarrassment at falling down drunk in front of her, is not showing.

“Of course, I was detailing the luck of arriving at Bensiberib Camp and close enough to Tel Fyr to see the stunning spectacle of the Tower from the entrance of the Yurt.”

“Yes, I remember you were waiting for a wife to arrive?” I mumble this and she throws back her dark tresses, laughs loudly and says

“No more Sujamma for you Adonato. Yes, we were awaiting the arrival of Uupse Fyr, or at least Anrel was. I was in no condition to greet anyone.” Said the Priestess as she continued to chuckle at my expense. Irdi Sul, settles back, straightens her robes and returns to her tale, while I open my journal and take up a quill to record her words.

“It was late in the morning” she says, her tone light, her voice as always intoxicating, “I was able to prop myself up on some straw just outside the Yurt, the sun beaming down, and warming my bones. It felt good to sit in the sun, and thanks to Anrel and her caring for me, I had with the help of the Grace of Almsivi, delayed the onset of the symptoms of Corprus.”

The Priestess poured herself some wine into a goblet, raised it to her lips, and spoke of how Anrel was attempting to again get her to drink, when a sailing vessel appeared, bobbing up and down through the choppy waves, the morning light reflecting off the ocean, turning the colours of the waves green, blue and gold.

“I watched as the boat made its way to shore. The woman that got out of the boat was greeted by Odaishah Yasalmibaal, and she walked up to us, her demeaner that of a Princess, her appearance that of a Battle Mage.” Said Irdi Sul.

“Uupse Fyr, Dunmer Wife of Divayth Fyr, dressed in golden Chitin Armour, her long flowing silver hair tied up in a knot behind her, the fringe loosely falling around and framing her face, marched up to the Yurt where I lay, and introduced herself to Anrel,” said the Priestess,

“She was tall, well set and as robust as Anrel, her face pale for a Dunmer, she had the high cheekbones and an elongated nose of nobility, yet she had tattoos, or markings on her face that gave her a fierce look. She gazed down at me, and smiled, a warm encouraging greeting and I immediately felt safe.”

The Priestess told me of how Anrel discussed at some length with Uupse Fyr about her and the disease that she was plagued with. Uupse was well aware of Corprus, and said it was her life’s work to study, and care for its victims.

“We learned that it was a Blight, most likely born of the darkness of Dagoth Ur, and his reprehensible use of the power he had acquired while ensconced in Red Mountain.” Said Irdi Sul. She then told me that this confirmed Othreloth’s claims that Dagoth Ur lived and was responsible for the resurgence of his House now referred to as The Sixth House by its followers.

“Fearful times my Lady,” I say to her, and she replies “Yes Adonato, Dagoth was thought to have died with Nerevar, the news that he and his House was now re-emerging to challenge The Almsivi – The Three Gods of Morrowind, was concerning. Azura had shown me the fall of The Tribunal, and yet this was not revealed in my visions and I began to wonder if maybe I had misinterpreted what I had seen.”

The Priestess continued her retelling of her experience on the beach, meeting Uupse and explained that Uupse Fyr told Anrel she had a sanctuary on Tel Fyr, called the Corprusarium, where the poor infected wretches that found their way to them were cared for, and her Father Divayth Fyr, would someday find a cure.

“Wife or daughter, my Lady. Did she refer to Divayth as her Father?” I asked, attempting to understand what I just heard.

“Concerning you is it?” The Priestess said looking at me with her deep crimson eyes, “At the time it made no sense, but it would when we met Divayth. Please allow me to continue” said she, with a sigh, as she took a sip from her goblet and continued.

“Uupse asked Anrel to collect an item, in return for my admission to Tel Fyr and the Corprusarium.” Said the Priestess

“Anrel agreed to her demand that she bring it to her, from a trader nearby in Tel Aruhm. The item, a Guarskin drum, had some significance for Uupse, and was to be collected and be given as a gift,” said she “while Uupse waited with me for Anrel to return to the Yurt.”

The Priestess explained Anrel made her way to Tel Aruhm using Uupse’s Vessel, and she was left in the company of Uupse Fyr and the barbarian, Odaishah Yasalmibaal.

“Uupse Fyr, then sat beside me and asked Odaishah to leave us,” said Irdi Sul. “When he was gone, she manipulated her hands and conjured what appeared to be a small orb of white light, that she then cast into my chest. The feeling of relief was instant, and I breathed in the sweet crisp smell of the sea air, and for the first time since I fell to the ground in agony the day before, I felt alive again.”

The Priestess told me that she was able to sit up and the cramping and stiffness in her body had eased, allowing her to thank Uupse, and drink the water left behind by Anrel unaided. She told me Uupse explained the effects of the spell were only temporary, and that the disease would again test her, however she should feel no pain until they had met with her Father.

“How is it you proclaim Divayth Fyr to be your father, and yet Odaishah Yasalmibaal told us you are his wife I asked Uupse?” said the Priestess looking at me with an expression that suggested, yes, she found it odd too.

“I am both, Irdi Sul, I am of him, and with him. He created me and my sisters, he treats as his wives, and yet calls us his daughters. I look at him as a Father. My other sisters have a very different relationship with him.” was her reply I was informed.

The Priestess said she had no idea what this meant other than somehow Divayth Fyr had more than one wife, and that Uupse held him in very high regard. Uupse, changing the subject the Priestess informed me, told the Priestess of her work.

“The Corprusarium is just one of my Fathers many projects.” She said “Our mission here is partly humanitarian, partly research. He has been searching for a cure to Corprus disease for a long time. A very long time. But in the meantime, we care for the Corprus victims as best we can. The world outside is very cruel to Corprus sufferers. They are much better off here with us."

Her words were soothing said Irdi Sul, and the Priestess said she could feel the empathy and sweet nature of Uupse was genuine. It relaxed her, and she said she fell in to a deep, dreamless slumber, bathing in the warmth of the sun, nestled into the straw on the beach looking out toward the island of Tel Fyr.

When she awoke the Priestess told me, Anrel had returned and they were ready to make the short journey by boat across to Tel Fyr and meet The Wizard Divayth Fyr.

“I asked what the drum was for and Uupse said it was to play for the victims of Corprus. She said she hoped that the gentle rhythms of the drum would help sooth their suffering.” The Priestess said to me her eyes softening, relaxing slightly as she spoke.

“Anrel helped me up and put me once more onto her broad shoulders. She carried me to the small sailing vessel, helped me inside and we sailed across the bay, as the sun set, in bright golden hues with hints of orange, red and purple.” The Priestess said this quietly before she took her goblet, finished the contents, and asked if I would accompany her up to sit near the fire, as the air in the cellar was beginning to get quite damp.

“None too soon”, I thought to myself and gladly agreed.

 

 

IV

I followed the Priestess up the steps and across to a bench and table closer to the middle of the Inn, ensuring our privacy, and allowing us to feel the warm clinker of the fire’s embers in the hearth situated nearby.

“My how much nicer this is, I will organise some more wine, any particular drop you would like my Lady?” I asked as I motioned with a wave of my right hand for Dagur to attend to us. He appeared immediately and put down a bottle of Surilie Brothers.

“As requested, Enthir has provided,” the Nord said before heading back to his position behind the long bar looking quite pleased with himself.

“Well, isn’t he a wonder, Adonato?” said Irdi Sul, as she opened the bottle, taking out the cork ever so delicately, and leaving it next to the two fresh goblets already set on the table, allowing the open bottle to sit for a while and the wine to breathe.

“Yes, he is quite the connoisseur,” I remark dryly, wondering where Enthir would have been able to get a Cyrodiilic wine from in this far flung part of Skyrim.

The Priestess, ignoring my sarcasm, continues her tale, painting a picture of the wonder of Tel Fyr, as they make their way to shore, after the quick voyage across the bay from Bensiberib Camp.

“I had heard of the Telvanni and their love of Mushroom Architecture, but the sight of the Tower, set above the Halls was epic, I could not believe how awe inspiring it was to see it with my own eyes,” said she.

 ” Grandeur and opulence, Adonato, towering mushrooms, of brown and grey and cones of dark red nestled around a number of interlinking buildings that rose up to towards the Tower itself, and atop of the tower, a mushroom shaped Main Hall.” Said the Priestess in hushed yet excited tones.

“From the dock it was a short walk to the grand entrance, a winding staircase of fungi spore, twisted hyphae, combined into a smooth ramp that took us to a large round door.” The Priestess enthused and went on.

“This opened into a large hall, that had two passageways and entrances to the other part of The Tower. The floors appeared to be carved wood as were the interior structures, yet it was the same fungi spores and hyphae with nary a supporting beam to be seen. It was as if the powerful magic of the Telvanni, had fabricated the entire structure by entwining the spores of fungi, soul gems and Daedra hearts into domes and structures, and then adorning them with mushroom shaped alcoves. Waiting there to greet us, was another of Divayth Fyr’s wives, Beyte Fyr, almost identical to Uupse except for her attire, a slightly darker set of golden Chitin Armour, and different coloured facial markings, crimson-like, matching her eyes.”

Irdi Sul described being carried by Anrel into the hall, and being put down before Beyte, who questioned Uupse on why she would bring another Corprus victim into Onyx Hall, and not take her directly to the Corprusarium.

“Not another one Uupse,” Beyte said to them relayed Irdi Sul “To the dungeon with her, and don’t try to disturb our Lord Divayth with your noble quest to say this one, will be cured. Not today!”

“We were waved away with a dismissive flick of her wrist, as she turned and went about her business, ignoring Uupse’s pleas, and the angry glare of Anrel,” the Priestess said to me, shrugging her shoulders slightly.

“As quick as Beyte was gone, another wife appeared, this one equally dismissive of her guests and equally identical, save again for her armour, which was a copper red and her facial markings, a less defined trickle of lines, the same in colour. She was definitely terser, and ruder than the first.” Said Irdi Sul.

“As I sat on the polished marble like floor, my dignity slowly dissolving, Delte Fyr, also scolded Uupse, and said that unless we could fly, there was no chance of having an audience with Divayth Fyr any time soon. We were welcome to plunder the dungeons, if that was why we came, but no other assistance was offered.” Said the Priestess, while picking up the bottle of Surilie Brothers, and pouring a generous amount of wine for us both, into our goblets.

“Uupse, was quite used to this behaviour, and implored us both to pay them no mind. She asked Anrel and I to wait, and returned with two potions, requesting for us to drink the contents, and to follow her.” The Priestess said.

Irdi Sul continued, her eyes bright, her eyebrows raising as she spoke.

“After drinking what was a mixture of vile bitterness and sweet pulp,” said she,  “I raised up off the floor, and managing to contain my amazement, as all three of us slowly levitated up and flew through the entrance to Hall Fyr and ascended as if weightless like a moth floating on the evening breeze.”

“A Telvanni levitation potion, my Lady, I have heard of them. How long did the effect last for?” I asked.

“Long enough to enable me to make my way about the Tower unaided to meet with Divayth Fyr, notwithstanding another wife, impeding our way Adonato.” Replied Irdi Sul

“How many does he have my Lady; he must be quite mad.” I let slip out, much to her amusement.

“Yes, you would think he would have learned his lesson, wouldn’t you? Uupse introduced us to Alfe Fyr, another identical Dunmer sister, dressed in a darker gold and green Chitin armour set, and with green markings running down her nose and below her chin, who Uupse quickly informed we were expected, as we floated by, much to her protests. Instead of stopping us, she decided to join the levitating parade of Mer and came with us into the Main Hall, where Divayth Fyr was studying something so intently, it took him some time to realise we were there.” Said Irdi Sul, putting down her goblet.

The Priestess described the room they went in to as thus,

“The Hall Fyr, or the Main Hall, was similar to the halls below, mottled fungus that had the look of twisted and entwined trees, set in a circular pattern, with no discernible corners, flowing up and around the space, like a cocoon. The polished floor had the look of wooden boards, adorned in what could be an enormous square Telvanni rug placed in the centre of the space, though I had never seen one like it. The rug was of differing colours, purple, with flecks of red, orange gold and milky white. The room itself, was warm and open, with shelves upon shelves of varying potions, alchemic ingredients and relics of past generations of Mer surrounding the circumference, until they reached a large set of windows, also curved, that had breath taking views of the bay outside,  Red Mountain in the distance. Alchemy apparatus was set up on a table at the corner of the rug.”

“Anrel, was able to lower herself to the floor, while I stayed a knee length above the carved wooden like mezzanine, much to Uupse Fyr’s approval,” the Priestess said.

“Well! What a pleasure! Visitors! An entertaining diversion! Come to consult the great Divayth Fyr? You have the divine disease? Want to plunder the dungeon? Or leer at my daughters?", said the Great Wizard without looking away from his work, the Priestess informed me.

The Grand Dunmer Wizard Irdi Sul told me, was dressed in ebony mail, neck to toe, its Daedric Armour like metal polished and shining, the red sashes of the Daedric hearts used to forge them a deep blood red, glowing as he moved.

“His hair was a long, shining silver ponytail pulled back tightly, and cascading down to the middle of his back, his face that of a middle-aged man, although his eyebrows and neatly trimmed bead where as white as his hair” said The Priestess.

“Father.” Uupse interrupted him, as he stood still, bent over an Arcane Enchanter, Irdi Sul tells me, reading from what appeared to be at least three books of various size.

“Yes daughter,” the Priestess told me he replied without looking at her, “Have you found another victim, who is willing to suffer a miserable death, in the hope of being cured of their terminal ailment?’

“I have father, and she is beautiful.” Uupse Fyr said, with no hint of embarrassment according to the Priestess, who said she felt a small blush spread across her cheeks at the time.

“Well, we will have to have a look then” said the wizard, and Irdi Sul said he turned to look firstly at Anrel, who just stared back at him, trying to keep her emotions in check, and then at her.

“He held my gaze for a moment or two, before talking again with Uupse,” said Irdi Sul.

The Great Wizard Divayth Fyr then said according to Irdi Sul, “Daughter, did your guests bring a gift for me, or are they as random and uncivilised as they look?” to which Uupse replied according to Irdi Sul, that “yes, indeed they had, and it was a wonderful gift, and please, speak with Irdi Sul, she is in need of our help.”

“Sul, you say. How interesting, and would you be related to Alandro Sul?” Divayth Fyr asked, the Priestess informed me.

” Not that I am aware of, my father is Ezhmaar, I am so named after Veloth’s mother, according to legend.” The Priestess replied to him and said that Divayth Fyr continued to eye her with an intensity that made her feel like shrinking and disappearing into the rug beneath her.

“I was levitating for the first time, unable to stand, due to Corprus, and all the time trying not to say anything to offend him,” Irdi Sul told me.

She said that it was quite intimidating, and the Wizard raising his right eyebrow said to her.

”Alandro Sul’s daughter turning up here looking for my help would have been an interesting development, alas, let me see what we can do. You have at least got Uupse’s devotion, and she has the ability to recognise an equally kind and generous heart.”

The Wizard said this as he walked over to where she was, looking at her she believed with a detachment that was unnerving, Irdi Sul informed me, while taking another sip of her wine.

The Priestess then relayed to me the ramblings of Divayth Fyr, as he moved about his Hall, looking for the ingredients to the potion, that would either cure her symptoms, or kill her dead.

"How interesting. Irdi Sul, not a decedent of Alandro, yet the same name, curious I must say. Did you know that Corprus makes you immune to disease? Have you ever heard of the prophecies of the Nerevarine? Alandro Sul was with Nerevar at Red Mountain you know. He’s living with some of the Ashlanders now, so I hear, Ashlanders say the Nerevarine will be immune to disease. I've always thought, "Maybe I have the Nerevarine down in my Corprusarium, and I don't even know it." Divayth says this chuckling, according to Irdi Sul, looking back at her with a wink, from the corner of the room, before continuing,

“The Nerevarine is a fat, disgusting Corprus monster, and mad as a marsh rat. Wouldn't that be funny?" Divayth Fyr again laughed as he said this, with a low cockle, said the Priestess.

“I’m not the One of prophecy, yet you are not the first to suggest this, Sir” The Priestess said to him, to which she said he ignored her reply and continued on with his inane self-absorbed chatter,

“I collect the victims of the divine disease in my Corprusarium in the caverns beneath my tower. Caverns I burrowed out of Abanabi Cave you know, leads to a portal, oh well never mind that, closed it off centuries ago. The poor devils inside, wretched existence, constant pain, ferocious appetites and passions. No reason at all. Completely mad. But marvellous, too, in their way. Forever immune to disease. As far as I know mind you. They never leave here, funny that. Live forever, barring accidents. Ancient wizards need projects to keep occupied, and the Corprusarium is mine."

The Priestess described how Divayth Fyr continued talking, as he collected the different concoctions, he had been working on, moving from shelf to shelf, picking an item up, studying it, putting it down again, only to return to it after a moment or two, and repeating the process. He would then move on to the next shelf, all the time picking up and putting down things, as if he was not able to  see them, unless he held them up close, and this went on for some time, clearly frustrating Anrel, who could not hide her dissatisfaction.

“Are you blind Wizard?” she asked, unable to hold the thought in Irdi Sul recalled her saying.

"When you live for thousands of years, maybe I am Wood Elf,” he replied, not allowing himself to be distracted and continued his ramblings, said Irdi Sul.  Divayth Fyr went on with she told me,

“However, you need a hobby. Something you love, always sparks your interest. I collect treasures and invite thieves to steal them. I'm a collector, and a sportsman. I collect enchanted items and ancient artefacts. Have quite a few Dwemer pieces. And, as a sportsman, I love letting thieves try to steal my well-guarded treasures. Are you a thief, you sound like one?” He said looking now at Anrel, the Priestess said, and she told me Anrel glared again at him, her lips thin, her jaw clenched, holding back, containing her rage and indignation.

“Thankfully she kept it in Adonato, but not for long.” The Priestess said to me. Divayth Fyr, undeterred continued she said, “Only a few rules. One, don't hurt the inmates. Two, don't hurt my daughters. My Warden and guards can look out for themselves."

Irdi Sul said she noticed that Divayth Fyr had collected at least 9 different herbs, animal parts, various dust from a number of small wooden bowls, some items she could not identify and now began mixing them at first with a mortar and pestle before moving to an alembic and retort on the other end of the rug. He was quite engaged in his own little monologue, prattling on about how he had never been successful, that it would most likely kill her, and to prepare for the worst.

“I found the talk of my imminent death disturbing Adonato, so I asked him about his daughters.” Said the Priestess.

“His reply was surprising, let me tell you.”  The Priestess said that Divayth Fyr stopped what he was doing, turned to her, and said the following.

“Not bad for something born in a jar, eh? Charming and talented. Not daughters, really. A little project, a side benefit of my researches into Corprus disease. Made them myself, from my own flesh. Nice, aren't they? Alfe Fyr, Beyte Fyr, Delte Fyr, and Uupse Fyr. Quite a comfort to me in my old age."

"Alfe Fyr is the sharpest of my girls, in wit and tongue. Gets on my nerves, sometimes, but conflict is the spice of life."

"Beyte Fyr is the sweet one. Eager to please and be pleased. An excellent cook, and a lovely singing voice."

"Delte Fyr is the efficient one. Organized and orderly. She acts as our steward, manages accounts, maintains supplies, keeps the tower and Corprusarium running."

"Uupse Fyr is the girl with the biggest heart. She takes care of the inmates of the Corprusarium and helps with my researches."

“Lucky for you, Irdi Sul, that you met Uupse, and not one of the others, or we would not be here now, let me tell you.” Said the wizard according to the Priestess, who was looking out across the room, reliving the memory as she spoke.

“So, he created a suite of beings, from his own flesh, to serve as his hand maidens?” I asked with a look of complete astonishment, for this was fantastical, even for a Wizard of Divayth Fyr’s renown.

“Yes, it would appear so Adonato,” said the Priestess, looking at me with annoyance, as I was interrupting her again.

“This was very surprising, to all of us, and Anrel, became enraged by it, this was a heresy unforgivable in her eyes.”

The Priestess said that Anrel had finally lost her patience, and cursed Divayth Fyr, “Nehow! Old man, what is taking you so long, do you have a cure or not!” she said to him, tired of his constant chatter, and eccentric observations, Irdi Sul said to me, her tone rising slightly.

 “Bosmer, aren’t you?” he replied unfazed, said Irdi Sul.

“Why don’t you go down to the Corprusarium, and have a chat with the Ancient Dwemer Yagrum Bagarn, Alfe, please attend to this, you may learn some manners from the old coot” Divayth Fyr said to Anrel, according to the Priestess and Anrel was escorted out of the Hall, by Alfe Fyr, much to her annoyance, the Priestess informed me.

Irdi Sul told me Anrel let her feelings be known as Alfe dragged her back down to Onyx Hall and into the Corprusarium.

“I could hear her objections to being removed quite clearly, cursing at him, not caring if he was immortal or not, that he was a barbarian who had created profane beings. Had he created this Yagrum Bagarn as well? Was he really a Dwemer?” Said Irdi Sul, “It was a little embarrassing considering I didn’t even know who Yagrum Bagarn was and unsure as to why Anrel had become so angry.”

“Yagrum Bagarn is a Dwemer my Lady?” I asked, her as I had never heard of him.

“Yes Adonato, it turns out the last surviving Dwemer was in the care of Divayth Fyr, in his Corprusarium and he may even still be there? Who knows?” she said mysteriously, and then laughed at my open-mouthed response.

“Surely not, the Dwemer are extinct, they disappeared millennia ago.” I contended to which the Priestess Irdi Sul raised her arms, palms upright, tilting her head to the left.

“Oh, he was there, and he had a part to play in my journey too, Adonato.” She said.

The Priestess informed me that after Anrel and Alfe were gone, Divayth Fyr called Uupse to assist him, and they both worked quietly together. It would seem their task was a complicated one and the morning sun was rising when finally, the Great Wizard was ready to share his divine potion.

“I'll give you the potion, on the following condition: you must drink it here before my eyes. It should act immediately; and I need to observe you very carefully. Agreed?" Divayth Fyr, said this to her in a way that she understood was non-negotiable said Irdi Sul, and she told me she nodded “yes”, without hesitation.

“Uupse looked into my eyes, smiled and handed me the potion”, whispered Irdi Sul, her eyes reflecting the twinkle of the fire behind us she spoke.

Before she could drink it, something entirely unexpected occurred according to the Priestess. She told me that it was now early morning and the twilight outside was shedding its last fading shimmers of dawn. Azura, who had been absent from Irdi Suls thoughts, she told me, for the last few days, spoke to her.

She could hear her voice clearly saying, “Drink Irdi Sul, Noa daruh su parjo aonorin.” The Priestess continued whispering, caught up again in her memory of what took place.

“I looked about the Hall, expecting to see her and realised that both Uupse, and Divayth Fyr, had heard the voice as well. No apparition appeared, however another voice, also without form, and possibly a Daedra spoke, “What plot are you planning Wizard, why are you providing what was bargained for?”

“By the Ancients, was that?” Divayth Fyr said out loud, and then looked at me with a look of sheer amazement said the Priestess.

“I told you Father; she is worthy.” The Priestess told me Uupse said to him, and she said both Divayth Fyr, and Uupse Fyr looked on in fascination at her, as she drank the potion.

“My Alata Gandral returned Adonato, but it was short lived, the levitation potion had run its course and I slowly returned to the polished floor of Fyr Hall, finding myself on the Telvanni rug. Unable to stand, I sank to my knees and then to lying on my side, bereft of the will to live.” The Priestess said to me.

Azura’s voice then filled the Hall, this time angrily, and her voice resonated around them, said Irdi Sul,

“Divayth Fyr, use your Majic, save my Priestess. Sister, release the Wizard from his curse.”

Boethiah, it would seem was also present in the tower, uninvited, nor summoned and yet spoke back angrily to Azura

“This mortal is not part of our reclamation sister,” and then scornfully remonstrated with Divayth Fyr for breaking their accord, the Priestess told me, and so began the test of wills, while she lay dying.

“I had become a bargaining chip in a game of deceit and power, begun thousands of years ago, when Boethiah had granted Divayth Fyr immortality and the providence to create life, in exchange for eternal servitude and his commitment to never find a cure for Corprus.

 “Curse you Daedric meddlers! I have had enough of your lies, centuries of madness you have driven me to this, watch her die!” Divayth Fyr, yelled at the unseen Daedric Princes, as one implored the other to bend to their will, as I began to slip from this plane, into Oblivion.” Said Irdi Sul.

“Uupse Fyr, through sheer grace of her kind heart, conjured again, an orb of pure white light, and thrust it into me, prolonging my existence, while the Great Wizard, continued to defy Azura and Boethiah,  all the time refusing to incant the charm that would preserve me, the final part of the process to remove the curse of Corprus  and bring me back from the Moonshadow realm, I was drifting in to.” Said Irdi Sul.

“I lay prone on the floor, as Divayth Fyr, again hollered at the Daedra, showing utter contempt to them, refusing to submit.” Said the Priestess.

” A silence then befell the Hall, save for the prays of Uupse Fyr, begging for my salvation. Finally , one of the Princes brokered a resolution, and the Wizard picked up his Staff, and filled the entire Hall with the same white light that Uupse had cast earlier, however its radiance and brilliance was a thousand times more incandescent, creating an orb large enough to fill the room, that then surrounded me, filling my soul, my mind, and heart with a magnificent surge of blazing agony, as if the fire of the Skyforge in Jorrvaskr itself had thrust itself into me. And, I lived.” said she.

The Priestess Irdi Sul looked at me with her deep crimson eyes, and I could see tears had formed and glistened, as she relived the moment again, where she faced certain death, and forever after, would owe her very existence, her life and service to the Dunmers’ Mother Soul, Queen of the Night Sky, Azura.

 

 

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Chapter IV - The Peril of Resolution

 

I

Irdi Sul, Priestess of Azura, sat quietly and drank from her goblet. Once drained, she got up and excused herself, saying that we would continue on the morrow. As if by some divine telepathy, Enthir appeared though the Inn door, and the Priestess was gone.

I looked over at Dagur, who indicated that my bed, was back down in the cellar.

“My good man, I am willing to pay you for a room upstairs, near the warmth of your hearth. Is this possible?” I asked him.

“Of course, friend, 10 gold Septims a night, I will show you the way.” He replied, with the same smile he has maintained since I met him.

“How these Nords can remain jovial in this type of climate is beyond me,” I thought to myself.

I gathered the possessions I brought with me from Windhelm, made my way to a room opposite the warmth of the Inn fire, and curled up in the cot, cosy enough now after spending most of the night near the hearth in the main hall. I drifted off wondering how a Telvanni Wizard had survived having four wives for many a millennium, quite the adventure that one, I pondered, before I fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

Awoken by someone calling my name the next day, I opened my right eye to see Wuunferth the Unliving, the Court Wizard of Windhelm, standing in the doorway.

“Adonato, wake up you Imperial rogue, I have need of a word with you.” The Wizard’s voice rousing me instantly.

 I blinked at him, thinking what in The Divines would bring him to Winterhold, and remembered he said he did have business with the College. I got up, sort use of the amenities from Dagur, who pointed me to the door and the snowy wilds of the Hold, and whence I returned, Wuunferth was waiting for me at a bench at the rear of the Inn.

“Hello old friend, have you been up to the College, by chance?” I asked as I sat down next to him.

“Why yes, I have,” he replied. “I have spent time with the Arch Mage, and was on my way back to Windhelm, when I was informed by the Inn Keeper here that the famous Adonato Leotelli, was his guest. Imagine my surprise, as I expected you to be in Windhelm, keeping an eye on the Dunmer Priestess for me?”

Wuunferth then looked at me with a mild consternation, giving me no indication of what he knew, or why he thought I was in Winterhold.

“Well, she did send me a letter indicating she was returning to Solstheim. I have it here somewhere….” I reply, while looking about my person, for the letter.

“Never mind, she is here, and I know why Adonato. The Bosmer at the College. Enthir has kept the Arch Mage informed. You were saying?” The Windhelm Court Wizard looked at me now with irritation, and I was again fearful of my own health and wellbeing.

“Well, I would have told you.” I mutter under my breath, and then ask him, as a cursory observation, for I was sure Enthir was Dunmer.

“Enthir is a Bosmer? Well I never. He looked decidedly Dunmer to me.”

“You are becoming more like a Nord everyday Adonato, Enthir is indeed a Bosmer and quite the font of information. For the right price. So, can I trust you to inform me if any other trips into various Holds are planned, do I need to perhaps provide some sort of incentive?” Wuunferth said to me, putting down a coin purse, before he got up.

“I have a Carriage leaving and will be in Solitude until the second day of Rains Hand. I will be staying at The Winking Skeever. I expect an update on your progress, Adonato. Am I clear?” said the Wizard, and he turned towards the door, looking down at me to emphasize his point with a dark look.

“Yes, quite.” I said as he departed.

Sensing my desperate mood, or the jingle of fresh coin on the table, Dagur was at my side in moments, offering me food and drink, or perhaps some revelry?

“Good sir, I would like to introduce my wife Haran, and daughter Erid.” I look up and they are next to him, smiling uncomfortably, and I stand up, say hello, accepting their kind words about my books, and after some autographs and a dedication for Haran, I head back to my room.

“Why yes, just let us know if you need anything else.” Haran calls after me as I walk away.

I sit down on the bed, and contemplate what has occurred and for once, take heart in the fact that Wuunferth didn’t seem that upset, and he gave me gold to cover some of my costs. I open the coin purse and count out over 300 pieces. “Good for me.” I say.

I then lie back on the bed and drift off momentarily, until I am disturbed again, this time by Enthir, who has been tasked with having me come up to the college to meet with the Priestess in the Arcanaeum.

“Good gracious, is it snowing outside?” I ask as I put on the Dunmer Cloak, provided by Ambarys. “Yes, of course it is, we are in Skyrim.” He tells me with a look of “What the…...”. I gather up my knapsack, check all is there and off we go.

As we approach the bridge to the College, an Altmer, appears from behind a pillar, and enquires as to who I am, and that I must present knowledge of majic to enter the College. She introduces herself as Faralda.  Enthir brushes her aside, and says we don’t have time for games, and the Arch Mage is expecting us.

Undeterred Faralda, stops me.  “Not so fast, are you able to demonstrate a spell for me, or not?” she demands, to which I reply “Not.”

“Well then, I can sell you one, for say 30 Septims?” she tells me, and Enthir, having already warned her, waves his right hand, manipulates his fingers, and whispers an enchantment. Faralda, is frozen to the spot, with her mouth agape, and we continue up to the College.

“What on earth did you do?” I asked the Elf, who replies. “Charmed her with a Calm spell. I did warn her, she will come out of it soon enough,” and we walked up some steps, that appeared to be in some need of repair, and I was struck by the magnificence of the structure in front of me.

I have been to Winterhold, many times, and have only ever seen the College from the city. Up close and coming through the gates I was impressed.  The College of Winterhold, an Ancient Nord inspired circular fortress of granite and carved marble, is located just north of Winterhold, on a large cliff. A narrow bridge connects the city to the College, which we had just made our way across.

Enthir leads me into the round central courtyard which is dominated by a white marble statue of the first Arch-Mage of the College, Shalidor, who is also the supposed founder of the city; this is the hub of the facility, offering access back out to the bridge and into the three Halls.

I notice the courtyard branches off to each of the halls as we make our way down the carved granite pathway. Enthir points out to me that the Hall of Attainment, the living quarters for mage apprentices, is off to the left, while the Hall of Countenance, the living quarters for more advanced mages, is off to the right, while ahead lies the Hall of the Elements, the lecture hall of the College. We continue straight on as this is also where the Arch Mages’ quarters and the Arcanaeum is located, directly above the Hall of Elements.

We come in out of the snow, and the size and maestoso of the building is overwhelming. I look up at the height of the ceiling, the craftsmanship of the stonework, all the while trying not to get left behind by the scurrying elf in front of me.

We traverse to the right and up a set of pale silver polished stone steps into an atrium, that leads to what looks like a library. I can hear voices as we come into the space, and I see the Priestess, speaking with an Orc.

“Greetings to you Adonato,” the Priestess welcomes me, as I walk over to her and the Orc.

“My Lady,” I reply, almost stumbling as I fight the urge to bow.

“May I introduce Urag gro-Shub, the overseer of the Ysmir Collective,” Irdi Sul says to me.

I turn to the Orc and offer him a bow, as is my custom, and say to him, “I am pleased to meet you sir.” 

The Orc looks at me, his sharp tusks protruding up above his top lip and he replies in a deep mellow tone, “You are now in the Arcanaeum, of which I am in charge. You might as well call it my own little plane of Oblivion. Disrupt my Arcanaeum, and I will have you torn apart by angry Atronachs. Now, is there anything I can help you with?"

The Priestess laughs at this, to which the Orc Urag gro-Shrub, does not, and I feel decidedly uncomfortable. The Orc is tall, and like all his folk, a dark shade of green. His thinning grey hair is tied back into a knot above his receding pate, and he has a long grey beard. His attire is that of a monk, umber robes of a Conjurer if I’m not mistaken, however I do notice his boots are expensive dark tan leather, and flawlessly maintained.

“Oh, don’t wind up Adonato Urag gro, he is a scribe, and has been wonderful to work with. I’m sure he will behave himself.” The Priestess says, her hair swishing back as she laughs again, winking at me as the Orc remains stone faced, unable to see the humour in her voice, or unwilling to.

“Scribe or not, if he damages any of my books, he pays to replace them.” The Orc says with a glimmer of malice from behind his deep-set black eyes.

 He then turns and walks away to a desk in the rear of the Arcanaeum, leaving Irdi Sul and I to ourselves.  We sit down at a table set with a Gilded High Elf Decanter filled with a Juniper coloured liquid and matching flutes on the left side of the room, adorned either side with shelves of books.

“Once again, thank you for indulging me Adonato, you are a treasure. Enthir, here has informed me that you took a room upstairs. Is everything alright with you?” the Priestess asks me as she pours the magenta elixir.

“Here drink this, it will help calm your nerves” she says, as I take in my surroundings and notice the Mer Enthir, has disappeared again without saying goodbye.

“Thank you, my Lady,” I say, “and what is this we are toasting with?” I ask as the aroma of the fresh beverage is intoxicating and the taste of sweet Juniper instantly makes me feel as though I am years younger, and bolder.

“Nothing that will harm you, I can attest to that, now my dear Adonato, we have reached a point in my journey through Vvardenfell, that needs careful and deliberate examination, and access to some of the literature, only available here. I will entrust you with some readings and understand that this will take time.“  The Priestess says to me, as I sit enjoying the wonderful concoction I am drinking, and thinking to myself, “a little bit of research and fact checking never hurt a good story.”

“Of course, what is it I need to read?” I say to her, finishing the flute of Sparkling Juniper nectar, and instantly wanting another.

“Urag gro-Shrub will help with the literature, I have provided a list, and some of the books myself, as a gift for their kindness in allowing me to stay here for the time being. Now let us take up where we left off.” said she, and I took out my journal, inkwell, quill and began scribing, the unbelievable events that were, the life and adventures of Irdi Sul.

The Priestess began her tale from the night before and described how she felt after the orb had passed through her, and what occurred next.

“The feeling was of violent racking pain that became an inordinate feeling of joy Adonato, I was free of the grip of Corprus, and almost instantly got to my feet, and looked down at my legs in amazement,” said the Priestess.

“They were free of swelling and cramp. I was overcome with triumph and delight. I looked across to the others in the room and could see my joyous rapture was not shared by Divayth Fyr.”

“The Great Wizard,” said she, “was standing next to his daughter Uupse, discussing the events that had just transpired. Alfe Fyr, had also made her way back up to Fyr Hall, and the three of them were in a deep discussion. Divayth Fyr, was quite animated,” according to Irdi Sul “and his trepidation was obvious about what had occurred. The secret shame of his past misdeeds had been revealed.”

The Priestess continued, eying me over hr flute. “His wives were not concerned, and attempted to reassure him, as if they were now free from the burdens of the past and welcomed the opportunity it presented.”

“Thank you, Lord Fyr, for I am cured, I said to him Adonato, as I walked over to where they were standing,” said the Priestess.

“Well not cured, but yes, free of Corprus symptoms, Irdi Sul, you are no longer ailed by the twisting pain and torment of the Blights curse, I can see that.” The Priestess told me he replied, as he turned to his two wives and said to them.

“This night, we are severed from my pact with Boethiah. My betrayal of Morian Zenos, has bound me to the Daedric Prince for thousands of years, and granted me the power to create you both, and your sisters. We have lived here as we chose, while working in the shadows for Boethiah’s treacherous and violent schemes. The fate of us all, rests in the hands of the Priestess of Azura, who lives when death was certain.”

Divayth Fyr had lost his rambling natter, and spoke with clarity and certainty, the Priestess informed me.

“He looked about the room and across at Alfe and asked her to summon Delte and Beyte.” Irdi Sul told me.

“Uupse stood with him, her face quiet, with no sign of the smile and joy when I first arrived to meet her. She said to me he needed to go over the events that had just transpired and what it meant to them all, and how their existence in Tel Fyr, would look like henceforth.” Said the Priestess Irdi Sul, in the aftermath of her survival of the dreaded blight Corpus.

While waiting for the wives to emerge from below, Divayth Fyr spoke directly to her, the Priestess told me.

“May I ask something of you?” Divayth said to me Adonato, to which I replied, yes of course Sir.” The Priestess relayed.

“May I have some drops of your blood?” he asked, and the Priestess told me that Uupse collected a sample by pricking her left index finger with a needle and squeezing the blood into a slim glass receptacle.

“You’re not going to create another one of me are you Lord Divayth?” the Priestess said she asked him, to which he  replied, “No, although it would be quite the creation, I am looking to formulate a greater chance of a cure for Corprus, with your help of course.”

While this occurred the Priestess explained, the other wives had made their way up to the man hall, and were all now standing alongside each other, as alike as quadruplets bar for their facial markings. Divayth Fyr took a seat at the grand round table near the window and motioned for me to sit opposite him, and for his wives to gather close. They were able to find chairs from about the hall, and we all sat around the table, listening to the Great Wizard as he spoke.

“I am bound now to address the misdeeds and failures of my past,” Divayth Fyr began said Irdi Sul, “not as an explanation, nor as an act of penance, but as a consequence of the resolution I reached with the Daedric Prince Boethiah, and their sister Azura. Morian Zenos, was a great Mage, and he sought me out to help him with his seminal work in finding a way into Oblivion. I did help him and was able to inspire him to discover the works of Albrecht Theophannes Bombidius, and Ralliballah’s Elven Ritual Forms. Together we were able to create the Sigil Stone, required to make the transpontine circumpenetration he sought to make.”

Irdi Sul described how Divayth Fyr held out his right hand and summoned three books from his shelves – Liminal Bridges, On Oblivion, and the Doors of Oblivion  known works of Morian Zenas and the latter by his Apprentice Seif-ij Hidja – and he placed them in front of the Priestess for her to read.  He then summoned Tome of Daedric Portals and placed it with the others as an afterthought.

“These books are here Adonato, and I suggest you read them to gain a full grasp of what Divayth and Morian did to create the portal to Oblivion, which Morian Zenas travelled through.” The Priestess said to me.

“I shall my Lady, please continue.” I replied.

Divayth then spoke some more said she, “Morian had an apprentice, with whom he could communicate through a telepathic anomaly, a meeting of the mind, that they had developed through the power of Conjuration and Mysticism Majic. He mistook this as something exclusive between the two of them and I kept it from him, that I too could hear their thoughts, when they projected them to each other. I am unable to explain why, other than it is an old majic, and related to Transliminal Mythomysticism.  Morian through his Mastery of the Sigil Stone that we created, was able to enter Oblivion, and relay back through his thoughts, what he saw, and experienced in each realm, as a guest of the Daedric Prince, he summoned. In his book On Oblivion, he details some of his journeys, however his story and his eventual demise is due to my betrayal, not becoming lost in Apocrypha, as his apprentice Seif-ij Hidja believed.” Divayth then paused said the Priestess, drew a long breath before he continued.

“Unbeknownst to the Apprentice Seif-ij Hidja, Morian Zenas and myself had worked on another project, that involved A Dwemer construct depicting the Planets and Stars as well as the constellations. The Orrery of Artaeum, The Psijic Orders secret prized Dwemer Relic.”

“The Orrery is an armillary sphere, a model of objects in the sky (on the celestial sphere), consisting of a spherical framework of rings, centred on Nirn, that represent lines of celestial longitude and latitude and other astronomically important features, such as the ecliptic.”

"Harness the power of the stars and unlock the secrets of the Orrery,” we thought, and Morian became obsessed, with reaching the heavens, and his visits to the Daedric realms reduced dramatically,” Divayth Fyr told his assembled audience said Irdi Sul, and he seemed to her to be unburdening himself of a guilt he had carried for too many years.

"In addition to model planets, the Orrery is also home to living embodiments of the constellations called Exemplars. The Thief, The Mage, and The Warrior Exemplars protect the other constellations - they are the Guardians." He told them, said The Priestess.

“What we were able to achieve, through combining what we had already achieved with the Sigil Stone, was to open a portal to the realms of the Aedra, to Aetherius to contact the Guardians and have them provide us with a Malondo Stone, or a Shard of the Stars, a blessed fragment of the Aetherius itself, as had the Daedric Princes, when we created the Sigil Stone. The goal was to enchant the Orrery we had replicated and kept in a location known only to the two of us and create a method to open a portal to the Realms of The Heavens, Aetherius itself. For someone such as Morian Zenos, it was a glimpse into the Divine. I knew it as the path to destruction, as I had indeed witnessed the disappearance of The Dwemer, and also knew that certain Daedric Princes would not see it as he did.”

“And one did not. And they were not merciful, nor would they accept anything less than what I proposed.”

The Priestess said Divayth Fyr looked at his wives, and told them he had betrayed the Mage Morian Zenas, for he had no choice.

 

II

The Priestess said that Divayth Fyr revealed that the original Orrery was located at The Arcane University in Cyrodiil. Morian Zenas was a prominent member of The Mages Guild, now a professional organization chartered by the Empire to promote study of the arcane arts. The Arcane University is the seat of the Mages Guild and located in the Imperial City.

Somehow Morian had convinced The Psijic Order, a secretive order of Elven Mages, to allow him to relocate the Orrery from Artaeum. How he did this is not known.

Divayth Fyr revealed to them then, said the Priestess that he was also a member of the Psijic Order, as was Sotha Sil, one of the Three Gods of The Tribunal. He knew only too well the power of The Ancient Dwemer Artifact and had already began construction on a replica in the dungeons of Tel Fyr.

"Before the Arcane University was founded in the second era by Morian Zenos, The Crystal Tower on Summerset Isle was the source of all magical learning. Since then, the Imperial City has been Tamriel's foremost magical research centre, well according to The Empire anyway." Said Divayth according to Irdi Sul.

“The Imperial city, the Ancient City of the Ayleids, where the Empire rules from, is the seat of power of all Tamriel. There stands the White Gold Tower, a symbol of the extinct race’s architectural magnificence, one of the pillars keeping Mundus, Nirn, the Aetherius and Oblivion all balanced and preserving the mortality of Mer, Men and Beast folk. Morian and I threatened to upset this balance with our plans to reach Aetherius through the Orrery.”

The Wizard continued Irdi Sul said, taking short breathes as he spoke, his voice fearless, and commanding their full attention. I leaned in closer to listen as she spoke again of what the Wizard was confessing to them.

“I had over my years become more involved and entwined with Mephala and Boethiah, than I had with Azura. As it is they, that enabled the Chimer to unite their people and the tribes of Morrowind into the Great Houses. The House Telvanni kept the faith, and I was sure that our mastery of the Arcane Arts was due to their influence in our work. I had gained enormously through the wisdom of Boethiah, and after the events of Red Mountain, the rise of The Tribunal, my worship of the Prince of Plots allowed me to destroy my enemies and realise a life of power greater than any in our races history.” Divayth Fyr said this while making eye contact with each of them the Priestess told me, emphasising his allegiance to Boethiah began as one of mutual respect and not out of fear or servitude.

Irdi Sul said that Divayth Fyr stood and now walked the room as they sat in awe of his descriptions of how Boethiah had helped him conspire to unseat many in the Council of the House Telvanni, and yet remain free of suspicion, and be rewarded with Tel Fyr as a gift for his wisdom and loyalty. It was then that Boethiah exacted a price for her benevolence, and Divayth Fyr became their servant, their acolyte, their  “Familiar”, with the promise of eternal life if he agreed to their plots, to continue to deceive his enemies and grow his influence across the Great Houses. It was Boethiah that entrusted him with the knowledge to create a machine that would destroy Morian Zenos and discredit his life’s work.

“What occurred in a way, was because Boethiah, like many of the Daedra who, was offended that Morian Zenos had visited many of the Daedric Princes, and yet not with them.” The Wizard said this sorrowfully, said Irdi Sul, herself taken aback by the memory. She said he continued with,

“It was as if they would damn him, for not feting to them, as he had the others. It was an affront to their power and influence, and it would not go unpunished. The fact that Morian Zenos and I could possibly solve the riddle of the Dwemer, and their disappearance meant nothing to Boethiah. The insult of Morian visiting and detailing in a book their arch enemies’ realm, was too much of an insult to let go.” Irdi Sul told me Divayth Fyr stood quietly for a moment before quoting Boethiah,

“He talks of the chilling revulsion of Coldharbour and of Molag Bal as a fiend to beest reckon'd with, and that gent shows nay respect to the hath found'r of the chim'r raceth.  That gent might not but suff'r and thee shalt beest mine own vessel.

Divayth Fyr then told them what he was instructed to do by the Daedric Prince he served, said Irdi Sul. 

“I was given insight in how to corrupt the Orrery Replica under their guidance and send Morian into the Aetherius with no way of returning. Morian and I worked together for a number of seasons, unbeknownst to him that it was Boethiah that granted me the power to infuse the Replica Orrery with the necessary hyperagonal media, and in instantaneous retromission of the transported referents, to eventually have the constellations set in line with the planets to open a portal to a Guardian Exemplar. My plan was to cast Morian into the Aetherius as it opened, and close it again, before he had time to react. It was a simple plan, and it should have worked. But it didn’t.”

The Wizard Divayth Fyr looked at the four of his wives said Irdi Sul, his face looking tired and worn , wrinkled and pained and he shook his head, before continuing.

“I underestimated Morian Zenos, and on the night we opened the portal, he had with him a purified morpholith inscribed with a signature I was unaware of. I believe it may have been a Black Soul Gemstone of Dwemer origins, or in fact an Ayleid Shard of the Stars. Where he got it, or how, I will never know. We had sat the entire day, intoning the rights of The Book of Law and as the portal opened, the morpholith hidden in his clothing began to shine, and as I gazed into the opening portal, transpontine circumpenetration of the limen drew Morian Zenos in. As Morian Zenos dissolved into a swirling haze of Transliminal Mythomysticism a voice said thus.

“Ye sa sou meldi calne tarn va nou molagnenseli, ye trumbi nou bala.

Ilpen av sou meldi nagaiale as guntumnia, spantelepe-laelia arani Morae, ye sou liebali racuvane, ye nu rautane sye, ye nu hautalle nou buroi gume sou gravuloi, sa metane sye garlis.

Frey as gandra dwemera tarcellane sou agea, ye frey as emeratis Avatheledia carelle sou anyamissi bisia silya.

Nu hecta sou arcten, rias nu nemalauta ge. Nu hecta sou epegandra, rias ne nemalauta ge.

Nu frey sepa sye arcta varlor denai, cullei noue staneia.

Ye ry sou alasil auta, ry loria shanta, abagaiavoy.

Malautavoy fey nou darre ye alata nou malae, asma Molaga sou anyamis av sercen pado, ye gethena sou wend narilia vey emeratu sou oia bisia.” **

“I was sure that this was Aldmeris, the language of the Ancient Mer, although it could have been Dwemeris. As you can imagine, Boethiah believed I had fulfilled my task, and Morian was gone. What occurred next was mind boggling.  Someone else then came out of the portal and stood before me, wide eyed, and completely shell shocked as to what had occurred. Once the portal closed, I stood face to face with an extinct race. It was the Dwemer, Yagrum Bagarn.”

“Divayth Fyr, stood his eyes ablaze, looking sorrowfully at his wives, then at me. I now realised what had occurred. Somehow, their obtruding with their Replica of the Orrery, combined with the morpholith that Morian Zenos had with him had indeed opened a portal into Aetherius and had summoned one of the missing Dwemer. “ said Irdi Sul.

“If I may,” I interrupted, “any chance there is a translation of the passage recited, for context my Lady?” I asked, hoping that there was. 

“Yes, I can translate ancient Mer languages for you Adonato, please look behind you, and pull out the tome, there.” Replied the Priestess with sarcasm, pointing at a set of books sitting on the Orc Urag gro-Shrub’s desk.

“He will assist you. He can translate it for you as well. Keep a note and follow up with him later please.” She chided me.  (see below **)

 “Divayth Fyr, then asked me to accompany Uupse down into the Corprusarium and speak with the Dwemer Yagrum Bagarn, as he could tell me himself, of what occurred next.” Said Irdi Sul, as she got up and went to talk with the Orc, who then summoned an apprentice Mage who was sitting on the other side of the Arcanaeum to get us something to eat.  She quietly walked back to our table and sat before continuing.

“We proceeded to the well outside of Hall Fyr and a potion was provided by Uupse Fyr so I could levitate down to Onyx Hall. Divayth Fyr called after me as we floated down, that he was working on an enchantment to create a levitation portal of sorts that would eliminate the use of potions but was yet to come up with anything. He added he believed another Telvanni Wizard named Neloth was close to perfecting one as we landed gently on the Onyx Hall floor below.” Said Irdi Sul.

Irdi Sul told me the two of them stopped in the hall, and Uupse went to find Anrel.

“Isn’t Anrel already in the Corprusarium?” Irdi Sul said she asked Uupse to which she smiled and shook her head.

“No, if you test my father’s patience, he seals you away down here” and she opened a locked cell door and there sat my Bosmer friend, not at all happy with what had occurred , yet glad to see me walking again.” Said the Priestess.

“By Auri-El, you are cured Irdi Sul!” Anrel exclaimed when she saw me and got up off the floor of the dank and dirty cell and hugged me close, overjoyed at my resurrection.”

“Yes, it would seem the spells and potions have me walking, although there is more to tell.” I say to her, hugging her back and enjoying the embrace of my close friend.

After a moment or two, we pull back, and we begin the walk around the Hall and down to the Corprusarium, Uupse picking up her gift, the Gaur Drum, bringing it with her.” Said the Priestess as she poured some more of the wonderful Juniper elixir into our flutes.

The Priestess informs me that she quickly retells Anrel the series of events from that evening, and of the interference of the Daedric Princes.  She adds that Uupse tells Anrel as they float down to the Corprusarium that Irdi Sul coming to Tel Fyr is a blessing for them all, and that she had not known of how Yagrum Bagarn had come to be there and that she too was looking forward to what he had to say.

“Anrel was sceptical about meeting a Dwemer, and that a portal to Aetherius could even exist.” The Priestess said to me, as dinner arrived, and it looked truly magnificent.

The Priestess told me they were met at the entrance of the Corprusarium by a large Argonian, who Uupse introduced as Vistha-Kai.

 “Vistha-Kai is an Argonian knight and the Warden of the Corprusarium. He says that he once was a slave of Divayth Fyr. When his master freed him, he stayed to help the Wizard, first as a simple mercenary, but in time becoming a sincere friend and partner to his previous Master.” Said Uupse to them as a way of introductions, the Priestess told me and continued,

“He was dressed in a Dwarven cuirass with matching pauldrons and gauntlets. He carried a Dwarven war axe, and. like all Argonians, he was immune to poison, had a resistance to disease, and could breathe underwater; perfect attributes to guard the inmates of the Corprusarium. Argonians are lizard amphibians who hail from Black Marsh. They were enslaved by the Ayleids and some Dunmer Houses still keep Argonians as slaves. His armour, which was Dwemer, matched his scaly appearance. He was strong, his legs bulging muscle and sinew, as were his exposed forearms. The three claws on his feet looked sharp and dangerous. When he spoke, he said few words, however his meaning was clear.

“Do not harm the inmates, or you will answer to me. I will tolerate no excuses, understood?” he hissed at us, as we made our way inside, his yellow reptilian eyes not blinking as he spoke.” The Priestess says to me, eating a small bite of roast pork in between sentences.

She went on, in between bites of her meal, only speaking when her mouth had finishing chewing the delectable fare we were served.

 “The Corprusarium is a series of dungeons, beneath Tel Fyr, and it becomes obvious quickly that the dark and disquiet breathes out of the damp and mouldy walls. Black, brown, and green mould all permeates the squalid enclosures, the fungi spores, themselves feeling the infection of Corprus, the floor littered with rotting flesh and bone., meshing up against our boots, squelching beneath our feet as we walk deeper into the dungeons. The smell leaches into your conciseness through your nose, and mouth and Uupse encourages us to take the linen scarfs she offered, to wrap our faces in to keep out the foul all-encompassing odour. We become aware among the echoes of our footsteps, the wailing, and deranged demented ramblings, of the inhabitants of the Corprusarium the further in we travel.” Said she, and I feel for a moment put off my next mouthful, as I imagine the dire circumstance of the Tel Fyr dungeon.

Irdi Sul described to me that this was a place of death and disease. Its inhabitants are mindless, wandering corpses, infected with an affliction that is dark majic, and dark in nature. She said that Uupse began to play a rhythmic tune on her drum, and the moans and incessant chatter then begins to subside as they walk through the interconnecting cells, to find a grotesque looking being, perched atop what looks like a large Dwemer mechanical spider.

“It’s pale bloated torso, the flab of a large distended stomach covering its legs. The dark blue-grey bristles of its beard, it’s only hair, red twisting creases mark its entire body, the decay leeching out of it and the stink was overwhelming. The beady dark eyes peering down at us sent shivers into my soul. I am mortified that such a thing exists at all.”  She says.

“Uupse then introduces us, to the vile looking creature and tells us that this is Yagrum Bagarn.” Said the Priestess.

“A visitor! What brings you to visit Yagrum Bagarn, Master Crafter, and Last Living Dwarf?” it says to us, as we look at the Dwemer, not believing what we are seeing.” Irdi Sul informs me.

“Greetings to you Yagrum Bagarn, Lord Divayth has sent us to meet with you. I must say, you look awful.” I say, not knowing why Adonato, but he really was a disturbing looking creature, and I immediately felt for him, as a lost race, and as a victim of Corprus.” Said the Priestess Irdi Sul.

She explained that he took it all as intentioned and replied, “Since the disappearance of the Dwarves, I have been alone in this world, trapped in this grim prison. I can barely move. And my fellow inmates are scarcely good company. The risk of Corprus disease deters most visitors. But if you meet with cultivated minds undaunted by the terrors of the Corprusarium, such as your good selves, maybe for a short time, I can forget my own self-pity, and enjoy your company."

“Thank you for your graciousness Yagrum, can you recall how you came to be here?” I ask him, not expecting an immediate answer.” Irdi Sul tells me as she waves to the Orc Urag gro-Shrub to bring the books on his desk to our table, as we finish dinner.

“He kept a journal, would you believe Adonato, and I have it, here, for you to read.” The Priestess says to me. “Yagrum Bagarn told us he barely remembers anything of his journeys or how he returned from the Outer Realm. However, Divayth Fyr had suggested that when he was first welcomed as a guest here, why he should write down memories of his travels.”

“My journals are in a chest, behind me. Help yourselves.” He told us, and we did” said the Priestess Irdi Sul.

**Translation from the Aetherius,

“And so, it was that your people were given passage to our steam gardens, and the protections of our mathematics.

Many of your people had perished under the roaring, snow-throated kings of Mora, and your wills were broken, and we heard you, and sent our machines against your enemies, to thereby take you under.

Only by the grace of the Dwemer did your culture survive, and only by the fifteen-and-one tones did your new lives begin.

We do not desire thanks, for we do not believe in it. We do not ask for gratitude, for we do not believe in it.

We only request you accept of the symbol of our bond, the fruit of our stones.

And as your vision clouds, as the darkness sets in, fear not.

Know only our mercy and the radiance of our affection, which unbinds your bones to the earth before, and sets your final path to the music of your new eternity.

 

Irdi Sul sat across from me as I read through the journals, she had placed in front of me. I was confounded by what I read. It was preposterous to think that this was possible.

“Am I to assume, dear Lady, that you have held these journals all this time, and never had them translated before now?” I asked her.

“Yes Adonato. When I looked through the journals back in the Corprusarium, I discovered they were written in Ancient Mer, most likely Dwemeris. Uupse, nor Anrel had any idea what they said, and Yagrum Bagarn had no inclination at all to reopen old wounds. So, I kept them as a souvenir. Imagine my absolute delight when I came here and was informed that Urag gro-Shrub could provide a translation.” she said beaming a smile, that despite my best efforts took my breath away.

“Well,” I said “This is indeed quite the revelation. It could change the course of Divine Worship in all of Tamriel.”

“No, it won’t, “  replied the Priestess Irdi Sul, “Because no one will ever believe it” and she laughed out loud, at her own mischievousness, and good fortune.

“I will tell you something though Adonato, Yagrum Bagram had no idea the wizard who had summoned him back to Nirn was Divayth Fyr.” Said the Priestess.

Now I include the journals, for your amazement and wonder.

 

 

III

The Journal of Yagrum Bagarn:  Last of The Dwarves. Translated from Dwemeris by Urag gro-Shub, Overseer, The Arcanaeum, The College of Winterhold 4E200

Book 1

Entry – 2E 882, 20th of Suns Dusk

I am returned to Nirn. I have no memories of what took place or where I have been. I recognise that a Dunmer Wizard, has summoned me from the Outer Realms of the Aethereal plane that was my existence for how many years I do not know.

He encourages me to write down in this journal what I can recall. It is difficult to hold a quill and make the entries, though I do, as if the muscle memory of my left hand, allows me to make the sweeping strokes and intone the letters of my ancestors, so that others may learn of my people’s demise.

I travel from Morrowind to Cyrodiil and on to Skyrim, to seek out the former dwellings of my people. I need to find Blackreach, for I know that answers to my questions must be there.

23rd of Suns Dusk

I awaken to another day back in Nirn, and my mind, soul, and body crave sunlight and water. I drink from a stream a short distance from Windhelm and stand outside in the sunlight, yet I yearn to feel the sweet scent of rain drops on my skin. I walk to a nearby river, and carry on until I find a rocky incline, and the cascading rush of water over the smooth stones. I stand under it and I am refreshed and feel the closeness of Nirn inside of me, and around me. I take time to write down some of my memories, sprung upon me as I return from my walk.

Hmm.... I cannot say what happened at the precise moment my people, The Dwemer ceased to exist on Nirn. I was there, but what did I observe? I was thrust into an Outer Realm at the time, and when I came back, my people were gone. I do have theories, so let me list some for posterity.

The Dwemer were not unified in their thinking. Kagrenac and his tonal architects, among them Bthuand Mzahnch, believed they could improve the Dwemer race. Others argued that the attempt would be too great a risk. The war with Nerevar and the Dunmer may have led Kagrenac to carry out his experiments prematurely. It may have led to what occurred. I wrack my thoughts to try and remember what happened.

Kagrenac recorded every step in his manufacture and testing of enchanted items. It was unfashionable among us to view our spirits as synthetic constructs three, four, or forty creational gradients below the divine. During the Dawn Era we researched the death of the Earth Bones, what others call now the laws of nature, dissecting the process of the sacred willing itself into the profane. I believe their mechanists and tonal architects discovered systematic regression techniques to perform the reverse -- that is, to create the sacred from the deaths of the profane.

 

24th of Suns Dusk

Another day feeling soft sunlight on my face, and the ever-changing seasons bringing more rain. I stood outside for most of the day, listening to the wind rustle through the trees, making the fallen leaves dance in the swirling eddies. My mind flows back to my work for Lord Kagrenac, and my purpose as a Master Craftsman.

As my people left no corpses or traces of conflict behind, I believe that generations of ritualistic 'anti-creations' resulted in our immediate, but foreseen removal from the Mundus. We retreated behind math, behind colour, behind the active principle itself.

There is an explanation that the Dwemer tried to make the Anumidium, using Kagrenac's tools and the sacred tones on Lorkhan's Heart. I can confirm that I worked on one part of the device, but it was not my belief that it was meant to be a god. There are several interesting theories about how to bend the Ehlnofey or "Earth Bones," but I am not entirely sure I understand it myself. Perhaps after another century of study I could write it down in another journal.

I discovered the tome, “Divine Metaphysics," in my travels. It is an explanation of how the Dwemer tried to make the Anumidium, using Kagrenac's tools and the sacred tones on Lorkhan's heart.

In their denial of both phenomena and noumena, my brothers found comfort in the creation of Animunculi, which in their operation, combined two incompatible principles, thus denying both. In the first ruin I studied, quite by chance in my wanderings searching for any living Dwemer, someone had activated the Animunculi guardians and I was unable to make a proper study of them. I did, on occasion, find ruins, especially in Skyrim, where the Animunculi are still active."

 

30th of Suns Dusk

I have wandered the mountains of Skyrim now for 7 days, and have discovered only one ruin, and this was Mzulft. I am hoping to find one of our Tonal Reflect Tools used to command and if necessary, deactivate the machinal creatures, the Animunculi, we created to guard our secrets. I dare not go too deep into the ruins lest I fall foul of our pets, so I continue to look about the upper chambers, hoping to find what I seek.

 

7th of Evening Star

I have come across a disassembled Tonal Reflect Tool and am in the process of combining other elements available to me to get it working. My mind is clear, and I find that repairing the tool brings on further understanding about my people.

I come across the book “The Egg of time”. This is Bthuand Mzahnch's refutation of a popular theory from Nerevar's time. A few of the Dwemer believed that using the power of Lorkhan's Heart involved unjustifiable risks. "The Egg of Time" summarized many of Bthuand's arguments against this idea, many of which are quite compelling.

I complete the work necessary to repair the Tonal Reflect Tool and make my way into the ruins. I find evidence of many projects that we had worked on, and also hidden passages that lead me to a chamber with a fully functioning Centurion. It’s Grand Soul Gem and Dynamic Gyro are intact and through the Tonal Reflect Tool I am able to activate its memory core, and we talk all day about what occurred over 1000 years ago. The Centurion is puzzled, because it too, has no memory of what occurred, only that its Masters ceased to exist.

The Centurion was able to permit me access to An Oculory, a massive, stationary machine created and used to display maps that highlight locations of magical artefacts. With the information this device provided, I was able to map out the locations of all Dwemer ruins throughout Skyrim, and also concentrate my search on sites I believed would have the best chance of finding more clues.

25th of Evening Star: Sundas

I find myself in Whiterun on the day of the new Life Festival. Strange custom, but it is good to be among people so full of the joy of life. I stay at a local Inn and pour through some of the artefacts and books I have found in my travels through my people’s ruins.

What I am searching for is not in Skyrim. That is certain now.

 

The Journal of Yagrum Bagarn:  Last of The Dwarves.

Translated from Dwemeris by Urag gro-Shub, Overseer, The Arcanaeum, The College of Winterhold 4E200

Book 2

 

Entry 3E 172, 4th of Suns Height

I find myself forlorn and destitute. Kagrenac carefully planned all his projects in advance. His plan book will have all his original designs. I don't know where the plan book might be. I have searched for many years and been unable to find it. I am fairly sure it hasn't been discovered, or someone would have heard, and its location would reveal itself. My searching suggests it remains to be discovered in some Dwemer ruin in Vvardenfell."

 

15th of Suns Height

I have not found the books I seek, not the evidence of any of my brethren living. I am alone. In an excavation of Red Mountain, I have contracted Corprus. I am diseased. I have been wandering Tamriel for years, searching our deserted colonies, looking for a survivor or an explanation. Then, a long time ago, I returned to Red Mountain, still looking for answers. Instead, I found Corprus disease. I know not what ails me, but I do know someone who will. I travel to their abode and seek aid.

3E 173 5th of Mid year

Once I was a Master Crafter in the service of Lord Kagrenac, chief architect of the great Second Empire freeholds, and the greatest enchanter of his time. I could not match the genius of Lord Kagrenac, but what he could envision, I and my colleagues could build. All of that is gone forever. I still retain my cunning, but my hands and eyes fail me, and my memories have long faded. My only consolation is each day to mock the gods who destroyed my race and condemned me to this bleak existence.

Lord Kagrenac, the foremost arcane philosopher and magecrafter of my era, devised tools to shape mythopoeic forces, intending to transcend the limits of Dwemer mortality. However, in reviewing his formulae, some logicians argued that side effects were unpredictable, and errors might be catastrophic. I think Kagrenac might have succeeded in granting our race eternal life, with unforeseen consequences -- such as wholesale displacement to an Outer Realm."

20th of Last Seed

"I owe my life to Lord Fyr. He took me in when I was a mad monster, out of my mind. In time, I emerged from my dementia, and now I am quite lucid most of the time, though my body is still a grotesque and useless prison. And I still have some feeble hope of cure. Lord Fyr has tried many spells and potions. None have helped me, but neither have they harmed me. If anyone can cure this disease, Lord Fyr can."

I live now, or exist, as a deformed being, trapped in a dungeon, far beneath Tower Fyr in Vvardenfell. My mind is still keen, and I have recalled what occurred in the flashing moment of Kagrenac’s intonation of the Anumidium. I'm not sure I can explain. In his search for the secrets of immortality, Kagrenac sought to control supernatural forces that you might call 'divine'.

My body continues to fail me, and I am lost to the function of what mortals would call any sense of self-worth. I yearn again to be out in the rains and wind. I am a tormented soul, devoid of rational thought.  I contemplate the cruel twist of fate that brought me back to Nirn to once again know what it is to be mortal.

In my searches of our ruins, I came across some books, records dating from after the founding of Resdayn, that were written in Aldmeris. However, even in Aldmeris, many of the terms remain uncertain. As the books and other artefacts in Dwemer ruins rarely show signs of wear or age, I believe that the we perfected our preservative effect, and these devices are still active now which denies or controls the Earth Bones governing time and decay.

3E 202 1st of Morning Star

I make this my final entry, as I am devoid of wanting to remember, as it is torture to me now. I leave this as testament to the greatness of my Master Lord Kagrenac, and I curse the Wizard who forced me to return to this mortal coil.

I can recall the moment, we as a collective agreed to Kagrenac’s plan, to create the sacred from the deaths of the profane. We had all enchanted our most prized possessions, be it a ring, a helmet or a gauntlet, with the tonal inclinations provided by my Master. It was through this enchantment that he could draw the sacred out of us it to power his Anumidium. Through his Anumidium, the profane would experience death and our sacred spirit would reach divinity. I don’t know if the profane experienced death. We experienced what you may call divinity.

In the flashing moment my sacred essence left my mortal being, I felt my self drawn out and into the ether, thrust through what I felt was a threshold into another realm. Tens of thousands of us were there, and we were directed to make a choice, to choose a new vessel, of what we were to become. A Divine Presence, who I believe now was Kynareth, gave us a choice on how we were to spend our eternity. We were warned to choose wisely, because some vessels could not release us again if they perished or we wanted to leave again.

I thought back to my first days back in Nirn and remember the hunger for light, and moisture, and the joy of being out in the wind. I knew then that my choice was to become part of the flora of Nirn, to see out my existence as a tree. I would feel the warmth of the sun, the cool rush of the rain, and the bitter cold of the snow, but I would feel no pain, nor be conscious of the woes of mortality. If my vessel was cut down, or felled by a storm, I could then transcend and choose another, or flow free to inhabit fauna, such as a bear a deer or a guar even. The warnings that we received from the Divine Presence, the Aedra in the Aetherius was to avoid the earth, the rock, stone and boulders, for there was no way of leaving them, once inside. They were dormant, and devoid of experiencing anything other than simply being. We were now part of the Aetherius, the eternal, we were part of the living fabric within Nirn, but also outside it. We had transcended the mortal plane of Men and Mer and reached Divinity.  

It was at this moment I also realised the profane nature of Soul Trapping and wondered if maybe this is what had occurred. That Kagrenac had trapped us all, and Kynareth had somehow set us free.

 

IV

I sat at the table in the Arcanaeum re-reading the journals of Yagrum Bagarn. Irdi Sul went and retrieved some other books, one being The Annotated Anuad and I read this as well. So many questions followed. Irdi Sul answered only with,

“The Dwemer, according to Yagrum Bagarn, did not enter a plane of Oblivion, but transcended the Aetherius itself, and became part of the fabric of existence of Nirn between Mundus and Oblivion.”

I present to you, the creation Myth book of Nirn - The Annotated Anuad

 

 

 

The Annotated Anuad

The first ones were brothers: Anu and Padomay. They came into the Void, and Time began.

As Anu and Padomay wandered the Void, the interplay of Light and Darkness created Nir. Both Anu and Padomay were amazed and delighted with her appearance, but she loved Anu, and Padomay retreated from them in bitterness.

Nir became pregnant, but before she gave birth, Padomay returned, professing his love for Nir. She told him that she loved only Anu, and Padomay beat her in rage. Anu returned, fought Padomay, and cast him outside Time. Nir gave birth to Creation but died from her injuries soon after. Anu, grieving, hid himself in the sun and slept.

Meanwhile, life sprang up on the twelve worlds of creation and flourished. After many ages, Padomay was able to return to Time. He saw Creation and hated it. He swung his sword, shattering the twelve worlds in their alignment. Anu awoke and fought Padomay again. The long and furious battle ended with Anu the victor. He cast aside the body of his brother, who he believed was dead, and attempted to save Creation by forming the remnants of the 12 worlds into one -- Nirn, the world of Tamriel. As he was doing so, Padomay struck him through the chest with one last blow. Anu grappled with his brother and pulled them both outside of Time forever.

The blood of Padomay became the Daedra. The blood of Anu became the stars. The mingled blood of both became the Aedra (hence their capacity for good and evil, and their greater affinity for earthly affairs than the Daedra, who have no connection to Creation).

On the world of Nirn, all was chaos. The only survivors of the twelve worlds of Creation were the Ehlnofey and the Hist. The Ehlnofey are the ancestors of Mer and Men. The Hist are the trees of Argonia. Nirn originally was all land, with interspersed seas, but no oceans.

A large fragment of the Ehlnofey world landed on Nirn relatively intact, and the Ehlnofey living there were the ancestors of the Mer. These Ehlnofey fortified their borders from the chaos outside, hid their pocket of calm, and attempted to live on as before. Other Ehlnofey arrived on Nirn scattered amid the confused jumble of the shattered worlds, wandering and finding each other over the years. Eventually, the wandering Ehlnofey found the hidden land of Old Ehlnofey and were amazed and joyful to find their kin living amid the splendour of ages past. The wandering Ehlnofey expected to be welcomed into the peaceful realm, but the Old Ehlnofey looked on them as degenerates, fallen from their former glory. For whatever reason, war broke out, and raged across the whole of Nirn. The Old Ehlnofey retained their ancient power and knowledge, but the Wanderers were more numerous, and toughened by their long struggle to survive on Nirn. This war reshaped the face of Nirn, sinking much of the land beneath new oceans, and leaving the lands as we know them (Tamriel, Akavir, Atmora, and Yokuda). The Old Ehlnofey realm, although ruined, became Tamriel. The remnants of the Wanderers were left divided on the other 3 continents.

Over many years, the Ehlnofey of Tamriel became the Mer (Elves):

The Dwemer (the Deep Ones, sometimes called Dwarves)

The Chimer (the Changed Ones, who later became the Dunmer)

The Dunmer (the Dark or Cursed Ones, the Dark Elves)

The Bosmer (the Green or Forest Ones, the Wood Elves)

The Altmer (The Elder or High Ones, the High Elves).

On the other continents, the Wandering Ehlnofey became the Men: the Nords of Atmora, the Redguards of Yokuda, and the Tsaesci of Akavir.

The Hist were bystanders in the Ehlnofey war, but most of their realm was destroyed as the war passed over it. A small corner of it survived to become Black Marsh in Tamriel, but most of their realm was sunk beneath the sea.

Eventually, Men returned to Tamriel. The Nords were the first, colonizing the northern coast of Tamriel before recorded history, led by the legendary Ysgramor. The thirteenth of his line, King Harald, was the first to appear in written history. And so, the Mythic Era ended.

 

 

 

V

“But my dear Lady, it has been suggested that Oblivion is the plane between Mundus and Aetherius, not the other way round. Are you suggesting the Scholars have it backwards?” I asked, to which she replied

“Adonato, if you are a Dwemer who places Nirn in the centre of Mundus, then you would come to a certain conclusion. If you placed Magnus at the centre, you would come to a completely different one, wouldn’t you?”  

 “Yes, I would, but where is the correct proposition for Magnus?” I ask.

The Priestess sighed, sat back crossing her arms and attempted to explain,

“The Orrery had Nirn at the centre, and I believe the Dwemer were incorrect in this assumption. Nirn is not the centre of all existence, nor is Mundus, it is merely the mortal plane. Outside of them both there are the stars and the planets of the Aedra. Oblivion is thought to be between Nirn and the Aetherius. What if the Aetherius is an intangible part of Mundus, and the Planes of Oblivion the sole sanctuary of the Daedra that refused to participate in the creation of Mundus?” said she. “If the source of all majic is Magnus, and that is placed at the centre of Mundus, and Nirn becomes a planet, as the other Aedra have become, Oblivion sits between them. Did the Dwemer travel through Oblivion to reach the Aetherius or did they travel directly to it from Nirn? “

“I am confused.” I say to her.

“Yes, and you should be, it is not the purpose of men, to understand the Divine.” Said the Priestess,

“I understand that Yagrum Bagarn says to us that he travelled outside of the realms of the mortal plane, and yet had no choice but to remain on Nirn as a spirit. He believes that the Dwemer became like the et’Ada, the Earthbones of Nirn. That they were separate to Nirn and yet still a part of it. I believe he is suggesting that the et’Ada that were thought to have perished still exist within Nirn, not as physical beings, but as spirits, and this is what the Dwemer became, instead of becoming part of the Anumidium constructed by the Dwemer Master Crafter Kagrenac, as planned by him.“ she said, looking a little perplexed that I was not grasping what she was suggesting.

“I don’t think that I can fully understand your hypothesis my Lady.” I tell her.

“I have my faith in Azura to guide me Adonato, that is enough for me.” She replied.

The Priestess Irdi Sul, then proceeded to return to her time at Tel Fyr, and her final trial, or Peril, that she faced as part of the resolution bargained for between Divayth Fyr and Boethiah.

“Divayth Fyr, in exchange for my life, and for those of his wives, agreed to a resolution where I had to compete in a tournament of Boethiah’s choosing, and emerge victorious. Divayth Fyr is bound to Boethiah and had no choice but to accept the resolution. It made sense, that the Daedric Prince Boethiah proposed a Tournament because they are a rabid proponent of blood sport, and most likely believed that I would not prevail.” Said the Priestess.

“Boethiah demanded that I travel to their shrine off the coast of Hla Oad. Hla Oad was at least two days travel from Tel Fyr by boat through Sadrith Mora. Anrel believed that there was no shrine anywhere near Hla Oad unless it was submerged beneath the oceans off the west coast of Vvardenfell. If they could find the shrine, from there I would be summoned to Attributions Share, to compete in the Tournament, a fight to the death between the chosen Champion of Boethiah and myself. I was given a night’s respite to prepare and make the journey to the shrine the next morning.”

The Priestess explained that she spent most of the day in the Corprusarium with Yagrum Bagarn listening to his stories of the Dwemer, and their love of creating their own Animunculi constructions. Yagrum explained to her that the introduction of Grand Soul Gems into the operating systems of Centurions was part of the evolution of these devices, and they were able to work with their Masters sometimes autonomously in the maintenance and day to day tasks of the underground cities of the Dwemer, as well as be the mechanical guardians of their hallowed halls.

Divayth Fyr also spoke to her, the Priestess said, and he informed her that Boethiah had since revealed that the corrupted Replica Orrery and the return of Yagrum Bagarn coincided with the awakening of Dagoth Ur in Red Mountain. Boethiah had reckoned on using Dagoth Ur to subvert through the Sixth House, the power of Vivec, Almalexia and Sotha Sil, weakening the influence of The Tribunal in Morrowind.  

Dagoth Ur had become corrupted by the power of the Heart of Lorkhan, betrayed his allegiance to the Daedric Prince and was now doomed to be destroyed, as is the will of Boethiah. Dagoth Ur, was the cause of the blight Corprus, which was a gift from Boethiah to him and had managed to use his dark majic to spread the disease throughout Vvardenfell and across to Morrowind. Divayth Fyr said, the Priestess told me, that another Daedric Prince, Vaermina, had also become entwined in the spread of the blight, through dreams and nightmares, cultivated from her realm of Oblivion known as Quagmire.

Divayth informed the Priestess she said to me, her face tight and still as she spoke, that if she survived her encounter in Attributions Share, that the menacing involvement of the Sixth House still had to be resolved, or the blight would consume all of Morrowind eventually.

The Priestess told me that evening when she walked outside at dusk, she met with the Daedric Prince, Azura.

“I spoke with Azura and understood the Tournament terms of engagement would not be in my favour. I could possibly face Mages of greater arcane skills, and warriors who could withstand many of her magical attacks.” Said Irdi Sul.

Through discussion with Azura, the Priestess told me that her only chance of winning would be to use Almalexia’s Wrath and drain the health of her competitors before they could have a chance to engage in combat with her and cause too much physical damage.

“I was saddened that I would be using my gifts, to take life, and I was uncomfortable with this strategy. The events I witnessed in the Spiral Skein were still fresh in my mind, and I hoped there was another way to win through the trials of the Tournament, that didn’t result in the death of other Champions.” Irdi Sul said to me.

“Azura was concerned ,” continued the Priestess, “that Boethiah had set a trap, that if I attempted to use illusion and restoration spells, that I would lower my magicka reserves too quickly, and risk not being able to defend myself from a physical attack.”

The format, she informed me was that Boethiah’s Champion would be behind a gate, and the gate would open when Irdi Sul approached to reveal her opponent. There would be no time limit during the contest, as it was to the death. There was also the possibility Azura warned, that there could be more than one opponent to battle against.

“I was confident I could use my Alata Gandral and turn my opponents will to mine, Adonato.” She said to me.

“I had the experience of healing Naryu Varian and turning her disdain for me around to fight for my life when it was threatened. Maybe I could do the same in Attributions Share? Yes, it wore off with Othreloth, but I was convinced that in a realm of Oblivion, I would be able to do it. With no one else there to defend other than myself, I could unleash the full force of my Divine gifts and combine Almalexia’s Light and Blessing with Charm mortal and touch, blending the spells as I did previously, avoiding the need to kill again. This is what I hoped I would be able to do. The problem was that when I rehearsed that night, I found the Divine gifts Azura bestowed upon me, had been affected by my cure of Corprus.” said she

“The spells were difficult to cast, at full illumination, and with no one to cast them on, it was difficult to gauge how successful the charms were. I also had trouble focusing and concentrating on the spell, as when I did, it caused me distress”, said Irdi Sul, as she looked past me, remembering the moment.

“What would happen?” I asked her.

“It was like reliving the evening of my intervention from Divayth Fyr, and the pain of burning was mixed with the joy of releasing the Alata Gandral.” She replied. “Azura assured me that when I had someone to cast the spell on, that the feeling of burning up from the inside would ease, and I would only feel the exhilaration of joy flowing into me.”

“The next morning, the twelfth Dawn of my pilgrimage, I set off with Anrel as my escort.” Said the Priestess. “The timing of my arrival was to be at dusk of the next day, part of Azura’s strategy for she could assist me if Boethiah decided to change the rules of engagement mid battle.”

Irdi Sul said to me they made the short journey to Sadrith Mora with Uupse taking them in her sailing vessel. Sadrith Mora or Mushroom Forest is one of the four major cities located in the Vvardenfell District of Morrowind and is the capital of both Azura's Coast and the Telvanni District.

“Sadrith Mora is a city of absolute wonder, the spiralling mushroom towers kissing the skies above.” Said Irdi Sul.

“It is grander than Tel Fyr, and again had a lasting impression on me. I was enthralled by the sheer scope of the Telvanni and their mastery of Mushroom Architecture. The size and majesty of these colossal Mushrooms was awe inspiring Adonato,” she told me

“As we sailed around into the bay and the city revealed itself, I was unable to contain my excitement. Even Anrel was impressed, as she saw them for the first time. We both sat still in the boat, our mouths agape, stunned by the sheer beauty of the magical city, as we sailed into port.”

The Priestess informed me that Sadrith Mora occupies one of the many islands that inhabit the Zafirbel Bay of Azura's Coast in Vvardenfell.  Sadrith Mora itself is surrounded by the Telvanni Mushroom Tower residing in the middle, Tel Naga. It is the original settlement as everything else was built after Tel Naga's growth. Tel Naga is the biggest structure there and is the home of the Archmagister of the Vvardenfell Telvanni Council.

“House Telvanni is infamous for rejecting foreigners from their compounds such as Sadrith Mora and Port Telvannis.” Said the Priestess “With Uupse Fyr providing us passage, we were introduced to the Captain of The Valdera a Telvanni Vessel, Alynu Nerothren. He was willing to take us to Ebonheart. Outsiders are not welcomed in Sadrith Mora and Uupse’s help was invaluable.”  

The Priestess told me of the Gateway Inn, a large hostel built on the western wall of Sadrith Mora, as a lounging area for foreign visitors and is usually where many Non-Dunmer people are found. She said that Anrel and she spent time there and at the Market Square next to it, a bustling hub of activity filled with local fisherman and artisans, while waiting for The Valdera to leave for Hla Oad.

Irdi Sul informed me that the ship to Ebonheart departed not long before sundown and they arrived at Ebonheart by midday the next day. I was told that both her and Anrel were able to sleep most of the journey, as the seas were calm, and the winds were light.  The Captain was generous enough to allow them to use his quarters and they slept together in the large hammock strung up at the rear of the Captain’s cabin, situated at the stern of the ship.  The plan to arrive at Hla Oad before sundown, to search for the Shrine of Boethiah was on track as they had made the journey in the expected time.

Once in Ebonheart, Irdi Sul told me, Captain Alynu was able to arrange them passage on a smaller vessel to Hla Oad. During the journey on what was no more than a fishing boat, the owner, Dilys Veth told them he had heard tales, of a sunken shrine off the coast, and could take them to it, if they wished. It was there that the two companions found themselves according to Irdi Sul as the first pink rays of sunset broke through the clouds, and beneath the calm waters, they could make out what appeared to be a statue of Boethiah, submerged beneath the waves.

“I had no choice but to swim down alone, and leave Anrel above with Dilys Veth, who agreed to wait for my return.” Said the Priestess.

“Anrel, was not keen for me to go, but there was no choice. Divayth Fyr had supplied me with a Daedra heart and told me to place it on the altar of the shrine to summon Boethiah, so I took a deep breath, dived in and swam down in my under wear, as my armour and weapons were too heavy to swim back up in, if this was not the shrine we were meant to come to,” Irdi Sul explained, her eyes focused on me as I spoke. I shifted my gaze back to my journal and she continued.

The Priestess said to me that after she placed a Daedra heart at the altar of the shrine, Boethiah appeared and opened a portal to her realm, Attributions Share. Dripping wet she found herself in the middle of a large arena, a citadel of death, its twisted diorite floor spattered in the dark blood of fallen fighters, the smell of dismembered body parts invading her nose and mouth, as she took deep gulps of the putrid air, having held her breath since diving into the waters off the coast of Hla Oad.

She told me; she did not enjoy returning to Oblivion, although the sense of unbridled power she felt previously in the Spiral Skein returned as she filled her lungs with each new breath.  

“The Arena I found myself in was surrounded on all sides by high walls, with ten gates, the noise of the crowd I could scarcely make out above the walls, loud and thirsty for more blood.” She told me.

The Priestess said built up around the Arena were stands filled with raucous hordes of Dremora, servants and soldiers of the Daedric Prince, themselves awaiting the battle to the death as eagerly as Boethiah was.

Irdi Sul said Boethiah appeared in a flash of purple and white light, towering over her, and went through the introductions to the crowd of blood thirsty revellers and followers of what was about to take place.

Irdi Sul told me that Boethiah stood beside her, the size of a giant, clad in shimmering Ebony armour, complete with gauntlets, boots and an open-faced helm. She said that they wore a scarlet coloured cape matched with a Fauld flowing down the front below the ebony cuirass.  The Daedric Princes eyes were emerald and their hair jet black, matching their amour. The Pauldron’s on their shoulders stood up with three scythe like adornments.

“They were dressed for battle and looked the part entirely.” Said Irdi Sul

The Warrior who she was to engage in mortal combat, was of unnamed race and sex, clad in Ebony Mail also, with ebony gauntlets, boots, and matching Helmet. They were a mystery to her, only declared to be “Boethiah’s Champion”.

She told me that they stood behind one of the gates in front of her and withdrew Goldbrand, the mythical flaming sword of Attributions Share, holding the shining golden blade over their head, swirling it to enact the fire enchantment. A churning ring of fire appeared above them as they stood waiting for the duel to begin.

“I was terrified Adonato, how was I to defeat such a Warrior?” the Priestess said to me, as we both moved forward in our chairs as she continued to tell me what occurred next.

Irdi Sul recalled the roars of the crowd echoing around the stadium as Boethiah introduced her as Azura’s Champion and that this would be a fight to the death, one Princes Champion against the other. It was then that the Priestess realised Boethiah’s plan was for her to fight as she stood, without weapons or amour with no more to wear than her single soaked under garment, as Boethiah yelled “Begin!” and the gate rattled up into its concealed cavity within the Arena’s walls.

“Azura appeared and thrust a charm towards me, a Dragonhide spell that was easily blocked by Boethiah. I cast the Light and Blessing enchantment, combining the Charm Mortal spell as I had rehearsed, and I immediately let forth with these words,

“Blessings of Azura, lighteth of desireth, cometh to me all, begeth f'r guidance and reclaim thy birthright f'r i am the lighteth of the dawn, and the shimm'r of the dusk” said the Priestess, her face aglow, her aura filling the room as she spoke the enchantment.

Unaware of what was occurring she continued, her lips parting, her hair a mixture of ebony and golden rays.

“I held out both my arms and levitated as I had done in the Spiral Skein, turning counter clockwise as I rose  up into the air, but this time throwing out white light from my fingertips instead of Bound spears, that caught my opponent by surprise, and they became motionless, rigid, unable to move” said Irdi Sul.

“The overpowering rush of the Alata Gandral flowing into me lifted me higher off the ground, the hum of the enchantment filling my ears and eyes with a charge of energy and my inner core burst forth with a rapturous joy. I witnessed the glowing embers of radiant brightness float out of me as the Champion of Boethiah fell to one knee and bowed, laying down their sword. It didn’t take more than moments and the closest my attacker got to me was a few steps,” said she.

“The crowd fell silent, stunned by what was happening.”

The Priestess said that Boethiah roared at her Champion to reengage and destroy her. When they did not and remained kneeling, the Daedric Prince in a rage moved in with a mighty swipe of their Walking Stick Staff and an Ancestral Ghost appeared, twice the size of anything she had seen in the Spiral Skein.

“Boethiah’s Champion moved as if the unfolding events and the casting of the Ghost occurred in slow motion, and blocked its path towards me, while I maintained my enchantment on them.” Said Irdi Sul.

“They despatched the Ghost with a melee of blindingly fast multiple strikes of Goldbrand, that sent the Ghost back to the realm it had been summoned from. As quick as the Ghost vanished, the Champion pivoted back and deflected the strike Boethiah hurled down on them, aimed at their exposed flank.”

“The Champion, moving in blazing swirls of Goldbrands fire and their own skill with the blade, deflecting and parrying a number of attacks by Boethiah before they came toe to toe, Goldbrand raining sparks off the Daedric Princes Staff, as they fought for leverage, and the advantage, at close quarters.” Said the Priestess

“All the time I continued to focus my enchantment on the Champion, feeding them the overwhelming joy of my Alata Gandral.” Irdi Sul continued. “It was then I noticed the uproar of the crowd as they had left the stands and had begun spilling over the walls of the stadium, flooding into the Arena, aimed at destroying the Champion who defied their Lord.”  

“Enough, mine own chosen is vict'ries, thy champion is anon h'rs.  Admiteth is Boethiah!” came the cry of Azura, as she materialised before the swarming Dremora stopping their advance at her appearance” said Irdi Sul.

“Beshrew thee sist'r,” Boethiah spat back, the Priestess said to me “What charm has't thee given this m'rtal yond those gents can turneth mine own owneth warri'r 'gainst me?” And Irdi Sul said Boethiah threw down their staff in disgust and waved for their followers to stand down.

“Mine own chosen is, as is yours, to saveth our people, and returneth those folk to us.” Azura said to them, “The lady hath used h'r gifts to pres'rve life, not taketh t.  The lady is m're w'rthy than any of the false gods who is't deny us Boethiah.  The lady embodies the seven graces, which is beyond the reacheth of most m'rtals.”

The Priestess told me that Azura spoke to the Champion, who sheaved their weapon, turned, and marched back to the gate they had emerged from. With a wave of their arm, Boethiah sent them back to Nirn, and then they turned their attention to her.

“Taketh the staff m'rtal, t is yours, whatev'r the deception thee has't hath used to em'rge with thy life h're, is not how i ranketh a champion.  Thee shall needeth to doth bett'r than this to defeat Dagoth Ur” Said Boethiah.

The Priestess said she bowed towards the Daedric Prince of Sedition, took her prize, and found herself drawn into the blaze of purple and white lightning clouds and back beneath the seas off the coast of Hla Oad. Luckily, she said, she had time to take some deep breaths before the portal consumed her and she slowly breathed out, bubbles floating with her, as she rose up to the surface, not far from the waiting fishing boat of Dilys Veth and her friend and companion,  Anrel, the Bosmer Sellsword of Valenwood.

 

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Chapter 5 Darkness into Light

I

The Priestess Irdi Sul, explained to me that as she climbed into the boat, a wave of relief washed over her, and she felt the built-up tension and adrenalin rush out as she collapsed on to the smooth sea washed wooden floor of the vessel. Anrel said to her as she climbed in that her hair had become a greyish white and wanted to know what had happened.

Irdi Sul said she was too exhausted and unable to explain anything as she fell into a deep sleep with Anrel taking care to cover her with a cloak and her armour, to try and raise her body temperature. A storm was gathering further out to sea and threatened to overtake them before they reached port. Irdi Sul said she slept for the entire journey into Hla Oad.  When they arrived, and Anrel woke her, she said that the waves were crashing in and spewing foam up over the shore, and the small dock rocked in the chop of the swell as Dilys tied off his boat.

The storm had come in suddenly, the wind blowing up and drenching the three of them in a squall of salt, swirling rain drops and the fresh smell of a tepid south westerly wind.

Irdi Sul said that Anrel assisted her to dress before they left the boat and sort respite from the storm at Fatlegs Drop off, a Trader set in the middle of the small port town.

The store was just a large wooden planked hut, with only a front door and shuttered windows that smelled of spices and freshly tanned leather. It was crammed to the brim with wooden barrels and a number of open chests displaying various alchemic ingredients, Dunmer outfits and an assortment of armours.

It was here that Dilys Veth divulged that he was not merely a fisherman, but a member of the Camonna Tong and involved in Skooma smuggling throughout the West and South Coasts of Vvardenfell. He waved to the owner, a Redguard man named Trasteve, and went to a barrel, pushed it aside to reveal a solid looking steel hatch, that appeared to have an enchanted lock.

Dilys produced a key, unlocked the opening, and beckoned them to follow him.

Irdi Sul described after a short climb down a steel rung ladder, she and Anrel found themselves in a cavern that was larger than expected, with a few rooms set into the rock, as well as what looked like a working forge set down the right-hand side of the cave.

“There were several Dunmer males, all busy plying their trade, which appeared to focus on smuggling Skooma, and trading in slaves. The cavern had the dank wet smell of putrid water, and the walls were all lined with trickles of salt and limescale, oozing down the exposed rock.” Said Irdi Sul, her eyes growing thin as she spoke.

“The sound of dripping water falling into puddles from the rock walls mingled with the splash of the sea water washing up against the rocky outcrop was overwhelming at first and I could scarcely make out sandy waste area further towards the rear of the cavern through the persistent mist of the sea spray”, said she.

“The discernible mist within the confines of the cavern, was only broken by the burring lamps placed strategically to dispel the darkness of the underground refuge of thieves. The erected rooms themselves were solid wood, and stone, and looked as though they were crafted by expert builders. There was a wooden platform above the rooms, and what appeared to be a Breton working on perfecting his defensive swordsmanship. At the back of the cavern was a pile of barrels, chests, and large sacks, that most likely contained shipments of moon sugar and possibly Nightshade.”

Irdi Sul reached over to me, gently taking my free hand, and had spoken quietly, her voice capturing all my attention. This was new and caught me off guard.

Irdi Sul told me she noticed a glint of reflecting light off the ebb and flow of the tide, as small ripples of sea water washed up near some of the barrels.

“Skooma, an addictive narcotic my Lady, treacherous fiends no doubt,” I say to her as she releases my left hand.

“Yes Adonato, a fine bunch of thieves and vagabonds were gathered there.” replied Irdi Sul with a soft smile, and she continued.

“What surprised me most was the poor wretches that were procured to smuggle their product. Notably beast folk, Khajiit, forced to swallow bags of moon sugar, and then sent out to deliver themselves and their cargo to other Camonna Tong hideouts. I met a young male Khajiit there, his name was Do‘Sumi.”

“Slave Traders, unbelievable,” I say breathing out in exasperation and wonder at the lack of decency of these Dunmer and ponder how they could traffic in living sentient beings, whether beast or not.

The Khajiit, as a race, are believed to be according to the Imperial Geographical Society, “commonly considered one of the beast folks, one of the few survivors of the original inhabitants of Tamriel before the coming of Mer and Man and Elsweyr is their home."

The Khajiit, are not to be confused with cats, as they are much more than that. They are feline humanoids who are strong warriors, silent thieves, and wise Mages.

The Khajiit are cat like in appearance and walk upright on their hind legs, and have the look of a human, with the distinct facial features of what we would describe as a Sabre Tooth, a large cat predator.

They are fully covered in fur, and can be dark, spotted, or striped depending on when and where they were born. Khajiit believe that when they are born under the different signs of the two moons, Secunda  and Masser, determines their gender and appearance.

“The Khajiit, who Dilys introduced was a drug mule, a Skooma smuggler. His name was Do’Sumi,” said Irdi Sul, “He had the face of a Sabre Tooth, with the nose, mouth, and ears of a full-grown male with a long flowing wisp of dark hair pointed above his ear tips. His golden coat of fur had different hues of brown flecked through it and his jaw and jowls had grey and white hair drooping down below his mouth, the same colour as his whiskers . He wore an amulet of different types of animal teeth with red and green feathers, like nothing I had ever seen before. He stood tall and proud; however, he was not more than a whisker over the height of my shoulder.“ said she.

“His arms and legs were lean, and the definition of his biceps stood out, as did the strength of his chest. His legs were large and gave him a powerful stance and presence and he looked at me with yellow piercing eyes that radiated warmth and grandeur.”

The Priestess continued to describe Do‘Sumi to me. “As was custom for the Khajiit to wear the attire of their ancestors, he was dressed in pale yellow robes, with matching trim, and pants. He did not wear boots, instead leaving the paws of his feet exposed. He did wear leather braces on his forearms, which the warrior classes of his race wore. He carried no visible weapons, and he was a friendly soul.”

Irdi Sul described how Do‘Sumi would speak and introduce himself in the third person, which was also a custom of his race.

“Do‘Sumi greets you friend, are you here to speak with him, and ask favour or trade goods?” he said to me when we first meet, the Priestess said to me, smiling as she spoke.

“Do‘Sumi is pleased that you show kindness, as others here do not trust Do‘Sumi,” he followed up with.

“Dilys laughed”, said Irdi Sul, “and told his friend not to bother charming us with his feline wiles, as we had no gold, and were not staying.”

Do‘Sumi said his family, Irdi Sul told me, would travel from city to city in Morrowind in a Caravan pulled by Guar, setting up their tents on the outskirts of towns and cities to then sell their wares, and trade with other travellers in gold, gems and other items. They were not nomads, as they had permanent homes in the capital of Elsweyr. This was how they made their living. They were not farmers, or hunters as such, they were Merchants who travelled the Trade routes established over centuries by their forebearers.

Do‘Sumi explained to Irdi Sul, she informed me, that his family did this for decades until a year ago they were set upon and attacked and killed by Bandits, and he was captured and sold into slavery. He had a debt to the Camonna Tong and worked to pay it off. He now was technically “free”, yet remained working as a mule, because the coin was good, and the sugar was sweet.

“He was a Sugar Tooth.” Irdi Sul told me, “a Skooma addict, whose only way to keep up his habit, was to continue to work as a smuggler. Not a slave to his Master, only to the Skooma.”

“I had never met a Khajiit Adonato, and I was quite taken by Do’Sumi. He had a gentleness that made me feel at ease, and I forgot the dank surroundings of the thieves’ den that we found ourselves in and sat and talked with him for most of the what remained of the evening,” said she.

“It was difficult to know what time it was, but I spent most of the night, telling him of my pilgrimage and my adventures into Oblivion. The other Dunmer came to listen as well. I had quite the audience and they were amazed by what they heard. Do’Sumi listened intently and said that I truly was an agent of light, that I was sent to bring hope, where so many had none.” The Priestess said this before moving in her chair and rearranging her robes. Looking directly at me she continued.

“Dilys Veth also sat and listened, in between preparing a modest meal for us of boiled Ash Yam and spiced Crabmeat. Anrel found a bedroll and went to sleep, while I recounted my visions, and the discovery of what the gifts given to me by Azura meant to me, and how I was destined to reclaim the Dunmer to my Mistress. One of the Dunmer, Dalam Gavyn, the Smith, disputed my tale.” The Priestess said, holding my gaze, her aura glowing all around her, drawing me in, completely enchanting me.  The Priestess then stopped, snapped her fingers under my chin, and laughed as I came to my senses and out of the charm, she had unintentionally cast upon me again.

“Come now Adonato, I was hoping by now you would be able to concentrate for more than a few moments as I speak with you?”’ she said, and I felt my cheeks redden, and cleared my throat,

“I am unable to resist the Majesty of your voice my lady, please continue.” I stammered.

She told me that the Dunmer spoke sternly “What would Azura give us?” He sneered, she said, her nose wrinkled as she spoke. “We here have no time for Daedric Princes and the mystical beliefs of the past, we make our own destiny.”

Irdi Sul told me Do’Sumi gave the Dunmer a sad look and then smiled and at her before saying, “Do’Sumi listens and wonders, does Irdi Sul pretend to be blessed, or can Irdi Sul show Do’Sumi she is blessed?”

Irdi Sul said the others nodded in agreement, and Dilys after looking at them also said to her, “Show us your Alata Gandral Irdi Sul, show us your gifts of Azura?”

“Well Adonato, after my experiences in the realm of Boethiah, I knew that I could  radiate charm and light and also my memories of the Spiral Skein reminded me that I could also drain life and inflict indescribable amounts of pain,” the Priestess said, “So, I looked at Do’Sumi, and the expression on his face was one of reverent pleading, how could I disappoint my new friend?” said she.

“I concentrated my thoughts and focused my magicka, breathing in slowly though my nose, and exhaling through my mouth. I stood up and recanted the spells, with the words I had used to great effect in Attributions Share,”

“Blessings of Azura, lighteth of desireth, cometh to me all, begeth f'r guidance and reclaim thy birthright f'r i am the lighteth of the dawn, and the shimm'r of the dusk”

“Mindful of the concealed space I was standing in I attempted to only levitate a up a small distance from the floor.” Irdi Sul continued, “The Dunmer fell back in awe as I opened my palms, relaxing my fingers to send out the charm and light spell towards them. Within moments the entire room was filled with my Alata Gandral and all before me felt the rapture of my beating heart and the benevolence of the Mother of the Rose and Queen of the Night Sky.”

The Priestess looked at me, her breathing shallow, and her radiant glow again flowing out of her as she sat across from me. I will never tire of the warmth and immense sense of joy that feeling gave me, whenever she shared her gift during our conversations.

“My goodness my Lady, you take my breath away with your radiance, “ I exclaim as she smiles at me and regains her composure, and the fleeting bright glow of her skin again subsides to a warm ember.

“The moment passes, and I slowly regain my footing on the wooden floor of the room, the expression of all present one of wonder and utter amazement . The Khajiit, is for the most part silent, and unable to meet my gaze. Do’Sumi slowly stands and walks out of the room, tears in his golden feline eyes, while the Dunmer swear their loyalty to Azura, and beg my forgiveness for their arrogance.” The Priestess says.

Irdi Sul tells me she follows after Do’Sumi and she finds him down at the far end of the cavern, near the barrels and chests. The soft lapping of water now just a low swish of backflow she tells me she noticed, indicating the storm outside must have subsided and blown through.

“Do’Sumi, why are you crying?” the Priestess says she asked, not knowing what had overcome the Khajiit.

“Do’Sumi is grateful for you Irdi Sul, you have brought him much joy. Do’Sumi has not felt this way since the death of Do’Sumi’s family. Thank you, Priestess for the  Mother of the Rose.” He said to her, his voice shallow, the words spoken reverently, Irdi Sul informed me.

The Priestess said that Do’Sumi had lost the craving for Skooma, as he was engulfed and surrounded by her Alata Gandral. He believed that she had cured him of his addiction, and he could not understand why, but was now forever in her debt.

“Do’Sumi swore fealty to me Adonato, giving me his word that he would follow and protect me with his life, wherever I chose to go. I was honour bound to accept his pledge and told him so. This moment, I was unsure if it would be fleeting, but I thanked him and went to find Anrel.” Said the Priestess Irdi Sul.

I found Anrel, who had slept through the entire event, and I curled up next to her and slept soundly for the first time since I began my journey.” Irdi Sul concluded.

“I awoke the next morning, the fourteenth Dawn of my pilgrimage,  to find that something had changed.” Said the Priestess. “I sensed a dark presence and sat up. I roused Anrel from her slumber.” said the Priestess, her words floating out into the air, lips barely apart, her breathing soft.

“Anrel noted that both Do’Sumi and Dilys Veth were not present and that we should probably leave the cavern as soon as we had some fresh water and supplies,” said Irdi Sul

Irdi Sul told me that as they walked out to exit the cavern the way they had entered, they found their path blocked by a Dunmer, who said they were to wait for Dilys to return. He instructed them both to go back to the room they slept in and to not worry, that Dilys Veth was organising safe passage for them to Vivec City.

“Dilys Veth returned not long after and offered us both food and water.” Said Irdi Sul. “He seemed anxious about something, and Do’Sumi whispered to him in annoyance, that he was not happy about what was unfolding between us.”

“I asked Dilys why he was blocking our egress from the cavern, as we were of no use to him, or his operation.” Said Irdi Sul.

“Oh, but you could be?” Dilys replied to her, she said. “No one will suspect such fine Elves as yourselves to be smuggling Skooma, and I think that we could work out a way for you to get safe passage to Vivec City?”

“Why there?” asked Anrel in her direct fashion, said Irdi Sul “We have no business there. What is your game here Dilys Veth?”

“His game is to serve us.” Othreloth said as he emerged from one of the rooms further down in the cavern, the Priestess said to me, saying that this was most likely the source of her dark thoughts when she awoke. Othreloth spoke louder than he needed and mocked her she told me.

 “My, my my Irdi Sul, how are you still alive I wonder?” he laughed as he said this, Irdi Sul told me.

Irdi Sul told me that both she and Anrel were surrounded by the four Dunmer and the sole Breton, in the cavern, weapons drawn, and once again in the clutches of the Sixth House.

“I don’t doubt your confidence Othreloth, but you can be sure that I will not submit to your Master or to you.” Irdi Sul said she told the Priest of the Sixth House, as he kept his distance, wary of her, maybe imagining that he indeed did not have enough manpower to subdue her.

“We shall see. I have myself picked up a few new tricks since we last met,” Othreloth said and Irdi Sul told me he waved to the Dunmer nearest to Anrel to put his blade to her throat.

“The Dunmer all stood where they were and did not move. The Breton, who had not ventured down to listen to me the night before was the only one who spoke.”  The Priestess Irdi Sul told me, her eyes meeting mine as I momentarily looked up. She told me he said thus,

“We here have witnessed the gifts of the goddess Azura and stand with her Priestess Othreloth. We do not answer to the Sixth House. We are Camonna Tong. It is you that serve us.”

 

 

II

“Fools, imbeciles, release me at once!” Othreloth cursed the Camonna Tong, Dalam Gavyn, as he bound him in manacles and marched him into the room,  at the rear of the cavern, Irdi Sul said to me with a grin, as she continued to tell the events of the Hla Oad cavern.

“The Sixth House Priest Othreloth, I was informed by Dilys Veth was waiting for him up in Fatlegs Drop off when he came up to check on a Moon Sugar delivery expected that morning. The Camonna Tong were associated with the Sixth House only through the trade of Skooma and slaves, it was just business to them. They did not share their beliefs or look to join in their campaign of liberating Morrowind from the Empire.” Said Irdi Sul.

The Priestess informed me Othreloth was a Mer the locals did not enjoy doing business with and he would withhold payment to them for deliveries of Skooma, and they were glad for the chance to be rid of him. The Camonna Tong of Hla Oad were surprised to learn he knew of Irdi Sul, and that she was an enemy of the Sixth House.

“They told her they had no choice but to allow Othreloth to think they would be part of his ambush, and their resolve and newfound commitment to Azura saved me again from the scourge of The Sixth House Priest.” Said Irdi Sul.

“They were going to kill him, and I had to make it clear he was not to be harmed, and my newfound acolytes agreed reluctantly. Do’Sumi was vocal in his opposition to letting Othreloth live.” said she.

“Do’Sumi means no disrespect Priestess, but this Dunmer cannot be trusted. Please allow Do’Sumi to dispose of him. He will not suffer long.” The Khajiit said to her, the Priestess informed me.

“I explained to them that Othreloth was misguided and should be left for me to worry about. To be honest with you Adonato I had no idea what I was going to do with him.” Said the Priestess Irdi Sul.

The Breton, Perien Aurelie, approached the Priestess and asked if he could speak to her privately, she informed me.

“Perien, said to me that he was reluctant to join the with the Dunmer in supporting her, but had chosen to do so because of the involvement of a stranger not more than a few nights ago.” Said the Priestess.

Irdi Sul told me that the stranger had come to the cavern and taken one of the slaves to Balmora at the behest of the Slave Trader Relam Arinith . Perien told her he had received word that the stranger freed the slave and had slain the slave traders she was to be delivered too.

“This I believe is the Nerevarine you have spoken of Irdi Sul.” Said Perien to the Priestess. “Once the others find out, they may not be as loyal as they are now. You best make haste and leave while you can,”  he said to her in confidence, quiet enough so no other could hear him she told me.

“ I had a distrust of Bretons,” said Irdi Sul, “born of my time in Mournhold, but he made sense in his summations, so I spoke in whispers with Do’Sumi and Anrel and told them we were leaving and to and to gather up water and supplies quickly.”

“I reluctantly left the fate of Othreloth in the hands of the Camonna Tong, with assurances from them they would not kill him. If had happened previously, that my charm spell wore off after a day or so, they could claim that they were momentarily bewitched just as Othreloth had been in Molag Amur, and maybe able to find a way to explain how they let me go. I was not convinced that Skooma Smugglers and Slave Traders were about to forgo their chosen path and embrace devotion to Azura because of a small demonstration of my Divine gifts. I had seen enough to know that Dilys Veth had an ulterior motive behind his actions and we needed to get to the Holamayan Monastery to meet up with Assaba-Bentus, as I was expected by him to be there on the morrow. I did not want to be delayed”

“You were suspicious of his true allegiance my Lady?” I asked her.

“Yes Adonato, he was an opportunist, and I felt that he saw one in me, and would attempt to use it to his advantage.” She replied, and she then fell silent, while looking out across the room, perhaps caught up in the memory of that moment, or more likely the appearance of Enthir who waved as he walked towards us.

The conversation ended there for the evening as I sensed a distraction and the Priestess sat still for some time, before speaking again.

Irdi Sul indicated that she had another engagement, got up from her chair, spoke quietly with her friend, the Bosmer Mage Enthir, and bid me good night.

“Enthir will escort you back to the Inn. I will see you again tomorrow Adonato?” Said the Priestess

“Of course, my lady” I replied.

Enthir was less than talkative as we made the short trek back down to the Inn in Winterhold, the frozen landscape a billowing swirl of snow and frigid air, the steam coming out of our mouths as we walked down the decrepit bridge from the College.

I noticed the smell as we walked up to the Inn, the rotting carcass of a dead Horker stinking up the moist air not concealing the putrid odour, although its dead eyes staring at me was a little unsettling as we trudged past its lifeless husk in ankle deep ice and melting snow.

“Looks like Roast Horker is back on the menu,” Enthir enthused, as we made our way into the Frozen Hearth Inn.

Once inside the conversations overheard concerned an irate Innkeeper, and a robed Mage, who was the one accused of the foul odours infecting the main hall and seeping through the walls and out into the frozen civilised wasteland that is Winterhold. The Mage kept his head down avoiding our gaze as we walked in and went and sat at a bench, his shoulders slumped, again promising Dagur it wouldn’t happen again.

I thanked Enthir for his company, to which he just grunted a reply, and I made my way back to my rented room. I checked over my journals and made some corrections here and there to the hastily scribbled notes, and, satisfied that I had an accurate account of what I had transcribed, I put an order in for dinner and found myself a warm place beside the fire in the main hall. I ate my fill, as Roasted Horker, leeks, tomatoes, and potatoes, is a fine Nord meal when prepared well, and drank more ale than I should have.

For those of you not familiar with the Skyrim Horker, it is a large sea faring, flippered animal, that has thick dark oily skin and huge protruding tusks poking out of the front of its jaws. Its head is attached to its rather large body with no definable neck and has a snout like a dog,  whiskers like a cat,  and deep black eyes that shine brightly in any light.

The creature prefers to live on the frozen outcrops along the Sea of Ghosts, basking in herds on the sandy beach enclaves, and hunting for fish in the icy waters as far away as Solstheim. They can become aggressive if you stumble into their territory, but for the most part, they mind their own business if you don’t get too close. Their hides are quite delicious when roasted and the meat itself, when prepared with attention to the dire saltiness it contains, can be worth the wait, as it takes nearly an entire day to slow cook. After a full stomach of sea beast and Nord Ale I stumbled my way back to my cot and slept till late morning the next day.

I was awoken by the annoying Enthir, who said to me that I was expected back up at the College by midday and to get a move on.

I washed, changed my tunic, and followed Enthir back up through the biting cold blizzard that was now howling down from the North, and barely made it alive up to the College of Winterhold before freezing to death. We did not meet in the Arcanaeum this time, but in a small room, up a set of winding granite stairs, in the Hall of Attainment. The Priestess was waiting for me, and had a table set with a fine selection of meats, vegetables, fruits, and bread. I was also happy to see a large decanter of the Juniper Elixir we had both enjoyed the day before.

The circular room itself was sparse, and contained only a table and two chairs, with solitary shelves to one side of the table, and little else. The stonework and the workmanship of the structure reminded me of some of the grander Towers of the Imperial City. There was a faint odour of something in the cool air, perhaps bees’ wax, and I noticed that the candle in the goat’s horn sconce on the lone shelf  was burning dimly and most likely the cause of the pleasing aroma.

“Greetings to you my Lady” I said to the Priestess Irdi Sul, as I walked up to where she sat.

“Greetings to you Adonato, I trust that we can continue my tale, and dine at the same time?” replied Irdi Sul.

“Of course,” I said and sat down and set up my writing implements and journals ready to continue.

The Priestess poured some Juniper Elixir into the two fine glass flutes next to the decanter and offered one to me, for the moment both of us ignoring the succulent morsels on the table, each of us taking a sip of the Elixir and taking up where we left off the evening before.

“Dilys Veth, had plans for us, as I suspected, however he didn’t reckon on Do’Sumi interfering with them, and giving me advance warning of what was laid out for both Anrel and myself.” said Irdi Sul,

“Do’Sumi explained that we were indeed to be used as mules, to deliver Moon Sugar to another Camonna Tong hideout, as a quid pro quo for not turning us in to the Sixth House Priest.” Irdi Sul informed me, her crimson eyes sparkling in the afternoon light.

“Do’Sumi has sworn to serve the Priestess Irdi Sul. If you ask, I will reason with Dily Veth, as he is my friend, and Do’Sumi knows how to negotiate an alternative that involves no smuggling.” The Khajiit said this to Irdi Sul discreetly, she told me, so none could hear, to which she told me she agreed, on the condition it did not involve slaves or Skooma.

“Do’Sumi will not dishonour your request.” The Khajiit replied to her, the Priestess said to me, and the transaction to recompensate the Tong was renegotiated to the delivery of a message to an Imperial known only as Caius in Balmora.

“I was a little perturbed by this as Balmora meant we would be travelling by foot, and away from our destination and not sailing back to Ebonheart. Dilys Veth was adamant that he could not transport us, and we would be better off travelling inland as requested.” The Priestess said this while taking a sip from her flute, her gaze momentarily looking at me, and then to the other side of the small room and the burning candle.

Balmora, the Priestess told me, after a pause to move her chair to a more comfortable position, was a half days walk at least and believed that it was most likely a trap. She informed me she knew nothing about Imperials, or Balmora, and Do’Sumi had another plan entirely, which he revealed once they were out of the cavern and travelling east away from Hla Oad.

“Do’Sumi will take you to Rethan Manor. From here Do’Sumi can provide alternative again for Priestess Irdi Sul. Please trust that Do’Sumi means you well?” the Khajiit said to the Priestess and her companion Anrel she informed me, as they walked east and then southeast towards Odai Plateau, where the House Hlaalu Stronghold was situated.

Do’Sumi explained to the Priestess that he was deliberately backtracking away from Balmora, to evade the Camonna Tong, that would be sent out to follow them. Also, that he had relations with a Hlaalu Noble who was a Sugar Tooth, just as he was, and would benefit greatly from the charm and benevolence of Azura.

“The Khajiit was hoping that I could cure her, as he himself had been cured of his addiction to Skooma. To prove his point, he opened his satchel to reveal 6 small bottles of the cursed narcotic.” said Irdi Sul.

“Do’Sumi told me that he wasn’t even tempted and carried it with him to use as a bribe for the many contacts he had if need be, as we headed through the Bitter Coast hinterland towards Rethan Manor. I was not so sure,” said she.

“We arrived not long before midday, and the Khajiit asked us to wait in a clump of mushrooms, not far from the Stronghold gates.” said the Priestess.

“Best you wait here Irdi Sul, as Do’Sumi needs to speak first with his friend. Do’Sumi will not be long.” The Khajiit told her, The Priestess informed me.

She said that she and Anrel sat and rested under a large mushroom, while keeping a look out for anyone that may come upon them, as well as local creatures that may mistake them for prey. Irdi Sul told me the Khajiit returned after a short time clearly agitated and asked them to follow him through the Stronghold gates and up to the Manor.

“There were no guards, or sound of activity,” said she. “It was as if the stronghold had been abandoned.”

Irdi Sul told me that the Stronghold was built up on a plateau that gave it the high ground and its lofty solid granite walls had been smoothed over to a smooth render, to remove any possible footholds or grab points. It looked from the outside a formable deterrent to any thief or assassin that may look to sneak in undetected. The gates according to her, to be the only way in. She described the Manor itself as a large two-story structure, with a grand entrance and steps welcoming the traveller, while the exterior walls were burnished and rendered in the same style as the outer walls of the stronghold.

“Beside it and to the rear were another two dwellings, not as elegant in stature, but accommodating and expertly crafted.” Said Irdi Sul.

The Priestess told me what had occurred in the Stronghold became apparent when they entered Rethan Manor and found the blood stained Dunmer corpses of what would have been House Hlaalu Nobles, their servants, and guards. Among them she said was Do’Sumi’s friend Raynasa Rethan.

“The scene was grotesque and surreal”, the Priestess Irdi Sul, said. “I felt uneasy, and faint, overcome by nausea as the events that had transpired began to play out in my mind.”

She told me she staggered to find a seat away from the carnage as visions of the massacre came crashing into her consciousness, and vivid pictures of what occurred flashed through her mind’s eye. She watched helplessly as the Ebony clad warrior she had faced and turned in Attributions Share, cut a swathe through the Dunmer, as they attempted at first to fight back, and then tried to flee for their lives. She watched as the unnamed Warrior cut them down, and then  took the time afterwards to ransack the Manor, taking all, they could carry, before looting the bodies of the fallen before they departed.

Irdi Sul said she was revolted by what she saw, and it was only when Anrel began shouting at her to wake up, that the visions relented, and she could again see Anrel’s face, and that of a clearly grief stricken Do’Sumi.

“Irdi Sul, are you alright?” Anrel was calling to her said the Priestess, and Do’Sumi, with tears in his golden feline eyes, was sobbing, mourning for the loss of his friend and one-time Skooma accomplice.

“How could this be, what could they have done to deserve such a fate?” the Khajiit said to her, she told me.

“I looked at them both, overcome with what I had seen, and turned away, telling them I would be ok, and to give me a moment.” Said Irdi Sul, her eyes dark, and her face grim, as she remembered that instant and the raw emotions it evoked from her Khajiit companion.

“What you see my Priestess.” Irdi Sul said she could clearly hear the voice of Azura in her head, “Is the prophecy come to fruition. The Nerevarine has come to Vvardenfell.”

As she looked at the faces of her dear friend Anrel, and her now clearly distraught ally, Do’Sumi, she dared not tell them that what had occurred here, was a direct consequence of the Nerevarine Prophecy, and the will of the Queen of the Night Sky, Azura.

 

 

III

The Priestess Irdi Sul, moved forward in her chair, as if to draw me closer into her confidence, and spoke to me her eyes joining mine, the creases above them smoothing out as she spoke.

“At this juncture of my pilgrimage, I felt betrayed, that this journey of redemption of the Dunmer people, was to come at the cost of any who refused to walk the path Azura had laid out before me Adonato.” Irdi Sul paused for a moment, took some more elixir into her flute, and continued.

“I had seen the fall of the Tribunal back in earlier visions, but what I saw here was murder most foul. The destruction of an entire stronghold, innocents cut down, and I felt uneasy about how it had occurred. This was not benevolence; this was pure retribution. I knew enough of the House Hlaalu, and their views regarding the Tribunal. I also knew they were closely associated with the Camonna Tong. Why had the Nerevarine slaughtered the entire stronghold? I struggled to reconcile what had occurred.”

There was no clue left behind, she told me as to why the massacre had taken place. Irdi Sul said she excused herself from the scene and allowed Do’Sumi and Anrel to observe the last rights of the slain Dunmer as the traditions of their Ancestors demanded. However, when asked to say a few words, and bless the dead, Irdi Sul said she struggled to find her voice. 

“I needn’t have worried about that Adonato, for Azura, appearing before us had plenty to say. It was dusk and the final light of the day was subsiding in golden hues of red green and blue by the time the pyres were lit, and the Dunmer of Rethan Manor were returned to the ash. As the fires blazed, and the bright orange, yellow and red flames licked up into the sky, Azura appeared in her celestial form, her shrouded body translucent and ethereal as she spoke to us thus.”

“Cometh f'rth and bareth witness, to the reclamations at handeth.  Spurn thee and w'rship false gods at thy p'ril.  I am the queen of the night, and mine own children shall not wend unpunish'd f'r blasphemous h'resy.

Raiseth up depart'd spirits, chooseth anon to beest f'rgiven and ent'r mine own realm 'r beest damn'd to wand'r as f'rgotten Ehlnofey…….”

“Through the haze of the funeral pyre and now billowing smoke, they appeared, one at a time, the ghosts of the fallen, their heads bowed, and their hands upturned in suppletive reverence towards the Mother of the Rose. None defied her, and all took the chance to beg for forgiveness so they could pass over and be granted passage to Moonshadow, the sacred realm of Azura,” said The Priestess, her aura glowing, and intoxicating me with the charm of her Alata Gandral once more as she spoke.

“Anrel was transfixed by what she saw, and stood with her arms by her side, staring at the grace of Azura, and her majesty. Do’Sumi had fallen to his knees as soon as she appeared and dare not raise his eyes unless called upon to do so.” The Priestess said. “Once the fallen had made their way to her Oblivion realm, Azura focused her attention upon myself, and reminded me of my purpose.”

“Thee has't ov'rcome the three p'rils and hath brought lighteth to wh're th're wast darkness Irdi Sul.  Thee has't been 'rdain'd a priestess of Azura. 

Not all mine own people shall liveth to seeth the reclamations, but none shalt beest hath left behind if 't be true those gents chooseth not to beest.

 The bodement is at handeth.  The n'revarine is mine own sw'rd, thee shalt beest mine own buckler.”

Irdi Sul said to me that Azura departed and they were left with the smouldering pyres of the fallen members of Rethan Manor, their remains now charcoal vestiges, ready for entombment in the House Hlaalu Urns, that were found below the Manor.

The Priestess said Do’Sumi was the first to speak, after they had completed placing the scoriae of the dead into the Urns and sealing them back down in the cellar.

“Do’Sumi is glad the Mother of the Immanence chose to take her children to the Isle of Moonshadow. Do’Sumi one day hopes Do’Sumi will be welcomed there, when the time arrives.” The Khajiit said to her, his voice full of emotion the Priestess Irdi Sul informed me.

“I am sorry for your loss Do’Sumi, your friend died horribly. I am glad that you can find solace in the benevolence of Azura. “ Irdi Sul consoled him she told me, while Anrel  remained silent, and did not speak a word about what had just happened.

Irdi Sul said that once the formalities of the Dunmer funeral rites had been observed Do’Sumi revealed his alternative to the three of them travelling by foot to Balmora. He suggested taking a Rethan Manor boat, that was tied up at a dock on the Odai river, a short walk down from the plateau Stronghold.

“Do’Sumi can pilot the boat up to Balmoral, deliver the message, and then we can all sail down to Ebonheart, and seek passage to Azura’s Coast from there.” The Khajiit suggested to Irdi Sul, and Anrel, the Priestess informed me, who both agreed it was better than walking.

“With torches guiding our path, Do’Sumi led us down to the dock, and under his expert tutelage we made our way upriver to Balmora. The sailing vessel we made use of, was not much bigger than Dilys Veth’s fishing boat.” Said Irdi Sul.

“It was long and narrow, with a mast amidships and a single sail.” The Priestess continued. “It was crafted in dark wood and worn smooth by years of exposure to the elements, yet it was in good working order. The sail was emblazoned with the crest of the House Hlaalu. The helm had a large tiller, that in turn worked the rudder at the stern. Do’Sumi instructed Anrel to attend to the helm as he unfurled the mainsail and set the point of sail, using the wind that was blowing gently in from the east, setting a tack up and across the Odai river while barking commands to Anrel and myself to prepare to lean too when we picked up speed. Once the sail was set and he had taken over the helm, we made good time sailing upriver and were on the outskirts of the Balmora docks before sunrise. To see a Khajiit so adept at manoeuvring a boat surprised me,” said Irdi Sul.

“Do’Sumi is learned at sailing Irdi Sul. Dilys Veth taught Do’Sumi over many journeys on his vessel to and from Ebonheart.” The Khajiit informed her when she asked where he had developed the skills he displayed so adeptly.

Now in full control of the vessel, managing the helm and the tiller, Do’Sumi allowed the two old friends to talk, said the Priestess.

Anrel sought to have words with her, the Priestess told me, and for the first time since they had left Tel Fyr, spoke to her about her pilgrimage, and what she feared would occur if she continued.

“I was sent by your mother to find you, however another who I encountered in the service of my Mistress, also spoke of you. I am unsure of the connection, but after today, and the appearance of the Thelba Daedric Prince Azura, I fear for the people of Vvardenfell, and Morrowind. I do not trust the Thelba Daedroth, they are not our Ancestors, and I caution you in what you have involved yourself Irdi Sul.” Was how Anrel began, the seriousness of her manner, the gleam in her deep emerald eyes lending more weight to what she was saying, said the Priestess.

“I have once before, sat back and said nothing when you chose to pursue that despicable Breton in Mournhold. I will not sit idly by this time. How am I to protect you when you continue to dive headlong into danger, risking your life, for what? The undying servitude to a Daedroth that cursed your people for the perceived sins of some, and now wants to reclaim them, as an act of benevolence?”

Anrel was measured as always in her words, and held her right hand up as Irdi Sul, said she tried to explain.

“Let me continue my Reil Parweni.” Anrel said to her.

“Your Faunva Ril Tham is a beautiful gift, and I understand to have the power of sunrise in your fingertips must be intoxicating.” Anrel said this to her, her face still stern, although the look in her eyes betrayed her true feeling, the Priestess believed.

Irdi Sul said she couldn’t help but interrupt her, “You were awake in the cavern, and saw my…”

“Yes, how could I not, the room burst into the morning glow of the sun, and the excited cackle of those ignorant Dunmer males was roth, it made me nauseous.” Anrel said to her, her voice cracking Irdi Sul told me.  

The Priestess, now whispering, laughed with embarrassment as she retold what she said to her friend.

“You were jealous of the attention of men, and fear losing your beautiful friend to another, don’t you Anrel?” Irdi Sul said to her.

“Yes, I am, but it is more than that….” And Irdi Sul said she cut her off, and hugged her, for all her devotion and unrequited affection,  releasing the grace of her Alata Gandral or what Anrel called in her own native Bosmer, Faunva Ril Tham.

“I let the charm and grace flow out of me and envelop us as we sat together in the bow of the boat, as the Khajiit chastised us, and for me to calm down and stop drawing attention to ourselves,” said Irdi Sul.

The Priestess told me Anrel spoke again after the embrace  and said to Irdi Sul.

“Think about what I have said this night, as once we make our way back to Ebonheart, I must return to Mournhold. I hope dearly you will come with me.”

“As much as I wanted to Adonato, I knew that I would not.” said Irdi Sul, as she looked away from me for a moment.

The Priestess told me the twin moons of Nirn shone down upon the waters of the Odai river, as they quietly made their way up to Balmora, throwing their luminant glow on the docks and allowing the three companions to easily make port. The shining gleam of Secunda and Masser, the Priestess told me, was lighting up the city  and reflecting flecks of silver and bronze in the ripples off the water as Do’Sumi first stayed the mainsail and then used the solitary paddle found tucked up at the bow, to manoeuvre into the nearest vacant berth on the east side of the city.

I have heard that the Odai river runs directly down the middle of Balmora, and is channelled into canals, dividing it into the East side residences of Labour Town and Westside which is known as the Commercial District, where the Guild buildings, Merchants, Traders, and the House Hlaalu Manor stand in grid like rows. The High town is up above them, standing tall in the northeast corner and has the resplendent buildings of the cities Nobles as well at the Tribunal Temple that dominates the city skyline. The residence of the Imperial they were tasked with delivering a message to, was in Labour Town the Priestess said to me.

Before heading off to meet with the mysterious Caius, Irdi Sul tells me how the Khajiit speaks with her, warning of the dangers of moving about the city at night.

“Do’Sumi asks that you wait here for him Priestess”, the Khajiit implored to her she told me.

“I intend to meet with this Imperial Do’Sumi. I will not bargain about it” Irdi Sul informed him, and so the three of them, made their way into Balmora, the second largest city in Vvardenfell.

“I was less concerned with who might attempt to betray us to the Sixth House, than I was about getting answers from Caius about why he would need deliverance of a message from Camonna Tong Skooma smugglers. The Imperial Legions of the Septim Empire had taken control of much of Morrowind, under a treaty negotiated by Lord Vivec. I felt somehow that this Caius, could provide some answers on what had occurred at Rethan Manor.” The Priestess said this to me, as she began serving up some of the meat and vegetables onto the polished porcelain plates for us to dine on, before continuing.

“We weaved our way through the north eastern lanes of Balmora, keeping out of sight, following the deathly quiet Khajiit to Caius’ residence.” The Priestess said, while filling our flutes with the last of the Juniper elixir.

“We arrived to find a solitary lamp burning inside, from the top story. The buildings had a variety of two and single-story dwellings on this side of the city, with separate steps up to a second doorway above the first. It was there that Do’Sumi indicated we should go.”

“Do’Sumi must inform the Priestess, the Imperial is a Sugar tooth, although Do’Sumi believed it was a trick, and he used it as a ruse to deceive his enemies and surprise them with his skills in combat if challenged.” The Khajiit informed Irdi Sul, and she described the look of anguish on his face, as they crouched in the shadows of a home across from their intended destination.

“Do’Sumi again warns Irdi Sul to wait, until Do’Sumi returns to let you know it is safe to proceed.” The Khajiit said to her again, indicating for them to not follow him.

“I was determined to not be afraid of what lay in wait for us, I had my faith, and followed closely behind Do’Sumi much to his annoyance. Anrel said she would stay below and cover the street. She told me she would whistle a warning if Camonna Tong or anyone suspicious attempted to sneak up on us.” Said the Priestess.

“It was deathly quiet as I followed the Khajiit, barely the sound of a night bird or a stray creature. There was the smell of the open sewer that ran down behind the dwellings, into the river, and as we crossed it, my nose shrunk up involuntarily, and I stifled a sneeze, causing Do’Sumi to pause, and look back at me with a look of castigation.” said Irdi Sul, in between bites of our meal.

“Climbing the steps in silent agony, my heart beating rapidly, I forced myself to remain calm, lest my Alata Gandral announce our arrival before we entered the dimly lit room.” The Priestess said this looking directly at me, her gaze intensifying as she went on,

“We pushed open the door, and could make out a bed, a set of drawers and a single chair, pushed into the corner of the room. Sitting in the chair was a solitary figure.” Said Irdi Sul.

“Do’Sumi greets you friend, I am here at the behest of Dilys Veth to deliver a message to you.” The Khajiit said this to the armour-clad warrior who did not respond said Irdi Sul.  

The Priestess shifted her gaze and after taking the last swallow of her elixir, before setting the flute down said to me, “Once I got close enough to see who it was, I discovered that this was not an Imperial, but the ebony clad Champion of Boethiah, the butcher of Rethan Manor. It was the Nerevarine.”

 

 

IV

“The room remained silent; no reply was issued forth from the seated figure,” continued the Priestess Irdi Sul.

“I readied the Daedric Staff I had claimed from Boethiah, and looked into the dark corners of the dwelling, sensing another presence and wondering why the Nerevarine had not replied to Do’Sumi’s greeting.”

“Irdi Sul, lower your weapon. You are a welcome sight, let me tell you,” came a familiar voice, from a dark ebony clad figure, wedged above them in a crevice of the roof cavity, the Priestess said to me.

“Naryu Varian!” the Priestess said she exclaimed as the Morag Tong Assassin dropped silently to embrace her.

She said she was surprised to see Naryu and took some time to process what had occurred. Minding her manners, she then told me she introduced her companion Do’Sumi.

“The Khajiit gave a warm welcome to the Beautiful Darkness and said “Do’Sumi hopes you being here is a sign of promises fulfilled, not foul deeds unpunished.” The Priestess told me.

The seated figure still did not move, and when the Priestess made her way over to inspect them, she realised that the Armour was empty, the pieces arranged to deceive any who entered the dwelling and act as a distraction if only for a moment or two. For someone as adept at murder as Naryu Varian, it was all she would have needed.

Naryu told the Priestess it was her who had asked Dilys Veth to have her deliver the message here, as a way of diverting them from the agreed meeting place of the Holamayan Monastery. It was also an opportunity for her to draw out any Sixth House Assassins that may be following and eradicate them.

“Irdi Sul, I have many things to discuss with you.” Naryu Varian began speaking, the Priestess  informed me,

“May I begin by offering you my gratitude. You have foretold the coming of the Nerevarine, and I can confirm that they have emerged and begun fulfilling the Prophecy. When I arrived back in Vivec City, my Master had engaged a new Initiate, and they in a short time became an Instrument of Death, as none I had ever seen, and removed many threats  to the Tong.”

As Naryu said this to Irdi Sul, the Priestess described her gaze as unflinching, her manner matter ‘o fact.

“I bargained for my life with the ring you bestowed upon me,” Naryu continued, “and Mephala then gifted this ring to the new initiate, after they dispatched the villainous traitor Balyn Omavel.”

“I also discovered”, continued Naryu Varian, so said the Priestess, “That the writ I forfeited for your life with the Ash Khan of the Erabenimsun had been voided, as the new initiate had killed both the Ash Khan and his bodyguard at the behest of the Wise Woman, Manirai, and a new Khan had taken control of the Tribe, an Ashlander known as Han-Ammu. This I discovered from Assaba-Bentus, who came to Vivec City to ensure I had made my bargain with Mephala and was safe from their wrath.”

“I realised, “ Naryu went on, the Priestess said to me “that they were who you had spoken of. At first, I was sceptical, this could not be. But as they were able to return to the Tong, the 27 artefacts of Sanguine and gain the acclaim and approval of the Grandmaster, not to mention Mephala,  eventually returning us to the rightful place as a true instrument of order for the Great Houses, I was convinced, that this was the Nerevarine of Prophecy.” The Priestess said Naryu stopped talking to her and turned to ask Do’Sumi if he had room in his satchel for some items she needed carried.

 “Do’Sumi does” she said he replied, unsure or unwilling to say no to the Beautiful Darkness. Naryu spoke to Irdi Sul again, she informed me,  while Do’Sumi made room in his satchel for her.

“The subversion of the Morag Tong by the Empire, and more noticeably the Sixth House had been excised. Many of my comrades perished in the aftermath. If not for your faith in the prophecy, I may have been caught on the wrong side of history, and not be here with you now.” Naryu said this all while dismantling the seated ebony armour statue and packing it into Do’Sumi’s satchel, so that the Khajiit might carry it with them, to their next destination, the Priestess relayed to me.

They left the residence as quietly as Do’Sumi had arrived, Naryu Varian leading the way. As they came down the stone steps and back into the lane way, Anrel emerged from the shadows and introductions were again exchanged.

“I am impressed with your choice of companions Irdi Sul,” The Priestess told me Naryu remarked to her, as they headed across Labour Town to the Commercial District, and to the Morag Tong Guild House down by the river.

The band of four now travelled quickly down the narrow lanes and alleyways of Labour town, and across the canals into the Commercial District, as the light of a new day rose up from behind them, the soft first rays of Magnus sparkling on the eddy’s and currents of the Odai river, the Priestess told me, her eyes watching me scribe me as she spoke.

“I was surprised how my physical conditioning had improved over the journey, and I had no trouble keeping up with the nimble Naryu and Do’Sumi, and the fleet of foot Bosner Anrel.” The Priestess said this to me proudly, as she stood and walked over to the shelf at the side of the room, checking to see if the candle needed replacing, before turning back towards me, and continued to tell me of what occurred next.

“We had made it across the river, passed a Merchants warehouse when Naryu, skipped to her left and disappeared up a set of steps, leaping to an adjacent rooftop. While I attempted to follow her abrupt diversion with my eyes, and wondered what she was doing, out from our right came a contingent of creatures, dressed in the robes of the Sixth House, armed with swords and dagger, intent, I believed, on dispatching us without mercy.” The Priestess said, returning to her seat.

“I had never seen an Ash Vampire, or what I later found out to be the vile creations of Dagoth Ur. The pack that attacked us, had been tracking us from Oad Hla, and were led to us by my nemesis Othreloth. The vile and reprehensible beings, with their sallow drawn faces, burning red eyes and malignant disformed limbs, rushed at us in groups of two. I stood transfixed, and brought my staff to bare, looking to defend myself and cast a spell to protect my companions, I breathed in and focused my concentration to cast a ward around where I stood, covering Anrel and Do’Sumi. I needn’t have bothered. “ said Irdi Sul. The Priestess then described to me what happened next,

“Naryu fell down upon them from above and with precise, measured whirls of her twin ebony blades dispatched the heads of the lead Vampires before she landed softly on the balls of her feet. The crunch and snap of bone and bristle preceded the fizz of blood that followed, as severed heads fell and bounced on the cobblestones while the now lifeless bodies of the advancing Vampires collapsed under them as they fell forward and slumped to the lane’s pavement.”

“Not pausing, and turning in a low crouching semi-circle, the Beautiful Darkness  launched another attack at her next targets with whip like force and intent, dismembering an arm, the sound of razor-sharp ebony severing his right appendage, clinking through the Vampires armour at its shoulder axis. In the same continuous flow of deft precise movements, no doubt refined over years of training and mortal combat she took the left and right leg from two others, thus reducing the attacking force to half their number in the flash of an instant. The wounded trio let out bestial  howls of anguish as their limbs were torn from them, and they fell to the sides of the alley, their unholy dark blood spraying forth, flooding the cobble stones wet from their gushing wounds.”

The Priestess, reliving the battle in her mind, said to me “Do’Sumi had also sprung silently into the throng of a disorientated and now retreating enemy, using his hind legs and claws to disembowel another of the attackers, before arrows from Anrel found their targets, splitting the back of the heads of two more, cracking open their skulls, sending them sprawling and thudding into the masonry of an adjoining dwelling, where they both burst into piles of ash as they perished.”

Naryu, the Priestess told me, wasted no time finishing the task by taking the heads off the wounded Vampires, gratefully silencing their screams,  before ensuring none survived by also taking the head off Do’Sumi’s victim, even though they lay quietly, not moving, their intestines falling out of them, their lifeless eyes staring into the void.

“You can never be sure of the death of these detestable creatures, unless they spurn to ash, or you have their heads” Naryu said to her, the Priestess recalled, and described how she watched Naryu Varian walk over to where she stood, discarding the severed head she held by its still attached cowl, with a toss  to her left, and then cleaning the blood from her blades with the ripped cloth of a Sixth House Robe before reinserting them in the scabbards on her back.

The carnage of the fallen laid waste in the alley behind her, left for the town guards to mull over, as to how Sixth House Marauders had come to be in their city, and met nothing but death.

“As she walked towards me”, the Priestess said, “Naryu was radiant and aglow with the thrill of combat, and in the morning, twilight looked as invincible as anyone I had ever laid eyes upon.”

“The skirmish was over before I even had a chance to engage another spell, and Naryu after searching the bodies, found their orders, in the form of a parchment. It was a direction to capture the “Priestess of Azura Irdi Sul, and to use whatever force necessary.” said she as Enthir materialised from outside the room with a fresh decanter, and a few whispered words before he left again.

“You have a target on your back Irdi Sul. We need to get to the Guild house, quickly now.” The Beautiful Darkness said to them all the Priestess told me, and she described how they immediately moved down another alley, and up towards the secret headquarters of the Morag Tong in Balmora.

“This was the first time someone, outside my group of confidantes, had referred to me as a Priestess of Azura Adonato, so I felt a sense of reverence, and said a silent pray of thanks to the Goddess, for blessing me as we made our way through the alleyways.” said Irdi Sul.

After a quick March left and right, through the lanes of the Commercial District, the Priestess said they came to a rundown Dry Goods Merchant and slid through a side door. Once inside, she told me it looked as most do, with barrels and chests displaying the food items and ingredients of a general store, assorted clothing items and firewood piled alongside sacks of flour, wheat, and apples.

“Naryu walked directly to a shelf at the back of the store, moved aside a large chest and pressed a concealed button”. Said Irdi Sul. “With a barely audible click, the shelf released back from the wall and opened up to reveal a passage and steps down to a cavern larger than the store above them.”

The Priestess said Naryu urged her companions to quickly enter, before she replaced the chest, and then closed the attached shelf and secret entrance way with a lever on the inside, clicking the façade back into place.

The Priestess described the passageway as barely lit by torches, however Irdi Sul said there was light enough to see them make their way down below into the hidden Balmora Guild House of the Morag Tong.

“There was only one occupant, an Argonian dressed in the Morag Tong garb, and he bowed as Naryu Varian came into what was no more than an open cavern,” said Irdi Sul. She described how it was set up as an armoury, with a grindstone, armourers’ bench and a vast collection of weapons, racks adorned with steel and ebony swords, daggers and axes.

“To the rear of the cavern beyond the armoury,  in the left corner, was what appeared to be a small mess, that had a long table and a number of chairs set up while to the right side were a couple of cots, and a safe.” said she, as I wondered how many hidden caves were beneath the Traders stores of Skyrim, that I would never likely see?

The Priestess carried on describing how the cavern was cut out of the rock beneath the merchant’s store, much like the Camonna Tong hideout in Hla Oad. The walls had been reinforced with slate and stone, the giddy cracks and joins filled in with precision so there was no exposed mud or silt. She believed due to its close proximity to the city canals, the air she tasted down there, in the depths of the Guild house was dank,  musty and nearly unbreathable.

“It took some time to adjust to the conditions Adonato, it was not pleasant at all”, she said to me, her nose again wrinkling as she spoke.

She informed me that the drip drop of water echoed from the side of the cavern, as it stretched out around to a rocky ledge, that possibly etched back to the Odia river. Naryu led them inside to the Mess table and asked them to sit, as she proceeded to gather information from the Argonian, the Priestess informed me.

The Priestess described the Amphibian as tall, muscular and with dark green scales, and flashes of gold on his flanks. His teeth glimmered in the light of the cavern she said and his lizard like eyes glowed a luminous bright yellow. Irdi Sul told me that he wore the Netch Leather armour of the Morag Tong, and his weapons of choice were twin Daedric daggers, tucked into the belts that criss-crossed his Cuirass. She said he spoke in even measured tones, almost hissing as he described to Naryu Varian the conversation he had been privy to, between the Balmora Guild leader, Ethasi Rilvayn, and the unnamed initiate.

“This outlander has been tasked with a writ to vanquish a Telvanni Sorceress, and Ethasi has gone to follow them, to ensure they complete the writ as per our rules. None here trust this Outlander, despite your obvious affection for him, Naryu Varian.” The reptilian assassin said to the group, eyeing them suspiciously said Irdi Sul.

“Naryu dismissed the Argonian, and told him to go back upstairs, and mind that he did not return until beckoned”, said Irdi Sul. “Naryu looked at us all, and explained that the Morag Tong, was untrusting of outsiders, and with good cause to be. How can a secret organisation, trusted with maintaining order among the Great Houses of Morrowind, be involved with the likes of them?” she said with a laugh, the Priestess said and then told me that Naryu went to a cupboard, gathered some cups and poured them all some Sujamma.

“To Azura, and the Priestess Irdi Sul. The Prophecy is upon us!” Naryu toasted them, and skulled her drink, said Irdi Sul, before slamming down her cup and making eye contact with the group as they too drank and placed their cups down in front of them.

“Get some rest, we will travel at dusk, I have no doubt the Nerevarine will be back soon enough.” Naryu informed them said Irdi Sul, before she left them to attend to other business. She exited back up through the passageway into the Merchants store above, the Priestess said to me.

The three companions took the time to decide who would sleep first, said the Priestess. She informed me that Anrel volunteered to sit and keep watch while Do’Sumi and herself got some much-needed rest. The Priestess told me that felt she had not slept for days and was exhausted.

The cots were barely more than straw and hessian bags but were soft enough I was informed, and a woven blanket of less than savoury odours was gratefully wrapped around her by Anrel said the Priestess.

Later on, unsure of how long she had been asleep for, Irdi Sul said Anrel woke her, and climbed into the cot and fell asleep as soon as the Priestess had got up with a stretch of her arms and an involuntary yawn. Do’Sumi too, she informed me, woke, and immediately said to her he was hungry.

Irdi Sul told me that she found something to eat in the Mess, gathering up some bread and some dried spiced ash yam. Under the shelves of a cupboard she found what looked like a stash of potions and discovered a sweet flavoured elixir that gave her strength and relieved her aching muscles.

“Would you like some more Adonato, it is I’m afraid quite addictive?” said Irdi Sul, as she poured me some more of the wonderful beverage. “What is it my Lady, it is indeed a wonderful drop?” I asked her, to which she replied that it was a mixture of marshmerrow, wickwheat and resin and distilled moon sugar.

Someone here at The College has added Juniper berries, the Priestess told me which gives the potion a very pleasing taste and aroma. It was a little more than a Dunmer restore health potion, but oh the flavour and tang on the palate, as well as the energy it inspired was outstanding.

As she ate and restored herself Irdi Sul told me, Naryu Varian returned to the cavern, and with her was another, who she discerned to be the Nerevarine. They came and sat at the table and Naryu introduced them.

“I understand you have questions, and I do as well.” The Nerevarine said to Irdi Sul she told me. “I looked into their eyes, feeling horror and delight Adonato. After all I had endured so far, the visions in my parents’ home,  the pilgrimage into the Ashlands, the Perils, the events of Rethan Manor, I was unprepared and uneasy about this meeting when I should have been overjoyed.”

The Priestess said this and took a sip from her flute. She kept still and spoke no words for a while. I broke the silence with a question I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

“You were face to face with the Nerevarine, the prophesised reincarnation of Nerevar. What did they look like, where they a Dunmer? Male? Female? Oh, my I must know!” I exclaimed. Not sure what had come over me.

The Priestess sat up in her chair, and met my gaze, shrugged and said “If I revealed this to you, as you ask Adonato, I would have to kill you”,  and with the delightful laugh I have grown to adore, she couldn’t contain herself, and began giggling uncontrollably at her quite annoying joke.

“Please my Lady, who was it?” I asked again.

“I’m afraid I am sworn to keep their identity a secret my dear Adonato. A solemn vow as sacred as my obedience to the Goddess of the Twilight, you do understand, don’t you?” said the Priestess, and I shrunk down upon my haunches, dejected in the knowledge that I would know no more of who was the Nerevarine.

“So, may I ask what transpired in the Guild house of Balmora?” I asked her tersely, barely able to contain my annoyance.

“Naryu Varian, woke Anrel, and invited her and Do’Sumi to accompany her up to the store. She told them that the two servants of Azura, needed time together; alone.” the Priestess replied, her face now recovered from her amusement at my expense.

“Once they were gone, I looked across at the Nerevarine, and summoned Azura. It did not take long for her to appear before us. I had questions of my own. “ said the Priestess Irdi Sul.

 

V

“Azura appeared as an ethereal aspect, a feint shimmering white shadow in the cavern, her features indistinct, and her voice hushed and mellow” the Priestess informed me. “The air did not crackle about us, and a sense of power and majesty of her Divinity was missing. I felt that all was not well with the Mother of the Night Sky.”

“The Nerevarine sat still and we both listened to her as she spoke briefly and then she was gone.” Said the Priestess.

“Irdi Sul, thee has't many questions f'r me, this i knoweth.  Trusteth in mine own visions f'r thee, and Trusteth yond mine own N'revarine shall fulfill mine own bodement.  Thy journey is to leadeth our people backeth to us.  Thee shall not faileth….”

“This was not what you hoped for ?” I asked, seeing the sorrow in her eyes, as she recounted to me this moment in her life.

“I was concerned what this meant, I had been so encouraged many times by Azura, and she appeared for the first time to be weak and distant. In all my encounters with Azura, she appeared omnipresent and invulnerable, and it worried me. The Nerevarine sat and said nothing for a moment or two, and then spoke to me. They did not mince their words Adonato, and laid out their intentions clearly, and also what I was expected to do as well”, she replied.

The Priestess then told me the Nerevarine spoke, their eyes burrowing into hers, and their manner commanding as they stood up. She told me they stood tall, towering over her and said the following.

“Irdi Sul, you have survived many an ordeal in your pilgrimage, as I have in my journey as well. I too have questioned why? It is not for us, as mortals to question the Gods, but to fulfill our destiny. I have committed atrocities that will haunt me forevermore, and I will commit more before I am done. The Dunmer are a stubborn people, and the Tribunal have over centuries created a Kingdom here in Morrowind the envy of The Empire. Its grip on the consciousness of our people will not be lessened overnight”

“The Goddess of the Night Sky has granted you visions of what will come. I have been chosen to fulfill a prophecy and destroy the corruption that dwells within Red Mountain. The Almsivi will either submit to the judgement of the three Good Daedra or perish.”

“The Mother of the Rose has granted us both gifts beyond what mere Mer deserve. Take them and use them as you see fit Irdi Sul. If you choose to use your gifts to preserve life, then do so. I will use mine to survive. The Prophecy I am to fulfill leads me towards death. You can choose otherwise. Do you understand?”

The Priestess said she was surprised to  be asked the question at the end of their monologue. Of course, she understood she told me. She said to me that she believed the Nerevarine did not think so, and decided to share a quest they endured, while proving themselves to Azura. They shared the Dagon Fel quest with her. The Nerevarine spoke to her again, outlining what occurred and the outcome. They told her thus.

I received a vision to go to the Shrine of Azura in Vvardenfell and summon her there. I did this and the Queen of the Night Sky appeared before me” said The Nerevarine.  “Azura spoke to me and said.

“Thee has't cometh h're f'r a reasoneth, though thee may not knoweth what t is.  Sheog'rath and i has't madeth a wag'r.  That gent contends yond solitude causes madness, while i maintaineth t allows f'r solace and meditation.  To testeth this, i hath sent one of mine own priestesses to liveth high-lone on an island n'rth of Dagon Fel.  If 't be true the lady can liveth th're f'r 100 years, mine own the'ry shall beest proven.  If 't be true not, Sheog’rath wins our wag'r.  The timeth hast almost hath passed, and the lady remains steadfast. 

But, Sheog’rath hast hath tried to sway the decision in his favour.  Traveleth th're, did rid the island of his minions, and bringeth backeth proof of his meddling.  Doth not disturb the wise mistress, though, as yond wouldst void our wag'r.  S'rve me, and i shall reward thee well"

The Nerevarine told Irdi Sul that Azura tasked them to travel to an island near Dagon Fel and rid the island of the Daedra minion Sheogorath had sent and bring back proof that he sent them. They could not disturb Rayna Drolan, the Priestess of Azura living there. If they can do this for her, Azura would reward them well.

“I did as asked and killed a Golden Saint, and from them I souvenired a signet ring.” The Nerevarine explained to her, she said. “This was proof enough of Sheogorath’s involvement. I returned to her shrine and received Azura’s Star as a reward.” The Priestess said that the Nerevarine then produced the Star from his pouch and laid it down for her to see on the table in front of her.

The Priestess said that the soul gem was like none she had ever seen. It was the size of a Grand Soul Gem, yet it had emerald like shards protruding from its circumference, making it look like a star. It glowed in the dimly lit room, a subtle combination of aqua, turquoise, and silver.

“These Gods, these Daedric Princes,” The Nerevarine continued she said to me, “do not exist as mortals do. For Azura and Sheogorath a wager set out over 100 years was a fair test to them. To us it is a century of our lives. Do you understand the scale in terms of time and space that separates their goals, their intentions compared to ours? We are now, both immune to disease and could live easily for centuries, but we can die. The Daedric Princes and their minions do not. I don’t intend to wait 100 years to defeat Dagoth Ur, but I believe Azura expects you to live on for many centuries to realise your true purpose in her plans.”

The Priestess said to me that she was disturbed by this, and it finally dawned upon her that she had been cultivated to live for an eternity as a servant of the Goddess Azura, and that realisation, at that moment, in a den of the Morag Tong in Vvardenfell, shattered any misconceptions about who she was, and indeed what it was that she had become.

“I had received gifts that equalled the Almsivi themselves, and yet someone else would fulfil the prophecy and defeat the Sixth House and the corrupted Demean, Dagoth Ur. I was  destined to wait until the Dunmer were ready to return to their beloved “Good Daedra”. I was to spread the word of the Reclamations, to wait possibly centuries until this occurred, to endure the tyranny of time. I was to be the beacon that drew the disenfranchised back to the Old Ways.”

“I sat there struck by the irony of what lay before me Adonato. Given the trials I had endured, and the power of the vision’s I had witnessed I felt let down, deceived. All this time I believed it would be me to deliver the final ultimatums to The Almsivi and it was not to be. I felt relief, and yet I grieved for my previous life, that had been cast aside to follow my faith, and set this in motion. I felt despair, sorrow, and betrayal. The Nerevarine sensed my inner turmoil and spoke again,” The Priestess said to me, all the time sitting still, with her hands in her lap, her head bowed forward, avoiding eye contact.

“What did he say ?” I asked leaning towards her, and attempting to get a sense of what was going through her mind. We sat together reliving a moment in her life that had resulted in the realisation, that she was now just a pawn in the games of Daedric Princes and their relentless meddling with the mortal plane of Mundus, and her life on Nirn.

“He told me that it was equally important that I played my part Adonato. That without my involvement and abilities, the Reclamations would be impossible. They were tasked with destroying Dagoth Ur and removing the very power within Red Mountain that had led to the emergence of the false Gods and The Tribunal.”  The Priestess said this to me, her gaze rising up and her eyes again piercing mine with their crimson luminosity.  “Once this occurred, it was I , who would be the one to bring the Dunmer back to the  True Tribunal, the “Good Daedra” of Mephala, Boethiah and Azura. “

The Priestess told me that the Nerevarine said without her, the entire race could be thrown into millennia of conflict through the scornful malefice of Boethiah. The Great Houses would be set upon from within by the subterfuge of The Empire and their allies if the people of Morrowind were abandoned by Mephala. Morrowind would fall, and the Dunmer would be scattered across Tamriel, refugees without a land of their own. The reincarnation of Nerevar feared that Boethiah and Mephala had grown tired of the ignorance of the Dunmer, and it was only Azura and Irdi Sul who could save them from this terrible fate, and convince her “Sisters” to stand as they once had, again, as the rightful deities and protectors of the Dunmer  people.

“The Nerevarine told me not to be disheartened, that my part in the future of Morrowind was just as important, if not more so than theirs.” The Priestess said this to me with her Alata Gandral floating out of her, the soft glow of twilight  filling my heart with joy, the air around us smelling sweet as Juniper and warm as the sun.

“I was destined to outshine all their deeds and be remembered as the true saviour of Morrowind, they told me.” As the Priestess said this, her face was shimmering like the early first rays of the dawn, and I sat enraptured as she smiled at me. The imagery that accompanied her statement was not lost on me, as I sat again entranced by the magnificence of her golden aura.

“I believed what the Nerevarine told me Adonato, yet I was not fully convinced that giving myself to centuries of devotion was what I had agreed to. I wanted more. I demanded more of them and asked for it.”  The Priestess said, her face and features tightening and the shimmer subsiding. “I asked him for the Star, as a consummation of our alliance, and for the ring that had been gifted to me from Mephala to be returned to Naryu Varian.”

“The Nerevarine told me that they had already returned the ring to Naryu, and asked me why I wanted the Star of Azura? What did I have in mind? What possible use would I have for a reusable soul gem?” The Priestess said to me. “I had a plan to use the star Adonato, yet I was not prepared to share this with the Nerevarine. I told him as a Priestess of Azura, ordained by the Mother of the Rose, that it was only “right” that I should be the protector of this Daedric Relic, and demanded they give it to me.”

The Priestess Irdi Sul told me that the Nerevarine looked at her intently, seeking confirmation in her eyes that what she asked for was “ordained”. They then shifted their stance forward and pushed the Star towards her and said, “Take this as confirmation that you are chosen to save the Dunmer, just as I am chosen to destroy all who harken their demise.”

“The Nerevarine then got up and walked to the other side of the cavern, paused, looked back at me and spoke again Adonato,” the Priestess said as I stopped scribbling notes to look at her and noticed  that her face had grown dark and all the light that shone from her had dissipated, leaving nothing but shadow surrounding her.

“I fear not having you by my side as I face my final battle with Dagoth Ur. I remember the glory of your divine gifts in Attributions Share and believe that together no-one could defeat us. I too hoped that it was providence that brought us together then and would see us defeat the Daemon in Red Mountain together now.

It is not to be. I see that Azura has suffered grievously because of her ruse involving us both with Boethiah. I will take care of the Sixth House. You must survive long enough to see through The Reclamations of the Dunmer and the return of the “Good Daedra” Irdi Sul. Promise me this. “

“I vowed that I would and left them in no doubt that they would prevail as well. The Nerevarine  walked away and out of the cavern. “ said Irdi Sul, her voice distant, her eyes lost behind a veil of unconscious thought.

“In time my two companions returned and informed me that Naryu Varian and the Nerevarine had left together. I sat with Do’Sumi and Anrel and realised I too had plans, and that I needed to return to Tel Fyr, and make them a reality.” the Priestess Irdi Sul said this to me as Enthir made an appearance in the doorway.

After brief exchanges of  whispered messages, Enthir left. The Priestess Irdi Sul sat back down and explained that her attention was required elsewhere. She indicated that a spare furnished room was across from where we sat, and that I may spend some time there until she returned, rather than making the trek back down to the Frozen Hearth. I noticed that the snow outside had become less thick than when I arrived and informed the Priestess it was only a short walk back to Winterhold and I would prefer to wait for her down at the Inn.

“Why Adonato, you have become invaluable to me these past few days, I will organise an escort for you, can you please wait until Enthir is able to accompany you back to Winterhold?” the Priestess said this with a glowing smile and the shadows that had surrounded her were replaced by rays of purity and incandesce.

“Of course, my Lady,” I replied and packed up my belongings.

I didn’t have to wait long and Enthir marched us back down to the Frozen Hearth in quick time. He disappeared below to the cellar and I went  to my room, emptied out my journals onto the table in the corner, certain that a fact had been misshapen or misrepresented during our most recent conversation. Something had caught my attention, and I needed to check back on what it was. I am a Scribe, a writer by trade and I pride myself on details, and facts, as best I can. The Priestess had told me something that didn’t fit with something she said earlier, but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what it was. I began looking through previous notes and drafts of our conversations, gradually working back to our first meeting. It was here I found what I was looking for.

The Priestess Irdi Sul, had introduced herself, and gave the reason for her presence in Skyrim as being in search of Azura’s Star, lost by the Nerevarine centuries ago, and yet not long ago this afternoon, I was informed that the Nerevarine had given her Azura’s Star in Balmora.

Was I misinformed, or was there a slip up by the Priestess Irdi Sul? I was in the unfortunate position of being in the paid service of the Court Wizard of Windhelm, who had made it clear he trusted that I would keep tabs on my Dunmer client. I had also informed him that her reason for being in Skyrim was to search for a lost Daedric Relic. What if this relic was not lost, and she had other motives?

My mind became a scramble as I read through the rest of my journals, attempting to discover if there were any other flaws, or missteps in what I had been told. I knew that under her magical charms I would believe whatever I was told, and only in the cold confines of a room at the Frozen Hearth would I be able to think clearly, and form my own thoughts unencumbered.

I sat mortified, wishing I was back in Tamriel, in the Imperial City, away from this frozen wasteland where the locals despise Mer Folk more than the cold frigid climate and the carnivorous beasts that revel in it. I would not have to worry about being thrown into the Dungeon of a Jarl who has created a slum for the Dunmer in his Hold, out of spite and from the horrors that he endured during the Great War.

Attempting to turn my mind to anything else, led me to the Innkeeper, and a bottle or two of Nord ale. This led to another and perhaps five or six or more. I was by the time Enthir returned to see how I was completely legless and unable to make the journey back up to Winterhold College. Through the haze of an alcoholic stupor I faintly remember he and Dagur carrying me to my cot and tossing  me in sideways. I awoke the next morning with a mouth that felt like a mammoth had crawled inside it and left most of its shag, and my eyes unable to see no more than the cloudy outline of my room’s doorway. I felt as though someone had cracked my head like an egg and tipped the broken yoke into a glass.

I rolled over and was relieved to see that I had kept the inside of  my churning stomach intact, and the cloudy visions slowly began to subside, giving way to the brightness of the goat’s horn sconces that illuminated the interior of the Inn. I had no knowledge of how long I had been asleep for and glad to not have been roused earlier. I sat up, managed to stand, and walk out into the main hall, delighted to see that Dagur was there smiling, and nobody else.

“Some hair of the dog will help that headache Traveller. Come on, don’t be a Milk Drinker, come and get some Mead,” he called to me.

I shuffled over and forced myself to drink from the mug he set in front of me. For a moment or two I believed I was going to lose the contents of my insides, and yet once the warm liquid made its way down, I immediately felt better. I sat on the bar stool at the end of the bar, and asked Dagur,

“What  became of Enthir? Have you seen him this morning?” to which he replied, “He and his female companion are down in the cellar. They have been waiting for you to wake up. I suggest you clean yourself up and join them. It is also past noon Scribe.”

He said the last few words with his face beaming bright with mirth and the flushed cracks in his cheeks reminding me of roasted Horker.

I went back to my room, pressed my forehead against the cold wall for a moment to clear the fog of too much Nordic Ale, changed my clothing and made my way down to the cellar. The Priestess was there with Enthir, both of them dressed in cloaks and preparing for a journey by foot, judging by the provisions they had gathered and the size of the satchels on the table in front of them.

“Good gracious Adonato, how wretched you appear this fine afternoon. Are you sure that the creative process is aided by overindulging in the local Nord beverages?” was how the Priestess Irdi Sul greeted me.

“You appear to be suffering again from perhaps one too many? I have packed a bag for you, and I insist you check it before we leave.” said she, as Enthir’s face offered no solace, and yet he did not sneer at me as I was expecting.

“Come on Adonato, let’s get you packed up and ready to go,” was all he said, indicating we should head back up to my room and collect a warm coat and the Dunmer cloak I travelled in from Windhelm.

“Where are we going my Lady?” I asked, hoping it was onto a carriage and to a warmer part of Skyrim, if there is, indeed one in all of the province . “To the Shrine of My Mistress.” She replied. “We must meet up with the Priestess Aranea Ienith. She is expecting us.”

My heart almost fell through my sunken chest to the floor. The trek to Azura’s shrine was a half days walk, and I was, in my current state not fit to walk up and down the steps to the cellar more than once, let alone up to the summit of one of the highest peaks in Winterhold.

“Here drink this Imperial.” Said Enthir, as he passed what I  discovered was a small bottle of the Juniper Elixir I had been enjoying up at the College.

“Thank you, this will raise my spirits,” I offered, and I took a small sip of the delicious contents and immediately felt refreshed, if not slightly unsteady on my feet.

“Save it for your journey Adonato.” The Priestess cooed as we made our way out of the Inn and into the blazing sunlight of the Hold.

The skies were clear, and no snow was falling. It was almost pleasant to feel the sun on my face, and I pulled the Dunmer cloak around me instinctively, bracing myself for the cold chill of the wind from off the Sea of Ghosts. I was again caught off guard to not feel a breeze or the chill.

“My, this elixir is a cure all,” I  thought to myself.

Enthir bid us goodbye and headed back up to the College. The Priestess and I headed southwest out of Winterhold and up to the trail that led to the Shrine. “I have been informed we are less likely to encounter no more than a wolf or two this way Adonato. The other passage up the mountain has had sightings of Trolls, Snow Bears and Bandits no less.” The Priestess said to me as we walked up the sparsely bricked road towards the Shrine of Azura.

I could see the statue, a magnificent rendering of the Goddess Azura standing tall above us in the distance, her left arm holding aloft a large star, while her right held out a crescent. The stories I had heard about how the shrine came to be, were that  the Dunmer people, when they first arrived in Skyrim two decades after the eruption of Red Mountain  in the 4th Era year 20, they constructed the statue and Shrine in reverence to the Goddess who had forewarned the Dunmer people of the pending disaster, saving innumerable lives in the process.

I looked up, silently asked for The Divines to preserve me as we made the ascent to the Shrine, as well as a short missive to Azura to protect me as well, if she happened to be listening. No point not covering all divine options I thought to myself.

“Who are you whispering to Adonato?” the Priestess said to me as I followed her across the sparse stone bricks of the road that etched its way down and then around towards Saarthal, before we turned left and headed up to the Shrine on a dirt track worn through by travellers and pilgrims in the melting snow.

“Asking to not be accosted by Bandits or Wolves to whoever is listening my Lady.” I replied which drew a raised eyebrow and the immediate conjuration of a Frost Atronach by Irdi Sul, that appeared just behind me.

I turned to see why and in the near distance three wolves were making their way towards us. The Frost Atronach, a lumbering frozen behemoth, summoned from the icy depths of a frozen realm of Oblivion turned to face the advancing wolves, and with a mighty blow of its gigantic glacial fists, killed dead two of the wolves in one stroke. The Priestess skewered the other with twin volleys of bound spear spells and the danger had passed before I had time to cower or retreat behind her.

“Save your prayers for me Scribe. Make haste. We must reach the Shrine before nightfall.” The Priestess Irdi Sul said as she turned and hurried up the path, the Frost Atronach following behind her, before it dissolved and returned to whence it had come.

I was not surprised to see her dispatch wild animals so easily; I had no doubt her majic was powerful.

“Why worry,” I thought to myself, “I am in the presence of a mortal with the powers of fallen Gods, what could possibly challenge her here in Skyrim?”

The walk up to the Shrine, which for me became a struggle at the halfway point, ended as the sun in the western sky, began to dip below the distant peaks of Markath, and beyond them the alps of High Rock. If not for the relief and profound restorative powers of the small bottle of elixir given to me by Enthir, I doubt I would have made it at all.

We found a small camp at the base of the Shrine, and above us towered the marble likeness of Azura all the way up into the clouds overhead. We trudged through the ankle-deep snow to some steps and a landing, thankfully out of the wind. Some small shelters covered in snow were framed around a fire pit, and above them up another flight of ice-covered stone steps sat an altar. I could smell the pleasant aroma of stewing vegetables and tomatoes coming from the cooking pot and was relieved to settle near the warmth of the flames of the fire, that licked up into the evening air and flickered red, orange and gold. The Priestess Ienith was glad to see us and we sat around the fire on small stools, as she prepared some soup, and welcomed the provisions that Irdi Sul offered to her from her satchel and mine.

“Praise Azura, Irdi Sul, I have missed your company, and your wisdom these past seasons. Glad am I that you have at last returned.” Said Aranea Ienith.

“I am only here to pray that you have had visions Aranea, that will lead us to Azura’s Star, for mine have ceased, yet I have hope that yours will solve this riddle for me.” said Irdi Sul as I sat quietly, listening to the two Dunmer as I ate and enjoyed the meal of vegetable soup more than any I had eaten in my time in Skyrim.

“I have indeed been blessed Sister. Azura has revealed to me a Champion will emerge and return the Star to us. When this will come to pass, I do not know.” Ienith said to which Irdi Sul replied, “I see, were you shown anything else, a location of the Necromancers lair, or where the fiends’ acolytes have fled too?”

“No, I have not.” Said Aranea Ienith.

“Thank you Sister, I am at least gladdened to hear a Champion will emerge to save us, but who I wonder, and when?” and her voice trailed off after her question, as I could sense that this is not what the Priestess Irdi Sul had hoped to hear, when she arrived at the Shrine.

All was quiet between them for some time afterwards, as they ate, and Aranea Ienith then bade us both good night and retired to a bed roll in the shelter closest to the fire. The Priestess Irdi Sul produced a flask from within her robes and took a nip.

“Cyrodiilic Brandy.” said she, with a nod and a wink – at least I think she winked at me, it was dark, and the snow had again begun to float down around us, in swirls of ice and soft flakes.

She then spoke to me and confided for the first time that she had not been entirely forthright in her reasons for being in Skyrim. I braced myself for the revelation that she was here to raise the Dunmer up and join the Imperial Legion against the Stormcloaks, and I would be arrested by the Steward of Ulfric Stormcloak as a collaborator.

“Adonato, I took the Star of Azura that evening in Balmora, and used it for my own devices, not respecting its power, or believing that dark majic would corrupt it. This led to the Star being taken from me. Azura refused to grant me visions on its whereabouts, and I have searched for over 200 years to find it and put right what occurred on the island of Vvardenfell.

“I am not sure what you are saying my Lady? Did you not use the Star as it was intended, or did you engage another to work majic upon it that led to the corruption?” I asked her, relieved that this did not involve a Dunmer rebellion in Windhelm.

“I returned to Tel Fyr and attempted to use the Star with Divayth Fyr and his replica Orrery. My hope was to send Yagrum Bagarn back to where he had been summoned from. Alas I was unable to, and the Star was lost.” said the Priestess, her face drawn and the light in her eyes not reflecting in the fire beside us.

“I had sacrificed so much, and I wanted to find a purpose to my many Perils and believed that I could do so with Azura’s Star. Divayth Fyr also thought so as well. Another tale for you Adonato? Perhaps. My visions of Skyrim led me here and I came hoping to find the Star. I anticipated the promise of optimism when I came to the Shrine and spent time praying with Ienith, however only she has been granted visions of the Star’s whereabouts. I am still not worthy.” said the Priestess and she continued, 

“I have spent many nights here praying for a sign, a hint of where the Star might be. I now realise that Aranea Ienith will have to keep her vigil alone, while I seek out another Mage, who I trust has found the Books I have asked him to procure on my behalf. This Champion I have seen in my visions; they do remind me of the Nerevarine. Turbulent times in Skyrim are coming Adonato. It would be wise for you to stay in Windhelm. I will find you there when I return.”

The Priestess indicated that I should retire, as she needed to keep the vigil at the altar above us. She said this to me as I climbed into a bedroll in the unoccupied shelter,

“Tomorrow we shall return to Winterhold, and I suggest you get a carriage back to Windhelm with me. I will continue on to Solstheim, as I need to speak with a Telvanni who resides there. We will part ways Adonato. I thank you for your diligence thus far, and that you will be kind to me, in your forthcoming Opus.”

The Priestess was true to her word, and the next day we travelled back down to Winterhold without incident.  A carriage took us to Windhelm where thankfully no Hold Guards arrested either of us when we arrived. The Priestess Irdi Sul said her goodbyes, again reminded me that we would see each other again. She then made her way to the Windhelm docks for her journey to the island of Solstheim. I retired to my digs at Candlehearth Hall, happy to see my room had been untouched by the Inn Keeper  Elda Early-Dawn.

I don’t know what came over me at that moment, but I gathered my largest satchel, filled it with my belongings, filled my knapsack with a fresh journal, ink and quills and hurried as quick as I could down to the docks.

I arrived just as the Northern Maiden was preparing to leave. Standing at the stern of the ship was the Priestess Irdi Sul looking at me as I ran up and begged the Captain to allow me aboard.

“If you have the gold, you may have passage.” was all he said. I paid him 200 gold pieces and made my way on to the ship, and walked to the stern towards the Priestess Irdi Sul.

“Adonato, you continue to grow in my esteem. Are you coming with me to Solstheim?” the Priestess asked me, in a completely rhetorical fashion, her smile as always taking my breath away.

“Yes, my Lady, I do believe I am.” Was all I could reply.

 

 

FIN Book 1