General:Loranna's RP/The Evening Star Parade

This archival work is dedicated to Loranna Pyrel, who passed away in early 2023. Rest in peace, friend. — Rock

Book Information
Source:	Elder Scrolls Forum
Archived Link:	lorannarp.pbworks.com
Book Date:	3E 428-3E 429
Writer(s):	Ted Peterson
Publication Date:	December 2004-January 2005
Up	Loranna's RP
Prev.	Trail of Frozen Tears	Next	The Blue Dawn

Loranna's RP Campaign 7:
The Evening Star Parade

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The Evening Star Parade was the seventh campaign of the Loranna's RP series.

This page exists only to record the posts of Tedders, who was the only developer to participate in the roleplay. Not all concepts presented are original to Tedders' posts, as replies are built off of replies, and the original concepts of other roleplayers are frequently referenced in his content. For proper citation context, consult the archived forum threads.

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Sheogorath

Elysana
Age: 41
Height: 5'8"
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
Occupation: Queen of Wayrest
Notes: The daughter of the late Queen Carolyna and King Eadwyre, stepdaughter of Queen Barenziah, stepsister of King Helseth of Morrowind and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold. She won the throne of Wayrest after a bitter struggle with Helseth, an impressive feat, proving her political acumen and strength.

She has been queen for over ten years now, and has two children by her consort prince. Under her, Wayrest has expanded its territory. A cold war exists between Wayrest, Daggerfall, and Sentinel, and a much warmer one between Wayrest and Orsinium.

It is said a serpent once bit her and died. Her admirers and enemies alike routinely call her the new Wolf Queen. She is powerful and paranoid, utterly ruthless and very, very smart.

Sheogorath
Age: Banana
Height: 48000 feet (in heels)
Hair: Luscious and brown and perky
Eyes: Two, roughly parallel, and blue
Occupation: Daedra Prince of Madness and Banker
Notes: A storm usually but not always precedes the arrival of the Mad God, otherwise known as the Dam Dog. His personality veers between a charmingly eccentric uncle and a blood-spattered homicidal maniac.

Sheogorath

Wayrest, High Rock

Queen Elysana was the portrait of sweetness and light as she knelt before the statue of the dragon god of Time, Akatosh, in her private chantry in the royal palace. Akatosh had always been the patron of Wayrest, though the merchant classes who made the city and kingdom great were often more devoted to Zenithar. Elysana was praying for Akatosh's help, and her advisors knew that meant either one of two things. She needed a delay, or she needed something to happen fast.

They also knew better than to disturb her, for in her own way, she was a very devout woman.

"Would you speak with Lord Ciel who has arrived from the east?" Thryrl Castellian, spymaster and replacement for his sister, asked her when she emerged.

"Oh, yes," she said with a smile of great warmth, her eyes twinkling. "I will enjoy giving him his honors. Any other matters of interest?"

"A letter," said Lord Castellian, handing her Aricyn's letter.

She read it, smiling, her face never showing even a hint of a reaction.

"Will you be writing a reply, your majesty?"

"Yes, but not to him. I need a scribe and the fastest courier to send word to Lord Liris."

When she had finished her dictation and send the courier on his way, sweetly murmuring that he would please her if he traveled very quickly, she turned to Lord Castellian, "Now, bring Lord Ciel to me. I am ready to give him his honors for disobeying my orders."

Sheogorath

Lord Castellian reported to his queen, his head bowed low, trying to keep his blood from dripping on the marble floor.

When he looked up, he met her face, a perfect match for the marble floor. He had never known her to lose her smile before, no matter her anger.

"I have already directed a full search of the city," he said, quickly. "No shop, no hovel will be exempt from a full search. Any who offer resistance will learn the price of disloyalty."

"Blood spilled in my palace," she said, her voice steady and dull. "By someone disappearing and reappearing as if by magic. It is worse than an affront to me. It is an impossibility. My very sanctum has been invaded. My palace may be filled with spies even as we speak. I will speak to my sages, and see what might have transpired here ... I will not have a power like that present in my land without my control. It will either be brought to me, or destroyed."

She rose, and left the throne room, pausing only to say, without looking at Castellian, "Do not heal yourself until you have brought me a satisfactory report. Let your wounds fester until you have proven to me your competence."

Sheogorath

ooc: It might be a good idea when we begin the next thread for each player to start off with a brief introduction to help people follow the action. Something of the "When we last left Elysana, she was talking to her sages about the sudden" blah blah blah variety.

Obviously we can't resummarize every page, but it'd be helpful for all of us to keep track of what's going on, especially since the action is so spread out. Knowing where Aricyn is, what Loranna is doing, who Allie is with ... All that would be nice to know as we begin a new thread.

Sheogorath

The sun rose on Elysana's summer estate in the Wrothgarian Mountains. The queen, her guard, and her sages had traveled all night through treacherous, curving roads, and from there over unpaved, unmarked path to get to the secret location. It was where she retreated when feeling most paranoid, for no one but her most trusted knew of its location.

In the summer, the trees blossomed and the land had a wild beauty all its own. In Evening Star, snow blanketed the mountain, and ice sparkled from the trees boughs. It was lovely but cold, like the face of the queen.

Before they had reached the palace, she was already hearing her sages' theories.

"There are a great many possible explanations," said Agamys. "Even the best shields of dispel magicka have warps in them that may be exploited ..."

"Have you considered the possibility that it was not one lone rescuer, but a group, perhaps identically dressed, giving the illusion of a single man?" suggested Vonnod.

"There are powers that even the great mortal mage cannot prevent," said Canthorme darkly. "The hand of Oblivion. That affair with the girl who some say is Azura."

This gave Elysana pause. She had considered her many, many enemies, from Orsinium most obviously, to the other powers of the Bay, to her step-siblings in Firsthold and Morrowind, but not that. It made sense. This man Ciel under her command is sent to kill the group that includes the girl, he disobeys her orders and spares the group, she moves to kill her disobedient guard, and Azura or one of her minions reaches through the walls to save him.

It was a discomforting thought. She was a confident ruler. She would stand up to the Emperor if need be, but a Prince of Oblivion?

"Other possibilities?" she asked.

"Well ..." said Naphiticles uncertainly. "It's pretty unlikely, but –"

"If you're going to suggest what I think you are," snorted Vonnod. "Don't waste Her Majesty's time."

"I would hear what you have to say," the queen said, eyes flashing. "And then tell you if it is foolish or not."

Naphiticles told Elysana about the Void Rangers, and she listened.

Sheogorath

Queen Elysana of Wayrest was preparing to receive Lord Ciel in her audience chamber, presumably to give him honors in capturing Loranna, but, let's face it, she was transparently going to have him executed for disobeying orders and complicating her political position. Her spymaster, Lord Castellian, reported to her than Ciel had escaped with the help of an unknown man (Tris, a.k.a. Mirror) who seemed to appear and disappear in locations in the palace at will.

She also received a letter from Aricyn, suggesting that Loranna's presence in Morrowind was bound to have deleterious effects on that province, which is ruled by Elysana's hated step-brother, Helseth. She has accordingly sent new orders to Ciel's replacement, Liris, the nature of which have not been revealed.

Castellian is turning the kingdom upside down searching for Ciel and his rescuer, motivated in part by Elysana's orders that Castellian cannot visit a healer until he gives her a satisfactory report about their wherebouts.

Elysana meanwhile, understandably worried about palace security, is in her hidden fortress in the Wrothgarian Mountains, conferring with her advisors about the nature of the threat. The most reasonable explanation that has been given is that a daedra aided Ciel's escape.

But she is also learning for the first time of the existence of the Void Rangers. Whether she believes they are real has yet to be revealed. What she does with this knowledge is likewise unknown. But as one of the most powerful and tyrannical rulers in Tamriel, it won't be anything nice.

Sheogorath

The sages and Queen Elysana sat round a rough wooden table in the simple central hall of her Wrothgarian palace and talked long into the night. Their faces grew long and weary, but she refused to end the meeting until they had come to a consensus.

"We will visit the witches as you suggest," she said at last, turning to Vonnod. 'We will see the truth behind this daedra.'

'And, surely we must reconsider ... your other plan ...' said Vonnod. 'Your Majesty, that palace has been a part of Wayrest, your family the Gardner clan for millenia, since Wayrest was a tiny trading town.'

'And Akatosh knows how many spies have been watching all that time,' said Elysana, her girlish grin breaking out. 'No, I have decided it will be razed to the ground. We will build a new palace there, according to Naphiticles's plans. I will remain here until it is completed.'

Naphiticles smiled.

Sheogorath

Wayrestian Menevia, High Rock

Wayrest controlled the entirety of the eastern Iliac Bay, but to reach her goal, Queen Elysana had to pass through territory which bordered Orsinium, and was not very clearly hers or Gortwog's. It was a benefit of traveling lightly with only a few guards to defend her that she could move quickly and quietly and without incident.

The company made good time, traveling northwest of Tamborne, west of Whiteflower Garden and Lysandus's Tomb, until they reached their goal deep in the woods: Tamarilyn Coven.

The dance of the witches was feverish, chaos only barely restrained. The queen looked to her guards, but they knew better than to leer at the naked flesh before them. Elysana entered the circle and addressed the matriarch directly.

"You will have to wait 'til the 15th to seek counsel of Molag Bal," the crone replied.

"No, I will not," said Elysana. "If you want protection from orc raids and pirate attacks, you will help me tonight."

"Great lady, we also have need of funds," said the old woman after a pause. "We are a poor coven."

"Tonight," said Elysana with a nod and the sweetest of smiles.

"Look yonder, over the mountains, a thunderstorm approaches. It will be here in a few hours time. I will bring you your Daedra Prince ..."

Sheogorath

The wind howled over the treetops as the first drops of rain began to fall. Lightning flashed, casting horrible, unearthly shadows on the assembled group of witches, soldiers, and the Queen of Wayrest.

"I feel more than one Daedra Prince has interest in this affair," the crone hissed, her eyes rolled back, rocking back and forth in a trance.

Elysana felt something she hadn't felt in years. Genuine fear.

Sheogorath

Thunder explodes in the sky, and a bolt of lightning strikes a tree on the edge of the circle. Flames roar up through the branches. The witches do not pause in their ritual, but the guards and the Queen instinctively draw back.

Elysana backs right into the arms of a thin man, elegantly dressed, with wild eyes.

"And what will you do for me?" Sheogorath asks, bending down to whisper in the Queen's ear. "Anything I ask?"

"I will not make that bargain, even with you," she replied, refusing to let her terror show itself. "Tell me what you want, and I will counter."

The Dam Dog laughed.

Sheogorath

The guards drew back from the sight of their queen in the embrace of the God of Madness, and the witches were deaf to their conversation.

Sheogorath's words, whispered sweetly in Elysana's ear, were bizarre, nonsensical, like words spoken backwards, but somehow the queen seemed to understand them. She shook her head.

"I am ambitious, but I love my children. No."

More babbling like a brook running up stream.

"That is a request I will consider ... But I must ask you a question ..."

Sheogorath grinned, "No. Ask the question after ..."

As Elysana considered the request, the group noticed that the trees had a strange, slight phosphoric glow to them. All exposed flesh on the dancers, and even the faces and hands of the well-armed guards began to pulse with light in the storm.

"What is happening?" Elysanna gasped.

"Sgniht gnivil fo rewop eht," smiled Sheogorath.

Sheogorath

Elysana dared to step away from Sheogorath's embrace. The Prince looked amused.

"I have two questions," she said. "What is your price for answering them truthfully?"

Sheogorath

"I mean this with the greatest of respect," said Elysana, her voice steady, daring to meet Meridia's eyes even as rain poured down her face. "I cannot promise to buy until I know the price. I will tell you the questions, but I ask that you tell me the price before you answer -- I want to know if the woman they call Loranna is truly possessed by the Daedra Prince, your sister Azura ...

"And I want to know if she or any other Daedra Prince has designs against my kingdom of Wayrest."

Sheogorath

"She has powerful allies, and she is far across the Empire from me now. I know my guards are loyal, but they can be overcome ... as I have learned recently. A man escaped from my wrath right from my palace. The girl, if she has the same resources, might easily do the same.

"I am afraid of not being able to fulfill your contract, Prince Meridia. I can only promise you that I believe my man in Morrowind, Lord Liris, is loyal to me, and I believe he will not let Loranna go free ... Ever ..."

Sheogorath

"I will send to word this very night that Loranna is not to leave his sight," Elysanna says, "This I swear. Thank you."

Sheogorath

Elysana slept in her coach as it traveled the bumpy, treacherous road back up to her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains. She had already sent a new letter to Liris, informing him of the information she had gathered about the strange creature that called itself Loranna, and the promises she made. It was nothing to keep her promise to Meridia.

Keeping her promise to Sheogorath would be more of a trial.

But since Meridia had answered the questions she had for him, in a simple and straightforward manner than Sheogorath would never have done, she felt free to ask him for a different favor. It seemed that Azura had no designs on Wayrest then or now, but things had changed. She had not been in danger before, but she was now. She needed protection, and her only hope was to use one Daedra Prince against another.

Brokering deals was something she did every day of her reign. Finding ways to make contracts work for her was nothing new. But she knew, as proud as she was, that she had never dealt with beings such as these.

And though Elysana slept, her dreams were not sweet.

Sheogorath

There was always laughter in the maze that was Sheogorath's palace in Oblivion, but it was not always merry laughter. Now it was. He had never met anyone like the Queen of Wayrest before. Rotten to her core, and curiously, wonderfully sane.

Oh, not completely sane, of course – no one was. Her plans for the new palace in Wayrest ... that alone was enough for an hour's worth of laughter. A perfect sphere, a globe of wood and mortar and stone, with no right angles within or without, plopped down in the middle of the 'Jewel of the Bay.' It might be either beautiful or hideous, but it was quite, quite mad. The product of a paranoid mind.

Though perhaps rightfully paranoid. Perhaps Elysana's understanding of the dangers that surround her was the very mark of sanity.

Oh, Sheogorath would keep his end of the bargain. He would do for her as she asked. And as for what he asked of Elysana, that was something she could not negotiate.

Sheogorath

Update -- The Queen of Wayrest, Elysanna, has abandoned her palace and it has been razed to the ground, as she no longer thinks that it is safe from a group she has just been informed about, The Void Rangers. Currently, she is in her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains, consulting with her sages. She has already contacted two Daedra Princes, Meridia and Sheogorath, and struck deals with both. For Meridia, she has sworn that she believes her man in Morrowind, Lord Liris, is loyal, and will keep Loranna under close watch.

She is currently talking to Naphiticles, who has successfully found someone who might know something of the Void Rangers.

'Excellent news,' she said. 'I will meet with him tomorrow.'

There is a knock on her door.

'Lord Castellian, Your Majesty,' said the servant.

Though it had only been a flesh wound in his encounter with Mirror, it had festered in the days since the fight, and on Elysana's orders, Lord Castellian had not healed himself. Now he was feverish, pale, stuttering as he talked.

'We believe we have found Lord Ciel,' he said. 'Our spies, in, in Hammerfell. Even as we speak, they are closing the noose about him.'

Elysana did not smile. 'Heal yourself. If he is taken alive, bring him to me.'

Sheogorath

No sooner had Lord Castellian hobbled out of the room, than Elysana felt a warmth on her arms and face. She looked, and yes, they were glowing, ever so slightly.

'Please leave, Naphiticles,' she said to her sage. 'I will shortly have a visitor, and I wish to talk to her alone.'

Sheogorath

"Something about Loranna, I would imagine, Prince Meridia?" said Elysana. "I trust you know something new?"

Sheogorath

"I am terribly sorry to have given offense," said Queen Elysana, her eyes open wide. "I doubt my latest letter with my specific instructions have even reached Lord Liris. Even by magical means, it is impossible for we mortals to cross Tamriel in less than two days' time, and it was only yesterday we struck our deal ...

"It is the difficulty of time and space which for we mortals is a barrier you Daedra do not face, My Lady. I swear to you I have no intention of dishonoring our deal.

"Can you tell me what your agent has seen? Has Liris actually released Loranna?"

Should Meridia wish to read Elysana's thoughts, she is fearful in Meridia's presense, but she truly does not think her letter has arrived in Gnisis, and she still believes Liris to be loyal to her.

Sheogorath

Elysana hastily adds, "I hope to be better informed in the very near future. The situation in Gnisis is only one of many I am trying to control at a distance. I hope to have eyes there soon, as well as investigating a matter in Hammerfell with a treacherous former soldier of mine ... Trust me, this is a matter I take very seriously."

Sheogorath

As Meridia faded from the room like a ghost, Queen Elysana suddenly bolted from the table, and vomited. For a moment, she thought she was going to faint, but then she heard the knocking at the door.

"Your Majesty?" It was Naphiticles. "Are you well?"

"One moment," said Elysana, more weakly than she wanted. She straightened herself up, tightening the belt around her waist, and concentrated again on assuming her icy, confident demeanor. Perhaps it was understandable for mortals to be overwhelmed while making deals with Daedra Princes, but she was not given to showing any weakness.

"Enter," she said at last. On seeing the sage, she smiled. "An expected visitor arrived early. I hope the meeting was satisfactory, but she is not very patient. Something we apparently have in common. Has the Ranger arrived?"

"Not yet," said Naphiticles.

Sheogorath

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, sits in her audience chamber, talking to Naphiticles, one of her sages, who has told her about the Void Rangers, and promised her a meeting with one. She is not a patient woman, waiting, but other things have kept her busy.

She is going over plans for her new palace in Wayrest, which will take years to construct. She is also awaiting word of the (unbeknownst to her unsuccessful) attempt to capture Lord Ciel in Hammerfell. And she has received a visitation from Meridia, one of the two Daedra Princes she has made deals with. Meridia is concerened over Loranna's abundant freedom, something that Elysana assured the Prince that Loranna would not have. She has assuaged the anger of Meridia, saying that Liris is loyal and when he receives the latest letter, he will know his orders. If Liris isn't loyal, there will be great trouble.

"This Void Ranger you know," Elysana said, smiling at Naphiticles in a way he knew registered her displeasure, as she poured herself a glass of wine. "Where is he?"

"She, actually, Your Majesty," said the sage. "She is coming. She will be here soon."

"What is her name?"

"Bosriel," said Naphiticles.

"That name sounds familiar," said Elysana thoughtfully, and then returned to her plans. "Well, show her in when she arrives."

"That won't be necessary," said the sage. "She's here."

Elysana looked up, but she and Naphiticles were still alone in the chamber. Before she could speak, she felt the gentle touch of a small hand on her back. The Queen spun around, knocking over her wine glass. Still, there was no one there.

"Where is she?" Elysana demanded. "Is she invisible?"

Naphiticles shook his head, and pointed to the spilled wine. The liquid shivered and pooled into the words "BEHIND THE WALLS."

Sheogorath

"Show yourself," said Elysana calmly. "I wish to speak, not witness your tricks."

"She cannot," said Naphiticles. "She cannot live outside of the Void."

"Is she ... human?" asked Elysana.

The wine bubbled and ran to form the words. "DUNMER."

"She can move small things with great precision in our world to communicate with us," said the sage. "As you can see."

A thought horrified Elysana, though she did not let it show on her face. It was the feeling of the small hand. "She is a little girl. A child?"

"Yes and no," said Naphiticles. "She is thousands of years old, but she entered the Void as a child, and never aged. Some call her a Void Vampire."

"A vampire?" said Elysana, trying to repress a shiver. "How does she get blood?"

The wine told no answer.

"I wouldn't advise standing too close to a stairwell or where walls meet when she is around," said Naphiticles. "She is voracious. And Arkay protect any Rangers she meets in the Void ... or not ..."

"You will swear loyalty to me?" asked Elysana.

"YES."

"What do you want in return?"

"FREEDOM."

Naphiticles explained to the Queen what Bosriel, the Void Vampire, needed. It would not be easy, and it would not be cheap. But Elysana knew value when she saw it.

"You cannot be everywhere at every time to report to me," said Elysana. "I will need other eyes. Do you know someone else whose loyalty I can buy?"

The wine formed the word: "LESETH."

Sheogorath

Elysana, her sage Naphiticles, and a host of soldiers began the ride down the mountain directly west to the land of Alcaire, another of Wayrest's conquests in the Iliac Bay.

Though she was traveling in her own kingdom, Elysana could not help but feel a chill, for she knew that walking the Void nearby, watching them, was the girl, the Void Vampire, Bosriel, watching them.

Sheogorath

Wayrestian Alcaire, High Rock

'No one goes near the house,' said Naphiticles, as they dropped from their horses, and walked past the Temple Of Dibella, into the shadow of the city wall. 'The locals think it's haunted.'

Elysana nodded and said nothing. The house looked perfectly ordinary enough. A little decrepit, run-down, but not so sinister.

On the snowy ground, the words 'ENTER' melted through, as if drawn by an unseen child's finger. The Queen drew her fur cloak around her closer.

At Elysana's nod, one of her soldiers opened the door. It was dark inside as they all entered.

'Her Majesty, your Queen commands the presence of the man called Leseth,' Naphiticles called into the gloom. His strong voice seemed to hang in the air and fall dead. It was a large room they were entering, but there was no echo.

And no furniture. It was barren, but for the undisturbed dust that hung in the air but refused to settle.

'No one lives here,' said Elysana, shaking her head. 'You have the wrong house, fool.'

'Look up,' one of the guards gasped.

Sheogorath

'Leseth,' a little girl's voice says from the blackness above. 'I told them to come to you.'

Elysana's guard had already stepped forward, as if to put a blade between the hideous black orc and the Queen.

'You do not talk so to your sovereign, the Queen of Wayrest and Alcaire,' the closest guard said. 'On your knees, brute, and beg her forgiveness.'

Elysana opened her mouth to speak, but smiled instead. She wondered what kind of a man this Leseth was.

Sheogorath

Alcaire

'I have need of a man such as you,' Elysana nodded. 'I need people to protect my interests, to guard me against incursions from others like you who can travel through the Void. To act as eyes and ears in places and distances my spies cannot take. To kill my enemies if need be. The girl Bosriel and I have spoken, and I have agreed to her price. She seemed to think you might be agreeable to an arrangement as well. It is a valuable service you would be performing for me, and I would hear your price.'

Sheogorath

Alcaire

Elysana's face was still for a moment, and then she burst into laughter, which was sweet, not at all mocking. 'You think I don't know monsters? There are many people who would say I am one. I am sorry, good sir, but if you think I am a meek and frightened woman, your powers of observation are not among your strongest qualities. I do not seek a friend, I seek a worker. I can grant you whatever you wish, but it will be a payment for services rendered.'

Sheogorath

Alcaire

'Please, Leseth,' Bosriel called from the darkness above. For a moment, all below could see her, floating in the nothingness, like a doll in a dark ocean. Long dark hair, white ashen skin, eyes of pure fire, the blood of Elysana's guard on her lips. 'I am afraid I will not be able to do it alone. Until she has freed me, will you help?'

Sheogorath

A Dark House in Alcaire

Naphiticles drops to his knees in front of his Queen. He grasps her right hand, and weeps in terror.

'You have been right when my other sages were wrong,' she said, stroking his face with her other hand. 'When they said an army of men had invaded my palace, or I had offended the daedra Azura, you told me of the Void. You advised me on the construction of my new palace, showing me how to create a sanctuary which the Void Rangers could not enter. You found this extraordinary girl, this Bosriel for me. I am grateful for your service and your wisdom.'

She pulled her hands away from him, and Naphiticles collapses to the floor, sobbing.

'You have one thing left to offer me,' she said, a smile of an angel on her face. She turns to Leseth. 'He's yours.'

Sheogorath

A Dark House in Alcaire

'Most satisfactory,' Elysana thought.

She looked to her guards, some of whom were staring at the floor, white-faced, jaws agape. When they saw her look their way, each one straightened up, freezing their faces into masks of professional disinterest.

'Bosriel, Leseth,' Elysana called to the Void. 'I must know what transpired in Hammerfell, in the inn in Rihad where my men went to apprehend Lord Ciel. If they did not find him, or let him get away, I would have him found. Him, and the man who helped him escape from me. You do not need to capture or kill them ... yet ... I would first wish information on who he is, and whether he is working alone or with others.'

With that, the Queen of Wayrest and her men left the haunted house of the void, and began their way back to her palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Where we last left the Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, she had just made her fourth contract with a powerful ally in a few days' time, in a dark house in Alcaire, with a ceiling that opens to the Void.

The first was with the Daedra Prince Meridia. In return for knowledge about Loranna, the truth about her connection with Azura, and the knowledge that she has no designs against Wayrest, Elysana agreed to order her seemingly loyal man Lord Liris to keep Loranna under his watchful eye and not to release her. The letter to this effect has only now arrived in Gnisis, and Elysana does not yet know of Liris's epiphany in the Temple.

The second was with the Daedra Prince Sheogorath. The details of this contract are not known.

The third was with a little girl named Bosriel, a Void Vampire who cannot leave The Land Between, but who can devour any who pass staircases, the juncture of walls, or anywhere else that is a connection to the Void. She can also move small things with great precision telekinetically to communicate with the world outside. In return for being Elysana's spy and assassin, the Queen has promised to construct something – the details of which are unknown – to free Bosriel from her 'prison.'

The fourth and latest was with Leseth, a monstrous dark orc and Void Ranger. The Queen gave to him her trusted advisor Naphiticles, who he said knew too much about the Void. Leseth has sworn allegiance to Elysana, and together with Bosriel they have been ordered to go to Hammerfell. At an inn there, Elysana's men were closing in on her former knight Lord Ciel, and she does not know what transpired. They will shortly discover that Ciel and his allies killed the men, and escaped. Leseth and Bosriel are expected to find them, and tell their queen their wherebouts and who their allies are, so Elysana can plan her revenge.

And now the Queen is sleeping in her hidden palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains. Though her appearance is of an icy, cruel, and calculating sovereign, the things that she has seen trouble a part of her that she barely knows exists. She has nightmares.

Sheogorath

Elysana's dreams increased in their horror. Of all the contracts, of all the deals that she had struck, the one that troubled her most was the one with Sheogorath. Would it destroy her, or give her more power than she had dreamed of?

All the while, she felt she could hear footsteps between the walls, people watching her, always ... waiting ...

She woke up with a start, and seing the girl in the dark, her first thought was, 'Bosriel!'

Then she awoke more completely, and knew who it was.

'My Lady Meridia,' the Queen says. 'There is news?'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

'It may be a trick to gain her confidence,' said Elysana to the Prince. 'I now have agents who can move without the limitations of time and space, who can report what they see. But if I have lost the loyalty of Liris, then I assure you, whether I had a contract with you or not, he will die.'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana sat in her bed, staring into the gloom, unable to sleep. Had she made a miscalculation? It was possible. She always had plans, and contingency plans, but she did not have the information yet to know if the time was right. She had promised Liris much for his loyalty, but had Loranna promised him more? Was it possible that he had a true religious conversion, or was it merely politically expedient to pretend to have one?

She had spoken the truth to Meridia – if Liris failed her, or faltered in his loyalty, he would die, as surely as Lord Ciel would, or perhaps already had.

Soon the Queen would hear from Leseth and Bosriel, and know whether to send them to Morrowind or elsewhere in pursuit of Lord Ciel.

Sheogorath

Ooc – For FireMaster

I think this is worth stating for people moving through southern High Rock and northern Hammerfell. Things are different in the Iliac Bay since the days of Daggerfall. Daggerfall, Wayrest, Sentinel, and Orsinium have been busy, and there are few small kingdoms left.

Use this map as reference -- http://www.jceason.dircon.co.uk/dagger/dfgprov.htm

Daggerfall controls south-western High Rock – the former independent lands of Tulune, Glenumbria Moors, Glenpoint, Ilessan Hills, and Shalgora. They retain their old names, but are referred to as Daggerfallian Tulune, et cetera.

Anticlere is a buffer between Daggerfall's land and Wayrest's.

Wayrest controls Dwynnen, Bhoriane, Koegria, Alcaire, and parts of Menevia, Gavaudon, and the Wrothgarian Mountains.

Orsinium has consumed Mournoth, Menevia, and huge portions of the Wrothgarian Mountains, as well as the inland parts of Gauvadon and Menevia.

Sentinel controls all coastal Hammerfell west of the Dragontail Mountains.

Sheogorath

ooc: No problem. Expect to be searched when you enter Wayrestian territory though. The Queen is very paranoid about strangers lately ...

Sheogorath

Outside, there is the rumble of distant thunder.

Sheogorath

Dark clouds on the horizon.

In the cave, something stirs. Foot-long claws crack the stone walls.

It rises, smelling food outside its lair.

Sheogorath

Lumbering towards the entrance of the cave, the creature moves slowly, stooped over, its back grinding along the rough ceiling of the cavern ...

Its eyes are golden, as are its jagged teeth, and its wild, tangled hair. Black barbs run up and down its arms and legs, like spines. It is humanoid, but enormous and misshapen, dripping with dust and slime, its growl deep. It would be twenty feet tall if it stands, but now it crawls towards the light and the storm and the smell of blood.

Lightning flashes over the hills, and the wind begins to howl to match the creature's growling.

Sheogorath

Two joints on the sides of the creature's jaw unhinge, and the bottom half of its mouth dropped down four feet. There was no intelligence behind its blank eyes and it focused on its prey – the khajiit.

Moving with a speed that belied its size, it swallowed Celezar whole.

Sheogorath

The creature's jaw snapped shut, and its gullet showed the shape of the struggling Celezar for just a few seconds while it chewed, and the acid dissolved the meal. The shape shrunk and ceased to struggle.

The beast turned towards Dane, claws outstretched like twelve swords.

It began to rain.

Sheogorath

The creature bounds at Dane, fast, its feet shaking the ground, claws cocked back to eviscerate its next meal.

Sheogorath

The rain is falling faster, water running in rivulets all over the ground, like open wounds.

The creature opens his jaw, and spews forth a spray of acid and dried chunks of its last meal, showering it in Dane's eyes, blinding him, as its claws rake across his chest, deep.

Sheogorath

The creature's jaws unhinged and attempted to swallow Dane whole, but he was struggling too hard. They clamped tight on his arms, letting the acid dribble down their length, splashing on Dean's face and chest.

The fireball makes it release its prey momentarily, more surprised by it than hurt.

Sheogorath

The daggers crumple against the creature's hide, dropping to the ground, as it snaps at its prey, Dane, who manages to roll out of the way of the monstrous jaws.

Sheogorath

The electricity does not bother the creature at all, but its eyes shift from Dane, who close as he is, is still hard to catch, to Zaldaar. The next meal after this, it seems to be thinking, and then turns its attention back to the struggling beast beneath it.

Sheogorath

The creature reared up to its full height, dwarfing any tree or human built structure for miles around. Its spines bristle up, glistening with poison.

Suddenly, it vomits a jumble of mummified bones and skin which might vaguely look like Celezar if he were compacted to a few feet long. It rockets forth, striking Dane in the head with a solid, bone-breaking crack.

Sheogorath

The creature falls back with a deafening crash, and then shakes itself, rolling to its feet again.

Sheogorath

The creature roars in anger and pain. Spines fly from its body in every direction. Anyone who is hit by one is instantly paralyzed.

Sheogorath

The sword knocked the creature back, as it sprays acid into Aricyn's face.

Sheogorath

The creature narrowed its eyes and rushed at the girl, its jaw dropping wide, claws swinging back, hissing through the air and rain.

Before anyone can react, it devours Loranna in a single gulp.

Sheogorath

The storm becomes nothing more than a light, gentle rain. Barely more than mist.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, with a wave of her hand, sent the architects away. The foundation of the new palace had been laid. Artisans were gathering from around the kingdom to begin construction on the Dome of Wayrest.

Lord Castellian had died, despite the ministrations of the healers. It was a pity, but he might have moved faster to find Lord Ciel. He was not an effective spymaster, clearly. There was another Castellian – a young lad named Ryvan, who would replace his brother ... and his sister who had come before. She had already sent for him.

Now, where were Leseth and Bosriel with their report from Hammerfell? It maddened the Queen that she wouldn't know if the Void walkers were miles away or in the room with her.

When she heard the creak on the floorboards, she thought it might be them.

But when she turned, it was Sheogorath.

"My sweet Queen," he said, walking slowly towards her. "I've come to collect the first part of our bargain."

Elysana screamed and her world turned to darkness.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Vonnod barred the door, locking the Queen in her study.

Within, he could hear her laughing, weeping, and singing, as she threw chairs at the door.

A voice that could have been Elysana's when she was but a child sang:

But fancy a dally or dilly
In a land that's quite hilly
Wearing underclothes frilly
You're just gilding the lily
And it's so rudely cyrodilly

Sheogorath

(In the Void just outside the inn in Hammerfell)

Leseth could feel the hand on his arm, though no one was there. She was between the walls. The little girl with lank black hair floating in a sea of nothingness, the Void Vampire Bosriel.

The dust in the air seemed to form words just for Leseth's eyes and then disappear.

'I smell blood in the Void. Not very recent, but within a few days. Someone passed through here, and he or she was injured.'

Within the Void, at but a gesture, tiny red droplets rose from below where they had been endlessly falling. She touched them, and licked her fingers.

'A young man,' she said, closing her eyes, biting her lips in an ecstasy of hunger. 'I will know him when I see him.'

Sheogorath

Casketmaker's, Somewhere in Hammerfell

Coins dropped from the casketmaker's pocket noisily to the floor. He froze, petrified that he'd been heard, but there was silence from the other room. Keeping his eye on the door, he quietly picked up the coins, one by one. The last one had rolled into a corner of the room.

As he bent to retrieve it, he felt his arm go numb. The skin paled in a wave from his hand to his face, as his veins and arteries burst, a stream of crimson pouring out, in a straight line into the corner of the room. He could hear, or he thought he could hear, a sweet, lady-like sipping sound from the shadows behind. He pulled back, as best as he could but he was held as if by a vise. He tried to scream, but nothing more than a piteous groan escaped his lips as he collapsed to the floor.

Bosriel paused while drinking to answer Leseth, 'Yes, let us tell the Queen everything. I want her to be pleased with me.'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Ryvad Castellian waited in a small, undecorated antechamber in the Queen of Wayrest's hidden mountain palace. The atmosphere in the place was hushed, the servants looking at him and one another with frightened eyes, the keepers of secrets. They were cleaning up a room that he couldn't enter, but he could see through the half-opened door that the place had been torn apart. All the furniture was in tatters, and the walls were scored with scratch marks. What wild animal had been in there lately?

At last, the Queen was ready to see him. He was escorted to an outside courtyard, blanked it in snow. The Queen was bundled in fur, held steady by her sage Vonnod. Her eyes were circled in black and unfocused as if she hadn't slept.

"Pardon me for meeting you outside, sir. I needed some fresh air."

"Are you ill, Your Majesty?" he asked, bowing.

Elysana laughed weakly. "You are not going to flatter my beauty? That's an excellent start. Let me begin by saying that you have my condolences for the death of your brother ..."

"I thank you, Your Majesty," said the young man. "But I did not much care for him. He was arrogant and ineffective. I hope to someday give you an opportunity to prove myself as your chief spymaster."

"The opportunity is now," smiled the Queen.

Sheogorath

"Remember Celezar," said the statue in a tiny little voice. "Let Celezar do all the talking. He is the master of speechcraft and persuasion."

Sheogorath

Where we last left Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest was in her hidden palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains, talking to Lord Ryvad Castellian. He is the third and youngest of the Castellian siblings to become Elysana's spymaster in a very short time (his sister was killed in the fight in the inn in the Noble Seamstress RP, his brother died after sustaining injuries in Ciel's escape for which Elysana refused to let him be healed).

Elysana does not look well herself. She had an episode of madness last night, tearing apart her audience chamber after a visitation from Sheogorath, one of the Daedra Princes she has made a contract with. Her councilors and servants are keeping this secret, for obvious reasons.

Her Void Ranger spies Leseth and Bosriel are en route back from Hammerfell, having investigated the cause of Ciel's second escape from Elysana's wrath ...

Sheogorath

Sheogorath, appearing as a small fluffy cloud, puffily rolled his eyes, "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's people who don't give straight answers."

He hitched a ride on a Cliff Racer, and drifted towards Balmora to see how Celezar was proceeding.

Sheogorath

Sheogorath drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and stops for a glass of wine and a pipe and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and drops and ...

Crashes to the ground with a bone-snapping crack. Dead.

Sheogorath

ooc: Sorry, no, that didn't happen. We must rewind.

Sheogorath lay still in the ground, blood trickling from his mouth, dead eyes staring up, his neck broken.

At Dar'Var's approach, he grabs him and kisses him, and then drops back for his heart-wrenching self Requiem:

Oh, Azura, Azura, the dust and the dawn,
My guts fill with worms, my body their pawn,
Oh, death cometh to stop my immortal dance,
Alas, alackaday, and, aye, what an annoyance
But weep for me not, we soon will laugh and laugh hearty
Don't dawdle, in the stone wood to the Ear-Clipper's party

With that, he dies (again), and disintegrates rather nastily, devoured by worms.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

"You have much work to do," said the Queen of Wayrest to her new spymaster, Ryvad Castellian. "There are hundreds of spies in my kingdom alone, and then there are those in the lands beyond, who will be sending their reports to you now. You must return to the city, and learn your job."

"I know you expect nothing short of excellence," said the young man. "And you will get it."

Elysana gave him a tired smile. "Now leave me. You too, Vonnod. I would be alone."

The stone benches in the courtyard had been wiped clean of snow, but they were cold. She shivered as she looked at the frozen fountain. There were frogs and fish in there during the summer, but in the winter, they buried themselves in the mud, and slept. She was jealous of them. If only she could sleep during times of death and madness as well ...

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, Wayrest

Elysana got up from her seat. She had been there for hours, refusing to talk to anyone, trying to get her mind sorted out. It was a difficult thing, even for a Queen as strong-willed as she, to go from being a raving lunatic to a woman of strong reason. She worried that she had not interviewed her new spymaster as assiduously as she ought.

As she reached the door to go back inside, her breath fogged the the glass of the window, and formed words:

YOUR MAJESTY, WE

Elysana stood back, surprised. She took another breath, and fogged the window again.

HAVE RETURNED

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, Wayrest

The Queen of Wayrest held strong. Her eyes were still dark-circled and haunted, but she smiled with all the sweetness of a young princess.

"I don't suppose I could, or even should, ask you to announce yourself to my seneschal before you arrive," she said. "I know it is what I hired you for, this ability to move yourself about undetected, but I must admit, it's not what I'm used to.

"What do you know of this void-walker?"

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana smiled, 'No, I am running on a third of the number of servants than I am used to already. I only took forty-three of the most trusted here to attend while the new palace is being completed.'

'You have forty-two left,' said Bosriel, to no one in particular, wiping the blood from her lips. It was a clumsy maid, unlikely to be missed.

'So, no need to announce yourself,' said Elysana. 'In fact, I have a new spymaster, Ryvad Castellian, but I haven't told him about you yet, since I know how you don't like people to know about the Void.'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

'Who does this Mirror work for,' the Queen asked. 'Who would want to protect a useless, feckless knight like Lord Ciel?'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

'No,' said Elysana. 'I do not go after minnows. I want to know what spawned him. Does he work for Orsinium, or Daggerfall, or my stepsiblings in Firsthold and Morrowind? Is he a freelancer? Before you kill him – which I will ask of you, soon – I want to know, who will come after him? Who am I fighting in this war?'

Sheogorath

'Do not tease her,' said Bosriel whispering to Leseth from the void, her voice that of a young girl, even if her eyes told a different story. 'You know what she's asking. She wants to know if killing Mirror will solve her problem. She wants to know about Mirror's associates.'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

'You better be right,' said the Queen of Wayrest. 'If there is some way of torturing him in the Void, you should do so to see what he knows and whom he has talked to. See that no one else, no other void-walker particularly, thinks that he can enter my palaces and decide justice here besides me. If possible, I would interrogate him myself. But, yes, either capture or kill this Mirror ... and Lord Ciel as well ...'

Elysana sat back down upon the stone bench, 'But, first, I have another thing that must be done. In Morrowind, which is far from me, but close for you.'

Elysana told them what must be done about Lord Liris.

Sheogorath

The Void

'I do pity her, but I would never tell her that,' said Bosriel, accepting Leseth's affection gratefully. 'I thought it would be nice if I killed her when she frees me, but ... I doubt even death will make that woman happy.

'Let us go on to Morrowind. I'm hungry.'

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel cannot take the touch for too long. She pushes Leseth gently away, as if she is shy, but her eyes tell a different story.

'I cannot be too close to a warm blooded creature for too long,' she says, almost as an apology, but, really, not quite. 'I don't know why I am always hungry. I don't know how many people I have killed over a thousand years of constant hunger ... Every day, I wish that I had never ... when the Montalion ... Well, it doesn't matter.'

Bosriel laughs, trying to cheer herself up, but it sounds hollow in the void.

Sheogorath

The streets of Balmora smelled of spices and grilling meat. The townfolk gathered in wonder, watching wagonload after wagonload of foodstuff carting through to the Hlaluu stronghold. The finest cooks of Vvardenfell came from Vivec, from Caldera, from Ald'ruhn, to prepare this feast for the King of Morrowind.

They did not know when he would be arriving, but it would be soon, and there was so much to do.

Sheogorath

In the Void, he sees a little girl with dark, unruly hair, and blazing red eyes, who smiles at him sweetly.

"Hello," says Bosriel.

She floated closer to him.

"What's your name?"

Sheogorath

"What's your name?" the girl repeats, floating closer, and Arynel cannot look away from her eyes.

He does not want to move.

Sheogorath

"You're beautiful."

The girl was feeding on him before he even knew what was happening. It was ecstasy, feeling death come upon him. Dimly, he could see her last victim, a guard of Liris's, floating in the void behind her.

Suddenly, it was over.

She was gone. He was alone.

Sheogorath

Wayrest, High Rock

When the palace in Wayrest was torn down, it was a destruction not only of the Queen's home, but of her administrative offices as well. Her treasury and bureaucracy had to find new and secure lodgings all over the city.

The new home of the spymaster was in a poor section of the city, beneath a block of shops, in a secret dungeon they called the Oubliettes. The prisoners there were awaiting trial, some of them for many years, but Elysana simply had them all executed. Its clandestine location suited Ryvad Castellian very well. It was impossible to penetrate even if one knew its location, which no one did. Anyone could come and go out of the offices, through trap doors and false walls in the alleyway, and no one would be the wiser.

It had not taken Ryvad long to go through most of the records, for as exhaustive as they were, they were very well organized. And he had discovered something that his liege would need to know, about a spy in the court named Tirin. Castellian immediately began the letter.

Sheogorath

A Dunmer lad tending his herd on the outskirts of the town was the first to see them. He ran through the town as fast he could, banging on doors and windows, "Get up! Get out in the streets! They're coming, we must welcome them to Balmora!"

Sheogorath

The lad disappeared around a corner in front of the Hlaalu Manor House and when he had emerged, he was no longer a boy, but an Ordinator Guard. He knocked heavily on the door.

"The king has not yet arrived," he said formally, and then paused. "But his honored guests are here."

Sheogorath

The highest point in Balmora was the Silt Strider station which was filled far beyond capacity with a cheering crowd. When they saw the procession, they roared and applauded.

"I don't see the King," one woman in the group whispered to another. "Do you?"

"Yes! Isn't that him there?" her friend answered, pointing to no one in particular.

"Oh yes!" the woman applauded, looking around and seeing that everyone else must have seen him as well. "He's so handsome! Huzzah!"

Sheogorath

"Yes!" cried a drunken man, hearing Teleran, and ceased his cries for his sovereign "King Helen." "Lornaura! Long live Lorggura!"

Sheogorath

"It is the King and the Goddess!" cried a woman kneeling on the ground, almost unable to breathe from excitement.

"Have you heard?" a man cried as he ran past. "King Helseth intends to marry the Goddess incarnate, and together conquer all of Tamriel!"

Sheogorath

'Ooh, it's an orgy,' cried one of the women on the silt strider ramp joyfully. 'Hoorah!'

'No, it's not an orgy,' said her friend. 'You always think it's an orgy. It's just a couple men tussling.'

'Oh,' she said, disappointed and then cheered up. 'Well, a fight is pretty good too! Hoorah!"

Sheogorath

Nileno Dorvayn stepped out of the front steps of the Hlaalu Manor House, noting the twin pyramids of sweetbuns looked stable (finally!) and together with his men began the march through town to greet the King's noble guests.

Sheogorath

Nileno Dorvayn strode toward the procession, all smiles, while she tried to understand who it was she was greeting.

"There is a woman who seems to be the center of it all," said her chief advisor, trying to keep up with her.

"Ah, the dowager queen Barenziah," Nileno nodded. "I will address her as 'Glorious Queen and Mother of Kings ...'"

"No, it is not Barenziah, unless she has bleached her skin and is with child ..."

Nileno couldn't help but grimace in frustration before turning it back to a smile. "I will address her as 'Glorious Lady and ...' what?"

"'Mother-to-be?'"

"'Great Mother,'" Nileno nodded. "Well, every mother wants to hear that."

Sheogorath

"Glorious Lady and Great Mother!" cried Nileno Dorvayn at the sight of Loranna and her retinue, bowing humbly. "Your visit brings honor to Balmora! We are at your disposal and have a feast which we hope and pray will please you, and our other honored guests!"

Sheogorath

"Then let us feast!" cries Nileno, and the crowd roars. Even if they are all not going to the feast, food is being prepared all over the town, making it a wide celebration.

The group is escorted to the Hlaalu stronghold on the far (western?) side of town.

Sheogorath

The leader of House Hlaalu in Balmora, Nileno looked over the crowd, trying to keep her smiling from becoming uneasy. This did not look like the kind of retinue who would travel with the King of Mournhold. These looked like rabble.

"Anything you need, My Lady," she said to Loranna, banishing such snobbery from her mind. "You need only ask and it will be provided. You must excuse me, though, I have to make certain all is going smoothly with the servants."

Sheogorath

"It is so much better to have a good meal," said an Ordinator guard next to Loranna in a voice only she could hear, the voice of Sheogorath. "Than to be one. You have had occasion to experience both of these in the last couple of days. You may be Queen of this cursed land yet."

Sheogorath

"It should have been easy," said Bosriel quietly. "I was worried you were more hurt than you were. I almost didn't see you in time ... I was feeding ... I'm sorry ..."

Sheogorath

"You ponder too much, my dear," said the Guard, raising his mask to give her a wink with one mad eye, before disappearing into the crowd.

Sheogorath

Bosriel nodded, looking like a good, if solemn, little girl. "He was beautiful, and even more beautiful when he was afraid ... Arynel ... But I still did it because I was afraid for you than out of hunger ..."

"Should we visit Liris again, or search out Lord Ciel?"

Sheogorath

Bosriel nodded, and dark hair flowing behind her, she followed him into the darkness. She would need to feed again soon. If only she could hunt the beautiful man again, but she did not want Leseth to be displeased with her.

She sent out a telekinetic touch across space, brushing Arynel's face gently.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana lay in bed, reading the correspondence from her new spymaster, Ryvad Castellian. The lad was efficient. She still felt tired and ill, but hopefully tomorrow she would have her strength back.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen jumped, but, in truth, she was not surprised by this visitation.

"Yes, My Lady," she said. "I know why you're here. For once, I do not think you bring me news that I have not already heard."

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest felt faint, but she looked the Daedra Prince steadily in the eyes. "With all humility, my Lady, if you have forgotten exactly what our contract was, I can restate it for you, and you will understand that I have not fallen on my promise."

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana nodded solemnly, but the look in her dark circled eyes was not at all foolish. There was, however, still a spark of madness.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Elysana shuddered as the Prince disappeared. Slowly, the glow melted away from the flesh of the potted plant and her own skin.

"She's right," the Queen of Wayrest said to herself in the darkness. "One shouldn't make contracts with people one can't assassinate."

She sank into her bed and slept, surrounded by the clutter of papers from her spymaster.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, flung her bedsheets to the side and rang for her servants. They were still frightened, expecting the most maniacal of madnesses, but instead she gave them something that was merely mildly crazy.

'Pack,' she said. 'I would travel tomorrow.'

'For how long would you be gone?' her maid Yrgnella asks.

'A couple weeks,' said the Queen. 'I will be visiting Morrowind.'

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock.

"Where did you find it, girl?" the Queen asked, shocked by how soft her own voice sounded. Almost girlish.

It angered Elysana, this weakness, and she snatched the note and the letter out of the maid's hands. "Go back to packing. Leave me."

When the maid left, the Queen put the necklace on and looked at herself in the mirror. She hadn't realized before then that there were tears in her eyes.

Sheogorath

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Mirror's assessment is somewhat altered when the Queen of Wayrest angrily throws a vase into the mirror, shattering it.

Sheogorath

Bosriel smiled and licked her lips, which were suddenly as red as her eyes. "You've never seen me before, but I know you completely. It sounds like the Mirror has broken. Want to play?"

Sheogorath

The Void.

Bosriel remained silent, and did not come closer to Mirror, but moved in a circle around him, her eyes never leaving his, her dark hair floating about her as if she were suspended in water. Her face was still, but there was hunger in her eyes.

Sheogorath

The Void.

The concentric circles of Bosriel's rotation about Mirror were becoming tighter. She was perceptibly closer each turn. He could field a child's fingers running through his hair, pulling at his shirt.

Reacting to a touch, he had turned around, and when he turned back, she was face to face with him, an angelic smile on her dark red lips.

"Leseth says you have been a bad, bad boy."

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel's sweet smile widened, and now Mirror could see the fangs.

"Look at me for a little while, and you won't feel any pain."

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel floated towards the two, shaking her head as if in sadness, but still smiling brightly. "Time to play."

Sheogorath

The Void

Mirror felt cold breath on the back of his neck, and then something sharp dug into his shoulder. Bosriel had lied. There was some numbness, but there was plenty of pain as well.

Sheogorath

Nileno Doravyn walked up the stairs to the uppermost tower of the Hlaalu Manor where she had a sentry planted. She crept carefully to catch him if he was asleep, but he wasn't. And he had company, one of the men who had accompanied Loranna was with him. She didn't know which one, they all looked equally scruffy to her.

"No sign of King Helseth still?" she asked, no longer hiding her irritation. The party had been expensive, and if the King was not coming, it bothered her that she was only entertaining his friends.

The sentry shook his head.

She stomped back down the stairs. It had come to the point where she would have to hire a scout, to see where the King was.

Sheogorath

A young Breton, former soldier of Wayrest, now pledged to Loranna, approaches the group. He says nothing, merely waits for a moment to speak with Lord Liris.

Sheogorath

"Sir," said the Breton. "The crowd outside has grown even larger. And they're not just Dunmer ... Altmer, Argonians, Khajiit, even Bretons like us ... They are being peaceable enough, so far, but I thought you should know."

The young man paused and then added, "And also this too. The lady of this House has sent out a courier to find the King."

Sheogorath

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil

The Queen of Wayrest's small fleet of ships moved swiftly down the Corbolo steadily eastward towards Morrowind. They were not her grandest vessels, built as they were for river travel not war, but they impressed the simple peasants and fishermen they passed. Elysana was not their queen, but they knew the reputation that came with the red rose banner, and they murmured amongst themselves, wondering what business she had so far from her land.

"Your Majesty," said her sage Vonnod. "We need to stop for food and supplies."

"Make it quick," said Elysana, touching her necklace as she stepped below deck. "Time is not our ally."

Vonnod bade the captain to stop at the first village of any note along the route, and in a few hours' time, the fleet anchored.

Sheogorath

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil

Elysana started at the sound of Leseth's voice, but she didn't let her face show any surprise as she turned around to face him.

"Is the gift breathing?" she asked simply with a smile.

Sheogorath

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil – The Queen's Ship

The Queen of Wayrest had a strong stomach for gore. She looked at the gifts carefully and then smiled.

"Death for New Life. What a delightful gift," she said sweetly.

The thick glass windows clouded with condensation by invisible breath. Slowly the words formed as if drawn by a child's finger.

NOW

MY

FREEDOM

"You must have patience, Bosriel," said the Queen. "I have begun construction on the shrine that you need in the Wrothgarian Mountains. You have investigated whether the owners of these body parts had any allies, other spies?"

Sheogorath

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil – The Queen's Ship

"I am a mother, and I know how children are," the Queen said. "But children who ask the near-impossible must be patient, and be good as they can be for a little while longer. I am going to the court of my step-brother Helseth, but before I do, I require information. I mut know what is happening with the cult of Azura in his kingdom, and then I must know what he intends to do about it."

Sheogorath

A golden bird fluttered onto the window sill and began singing.

It was said that the first bird of New Life answered prayers.

Sheogorath

Nibenay Basin, Cyrodiil – The Queen's Ship

Elysana smiled. She liked Leseth's bravado.

"For now, yes. The hawks will have a more worthy kill," she said. "But before I ask for blood, first I ask for information. That is all for now."

Sheogorath

The Void

The little girl with the long black hair and fiery eyes nodded. Though the Void Vampire appeared to be a child, she was old, and had observed the ways of royalty for years in her travels, stalking prey in the Void.

"She has other spies, she will learn the truth someday," said Bosriel. "Let's go to the Wrothgarian Mountains and see if I will be free before she does.'

Sheogorath

The little bird sang as if in response, and watched the knight leave. It cocked its head towards Tris.

Sheogorath

The bird sang, and Tris immediately recognized the tune. It was an old Breton song that went –

Running, I pant and pant
My true love's far ahead
Always more and more distant
I'll gladly run until I'm dead
But my true love I choose
That we might again meet
I don't need my shoes
I just need my feet

With that, the bird flies down under the windows' eaves into the cellar.

Sheogorath

He looked down into the cellar. Not easy to get down there on crutches. But he managed it.}}

The dark, moist root cellar was filled with crates stacked on top of crates, thick with dust and webs. The golden bird could not be seen, but there was rustling and singing in the far corner, behind some tall boxes.

Sheogorath

There was no bird.

A woman in golden armor sat cross-legged on the floor. Though her face was covered with a golden mask, she continued to whistle the song, and then stopped. She cocked her head toward Tris in a jerky sudden movement, very much like a bird.

"Happy New Life," said a hollow voice from within the mask.

Sheogorath

But it was New Life. It was his singing bird. He dared himself to believe.

"And a Happy New Life to you," he said, and almost bowed, before he remembered that the motion was not nearly so graceful without two feet to stand on.}}

The Golden Saint stood up in one very graceful movement. She was very, very tall. Her head tapped against the cellar ceiling, as her hollow voice sang --

A wish may be granted after a test
Giving you speed only east to west
Madness may root
I'll give you a foot
And on circle's end, I'll take the rest

Sheogorath

The woman removed the mask. A familiar, beautiful Nord woman's face was revealed that he knew well. It was Allerleirauh, the General herself.

"Ah, Mirror," she smiled. "No good at riddles, are you? Funny, you being a puzzle yourself, isn't it?"

Sheogorath

"But fools who know they're fools are rarer than ebony," Allerleirauh winked, and touched his cheek with her golden, armored hand. "That is why you are still interesting to me. Poor Mirror, or should I say Tris now that you are such a limping little wretch? You may have your foot back anytime you wish. But you must know there is always a price. If you haven't learned that after this, your idiocy may be deeper than even you think.'

Sheogorath

"I like you, Tris," said Allerleirauh. "I think the world is much madder with you in it, being impulsive, taking risks, tempting fate. Since the General is plain-spoken, I will tell you my price without riddles. You will have your foot back. You will be able to do all that you could before. But you can not repeat the circle. You will be like a slug with an invisible trail you cannot cross. You can never retrace a step you have taken before, step where you have stepped, for the rest of your life. If you do so, your mind will belong ever more to Sheogorath."

Sheogorath

Allerleirauh frowned. 'I think you have one foot too many as it is,' she said, as she put her helm back on. She swung her sword at Tris, aiming for his good leg.

Sheogorath

The dagger jutted out of the Golden Saint's armor, deep but not deep enough. She stumbled backwards a moment, and then charged forward, still aiming for Tris's leg.

Sheogorath

"May the Honorable find good end," the Golden Saint said in her hollow, soulless voice, swinging her sword at Ciel.

Sheogorath

Update:

The Void Vampire Bosriel and the black orc Void Ranger assassin Leseth are en route to Morrowind to spy on Loranna and Helseth (after a brief trip to the Wrothgarian Mountains to check on the preparations for setting Bosriel free from the Void).

The Queen of Wayrest Elysana is in Cyrodiil, about to continue her voyage to Morrowind with her fleet.

Her spymaster Ryvad Castellian is in Wayrest, finding all sorts of spies and double agents and reporting their activities to his liege. He has just found one very high up in court named Tirin.

Sheogorath is watching all, after unsuccessfully trying to tempt the crippled Tris with a new foot (disappointing since the replacement would have had very handsome toes).

Sheogorath

The Void

The structures in the Wrothgarian Mountains had been an impressive sight indeed. It was obvious that the Queen of Wayrest was keeping her promise to Bosriel, the Void Vampire. Soon they would be completed. Soon she would be free. If Elysana didn't learn the truth about Ciel and Tris, and the mercy that had been shown them.

Now Leseth and Bosriel were in the east.

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel was always hungry. She had fed just a few hours before on the blood of a child in Skyrim she had lured from his bed by telekinetically sliding his favorite toy into the corner of his room where she could reach him. But still she wrinkled her nose as she smelled the scene she was witnessing.

'There is some blood here I would not drink,' she said to Leseth.

Sheogorath

Though one of the Ordinators seemed to be curiously bloodless, like a hollow husk.

Sheogorath

'The innocence of the children,' smiled Bosriel, her lips red with the blood of the Ordinator. She turned to Leseth, 'We are only to watch, yes?'

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel giggled and shook her head.

She floated around and below the crowds, to look into the faces and forms of those assembled. They were warriors all, many encased in armor, but still there was exposed flesh, fair and dark, young and old, male and female, man and mer. Most were well-muscled, and the blood pumped strongly through the veins as they fought or prepared to fight.

The little girl, the Void Vampire, was sated, but she was floating in a sea of the senses, and it was all she could do to watch, and be good.

When the children appeared, she tore them to pieces.

Sheogorath

The Void

The little Void Vampire floated in darkness, her dress dripping with the blood of the children. Her face was red as well for she had feasted with passion.

With a thought, she sent the blood flying off into the Void in millions of particles, so she looked like a red sun bursting. Her simple white dress and her face were clean again.

'When the King hears about this, won't he be mad?' she asked Leseth.

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel nodded. She was looking into the face of Liris.

'We can wait 'til this one's alone too,' she said, and then followed Leseth through the Void towards Helseth's palace in Mournhold.

Sheogorath

Western Mountains, Morrowind

The small fleet of the Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, slipped through the narrow mountain channels in a slow, careful approach. Though she had been assured by her spymaster that this part of her stepbrother's kingdom was underpopulated and unguarded, she took the precaution of lowering the standard of the red rose. No reason to announce her presence until she was ready.

Sheogorath

The Void

Leseth and Bosriel had been watching the King of Morrowind plot and plan for some time now. Not everything he said and did was very interesting. Much of the daily business of sovereignty is in the details. Reviewing laws and wills and ministerial appointments. Discussing taxes and harvests, mining contracts and court gossip of no interest to anyone.

Bosriel was a child when she was made into a Void Vampire a millenia ago. She had aged in many ways, but she still possessed the patience of a little girl. The minutiae of government bored her, and as the hours passed, she began to feel hunger again. She had gorged herself not so very long ago, but with nothing to distract her, she found herself watching the king's counselors and even the king himself, and smelling the blood pumping through their veins. She knew better than to act on this instinct, but it was difficult.

It was interesting when the one called Ayum or He-Who-Hunts-Elves met with the King though. That might be something that Elysana would want to know about.

Still, they waited in silence in the Void for some hours after, just watching.

Leseth was patient, but Bosriel finally asked him, 'How long should we watch?'

Sheogorath

Bosriel nodded. Perhaps a thief breaking into someone's home. A beggar sleeping in a dark alley. An adventurer investigating an ancient dungeon. A lost child. The banquet of Tamriel's doomed citizenry.

But she could still taste Arynel's blood. She would not hunt him, for Leseth told her not to. But the part of her that was savage and didn't care yearned to devour the beautiful man.

Still, she obediently followed Leseth towards more suitable prey.

Sheogorath

"Pardon me, sir," said a Dunmer, whose clothes were simple, but his accent unmistakably noble. "I couldn't help overhearing. My name is Dres Gaor. I come from the mainland together with many others to follow our Goddess. We assumed that there would be a tithe towards the construction of Azura's temple, and were only waiting to be asked. If that would help you financially."

Sheogorath

"Forgive my impertinence on the matter. I know that money can be a touchy subject but we would consider it an honor to contribute," said Dres Gaor, with a bow, moving back into the crowd with a hearty. "Hail Azura!" which was echoed over and over again.

Sheogorath

The jar begins to fill rapidly, and many are the voices who ask, as they contribute, about the possibility of a temple. Has Azura chosen the Towers of Dusk and Dawn to be the center of her kingdom in Mundus? They seem sturdy enough, only some slight modifications need to be made ... This man is a carpenter ... And so is this man ...

(It is a sad fact of fund raising that everyone contributing a drake feels his or her opinion should be considered)

Might a wing of the new Temple be dedicated to a family member of mine, now deceased? What should be its colors? Will it need a knightly order to defend it? How can I join as a warrior or a priest?

Before long, the jar is full, and once emptied, is filled up again.

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor approaches, bowing low, averting his eyes, "And, in addition to coin, I would donate my season's crops to feed your people, and my land to build another temple on the mainland ... if it pleases you, Goddess ..."

Sheogorath

"I only think of your followers too old or infirm to journey with you, if they could have some place to learn of you and worship, I know many more would come," the Dunmer said, his eyes still averted to the ground. "But you are wisdom itself. I only speak what seems clear to me. Forgive the intrusion."

With that, he walks back into the crowd, still bowing as he goes.

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel had fed. A drunken prostitute slouched against the corner of a building in Mournhold had suddenly felt her life drain from her, mercifully quickly.

With Leseth, she had tried to find their patron, Elysana. But the Queen was still over water, unavailable to meet.

So they stayed in the Void outside of the palace and waited.

Sheogorath

Tel Dres, Morrowind

Only two ships of Elysana's fleet rounded the bend in the river. From the prow of the first ship, the Queen of Wayrest saw the skyline of the capitol of House Dres territory looming ahead.

"Where are you to meet them?" asked her sage Vonnod.

"They told Ryvad," the Queen said, referring to her spymaster, "That they would meet me in the palace."

"Doesn't it make you nervous, being in your stepbrother's kingdom like this?"

Elysana laughed girlishly. "The number of times I've slipped in and out of this land, setting snares for that fool ..."

Sheogorath

The Void

"The Queen's spy has been found," whispered Bosriel to Leseth. "This, she will want to know ... And, that there's a trap."

Sheogorath

Tel Dres, Morrowind

The Queen of Wayrest wore a heavy dark cloak, and her small band of guards were similarly disguised as they wound their way through the streets of the city. They needn't have bothered. No one was on the streets who might've recognized them – no one was on the streets at all.

"A quiet town," said her sage Vonnod, a little nervously. "Perhaps they're all still recovering from New Life ..."

Elysana said nothing in reply. When they reached the gate of the palace, she rapped on the door. It didn't open, but she could hear armored footsteps in the street behind her, and she knew a trap when she saw one. She had set up enough of them herself.

"Helseth," she said to no one. "You've learned a thing or two about manipulating your enemy, haven't you.'

Vonnod fainted when the King's guards took him. Elysana merely smiled sweetly.

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea, Morrowind

Elysana had been separated from her guards and her sage Vonnod. They might have been alive or dead. She was alone, in chains, in the hold of a ship sailing across the sea.

Throughout it all, she kept smiling.

"Are your chains too tight, milady?" asked one of the younger guards.

"No, my dear," she sighed and gave him a wink. "I've felt tighter. Can you tell me where we're going?"

"I don't know if I'm supposed to," he said. "But I suppose it won't do no harm. You'll know soon enough. Vivec."

"Oh, good," the Queen of Wayrest said. "I haven't been there before. This should be very educational."

Sheogorath

From her vantage point, it is interesting that while most of Loranna/Azura's followers are Dunmer, it is actually a surprisingly multicultural group. Bretons and Imperials are working on the structure, together with Orcs, Redguards, Argonians, Khajiit, Altmer, Bosmer, and, yes, more than a few Nords.

"Sorry about that," says one of the Nords to the Dunmer working next to him. "You know, we Nords tend to drink too much sometimes."

The majority of the Dunmer looked at her with hostility, however. And many drew their weapons.

Sheogorath

Dres Gaor looked at the Dunmer next to him. "Does anyone here know how to cast fireball?"

Sheogorath

"B'Vek," said one of the Dunmer, before clapping his hand over his mouth. That oath was just a force of habit. 'I mean, by Azura ... you can hardly hear the hammering with all the shouting going on.'

Sheogorath

"Apparently what we have here is a cliffracer from Skyrim," laughed Dres Gaor. "Hail Azura!"

The crowd echoed this back.

It is impossible to tell who did what in the crowd, as massive as it is, but a fireball and two arrows shoot out towards Allerleirauh. One of the arrows is fired very poorly, but the other and the fireball are on course for the floating Nord.

Sheogorath

'I have already pledged my land to Azura,' Lord Dres Gaor said simply. 'And my crops and my gold. If she would have it, I will lay down my life for her. But not for you, Redoran lackey of the King.'

Sheogorath

sorry, ooc: I'm outta here for the night. If anyone wants to play 'The Crowd,' go ahead. My 'mass motivation' was that if you get a bunch of worshippers in a location, and hang around without giving them anything else to do, and some of them start making the place into a temple, they're all going to join in. And a floating Nord woman insulting them, and a few guards aren't going to dissuade them. So, do with it what you will, with my blessing.

Sheogorath

"My Lord," said Dres Gaor, joining him. His head was bandaged, evidently from the scuffle. "I have been looking for you. I know that the Goddess did not expressly give permission to make these Towers into a temple to her glory, and I would not like you to think that I encouraged their construction. It was an outpouring of love from her worshippers, and I hope she will be pleased."

He pointed towards the Towers which were still being worked on. Above the parapets were permanently cast spells of light which illuminated the sky with an ever-changing blend of pinks, blues, and purples, sunset and sunrise captured.

"That, I have to admit, was my idea," the Dunmer said modestly. "The colors of Dusk and Dawn. People will be able to see it for miles, and know where the house of the Goddess is."

Sheogorath

"My Goddess," says Lord Dres Gaor, falling to his knees at her presence. "I hope it pleases you. If it does not, we can tear it down – though the workers have put much heart into its construction. It began as but shelter for your loyal worshippers, and I cannot say who began its transformation into a holy shrine to your own pilgrimage, but it has happened, and I hope you find it beautiful as we do."

Sheogorath

"Thank you for your blessing, Mother Goddess," said Lord Dres Gaor, still on his knees, eyes on the ground. "We hope only to serve you and proclaim your name to all. I know your journey has not ended, and that you will lead us on, but I pray here and elsewhere we can keep permanent remembrances and shrines to this great time. If you inspect the interior, you will see artisans are already creating tapestries and icons to represent the return of Azura. The blessing at Gnisis, the monster of the cave, the holy dinner at Balmora ... All will be remembered, this I swear."

Sheogorath

"It would be my great honor," said Lord Dres Gaor, rising. His face is beaming from the honor.

Dozens of artists are working in the halls, transforming them. They are still obviously works in an early state, but already Loranna can see that they will be beautiful, composed in rich reds, pinks, purples, and blues, befitting dusk and dawn. They are not perhaps accurate representations. Loranna appears as she does now, with ashen face and fair hair. The creature in the cave is even larger. The crowds in Balmora are already numbering in the thousands. And people who were not even present – like the King of Mournhold and Vivec himself – are shown in the tapestries, wailing and defeated.

Sheogorath

The Dres nobleman bowed to Lord Erenius, and continued the tour.

The holy feast in Balmora was, of course, phantasmagorical. Not only were the meats dancing about, in completely disregard for gravity, but living animals were poking their heads in through the windows, fish, fowl, and beast alike, as if delighting in it as well.

The dusk tapestry was much darker in nature. It showed the trial of Vivec, and his attack on Azura. But Dres Gaor was quick to point out, "It also shows the sacred conception of your most holy daughter, too, my Goddess."

Sheogorath

"There are many other works the artists are eager to begin, my Goddess," says Lord Dres Gaor, taking note of Loranna's reaction, not certain whether it is critical or not. "The dance with the Dam Dog, the triumphant destruction of the unbelievers in High Rock and Skyrim ... We have heard many stories of your miracles before you returned to your holy land, and we would show them all ..."

Sheogorath

The Void

Arynel feels a chill. Fingers reaching out for him.

Sheogorath

The little girl with the flowing black hair, red eyes, and redder lips, looked at him.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered.

Sheogorath

"I know that you have many more important things to do, but the artists appreciate your interest in their work," said Lord Dres Gaor. And, indeed, the artists had all bowed humbly as Loranna inspected each tapestry and icon. "Any direction you give to them will be followed implicitly."

Sheogorath

In a blink of an eye, Bosriel was face to face with Arynel, her breath cold against his face.

"Soon, when I am free, you will make time," she said, her eyes hungry.

And in an instant, she was gone, swallowed by darkness.

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor and the artists drop to their knees at the compliment, and shout in perfect unison, "Hail Azura!"

Sheogorath

"A thousand pardons I could not meet with you before," says Lord Dres Gaor. "I could not very well leave the Goddess without her permission. What was it that you wanted to talk about? Do you still want me to have my crops sent in from the mainland? I know several other land owners who would do the same."

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel returned to Leseth.

"The Void is becoming an overgrown garden," she said. "It needs to be trimmed back ... Now, where is the Queen?"

Sheogorath

"Many thanks, milord," said Lord Dres Gaor. "I will not rest until Azura's glory dwarfs all other powers in the land. I think it would be wise to have some of the shipments sent here as well, to support the pilgrims until they can farm and raise animals to feed themselves and those who come after."

He paused, "Perhaps it is too soon to ask this, but since the Goddess is pleased with this temple, mayhap she will agree to have more built? We might even get one started in Vivec before we arrive there!"

Sheogorath

"I'd gladly approve of such an action," Erenius replies. "But it is not my descision to make. And yes, do send a shipment of food and other supplies here as soon as would be possible after we leave."}}

"I understand. I will send word at once, milord," said Lord Dres Gaor with a bow.

Sheogorath

Lord Gaor smiled. "Force of habit. It is unclear to most of us if there is a hierarchy or not. I would not presume to give advice to the Goddess, but as our group grows, that might prove to be a problem. We have been given no rules or rituals or laws or holy scripture, and in the absence of them, the worshippers will make up their own. Which may be exactly what the Goddess wishes. I could not say."

Sheogorath

Update:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is in a ship in the Inner Sea, bound in chains, heading for Vivec. She was ambushed on a clandestine trip to Tel Dres on the mainland, and is now a prisoner of her step-brother, Helseth, the King of Morrowind.

Bosriel, a Void Vampire who appears as a little dark-haired girl with red hungry eyes, is with Leseth. Together they have been spying on Loranna's group, and the King of Morrowind. They have read a letter, telling them that the Queen of Wayrest has fallen into a trap.

Lord Dres Gaor, a noble Dunmer following Loranna, has pledged his land, his gold, and his crops to the service of the Goddess. He has issued orders for his crops to be sent from his plantation on the mainland to Ghostgate to support the worshippers there, and to Vivec, the next stop on the pilgrimage.

Sheogorath

Vivec, Morrowind

The ship landed in Vivec, and Elysana was escorted to the Hlaalu canton. The citizen looked at her without curiosity. She was not dressed regally, and Breton prisoners of the King were regular enough. For her part, Elysana acted the part of the tourist, looking around in wonder, asking questions of her guards.

"How long 'til the King arrives?" asked the Queen of Wayrest as they brought her to her cell.

"We won't keep you waiting long," laughed one of the guards, locking the door, leaving her alone in the dark.

Sheogorath

Vivec, Hlaalu Canton

"Leseth!" cried the Queen of Wayrest. She hadn't let herself recognize in herself how frightened she had been. She tried to control herself, as she always did, but she couldn't stop trembling. "Have you killed them? The guards?"

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec, Morrowind

"I know," Elysana said. "I was greedy and impatient, very unlike me. Helseth knew just how to play the game, and I forgot. Someone has betrayed me. Liris."

She paused. "Or someone else ... Now, the question is -- is there any way to escape from here without destroying all my plans ..."

Sheogorath

"I told him what to do if he needed to contact me," said the Queen. "If that is too much information for him to have -- well, you can deal with him when I no longer need him. But that means someone else who works for me is my betrayer ... Now, what do you think about the possibility of escape from this place? I don't know this city at all.'

Sheogorath

"Tell me what you witnessed in Loranna's camp," said the Queen. Her eyes no longer were afraid. She was thinking again, planning.

Leseth told her what he had seen at Ghostgate.

"They are causing quite a bit of trouble for Helseth now," Elysana giggled girlishly. "Very good. And if Liris heard about the ambush, then some of my men must have joined Loranna's group. And they are coming to Vivec ... What about Helseth? Have you spied on him?"

Leseth told her about what he had seen, including the torture and execution of her spy Tirin.

"He knows too much," Elysana said. "I need to know why. Leseth, I need you and Bosriel to find the spy and destroy him. I will stay here and talk to Helseth. That is the only way I can learn for certain what he knows ... He will be happy to brag about it all when he thinks he has me in captivity. By then, my men who are traveling with Loranna will be here ... That will be our plan ... But when you have found the spy, I need you back. I'll need you to get away."

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec, Morrowind

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, sat in her cell, in the darkness. She could hear the guards outside wake up. Was she a fool to stay here when escape was possible?

She banished self-doubt from her head. She had to talk to Helseth, and this was the only way to do it. But still, it was hard not to be a little bit afraid, in the dark, in a prison in her hated stepbrother's land ...

Sheogorath

Update

Bosriel and Leseth are in the Void, searching for the identity of the spy who tricked Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, into falling into the trap she now finds herself in.

Lord Dres Gaor has ordered half his crops to be sent to Ghostgate to support the temple there, and the other half to Vivec to support the pilgrims when they voyage there. His knights guarding these supplies have just arrived in Vivec.

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, has been captured by her hated stepbrother, Helseth, King of Morrowind. She is in a cell in the Hlaalu Canton, and thus we begin –

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

'My Goddess,' said Lord Dres Gaor, approaching Loranna, and bowing low. 'My crops will be arriving here in two days time, and I've received word that half have already arrived in Ebonheart, where they are being stored. I thought it better to keep them there, where they can be easily guarded by my knights, than in Vivec itself. Will you be leaving for Vivec shortly, or will you be continuing your business in Ghostgate for a few days more? ... If it is my place to ask, I merely want to know so I can arrange for storage in Ebonheart ...'

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

Lord Dres Gaor frowned. "That is a route heavy with Imperial presence, my Queen. I do not doubt your wisdom, but they are allied with the King, who bears my lady no good will. It will be difficult to find a place to store the supplies near Pelegiad, but I will find a way, this I swear."

Sheogorath

"I could not agree more, my Goddess,' said the Dunmer, and paused to think. 'Perhaps, what we need is a distraction closeby, to keep the Imperial legion occupied while we move in ... Perhaps something in Seyda Neen ... Rest assured, you can rely on your obedient servants to get the supplies to Pelegiad.'

Sheogorath

'I do not know why the Goddess chooses to surround herself with people such as you, who mock the very people who revere Her,' Lord Dres Gaor said stiffly. 'Her wisdom is much greater than mine, and sometimes difficult for me to understand. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned. Perhaps it is further proof of her power, that she can lie in a nest of snakes such as you and the impudent Breton and survive. But whatever the reason, I do not see any reason why I must be polite to you.

You, a Nord, presume to lecture my people on freedom, as if slaving for an Imperial puppet of a King and an impotent, absent God would make us free. I put it to you that you are trying to trick us, to make our people weak so your people can try, again, to destroy us. If my Goddess wants me to discuss with you how the worship of Vivec has brought no freedom to the land I love, I will do so for her. If it is my decision, however, I will take my leave and do the work for which I have been charged.'

Sheogorath

'Forgive me, my Goddess, for speaking so. You are immortal and can be betrayed time and time again and always rise, but we creatures of Mundus cannot. If you tell me that this Nord's vision of peace in Morrowind is at all like mine and yours, I will believe you. I will do what you say without question, but I cannot trust someone who so nakedly disdains all that I hold dear, and spits on me and my people.'

Sheogorath

"You are benevolence itself, Prince of Dusk and Dawn," said Lord Dres Gaor with a deep bow. "You can accept offerings of peace from known enemies such as that accursed sword, and smile when you are betrayed yet again. Perhaps I can understand it someday. But today, I must make preparations for your journey. I will, as I said, arrange for something to happen in Seeda Neen to distract the Imperial troops, so the supplies can come to Pelegiad ... May I take my leave, Goddess?'

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor frowned slightly. Clearly he was originally planning something quite nasty in Seyda Neen to distract the Imperials from Pelegiad ... up to and including the complete destruction of the town ... But that wouldn't be considered benevolent.

"Very well, as you wish," he said. "I will be creative. No one will be harmed."

With a bow to Loranna and a last suspicious sideways glare at Allerleirauh, the Dres nobleman takes his leave

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

Lord Dres Gaor walked through camp. whispering with one of his knights.

"We could hold one of the ships there hostage, or the whole harbor,' suggested the knight.

'Too risky,' said Gaor. 'A high likelihood of bloodshed, and the Goddess wants this to be done with kindness.'

'Burn down the excise office?'

'Hmm, we could make sure that no one was there,' Gaor nodded, and then shook his head. 'No, they wouldn't send out too many legionnaires for something like that. We need something bigger.'

As they passed Solin and Arynel, the knight started to draw his sword, but Lord Dres Gaor took his arm and stopped him. He looked at Arynel with pure hatred, and they continued on.

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"I don't doubt that I've grown dull," the Queen said with a smile. 'I haven't had someone of your quality to battle with for twenty some years now. One tends to get lazy as undisputed master of one's kingdom. But you have no cause to go soft. I can't imagine a sovereign with less actual power than you, dear stepbrother."

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"You know a great deal about current events in Wayrest,' said Elysana. 'I congratulate you on having such a well-placed spy in my court. I even hear that you've found and executed poor Tirin. Pity. He was always a fount of fascinating information about you. Still, you don't know how many more men I have in your palace, watching you, advising you, your most trusted men ... "

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor is easily found, separated from camp with a group of his knights. On Loranna's approach, they all bow deeply.

"My Goddess,"said the nobleman. 'I think we have an interesting plan for distracting the Imperial legion. Would you like to hear about it, or do you like surprises?'

Sheogorath

'We were inspired by the tale of the Crimson Ship,' said Lord Dres Gaor. 'And plan to fabricate another ship filled with plague victims off the coast of Seyda Neen. The population will panic, fearing that they will dock, and the Imperial Legion will be called for. But it is only a ruse ...'

Tell me, my Goddess, what new plans you have.

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"I know I've changed since you've seen me," said the Queen of Wayrest. 'I am forty-one years old. I have given birth to two children. I have lines on my face and my flesh is not as supple and thin as it once was. My kingdom is twice the size of the one you were banished from, and governing it is sometimes very difficult. I have, as you point out, grown slightly complacent, perhaps a bit lazy.

Male elves don't change as much physically as female Bretons in twenty years. Except for your ears and eyes, you look the same as you did as a young man. You are still very handsome. I remember having quite an infatuation with you as a little girl when you and your mother and sister first came to my father's house. But there is more fear in you than I remember, even more than in the days when you were a mere princeling vying for a throne you never could have. You are more afraid, but your other traits have remained the same I see. You are still loathed by your people, as you were in Wayrest. You are still the most contemptible egomaniac I have ever met. Truly, it is good to see you again.'

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

'Panic is not the word I should have used, Goddess,' said Lord Dres Gaor. 'I beg your pardon for that. A ship off the shore should inspire more of a feeling of dread. The town will be seeded with my men, to insure that the fear is kept up, and the people come to the proper solution of calling the Legion in. The simple town folk should not be hard to manipulate.'

I understand your fears, Goddess, and I would assuage them if I could, but you are right to be careful. I think I expressed my reservations about the quality of the people you surround yourself with closely. I am only afraid that if you separate yourself from your worshippers, and rely on people like that Nord woman and the Breton lad, you may be putting yourself right into the midst of assassins ... Who will you take with you?

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

'I am very glad our plan meets with your approval, Goddess,' said Lord Dres Gaor with a formal bow and an informal grin. 'This the the sort of a mission my men enjoy.'

You know best, Goddess. I only express my fears that the Nord woman is too conflicted to defend you as rigorously as she ought to. I have even heard rumors that she attempted to poison your child, though they are likely only that, rumors. Perhaps I am just too simple, thinking that the most obviously loyal men, Aricyn, Liris, and Dagoth, should be your chief bodyguards, not she ...

Please, do tell me a way I can communicate with you. And anything else I can do to help the cause. I am at your disposal.

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

Elysana laughs delightedly. 'Oh, Helseth, darling, darling self-adoring dunce. Only you could read flattery into my words. So, I am to be executed, am I? Will it be in secret or out in the open? Am I to be tortured for information first? What would I do in your position?

Come, play the game with me, playmate. We spy on each other daily – surely we can read each other's minds by now. I could have guessed, for example, that the stupid Nord girl was on your mind. Surely you have means of dealing with little cults like that.'

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

Elysana turns in the direction of the voice, but still watching Helseth's face.

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"No, you wouldn't want to execute me in public, not you. Appealing to the crowd was never your strong point. They might decide to put your neck on the block instead of mine. You might want to work on that. It is possible for a ruler to be feared without being hated. It's not a hard trick.

It is quite a quandry with that resilient little cult. I don't see how banishment would help your dilemma, but your ham-handed, clumsy attempt to discredit Azura with those pathetic little dremora-raising witch children?" Elysana laughed. 'I thought you were better than that. You should hire on the spy at my court to come up with your strategies for you. He at least knows something about manipulation.'

Sheogorath

There is a knock on his door, and Loremaster Celarus enters. He is not smiling.

'You are doing better, I see. Responding well to the herbs and healing spells, that's good,' he said, and removed a small gem from his pocket. 'I have something to return to a friend of yours, and a message for her about it. But I would like it if you could explain yourself to my satisfaction. Your actions seem to me, at the very best, impulsive and irresponsible.'

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor in conversation with one of his knights passes Lord Erenius, and bows to him.

Sheogorath

"Of course," said Lord Dres Gaor. "I have been informed that half my crops should be arriving here tomorrow morning. Afternoon at the latest. The others are in Ebonheart, where they will remain until we can arrange a distraction in Seyda Neen so they can be safely brought in to Pelegiad.'

Sheogorath

"I only spoke of the shipments I've arranged,' said the Dres nobleman. 'Three other of my brothers in my House have pledged their crops to Azura, and are sending their shipments in as well. If we can survive for the next day or two, there should be plenty enough for all. Provided, of course, that they can learn to be self-sustaining at the Temple, raising kwama perhaps and any crops that can be grown in this desolate place.'

Sheogorath

'Not at all. I understand that the Goddess plans to start her pilgrimage again tomorrow, so the crops that are coming in can be stored for the journey, and the remainder left behind to support the worshippers who are staying here to sustain the Temple itself. I assume there will be some scouts sent ahead along the journey to procure shelter for the pilgrims?'

Sheogorath

While many of Lord Dres Gaor's men were well-known and carried with them the emblems of their House, many more were hidden away, in cloaks and common clothes, among the worshippers, the guards, the artisans, the entertainers, the slaves. He quietly sent out word that the thief must be found. If it could be done without injury to any, that would be preferable, but a sizeable reward would be given to any who found the guilty party -- regardless of what happened to the thief thereafter.

He also sent word that he needed to speak with Lord Liris.

He also had to procure a ship and some fine plague victim actors and send men to Seyda Neen to insense the crowd, in a reasonable way, to incite fear but not panic ... The day was looking to be a busy one.

Sheogorath

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is imprisoned in the Hlaalu Canton in Vivec. She is discussing the situation with the Loranna/Azura cult and her own impending execution with her stepbrother and captor, Helseth, King of Morrowind. Another man is present in the jail cell as well ...

Celarus, the Loremaster of Artaeum, is waiting on B, who is recovered from his experience in Oblivion, to explain his actions. He is furious with the Psijic.

Lord Dres Gaor is very busy. He is coordinating shipments across Vvardenfell to feed the worshippers of Azura, planning a ruse to allow the shipments to pass secretly under the Imperial noses, and trying to rout out the thief who stole the offerings to Azura.

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

"Any luck on your end?" asked Wyrloc, one Gaor's knights to another, a disguised Ohmes-Raht in rags named Razbet.

'No,' said the Khajiit. 'No one saw a thing that I can find. Maybe it's an inside job. Perhaps Azura herself took the gold.'

'Watch your tongue, cat.'

'I'm just saying, it's possible,' Razbet shrugged. He was in this for the money, not for any devotion to the Daedra or loyalty to one group or another. 'But I know some people who could be coerced into confessing if it comes to that.'

'It might,' Wyrlock nodded. 'But let us try to find the real thief first.'

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

Rooms for the pilgrims had been set up in the towers of Dusk and Dawn, and Lord Dres Gaor took one of them to be his temporary office and bedroom. It had been taken hours of planning and considerable expense to set up the ruse in Seyda Neen, and he had been meeting with his spies in camp about the spy. So far there hadn't even been the coldest clue about what had happened to the money in the temple.

Finally, he had slept, but only an hour later, he was awoken.

'Serjo,' said his man Wyrloc. 'They have been sighted! The supplies are here!'

'Already? All of them? Eight wagonloads have made it through in but a few days, from the mainland to this desolate place?'

'Not eight, serjo,' said Wyrloc. 'Twelve! Lord Dres Carvelys's supplies have arrived also, and joined with yours.'

'Find Erenius and Liris and Aricyn,' said Lord Dres Gaor, rising from his bed. 'And tell them that the food crisis has been averted.'

Sheogorath

'Ah, Aricyn!' said Lord Dres Gaor, greeting him in his chambers. 'I take it you heard the excellent news! Do my men know how to drive a caravan through treacherous terrain, or what?'

Sheogorath

'Damn and blast her to Oblivion!' Gaor snarled. 'I have spent nearly my entire fortune and every contact that it has taken my family generations to build to set up a distraction in Seyda Neen and she changes her mind?'

The Dres noble stopped suddenly and stared at the floor. 'This is a test, I can see. I suppose I can cancel all my previous plans, and instead have the supplies shipped directly to Suran ... And, in truth, it won't cost me more. I might even save a penny or two. But, if the Goddess or anyone here thinks my abilities and treasury are limitless, and that my time is best spent on plans that change on a whim or a change of counselors, please let them know they are much mistaken ...'

Sheogorath

'Please forgive my outburst, Aricyn. And if you feel you must mention my lack of faith to the Goddess, I can only plea that I have not had much sleep lately. My men and I had been working hard on what we thought was Her will. That is my only excuse,' the Dres noble smiles tiredly. 'But you are right. I do not have the faith that I show, or the faith that I should. But I am trying.'

Sheogorath

'It is taking me some time to learn the nature of the Goddess's champions,' said Lord Dres Gaor. 'I had thought, perhaps, that you were the one who had the faith. It is a strange thing, that She prefers the company of people who do not believe in Her to the thousands who do. But I appreciate your kind words, and I promise not to disappoint now, or in the future. Now, I should talk to my men. They will be disappointed too that their work has been wasted, but I will explain to them it is the Goddess's will.'

Sheogorath

'Oh yes,' the Dres nobleman nodded. 'You are very right, sir. I think if you checked, most of the worshippers here came out of desperation, willing to accept anything, any God is better than the one they have been given. Any government is preferable to the one we have. Any Temple but the one we have. And then fellowship is formed, and this is as good as any. I don't, in truth, know how long lasting this faith in Azura will be. She has not told us what to do, or what to believe, only that if we follow, things will be better. Perhaps the simplicity of that message is what is most effective. But it is short-term. If she does not tell people what to do when she is not there, I am afraid it will always be a cult, not a true religion.'

Sheogorath

'I have devoted more than my life to that belief,' said Lord Dres Gaor, very seriously. 'My land and fortune has been in my family for generations, long before there was a Morrowind or an Empire or a Tribunal, and I am meant to pass it to my heirs. It is a serious thing to devote it instead to a pregnant Nordic tavern maid with ashen skin who claims to be the incarnate of Azura. My faith may shake, but I do believe just what you say. This is an investment in a brighter future for my land and my people -- and me.

Now, I really should talk to my men. Thank you, Aricyn. I am glad that the news of this change came from you.'

Sheogorath

Ghostgate

As Lord Dres Gaor had predicted, his men were bitterly disappointed that their plans for the distraction were scrapped. As one of them pointed out, they had been asked to do the impossible, rose to the challenge, and then held back. Gaor explained to them that it was Azura's will, and it was heretical to question it, and they fell silent.

'The actors we hired to play the plague victims are gathering in Seyda Neen," said Wyrlock. "Who should go there and tell them that there will be no performance?"

Lord Dres Gaor started to answer, and then stopped, a smile crossing his lips: "Perhaps there will still be a performance. Merely a change of venue. Tell me, is the playwright Baloth-Kul still looking for a patron for his next work?"

"I believe so ... Why?"

"I have a farce in mind for him," said the Dres nobleman. "If he can write it quickly."

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor clapped Lord Erenius on the back, and pointed towards the caravan of a dozen wagons laden with foodstuffs as they rolled into camp.

"A beautiful sight, wouldn't you say?"

Sheogorath

There is something like a blush in the Dres nobleman's dark skin. "Thank you. But most of the worshippers here have sacrificed their livelihoods to be here. Some of us were just lucky enough to have more to give ... I have had less luck so far finding the temple thief ..."

Sheogorath

"Yes, the slaves are being interrogated," said Lord Dres Gaor. "But I have other suspicions. There are elements in this camp who are boldly disrespectful of Azura and her followers. It may not be simple greed, but a purposeful attempt to stop this pilgrimage. Perhaps by agents of the King ..."

Sheogorath

"Just keep me informed about any information you come across, and I will do the same for you," said Lord Dres Gaor, and then smiled. "In the meantime, let us get these people fed!"

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"It'd be a neat trick, if you could do it," smiles Elysana. "Your new spy in my court is capable enough to fool me, but taking the throne of Wayrest isn't so easy, as you yourself learned many years ago ... Who is your friend here?"

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

"When it comes to executing foreign queens, I understand that you like to do it in secret," smiled Elysana, looking at the King of Morrowind. "Do you like murdering priests in public? How stands the population on king versus temple?"

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Cantons, Vivec

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, did not say a word. Her eyes flicked from the King to the messenger, and she wondered where this was going. Will the Temple's interference help or hurt her?

Sheogorath

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

Elysana let herself be helped up, and she tried to look at Helseth.

"It would seem your authority is in question, stepbrother," she said, now trying not to smile.

Sheogorath

Vivec

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, had surely be in more absurd situations. Surely. But she could not remember one.

Unlike her earlier walk through the city in chains, where no one paid much attention to her, now she felt the eyes of all on her and Helseth. What, she wondered, was her position as the captive of a captive? If only she could see the King's face, she could know what he thought of this. Was he amused, furious ... frightened?

As much as it pleased the Queen to see her much-despised stepbrother captured as she had been, she was apprehensive. The situation was too unpredictable for her tastes. At least before, in the cell, she knew it was either escape or execution. Now, she felt she must stand back and watch to see how her fate turned. That was not something that came naturally to her personality.

Sheogorath

The Queen bowed, keeping her eyes on the archcanon and the king. 'Elysana, daughter of Eadwyre, Queen of Wayrest.'

Sheogorath

Temple Canton, Vivec

"The second Dowager Queen of Daggerfall?" Elysana asked. "No, she went to her ancestors some years ago. But the first Dowager Queen, the grandmother of King Gothryd, Nulfaga, she still lives."

Sheogorath

Update

Temple Canton, Vivec

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana stood in chains, watching her captor, her stepbrother, Helseth, King of Morrowind, arguing with the Temple Archcanon Tholer Saryoni. The argument had turned into a discussion of religion and the position of the Cult of Loranna/Azura in Morrowind. She was not certain whether the King was now a captive of the Temple, and where this left her as his prisoner.

Suran

Lord Dres Gaor is traveling with Loranna's group, having supplied the pilgrims with many wagonloads of foodstuffs. He is still concerned with the thief who stole from the Temple at Ghostgate, and he seems to have an interest in acting as patron for a famous playwright.

Sheogorath

Mournhold, Morrowind

Baloth-Kul sat in Plaza Brindisi Dorom, listening to the Knight of House Dres. They were far from the crowds moving through the city, the Knight had made sure of that.

'Yes, Castle Xyr is still being performed,' the playwright nodded. 'But it has made me famous, not rich. Thus, my need for a patron for my next play.'

'The House Dres would be happy to support you and act as your patron for your next two plays,' said the knight.

'That's very generous,' said Baloth-Kul, trying to keep from sounding too surprised. He had been searching for a patron for so long, it seemed unbelievable that fortune would have leapt into his lap so suddenly. 'But I only have an idea for one. It is a bloody tale of revenge and lust, set in the Imperial City during the reign of Cephorus –'

'Not to worry,' smiled the knight. 'I will tell you the story of the first play you will write. And then, your tale of revenge and lust will follow. What my masters have in mind is the tale of an idiot king, a puppet of the Empire. It will be a farce, a broad comedy, specifically targeted to amuse the lowest orders.'

Baloth-Kul nodded, trying to be polite. 'That sounds very interesting, and something I could do in my sleep. But – how should I put this? – it does not sound like the sort of genre I would be proud to put my name on.'

'No, it is probably best for you to be anonymous, not only for your reputation, but also for your life,' said the knight. 'And it is good that you could write such a thing quickly. We would want production to begin as soon as possible ...'

Sheogorath

Among the slaves, Razbet, the Khajiit Dres Knight, rolled his eyes and whispered to himself, "She would do better to teach you to speak properly ...'

Sheogorath

'Why does Adjani want to leave Morrowind so much now?' asks Razbet, stepping forward. 'Will the gold she stole buy more for her in Elsweyr?'

He looked to the crowd gathered, and locked eyes with another Khajiit slave. 'Does Ryjoo recognize her as the one from the Temple?'

The brawny Khajiit looked at her, narrowing his eyes. 'Yes, she Khajiit in Temple, taking jar. Ryjoo see Adjani!'

Another Khajiit, a woman slave, piped up unprompted and cried, 'Yes! She thief!'

Sheogorath

Guards seized Adjani, shaking her. Gold spilled from her rags to the ground.

Sheogorath

'She took all the gold I gave to the Goddess's pilgrimage!' cried one Dunmer, outraged.

'Freedom is not freedom to commit heresy!' cried a Breton.

Sheogorath

One of the guards picks up the gold. 'Funny sort of bread this Khajiit fancies. I wonder what she likes for water.'

The joke brings out some chuckling in the crowd.

Sheogorath

A few random thoughts in the crowd:

Good. Obviously, the poor creature was set up.

Apparently, all a thief has to do is say she didn't do it, and she gets off ...

It was a trap.

Won't our economy collapse?

That dirty Khajiit! Wait 'til she's alone ...

Slavery is barbaric. This is long past due.

All the Houses will ally against us now ...

I should tell her about my problems ...

Does she have to give back the gold now, or can she keep it?

Maybe she was innocent. But she deserves freedom? For what?

Sheogorath

The slave-owners came forward in a grim procession, handing over the keys to the Khajiit shackles. Some of them wore emotionless faces, many looked angry, a few were actually crying. Loranna could hear their inner voices, full of unhappiness. Many worried that they would be economically ruined now, some feared being murdered by their former slaves.

And some slave-owners did not come forward at all. They had left camp.

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor is among those who brings the keys to unshackle his slaves. He does not look unhappy at all, but Azura can read his thoughts. And he is miserable.

Sheogorath

If that is true, then I will be a very wealthy man, for today, I am ruined. My children ...

'If you will pardon me, My Goddess,' Lord Dres Gaor said with a deep bow.

Sheogorath

My children will not suffer worse in the long run if they starve to death in the short. I understand your anathema for slavery, My Goddess, truly I do. And I trust your wisdom. But it is a complex thing changing the economic model of a nation, and you must forgive me if I am not ready yet to destroy my progeny for you. Perhaps one day I will have that level of faith, but today, I must beg your leave to return to my plantation ...

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor bows again, deeper and withdraws. He has no further thoughts. Only hatred.

Returning to the crowd, he seeks out Lord Liris.

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Gaor's chief lieutenants, the Dunmer Wyrloc and the Khajiit Jazbet, were with him. He had been talking with them, quietly, solemnly.

'Liris,' said Lord Gaor with a bow. 'What news is there from the Queen?'

Sheogorath

'The Goddess is doing what She will,' said Lord Dres Gaor, his face a mask, as he took the glass of brandy and drank deeply. 'I hope history will prove it to be wise.

There are many plans soon to hatch, Liris. You should know that temples devoted to Azura are being constructed all over Morrowind. If you went to Bal Ur nearby, you would see one. A grand cathedral is being set up on my land. I have commissioned a play ridiculing King Helseth to be performed in Vivec. It is my theory that the masses will not fear a king once they have learned to laugh at him. Half my plantation's foodstuff is at Ebonheart. It is more essential than ever that Loranna's cult grows, so that Helseth will fall ...

There is doubtless more that you need to know, but Jazbet and Wyrloc here will be able to tell you anything you need to know. I have one request of you.'

Sheogorath

'I need you to get your Queen to save my children,' Lord Dres Gaor said. 'She needs to make them rich, for their father has given away their inheritance, freely, and, I hope, wisely.'

Sheogorath

'Jazbet and Wyrloc will see to it that anything you need to help the Queen will be done,' said the Dres nobleman, and the two Knights nodded.

'Thank you, my friend, for your promise' said Lord Dres Gaor with a bow, and without a further word, he withdrew.

Alone, he walked through the camp, looking at the faces of the worshippers and the jubilant slaves, to the dias where Loranna stood.

'I am here to make a confession to all,' he cried in a loud voice. No one had ever heard him shout before. It seemed he had the Nordic gift for making his words echo.

'It 'twas I who stole the gold from the Temple. It 'twas I who set up the poor Khajiit slave. It 'twas I who arranged the assassinations. It 'twas I who ruined the foodstuff with pestilence. I tried to inspire you to riot, to disband, to lose your faith. My true master has not been my House, or my men, or my Goddess, or Morrowind itself. Unbeknownst to my men, I have been a spy for his terrible majesty, King Helseth, planted to destroy this religion and the Goddess herself.

And in his name, I have one last act to do!"

With that, Lord Dres Gaor pulled his sword from his belt. It was a black blade with a black flame. He took a step towards Loranna, looking her directly in the eye.

Sheogorath

And then drew it hard across his throat.

Sheogorath

The guards moved in quickly to take the body. 'We will bury him as befitting a trait --' one of them said, and then paused. Gaor's lips were moving, he whispered in the guard's ear, before breathing his last.

Sheogorath

The guard who heard the last words looks at Azura. And she can hear the words in her mind as Gaor says them: Praise the Goddess.

The worshippers spit on the corpse as its dragged through the camp and into the wilderness.

Loranna can hear the hatred for Gaor and Helseth in the minds of the people.

And three days later, when the word of the death reached the Temple at Ghostgate, a new tapestry was begun, depicting The Sinner At The Hands Of An Angry Goddess.

Sheogorath

"Good morning, Lord Erenius," said Wyrloc, the Dres Knight. "I assume you have heard the news?"

Sheogorath

Temple Canton, Vivec

Elysana continued to watch the two men, and listen to their debate. The Queen of Wayrest understood that this was more than a philosophical or a theological debate. It was a battle over power. Wayrest had never had a fanatical religion like the Temple. The people there worshipped Akatosh, as did she, simple as that. But she knew something about fighting for power. She had fought with Helseth for the throne twenty years before, and she knew his mettle. The Queen of Wayrest wondered if the archcanon knew who he was up against.

Sheogorath

"He confessed to the theft of the gold from the Temple, spoiling the foodstuffs, attempting to assassinate Azura, all for his true master, the king of Morrowind," said Wyrloc stiffly. "And then he cut his throat before Azura. Before everyone was talking about Azura freeing the slaves, but now, as you can imagine, there is a new topic on everyone's mind."

Sheogorath

"Well, those are the facts of what he said and did," Wyrloc nodded, relaxing somewhat. "You can interpret them as you wish. I can tell you that Jazbet and I, and all of the knights who served with Lord Gaor, did not always truly understand his motivations. He seemed fanatically devoted to the Goddess, so much so, some of us wondered if it was merely an act. Perhaps he was touched by Sheogorath. But what's done is done. And I have already examined the supplies he provided to make certain they were not tampered with, and they seem to be fine."

Sheogorath

The Khajiit Dres Knight Jazbet approached the dias, and bowed before Loranna, pulling back the tattered hood he always wore. He was an Ohmes-Raht, and could have passed for an elf. Only on closer examination could one see that his flesh was covered with a short, soft fur, and the pupils of his eyes were slightly feline. He was a beautiful man, almost too pretty.

"You have little reason to trust me, Goddess," he said simply. "But I would beg a moment of your time."

Sheogorath

"You may be right," Wyrloc said, nodding. "There are many reasons why a man would confess to a crime he did not commit. He may have been protecting someone. He may have been forced into confessing, perhaps by threats to his family, to whom I believe he was devoted. He may have been insane or magickally charmed. But if you are correct, and there is another thief, the investigation must be conducted carefully. Most everyone believes Gaor was speaking the truth, that the thief has confessed and taken his own life. Of course, this gives us an advantage now, that we didn't have before. The real thief thinks he is safe."

Sheogorath

"The theft is known now," said Wyrloc. "Gaor made his confession public. And before that, a Khajiit slave was accused of the theft -- again, in public. But if you and I have doubts about Gaor's guilt, we are likely not the only ones. Like I said, the thief may think he's safe now, and may be sloppy ... Perhaps it would be good for us to bait another trap ..."

Sheogorath

"That is assuming that the thief's motivation is indeed to destroy the pilgrimage, and not just simple greed," said Wyrloc, thinking. "An assumption that, by the way, I agree with. I will think on this matter."

Sheogorath

"Gaor lied when he said he acted alone," said the Khajiit, looking Loranna in the eyes, and speaking softly, for her ears only. "I thought you were not going to free the slaves, and the only way to keep there from being a riot was to shift the focus. Perhaps it was cruel to accuse a defenseless slave of such an act, but it was honestly the only thing I could think to do. I acted foolishly out of fear of acting too late.

It was an unpardonable offense, and shows my lack of faith in your wisdom. I do not have Gaor's strength of will to fall on his sword when faced with dishonor, but if you wish, I will leave camp and never return. If you let me stay, however, I will show you my worth. I will help you with your ... situation, for one."

Sheogorath

The Khajiit drew closer. "If it is not a personal question, have you given birth before?"

Sheogorath

"I will go, if you wish me to," the Queen said. "But I would prefer to stay. I have always been fascinated by politics and religion, but I confess I do not understand the ways of the East very well. This is quite an education for me."

Sheogorath

"We Khajiit know something about providing comfort for expectant mothers," he whispered. "For my people, it is always a blessed event, but always unpredictable. A woman may give birth to a teacup sized kitten, or a babe, or a tiger, and we must be prepared for all. Perhaps if I might be permitted to show you something of what I know, to relax you and provide comfort for the child within ... If it is not presumptuous of me to ask ..."

Sheogorath

"The secrets are in the details," he smiles, his eyes shining. "What I would suggest depends on what you feel comfortable with. Massage, certainly. Some light exercise. A careful diet. A glass of wine once every two days ... Whatever it takes for you to feel good ..."

No malicious intent can be seen in his mind. Only a desire that she not look so tired, that her baby be born well ... and perhaps a hint of a deeper, more physical desire of his own ...

Sheogorath

Temple Canton, Vivec

Elysana relented. She would have preferred to stay behind, and understand all about this rivalry between King and Temple, so she could use it. But she was in no position to refuse.

She allowed the servant to escort her to a room. It was not large, but it was luxuriously appointed. The servant drew her a bath, and the Queen of Wayrest decided that if she had to be captured, she might as well be comfortable.

Sheogorath

"It may or may not matter indeed," the Khajiit whispered, grinning, and then carefully took her hand. "Will you come with me?"

Sheogorath

Jazbet led Loranna to a tent on the far end of camp. It was a slow walk, for worshippers always gathered wherever Loranna was, asking her blessing, begging her to touch them. Finally, they arrived, and Jazbet brought her in.

"Lie down on your back," he said, soothingly. "The first thing you must learn is how to breathe."

He placed his hand gently on her chest, and took her hand and put it through the folds of his ragged shirt onto his own bare chest.

"Follow my breathing," Jazbet said, inhaling and exhaling deeply. He began to rub her temple with his other hand.

Sheogorath

When Loranna is keeping the breathing rhythm regularly, Jazbet moves slightly, and begins rubbing her feet and ankles. His hands are rough, but he uses oil to soften his touch.

"Tell me if it's too hard," he whispers. Each stroke sends a wave through her body, so it not her ankle he is touching, but her neck; not her heel, but her arms; and he moves up to her calves, and even more powerful waves of release follow.

"Your skin is beautiful," he gasps.

Sheogorath

"Do you think I am trying to seduce you?" the Khajiit said, sitting back. "Let me assure you, yes, I am. In Elsweyr, we believe that a pregnant woman should be made love to twice a day, to be properly relaxed and at ease. Perhaps Nord women are different ... but not that different," he adds, smiling.

"You should let me continue the massage though, if not now then later ... Or having some other lover of yours do it, though I say with all modesty that I am peculiarly talented in that ..."

Sheogorath

The Khajiit shakes his head. "I would never force myself on anyone, least of all you. Know that. And I will be ready to continue your lessons ... anytime."

He somewhat awkwardly wipes the oil from his hands, then takes her hand and kisses it. "If you would follow one last piece of advice, remember that you are human. Your baby could not be born to a Goddess, only a woman. You should laugh, you should dance, you should make love ... We Khajiit having a saying, 'Woe to the child who is born to a sorrowful mother.'"

Now, he seems shy and he looks to the ground as he opens the tent flap for Loranna to leave first.

Sheogorath

"Forgive you? No, I cannot do that," Jazbet grins again. No longer shy. "You see, that would mean that it's over. And I have hope still that I can touch you again. In fact, it is more than hope. I see that it will happen someday, and I have a touch of the fortune-teller to me ... "

Sheogorath

"Oh, I don't prophesize that at all. But in case I'm wrong, we definitely shouldn't wait too much longer," said Jazbet, bursting out in laughter.

Sheogorath

"As it suits you," Jazbet smiled at her serious expression. "I would like you to take my advice about the pregnancy, though. I am not all ulterior motives. Not all ... So, we are agreed? I will understand that as the Incarnate, you are a woman but also a goddess," And here he laughed again. "And you will understand that as a Khajiit, I am a man ... but also an animal."

Sheogorath

Jazbet takes the risk, and kisses her quickly, softly on the lips. "Nord-Demon," he whispers. "I think I like that."

He motions to the tent flap. "After you."

Sheogorath

Jazbet smiled as he watched Loranna disappear into the crowd. He did not have a "type." He had made love to all the races of Tamriel, and found something beautiful and exciting about each one. There was hardly anything he hadn't done, and nothing he wasn't looking forward to do doing again. But this woman/Goddess/Nord-Demon was fire and ice. He had not been lying when he said he wanted to give her comfort and teach her how to care for herself in her pregnancy the Khajiit way. And he still did. But now, now there was no denying it – he wanted her.

And so the Dres Knight, the handsome Ohmes-Raht Khajiit dressed in rags, began to plan his seduction of the Goddess.

Sheogorath

He is just one more raggedy figure in the crowd, but Loranna can feel his eyes on her.

Jazbet does not know she can read his mind, but she hears from him, as if he is just talking to himself She needs to rest now. And then, find the stream, and bathe. It is soft water and very soothing. She needs to take care of herself.

Sheogorath

Temple Canton, Vivec

It would have been heaven to any other woman in Tamriel but Elysana, Queen of Wayrest. She was in a beautiful apartment in the Temple Canton, had taken a bath full of rose oil and petals, and was now lounging in on the most comfortable couch she had ever touched.

But she was annoyed. A strange reaction from a prisoner of the King of Morrowind, but nevertheless true. She wanted to be where the men were discussing matters of state. It was not her way to sit in comfort when important issues were being discussed.

When she saw the candles flicker, and one by one go out in her apartment, she knew that Bosriel was near. And with her would be Leseth. For the first time, she was not the least bit frightened seeing Leseth. She was looking forward to it.

Sheogorath

Temple Cantron, Vivec

'Good evening, Leseth,' she said, and turning toward the wall. 'Boriel. No, the accomendations have improved, but I don't know if my situation has or not. I am being shut out of the most important meeting I could imagine happening, to decide the fate of Morrowind ... Have you had any luck finding the spy who betrayed me?'

Sheogorath

'Do I intend to remain at his mercy ...' said Elysana thoughtfully. 'I never thought I was. Here is the crux of it, Leseth. I think I can get the most truth out of him, the more vulnerable I am. He has shown to me how much he fears the cult of Loranna, which only impels me to finance it further. He has admitted by his lack of denial that the spy I must find is high in my court – if he weren't, he would have mocked me with it. And he has shown with his conversation with the archcanon how weak his position is with the Temple. It has been a most educational experience. Now, the question is – will I survive it?

How difficult would it be for me to escape now?'

Sheogorath

'You have peered through the walls that surround us?' asked the Queen. 'I know that I cannot travel through the Void ... Can you see if any of my men, or my sage Vonnod, still live? I am ready to leave, but I must know what I will face.'

Sheogorath

'I would leave with the surviving men I brought with me,' Elysana said. 'If you can help me do that, then let us begin.'

Sheogorath

'Home,' the Queen of Wayrest said. 'By way of the camp of this Loranna-Azura. I would see for myself, in disguise, of course, whether she will topple my brother's empire.'

Sheogorath

The Void

'Don't tell her,' said the little dark-haired girl, wiping her blood-red lips. 'That she would have had one more guard, but for me ... I couldn't help it ... I was hungry ...'

Sheogorath

Elysana screamed in her sleep. She faced nightmares she had never seen before. It was death, pure and simple. A cold land, where even the ambitions of the most ambitious Queen in Tamriel seemed absurd. She screamed

And screamed

And screamed

Sheogorath

And screamed

Sheogorath

UPDATE

Well ...

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is God knows where. Once captured by her step-brother, Helseth, the King of Morrowind, she has called on her Void Rangers to send her home by way of Loranna's camp, and now she is asleep, having horrible nightmares.

Bosriel, the little girl Void Vampire is sated, floating in the Void, having devoured one of Elysana's knights.

Lord Dres Gaor, R.I.P., is dead, having cut his throat after confessing to all manners of horrible things in Loranna's camp, including stealing gold from the Temple at Ghostgate. He was hung upside down as a traitor, but currently resides as ashes in a canoptic jar, being sent to his children ... awww ...

Wyrloc, one of Gaor's knights, is still alive. He has been speaking to Lord Erenius, and they both suspect that Gaor was not the thief of the Temple's gold. They are planning a trap to catch the thief.

Jazbet, another of Gaor's knights, has been trying to seduce Loranna. He has gotten far as an expert on techniques of relaxing pregnant women, but still she resists, which only drives him on ...

Sheogorath

Suran, House Of Earthly Delights

The nightmare was never ending. It was if she was drowning in utter darkness, impossibly cold, colder than death, but she could somehow see all the world around her, and no one could see her to help. The only ones who could see her were Leseth and the girl. Bosriel. She had never seen the little girl Void Vampire before, never met her hungry eyes before. And this evil creature, this remorseless predator, Elysana thought in rare moment of rational thought in the nightmare world, was what she was going to set free on the world?

When she awoke, it was in the horrible normalcy of a simple room. Where was she? Her skin felt cold, unnatural. She was still wearing the robes she had put on after her bath in the Temple Canton. Where were Leseth, and Vonnod, and the guard (which one?) that had survived Helseth's torture?

There was a knock on the door, and Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, who was frightened of nothing, jumped at the sound of it.

Sheogorath

Suran, House Of Earthly Delights

The door opened, and Vonnod, Elysana's sage, entered. He had cleaned himself, but still there was a limp, and bruises about his face, evidence of Helseth's tender mercies.

"You're awake, Your Majesty," he said with a bow. "I thought it best to let you sleep ... though if you had nightmares like I did, perhaps that was not kind ..."

"Where are we?" Elysana asked, and was immediately annoyed at how shaky her voice sounded. Steel yourself, woman, you are a queen.

"Suran, it seems, not far from the camp of Loranna-Azura. I took a short walk around to gather information. There is talk of revolution, I thought would please you."

"And how are you?" the Queen asked.

"I am a sage, and not used to physical ... pain ..." he said, touching his face. "I'm sure it could have been worse, but I don't like to use my imagination in that direction ..."

"We should get you to a healer.'

Sheogorath

The House Of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana had conducted many small wars in her reign, and executed many men and women, but Herwyn's injuries even startled her. She went to him, and gently pushed the hair from his face so she could get a better look at him.

"Go to Loranna's camp and find Liris, as quietly as you can. Have him help you find a healer. Take care of yourself first, and then bring him here."

"Your Majesty," said Vonnod, shaking his head. "I cannot leave you alone in this tavern, unarmed, unguarded ..."

"Do you think you would do a good job defending me?" the Queen laughed. "I will make certain this knight does not die. Now, go!"

Vonnod bowed and left the room.

Elysana found a jug of water in the room, and some cloth, and began to dress the young man's wounds. She knew something of the art.

Sheogorath

(THE HOUSE OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, SURAN:)

"Of course you didn't," said Elysana simply, as if the suggestion was absurd. It was not her way to sweet talk the injured. They would simply get better, because she knew they were the best.

She unbuttoned his shirt, dabbing his bruised and broken chest with the wet cloth, which was already turning red. "Tell me where the pain is, and where the numbness is ... I need to know where the most serious injuries are."

Sheogorath

(THE HOUSE OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, SURAN:)

"Quiet," Elysana hissed fiercely. "No soldier of mine mews like a baby. Cry when you are no longer in my presence if you must, but I would not see it, sir."

She turned her attention to his arms, tearing the shirt away. They were black from when a flame had been turned on them, but she couldn't tell whether they were broken or not. His fingers clearly were. And the nails were gone. He had gone through a lot.

"You'll feel your arms soon enough, and probably miss the numbness,' she said, her anger cooled. "And as for me having other matters to attend, my schedule is surprisingly open for the time being.'

Sheogorath

Suran

The Dres Knight Wyrloc is nearby. He comes at her beckon.

'Yes, Goddess?' he asked, bowing, but not as deeply as Lord Gaor had done.

Sheogorath

"Your shoulder looks to be dislocated," the Queen said. "I need you to sit up, and grit your teeth. This is going to hurt, and you are not to cry out.'

Sheogorath

Suran

"I haven't been there myself, but, yes, I have heard that a few dozen of your worshippers are indeed there, setting up a shrine to your glory," the knight replied. "I believe they think the shrine to be abandoned. The work has been going on for some time now."

"I remember you, Lady. You were the one who spoke so oddly at the creation of the Temple in Ghostgate. Well, a talent for tearing things into pieces is ... good to have, I suppose. I will keep it in mind if we need that sort of thing. I do not have any talents to match that, so I hope we will become friends," he smiled.

Sheogorath

"The Queen bade me to find you," the sage said, out of breath, though he had not been moving very fast. His leg felt like it was going to drop off. 'She is in Suran, at the House of Earthly Delights. She told me to find you, so you could discreetly find a healer for me, and for another in the inn ..."

Sheogorath

"I had heard that too," said Wyrloc. 'And I asked the same question. Apparently, it is such a well-known vampire haunt, that the vampires found it best to move elsewhere. Of course, I am afraid that their defenses are weak if there are any vampires there ... a couple knights, a couple mages ... The best warriors are here, to protect you."

Sheogorath

Suran

Wyrloc returned a few minutes later with a band of a dozen guards. They certainly looked capable -- well-armored, well-armed.

They joined Allerleirauh and Aricyn on the march to Bal Ur.

Sheogorath

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, was setting the broken fingerbones on Herwyn's left hand, having finished with his right. She saw the plant, and her eyes opened wide.

'Close your eyes,' she said to the battlemage. And when he did, she said, 'Hello, Lady.'

Sheogorath

House of Earthly Delight, Suran

"I am well as could be expected, Lady,' said the Queen of Wayrest. "Considering that I have been betrayed and captured by my stepbrother Helseth, and most of my escort has been slaughtered. I have not forgotten our deal, of course. It has never been far from my mind. That is why I am in Suran, instead of safely home -- to see this Loranna-Azura and her situation with my own eyes.'

Sheogorath

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"I still believe that he is loyal, Lady. As for the other matter, I could tell you, but not now. Some secrets,' she motioned toward Herwyn. 'Are not for all ears.'

Sheogorath

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana sighed. Where was Liris, and the healer?

'You can open your eyes,' she said to Herwyn, returning to her task of mending his fingers.

Sheogorath

House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, willingly gave up tending to Herwyn, and nodded towards Lord Liris.

"These accomendations are adequate. I do not want to draw attention to my presence here,' she said, and frowned, noticing the guards. 'Speaking of which, send some of these men back. People will wonder why there are soldiers in the House of Earthly Delights ... Let us talk in the hall ..."

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"Vonnod has seen a healer too, has he?" asked Elysana, Queen of Wayrest. "I want all men who have served me well tended to before I hear how well you have served me. This healer you've brought, is he one of my men? Is he discreet?"

Sheogorath

The House oF Earthly Delights, Suran

"No," said Elysana said briskly, not noticing the wolf at all, but turning her head at the sound of the click. "All my men were tortured to death by Helseth, save Vonnod and the battlemage, Herwyn. If your healer is trustworthy, then, perhaps it would be better to continue this conversation in the room. This hallway has too many doors. It is too easy to be heard -- '

Elysana and Liris return to the room, as she finishes her sentence, making certain the healer hears her. "I still have a body part of two from the last person who displeased me by his lack of loyalty."

The healer bows in her direction, and continues casting his spells over Herwyn Brand's body. The physical signs of the torture he endured were slowly fading. The mental signs would take longer, she knew.

"I would hear about how you have been keeping an eye on Loranna, making certain she is in never out of sight of you and your men," said the Queen to Liris.

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana listened, and as she did, she thought, Meridia, you said you'd be keeping a close eye on me. I hope you're doing so now. Liris is loyal, and has been keeping Loranna under his watch this entire time, as per our contract.

"It won't be the first time a madwoman or a fool has inspired a cult and a revolution. They've been doing that since Alessia's time," said the Queen, smiling. "The question remains -- has the cult become truly a threat to Helseth's reign, and will it withstand an assault by his forces? I would like your thoughts, and then see for myself."

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Though Meridia's thoughts weren't directed towards her, Elysana's mind goes to a similar topic. She notices Liris's habit of thrumming his belt.

"And how has that been working?" she asks.

Sheogorath

Suran

Jazbet was also asleep, having an erotic dream where the massage he was giving Loranna had progressed as he hoped it would have. He was touching her, she was touching him, they were making love. Then he realized he was not with one beautiful woman, but two. The vulnerable, tender, but sensual woman, and the demanding, imperious, icy Goddess. He kissed them both, and then felt another presence join them. The most exciting one of all. The Nord-Demon.

The Khajiit knight of House Dres awoke, his heart beating fast.

Sheogorath

Suran

Jazbet sat in his tent, thinking, unable to sleep.

He was no amateur at seduction. But there were different techniques and approaches that worked well for barmaids, virgins, mothers to be, queens, and witches – and this one was all of these, and much more. He could not be aloof, or send her flowers, or write her poetry – none of these approaches would work. Why was it that he couldn't stop thinking of her?

There were other beautiful women in the camp, ones whose eyes never left him as he walked. Was it because he said no to him? Was it because she laughed with him? It was difficult to understand her, but it was impossible to understand himself.

Sheogorath

Suran

Jazbet leapt to his feet, recognizing the voice instantly. He opened up the tent flap, and looked out, but no one was there. "Hello?" he whispered.

Excellent he thought to himself. Now, you're hearing her when you're not asleep. Well done, boy. Time to making an offering to Sheogorath and cut your losses.

Sheogorath

What?! ... Oh, no ...

Jazbet's thoughts instantly turn to images of puppies and rainbows.

He runs his hands over his hair quickly, but even though there is no mirror present, he can tell it's all askew and stubbornly refuses to be moved. He had slept with it wet, and now it was half sticking up, half flat against his head.

Oh, and there're some bones left over from dinner on a plate in the corner of the tent ...

Perfect.

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

"More than one word, I hope," the Khajiit said, opening the tent flap, smiling, and blushing.

When Loranna was inside, he put one hand on her arm, tenderly, tentatively.

"I just wanted you to know" What? That I am more than a frisky kitty? "—That I really do want to help you with your pregnancy" This is true. "And I don't want you to shy away from my help because –" Kiss her "- I –" Jazbet stammered, shook his head. "I'm sorry, you know I'm not fully awake. You had something to – Please, you first."

Sheogorath

Jazbet laughed, embarrassed. "Oh, I know I need to invest in a mirror. I had one at my old house on the mainland, but I didn't really think I'd need one here -- And a comb won't do me any good. The only thing to do is to get my hair wet again, and not sleep on it ... And the only thing that will wake me up ..."

Go on, you idiot ... It's perfectly innocent ... Well, nearly perfectly ...

"Would you like to go for a swim?" the Khajiit asked, his eyes shining.

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

Skinny-dipping by yourself? Where's the fun in that?

"Oh, I can take a quick dip here," Jazbet said, and poured a water jug over his head. "It's freezing!"

He pulled his shirt up to wipe his face, and then sheepishly ran his fingers over his hair, smoothing it out.

"Well, I'm awake now," he laughed, eyes wide. "Is the hair a little better?"

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

"As long as what I'm honestly thinking about doesn't embarrass you too much," Jazbet said. "I don't mind if you peek in from time to time. I'm a simple creature. There shouldn't be much difference between what is in my head and what comes out of my mouth. I don't know. Perhaps there are dark thoughts I have occasionally, but no darker than –"

Offer to rub her back, idiot. No, she'll think it's a ploy ... Oh, hello, Loranna. Welcome to my thoughts. As you can see, my carnal and noble motives are both agreed that I should rub your back. I can hold the bad kitty back, and I do think I can do you some good there ...

"No darker than – what was I saying?"

Sheogorath

Jazbet smiles and turned his back to Loranna.

"Take off your blouse. Lie on the bed on your belly or your side, whatever is more comfortable. There is a blanket to cover yourself, and when you are ready, say, 'Jazbet, rub my back now.'"

I will be a perfect gentleman. But I cannot do this without a little bit of intimacy.

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

The Khajiit's hands are as she remembers them. Rough, but slightly padded, like a cat's. He is not tentative. With the soft, furry back of one of his hands, he warms her skin slightly, and then he rubs the muscles with his other. It is sensational, and not entirely unsexual --

I'm sorry. I'm trying to make this as medicinal without ... you know ...

There is pressure, but never too much. He doesn't have to ask if he is being too rough or too gentle. And, as before, she feels his touch in other areas of her body besides her back, though his physical hands do not reach beyond the boundary of her neck, shoulders, back, and hips. He rubs with his whole hands, just his fingertips, and sometimes his whole arm.

His thoughts do not remain pure, always, but they are always on giving her comfort and pleasure.

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

I would think Jazbet thinks, his thumbs gliding together up and down Loranna's spine That the madness of pure desire would appeal to the Dam Dog. I am not afraid. Perhaps that is madness in itself.

And Loranna could tell this was true. For what lover ever thought of consequences?

But just as I waited until you said, 'Jazbet, rub my back,' I will wait until I hear the words 'Jazbet, make love to me.' And I told you. I was born from a family of prophets. Someday I will hear that from you ... That will be ... a very, very happy day ...

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

You are complicated, and your needs are too. If I can help with ... some of them, I will be grateful.

Jazred was not a saint. Loranna could sense some slightly lingering petulant jealousy (He had better know how to make love to her), and, of course, his own needs ... but it was true. He would be her nurse without being her lover, if she wished it. Unhappily, perhaps, but willingly.

His hands were on the small of her back, pushing the muscles there with just the fingertips. It was a superfluous gesture. There was no pain or pressure remaining anywhere in Loranna's body.

"I have some wine here, if you would have a glass," he whispered. "I think I told you my people recommend one glass every two days ..."

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

Jazbet stands up and pours two glasses, keeping his back to Loranna.

"We can talk about anything you'd care to talk about, provided it's not serious. There's too much of that lately, and I don't approve. If life is not allowed to be occasionally frivolous, what is the point?" he says. "Oh, and tell me when I'm free to turn around."

... Oh, why are you being so coy, idiot? You think she didn't know you were sneaking peeks all through the massage ... Oh, sorry, Loranna ... I am trying to be good ...

Sheogorath

UPDATE

Lord Dres Gaor, RIP, commited suicide.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in her room in Deselle's House of Earthly Delights, with a loyal healer who is tending to her wounded battlemage, Herwyn. Lord Liris, Loranna's head of security, is with her.

Wyrloc, Dunmer Dres Knight and Gaor's lieutenant, is leading his men back from Bal Ur, per Loranna's call.

Jazbet, Khajiit Dres Knight and Gaor's lieutenant, is sleeping in his tent, having another naughty dream about Loranna.

Bosriel, the little girl with red eyes, the Void Vampire, is floating in the Void with Leseth.

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"How much does she trust you?" Elysana asks. "If she has many followers, and they're disorganized, what they want is organizing. Whip them into an army for the greater good of their Goddess. And if the situation is hopeless, and they are doomed to be nothing more than a distraction to Helseth, let us make sure they are a worthwhile distraction.'

The Queen of Wayrest turned to the healer. 'How is the patient? You noted his fingers and his dislocated shoulder ... Please, also pay attention to the burns on his feet. I want him mobile as soon as possible.'

Sheogorath

The Void

"We were too kind before," she said, her blank red eyes watching, as hunger grew. "If she find out, and refuses to free me ... It will be worse than anything the General would do ... They must die.'

Sheogorath

(THE VOID:)

"They are in disguise, perhaps she will not recognize them even if she sees them," said the Void Vampire. She smiled, trying to reassure herself. But in truth, she was frightened. Her freedom was in jeopardy. If they caused this curse to continue, she would destroy them, and anyone, Allerleirauh and Leseth included, who tried to stop her.

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delight, Suran

"Perhaps you can introduce me as a worshipper who has come from far away, and I can see for myself --"

She paused at the knocking, and whispered, "Are your men not guarding the hall, Liris? That's not their knock ..."

'Who is it?"

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Wayrest

Elysana grabbed Liris and pulled him to her, her lips to his ear, anger in her eyes.

"When I said to send most of your men back to camp," Elysanna hissed. "I did not mean to leave only the stupid, blind ones behind to make certain there are no unexpected interruptions. We will discuss his early retirement from my employment anon."

The Queen of Wayrest pushed Liris away, and assumed a smile of perfect grace.

"Please come in, Aricyn."

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"People give their names at Deselle's?" Elysana smiled back. 'What a delicious, old-fashioned bit of chivalry.'

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana laughs. "I'm certain no one has ever held out on you, Aricyn. You are a companion to the Prince? How fascinating. I have never met a Goddess before."

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"High Rock, of course," the Queen replied. "I didn't come all this way only for that -- I have business concerns in Morrowind, family business -- but I am interested, now that you mention it --' she added on Liris's words 'In paying homage, as they say.'

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana's smile does not fade upon the door shutting.

"So, I am to bide my time and wait, am I?" she laughed. "Come, Liris, and show me the camp. I want to be informed before my audience with the holy tavern wench.'

'Do not leave him alone,' Elysana says to the healer. 'The guards will get you anything you need. Food, herbs ... no expense is to be spared ...'

As the Queen leaves the Tavern, she tells the same thing to each of Liris's men. 'If you wish to have a future, and it not to be peculiarly painful, keep a tighter watch on that room. If anyone enters it again, I will be displeased. And get the healer anything he needs, without question.'

'Show me to the disorganized rabble,' she says, taking Liris's arm.

Sheogorath

Jazbet's Tent, Suran

The Khajiit Dres Knight thrashed in his sleep, trying to get away from images beneath his closed eyes. That beautiful ashen skin surrounded by death. Lithe, supple limbs entwined in putrescence. Ecstasy and undeath. Jazbet awoke with a start.

'Sanguine,' he said, with a gasp. 'What a nightmare.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet left his tent, wrapping his simple robe around him. It was early in the morning, and the camp was largely still asleep. An excellent time for a swim in the river, the best cure he knew for a night of restlessness.

The Khajiit saw the red-haired Dunmer walking towards his tent. He had never met the mer before, but had seen him in camp, so he raised a friendly hand in greeting, and then turned towards the path to the river.

Sheogorath

Jazbet stopped dead, and slowly turned around. His eyes were wide, but his voice didn't shake when he spoke, "I am unarmed and know no magic."

Sheogorath

"Believe me, it was no great pleasure to have those visions," Jazbet said, taking a few involuntary steps backwards at Dagoth's approach. "I cannot help what I dream. A man's imagination is beyond his control. Do you mean to kill me?"

Sheogorath

"I talked with her last night, about love in its many forms,' said the Khajiit. "She told me about you. I guess there is no real reason why she would have told you about me. I have simply been trying to comfort her in her pregancy by the ways of my people ..."

Sheogorath

The Khajiit put his hand to his head and closed his eyes, but there was no way to keep the lich's skeletal fingers out of his mind.

'My thoughts are my own,' he hissed, his eyes opening, furious, and thought I have not lied to you. I desire the woman you love. It is that simple. If you are jealous or want me dead, know that I cannot rifle through your head, like you do to mine. I can only ask that as I have not called you a monster, you do not behave monstrously, as you are doing right now.

'I will hurt myself long before I hurt her,' he said simply, and Dagoth Lich knew that to be true. 'If I have offended you by my dreams, I apologize. But you must know what people's honest reactions to liches are, or you would not be in disguise.'

Sheogorath

The Khajiit blinked once, and then again, and then grinned. 'I knew you couldn't be that bad of a fellow, considering her feelings for you. It will take some getting used to, all these telepaths. I like to have a few dirty thoughts I keep to myself ...'

Sheogorath

Jazbet smiled and closed his eyes, picturing the tavern in Loranna's dream. Hey, friend, care for another drink? It's on me.

Sheogorath

The dream tavern vanishes as Jazbet takes a last sip of mead.

That was amazing. I could actually taste it, wide awake, dreaming someone else's dream ...

He looked at Dagoth. 'Maybe you should talk to her. I'm going for a swim, and she's told me that she can't join me in anything so public ... Not that I don't know a secluded spot or two ...'

Sheogorath

Ah, another friend of yours who will see me as a flea on a dog Jazbet chuckled, and with a wave to Dagoth, continued on the path to the river. Tell me when you want to introduce me to someone more my speed, like your hatmaker ...

Sheogorath

The Swimming Hole

It was just a shallow inlet in the river, where trees hung low, dipping into the gentle current. A low waterfall joined the flow.

'I suppose so,' he said with a wave. 'Are you coming in?'

Sheogorath

Jazbet hung his robe on a nearby bush, and dove off the waterfall into the river.

'Isn't it nice here? For some reason, it's warmer than in other parts of the river. It just gets more sun,' he said, swimming towards her. 'Yes, I knew your name even before Loranna mentioned it to me. You've been discussed nearly as much as she has, as I'm sure you know.

I was born a slave, but I have been free for many years now.'

Sheogorath

"You must not be a telepath like the rest of Loranna's friends,' he laughed. "You mean people still ask questions and answer them, vocally? Extraordinary!"

He splashed her back. 'Are we sparring now?'

Sheogorath

So I'm learning. But since I've never lived in a place that had many rooms, I'd compare it instead to being always naked, which never something I've minded,' he said, laughing back. 'I can see we have that in common.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet pretended to be shy, as well, looking down, and trying to summon a blush that wasn't happening. 'Oh, my goodness. You saw me ...'

He gave up, and laughed instead, 'Shy? You? If you so say so, lady, if you say so.'

He began swimming circles around her. 'You were the one who said that women shouldn't experience the physical act of love while pregnant, right?'

Sheogorath

"I would be grateful if you would clarify that point for her, then,' Jazbet smiled, stopping his swimming, and now only treading water. 'For some reason, that particular point, coming from me, doesn't sound so ... objective. Though I understand her other worry is about the reaction from Oblivion. Apparently, a mere kiss she enjoyed earlier had some time ago provoked quite firestorm ...

And I do not mean to only speak of my own romance. You mentioned that you have children. Is the father the other Nord who is Loranna's companion?'

Sheogorath

"I am sorry about your family, but I'm delighted that you are living still," the Khajiit said. "The Breton is handsome, and passionate too. I'd say you were a good match. If I weren't otherwise smitten with three women in one, which is exhausting my inexhaustible resources, I daresay I would try to give him some lively competition.'

Sheogorath

"It was good getting clean with you, Allerleirauh,' Jazbet smiled, now floating on his back, enjoying the sun. 'I hope we can do it again soon.'

Sheogorath

The Camp of Loranna, Suran

Liris led Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, through the camp, pointing out people of interest from a distance, as they wound their way towards his tent. They were, as he told her earlier, a disorganized group of rabble, and she made certain she fit right in, in a common cloak and hood she had picked up in town.

'Do they have a time for worship, any rituals?' she asked. 'You can't have a religion that lasts long without some order, some guidelines for behavior ...'

Sheogorath

The Queen nodded, her face showing no emotion, as they entered Liris's tent.

'Let us have a tabulation of assets,' Elysana said. 'How many of these people directly or indirectly work for me? As much as a thousand, a third of them? Do they have weapons? A stronghold to repel attacks? What of House Dres?'

Sheogorath

Liris's Tent

This was the second time Aricyn had interrupted Elysana's meeting with Liris, but if she was the least bit irritated, she didn't show it. She merely nodded to Liris, and took Aricyn's arm, letting him lead her to the temple.

'It was very kind of her to agree to meet me on such short notice,' the Queen said. 'I imagine she must get many, many requests ...'

Sheogorath

"It was a very fortunate thing for me you are in the habit of knocking on strange doors," Elysana returned the charming smile, times two. 'Or else I wouldn't have this opportunity, thank you, sir.'

Sheogorath

Elysana bowed low, studying Loranna. She was certainly beautiful. And exotic, with all that ashen skin. Was that make-up? It was certainly convincing, though with that hair, she could stand to go a shade darker ...

'Greetings from the west, Goddess,' the Queen said. 'You honor me by allowing me into your presence.'

Sheogorath

Elysana's thoughts were clear -- Helseth thinks this cult is a threat? There's a powerful person or two here, but I've seen knitting circles with better defenses against a siege ...

The Queen adjusted her robe as she rose. 'I hope it is not impolite to ask, Goddess, but might I inquire what goals you have for Morrowind? The people I've spoken to talk of a better future, but they are not more precise than that ...'

Sheogorath

The little Void Vampire Bosriel nodded. It seemed strange, being sent away from him like this ... Why would he not want her around? What was he planning?

Paranoia was a side effect of hunger, she knew. And there were people in the camp who were still asleep. Sick people who had not yet gone to Loranna for a blessing. If one, or maybe two of them died, no one would be at all surprised, and she could think clearly again ...

The dark-haired girl floated off, swallowed up into darkness.

Sheogorath

'I have caused offense, I fear,' smiled the Queen sadly. 'It is an unfortunate Breton characteristic to want to know specifics. When told there are good things to eat, we want to know what meats, and how they are to be prepared. When told that someone is in love, we ask for the lovers name and how it came to pass. When told a brighter future is rising, we want to know what it is and how it will happen ...'

In Elysana/Lady Farrine's mind the question is more succinct: Why are so many people following her? Is it because her message is so ... generic?

Sheogorath

Goddess,' said the Queen. 'You asked me what I would ask of you, and then thought it strange that I have questions? I am sorry, I was not trying to be rude. But when told to worship something, is it unreasonable to ask how?'

Perhaps she's insane ... That would be interesting. They think they're worshipping Azura, but it is Sheogorath instead?

Sheogorath

UPDATE

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in audience with Loranna, and it seems to be going really awfully well. eek7.gifShe has been introduced as a noblewoman of High Rock, who is perhaps over-inquisitive about the particulars of Loranna's plans, and how one goes about worshipping her.

Bosriel, the dark little girl, the Void Vampire, is feeding on the sick in the camp, trying to assuage her fear that the presence of Ciel and Tris in Suran will mean her freedom's loss when the Queen finds out they live.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Dres Knight, is finishing his morning swim, and is making his way back to camp from the river.

Sheogorath

Suran, Temple

The Queen sighed, and bowed her head. 'It would seem that all my questions have merely irked you, Goddess. I truly did not mean to cause offense, but it would seem I have. I do, however, have one last question for you, and it is a simple one.'

The question came in her mind before it came to her lips, and it was phrased exactly the same.

'Do you know that the King of Morrowind is planning to crush you and all of your followers?'

Sheogorath

Soon enough? Does she know it is only a matter of days before his army marches in and obliterates everything and everyone in its path? Can I ask her that, or is that like asking Azura the contents of a box?

'I thank you for your patient audience,' said Lady Farrine / Elysana, with a bow.

Sheogorath

The Queen of Wayrest bowed again and left the Temple. She opened her cloak on leaving, and tapped on her belt, instinctively imitating Liris's habit.

'I must check on Herwyn, the injured battlemage,' she said to Liris, simply. 'Meet me back at the Inn this afternoon, and we'll discuss the plans for moving forward.'

Elysana set off through Suran towards the House of Earthly Pleasures, thinking to herself and herself alone whether the Cult of Loranna-Azura was still a prudent investment.

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel joined Leseth. He could tell by the mildness in her eyes, and the redness of her lips that she had fed recently and well.

'I have not lost sight of the Queen,' the Void Vampire says. 'She is moving through the town, there, towards the Inn ...'

Sheogorath

People were racing through the town, this way and that. Some, horrified, were fleeing away from the direction she was going. Some, excited, were running her way. The Queen of Wayrest continued to move forward, with some caution. Perhaps I should have brought some guards with me, though that might have looked suspicious, she thought.

Elysana stopped in her tracks outside the House of Earthly Delights in time to see the end of the battle, the creature melt into goo.

'What a place this Morrowind is,' she thought, and stepped past, into the Inn.

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana had sent the healer away hours ago. The Queen had simply been sitting, alone with her thoughts, accompanied only by the occasional snore from the battlemage, Herwyn, who seemed to be recovering nicely from his ordeal at Helseth's hands.

She opened the door quietly, and whispered, "Keep your voice down. Was is it, Faril?'

Sheogorath

The House Of Earthly Delights, Suran

The Queen of Wayrest took the note from Faril, broke the seal, and read it. Her eyes never showed a hint of a reaction, positive or negative to the contents. Then she tip-toed to the fireplace and burned it to ashes.

'Liris was kind to put you at my disposal like that,' Elysana whispered, smiling, returning to Faril. 'Tell me, sir, how long have you been working for him? Have you found it a rewarding career?'

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

'Liris obviously relies on you for quite a lot,' Elysana smiled. 'You must have ambitions of your own. Would you have, hypothetically, handled the present situation differently if you were in his position, do you think?'

She laughs, and then, remembering Herwyn is still asleep, lowers her voice: 'This is not a trick question, my dear Faril. I only like to know a little more about the people I am entrusting my life to in this dangerous place ...'

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana nodded, not smiling, but her eyes were friendly. 'I appreciate your candor. Yes, I can see a bright future for you, should you be given the opportunity to rise in the ranks ... That will be all for now, Faril ... Please, do not hesitate to visit again if there is any news that I should hear about.'

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

The Queen of Wayrest heard the trumpets. She opened the door, and signaled to one of the shabbily dressed, undercover guards in the hall.

'What is that sound?' she whispered. 'Who is arriving?'

Sheogorath

Wyrloc enjoyed directing people to do things, particularly if it took little imagination. He had been ordering his men around all morning, making certain that everything was packed up and ready to be put onto the ships. There was a lot. The foodstuffs from Lord Gaor's plantation needed to be put here, weapons there, tents folded up and put here ...

Jazbet enjoyed physical labor. It gave him pleasure to do the work voluntarily which he would have been forced to do as a slave. And he knew he could do it right. Tents could be folded tighter, and he showed the soldiers how. There was no reason to show off, carrying too much stuff, and hurt one's back, but there was no excuse for carrying too little ...

The docks came to be filled with people and the miscellany of a pilgrimage.

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

"Already?" she sighed, exaspirated. Liris told her that they would be leaving for Vivec, but he didn't say it would be happening so soon.

She closed the door, and touched Herwyn's shoulder gently.

'Are you awake?'

Sheogorath

Jazbet, struggling with loading a box onto the boat, passed Loranna, and started to say something -- his expression turned to surprise Your face -- and then dropped the box on his foot.

'Rajhin!' the khajiit hollared in agony.

Sheogorath

"I don't doubt that you're physically capable," the Queen said, her eyes steadily on Herwyn. "I've watched the healer work, and he did as fine a job as any in my court. But what you've been through takes a while for the mind to heal, and I need you to be honest with me, and tell me if you're capable of doing what I require. We're leaving on a trip, to a place we've been before. I don't believe the King will be there now ... but it was the last place I saw him. Would you be able to return with me to Vivec?'

Sheogorath

The Khajiit was still stunned, first looking at Loranna and then Allerleirauh. He burst out laughing.

'I am sorry, I am sorry,' he gasped between laughs. 'Something just --'

You have been practicing he thought to Loranna Don't deny it. I know the change in a woman's face, the afterglow ... Was it by yourself or did you find a suitable ... Rajhin, was it the lich?!

Sheogorath

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

Elysana chuckled. 'No, not the same way. We will go by boat this time ... And we will certainly only be there for a short while. I have no interest in staying with this pilgrimage any longer than it takes to ... Well, do what must be done. But we need to get up and out of here or we'll miss the boat ...'

She looked around the empty room, and smiled. 'Fortunately, we packed light.'

Sheogorath

"The Nord?!" Jazbet cried out loud, and then slapped his hand over his mouth.

So sorry he thought, returning to the dock with a slight limp to help carry more boxes on board the ship. This telepathy takes some practice. I don't know why, I never thought he would be a proper lover to you. Your friend Allerleirauh might've told you, but I originally thought they might be together ... looking so similar and all ... But ... Well, marvelous! ... Practice makes perfect ...

And you even look like you enjoyed it ... sort of ...

Sheogorath

'I might need something else from you,' Elysana whispered as they hurried down the dock towards the ship. 'You don't know the people who have been at camp, and they don't know you ... And I need to learn where some loyalties lie ... I'll explain more when we have a moment of privacy, assuming that's possible on this tiny little ship ...'

Sheogorath

While the Khajiit Dres Knight listened to Loranna's thoughts, he was preparing to lift a large, but not particularly heavy box, that rose almost as high as his chest. He tried to lift it as he listened, but put it down instead.

See that? You make me weak, Loranna.

He peeked over the top of the box, looking at her, while he pretended to struggle to lift it.

My heart and more? ... Ah, woman – and I speak to the woman now, not the Goddess or Nord-Demon, though you know they intrigue me as well – but woman, I am sorry you felt regret, but that too is part of being human. But when you are ready, and you say, 'Jezbet, make love to me,' I will take you –

One of Jazbet's men came to help him with the box, but Jazbet shook his head and directed him to another one. 'I, um, need this one right now ... Where it is ...'

If this box were moved, it might be a little embarrassing right now the Khajiit winked.

Sheogorath

'My affairs, before I've even had them, are seldom this public,' Jazbet grinned. 'But I do think you're right. Where would the world be if every act of love was a unbelievable, soul-expanding ride to Aetherius and back?'

This I promise you he thought to Loranna.

'And if your Breton ever needs any directions, and he gets lost on the path of where you keep things,' the Khajiit winked to Allerleirauh. 'You tell him to speak to me. I'll be the inside-out cat.'

Sheogorath

'Pardon me,' said the Queen of Wayrest, stepping onto the boat with the battlemage behind her. She smiled at Loranna. 'Clearly, I've found the right boat to be on. I'm Lady Farrine -- we met yesterday? You look well. Oh dear, what chaos ... If you'll excuse me ...'

Elysana and Herwyn moved to the rear of the boat to allow room for more passengers and boxes.

Sheogorath

"Well, one cannot very well be a follower on a holy pilgrimage if one doesn't work on one's missionary work,' Jazbet laughed, and with a final wink to Loranna, joined his men getting the boats fully loaded up.

Sheogorath

Lord Dres Wyrloc hails Erenius from the ship with the Dres flag.

"Everyone wants to be on the Incarnate's ship," the Dunmer laughed. "We've had to turn people away, even people with quite substantial bribes, because it'd certainly be a bad impression on one and all if Loranna's ship was the one that sunk. Come on aboard. We'll follow them and keep a close eye."

Sheogorath

"Ah, not to worry, my friend," Wyrloc said, clapping him on the back. "The other half of Gaor's foodstuffs and supplies are in Ebonheart, quite near Vivec. We should be able to get everything we need shortly on arrival.

As for why she chose to go by ship, well, it's all a bit complicated ... Many issues had to be worked out ... No one simple answer ..."

Wyrloc was well used to pretending to be smart about things he had no idea about.

Sheogorath

The boxes loaded onto Loranna's ship ultimately need to be unloaded and put on the other ships, as crowded as the first ship becomes with worshippers not wanting to be far from their beloved Incarnate. Jazbet leads the men carrying the equipment, and when he returns to the Incarnate's boat, he is exhausted.

"Is that it?" the khajiit Dres Knight calls out. "Anyone we're missing? Ship's ready to sail!"

Sheogorath

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is aboard Loranna's ship with her battlemage, Herwyn. Known now as Lady Farrine, she has recently received a note which has prompted her to grill Faril, Liris's man ... She is still trying to decide whether the Cult of Loranna-Azura will turn out to be a profitable investment for her.

Lord Dres Jazbet, Khajiit knight in the service of House Dres, is aboard the same boat, exhausted from moving the boxes back and forth all evening. He is looking forward to some private time with Loranna, but that may have to wait, as crowded as the ship is ...

Lord Dres Wyrloc is aboard the ship trailing Loranna's, pretending he knows much more than he does about – well, everything.

Bosriel, the dark-haired little girl, the Void Vampire, is alone. In the Void.

Sheogorath

Jazbet stretched atop the roof, enjoying the breeze and the sun. He couldn't move a muscle, but he felt good. At the sound of Allerleirauh, Aricyn, and the wolf tussling, he turned his head slightly and watching, grinning. It was a good thing. Too much seriousness, altogether these days ...

Sheogorath

Jazbet shook his head, and thought to himself, There's her love. Talk about too much seriousness ... Allerleirauh was right. He could stand to have more of the cat about him ...

Sheogorath

Elysana saw the group playing around, and noticed Aricyn right away.

She started towards them, and then stopped. The silver-haired woman looked familiar ... The Queen stepped back, and walked away, waiting 'til she could remember where she knew her from. Many years of memories to sort through, but she never forgot a face. It was one of her chief skills as a sovereign.

Sheogorath

Jazbet, his eyes closed, soaked up the sun, and sang along:

Oh, it's not so hard
Being a bard
You just strum fine
And sometimes ... rhyne ...

Oh, it's not so hard
Being a bard
When you sing a song
It-doesn't-even-matter-if-one-or-two-of-the-lines-are-far-far-too-long

Sheogorath

The Khajiit, mostly asleep on the roof, continued the tune:

I asked my love where we could live without the slightest care?
She said, "Love, Elsweyr."
I asked my love where we could love and no one would ever stare?
She said, "Love, Elsweyr."
I asked my love where can I shed my clothes and walk about bare?
She said, "Love, Elsweyr."

So I moved my eager feet
To the land of the Khajiit
But we soon had a spat
Caught her with a frisky cat
"We are not a loving pair,"
I said, "Shove, elsewhere."

Sheogorath

Elysana remembered where she had seen the silver-haired Nord woman before.

Allerleirauh, that was her name.

She had been good. Very good. And she was evidently even better now.

What was Allerleirauh doing with the divine barmaid? Merely work for hire again?

If the Queen wanted to protect her identity as Lady Farrine, she would need to avoid this woman ... But that was the question, wasn't it? Was it time of the masquerade where the disguises were dropped? Was there anything to be gained by this subterfuge anymore?

As always, Elysana made certain to camouflage her thoughts with the aid of her magickal token. Who knew how well these things worked -- but still, with telepaths about, any protection was better than none ...

Sheogorath

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, had found herself a good position to watch Allerleirauh. She was forever with one person or another, but when she was reasonably alone, and there was a time to talk in some privacy, she would greet the adventurer.

The Queen was not someone to sneak around, forestalling the inevitable. If the masks must come off, it would be at a moment of her choosing.

Sheogorath

ooc: Thanks, Tarik. The more the merrier -- if anyone wants to join in, we know it can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we try to begin each thread with a summary ...

Allerleirauh still seemed busy, but Elysana spied Faril, walking by himself. The Queen slid quietly by his side, and began whispering to him. He nodded, and went on his way.

Elysana returned to her old vantage point, smiling.

Sheogorath

Jazbet pulled himself out of the water, where he had been going for a swim around the slowly drifting boats. As he dried off, he sang:

In a remote little village in far flung High Rock
A handsome young Breton resided
On his talents singing and tending his flock
Opinions were sharply divided.

He would croak his songs like a lisping sload
The sheep thought it was quite a bore.
They baaed, "Oh, no, it's the damned road
Again? Can we have a new metaphor?'

Sheogorath

"There's quite a bit of it under us," smiled Jazbet.

Sheogorath

Jazbet watched the dreugh as he finished drying off and sang:

'Cross the silvery lake, there sailed a fleet
Towards Vivec they were speedily cruising
Aboard one ship was a Breton and a Khajiit
And the Breton thought the cat un-amusing.

Back and forth, they sang off-key verses
Packed so tight, there was no room to wiggle
The cat thought, through the Breton's curses,
That he'd stop, if he could just get a giggle.

Sheogorath

"I saw some dreugh lounging about near the bottom if you want someone to spar with," said Jazbet, and with a wave, went off to get dressed. It was shaping up to be another beautiful day, but he still felt a little tight after yesterday's exercise. The swim had done him no end of good.

Sheogorath

Jazbet dressed quickly – it was impossible to find privacy anywhere on this boat, as crowded as it was, but he wasn't shy. The good thing about having been the person to carry most of the supplies on board was that he knew where the cask of wine was hidden away. Making sure no one was watching him, he found it, tapped it, and poured two mugs of wine.

The Khajiit went to Loranna's quarters, and realizing that both of his hands were full, knocked on the door with his head.

"Ow."

Sheogorath

"Lor --" Jazbet starts to call, and then stops himself. A bit too casual if she's having a conference with someone. "Um, Goddess Azura of Dusk and Dawn? Are you free?"

Sheogorath

"It's been two days, so, yes, you should have a little wine to help the blood and the nerves," Jazbet smiled, and nodded towards Dagoth. "Have you lost weight?"

Sheogorath

"They say the first thing to go is the sense of humor," Jazbet winked. "Can you drink? I can get another glass of wine ..."

Sheogorath

"I fare fairly. My activities thus far have been lying around, singing songs with that very dour Breton bard, and going for a swim. Which is really the sort of exercise you should be getting, but I can understand that the Incarnate can't leap naked through the waves like some sea nymph without raising the collective eyebrow of the Temple," the Khajiit said, his eyes shining. "Much as that would earn my worship ..."

He looked to Dagoth, "Are you sure, sir? No wine?"

Sheogorath

Summary:

Lord Dres Jazbet, Khajiit knight of House Dres, is in Loranna's quarters on her ship with her and Dagoth Lich, drinking wine.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is also on the ship, undercover as Lady Farrine of High Rock. She has been watching Allerleirauh, who she remembers from years ago, waiting for an opportunity to speak to her in private.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is alone in the Void.

Sheogorath

Jazbet laughed also. "They are clearly wrong. A pity though. Sounds like the sort of thing an alchemist could work on ..."

"I'd characterize his sound as unhappy," the Khajiit says, smiling. "He seems to fancy himself more of a soloist. Poor Allerleirauh."

Sheogorath

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, turned from her vigilance of Allerleirah, and noticed Aricyn, standing by himself. He was watching her.

"Fair day to you, Aricyn," she said, smiling charmingly. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Sheogorath

"This telepathy," said Jazbet, shaking his head but smiling. "It's hard for a man to have impure thoughts with you mind-readers around ..."

Sheogorath

"I wouldn't characterize you as any type at all," the Khajiit said. "You're something unique ... Though, in truth, you still scare the fur off of me ..."

"I would like nothing better ... And I think Arynel would appreciate it if I didn't provide counterpoint to his songs for a little while ..."

Sheogorath

"So many things benefit from a little perspective, I always find," said the Queen. "But I will be returning to High Rock very soon. Directly when we land in Vivec. I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to the -- what is the word? -- Incarnate?"

Sheogorath

"Do you?" the Queen says with a nod. "Perhaps. War often has good long term benefits. You don't think Helseth will embrace the Incarnate, do you?"

Sheogorath

"You should get out occasionally for some fresh air," said Jazbet, looking around. "Though privacy is important too ... and relaxation ... When I came in, you looked a little -- well, not tired exactly ... Anxious?"

Sheogorath

"Well, if you wanted to run away with me, you know where you'd have to go, don't you, my dear Aricyn?" Elysana smiled. "I have no gift of telepathy, but I know men. And if I'm not very much mistaken, you have not been fooled by me ever."

Sheogorath

What have I told you about discussing serious things with me? Jazbet thought, while grinning. Surely you have enough serious discussions during the day without the need for one more?

Sheogorath

"Entertaining, certainly," said Elysana. "But a general who always stays behind the lines never gets an accurate report. My men need to know that I can be anywhere at any time ... In truth, though, my presence here was not altogether planned. In short, I was tricked. That is why I wanted to speak frankly with you. This pilgrimage is in great danger ... and, in case you wonder why I care, the danger affects me as well ..."

Sheogorath

Jazbet listened to her, and didn't grin anymore.

I won't try to dissuade you. It is not a pretty image, you in prison, but you have made up your mind. That was the hard part. Now, we need to talk about how you and your child can survive locked up ... You must tell them that the terms of your surrender include good, healthful food; a glass of wine every two days; regular times when you can get out into the sun and get exercise; and ... visits from friends ... such as me ...

Sheogorath

"The fact is that this stone you speaking of, Helseth, was in Vivec only a few days ago, right where this fleet is sailing," Elysana said. "He may not be there now, but he can't be very far away, close enough to roll over us as he falls ... As far support, I have invested heavily in this enterprise, and I would be loathe to pull it all away at a loss of profit. But I am afraid that this cult is where Helseth's eye is directed now. He may lose the battle with the Temple, but he has his arrow cocked at the weakest runt in the litter ... Which is here ..."

Sheogorath

You give yourself too little credit. You see the future nearly as well as I do ... Which can be frightening, thus my determination to remember that we live in the present.

Jazbet puts his hand on Loranna's heart.

I am glad I taught you to breathe.

He kisses her and thinks, not consciously, If you're ready, say the words.

Sheogorath

They made love, Jazbet and Loranna. Though he saw shades of Azura and the Nord Demon in her eyes, it was man and woman, in the little room in the gently rocking ship.

It was slow and tender, sometimes tentative, and sometimes they both fell into laughter, when a supplicant knocked on the door, asking if Loranna needed anything.

It was passionate. It was shattering.

He knew how to make love. Sometimes he called himself, with self-mockery, an artist in such matters. But he never thought it could be like this. It was a masterpiece.

Sheogorath

"Don't be defensive, it doesn't suit you," said Elysana, smiling. "I don't blame you for questioning my motives, or my honesty. I plot and devise strategems and manipulate people, I know. That is what a Queen does. And I may be wrong. Like I said, I was tricked very recently, and it's quite likely I'll be fooled again in the future. This cult of yours looks very disorganized to me, the sort of thing that the disenfranchised rabble put together and abandon at the slightest trouble ...

That was why I asked your Incarnate so many questions, which she took offense to. I wanted to see if there was a secret strategy behind it all, and I found nothing. I think there is power here, but it is unfocused. And if nothing else, I wanted you to know how close the danger is, if there was any doubt about that at all ..."

Sheogorath

Jazbet lay still for a while, staring at the ceiling, breathing hard, and then he turned to Loranna with the khajiitiest of grins: 'Want to do it again?'

Sheogorath

We all have to join our ancestors some time, and there can't be a better way to die than that ...

Taking it slow, of course, was no way to assuage the 'hungry moments.' Of this, both of them were well aware ...

Sheogorath

You should feel confident. I told you, I'm a fortune-teller, and I know you will live ... Now, let's do that thing we did an hour ago, you know the one -- and I don't even want to know where you learned it ... Heh heh heh ...

Fade out (again).

Sheogorath

The boat rocked, and Elysana gripped the railing to catch herself. She saw Allerleirauh a moment before the woman turned and saw her. After waiting some time for a moment to catch her alone, it was suddenly almost too soon.

"Hello, Allerleirauh," the Queen of Wayrest said with a smile. "It has been many years, but you have hardly changed at all. You must tell me your beauty secrets."

Sheogorath

'Kind of you to say. My family is well, but no one you would know is at the palace now,' Elysana said. 'My father passed to his ancestors long ago. And, of course, Helseth and Barenziah and Morgiah ... well ...' She chuckled, rolling her eyes. 'Not all family members are missed. But I have two beautiful children and a fine husband, so I would say my family is doing very well indeed. It has been so long since I've seen you, I thought you must have retired yourself, if you were lucky enough to retire ... But imagine my surprise seeing you here, of all places.'

Sheogorath

'Oh, the teacher has become the student, in more ways than one,' the Khajiit chuckled.

'I do have one thing to say to you, which is serious, even for me,' said Jazbet, who was still smiling nevertheless. 'What you don't see, but I can, is that Azura is not your antagonist. I see and I feel her strength and power in you. Don't let her control you – like I said, a Goddess cannot give birth, only a woman can. But you can call on her. I saw you do it unconsciously today. And for your own sake, and the sake of Sen-Yedda, don't forget that power.

'You know I will be with you when I can, and Dagoth, of course, too; but remember, you have a crutch to lean on within you. She will keep you from feeling some of the pain and sadness which I know you sometimes feel.'

Sheogorath

'I've seen him recently too,' said the Queen. 'A most satisfactory meeting where he burbled and cursed about this cult. Why he cares so much about this scruffy kingdom of his is a wonder to me. I mean, the sheer acreage is impressive, but really ... Of course, then I had to see with my own eyes the thorn in his side, but until I saw you, I didn't think it had much of a fighting chance. Are they paying you well for your services?'

Sheogorath

'Then perhaps it is the Nord-Demon I see in you,' said Jazbet, kissing her. 'I am sorry, I didn't mean to make you frown. You are on a throne now, and people will blame you for everything that has gone wrong with their lives. And you are human, and it will hurt you. But do not let it hurt you so deeply than it hurts your child ... Wherever you get that power to shield yourself, use it ...'

Sheogorath

'Well, it certainly will come to a fight, sooner rather than later,' said Elysana. 'I have seen enough battles to know when one is brewing. Without being elusive myself, I should tell you what I told Aricyn. Helseth is on Vvardenfell, and he is a caged animal. Count on him to act when you get too close. When I saw him last, he was in Vivec itself. He has no fear of the Temple, more fool he, but he is a dangerous fool.'

Sheogorath

'Do you want me to stay or go?' Jazbet grinned. 'Certain women want to be held all night, but I don't think I see that in your eyes ... I will, of course, but I don't want you to grow tired of me ...'

Sheogorath

'Then the Incarnate might want to do that telekinetic thing she does with her hair. Which by the way, might have other uses we can explore,' Jazbet winks, as he gathers up his clothes.

Sheogorath

'I appreciate you speaking frankly, Allerleirauh; in fact, I count on it,' the Queen also smiled. 'We are not so very different, you and I, though I would understand it if you didn't take that as a compliment. I have had to make strange alliances too. As for Lord Liris –' She faltered a bit, Allerleirauh notices, losing her smile. 'I will take your advice under advisement. Things have not always gone as I intended, ever since Lord Ciel decided to capture Loranna rather than kill her, but we must always be prepared to improvise, mustn't we?'

Sheogorath

Jazbet grinned, kissed her once more, and opened the door, letting in the fresh fresh.

Do promise you'll let me know when you have no more use for me, he thought I'll understand, but I don't want to make a bigger fool of myself than need be.

Sheogorath

Elysana lost her smile, but she did not frown. Her face was simply still as she looked out to the water. 'Were you there? That's interesting. In that case, certainly he and his troops might have been killed. But I have retreated from battle before. I may take my troops and retreat soon as we reach Vivec, I do not know. All survivors know that not every battle is to be won.

'Ciel did not ignore my orders and make up his own rules out of bravery and loyalty, but out of stupidity and arrogance and ... I don't know what else. He decided to flee and slay my guards instead of answering my charges. I might not have had him executed if he would have pled his case with half the sincerity that you're showing ... But murdering my guards in my own palace ... What an ugly topic for a pretty day ...'

Sheogorath

"Despite what some, no, many say about me," said the Queen, smiling again, but not merrily. "I am not a vampire who relishes pain and suffering. If I merely wanted him dead, I have assassins. I called him home for an explanation. Was execution possible? Certainly ... Death is always a possibility ... But, like you said, let us leave him in peace."

Sheogorath

The ship sails onward, and the mood continues to be bright. The motion of the water is gentle, the breeze refreshing, and people seem to be very comfortable, settling in. Very comfortable.

There is more space to move on the ship, for one. A couple people, such as Ciel and Tris, have left, but it might be noted, by especially observant people, that there are more people missing than that. At least a half dozen guards seem to have vanished without a trace. No one of any importance, of course, no one whose name you know, but if the crowd looks thinner, and there are more private places to talk, that is the reason why ...

Sheogorath

Wayrest, High Rock

In the morning, Ryvad Castellian, the Queen's chief spymaster, had met with her council. Despite Elysana's absence in court, there was a well-maintained mechanism to keep the kingdom running smoothly. He and the Queen's Minister of War had then taken a tour around the site of the new palace. It was still hard to tell whether it was going to be magnificent or absurd, this dome she had eccentrically ordered built. The framework was in place, and artisans worked day and night building and building on it.

In the afternoon, Ryvad toiled in the coverted dungeon which was his temporary headquarters.

"What is this?" he wondered, looking at a new archeological report. He researched it thoroughly, and then sent word on so his sovereign would know what he had discovered.

Sheogorath

Jazbet, asleep on the cabin roof, woke up at the sound, Something's loose on the ship!

Sheogorath

Jazbet saw the horrible, shambling family of undead creatures and leapt from the roof to the mast. He began ringing the alarm bell over and over again.

Sheogorath

Jazbet ceased the bell ringing.

'Flying dreughs and shambling monstrosities,' he grinned. 'Next time I'll have to take the first class ship.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet jumped from the roof to lead the group in moving the sail, "Come on, lads! Lift!"

Sheogorath

"Was there anyone else in the water?" Jazbet called to him. The yardarm was very heavy, and the men grunt against the strain, but it was lifted.

The injured were taken out, but only one man was dead. Lord Liris.

Sheogorath

Receiving no answer, the Khajiit ran to the railing and looked out into the water. There were more people who had leapt or fallen overboard.

Jazbet leapt into the lake.

Sheogorath

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, stepped through the crowds with Lord Faril and Herwyn, her battlemage. Her face was a stony mask.

She knelt by the side of Liris's broken, bloody body, and said to Faril, "Find out what happened."

Sheogorath

From his vantage point in the water, Jazbet could see no more people to move to the ropes. They had either all been saved ... or some of them were unaccounted for.

"Can you see anyone else?" the khajiit cried to the people in the boats holding the ropes.

Sheogorath

"Do it now," Elysana said again. "You are in charge, Faril. This was caused by a human, either by accident or design. And if by design, I have a good idea who it was."

Sheogorath

Jazbet climbed nimbly up the rope the guard had thrown down. He starts helping the clean up immediately.

Sheogorath

Wayrest, High Rock

The Queen's Spymaster Ryvad Castellian received his orders. He arranged for shipment immediately to Morrowind. He smiled. His sovereign appeared to be pleased with his work.

Sheogorath

Summary:

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is kneeling by the side of the dead Lord Liris. She has told his second-in-command in no uncertain terms to find out if his death was by accident or by design.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is helping clean up the wreckage, after swimming around the lake, looking for survivors.

Ryvad Castellian, the Queen's Spymaster in Wayrest has sent his sovereign an important archeological find recently unearthed.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, waits in the Void, alone. She is growing hungry.

Sheogorath

It is easy to find Elysana. Still calling herself Lady Farrine, she is with the injured, having at last left the body of Liris. Though not a healer, she knows something of setting bones and treating cuts. Not that there are any great injuries -- a broken finger here, a sprained ankles there, abrasions, bruises ...

Sheogorath

"Let us get this sail repaired as best as we can," the Khajiit Lord Dres Jazbet told his men. "It doesn't have to be pretty. It only has to get us to Vivec, and that's not far away now ..."

Sheogorath

Elysana smiles in Loranna's direction. Well, that's practical. So, she isn't completely a figurehead, she thinks.

Sheogorath

"I wish I could do more," says the Queen, and goes to Aricyn.

Sheogorath

"Your 'funny feeling' notwithstanding," Elysana said. "There are many possibilities. The cutting of the sail may have been sabotage to delay our arrival to Vivec, and Liris's death still an accident. He might have been killed by someone wanting an official in Loranna's group dead. But why him, and not you?

"He was an ambitious man, in good and potentially negative ways. No one like that is entirely beloved by all. His assignment from me was simple. Keep an eye on Loranna. Try to keep her following strong and well-protected. That by itself would be no reason for an assassination.

"My enemies and yours are well-known. Helseth is the most obvious one."

Sheogorath

"I was just speaking to Liris about that earlier and he was investigating it," said Elysana. "They seemed to have simply vanished. No one has seen a thing. One would think that if they were defecting or running away, they would have waited until we got to Vivec. Only a very desperate man would literally jump ship.

"No, their disapperance was surprising, but not yet alarming. The death and presumed murder of Liris changes things considerably."

Sheogorath

"That is true, I had forgotten about those Almsivi scrolls everyone around here seems to have," the Queen nodded. "The solution to the mystery may be found in Vivec. As for myself, like I said, I am conducting my own investigation, but the simplest explanation would be that whoever was responsible for the disappearance of the other soldiers killed Liris before he got too close to the answer."

Sheogorath

If Aricyn thought Elysana was being interrogated, she certainly didn't act like she was. She looked serious but not guilty. Not that she had a guilty look anyhow ...

Sheogorath

"I am certain I can expect the same favor in return," the Queen said. "I have a feeling that my idea for just punishment will be different from yours ... But we will deal with that issue when it comes up."

Sheogorath

It was an ugly, ungainly, and unstable thing, but a sail it was nevertheless.

"It catches wind," said Jazbet. "That's the important thing. I'll show you men a hidden cask of wine ..."

He passed Allerleirauh, Arynel, and Loranna with his crowd, gave them a wink, "Well, we're moving."

Sheogorath

Don't be said, love. Jazbet said, looking back. Remember to find your strength ... and I hope you don't mind me rewarding these men with the wine. There's more to be had from Lord Gaor's supplies in Ebonheart ...

Sheogorath

Jazbet was out of Loranna's sight now, filling mugs for the men who helped raised the sail, but he kept his mind linked to hers ... though he still had not mastered the art of having a mental conversation while thinking about what he was doing too ...

A card? From Sheog -- From Him? Well, that sounds ... friendly, I guess ... Oh, oops, on the floor, sorry I'll get you another mug ... You expected something from Him if I recall ... Hey, let the little guy through -- he climbed the sail and hooked it up ... Do you think, um, 'He' is angry?

Sheogorath

I don't know the ways of the daedra very well, until recently, but a waltz with the Mad One sounds ... Hey, hey, that's your fourth mug, buddy, why don't you savor a little ... Rajhin, these guys can drink ... Um, um, well, I'm quite out of my depths on that subject, my love.

Sheogorath

Elysana conferred with Lord Faril. When they landed in Vivec, they would take the men aside and tell them about Liris. Then there would be a head count. It was important to be organized, whatever the next step would be.

Sheogorath

Broken sail, spilled wine ... I doubt the Temple will trust us with their vessels again ... Oh, for Rajhin's sake, man, keep your clothes on. No one needs to see that.

Sheogorath

Can you ... actually see through my eyes? If so, I apologize -- I'll look at one of the more handsome of the naked drunken soldiers if you'd like ...

Sheogorath

Well, I couldn't fully recommend the sight before me now, and if you were a barmaid, then I doubt it's anything you haven't, um, seen before -- Hey, guys, put that Bosmer down now! -- but it might be a nice talent to have if you're still serious about allowing yourself to be locked up ... Not to bring that up again ... I'm sorry, love, my mind is currently occupied with trying to keep these guys from dancing on the railings ...

Sheogorath

Clothes on, boys. No, your own clothes. No, pants below, shirts above ... Um, Loranna, walk slow ...

Sheogorath

Come on, lads, get it together ... Um, yes, Myricles, if you can't find your pants, best that you get in the barrel ... Just try to stand still and don't talk, and ... Remember, if she is displeased, fire will shoot out of her eyes and incinerate the whole lot of you, so keep your mouths shut ... Sorry, love, snapped there ... I'm just kidding, lads, but don't embarrass me, okay? ...

Well, they're as good as they're gonna be ...

Sheogorath

The men swayed, looking at her with half-focused eyes and purple-smeared grins. Jazbet buried his face in his hands, but his giggling could still be heard.

One man bowed awkwardly and his pants fell down.

Sheogorath

"HAIR ARUZA!' They cry.

Jazbet falls weakly to the floor, trying to hold in the laughter.

Sheogorath

Jazbet can't wink back, he can only blink, his eyes filled with tears, as he lies on the floor, gasping.

Okay, lads, there better be some wine left for me ... I need it ...

Sheogorath

The sun rose on the cantons of Vivec, now visible on the horizon. The fleet of ships was just an hour or two away from port.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, watched from the rails. She had an uneasy night, pondering recent events and the uncertain future.

Sheogorath

Head throbbing, Jazbet stumbled into the sunlight, squinting and mumbling curses under his breath.

"We will be there soon," said one of his men who had wisely not participated in the drinking party last night. "Where will we be setting camp?"

"Oh, I suppose I better find out," said the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, and wandered off, still suffering, to find Loranna, or Aricyn, or Allerleirauh, or Lord Faril, or anyone at all who would know what they were planning on doing once they reached Vivec.

Sheogorath

It wasn't the sort of thing that occured to many to notice. Though the sky was pure blue, only dappled with a few fluffy clouds, the horizon was dark ... as if a storm was brewing, far, far in the distance.

Sheogorath

The Void

Bosriel watched the procession from the Void. Her dark hair floated around her like a shroud, and her red eyes darted from person to person, smelling their life, their energy, their blood. She had fed well, but she was hungry again.

'Leseth,' she called, her voice echoing in eternity. 'I need you!'

Sheogorath

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, had no beautiful clothes to wear for the occasion. She had but one dress, and a cloak, and a belt, all very simply wrought, but tailored well. The crowd surged around her, and she might have been invisible, but there were many eyes still on her, and her own eyes were everywhere.

Sheogorath

The Void

The little girl floating in a sea of nothingness didn't embrace him as she had done before. She floated at a distance, and he could see tears of blood in her eyes.

'I watched Helseth for a while,' she said. 'And then, I went to Wayrest to see if things were progressing well ... and I went to where it was ... and it's gone ...'

Sheogorath

Elysana looks to Loranna, smiling. Exactly what I would have done. She has more promise than I thought ...

'I wonder where one stays in this place when not under arrest,' she said to Faril. 'I should speak to Tholer Saryon if he is available. I owe him an apology for leaving so suddenly before ...'

Sheogorath

Elysana finds Allerleirauh in the crowd.

'Your Azura is a little tougher than I thought,' she says with a laugh. 'Do let me know if I can be any help with interrogation. It's something of a hobby.'

Sheogorath

'The last time I saw him, it was him and Helseth screaming at each other,' Elysana smiled. 'So, obviously, I'm well-disposed towards him as well.'

---

'That sounds lovely,' she said. 'The more foreign the better. I would kill for some Breton beef and barley stew,' The Queen looked to Allerleirauh. 'But don't worry, I won't.'

She looked up at the lightning strike. 'Oh dear. That happens sometimes with informants, you know.'

Sheogorath

'That's the Foreign Canton there?' Elysana asked Faril. 'That does seem to be where all the action is, which suits me well. Now that we have a complete count of all the men, divide them up, and make sure we have eyes in every corner of the city. I will be up early, and we will do another count to make sure no one new is missing, and another report then ...

Now, I should get some sleep. I should make arrangements for my trip back to High Rock in the morning.'

And with that, Elysana left with Herwyn to find a room at the Black Shalk cornerclub in the Foreign Canton. It would not be fancy, but she had been through worse lately.

ooc -- That's it. I'm out for the evening. Have fun, yawl.

Sheogorath

"Yes," said Jazbet, also stepping forward. "You have given no authority, other than this nebulous 'The Association.' Hardly legal grounds, I can tell you as a representative of House Dres."

Sheogorath

"I do not know this order of yours," the khajiit replied. "It is, I hope, sanctioned by the Emperor?"

Sheogorath

"Then it would be proper for you to appeal your case directly to the Temple," said Jazbet. "It is for them to determine whether to give the accused sanctuary or not, if he desires it."

Sheogorath

"Hall of Wisdom in the Temple Canton, straight ahead, you can't miss it," smiled Jazbet. "Has a big rock hanging above it."

Sheogorath

"Well done, brother," said Lord Dres Wyrloc, joining his fellow knight. "It almost sounded as if you've been to Vivec before."

"Well, I've read about it. Maybe it was the Hall of Justice?" Jazbet shrugged, and smiled. "The Werebeast Hunters Of Tamriel? Appreviation: W.H.O.T.? Who knows, maybe they're legitimate. Not our problem."

Sheogorath

Summary:

Lord Dres Jazbet, though uncredited, also took part in the conversation that led to the W.H.O.T. legion to the Temple to petition for Reichi's arrest. He and his House brother Lord Wyrloc are at the reception.

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is resting at the Black Shalk cornerclub in the Foreign Canton with her battlemage, Herwyn. (No, no, no, just resting -- sheesh)

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is in the Void with Leseth. She is very upset. Something has disappeared.

Sheogorath

"I wonder if this is supposed to me more a religious occasion than a serious party," said Jazbet, his face a little green at the prospect of another night of drunken shenanigans.

Sheogorath

Foreign Canton, Vivec

In the murky little room in the Black Shalk cornerclub, Herwyn slept. He had, after all, endured a not-very-comfortable voyage across the water without complaint only hours after recovering from his near death by torture at Helseth's hands. The battlemage twitched in his sleep. Elysana knew he was dreaming not only of the torture, but the strange, nightmarish images that they had both seen after leaving Helseth's cells. The images that she knew were of Leseth's world, and Herwyn knew better than to ask about.

She knew she should speak to Vonnod, and Faril ... And quite possibly attend this absurd reception they were having for the Incarnate. But the Queen of Wayrest was tired. She was afraid if she put her head down, she would sleep until tomorrow. And there was still so much to do ...

Sheogorath

Jazbet slipped through the crowd, looking for Aricyn. He was not near the Incarnate, but surely the Nord was somewhere at the reception.

Sheogorath

"Pardon me, Lord Aricyn. I hope I'm not ... interrupting anything," the khajiit Jazbet said, smiling.

Sheogorath

'The Lady Farrine ...' Jazbet began, looking around. 'Oh, why am I protecting her? You know, the Queen of Wayrest, asked for my help. Or the help of House Dres. It seems that when she came into Morrowind, she brought a fleet of ships, and at several points along the route, a ship would dock, and her soldiers would be let out, to join your group in small numbers. You understand, to be as surreptitious as possible ...

She asked if the ships that were docked in Dres territory were still in our possession, and I told her I'd check. She wants any that remain to be sent here. There is one. But I didn't want to tell her, until I talked to someone else about it. And you seem like the most reasonable to seek counsel with."

Sheogorath

'I don't know,' said Jazbet after a moment's pause. 'She has been supporting my House for some time now in our efforts to usurp Helseth. She has been, in a way, the greatest ally to the Incarnate's cause ... But her ways are ... I do not know what she intends to do, and she won't tell me or Wyrloc. I know she talked to you too aboard the ship. I thought perhaps that you had pieces of the puzzle which would make it clearer to me.'

Sheogorath

"The throne is an imperial invention, specifically for us,' says Jazbet. 'There is no king of Skyrim, or High Rock, or Summurset, or any of the other provinces. There are a collection of rulers, each of whom the Emperor must deal with. It is the way it should be here. The Emperor should hear the concerns of the Houses, not one magnianimous, omnipotent king who speaks for all. While the power is central, no justice can be done.'

The Khajiit blushes, and laughs out loud. 'Or that's the official line. Frankly, once the King is dethroned, there's no reason why the Houses shouldn't fall. And that wouldn't be so bad either ...'

Sheogorath

'I would guess that is because you were never a politician ... or a slave,' Jazbet nods.

Sheogorath

Someone has entered the reception and caused quite a stir. A crowd quickly gathers around him. Perhaps not as large of a crowd as the one around the Incarnate, but an impressive one nevertheless.

He is a Dunmer man of middle age, but wearing makeup to appear younger, dressed in fine frippery. He chuckles and fends off compliments with practiced skill.

Sheogorath

'What a welcome,' the Dunmer says, beaming. 'You needn't have done all this for me, like I'm some sort of incarnate ...'

The crowd around him chuckles.

'She is pregnant, and not just fat?'

The crowd oohs over the blasphemy and giggles.

Sheogorath

'I'll introduce you, provided you don't mind if I find an excuse to slip away immediately after,' Jazbet rolls his eyes. 'A poncy old playwright named Baloth-Kul.'

Sheogorath

'Lord Jazbet! You naughty kitty, I thought you were avoiding me, or dead,' the playwright. 'Where have you been? We have to catch up on old times.'

'Absolutely, just as soon as I can,' the khajiit smiled slightly. 'Really busy. Terribly, terribly. I just wanted to introduce you to Lord Aricyn, one of the Incarnate's chief companions.'

'A Nord,' Baloth-Kul said, straightening up, and looking Aricyn over. 'You remind me of my friend Julgen. It was years ago, he was set on by a gang of thieves. He fought them furiously, but in the end, they beat him into semiconsciousness. They searched his pockets and discovered that he only had three gold pieces on him.

"Do you mean to tell us you fought us like a mad lupe for three lousy gold pieces?" sneered one of the thieves.

"No," answered Julgen. "I was afraid you were after the four hundred gold pieces in my boot."'

The crowd giggles with the playwright.

Sheogorath

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

Elysana had been half-asleep herself, resting her eyes, when she heard the voice. The Queen leapt to her feet, her spine prickling with sudden fear.

'Leseth,' she said quietly after a moment to steady her voice. 'I was wondering when I'd see you again.'

Sheogorath

'It sounds like a riot outside,' said the playwright, turning to the sound of the prison break. 'Or maybe Lord Dagon is an Incarnate too ...'

Sheogorath

The crowd chuckled back at Aricyn's retort. The playwright smiled as well.

'Yes, I - ' Baloth-Kul glared at the door as if it were a heckler on opening night. 'If the revolution would quiet down a moment ... I am. I wrote a piece you might have heard of called 'The Horror at Castle Xyr'? Rave reviews, my dear boy. It has even played I believe in your northern climes.'

Sheogorath

It took Elysana a moment to understand. 'The Eidolon? That's impossible. No one knew about it, and the security I set up to protect it before I left was impenetrable. You are certain?'

Sheogorath

'I can take any criticism, provided it is unqualified praise,' Baloth-Kul said. 'I would like to meet the Incarnate. I was just trying to find a proper way to do it, and these people' he said, beaming at the crowd who beamed back at him. 'Were trying to get me to talk about my latest play ... which opens very soon ... but I would never talk about it beforehand.'

The crowd groans, dejected.

'Seats are still available in Arena, I believe.'

Sheogorath

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

'Since the spy I asked you to find earlier has been detected without your help,' said the Queen. 'That should simplify things.'

Sheogorath

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

'I am in a foul mood, I apologize,' said Elysana. It occured to her that she had never said the words 'I apologize' before. That was an exaggeration, of course, but she had said it seldom and not easily. She touched her necklace.

The Queen told Leseth about the artifact, how careful she had been to keep its discovery secret, the guards she placed on the site, the mystics hired to decipher it ... Yes, a few people did know about it, out of necessity. But the guards did not know what they were guarding. And it was large -- large as a rowboat -- surely it could not be stolen so easily ...

Sheogorath

'Lead on, dear boy,' said Baloth-Kul, waving to his fans and following the Nord to Loranna. 'A red dress on an ashen-skinned Nord. She looks like Dagoth Ur.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet is across the room, but Loranna can hear his thoughts as he sees Aricyn bring Baloth-Kul to her. Read the playwright's mind and tell him what his play's about, if you'd like to see an apoplectic fit.'

Sheogorath

'Delighted to meet you,' Baloth-Kul said, kissing her hand. 'We have much in common, my dear. We both command large audiences. We both feel the spark of divine inspiration. I would love to use you in a play, but I don't know yet whether it is a comedy or a tragedy ...'

Sheogorath

'He is dead now,' the Queen said. 'Tragic accident aboard the ship on the way in. Crushed by a falling sail. Very sad. We lost the wind.'

Sheogorath

'Ah, a bit of bawdy action,' Baloth-Kul said, his eyes sparkling. 'That reminds me of my current play -- though I should not talk of it ... It's bad luck to discuss it ... But perhaps, if your humor lies that way, my lady, you might commission a play from me about your life and loves ... There are certain delicious rumors I would love to ask you about ... But there are so many priests around here to say tut-tut ... Could we talk in private some time? Will you be in Vivec long?"

Sheogorath

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

"Herwyn!" the Queen cried. "No!"

Sheogorath

Across the room, Jazbet is thinking, Oh, the hack is still smiling. You must not have broken his heart and told him you know whatever idiotic twist ending he has in mind ... I love how good you are, but believe me, he's not ...

'I do hope you'll be able to make the opening night of my play in the Arena,' said Baloth-Kul. 'It will be shocking to some, but I have a feeling you have seen worse. The people will never want to see a common fight in the Arena again after it, I assure you.'

Sheogorath

'Oh my dear,' said the Queen, trembling, holding her necklace. 'You should have pretended to be asleep. You have seen what you should not have seen; and, worse, he has seen you seeing him. I am afraid you have signed your death warrant ...'

Sheogorath

Jazbet sighs in his mind. You play fair, and the rest of the world doesn't.

'And not only for the audience,' the playwright grinned conspiratorily. 'No, the surprise should be heard around the province, perhaps the Empire ... But I have said too much. You must come, or I will throw myself on my pen.'

Sheogorath

(FOREIGN CANTON, THE BLACK SHAULK CONERCLUB:)

'You should fear him, you are unwise not to,' Elysana said, finding a smile on her face quite unexpectedly. 'Don't bow. You have not forgotten your place. You have earned yourself a place above where you began, and you may ask me anything you like, whether I choose to answer it or not.

'I would answer that question if I could,' she said, more quietly. 'It is complicated. I suppose the more monstrous you are, the more monsters are in your life.'

Sheogorath

'In two days' time,' Baloth-Kul said excitedly. 'I will save you the best seat. Well, several seats, of course, for you and your companions ...'

Sheogorath

'If they do not riot, then I haven't done my job,' Baloth-Kul said, kissing her hand. 'What beautiful calluses, my dear. Speaking of riots, what was that earlier in the streets outside? The Incarnate's rowdier admirers? I should get them tickets as well ...'

Sheogorath

'Oh, I wouldn't worry,' the Queen said, smiling. 'There will be plenty more danger for days to come, opportunities to fight on my behalf, it comes to that. In fact, we might be walking into one now, if you'd accompany me to the reception ...'

Sheogorath

'I like a woman with a grip,' said the playwright. 'Though the Incarnate's are lovely too. Very soft, as if burnished by the stroking of fur ... I do hate not to know everything that's going on, though. Would you excuse me while I inquire about the commotion?'

Sheogorath

ooc: Posting to all who go to the Arena. It's locked up, and the set in the middle looks like Castle Mournhold.

Sheogorath

The Queen of Wayrest and her battlemage Herwyn left the Foreign Canton.

'Are you well enough to walk?' she asked. 'I'd rather see the city from above, and not on one of those gondolas ... The last time we were here, as you recall, were much different circumstances ...'

Sheogorath

Elysana smiled, but her eyes were on the strange buildings on the canton. So many shadows, and the echoes of footsteps. The Queen could have sworn she saw figures in the distance in the sky ...

Sheogorath

Elysana saw the two men ahead of her. Just two more strangers in the strange city. She continued on towards them.

Sheogorath

They were not strangers at all. Elysana knew she knew them from somewhere, at least slightly. It must have been the ship. Passing acquaintances on a long, crowded voyage ...

'Pardon me,' the Queen asked. 'Do you know if the reception is still going on?'

Sheogorath

The lad she definitely remembered from the ship, though she had only spotted him once or twice. Handsome fellow. The other ..?

Sheogorath

As they continued walking, the Queen said to Herwyn, "The only danger it seems that we're in tonight is being bored to death."

She smiled a little, but she still seemed to be in thought.

Sheogorath

The Queen nodded, and they continued their walk to the Temple Canton in silence, to join the reception.

Sheogorath

Summary:

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, has just arrived at the reception with her battlemage, Herwyn. She is traveling incognito as Lady Farrine, though she has told Aricyn and Allerleirauh her true identity. A number of events have occurred recently of possible interest: she has run into Tris and Ciel (who as her former soldier she believed she had assassinated), but did not recognize him in disguise; she has learned from the Void Ranger assassin Leseth that an artifact called The Eidolon, which she had ordered excavated in High Rock had gone missing; and her former chief agent in Morrowind, Lord Liris, was killed in an 'accident' aboard the ship to Vivec, an event that is being investigated while Liris's second-in-command Lord Faril takes charge.

Jazbet, khajiit knight of House Dres, is also at the reception. Elysana has asked him as a member of House Dres to bring one of her ships she sailed to Morrowind to Vivec. Currently, he is acting busy to avoid ...

Baloth-Kul, a Dunmer playwright of dubious talents, who is also at the reception. His best known work is 'The Horror at Castle Xyr,' but he has a new play with a premiere at the Vivec Arena in a few days. Considering that he considers it bad luck to talk about the play, it is all that he can seem to mention in conversation. Baloth-Kul considers the Incarnate's arrival in Vivec an excellent opportunity to bring attention to his play.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth. She discovered that the Eidolon is missing, and it has upset her greatly for some reason. They are currently searching for it.

Sheogorath

Two ships of Wayrest design entered the Inner Sea, coming from opposite directions.

From the north through the Sea of Ghosts came a ship bearing but one package, a sealed box, fifteen feet long and four feet tall . It had been sent from Wayrest and its destination was Ebonheart.

From the south came the second ship. It had been part of Elysana's small fleet, and had been anchored in the port near Tel Dres for some time. By order of Lord Dres Jazbet, it was sailing for Vivec.

Both ships would arrive tomorrow morning.

Sheogorath

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, silently accompanied Loranna on her various pilgrimages, along with her battlemage Herwyn. She was present when Loranna became Azura. No one knows what has become of her, whether she bowed to the Prince or not.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Knight of House Dres, also accompanied the group, and was present when it all happened. No one knows what has become of him, whether he bowed to the Prince or not.

They have both, for all intents, disappeared in the chaos that ensued.

Sheogorath

The Arena Canton, Vivec

The set representing Castle Mournhold was very elaborate. Trapdoors, false walls, mirrors and hidden ropes had been set up for the ghost special effects, sophisticated pulleys had been mounted allowing certain rooms to be revealed and concealed. At one point in the play, the walls ooze blood, and hundreds of little packets had been hidden throughout the set for this effect.

Baloth-Kul watched the set being demolished the day of the play's premiere, before one performance had been done. No one would have attended after what had happened -- and anyone who would have would not be as shocked as the playwright would have wished: much more horrifying things had occured in real life in the past few hours. He couldn't follow an act like Azura.

There were many methods of suicide available to him. He thought and thought about the one that would hurt the least.

Sheogorath

Roof of the Arena Canton

"Why not?" the playwright bellowed very dramatically. "Someone should tell the tale for posterity, how Baloth-Kul turned his back on mediocrity and flew headfirst into ..." He paused, looking the girl over. "You're not planning on eating my body afterwards, are you, Bosmer?"

Sheogorath

Roof of the Arena Canton

Baloth-Kul touched his belly at Mirea's cruel words. He was very sensitive about his weight.

"The stuff inside was to be the set for a play, the greatest lampoon of contemporary politics ever created. A back-prickling festival of laughter, an indictment of regency and privelege with a great many jokes about flatulence and some gratuitous violence and nudity to make it beloved by the simple people," the great playwright sighed. "O, the tragedy when the destruction of a city means the destruction of Great Art ..."

He paused, took a deep breath and continued: "No one would even notice, is that what you said? My dear girl, I am an artist. When I am dead, my art will live on. And I will probably get a good many more bookings ..."

Sheogorath

The Roof of the Arena Canton

"Baloth-Kul," the playwright said, taking Mirea's hand and kissing it. "You would no doubt know my play 'The Horror at Castle Xyr.'"

He took a look over the side of the canton. He wasn't crazy about heights.

Sheogorath

"Thank you, my dear," said Baloth-Kul with a modest grin and a self-deprecating shrug. "It does my weary heart good to know that -- well, I hadn't really thought about aiming. I'm hopeless with spatial relationships ... The ground I suppose would be ideal. I've always disliked water because I can't swim."

Sheogorath

"It would be just my luck if my aim was true this one time,' Baloth-Kul sighed, peering over the edge. "The water looks particularly filthy. Do be a dear, and when you speak of this, tell people I meant to hit whatever I do ... I don't want my death to be any more risible than absolutely necessary ..."

The playwright walked back from the edge, smiled. "A running start, I think is what the situation calls for."

He got into position, tensing his flabby muscles ... four fast steps and that would take him sailing right over the edge into posterity ...

Sheogorath

"It is too late, the curtain has risen, remain in your seats," Baloth-Kul said with a wink, and began running. "I embrace eternity! And I spit in the face of medioc -- AHHHH! WHAT AM I DOING?!"

But he ran and he leapt.

Sheogorath

The playwright Baloth-Kul sailed off the Arena canton roof without quite as much grace as he would have liked. Arms and legs flailing, his colorful foppish robe whirling about, screeching in terror, he looked like crippled cliff racer festooned in bright feathers.

When he began to plummet, he noticed the ship sailing up to the docks below, some distance away. It occurred to him they were audience members with cheap seats, far from the action. Still, the more people to witness, the better.

Though he was falling quickly, he did have time to think that he didn't really want to die. Actually, he had a new play half-written at home, and he didn't like the character of the witch's daughter very much. Undoubtedly, it would be posthumously produced, and not really do much for his reputation.

Sheogorath

It took three sailors to drag the sputtering, thrashing playwright-and-main-sail combination aboard the boat. They were not the kindest of rescuers.

'You idiot,' said the captain. 'Trying your first levitation scroll and ran out of juice, did you? The queen will --'

'Queen?' the playwright repeated, his eyes shining.

'Sorry, I meant, her ladyship, Lady Farrine, will have your guts for garters ...' the captain stammered miserably, realizing that it was really his guts at stake now.

A queen in the guise of a lady, Baloth-Kul thought. This sounded promising. It was a good thing he was alive to investigate this matter. A new subject, or a new patroness rose on the horizon, now that Azura's usefulness in that regard has set.

Sheogorath

"That's what's left of my fleet," said Elysana, shaking her head. She couldn't help but smile. "One ship. With a broken sail."

Behind her on the river bank stood her men. Hundreds of them, wearing the scars of battle with the winged twilights. They had found a place some distance from Vivec to meet. Some had died in the fight, and a few had bowed to Azura and become the enemies of their brothers, Akatosh only knows why.

Lord Dres Wyrloc was there too. "You're abandoning us?"

'There is nothing any person of reason can do in this madhouse of a province of yours. Perhaps there never was, but certainly not now. You will likely get your wish, Wyrloc, if these Azurites grow in number to fight Helseth ... but you may wish you hadn't."

If Elysana had her choice, she would send the entire army home now. It was all a game, and she knew when it was time to walk away. Unfortunately, with but one boat, the army was marooned.

"Take the army up north, toward the area they call Sheogorad. I'll send a fleet to pick you up there,' the Queen of Wayrest said to Lord Faril. 'And I'll depart as soon as the ship this fool crashed into is fixed."

The fool she was referring to was Baloth-Kul, the playwright, finally in dry clothes but nursing a terrible cold. Still, he shrugged and smiled. He had had worse introductions to royalty before. And no one could resist his pitch to be a patron.

Sheogorath

There was an unusual sound on the plains. A dull clip clop clip clop.

A figure on a horse, of all things, galloped into camp.

A horse? Yes, a brindled stallion with a beautiful black mane.

"Greeting from House Dres," said Lord Dres Wyrloc. "It took me some time to find you ... Though I suppose that was the point ...'

To the unspoken question, he answered, 'The horse was a parting gift from the Queen of Wayrest. I gave her my honor, and she gave me ... a horse.'

By the way, there's quite a thunderstorm on its way. It might be smart to get inside.'

And indeed, creeping over the horizon like a dark shadow were black clouds and flashing lightning. A storm was definitely on its way.

Sheogorath

"He's called Kynidius. I don't know what it means – something Imperial about child of the wind or some such thing ... Certainly fast, and seems to like the vegetation of Morrowind well enough, particularly hackle-lo leaf," said Wyrloc, dismounting, and patting the horse's flank.

Sheogorath

Leading his horse into the ruins, Wyrloc sees Loranna and shakes his head, smiling sadly.

"I did not anticipate ... events as they happened," he said. "Are you well?"

Sheogorath

"We are scattered to the four winds," said Wyrloc cooly. "The Queen of Wayrest has pulled her support. The Azurites and the King both want us dead ... Not well do we fare, I'm afraid, not well at all."

Sheogorath

"Sorry, I thought you would have known, or at least been told by now," Wyrloc frowned. "That's a fair summary of events. Her supporters are called Azurites: I imagine you'll be seeing them soon enough. The city is in chaos, and all our allies have either abandoned us or are too stunned to know what to do ... Like I said, not what I had anticipated. More fool, I."

Sheogorath

A peal of thunder from the storm shook the very ground, and Wyrloc's horse Kynidius whinnied nervously. The Dres Knight stroked its side, trying to calm it down as the first drops began to fall.

"We all have good intentions," Wyrloc said quietly, not looking at Loranna. "I suppose your friends are trying to spare you the details of what transpired, so you do not know about the plague of Winged Twilights that fell on the city ... and what befell my brother Lord Dres Jazbet ... "

Sheogorath

"The distress is only the beginning, there is much more pain to come to this land," the Dunmer said, meeting her eyes. "Many of my men turned to Azura, and are my enemies now. The others fled ... or died. I don't know how we will return to our territories, but that is where I am bound for when this storm passes ... As for Jazbet ... He was a good man. I was proud to call him my house brother, though he was a betmer, born a slave ... He was strong, but not a fighter. The Winged Twilights simply tore him to shreds."

Sheogorath

Wyrloc nodded. "I am tired and perhaps more frank than it is kind to be. Once I have some food and some rest, and get out of this rain," he said, looking up, and wiping his face. "We should talk again. I do have some thoughts about how things may be made better which I would discuss with you. Until then, Godd -- Loranna ..."

He bowed slightly, and led his horse into the ruins to shelter.

Sheogorath

Wyrloc left Kyndius in the courtyard of the ruins, tied to a post. It was a gentle creature, and though the storm made it nervous, he knew it would not try to run away.

The Dres Knight had never been to Ald Sotha before, but he knew its reputation. He unsheathed his sword, and the black blade glowed slightly in the gloom, helping him find his way. It was eerily quiet, undisturbed, though he knew many a fool had met his death in its halls. He passed the magnificent statue of Mehrunes Dagon, and continued on. There was no fooling himself: he felt that he was being watched. And doubtlessly he was, by the daedra who made their home there.

It was only his nerves not his blade that were exercised by this trek. He found his way up to the highest tower, and there, with a full view of the surrounding land, confident that he would not be ambushed, he ate and slept.

Sheogorath

The rain was still light, sporadic, but sunlight was drowned out by the dark clouds overhead. The wind whistled in high tones and lightning arched across the sky ...

Sheogorath

Wyrloc walked slowly across the courtyard to the rock outcropping, the wind catching his cloak as he tried to wrap it around himself. It had grown so dark -- it was practically night in the storm. But he was sure that he saw her by herself. And he was right.

"I saw you from the tower," the Dres knight said, joining Loranna. "Perhaps you don't want company, but it is dangerous for you to be alone here."

Sheogorath

"I hadn't planned on discussing this quite yet with you," Wyrloc nodded, and looked around into the darkness. "But perhaps this is the sort of discussion that should be had with some privacy."

He took a seat next to Loranna and sighed. "I want you to know this. I bear you no ill will. I know I was ... well, a little surly before ..."

Sheogorath

Wyrloc nodded sadly. "Yes, I am still alive."

Suddenly, his sword was unsheathed and its edge pressed to Loranna's neck. His eyes had turned bright blue.

"Do you deserve this?" the Dres Knight hissed. "This is my plan for saving Morrowind. I meant it when I said that I bear you no ill will, but while you still live --"

He stopped, mid-sentence. His eyes were open in pain and surprise.

Behind him stood the cloaked figure, standing on uncertain feet in the dark, holding a blade wet with blood.

Sheogorath

Wyrloc falls back, dead, his sword dropping to his side.

The stranger in the soaking wet, blood-streaked hooded cloak stands still for just a moment before dropping to his knees. His own sword falls to the ground.

Sheogorath

"You sound ... unharmed. Thank Jephre. I didn't know if I'd be too late ... I had to follow what I could ... see ..."

It is Jazbet's voice beneath the hood.

The cloak still covering his head, he drops unconscious into the mud.

Sheogorath

Jazbet is unconscious, breathing, but irregularly.

His clothes are bloodied and torn by dozens of claw marks. Wyrloc had not lied. The Khajiit knight had been torn to shreds – only not fatally.

Jazbet's once handsome face is very white, and torn by two savage slashes forming a lopsided X: one from his left temple to his chin, and the other intersecting it. It was this second one that gouged out his eyes. He is blind.

Sheogorath

SUMMARY

Elysana the Queen of Wayrest, her sage Vonnod, the playwright Baloth-Kul are all near Vivec while their boat's sail is being repaired.

Lord Dres Wyrloc, R.I.P., killed by Jazbet before he assassinated Loranna. His horse Kynius is still tied up in the courtyard.

Bosriel, the dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is searching for a mysterious object called the Eidolon with Leseth.

Lord Dres Jazbet, grievously injured and blinded in the attack in Vivec, is currently unconscious, but coming to ...

Sheogorath

Ald Sotha

It wasn't dark, exactly. There was blackness, but also red and blue streaks in a sea of gray. Figures and scenes would appear to him, some blurred to be unrecognizable, some very specific but so alien to be incomprehensible.

They were his visions he had had all his life. The touch of the fortune-teller, a term he much preferred to mystic or seers, because he didn't take it very seriously. But now, they were all he had. Jazbet didn't know what had happened to him.

He remembered the coming of Azura. He remembered her ordering the crowd to bow down before her. He remembered the Winged Twilights, and the pain.

The Khajiit couldn't tell if he was awake or asleep. He saw the same things as he would in a dream or a vision, but ... he felt an ache that ran all over his body ... and a hand in his ... and he heard a humming that was not part of any vision ...

And he knew Loranna was near him. He knew the feel of her hand, and her scent.

He tried to open his eyes, but failed.

Instead he spoke, and his voice was a little weak but still his own: "I told you you wouldn't die, didn't I?"

Sheogorath

I wish I could see your face," the Khajiit grinned. "I hope you're smiling ... Where am I? I followed a vision here, just stumbling along, because I thought -- I knew what Wyrloc was planning. I could see the overhanging rock, and I knew what the last thing was he would say before he hurt you ... But I didn't know what I could do to stop it ... It's like I'm not really here ..."

Sheogorath

Jazbet himself hums after the kiss. "Now I really know it's you. I didn't feel hungry until you mentioned food. I didn't feel much of anything until just a minute ago ... Now I could an ogrim on toast ..."

Sheogorath

"No, I can only smell the food ... My eyes ... Are they completely ..." The Khajiit paused, having trouble finishing the sentence, as if articulating the reality would make it more real.

Sheogorath

The Khajiit gasped as he touched his own face, his lips forming the word "Monster" but no sound coming out.

He swallowed hard, and then said simply: "Thank you ... May I have some of that food?"

Sheogorath

Jazbet's brow furrows. "Is there a piece of cloth handy I can use as a blindfold? ... I want to inspire no pity ..."

He began to eat.

Sheogorath

Jazbet tied the cloth around his face like a blindfold.

He smiled at Allerleirauh's words. "Perhaps it looks better than it feels to the touch. But I have seen open wounds and bandaged wounds, and bandages look better ..." He took another bite of food. "There is still some sex appeal to the masked bandit ... Please, go on with what you were doing before ... I'm fine ..."

Sheogorath

Jazbet kept eating while he heard Allerleirauh's words. She was being kind -- it was not smooth skin. They were definitely wounds. Still, her words were sweet medicine. Inspiring curiosity wasn't nothing new to him. He took pleasure in being handsome, certainly. It was no more deserved that another man who was born with strength or intelligence or wealth. Just simply one of life's advantages blessed on some. And like a strong man made suddenly weak, he knew it would take some time before he truly understood his loss and dealt with it.

For now, he ate and watched the visions in his eyeless heads.

Sheogorath

"Don't apologize," Jazbet said, wiping his mouth and smiling slightly. "I gave you some bad advice myself. I remember I said to lean on Azura's strength ... maybe that wasn't the best of plans ..."

Sheogorath

"Old Khajiit saying," Jazbet grinned. "'You know how to make a God laugh? Make a plan.'"

Sheogorath

"I saw a lot of things. I have these visions, but I don't understand all of them ... I did see the Queen on a boat, sailing west. I do not know about my House ... except my brother Wyrloc, who -- he was not evil, you know. Just wrong."

Sheogorath

"I have other visions about you as well, Bard, but I don't know how to express them ... a path over a gold-colored sea, a cut white flower wilting, a face without features ... Things just appear which I don't understand."

Sheogorath

"His family is on the mainland," said Jazbet, frowning. "I don't know any practical way of delivering his body to them, without ... well, without the risk being greater than the goodness of the deed. I will say a benediction for him. That is the least I can do, and possibly the most as well ..."

Sheogorath

"And Helseth still lives, I can see," nodded Jazbet. "So I have a ways to go myself."

Sheogorath

Jazbet smiled, and squeezed Loranna's hand back, but said nothing.

Sheogorath

(The shore, near Vivec:)

Elysana gasped and turned. "Yes, I am. I am making preparations to leave ... as you undoubtedly know ..."

Sheogorath

"We should collapse -- we need to start over," Jazbet began to reply, and then stopped, thinking about Allerleirauh's second question. His face whitened. "Because I've killed my brother ..?"

Sheogorath

(The shore, near Vivec:)

"The men who excavated it, none of them know its purpose. They merely dug where I told them to," the Queen said. "The mystics who examined it were three men from the Chantry of Julianos -- Brevard Dinatos, Camyn Uym, and one merely named Fadeusyr. They reported their findings directly to me ... In my absense [sic] ..."

She frowned. "I have dealt with them before. I do not think that they would tell anyone else, but they might have felt the need to report other findings to my household or ministers ... If there was anything new to tell."

Sheogorath

Jazbet accepted Loranna's embrace, and gave her a smile which said he was fine.

Sheogorath

"There was not a choice," Jazbet shook his head. "I know that is an expression, an opinion, but in this case it was a certainty. As I stumbled along, I saw Wyrloc attack Loranna, and I saw all the futures it represented, layering on top of one another like some nightmare. I could see coming too late to the outcropping of rock -- and Wyrloc running away, and you finding her dead ... I could see me trying to talk to him, to somehow get him to stop ... and him cutting her throat regardless ...

"The only way left was the third vision. I only wish now that I can forsee where this will take me ... But I do not understand ... I do not know ..."

Sheogorath

"Who is it here who is not meeting your standards, Bard?" Jazbet asked. "Or was that a universal 'You'?"

Sheogorath

(The shore, near Vivec:)

"This is insanity," said the captain as Elysana and her men boarded the boat. "Who would sail in this weather?"

"The sun seldom shines on a retreat," said the Queen with a misleading smile. "The storm will give us cover. But please, don't tip us over, or I'll be displeased."

Twenty soldiers boarded the boat. The rest of the army had been sent on to wait for a fleet to pick them up, up north. Elysana looked to the shore and saw the playwright Baloth-Kul.

"You," she said. "Come on aboard."

"Really?" said the Dunmer, scrambling on. He had been trying to persuade her of the advantages of being his patron, but she had not been overly receptive. Probably still sore about him destroying her sail. But this was a nice sign.

"Of course," the Queen said. "I'd like to hear more about this amusing play about my stepbrother while we sail ... And who knows? We might run out of food, and you look like good eating to me."

Baloth-Kul touched his belly. Another fat joke. How much was he expected to bear?

Sheogorath

Jazbet smiled. "No, that was one of Lord Gaor's plans that never came to fruitition. He cancelled it when you made a change in plans, instead hiring that playwright Baloth-Kul ... But between here and Seyda Neen is Ebonheart, is it not?"

Sheogorath

"How many people are here?" Jazbet asked. "I keep hearing new voices, but I don't know ... Are there any still missing we should try to find?"

Sheogorath

Lliryth had been waiting for the king's return with unsurprising patience. The Altmer was cold to the point that his subordinates called him 'The Dwemer Machine" behind his back. They might as well have called him that to his face. Provided they were competent, Lliryth did not care what his men thought of him.

In simple robes, marked with an absent-minded inkstain or two, the mystic came to the King and bowed.

"What was it that you wanted me to examine, Your Majesty?" he asked. "And what do you want to know about it?"

Sheogorath

"Your visit would certainly supply a good distraction, allowing everyone else to escape," Jazbet said, and paused. "If that is your intention."

Sheogorath

Ebonheart

The mystic looked at the device, and took his time. He did not offer guesses merely to look clever. Helseth was a patient man who wanted his answers to be correct not rushed.

The thing was roughly cyclindrical with ridges of hexagons encircling it. The surface was metallic, but worn, old. It was not ebony. Mithril perhaps.

His first comment was non-commital: "A very rare gift, Your Majesty."

He passed his hands over it, casting a spell, and frowned. Lliryth gripped one of the ridge and pulled hard, tilting it on its side.

"Don't worry," the mystic said. "It will not be activated by accident."

Casting another spell brought forth tiny blue etchings along the surface, just faint marks that lasted but a second before fading away.

"It is Dwemer, but not entirely Dwemer," Lliryth said. "Rourken Dwemer adjustments to a much older design ... Much older ... Aldmeri. As for its function, I couldn't say for certain. Not for certain. But I know where to look ... I take it you want to know very soon?"

Sheogorath

"If you have seen better days," said Jazbet simply. "You should not go to see the King. Some quests demand your best."

Sheogorath

The Inner Sea

Elysana's boat headed east to avoid Ebonheart and skirt the coastline before turning north into the Sea of Ghosts. Elysana thought of Morrowind and what would become of it. The rules to the game had changed it seemed. It was hard to tell if she was losing or winning.

The storm rocked the boat. The Queen was happy that Baloth-Kul had accompanied her. He was occasionally witty, such as now, bent over the prow, vomiting copiously.

Sheogorath

A slim figure stood silhouetted on the ruins of Ald Sotha. At a flash of lightning, Arynel could see his wild hair, natty vest, cane, and even at a distance, somehow, the look in his eyes.

"Nice day," said Sheogorath, as the storm billowed around him. "You were expecting me, I believe?"

Sheogorath

"Has it?" the Prince said, jumping down from the rock and strolling towards Arynel, tapping the puddles of mud with his cane as he went. "Well, your world, certainly. You have two questions for me, and I have three answers. And a half."

Sheogorath

The mystic nodded. "In 24 hours, I should have a good guess. In 48, the precise nature and use of the thing, and how one activates it."

The King knew that Lliryth's estimations were neither optimistic nor pessimistic. He was always precisely on schedule.

Sheogorath

"Are you mad, what is my take, and what am I doing here?" Sheogorath laughed and continued forward until he was eye to eye with Arynel. "I said you had two questions and you give me three. So, to answer your first question, yes, you are mad as an Emperor, or sane and simply a very poor mathematician.

To answer one of your second questions, to look for reason and rationale in me is, to again answer your first question, a sign that you are mad as a porcupine. I do what I have always done, bring enlightenment to the unimaginative."

The Dam Dog smiled wide and toothily. "Now which one of your unspoken questions shall I answer?"

Sheogorath

"Listen to the voice inside," Sheogorath says. "He is always right. Precisely when he's wrong.

And that is my last answer. How about a riddle, and you supply the answer?

A raging storm boils over land like a war
Like a cleanser unearthing that lost before
Disgourging like vomit the sins of the past
Sinking in mud that not meant to last
Oh, sudden the change, despite your ability,
The liquification on old stone is a liability
Horrible processes, diseased mind think.
And now I ask you, what will soon sink?"

Sheogorath kissed Arynel full on the mouth and slipped feet first into the mud, vanishing completely as if he had never been there.

Sheogorath

A shudder ran through the ruin. And a death groan of stone crushing against stone.

Sheogorath

Suddenly there shot along the path a wild light. The radiance was that of the full, setting, and blood-red moons which now shone vividly through the fissures and cracks of Ald Sotha, in a zigzag direction, to the base.

Sheogorath

The fissures rapidly widen --there came a fierce breath of the whirlwind --the entire orb of the satellite burst at once -- the mighty walls rushing asunder --there was a long tumultuous shouting sound like the voice of a thousand waters --and the deep and dank tarn at closed sullenly and silently over the fragments of Ald Sotha.

Sheogorath

The dark clouds still hung in the sky, and thunder grumbled, but the rain ceased all at once.

Sheogorath

'What's happening? Are we under attack?' Jazbet cried out. Why did I not see this? he thought. What good are these visions if I don't see disasters like ... this?

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

It was late in the evening and the vast library was still as a tomb. Brevard Dinatos moved his aged body past stack after stack of books, holding his small stub of a candle as the only illumination. Who organized this system? he thought irritably.

He had a strange feeling of being watched, and whirled around quickly.

No one was there. But it was no relief, for the feeling still lasted.

'Your mind is going,' he said aloud, trying to find comfort in the sound of his own voice. But it was no good. He would not stay there any longer, growing more paranoid. It was time for light and company.

It was then his candle went out as if blown by a small child's lips.

Sheogorath

Jazbet laughed until his sides ached worse than they ached before.

'We have supplies and foodstuffs to feed a legion,' the Khajiit gasped. 'I'm sorry. It's not funny. But remember? Lord Gaor's second shipment? All we have to do is ... you know ... go to Ebonheart and pick it up ...'

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

'Julianos protect me,' Dinatos gasped. His body began to glow.

Sheogorath

The old man screamed and a wave of flame erupted from his body in all directions, instantly igniting the ancient books and scrolls on the shelves, while he himself remained unburned.

Across the room, the door swung shut, and the latched locked by a child's invisible touch. No one was going to come in here to rescue him.

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

Horror paled Brevard Dimatos's face as he feverishly tried to think of something, anything to do. He could do the sign of Recall, of course! Where had he set his Mark? Oh, yes, of course, this very library, down near the stacks on necromancy, which were a merry inferno now. Classic scenario: the frying pan or the fire?

There was a chance, and he took it. He made the sign of Recall, and appeared on the floor, his already broken arm in the fire.

He screamed and ran blind through the smoke.

Sheogorath

"If we can make it to the mainland, I have a house there," Jazbet said. 'It is not large, but there is a lot of property, and it is well-fortified.'

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

The smoke curiously did not travel under the door to alert the other members of the Mages Guild that their library was burning down. It was fanned by Bosriel's unseen hand back into the room. They continued to slumber soundly,

"Please, I don't want to die,' Dimatos whimpered, still more in fear than pain. 'I don't know what happened to the Eidolon. Guards of Wayrest came to claim it, saying the Queen had need. I objected – I told them we had not finished our study of it ... Please ... I am telling the truth ..."

Sheogorath

The Mages Guild, Wayrest

"We were told it was the Queen's orders," Dimatos gasped. "I don't know. I had just sent her word that we had discovered the code for activating it – only the day before it was taken. We all thought she must be ready to use it elsewhere ... But I don't know where it was taken, or by whose orders if not the Queen's ..."

The smoke had risen high into the room, and the mystic began coughing.

Sheogorath

"The guards," Dimatos groaned, his blood-shot eyes opening wide as he remembered. 'One of them I knew, his name is Gallymer ... Gallymer Faer. He would know who gave the orders!'

Sheogorath

Update

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is on a ship cruising out into the Sea of Ghosts, leaving Morrowind far behind, talking the long way home to Wayrest. On board are twenty of her soldiers and one rather poncy playwright named Baloth-Kul. The rest of her army is marching north to set up camp in remote Sheogorad and await more ships to bring them home.

Lord Dres Jazbet, blind and beaten, is with the group outside of Ald Sotha. His visions helped him save Loranna from his house brother Lord Dres Wyrloc, whom he slew, but did not show him that Ald Sotha was about to collapse in the storm.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is with the Void Ranger assassin Leseth. They are interrogating people in the fashion one would expect from creatures without (normal) consciences, attempting to find what became of a device called the Eidolon which Elysana had unearthed. A (late) mystic named Dimatos told them that a guard named Gallymer Faer had told them it was the Queen's orders to remove the device. They know this is not true, so he is next on the list.

Sheogorath

The water off Sadrith Mora

The water was calm again, and Baloth-Kul had ceased vomiting. The Queen of Wayrest began again to ask him about his play.

'I like some of the scenes,' Elysana smiled. 'I think your decisions to make King Smellseth extremely flatulent and borderline retarded are sound artistic decisions. On the other hand, you have been cautious in other areas that would appeal to the hoi polloi. It may have been a blessing in disguise that your play as written was not performed. Let me share with you some of my thoughts ..."

The Queen gave the playwright her notes as his new patroness. Though he was not one to take kindly to criticism, Baloth-Kul had to admit that her sense of humor was diabolical.

Sheogorath

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

The young Breton man stumbled drunk out of the tavern. It had been a very nice night. Free ale. Free food. Free prostitute. The merchants in this little town knew how to treat a representative of the Queen. They probably would have done right by him had he simply shown the emblem of the Rose, but that system took too long. Gallymer Faer preferred to be frank, explain to them that if they wanted their businesses protected, they better show how much they loved their Queen's men.

Word had already reached them of the fire at the Wayrest Mages Guild, and he had used it.

"That's what happens when you aren't protected," Faer had said very seriously.

Truth was, it was obviously an accident. Some old fool who should have died long ago had knocked over a candelabra when he was researching ... whatever dull thing old wizards study. But it worked.

The sun had not quite risen as Gallymer Faer made his way through the quiet streets to the stable where his horse was being lodged – also free, of course.

Sheogorath

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

The guard gasped and instantly emptied his bladder. He threw all his gold to the ground.

"Don't hurt me!" Gallymer Faer whimpered.

Sheogorath

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

Gallymer felt the air grow thin, and he thought he was going to faint. He fought it. As tempting as it was too lose all consciousness, and awake when this was all over, he knew that if that happened, he would never wake at all.

Still, it took him a moment to understand what the man behind him was asking about. Something he took from mages for the Queen? He had done many things for the Queen, some of which involved mages ...

'Th-the artifact, the metal thing? Just recently, or wh-when?' Gallymer stammered. Whoever was behind him didn't sound like he was too patient.

Sheogorath

Charway Heath, Wayrestian Koegria, High Rock

The guard who was so good at intimidating merchants and innkeepers made a noise like an injured kitten. 'Please don't hurt me -- I don't know where exactly. The spymaster Lord Castellian made all the arrangements. It was put on a ship to go east -- I don't know where ... please ... please ...'

Gallymer began blubbering, snot and tears running freely.

Sheogorath

THE VOID:

Bosriel nodded. She was hungry, but she felt something much stronger. It was hard to categorize -- excitement, apprehension ... She was an unreal creature to the world at large, and reality was a beautiful unreal place to her. For over a thousand years, she had been the dark child, looking through the window, tasting but unable to touch ...

Tamriel would soon be her playground.

The dark-haired little girl with the hungry red eyes smiled like an angel at the thought.

Sheogorath

The Oubliettes, Wayrest

On a dirty little street in the slums of Wayrest, down an alleyway that looked neither sinister nor particularly welcoming, Elysana's chief spymaster, Ryvad Castellian consulted with the Queen's Minister of War.

'She is returning?' Ryvad said, surprised. 'Already?'

'That is the message I've received just this hour,' the Minister, a large brutish Breton of middle age, replied. 'We are sending a fleet of boats to pick up the army in Sheogorad. Only one of her boats survived, and she is taking that to come home.'

'How fascinating,' said the Spymaster. 'I should really be returning to work, but I thank you for thinking to keep me informed about this.'

Ryvad and the Minister bowed to one another, and then Castellian took the secret passage into his office, the former secret dungeon of the Queen's political prisoners, the Oubliettes. There were a few assistants he kept on, but the place was large and their spacement was sporadic. From time to time in the dank, cavernous halls he would hear an unintelligible echo, but he knew it to be a bureaucrat, not a ghost.

The Spymaster walk the halls towards his office, his metal boots striking hard against the stone. His true master, the King of Morrowind, would find this new information very useful.

Of course, if Elysana had known that they'd be childhood friends in the court of Wayrest, Helseth and him, she would never had made him Spymaster. Hell, she would have had him executed when she took the throne if not sooner. No, the greatest lesson Ryvad ever learned from his illustrious family, supporters of the crown of Wayrest for generations, was to keep your enemies close and your friends secret.

He turned the corner. Up ahead was the spiral staircase leading down to his office, lined with torches to keep the treacherous walk safe.

It was a good day to be alive. Ryvad Castellian began to whistle.

Sheogorath

The Oubliettes, Wayrest

Still whistling, Ryvad Castellian began the walk down the stairs. Even with regular spaced torches, it was easy to slip. He slowed his pace down, though he was eager to hurry, to send word to his Master. Perhaps soon, he would be asked to come to Morrowind itself, now that he had proven himself so useful ... He would have to leave Wayrest before long. Elysana was not quite such a fool for him to escape detection as a double-agent for very long ...

He stopped and held his breath.

It was not a sound that anyone would identify. A thin, ethereal noise. Not a footstep or a breath – it touched his heart stronger than his ears, but it was a sound that said there was presence.

There was someone in his office.

Moving quickly, but with as little noise as possible, the Spymaster went back up the stairwell. There were two soldiers just down the hall, well-trained, well-armored, well-armed. They were more than a match for anything.

The torch next to him blew itself out.

And then the two on either side of it, and the next two, on up and on down, like a wave emanating from just where he was standing.

Still, Ryvad Castellian, the Spymaster of Queen Elysana of Wayrest and double-agent to His Majesty, Helseth, the King of Morrowind, felt no fear, just surprise.

The fear did not strike him then.

Until he felt the touch of a hungry child reach for him from the Void, so easily accessible on a staircase.

Sheogorath

Telasero, Andasreth, Gnaar Mok, boat, home ...

Jazbet sat by himself on the ashen shore, trying to force his vision to come, as his blind eyes, hidden beneath a fold of cloth, stared out at nothing.

Talasero. There would be fighting. Of course. Nothing too disastrous.

Andasreth. Nothing. It was all dark.

Gnaar Mok. That was what troubled him. He did not know what he was seeing. It was blood. It was death. But who? And how? And if it was preventable, what could be done?

He concentrated harder, and ignored the visions that came to him about the boat and home ... He must understand ... He must do his part ...

The Khajiit felt his breath grow shallow as he reached deeper into his visions towards the face and form of death ...

Sheogorath

Gnaar Mok

Jazbet was there, though he knew he wasn't. All around him was fire, but it didn't hurt him. Except it burned his eyes, which was madness. He had no eyes.

Through the flames he could see the charred corpse of someone. Who was it? He couldn't see through the smoke and flames whether it was male or female, man or mer ... As he reached his hands into the fire, to touch it and find some identifying mark, the flames melted away to the familiar gray nothingness of his blind world.

'Who is it?' he cried, standing up on the ashen shore. 'Who is going to die?'

Sheogorath

'There's going to be a fire,' Jazbet said breathlessly, turning his head in the direction of the voice. 'In Gnaar Mok. Someone is going to die ...'

Sheogorath

Jazbet grips her hand a little tighter. 'We need to get inside. There will be trouble here. Azurites coming swiftly. They don't see us yet ... but they will ...'

Sheogorath

Jazbet nodded frantically. 'Hurry, hurry, they're almost here ...'

Sheogorath

'If we stay and fight, some of us will die,' Jazbet said quickly. 'Loranna and Tris and me. You will be grievously injured, before they are all slain. Please, I can see it. We only have to get inside and they will pass us over ...'

Sheogorath

The unmistakable march of footsteps could now be heard. And a black cloud of Winged Twilights filled the air.

Sheogorath

Jazbet breathed heavily.

'Sorry to frighten everyone,' the Khajiit grinned. 'If you could have seen that future we just missed, you would have moved much faster ... But Tris, you would've fought well. Glad it never happened.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet smiled, but thought You did fight well in the future I saw. And if you saw the same look I saw on Ciel's face when you died, you would not be laughing now. Thank Jephre it was not a future that would happen now ...

'I do not know what can be done to stop the fi --' he began when the chaos broke out. Again, he cursed his vision -- why did I not see this? Like Ald Sotha, I miss the biggest disasters ...

Sheogorath

Jazbet took off his filthy, mud and blood sodden hooded cloak, and handed it to her.

"I'm sure it's not very nice," the Khajiit smiled.

Sheogorath

'I don't think you were outside when I said I had a vision about Gnaar Mok,' Jazbet said to Allerleirauh. 'There will be a fire, very big, all along the docks ... And someone, at least one person, one of us, will die ... Unless the future can be changed somehow, that will happen.'

Sheogorath

"I can feel that,' the Khajiit whispers. 'They say a blind man gains new strength in all his other senses, including the sense of touch. I can feel your whole body through your hand. Tell me when we're somewhere safe ... and private ... and I can help you relax the pain ...'

Sheogorath

Jazbet concentrates and shivers.

"I see many dead if the party is split in two ... Only one body that I can see if the party stays together. I'm sorry. I've been trying to understand what happens, but it won't come to me ..." The Khajiit grimaces with frustration.

Sheogorath

'Thank you,' Jazbet whispered back. 'For the first time, a nice vision ... I see it, but since for the first time you can't read my mind, forgive me if I decide to keep it a surprise when it's going to happen ...'

Sheogorath

"You will be surprised how quickly ..." Jazbet begins, and then shakes his head. "I'm not going to give anything away. And besides, like you said, there are slightly more important matters at hand. But only slightly. After all, there must be reason why we fight to survive."

Sheogorath

"I'm a Khajiit," Jazbet laughed. "I've known what you had in your pocket as long as you've been here. But, no thank you. That is the only vice I've managed to resist."

Sheogorath

'It addles the brain too,' Jazbet laughed. 'You've seen the addicts. I don't want to be talking like -- "Do you have sugar for Jazbet, Serjo? Jazbet neeeds his sugar.'"

He turns to Loranna. "Though perhaps, this once, I should try it ... Just so we know what awaits us in Gnaar Mok?"

Sheogorath

Jazbet thought a moment.

'I should touch each of you," the Khajiit said. "When I touched Loranna just now, I saw ... well, a vision of her future. If someone here is doomed to die in the fire, I should see it ... That will be something to know ..."

Sheogorath

"Get into a circle," Jazbet said.

When the group had shuffled itself around into a rough circle, the blind Khajiit knight walked from person to person, touching their hands and their faces lightly. For some, he saw brief flashes of a future full of triumph and glory. For others, sadness, trouble ... He was careful not to show any reaction, good or bad ... It was not fair to tell people their fates unless he had to ... and he was only looking for one event.

Touching Allerleirauh's face, he stopped.

"I see you in the fire," Jazbet said, his voice slightly dreamy. "No, you would not die, but you're ... on fire ... You're burning, badly, oh, it hurts, but you're trying to ... You know whose body it is ... You know the person is dead, but you must get through, and touch him or her ... I can see part of the sign on the building, though it's mostly blackened ... Wait, Druegh-jigger's Rest ..."

The Khajiit tried again to reach into the vision and see the figure, but, again, it vanished.

"It makes no sense,' he says. "One of us will die in Gnaar Mok unless the future is changed ... But I do not see that death on anyone here."

Sheogorath

Jazbet stopped short at her words, his breath becoming shallow. 'He is hiding. But they've found him. He's drugged ... he can't fight them ... They've set fire to the place ...'

The Khajiit grabbed Allerleirauh: "We have to be there now! It's about to happen!"

Sheogorath

'She must move quickly,' Jazbet whispered to Loranna. 'The future is still true. He will die.'

Sheogorath

Gnaar Mok

No one was watching, and those who were would swear they were never there. The six assassins surrounded the building, torches in hand, and touched the rough dry surface. Flames smoldered at first and then began to spread, reflected in the gentle water of the quai.

Sheogorath

'Yes,' says Jazbet. 'Very quickly.'

He feels Loranna's body shudder. The Khajiit doesn't know why -- fear? The pain? He smiles at her, but he knows it is not very reassuring. The man will die. The dock will burn. There will be no boat for them.

Sheogorath

Jazbet shook his head and squeezed Loranna's hand. 'I'm afraid I can't,' he whispered. 'It's not like reading minds. I can't tell intention. I can only tell what fate has in store at this moment ... And if we don't get away from Vvardenfell soon ... It won't be kind to anyone. The two men you feel you hurt will not be hurt any worse than the future I see now for all of us ...'

Sheogorath

Gnaar Mok

The fire spread to the roof. It was catching fast.

The six assassins saw the new arrivals and took up position. They hadn't expected a real fight, but they were ready for one.

Sheogorath

'Loranna,' Jazbet gripped her arm and started. He laughed. 'He -- Aricyn is not going to die this day ... There is still danger. The boat may burn, and we may all be trapped --" he shook his head, no need to go into all the gruesome details of their future. "It might be all right. It might be. There are suddenly multiple futures ...'

Sheogorath

The 'cat' stood facing the water, breathing the air. It was perfumed with soot, but he could smell the sea. What he wanted to do was swim. That was what he always did, for exercise, for peace.

But it was too dangerous now, being blind. The Khajiit knew there would be slaughterfish in the water and dreugh, and he would not know they were there until he felt their attack. Better to wait until he was home.

Jazbet pictured it, home. A small keep on the cliffs, overlooking the sea, with a gently sloping path down to a small rocky beach. It was a plantation house, though worked by peasants not slaves, big enough to house twenty comfortably, and then there was the village of Ald Raathim only a few miles away. That too was his domain. It was only a few stone buildings, some modest shops, and a tavern that made the best food of anywhere in Morrowind ...

The Khajiit didn't know what awaited them there. There were too many possibilities now. Visions washed over visions like a restless ocean, some of them sweet, and some of them ... very frightening ...

Jazbet concentrated on the sweet images, and smiled.

Before anyone else, he 'saw' the boat come in.

Sheogorath

Jazbet squeezed Loranna's hand and pointed out to sea. On the horizon there was the boat, on course to come into the harbor at Gnaar Mok in but a few minutes.

'The ship is coming in, isn't it?' the Khajiit asked. 'I hope you'll like my home. Remember, the servants there are not formal, but don't be afraid to ask for anything. Anything at all.'

Sheogorath

The Khajiit laughs and whispers. 'Where did you learn that?'

'I might need to attend to some business when we arrive, but you will find yourself a bed. Tell Razbiah -- he's my housekeeper -- who you are, and you'll get a finer bed than, well, frankly, better than mine. And in a few days time, perhaps we can share and compare ...'

Sheogorath

'That's quite a tale,' Jazbet said to Allerleirauh.. 'Your bard has serious competition.'

The Khajiit slips the captain a few extra gold pieces.

'You know the cluster of mangrove cays just south of the Ald Raathim dock? Go through them carefully, and straight west, and you'll be at my private dock.'

The captain nodded. A few hours later, they were in view: rings of mangrove trees seemingly sprung up from the sea, like sentinels, forming a natural barrier to the bay of Jazbet's estate.

'We're almost there,' the Khajiit smiled to Loranna.

Sheogorath

'We can take a boat out later and explore them,' Jazbet said. 'There're a couple sunken ships, or if you want something more relaxing, you can just string up a hammock and enjoy the breeze.'

Once past the mangroves, they entered the bay. A sheer cliff of rose and gray colored stone encircled them with sporadic rock-strewn beaches. A small castle stood on the highest of the cliffs, above a beach with a small port and two other boats.

'Welcome to my home,' the Khajiit smiled. He didn't need to see it to know where he was.

Sheogorath

'Excellent fishing too,' said Jazbet. 'And no slaughterfish.'

The ship pulled into the little port, and as the passengers began gathering their belongings, a stout old woman and a tall, thin lad came down the steep pathway from the castle to the beach. They waved when they recognized their master, but the woman's face paled when she could see him in more detail.

'Oh, sweet Mara,' she cried. 'What has happened to your face, Lord Jazbet? Why are you wearing a blindfold?'

The two hurried down the dock to the ship.

'My lord, are you all right?' asked the boy.

'I've been better, to be honest, Kallen,' Jazbet said, but with a smile. 'I need rooms made up for all these people ... Think you can handle it?'

'Of course,' Kallen shrugged, as if a surprise visit with a pile of people, arranging shelter and food for all was as simple as passing the boiled asparagus.

'My lord,' the woman began to cry, looking at his face.

'Razbiah, please, compose yourself,' the Khajiit said, kissing her forehead.

'I can't help it,' Razbiah wailed. 'Your eyes ...'

'I know,' Jazbet sighed, embracing her. 'It will take some getting used to.'

To all on the ship, the Khajiit said, 'My house is your house. Razbiah, Kallen, and the rest of the staff will see to your meals and shelter. Only treat them with respect. There are no slaves in this part of Dres territory.'

Sheogorath

'It looks bigger than it is,' Jazbet whispered back. 'But I think it's very comfortable. I'm sorry,' he said as Razbiah took his arm. 'I should attend to business now. I will join you as soon as I can, friends.'

Sheogorath

ooc: I'm heading out for the evening, but feel free to explore the place and improv.

The castle is not a huge palace, but it's beautiful, well-maintained, with a bunch of friendly, not particularly formal servants.

It's a working plantation, and Jazbet was not among those who gave up his profits for the Incarnate. The workers are not slaves, but simple peasants. He is the lord of about fifty miles of land, which is mostly wilderness, with a few villages, the largest of which is Ald Raathim, your typical quaint village, with an excellent tavern and a few shops.

The bay is safe for swimming and fishing, with no slaughterfish or dreughs, and there are, like Jazbet said, a number of shipwrecks near the mangrove barrier of island cays.

Should be plenty to occupy one and all.

Sheogorath

The castle had thirty-six rooms, more than enough for everyone to have their own bedroom, particular when parlors were converted. A team of housemaids worked furiously to get them into the proper condition for the distinguished company.

Two of the rooms were off limits, however. Jazbet's bedroom was in the tower, and his study was on the floor above.

It was here he had been for hours with Kallen, his seneschal. The lad was only seventeen, but he instinctively had a knack for organization and an inherent sense of gravitas – very rare among Jazbet's servants, who were generally of the casual type – which prompted his elevation in rank.

'Read to me again the fourth page of expenditures,' said Jazbet. 'I'm sorry. The numbers got mixed in my head.'

'Certainly, my lord,' said Kallen, taking up the book.

Running a castle and plantation and the lands that surround it was an effort mired in the details. With the lord of the manor blind, it was an even slower process than ever.

An hour later, the Khajiit decided to take a break, and walk the grounds. He could not see, but he could experience. Jazbet began in the herb gardens, where the smells alone were intoxicating.

Sheogorath

'Not at all, Allerleirauh,' Jazbet smiled. 'I was just reacquainting myself with home again, and this garden doesn't require sight to be enjoyed. I'd like the company, so long as we don't talk about numbers, which is all I've been discussing today ...'

Sheogorath

'We're in the minty section,' Jazbet called back.

Sheogorath

'Lucky? With Kallen, you mean?' Jazbet nodded. 'He's amazing. It's out of sheer force of habit that I go over the books with him. He never makes a mistake ...

---

'I don't produce the sheer volume that my brothers do,' the Khajiit said. 'With free men, you can't. But they are free, and so they do a better job, and ultimately, I can sell my harvest on quality.'

---

'Of course not,' said Jazbet, holding out his hand. 'Join us.'

Sheogorath

'I suppose so,' the Khajiit replied, smiling. 'No one's complained yet. But Razbiah's cooking is ... there's a lot of heart in it, and some of it is quite edible. We will, however, need to take a trip into town to taste the best food in the east.'

---

'I have complicated feelings about slavery,' Jazbet nodded. 'If this were a bigger plantation, I might have to be a hypocrite. But fortunately, I am not so rich to be conflicted. Thank you for the kind words about my home. It is designed only for my own pleasure, not to impress anyone else, so it is a happy accident when other people appreciate it as well.'

Sheogorath

'Thank you,' Jazbet said, raising Loranna's hand to his lips. 'It's peaceful enough for recuperation. I only hope no one gets bored and causes trouble. I have to be the voice of the law in these parts.'

Sheogorath

'There is nothing worse,' Jazbet smiles, though there is little humor in his voice. 'I would give up all my senses to stay free. Now tell me more about your days as a stripper, that sounds very interesting ...'

Now the humor is back in his voice.

Sheogorath

'I try not to issue threats I can't deliver,' the Khajiit laughs. 'A week and a half, you say? Tell me when I've earned a fortnight.'

Sheogorath

'That's a hard question to answer,' Jazbet replied. 'I thought of that myself, which is why I had the boat land at my house, where I knew the servants were loyal. I doubt word has even reached Ald Raathim that we've landed ... But I don't doubt that some of the villagers took the oath to Azura. You have to remember that her pilgrimage was successful because people needed something to believe besides the King and the Tribunal ... Anyone could have pledged himself to Azura out of desperation.'

Sheogorath

'I'll be happy to pipe up if necessary,' Jazbet shrugged. 'But so long as everyone's relaxing and having a good time, I'm not going to be the blind old grouch marching around, telling everyone to be good ... No sense in worrying about things in the one moment when there's nothing pressing to worry about. By the way, speaking of which, how is Aricyn?'

Sheogorath

Jazbet is speechless.

He just grins, and beneath the light, soft fur on his face, there is a rush of blood. She has made the unblushable Khajiit blush.

Sheogorath

'I can say, in all honesty, that I'm not feeling sorry for myself anymore,' Jazbet said after he had regained his breath. 'I wouldn't be anyone else at this moment.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet groaned in an exaggerated manner.

'Once again, I fail to see the disasters coming,' he grinned. 'I'm glad to hear your voice, Aricyn. Your timing is ... impeccably bad ...'

Sheogorath

Jazbet laughed. 'Yes, I was being made aware of some vulnerable spots I hadn't noticed before.'

Sheogorath

Jazbet ducked before the water hit him, and pushed Allerleirauh and Loranna out of the path as well.

Sheogorath

Jazbet shakes himself, surprised, and walks toward Aricyn.

'I actually saw that coming,' the Khajiit said. 'Do me a favor. Punch me.'

Sheogorath

The blow connected, and Jazbet flew back into an aromatic hedge.

'Ouch,' the Khajiit said, after a moment, sucking hard to get air back into his lungs. 'Well, I saw that coming too, but it didn't do much good. Who hits their host that hard? Who hits a blind man that hard? ... I'm beginning to think that vision I saw of you in Gnaar Mok wasn't a bad future at all.'

He didn't get up, but he was smiling.

Sheogorath

Jazbet groaned and got to his feet, rubbing his chest. He took a piece of the bush he had landed in and put it in his mouth.

'A convenient landing spot,' the Khajiit smiled. 'Good medicinal qualities.'

Sheogorath

'No, I'm fine, just a little sore,' Jazbet smiled, still rubbing his chest. 'You ought to try some of these leaves too. They're excellent for cramps. A bit bitter though ... Razbiah could brew some up in a tea ...'

Sheogorath

'My 'fortune-telling' sense is stronger now than it was when I had sight,' Jazbet explained. 'It showed me a couple events before they happened, so something could be done to prevent them. Wyrloc's assassination, some Azurites coming to Telaraso, your little adventure in Gnaar Mok ... the water can ...'

Sheogorath

'Think nothing of it,' Jazbet smiled, patting the Nord's arm. 'I actually am glad you weren't flash fried. I never did hear how your meeting with our goodly king went ...'

Sheogorath

'I should get back to Kallen,' said Jazbet. 'I'm barely half done with going over the books ... I just felt like a little break,' he rubbed his chest again, grinning. 'Just not a break like that. On the other hand, I don't think I'm ever going to think of this little herb garden quite the same again ...

'But you should eat. And, like I said, if there's nothing here to your liking, try the tavern in Ald Raathim. You won't be sorry.'

Sheogorath

I'd recommend using the tavern in Ald Raathim as a jumping off point ... Provided you're not the sort to pick a fight. Jazbet is a laid-back kind of lord, but he does want to keep his domain a quiet, sleepy little corner of Morrowind.

I find the easiest way to slide into an already existing RP campaign is to read what's happening, and invent a character who probably already exists but doesn't yet have a name or a personality.

Jazbet began that way. It was known that some rogue knights of House Dres were a part of Loranna's pilgrimage, and when they were needed for a specific task, I invented three of them -- Gaor, Jazbet, and Wyrloc -- to fulfill the need. Over time, they developed unique personalities.

In the current RP, there are many 'generic' characters wandering about Jazbet's area who could step forward and become 'real' characters. There are his household staff, servants, and peasants who work in the fields. There are the villagers. There's miles of wilderness for odd hermits and characters-on-the-run.

And the mangrove trees outside the bay are notorious for their shipwrecks, if you want a dramatic entrance. wink.gif

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