*

Eyja:

Eyja interrupted before Seth could answer.

"Has she tricked you into waiting on her with that fake shaking hand gimmick? She pulled it on me too, till her physician told me there was nothing making her hand tremor except wanting to see how long she could get away with me waiting on her. She had me making her bed too!"

Maxical grinned with pure mischief and held her hand up perfectly steadily. "Geez, Eyja. Tell-tale!"



*

No wonder you eat all that sugar and don't have the least bit of fat on you. He thought in internal laughter.

“Eyja is more than skilled, she is genius. Some time you should get her to tell you about the way she tricked her way into doing a purge on the Dark Brotherhood.”

He blinked. That was exactly what he did to the Mournhold Chapter of the Dark Brotherhood nearly two hundred years ago.

He tried to open his mouth to talk then Ejya entered again interrupting him. He quickly finished her dessert from across the border and set in in front of her, with that little dollop of cream he could never get quite right.

"And...food's ready!" He offered.

He glanced at Eyja bemusedly. "I think what happened would be poorly described by me, as I hardly saw too much of what happened. Must have been funny though, she ran to the bath right after."

"I don't mind pouring a cup of coffee. I just don't make my bed. Never have." He said. It wasn't laziness, it was a way of telling if any one had been in his room while he was gone. You could replicate a made bed. You couldn't replicate an unmade one, and he took a mental picture of it before he left.

"It seems we have a bit more in common than I previously thought..." He chuckled.

*

Maxical:

Maxical didn’t know what Seth thought was funny, but Eyja running to the bath...she did know what that meant. She’d seen it happen after some of her jobs before. She shot Eyja a look of understanding, then changed the subject so Eyja wouldn’t have to be reminded of it.

“I tore your nice shirt, Seth. I’d replace it, but you’ll not find one like it in these parts.”

She turned the bowl in all directions, looking at the sweet concoction Seth had made for her.

“Can I eat yet? Will someone ask Abiene if I’m able to eat this soon?”


*

Seth realized he may have come across the wrong way. He was chuckling about the Dark Brotherhood Purification trickery, but knew that the bath thing was quite serious. He'd said his peace in that regard. he just wanted to protect Eyja's confidence, should there have been any in that regard.

"Don't worry about the cloth...it was old anyways. More like I reused the remaining amount that was left for more sentimental purposes." He said, motioning for her to eat.

"Since you seem to know a bit about the culture of Morrowind, perhaps you'd seen their like before. They are remnants of a robe made specifically for members of the Morag Tong. Usually the more magical-inclined. They are a mixture of decor with function. The red jewelry and the leather pouches for instance. The society was highly ritualized, and highly effective in their duties. I wore it for many years before it started to tatter even just a little." He spoke his story.

"Then eventually it started to become far too worn to wear. It stayed in a closet for many more years. Even after the Red Year. Then one day, I saw it, and thought I could bring some life back to it's remaining time. I mostly wear it as a reminder these days. For things that should never be forgotten."

*

Maxical:


“Mmmm, this is really good!" She swallowed before continuing.

"I spent a month in Tel Fyr a year ago, but didn't see much of Vvardenfell while I was there. That is the only time I’ve ever been outside of Cyrodiil that I remember. I was actually born on the Septim’s Gate Pass. My parents were both from Hlomaren on the Bitter Coast of Vvardenfell. They were traveling to Cyrodiil when I was born.”

She took another bite of the strawberry shortcake. “Mmmmm, this is so good!" She waited till she'd swallowed to talk again.

"When I was in Tel Fyr, I was only allowed out one time, to go shopping with my host’s daughter.”

She wrinkled her nose.

“I found out quite quickly that I was safest and better off staying in his tower the remainder of my visit. Khajiit females seem to be easy targets to kidnap for slaves there, and it was made clear to me that his daughter Beyte was embarrassed by being seen with a Khajiit. She walked in front of me and pretended she didn‘t know me when Master Aryon showed up.”

She reached down the top of her nightshirt and pulled out an antique looking gold necklace with a thick pendent of gold and small onyx stones inlaid marking the emblem of the 6th House.

“The man I was worried about showing while I was weak...” Maxical indicated upstairs by pointing.

“His name is Dagoth-Malan. This pendent is my protection from him. No one from House Dagoth can strike against me while I wear this pendent. I've enchanted it so it can never be removed, or Earana would have taken it from me when she put me in that robe.”

She toyed with the whipped cream for a second before finishing.

“For what he did to Gils and Fathis, I vowed that I would hound him through eternity; mark his name on my soul so when I died my soul would continue after him and he‘d never have another day‘s peace. I’ve been hunting him this past year, making his life a living hell. But when I am weak he knows it and hunts me.”

She stirred her spoon into the strawberry juices to mix them with the whipped cream.

“Khajiit are the most loyal people you will find, but also the kind of enemy you don’t want to make. We never give up. An eye for an eye, a spouse for a spouse. For what he did to Gils and Fathis, I vowed I’d bury his wife in so many pieces he’d never be able to find them all. She was a century dead, and the only thing he treasured. When I vow something, I keep my word.”

Seth’s brows raised slightly. She gathered he was either asking or doubting.

“I hid fragments of her all over Cyrodiil; kind of like a treasure hunt. But I hid each with an enemy of his, or an enemy of the empire. He has inadvertently cleared full armies of enemies to the throne that I was tasked in my service for Cyrodiil to destroy; and dissipated his own army by more than half searching for her this year alone.”

She paused to stir her strawberry juices again.

“He had three vials of her blood in a shrine, taken from her before they wed when she was still virginal. The wife's virgin blood is considered sacred to vampires. I duplicated them and distributed her virgin blood to every vampire clan in Cyrodiil under the condition they toast his wife’s name as they drank it. In his rage that they had tasted his wife's virgin blood, he cleared a major chunk out of the vampire problem Cyrodiil has...also something I was tasked to do in my service to Cyrodiil. He wants me dead so badly he tastes it.”




*

Abiene walked slowly through the bedchamber trailing a fragrant cloud. The pink potion had worked its wonder and so had the bath. Now she was enjoying the last of the hackle-lo. She hadn’t meant to smoke the whole thing. She’d even put it out to save for later after the worst of her odor was resolved. But these things happen.

I haven’t smoked in years, she thought. And never alone. Nor fully clothed. The last made her chuckle. Scent was a powerful trigger for memories both pleasant and otherwise. She chose the good ones to keep her company until she was ready to rejoin the group.

The tone was serious when Abiene entered the kitchen. She placed Seth’s cleaned vial on a side table, mouthing a fervent thank you so as not to interrupt Maxical. She sat down to listen as Maxical finished her tale. House Dagoth… Abiene began to think that she was the least likely target for assassination in the room.

Are you certain Mephala hasn't tasked you?

"Interesting. I know of House Dagoth. Quite well. You may say I've met the former Lord High Councilor; Voryn Dagoth. In a certain form." Sethyas stirred the stew.

I also slayed him in God-Form...but good luck in telling anyone of that.

"Do not worry. House Dagoth is...was my enemy. The Sixth House fell in its most recent incarnation over two hundred years ago. That does not mean that practitioners didn't exist between those times. Indeed, they've been recorded of coming back in many different forms over the last four millenia." He narrated.

"Perhaps you have read, 'A Poison Song'?" He continued. "Fiction, to be certain. But...it was based upon real events. Dagoth Ur as well had the power to enter into the dreams of mortals and slowly drive them mad, eventually swaying them under his power." His eyes looked into space, as though reliving some horror.

"At the Center of Red Mountain, once laid the Heart of Lorkhan; Lorkhaj to the Khajiiti, Shor to the Nords, the Missing God to all. From this powerful artifact, did Dagoth Ur draw his terrible power. Later, after his defeat it was revealed that this source was the same for the now-defunct Tribunal."

"The Dunmer have always been a suspicious and duplicitous society. This is why the Morag Tong existed: to maintain some semblance of a balance of power. But, the former House; The Sixth House, was exterminated by all Houses for their particular brand of treachery, and ascent for Supreme Power....no matter the cost."

"If a Dagoth still lives, it is no friend of mine either." He finished stirring.

"Stew's done!"

*


Maxical:


“Dagoth-Ur you mean? This pendent I wear was plundered from the 6th house in the raid where Ur was slain about five or six years ago. The man that actually killed Ur gave his take from the raid to some poor villagers. One sold this to pay his food and shelter. It was the luck of the gods that I found it in that shop in Tel Fyr, it has saved my life.”

Maxical took the last bite of the strawberry shortcake before continuing.

“Ur’s immortal blood was created by the great power of the Heart of Lorkhan. The foundation for Dagoth-Malan’s immortal army was a few vials of blood stolen from Ur while he slept; and during a time when the power of that heart was strong in it. Malan had full reliance in that blood to bring his wife back to life eternally, raising her soul in a living body he had injected with that blood.”

She broke off to hand her bowl to Eyja, thanking Seth. “That was delicious, thank you Seth.” Maxical took a sip of coffee before continuing.

“Originally he planned to use me for that, but I threatened to do so many vile things to his wife’s soul while it was inside me that he removed her in fear for her safety. I told him I would bring her to the King of Worms, to Clavicus Vile, to enemy vampire clans...anything I could think of.”

She pointed to herself.

“When you are tiny, people tend to discount you as an enemy. I knew his only weakness was that wife of his, so the threats bore fruit. I was safe as long as she was inside me, had all the control. He couldn’t kill me without killing her again.”

Seth mentioned “The Poison Song,” one of her favorite stories.

“I have read it, I even did a book report on it at the Arcane. It is one of my favorite stories.”

She wrinkled her nose and waved the stew away. “No thanks. I don’t eat stuff like that.”

She turned to Abiene.

“Are you feeling okay dearest Abiene? I hope you are not ill. I want to know who is trying to kill you, they have made an enemy in me for it.”


*

Abiene gave Maxical a reassuring smile. “I’m perfectly fine and feeling stronger by the moment, thank you for asking. This is a lot for me to take in. History and story books come to life.”

She put her hands in her lap, fingers twisting together. Maxical’s declaration of loyalty warmed her heart, but it brought a host of worries. It sounded as if she had more than enough enemies of her own. Helping her might expose Maxical. Abiene glanced uneasily at Eyja. Surely Maxical’s guardian wouldn’t let that happen.

“I’ve put some thought to who might want me dead. I confess I’m having a hard time seeing it. I’m a good healer but that’s all that I do. I’m not some heiress to title or fortune, and those who would want to threaten a friend through me wouldn’t have used that poison. I can’t even guess why they attacked here at the Goblet. I wasn’t supposed to be here that morning, I should have been back in Chorrol. I only stopped here overnight because of the storm.”

Abiene took a breath and stilled her fidgeting. What she had seen at the mountaintop made her feel safe here with these three, but no one would protect her forever.

“How do you suppose it works when one hires an assassin? What I mean is does the contract become invalid if the killer is caught? How long…” She looked down at her hands, struggling for composure. “I’m afraid I sound like a silly child, but it’s hard to imagine that I have such an enemy.”

*

Eyja:

"If it was a pro, it depends on the organization the assassin works with. Some organizations fulfill the contract even after the person who took it out has died. If there are any alchemists capable of making this level of poison nearby, they must be suspect as being involved with the attempt, or involved with an organization that is in the business of assassins for hire."


*

“I know a few alchemists, but I couldn’t guess if any of them could be involved,” said Abiene. “That’s not something that would have been shared with me. It was Sethyas who brewed the cure, I would have been at a loss if you did not know him. Even Master Selvilo didn’t offer to help, though both he and that Altmer discerned the nature of my trouble.

“I expect anyone who brewed such subtle poisons would keep that aspect of their skill a secret to avoid attracting suspicion in these circumstances,” Abiene continued. It helped to think of the situation as a puzzle somehow apart from herself. “Anyway, would the poison have to have been made recently or even nearby? I’ve used potions that were concocted in other provinces and shipped to Chorrol. Lifting curses is tricky business, and the experts are rarely inclined to travel for the sake of some faceless patient.”

Abiene tried to ignore her grumbling stomach. Seth’s vegetable stew smelled divine, unlike the institutional meals served at the chapel. Yet she was not inclined to invite another rush to the urn.

Some organizations fulfill the contract even after the person who took it out has died, Eyja had said. A hopeless dread crept through her. And rising up underneath it was a new kind of anger. The best she could hope for was a chance to fight. Abiene blinked until her eyes stopped burning. She found her fingernails had marked crescents in her palms.

“It seems that confronting the poisoner would be most helpful. They might provide some clue as to the organization they work for, or they might admit to working alone. Assuming I’m actually the target, is there a way we might draw them out? Hiding here for safety isn’t providing any new information. Perhaps there’s another way we might guess that a murderer would use to make a death look accidental. A fall, or choking on something, or even a fire.”

*

Eyja:


"Confronting the assassin is exactly why we have isolated you. They will have to show themselves to make another attempt, and get through the three of us to reach you. The poison itself takes time to make, it is usually made up days in advance. Most pros carry a supply of it around, which is why we think a pro is involved. A good Alchemist can make it, but why would they? There is no other purpose for this type poison than to make someone's death appear to be natural causes to cover up a murder. It is quick acting but nearly symptom free, the person usually dies in their sleep and no one is the wiser."

Eyja glanced at Seth as a thought struck her. "Tell me, Abiene. How have you felt in the weeks leading up to this? You said you have been taking potions to keep up with all your workload; was it that great or were you tired doing the same tasks you had previously done without feeling the effects of it?"



*

Abiene gave her head a little shake. “I keep careful track of my potion use to avoid toxicity. It’s been the same. It’s not my regular workload but the healing I do outside the chapel that puts a strain on me. When I’m excused from the healing hall to rest and allow my magicka to refill I tend to visit the beggars’ camp and some others who aren’t on good terms with the Nine. That’s why I take so many potions. And honestly, when given a choice between watery soup and a Restore Fatigue potion, who would eat the soup?

“And come to think of it, I wasn’t even taking potions for the few days prior to the poisoning. I was at the wayshrine. I used up all of my magicka on healing and other activities, but I wanted to give my body a break and just refill naturally. Of course that’s where I picked up the infection that I passed to Maxical. I didn’t worship with any of the pilgrims, so I didn’t even think to check myself for disease.”

She glanced between the three of them, wary of judgment. “I don’t hide my Dibellan connections, but I’m not very open about them. Folk tend to get a wrong idea. If someone knew where I was or with whom I would spend time, then they know a great deal about me.”

Seth grabbed a bowlful of stew, and wolfed down a spoonful.

"Knowing much about someone may not take a long time either. Any professional could figure you out nearly on sight. Determining a schedule takes only a few hours to a couple of days. Some of the better ones might even just strike when they sense the opportunity, sort of a way to keep being undetected in a social sense" He said, kind of explaining his own methods. "

Especially if this one made use of invisibility or chameleon. Simply pouring a vial of poison into a cup of tea would not disperse that field either."

His mouth contorted as he stretched and puckered it in thought.

"I wonder if the Guild out here would know anything. They often have access to this type of information." He thought aloud. "As I recall the Beggar's out here tend to have a sort of unseen eye on everything, and you spend much time in their company...perhaps they saw something as well."

"And...as far as this 'contract' goes. I intend to make it so that you are safe. In every sense of the word." He said, as he took another spoonful of stew.

"Any good Healer knows it better to treat the cause, and alleviate symptoms. I will eliminate both." He assured her.

Or die trying, I'm not that good.He thought wryly.

*

Eyja:

Eyja moved over and ladled out a bowl of the stew automatically, setting it down in front of Abiene.

"Sorry, habit." She said, then yanked a hair out by the roots of Abiene's hair.

"Oops! Look, my button caught on your hair, I am so sorry! But while I have it, no sense in it going to waste."

She went to her bag and pulled out a small sized laboratory style magnifier and stretched the hair out beneath it, slowly pulling the hair through under the lenses while her eye looked impaled on a raised lens.

"Seth, you want to examine this?"

Maxical glared at her. "Eyja! What button? You yanked that hair, I saw you!"

"We need to know if she's been poisoned before this incident. That would tell us if it was someone she knows rather than a pro."

Maxical rolled her eyes. "Geez, you ever hear of asking?"

Eyja stepped aside from the magnifier for Seth to look. "It hurts less if you don't know it is coming."

Maxical raised up her shirt to show her bald stomach. "It was YOU? YOU did this to me?"



*

Abiene wondered what Guild Sethyas was referring to. She doubted he meant the Mages Guild.

He was right about how transparent she must be to a professional. She was good at fooling those who wanted to believe her. None of her little deceptions would stand up to close scrutiny. Much as she wanted to resist, she needed to quit trying to solve this and just answer the questions. Here was a case where she just didn’t know enough to rely on her own judgment.

Sethyas spoke between bites of stew. “And...as far as this ‘contract’ goes. I intend to make it so that you are safe. In every sense of the word,” he said. “Any good Healer knows it better to treat the cause, and alleviate symptoms. I will eliminate both.”

Abiene let his meaning sink in without shrinking from it. They were planning the death of at least one person, probably two. Perhaps even more. She had lived this long insulated inside walls protected by others. When it was time to deal out death and judgment she had the luxury of turning away. Grow up, Abiene. Open your eyes.

The corner of Seth’s lip twitched, perhaps in amusement at some wry thought. Abiene slowly nodded her understanding.

“Sorry, habit,” Eyja said, placing a bowl of stew in front of Abiene.

“Oh, this looks-- Ow!” Abiene picked up her spoon while she rubbed her scalp. Did she just yank out my hair?

Maxical jerked her shirt up over her pink belly. “It was YOU? YOU did this to me?” she demanded of Eyja.

Abiene tucked into the stew, chewing carefully in case it came back up. She widened her eyes in mock surprise at Eyja, smiling around the spoon.

*

Eyja:


Eyja waved Maxical to sit down. "Hush." She turned to Abiene.

"Abiene, come look at this hair. Put your eye on the top like I did. See the change in color and texture of that hair just before that blackened part nearest the root? That blackened part is this last poisoning. Someone was poisoning you before this incident, but in smaller doeses. See how the color gets darker as it gets closer to the root? They were increasing the doses each time. That means we are absolutely looking at someone you know. A pro doesn't follow you around giving small doeses, this is an individual poisoning. You have an enemy close enough to taint your food more than once."



*

He held back his amusement at the exchange between the girls. Eyja used the old distraction method to get her hair sample.

Sethyas raised his brow in surprise.

"An image magnifier? I haven't seen one of those outside a Dwemer Study Academy." he said in admiration.

"So I'm assuming we're not looking for split ends. Hmmm. Yes. I see." He dragged the hair up and down the magnifier and let Abiene look next as Eyja explained the significance of the markings.

"I'm afraid Dunmer hair grows at a different rate than Cyrod's and Nords, how long ago would you say these poisonings started Eyja?" he asked.

"We can use that time frame to help determine the motive...alongside your usual eating place...you said you usually eat here didn't you?"

"And coupled with the knowledge that the poisoner seems to possess, we can further eliminate our suspects to a handful...the poisoner may well be in the tavern as we speak." His gauntlets creaked as he gripped his blade's hilt.

*

Eyja:

Eyja showed Seth the intricate and unusual pattern on the bottom of the piece.

"It is Dwemer. When Maxical stayed with Divayth Fyr he offered her a choice of one Dwemer artifact from his collection at the end of the visit. She chose this and gave it to me."

She showed Seth how the lenses swiveled into place.

"On the timeline, the speed which her hair grows is the prime factor. We know how many days ago the black ridge occurred, it is already visible just above the root. Her hair growth is probably accelerated from all the healing she does and potion intake. Use that width as a measurement of days to where the poisonings first began."

She set the magnifier back up and swiveled to a stronger lens; making a rough guess by the length of damage near the root.

"I'm guessing three weeks at most, no less than two." She turned to Seth. "Look how they increased the amount almost daily. They couldn't know the dose needed to do that. This isn't a qualified Alchemist if they don't know the dosage. But they were able to make the poison, so they either aren't that inept or possibly bought it on the black market. Maybe they just stumbled across a recipe for it."

She stepped back so Seth could look. "It was just a rough guess on the timeline, what do you think?"

While he looked, she turned to Abiene.

"You'll need to think of someone whose secret you've learned or possibly who you angered within a month; and narrow it down by any who have access to things you eat. Seth feels it could be a woman, and he could be right about that. Also, Seth mentioned they most likely would have been in chameleon, so you wouldn't necessarily have seen them when your foods or drinks were tainted. That is why I gave you that ring that detects life. Make sure you wear it at all times, period. Even in your bath."

Eyja shot Seth a look of undisguised admiration when he grabbed his sword hilt, and caught Maxical eyeing him with the same admiring look. He did make one feel protected.


*


Maxical:


Maxical elbowed Abiene and spoke quietly into her ear. "That's a Dunmer challenge. If his hand stays on the hilt like that it means he won't stop till they are dead. At least you know now there is only one enemy, not an organization."


*

He loosened his grip from the hilt, having absentmindedly placed it there in the first place.

He returned to the kitchen and cleaned his finished bowl, and started on some tea.

This also spoke of clear intent. Hate. Cold, guided, and focused.

An overwhelming desire to see another mortal dead, but with enough of a sense self-preservation to do it discreetly as was possible. His instincts had just simply told him it was more the subtle trait of a woman.

Part of him wished it were not. Too many of them have died because of me and my choice. he self-ruminated.

He grabbed some parchment and ink from his pack, and prepared his tea.

“Split ends?” laughed Abiene. “I should think not.” She gave her hair an exaggerated pat, grateful for the jest.

She took her turn looking through the Dwemer viewing apparatus. There was no way to describe her hair’s growth rate. The curls just kept curling up as they grew until the hair’s weight pulled them suddenly long. Before she could try to explain, Eyja came up with the answer.

Eyja and Sethyas worked rapidly through the information.

“The poisoner may well be in the tavern as we speak,” said Seth. His hand went to his blade’s hilt.

Abiene felt her stomach flutter in almost hopeful anticipation. I would like this to be over.

She stayed in her seat and began answering the questions. “If someone has been poisoning my food over time… They would have to have constant access to the chapel’s living quarters. I dine there mornings and evenings, and the food is served from communal bowls and platters. They must have poisoned most of the chapel staff along with me. Mid-day I usually take a potion instead of lunch. All of my potions at the chapel come from the compounding room. I only make a few of my own, honestly I have no talent for alchemy and there’s always someone who’s willing to trade. Folk get starved for a gentle touch, even a shoulder rub or a hand massage.” Abiene flushed, realizing that might not have sounded right.

She decided to just move on. “Sometimes I get a snack or tea from a food cart out in Fountain Gate, but someone would have to be pretty quick to… No, like you said, I’m sure I’m far more predictable than I imagine myself to be. Anyway, I—”

Abiene froze in mid thought. She brought her hand to her mouth in horror. “My extra potions, the ones I take beyond what chapel guidelines allow. A friend makes them for me. I keep my supply in the back of Northern Goods and Trade. Seed-Neeus lets me keep some things there. They’re just sitting in a box on a shelf, organized of course. It’s pretty obvious which one I’ll take next. I am not a neat freak, but there’s a correct way to do some things, and that’s how I do them.”

Imagining that someone had followed her around for a month watching for her to sicken and die made Abiene’s jaw ache. She deliberately unclenched her teeth.

“As for secrets I’ve learned, they will have to stay secrets.” She looked first at Maxical and then at Eyja. “My word is not conditional. Anyone who has my promise should trust that it will be kept. Anyone.”

Abiene’s eyes went reluctantly to Sethyas. He was the one with his palm on a blade hilt. She realized that she was not being easy in this matter, but he had her quiet trust in the same way that she had Maxical’s and Eyja’s. And if there was going to be a scene, so be it.

“My extra potions, the ones I take beyond what chapel guidelines allow. A friend makes them for me. I keep my supply in the back of Northern Goods and Trade. Seed-Neeus lets me keep some things there. They're just sitting in a box on a shelf, organized of course. It’s pretty obvious which one I’ll take next. I am not a neat freak, but there’s a correct way to do some things, and that’s how I do them.”

Sethyas brow furled.

Acquire potion sample. Add Seed-Neus to suspects. He jotted down.

But probably not her, though she is a woman. His instincts spoke.

“As for secrets I’ve learned, they will have to stay secrets.” She looked first at Maxical and then at Eyja. “My word is not conditional. Anyone who has my promise should trust that it will be kept. Anyone.”

Sethyas nodded in appreciation. "As it is for me as well." He said, noting yet another similarity in their opposing trades. "That does not mean you cannot let your knowledge guide you. You don't have to be the self-poisoning priest." He advised.

He took it from their vacant stares they didn't know the parable.

"In my orphanage, we were told the story of the Priest who heard it confessed to he that one of the faithful had poisoned the wine used during the sermon. Being sworn to absolute secrecy, the priest took the only recourse he had and drank the wine before any others could, and fell dead." He recounted quickly.

"As I said, you're not in that situation. If something occurs to you as a possible motive, you need not reveal the circumstances, you may honor your pledge to the Nine. That does not mean you need not tell us who the person might be, or even a preceding event that may lead us down that thread to it."

"I don't mean to encourage you to be duplicitous, but understand what the spirit of Sacred Secrecy is: Protection. The protection of person and property. I think both those tenets have been violated here, and you are the victim."

He stopped for a moment.

"When...when we are absolutely certain to who the offender is, and if there is no other recourse, I will take the burden on for myself." He said more looking at Eyja then Abiene.

"If we can see to it that the person can be sent to the dungeons to rot; which is the crueler fate I think, and it fits with your idea of justice, Abiene. It will be done."

Maxical:


"Folk get starved for a gentle touch, even a shoulder rub or a hand massage.” Abiene flushed



Eyja gave her a saucy look and arched one eyebrow at her twice.

Maxical caught the look and blushed. "Oh, a...er...hand massage, huh? Wait a minute, you mean..." She flushed deeper.

She was grateful Seth broke in with the story about the Priest to wipe the visual images from her mind as she tried to imagine what Abiene was talking about; but the end of Seth's story stunned her.

"Huh? Man he was dumber than me! Why didn't he just uncork the wine and drain it onto the ground so no one died?"

Maxical turned to Eyja in all seriousness though. "Eyja, break into that store and steal the next vial of that potion. Maybe Seth can examine it for poison."

Eyja nodded. "I already planned to, and you are right that it should be the next one she would be taking. They wouldn't have tainted any more than needed, her hair proves that."

Eyja turned to Abiene. "I doubt it will be the one making the potions for you; they could be too easily pinpointed as the suspect if others knew they did this for you; and whoever did this has proven they don't want to be connected with the crime. But a busy store, anyone could come in chameleon and taint one at a time."

Maxical turned to Seth. "I am highly visible and easily described..." She pointed to her white skin and red hair, then continued.

"I could make a public display of going to the store and saying I'm picking up Abiene's potions for her so it will get out she is still alive and accessing those potions; then hide in chameleon and watch to see if anyone sneaks in to taint another bottle. Reel him in like a fish."

Eyja nodded agreement.

"I agree with Maxical in one thing, let the assassin know she lives and is here. Abiene could send messages to the places she frequents most; tell them she is busy here at the Wobbly Inn on a medical procedure and will be unavailable for healing anyone else temporarily. The only one seeking her here then would be the assassin, and we can be set up watching for them. The windows of this suite give quite a view to everything but the stables side of the Inn, and she can alert us if she sees someone suspect. That will narrow it down considerably and bring them into our hands."

Maxical slapped her hand on the table. "I can set traps on the windows and doors here." She turned to Eyja with a sudden thought.

"Who was that person you said paid you a Septim to embarrass Abiene in the road? They were there at the time the poison was passed to her, and must have had a reason to single Abiene out."

Eyja's brows drew down into a frown.

"Why didn't I think of them before? They may have been trying to delay Abiene reaching that doctor she works for; who would have seen immediately she'd been poisoned." Eyja turned to Seth.

"A tall man in expensive robes gave me a Septim if I could make Abiene blush. When I returned for the Septim he was gone. His voice..." She broke off with a frown, then looked back at Seth.

"His voice sounded like Earana's, that deep...remember hers? It was like a man's. That day, that person could have been a woman, I couldn't see for their hood covering their face."



"When...when we are absolutely certain to who the offender is, and if there is no other recourse, I will take the burden on for myself." Seth said more looking at Eyja then Abiene.


Eyja nodded at Seth with gratitude in her eyes. She mouthed, "Thank you, Seth." silently to him.


Maxical caught the exchange and smiled her approval at Seth. Eyja would kill in defense of herself or a friend in a heartbeat with no qualms, but the end killing in cases like this usually bothered her the same way she was bothered when she returned from that shouting match last night. She was grateful Seth was there and willing to relieve Eyja of this one.




*

It actually hit Sethyas like a smack in the face. The most obvious solution. It seemed to fit, Earana was a woman and was quite adept in poisons. At the very least drugging Maxical. Her interest in using her for her Cloud Top experiments would seem to interrelate with Abiene in some fashion.

"If..this is the case, have we already eliminated the threat?" Sethyas pondered aloud.

"Or are there other cohorts we've yet to come across?" he shook his head.

"I could make a public display of going to the store and saying I'm picking up Abiene's potions for her so it will get out she is still alive and accessing those potions; then hide in chameleon and watch to see if anyone sneaks in to taint another bottle. Reel him in like a fish."

"Very well, Maxical. If you feel up to the task, but Ejya or I should accompany you. I don't discount you or devalue your capabilities, merely wish to lessen any risks that we face." He said. He'd been around this long because he'd prepared for 'probably won't happen'.

"Either of us can be stealthy as well." He reasoned. "And if Earana's machinations were larger than what we've come across, you may be still targeted as well."

"And either of us can protect Abiene in this suite with the seal spell, alongside your traps. Hmmm." He stroked his chin.

"And I do happen to still have a last minute escape plan as well. Abiene, are you familiar with the spell: Divine Intervention?" he asked.

"It's rarely seen out here these days, I realize. But, I do have it in scroll form here." he went to his pack.

"Once read, the enchantment will immediately translocate you to the closest Imperial Cult Temple....I suppose they would be called Nine Divine Chapels in Cyrodiil Proper. Should your protector fail, and there is no recourse...simply read." he instructed as he handed her the scroll.

*

Eyja:

Eyja flushed, remembering the woman outside Maxical's window she had dumped Maxical's pee on. That woman had the same deeper voice as Earana too. She shook her head at Seth.

"I've heard other Altmer women with those deep voices. Some of them are hard to distinguish from males in the dark with those loose robes and cowls that cover their forms and faces."

Maxical poked Eyja in the side. "What about Earana's laboratory in the sewers though. It could easily have been made in there. I was ill and slept a lot; and now I know drugged as well...but I did hear other voices in there. Maybe she sold the poison to the one who wants Abiene dead. Or maybe it is this other person's lab and they allowed Earana use of it."

Eyja was struck by that. "Honditar said Earana lived at the Gray Mare, and only gave up her room that day. Someone else probably does own that laboratory."

Maxical hesitated as if searching her memory.

"There was an odd shrine in there, like nothing I've ever seen before; strange symbols over the doors and wall hangings that were macabre; like skeletons with crossed hands under the skull, and one near the bed I was kept in had a black hand symbol..."

She broke off and held her hand open so the fingers and thumb were spread apart. "It was different from yours, Seth. I think this was Dark Brotherhood maybe."

She glanced up at Eyja.

"Right across from this suite along the City wall is a huge rock. It hides an entry into a cave system, and at the bottom is the access to the lair in the sewers. The cave is trapped worse than I would have done it. I nearly killed the Orc inadvertently setting them off when we were leaving for Cloud Top. Armed and armored mercenary bandits guard the entrance to the sewers lair; and a wolf guards the people she brings inside the lair. It follows every move so closely you can feel its breath through your clothing. Being a cat, I was terrified, but truthfully he never bit me. I think he is just trained to do that."

Eyja watched Seth's eyes to see what he was doing with this information. "These types usually work alone so there are no witnesses; but I've seen them form temporary pacts of silence when they need a service the other has; then silence the final witness at the end. If Abiene's killer formed a pact with Earana, we have saved him from having to kill her and the Orc later."

Maxical eased to a stand using the table as leverage. "Excuse me, please." She worked her way along the wall holding onto it and headed upstairs.

Eyja glanced at Abiene. "Why is she hanging on to the walls that way?"







Strange shrine on right:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zpse36f1333.png



Skeleton wall hanging over shrine and strange symbol over door:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps4b3cd42a.png



Alchemy Lab:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps6bb6e643.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps24820bec.png



Black Hand symbol on wall hanging:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps1036626c.png





Wolf guard:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps3397df8e.png







*

"There was an odd shrine in there, like nothing I've ever seen before; strange symbols over the doors and wall hangings that were macabre; like skeletons with crossed hands under the skull..." Maxical recounted.

Necromancers. The books I read in their regard in Morrowind almost prophesied their unusual level of organization here in Cyrodiil. He thought.

"...and one near the bed I was kept in had a black hand symbol..."

She broke off and held her hand open so the fingers and thumb were spread apart. "It was different from yours, Seth. I think this was Dark Brotherhood maybe."

He paused visibly.

It is.

The sight of a Khajiit climbing across the walls would normally have drawn his attention. He hadn't moved.

His gauntlets creaked once more. Both this time.

"Dearest Abiene. I am sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to keep my word on this one. Whomever is involved that would dare adorn that symbol upon their abode is already dead." He said with clenched teeth.

"Excuse me. I need some air." he said, and abruptly left dispelling the seal with frustrated gesturing.

*

Maxical worked her way upstairs to her room to pee. She had been using the bedpan since they arrived, so till now hadn't noticed how extremely high the urn was. Dear gods, was it made only for Nord or Orc? Maxical never sat on public urns, but carefully balanced herself over them in a hovering stand. There was no way to do that with his urn.

She pulled a chair over and wedged it beside the urn, then pulled the chair closest to the bed over to the urn. Someone's pack was on it, not hers or Eyja's. Was it Abiene's or Seth's? Seth would probably have a Morrowind travel pack like her own, which had been her mother's. It must be Abiene's.

She lowered the pack to the floor and stood on the chairs, one hand on each of the corner walls to balance herself. Her head still felt a little too woozy to be balancing on chairs.

Getting back down was even harder. She'd have to let go with one hand, but wasn't sure which was giving her the most stability. She chose the wrong hand to release, and tumbled off the chair, landing on the pack. There was a loud crack and then a crunch as she landed.

What broke was some kind of hollowed-out animal tusk. It had to be some kind of musical instrument like a flute or horn, Maxical guessed.

She rolled off the pack and pulled herself up, washing her hands at the ewer quickly before grabbing the instrument to show Abiene she had broken something that belonged to her.

Maxical worked her way into the kitchen with one hand on the wall and the other waving the broken tusk.

"Abiene, I fell and landed on your pack. I'm afraid I broke your flute."

She heard Eyja's braying laugh and saw Abiene's face purpling with embarrassment.

"Huh?" She looked from one face to the other.



*

A plan came together to secure a sample of her potions and possibly lure the murderer to the Goblet. The target, she amended to herself. They haven’t murdered me yet. Abiene built a list in her mind of the folk to whom she would send her notes.

Seth’s words eased her conscience and set her thinking forward again. Maxical’s traps and Eyja’s seals would keep her secure in their absence, and Seth’s scroll of Divine Intervention was her safety net. She wondered what his escape plan might be if she had his emergency scroll. That’s not for you to ask, she told herself.

Eyja spoke. “I've heard other Altmer women with those deep voices,” she said. “Some of them are hard to distinguish from males in the dark with those loose robes and cowls that cover their forms and faces.”

Abiene remembered the Altmer in Selvilo’s office. Her voice had the low pitch common to many high elves, but her tailored robe had flaunted her femininity. That wench is probably treating my patients. Abiene found her teeth grinding together again.

Maxical excused herself and groped her way up the stairs, clinging to the walls all the way.

Eyja glanced at Abiene. “Why is she hanging on to the walls that way?”

Abiene’s eyebrows went up. “I have no idea. Her body should be fully recovered, but there are many ailments of the mind that can manifest in physical symptoms. Stress over reliving her ordeal may have caused a drop in blood pressure, and that would make her feel light-headed. Is she prone to fainting spells? Oh, and…”

She didn’t want to mention Maxical’s skooma issue in any way that the Khajiit might overhear, so she mimed tipping skooma into a dish and then lapping from it. Then she realized that her motions might easily be misinterpreted, especially after the hand massage misunderstanding.

Sethyas’ words drove other thoughts from her head. “Dearest Abiene. I am sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to keep my word on this one. Whomever is involved that would dare adorn that symbol upon their abode is already dead.” His formal tone and clenched teeth spoke of rigid control, perhaps barely maintained. Abiene found that more chilling than open rage. “Excuse me. I need some air.” And he was gone.

Eyja met her eyes. Abiene didn’t know if it was the necromancer symbol or the Dark Brotherhood hand that was to blame, but somehow this enemy was personal to Sethyas beyond his connection to Eyja and what had been done to Maxical. It seemed that Eyja knew. The Nord woman’s face was a mask slipping down over boiling emotion.

Maxical limped into the room holding the wall with one hand. In the other she brandished a broken horker tusk. “Abiene, I fell and landed on your pack. I'm afraid I broke your flute.”

Abiene’s face heated as Eyja brayed out a laugh.

“Oh my,” said Abiene. She struggled to stand, shaking with suppressed laughter. “Dear Maxical, you should hand me that right away. Goodness…”

She didn’t dare look at Eyja or they both might choke to death.

“Yes, my… flute. I was going to play myself a little tune this afternoon while all of you were busy. Music does clear the mind, it’s so relaxing. Don’t worry about breaking it, Maxical. I’ll think of another way to occupy my time. And anyway, see how this one is made in the,” she coughed to cover her laugh, “Nordic style? I thought I might try an instrument made in Hammerfell, and you’ve given me incentive to find one.”

*

Eyja:


"Oh, and…”


Abiene had paused for an extended time. Eyja turned around to prompt her and saw her miming...

She raised her eyebrows at Abiene. There was no doubt what she was acting out.

Eyja shrugged. "Well okay, but it will cost you. My services don't come free you know."

Maxical's interruption and what she was carrying in her hand startled her into braying out a laugh, but as she passed Abiene she lowered her voice and leaned into her ear.

"And I charge extra for kinky stuff, you know." She raised one eyebrow twice at Abiene and brayed out another laugh.




*

*

Maxical:

Maxical flushed a deep purple. "Geez Eyja, first Earana and now Abiene! If you decide to turn to cats next, don't come looking for me!" She stomped back up the stairs clinging to the railing and slammed her bedroom door shut behind her.


The truth was, having Seth around smelling of Gils had reminded her how lonely her life was without Gils, or even Fathis in it. She could never dispense herself freely like Eyja did, but the ache was there to kiss a man and feel him respond to her touch again. If there was a way to bring Gils back from the dead, she would become a necromancer in a heartbeat and do it.

Eyja was overly loud in her passions, and it was the last thing Maxical wanted to hear right now, feeling this way. Eyja was here to protect Abiene, and Seth was out actively seeking the killer; most likely clearing that cave and destroying that laboratory and everyone in it. And Seth had made it clear he didn't consider Maxical capable of even staking out a shop by herself.

Maybe it was that catalyst that made her decide to stake out the Inn's tavern. The decision to do it was no sooner made than she found herself pulling on a clean dress of Eyja's from the schrank. Eyja's dresses gave her shapes she didn't have, and may draw the killer right to her.

Eyja and Abiene were still in the kitchen giggling when Maxical's invisible form slid out the back door. She resealed the door behind her, and wondered if Seth had done the same when he left. It wouldn't hurt to go check.

Maxical scurried along the back wall of the Wobbly holding onto it; then clung tightly to the bushes as she moved closely along them on the side so if Eyja or Abiene looked out they wouldn't see her invisible pink form moving stealthily past with their Life Detect rings. She eased into the front door of the inn and glanced around. There was a fairly good sized crowd in there, and as she suspected Seth was not among them.

Before doing anything else, Maxical moved up the stairs to their room door and sealed it locked, then dispelled her chameleon and walked down normally; as if she was just a guest leaving her room and visiting the tavern; who just happened to be holding the railing as she went down.


*

Dark, depraved, deceptive, degenerate, dismal, despicable, deplorable. He alliterated.

All these words describe the Dark Brotherhood. It's not so much that they openly accept all of societies outcasts, but that they indoctrinate them into becoming these words as well.

He lit a Hackle-Lo as he wandered around outside, and let the anger subside. He'd lost much to this ancient foe. He didn't want to feel hate for anything in life. It consumed you and killed you from the inside out, making you into a mockery of the very things you once stood for. Yet, he could not keep himself from hating this enemy.

He studied them, hunted them, killed them. He knew more about them than he did the Morag Tong. It many ways they maintained an admirable level of secrecy within their organization. In others their 'religion' was dedicated to nothing but cruelty and the worst that mortals had to offer.

Even then, my feelings serve as entertainment for Mephala. He knew and cursed her twisted ways at times.

At others he could see how she 'threaded the needle with the hairs of wives.' Found solutions to an impasse through deceit and trickery. His very perspective on deception being neutral, it merely depended upon the way it was used stemmed largely from that. He couldn't necessarily fault her. She was the very aspect itself. Blameless as Nocturnal was for being the darkness.

He centered himself and let the calm return, he was no good to anyone going off half-cocked and was more a danger to himself.

He re-entered the Inn and walked slowly back to the room.

Nordic style? I thought I might try an instrument made in Hammerfell, and you've given me incentive to find one.” He re-entered into.

He stared at the tusk in her hand and looked at Abiene, then back at it. She became flushed with red.

"Instrument? There's no ho---oooooohhhhhh." He said, his eyes becoming wider with his sound of realization. Didn't Serene have one those as well?

Eyja had on the bawdiest grin he'd seen her make, and Abiene seemed to blush even more.

"Perhaps, I should leave and come again?" He asked with a straight face to Abiene.

*

Eyja:

Eyja caught the look Seth gave Abiene and elbowed her. "If you get a better offer and default on your deal with me, you'll have to compensate me for the time I spent thinking about it. And don't think I'll give you privacy free either."

She grinned at Seth. "And now I know Dunmer can blush."

Eyja held up the coffee pot to tempt Seth into staying, then set it on the fire to warm.

She nodded her head to Abiene. "Just be glad you didn't try to explain to Maxical what it is really for, we'd be here the next month and she'd still have no clue."

She held the pot up to Abiene and filled a cup for her at her nod, then poured a cup for Seth and herself and sat down at the table.

"We need to firm up our plan of action."




*

Seth’s eyes widened as he identified Abiene’s treasure. “Perhaps, I should leave and come again?” he asked with a straight face to Abiene.

Abiene thought her cheeks might actually catch fire. “Oh, there’s no need for all of that in and out,” she replied, failing to match his composure. Do NOT suggest using the back door. She couldn’t help but laugh at the situation.

Eyja offered some coffee and a bawdy remark.

Abiene returned her grin, still blushing. She reached up and stashed the cracked tusk in a lectern high on the shelves. “I’d consider getting it repaired, but I don’t want to explain how I broke it.”

“We need to firm up our plan of action,” Eyja declared.

Abiene retrieved writing supplies and sat down at the table.

*

Eyja:

"Abiene; the first thing you need to do is get those letters written, let's get them out as quickly as possible and so the trap is baited. Another thing I need to know is if you pick up your potions on your own or ask the Proprietor to get them for you. Either way I'll need you to write a note for the Proprietor saying you have commissioned me to access them in your stead temporarily. I don't intend to be caught taking it, but like to have my butt covered just in case. If Seth finds poison in the sample I bring, you'll need to make him a list of who knows about that stash of potions."


*

Abiene got busy with ink and quill. “I get the potions myself,” she said. “They’re in the back room on the ground floor. I just walk in and call up to Seed-Neeus that it’s me, her shop is on the second floor. Here’s a note explaining that you’re acting on my behalf.” She pushed the parchment across the table. “I don’t have a key, but she’s always there.

“I’m writing to the shopkeepers I frequent as well as the tavern owners so they might pass the word along to anyone who might be looking for me. Also Athragar at the Mages Guild, Orag at the chapel, Captain Bittneld, and Nermus the Mooch. He actually gets his mail.”

She put down her quill and blew across the page. “Before you ask, if we find that the potions are contaminated, the person who made them is not to blame. Remember that name you said to gain my attention?” She gave Eyja raised eyebrows. “That’s who made those potions. He might poison me with his cooking, but never on purpose.”

*

Eyja:

Eyja nodded at Abiene's words. "As I said before, it was very unlikely to be the person making the potions, and your saying that confirms it for me. But think of who else knows anything about these potions just in case they are tainted."

She turned to Seth. "If you will be here to protect Abiene, I'll go fetch that sample now. Let me have the messages for the Mages Guild and Chapel too. As long as I'm going that way I can deliver them faster than the inn would, and be much more visable and vocal when I do."

At Seth's nod she took the notes from Abiene and cast chameleon, then hurried out the back door.



*

*

Maxical:

Maxical's attempts to walk with more sophistication than her usual mannish stomping worked well on the stairs where she had the rail to hold; but when she reached the bottom of the stairs there was a lage gap to walk even to reach the bar where she had nothing to hold onto.

She paused there trying to assume a regal stance as she surveyed the room, but the truth was that she was waiting for the dizziness to clear before stepping over to the bar where she would have a handhold.

When the timing seemed right she stepped across toward the bar, but hadn't gotten two steps when a man pushed by her and then stopped in her way. Maxical lurched to a stop and wavered, falling against him. He grabbed her arms to steady her.

"Had a little too much to drink there, Miss?"

"Mitts off, you lecherous filth! Unhand me!" Maxical pulled herself free and staggered to the bar, almost falling onto a stool.

"Looks like you've had enough, Miss. Can't serve you any more. Why don't you get a room and sleep it off."

"I'm not drunk! I don't even drink alcohol! That man slung me around trying to grab me. He's the one you need to stop serving..." She ground to a halt at his expression.

"If you don't drink, then what are you doing bellied up to the bar?"

"I wanted to hear the bard, he is very good."

"If you sit here, you have to order something."

"But you just said you wouldn't serve me!"

The man behind the bar aimed his thumb at the door and hiked it once.

"Geez, make up your mind. I thought bartenders were supposed to be friendly. Er...can I run a tab? I don't have my funds with me, they are in my room."

"Talk to Riad about that, he's the one that approves running on tic."

"Fetch him then. I can't get up, my ankle twisted when that lech accosted me. Tell him it is the girl that rented the suite."

The bartender returned quickly with a different attitude. "What would you like to drink, it's on the house."

"That's more like it. Do you have any fruit juice? I'd ask for milk, but it gives me gas."

Maxical turned on the stool and began eyeing the other patrons. A tall Nord danced his way over to her stool and tried to take her hand to pull her up and dance with him.

"I'm Silus the Brawler. Come on, let's dance!"

"I'm Maxical the Castrator. Keep your hands to yourself or you'll learn how I got the name."



*

Seth sat in the silence to which he was accustomed. In his mental picturing of the situation Eyja would handle the messaging, and as Maxical rested upstairs he could keep watch over the two of them. He silently was grateful for it. Having lost too many women in his own experience, he'd become particularly protective of the female portion of the population. He didn't know if it qualified as a 'complex' as Serene and her cursed head healing called it, or if it was just normal.

Weren't men supposed to protect women anyways? He figured. He was just a little more adamant about it than most were admittedly. Just because he'd killed and beaten a few men to death that abused or threatened the fairer sex didn't mean he had a problem.

Well. There was the incident when one of his writs brought him alongside a Hlaalu councillor and Athynae had just so happened to have been brought there. Normally he would have questioned the mark, as it was part of the instructions, but the fact that he had put her in danger...it ended up with him hanging from the wall behind him with a dagger through his throat and his toes just a hair or two off the floor.

He absentmindedly took out his reserve weapon; a silver dagger by sight, it was actually an ancestral family dagger of the Othril Dunmer Clan that he'd acquired in Mournhold. Despite it's ceremonial purpose and look, it was actually superior in craftsmanship to it's more generic counterpart. He grabbed a whetstone and began to sharpen it.

The hissing seemed to unnerve Abiene whom he'd inadvertently been ignoring. He paused suddenly, and realized she had been involuntarily flinching with each stroke.

"Oh...apologies. Just a habit." He said, picking up the dagger, inadvertently pointing it at her causing another flinch.

"Gods. How about I just put it away?" He chuckled returning it to it's sheathe.


"That spell you did to restore your magicka during Maxical's procedure...was that what I thought it was?" He continued. "I've heard of it, though never seen it. Replacing ones mana with ones vital essence..." He paused for a sip of coffee.

"...impressive, but very foolish." His eyes displayed no hostility, though he seemed concerned. "Kind of the opposite of what we're trying to do here...you have the perfect personal qualities for your profession. But, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing."

He paused as he considered his words.

"I'm sorry. I'm patronizing you. I'm just...concerned." He shook his head.

"I've no idea what you think of me, nor do I particularly care; in the least negative way." He said gesturing with an open palm. "But, you've seen what I can do. I've done it too much, and it is far easier for me to do it than I care to admit."

"But, sometimes...it is the only way. It is easy to label things: 'good' 'bad' 'neutral'. I think of it as the spells one casts. A flame spell may save a life in the barren cold, it may burn a virtuous person to death. It depends on the heart of the one who holds that power at the moment."

He paused and looked at her with a serious expression.

"Back there, when Eyja had Earana dead to rights...I told her I was at her service. I extend that courtesy to you as well. Now that I have my faculties back from my...reaction...I can say it with a clear mind and conscience."

"This Hand..." He showed her the black netch leather that covered it, and was a symbol of his profession. "..is Black: It means hidden in shadow. Dirt from shame. Dried blood. Innocence lost. It bears the burdens others cannot, and does what is necessary, regardless of personal cost." He explained the philosophy.

"This Hand is Black,....and it is yours. An extension of your will, a tool to be used."

"And don't refuse the offer because of some personal virtue that blinds you to the realities of the world, anymore than you should make use out of it from anger. When it is clear to both your mind and your heart that this thing need be done....then it is proper." He finished.

*

Maxical:


Silus drew his hand back quickly, but proceeded to pound her on the back with it. "From the Arena, right? You're that white Khajiit with the tail! I've seen you fight! Never looked at a dagger the same since you made that goring your signature, and almost tossed my lunch when you beheaded that guy."

"Me too." Maxical grimaced.

Silus pounded his chest and dropped onto the stool beside her.

"Fighters Guild. You should join! They have plenty of work here in Chorrol, Vilena Donton runs it and won't let her sons that joined pick their nose without sending one of us in first to see it's safe for them. She's always on the lookout for another real fighter to do the work so her boys can take all the credit."

"Well you've made it sound so tempting, how can I resist?"

"It's not that bad. Well truthfully, yes it is; but the work isn't bad if you've got the stones for it. You do. Talk to Modryn Oreyn if you go, let him smooth your way in with Vilena. She's not big on pretty women fighters, afraid her boy's heads will be turned around in a dangerous cave or something. She needs to look closer at them if she's worried, neither one is in the petticoat line if you know what I mean."

Maxical nodded. "I've heard of Modryn before...seen him once, but I can't remember where."

"You gave him a ring. I got one from you too." He pulled a chain from under his cuirass and showed it to Maxical.

"I remember now, he had the..." Maxical swiped her hand over her head from front to back.

"Mohawk. That's him. He's seen you fight too, even said he'd like to have you...er, better not repeat that, he may not have meant in his Guild, haha."

Maxical laughed. "He invited me to come see his artwork sometime."

Silus grinned. "Then forget I said it."

Maxical turned toward Silas. "Fighters Guild jobs ever take you into the sewers below the city? There's a lot of dirty doings going on down there. Between the Chorrol guard and your Guild, why hasn't it been cleaned up?"

Silus shook his head and shrugged. "We go where we're paid to go. No one's hired us to clear the sewers."

"It's your city, you live there. You want that kind of thing going on under your nose? Doesn't look good for your Guild that you'd walk by necromancers because you weren't paid to kill them."






***


A small Dunmer boy interrupted her before Silus could answer. "Excuse me, Miss? Someone gave me this bottle of wine, said it's a gift for the healer for curing them."

Maxical took the wine and thanked him. "Wait, let me find some Septims to tip you with...did you get the name of who sent it?" She pulled her pack off and started digging.

"No Miss. They didn't give a name."

Maxical paused in her digging. "What did they look like?" She started digging again.

"Couldn't tell, Miss. Their hood was pulled down over their face."

"Were they in robes?"

The boy nodded. "Black robe or a greatcloak, couldn't tell which in the dark." He rubbed his fingers together and Maxical understood he was indicating expensive cloth.

"Man or woman?"

He shrugged. "Their voice was low."

"Low like a man's, or low quiet?"

"Both."

Maxical wedged a box containing the board game "Capture the Ogre" out of her pack and lay it on the bar, then dug beneath it.

"Hear you go, dear." She lay five Septims in his hand. His eyes popped, but he stuck them in his pocket quickly. He stared interestedly at the game.

"You know how to play this? I'll play a game with you."

He nodded. "I'd like that."

"My name is Maxical, what is yours?"

"Lleris."

"Well come play with me then, Lleris. We'll sit at a table."

Maxical elbowed Silus. "I can't walk well, help me get to that table." She pointed.

Silus waved a friend of his over. "Let's play teams, you and Lleris against me and my friend."






***


He and his friend helped Maxical to the table. Maxical sat beside Lleris giving him tips. People began to crowd around the table calling out for whichever team they were rooting for, betting and loud laughter breaking out with each new deck dealt.

Lleris was in a high gig playing, his eyes lit up with excitement. The Proprietor Bograk stopped by several times to watch his excitement, beaming as if she'd squeezed him from her loins herself.

Maxical scanned the crowds around the table for anyone in a dark robe or greatcloak the whole time. There were several in each, but only two were hooded. Neither joined the group around the board game.

Moans and cheers went up when Lleris drew the card that would capture the Ogre. He moved his peg down the last row of holes into the home base and jumped up with his hands raised in victory and shouted; "We captured the Ogre!"

Maxical pounded her chest at Lleris in salute. "Good game, partner!"

When the cheering and booing died down and gold stopped being exchanged for the bets; Maxical tied up the deck of cards and gathered up the pegs.

"We'd better stop now, but I'll play with you again before we leave here. You are great at this game, Lleris."

He hurried off to find Bograk. Maxical reached behind her and grabbed her pack, then noticed the tie-down over the top was loosened. She looked inside. The bottle of wine Lleris had delivered had been on top. It was gone now.



*

Abiene sat with Seth in comfortable silence. Though his eyes seemed to view some internal landscape she had no concern that his attention might wander. A dangerous life such as his was not forgiving of daydreamers.

Her own thoughts turned away from the letters she had written and toward the ones she had not.

Her Papa would want to whisk her away from this threat and back home to her family’s stifling embrace. Perhaps abandoning her work and absenting herself from Chorrol might end her enemy’s hateful campaign. Or they might simply follow her to Leyawiin. Either way the life she had chosen would be over at someone’s unknown whim. That was unacceptable.

Darnand’s help would be invaluable if she could reach him, but the way was not through Imperial mail. He had not responded to the crystal ball. There was no telling where he was or what he was doing. She would keep trying but not count on help from that quarter.

Lildereth. Abiene reluctantly sorted through her conflicting emotions. The elf was most likely acquainted with this type of poison though she delivered hers on the points of arrows. Abiene loved her friend as she did her own sister. Her heart knew that Lildereth felt the same. Yet such closeness bred envy along with affection. Abiene searched for doubt and found none, but she was still troubled by a pragmatic whisper. If I died he would turn to you.

Finally she faced the mess of love, regrets, and hurt that occupied the center of her heart. Somehow she got through most days managing to ignore it. Those cutting words came back, as crushing now as the moment they were spoken. ‘You weaken me, Abiene. I can’t have that.’

Forgiveness did not mean forgetting. Would some spiteful urge keep her from reaching out, risking herself and those who were protecting her just to return some past injury? She wasn’t sure she could sink to such pettiness. Just thinking it was possible was frightening enough. But it didn’t matter now. The only way to contact him was through Darnand.

Seth’s blade hissing on a whetstone sliced through her scattered calm. As he put the dagger away he chuckled, not so much at her flinching as at his own actions. She smiled back, grateful for the moment of warmth between them.

“That spell you did to restore your magicka during Maxical's procedure...was that what I thought it was?” Seth asked. He continued to speak, demonstrating that he did know what she had done as well as what it could cost her.

Abiene replied when he paused, responding to his concern with simple honesty.

“The mage who taught me that spell regretted it immediately. He tried to secure my promise that I would never use it, only giving me peace when I demanded the same of him. Of course he also refused. Now we hold each other silently accountable, knowing that if one of us goes too far the other will carry the burden of guilt for not somehow preventing it. You know the power of holding a life in your hands, and how quickly that can lead to arrogance. What I begin out of the quality that drives me to heal could be my end if I let pride take control.”

She considered her words carefully. “I don’t presume to know you, and I hope my words don’t cause offense. While you may stand in shadow, to me you are a light. A hope that I might survive what alone I could not. And though I may appear to be all virtue, there’s a self-serving darkness in me that for once I don’t want to hide. You who are risking all should see it.”

Abiene reached out and lightly touched Seth’s glove.

“Killing leaves its mark just as surely as loving and being loved. You offer me your Hand and take on this burden. Know that I accept with gratitude and weigh the cost in my heart. It’s true that I’ve long had the luxury of hiding my eyes while others shield me. Now my eyes are open. It is my hope that we might resolve this threat in a way that allows redemption. But you’ve prepared me to face what must be done with courage, if it comes to that.”

She gave a rueful smile. “At least that’s what I’ll keep telling myself. By all the gods I hope it turns out to be true.”

Abiene wondered if she reminded him of someone. She couldn’t imagine that she had earned such support on her own. Perhaps someone now grown, or once loved but lost. Seth had mentioned his orphanage, and there was a hint of Colovian in his voice to those familiar enough with the Dunmer rasp to hear beyond it. Even if he was from Chorrol she doubted he knew of her work at the orphanage there.

She gave her head a little shake at her own foolishness. You’re an open book, remember? Besides, it’s not for you to ask why.

Abiene picked up her coffee, refocusing her attention.

“Speaking of the cost, it’s occurred to me that we might all end up in the same pile of bones. Or worse, all raised to some foul purpose. My friend Darnand has some connection to the efforts against necromancy here in Cyrodiil. He is somewhat torn between Meridia and Arkay, but he works for the Mages Guild. Do you suppose the necromancer and Dark Brotherhood evidence in Maxical’s kidnapping is in any way connected to the attack on me? My natural end would be a source of great sorrow to him but raised from death I would become bait that he couldn’t ignore. I just bring this up as another possibility. I haven’t given up the notion that someone could simply want to kill me.”

*

Maxical:

Maxical leaned her back against the wall and scanned the crowd for anyone carrying a bottle. There were too many to count. Those in the black robes and greatcloaks could have one hidden in the folds of cloth.

She tried to remember anyone that had been near enough her to get into her pack, but the crowd around them had been so close they had jostled each other. All focus had been on the game for most. Hers had been on the aloof figures in black robes or greatcloaks plus the game. It could have been anyone. Maybe the poisoner chickened out and took it back.

Her gaze had rested too long on one man, he made his way over to her with a sloppy grin and weaving as he walked.

"You ... hic ... looking for shome fun?"

Maxical glared at him. "If I was, you're blocking my view of it."

He leaned across the table and breathed his words into her face with a wheedling tone. "Don't be ... hic ... like that. I can show you a good ... hic ... time."

"I can show you the worst time you've ever had if you don't leave me alone. The gods gave you a hand, and it can't smell your breath. Go use it before I get you out of my face the hard way."

"Aw come on. Jusht dansh wi me, pretty kitty..." He reached a wavering hand out toward her.

Maxical caught Silus's eye across the room and saw him starting to make his way over to her table. In one smooth gesture she flipped her hand, unsheathing and extending the claw on her middle finger. She held it up to him.

"This is the Khajiit Castrator. Dare touch me, and there will be nothing left for your hand to find; you'll be peeing through a tube in your stomach."

Silus's hand dropped hard on the man's shoulder and spun him around. "You need to find someone else to bother." His massive Nord fist crashed into the man's jaw, sending him stumbling back.

Maxical nodded her thanks to Silus and went back to scanning the crowds.


*

"...though I may appear to be all virtue, there’s a self-serving darkness in me that for once I don’t want to hide. You who are risking all should see it.”

"That's just called the will to live. It is in all things." Seth said quietly.

"I risk everything, everyday. I could die by some twist of fate Sheogorath dreamt up. Though...I had someone once say to me, that evil triumphed when people did nothing. I spoke those words to her before she passed." His eyes trailed to where her urn would be in his room.

"She said: 'You're right.'" He ended, perhaps some heaviness entered into his voice.

"It is my hope that we might resolve this threat in a way that allows redemption."

As do I. I can't live in a world where I thought it impossible.

“Speaking of the cost, it’s occurred to me that we might all end up in the same pile of bones. Or worse, all raised to some foul purpose. My friend Darnand has some connection to the efforts against necromancy here in Cyrodiil. He is somewhat torn between Meridia and Arkay, but he works for the Mages Guild. Do you suppose the necromancer and Dark Brotherhood evidence in Maxical’s kidnapping is in any way connected to the attack on me? My natural end would be a source of great sorrow to him but raised from death I would become bait that he couldn’t ignore. I just bring this up as another possibility. I haven’t given up the notion that someone could simply want to kill me.”

"It does not seem to be simply coincidence to me, no. The Dark Brotherhood has always been a refuge for the outcasts of all circles. dark mages, ruthless murderers, necromancers, vampires..." He recounted from his mental encyclopedia.

"I've studied them for decades. I know how they operate and this is a classic method. What the goal is, remains out of my grasp. Though I don't doubt it will become clearer sooner or later...and I don't doubt it will be disturbing."

"But, it will be simpler than what we presume, most likely."

"That, and these...Altmer of indeterminate gender popping up at least twice." Sethyas stroked his chin in thought.

"Perhaps I should check on Maxical, see how she is recuperating."

*

Eyja:

Eyja dispelled her chameleon and donned her low cut top and short skirt after getting well away from the south gate. She delivered the other messages first, going straight to the Mages Guild and giving a very disgruntled Teekeeus the hurried note from Abiene.

His eyebrows plastered down in a frown. "You! You are not a member of the Mages Guild, what business have you walking in this door?" He blocked her from going any further.

"Your healer Abiene has sent this note to explain. My ward is ill, and she stays with me to heal her."

Only one of his eyebrows shot up, then when it lowered the other one raised. "What does this mean, she is caring for only one patient when we have a city to cure?"

Eyja paused. She had just been through town and heard nothing about illness. "Is there an epidemic?"

He looked away. "Not to speak of, but people are ill; require her services."

Eyja was sure he was lying. "Who? List their names and I will bring it to her."

Teekeeus tried to intimidate her by shouting. "List their names! This is Mages Guild business, you don't even belong in here! I will list their names to Abiene, when she decides to come back to work."

Eyja shook her head at him. "In other words, no one has required her services. Well, I was going to help you out with something I thought you could use, but since you have treated me so ill maybe it is best I give it to Earana. She was always interested in power."

"Earana! That lying witch, you can't believe anything she says! She's trouble! Eh, what power?"

"Ayleid power, the forces of nature. Kiss me, and I'll tell you."

"Eh, how do I know you have anything? This could be some farce perpetrated by that traitor Earana."

"Earana wants this as badly as you will, maybe more. I'd say she'd be willing to kill or die to have it. It is a book called 'Fingers of the Mountain.'"

"What? It exists? Does she know you have it? This is unacceptable! That book needs to be in the safe-keeping of the Guild! I trust that you would do the right thing."

"You have to do the right thing first."

"For the sake of the Guild, I ... "

"Not there." Eyja pushed him away from her face and lifted her skirt. "Here! Kiss my ass, BWAAHAA!"

She hurried out, leaving him fuming.


*

*

Maxical:

Silus leaned over the table, lowering his voice; which wasn't saying much. Nords tend to be loud even when they try to be quiet; like Khajiit trying to whisper.

"Why don't you tell me what you are really doing here? You're not drinking, don't want to dance or be romanced. You've been watching the crowd all night. What are you looking for?"

"Something I didn't find."

"What were you doing, checking to see if your beau was cheating on you?"

"Bwaahaa! No. Looking to see who stole that wine bottle Lleris gave me for my friend. Someone took it while we were playing 'Capture the Ogre'. You didn't happen to see who was around me, did you? Like someone in a dark robe or greatcloak?"

Silus shook his head. "There were lots around you, don't recall any greatcloaks or mages."

"When we got done playing, my pack was open and the bottle gone. I hope that is all they took. I think I'd better go back to my room and empty it out, check what is there to be sure."

"Well at least let me walk you to your room." Silus's big Nord voice boomed out.

As much as Maxical wouldn't have minded the protection of Silus walking her to the back of the inn, his loud voice would draw Eyja to the window and she'd ring a peal over her as soon as she got her inside. Best go alone.

"Well thank you, but I'll be all right. And thank you for helping me out tonight, I had a good time."

Silus helped her up and gave her his arm as far as the bottom of the stairs. "Sure you'll be able to walk?"

"I'll be fine. Thanks again, Silus." Maxical nodded, and tugged him down to kiss his cheek.

"Oh, that's not good."

"What?"

"Kiss on the cheek. Friends only, huh?"

"Look at the size of you compared to the size of me. What do you think?"

"Friends. Okay, I can handle that. Modryn won't be happy he missed seeing you though."

"Only if you tease him with it."

"I plan to."

Maxical laughed and waved him off. As soon as he turned his back she cast chameleon and eased her way along the wall to the outer door, holding on to anything she could grasp the whole way. When she got outside she gripped the bushes, pulling herself along them.






***


At the corner of the building the bushes stopped. Maxical raised up to grip the building and froze in her tracks. A man was slumped against the back wall. She couldn't move away from the wall, needed to hold onto it to walk. Climbing over him would put her in grabbing range, invisible or not.

If she got him moving, he may come her way. Then again, going into the suite through the kitchen where everyone sat, she'd most definitely be seen by Eyja or Seth if he'd returned. It was a risk she had to take.

Maxical picked up a small stone and winged it at the man. It hit him, she heard it. He didn't budge. She tried again, this time aiming for his head. It bounced off him with an odd noise. He didn't even flinch.

Maxical yanked a branch off the bush nearest her and began creeping along the wall toward him when suddenly her foot rolled out from underneath her and she fell with a loud thud and yelp before she could stifle it.

It was an empty bottle of wine. No wonder the man was sleeping it off. She leaned forward and tickled his face with the flowering end of the bush branch. Nothing. Again, and still nothing.

Water. She pulled her flask out of her pack and sprayed it at the man. He didn't budge. Maxical gripped the wall and kicked the man hard. He slid down the wall in the same position he'd been sitting up in.

"Dear gods." Maxical cast night vision. Once glance at the glassy fixed eyes was all she needed. He was dead.

"Oh dear gods! Oh dear gods! Oh gods." Maxical tried to pull herself quickly along the wall back to the front and skidded on the wine bottle again. She picked it up by the bottom and looked at it this time. It was the same kind Lleris had brought for Abiene, but ... might not be the same one. This place was filled with people carrying around wine bottles. Still...best to bring it to Seth.






***


She heard the Inn door slam, and the sound of drunken voices and stumbling footsteps coming toward the back of the inn. Maxical ducked into the first bush along the side wall, pushing herself in tightly in case they took the corner short.

They did, and turned to face her. The man right in front of her stared right into her face as if he could see her there! Had her chameleon wore off? She couldn't move fast enough to escape them...dear gods, he was removing his manhood! He was going to rape her?

The feeling of hot liquid on her leg and the sound of splashing. He was peeing on her!

"Oh HELL no!" She cut her leg behind his and shoved as hard as she could. He wavered and swayed. She did it again and he tumbled over backwards.

"Hey, whash going on here?" His companion started looking around. He reached out his hand toward her and she whacked it with the bottle, then tried to move toward the Inn main door between the bushes and the wall.

His cursing got louder as he tried to follow the moving bushes. Maxical got on her hands and knees and found herself wedged, she couldn't budge an inch. The other man had rolled over and was trying to scramble up.

Her claws unsheathed from fear, but if she used them on the men it would leave evidence a Khajiit had done it. Spells, she needed a spell that would...frenzy? If they couldn't see her, they'd fight each other, right? She couldn't see her spells in the dark to select the right one, so just cast.

"HEY! Who shtole my clothsh?"

Crap! Maxical tried again, the spell for frenzy should be near the one to undress. She cast, nothing happened. The man was still searching for her and now his companion was joining.

"That haircut looks good on you."

"Thanks."

Damn it! Must have been a charm spell. She tried again, the next spell nearest the charm.

"Hey! I don't like the way you're looking at me!"

"You wanna do something about it?"

"Damn right I will!" POW! BAM!






***


While they fought each other, Maxical lay on her belly and pulled herself along the ground to the front of the inn, still clutching the wine bottle. She squiggled out from under the last bush at the front door, then pulled herself up and darted in. She moved along the wall and straight up the stairs to their room door, casting the seal off and resealing it behind her.

When she got to the suite door she paused to compose herself. They may all be in the kitchen talking, there would be no way to slip by them if they were.

She unsealed the suite door and barely cracked it. No voices. WHEW! Maxical crept in and silently pushed the door to and sealed it behind her. She moved stealthily through the kitchen to the stairs, and began creeping up them.

A shriek so loud it was bone chilling made her scream in response, then yelp when a book clipped her forehead. Another book flew at her with deadly aim followed by more shrieks and a glass of something liquidy.

Maxical stood up and dispelled her chameleon. "GAAAAAH! ABIENE! Abiene, it's me, Maxical!"

Maxical clung to the stair railing with one hand, the wine bottle with the other, swaying in place and bleeding from the first book to the head. Eyja's dress was covered in dirt, and leaves from the bushes were dropping from her hair; which was all askew now. The dress had a wet stain in the front of it that had mingled with dirt to a muddish darkness and reeked of ale and urine. Bush twigs were sticking out of tears in the cloth of the dress.

Abiene was staring at her in incomprehension, wild-eyed like she was seeing a ghost.

"It's just me, Maxical. I...I need a bath."





*

Dark mages, ruthless murderers, necromancers, vampires... Abiene’s earlier hope for a quick resolution faded. There would be no reasoning with a hired assassin.

“Perhaps I should check on Maxical, see how she is recuperating,” said Sethyas.

Abiene gave him a little smile as he stood to go. Her nature urged her to reach out in gratitude and comfort, for his earlier words had answered her unspoken why. But this was a time for fortifying barriers, not removing them.

I’d best sleep upstairs for the rest of this adventure, she thought. Abiene took the opportunity to collect the rest of her things from the lower chamber and move them up to the sleeping alcove. She doubted there would be a repeat of the flute incident as she had only packed emergency supplies for this trip, but she would feel better once she made sure Maxical wouldn’t stroll into a crowded room wearing her ‘necklace’ or ‘bracelets.’

Also you should wear this blasted ring. Eyja had been adamant about keeping Life Detection active at all times, even in the bath. Abiene slipped it on her finger, blinking away her own pink glow as she rolled her eyes at Eyja’s excessive caution. No doubt the Nord woman was often troubled with unwelcome company while bathing. Her figure could make Dibella blush. Abiene chuckled at that little piece of blasphemy. She turned to join Seth and Maxical.

A crouching figure crept up the stairs, invisible but for the tell-tale life sign. For an instant Abiene froze in surprise.

Then an ear-splitting shriek shattered the suite’s silence. Abiene flung a book at the assassin, then shrieked again. She reached for anything her hands could find, pelting the killer with projectiles and terrified battle cries.

The murderer stood up and blinked into sight. “GAAAAAH! ABIENE! Abiene, it's me, Maxical!”

Abiene stared at Maxical in wide-eyed shock. She realized that she had a shoe in her hand, about to fling it. I was supposed to run away. Oops. Her heart pounded so loudly in her ears she almost couldn’t hear her friend’s words.

“It's just me, Maxical. I...I need a bath.”

Maxical staggered against the stairwell, disheveled and muddy. A fresh wound on her head was beginning to bleed. Abiene put her shoe back on and jumped down to catch her.

“It’s Maxical,” she called to Seth, though she couldn’t be sure he was even in the suite. His soundless movements made him seem to appear and disappear out of thin air. Still, if he was in County Chorrol he probably heard the racket.

Maxical reeked of urine and ale and she held a wine bottle in her hand.

“Oh my dear, are you drunk?” Mara, no, not after a skooma addiction. “Let’s get you upstairs and I’ll take a look at that head wound. A bath will soothe you, and the whole suite will smell better once we throw this dress on the fire.” Abiene slipped her arm around Maxical’s waist and drew the Khajiit’s arm over her own shoulder to support her up the stairs.

*

Maxical:

Maxical pointed at the bathing tub. "Bath first. I won't even lay on top of my bed dirty. Can you heal me in the tub? I'm not drunk, just been feeling really dizzy since the healing. I don't drink alcohol."

She realized how inconsistant that sounded by her disheveled appearance and carrying an empty wine bottle.

"This bottle is for Seth to test for poison if he can." She decided to leave the rest of what she was going to say for Seth's ears, and his discretion if he thought Abiene should know about it.





She looked sadly up into Abiene's face. "Eyja's going to kill me. This was her new dress, she hasn't even worn it yet."


*

*

Eyja:

Eyja cut behind the Arborwatch mansion and over to the chapel next, still avoiding the south gate and that guard. Once inside she stood at center of the entry and stairwell and spoke loudly so everyone gathered at the various altars could hear.

"I need to speak with Gureryne Selvilo, I have a message for him from Abiene, the healer."


*

In the instant following Abiene's shriek well-tuned instincts and reactions came into play. He crouched into a stealthier position, and became one with the shadows from Mephala's Skill. His night-eye enchanted hood was quickly donned and made his way around the debacle that a frightened Abiene was pelting any available object towards.

He could make out only the slightest of distortions; mostly relying on Abiene's aim and 'detect life' to guide him.

The dagger came out, and his other hand began to reach out.

We'll just see how well I can copy Eyja's trick, shall we? Another interrogation it would seem.

“GAAAAAH! ABIENE! Abiene, it's me, Maxical!” the distortion cried coming into full view.

Abiene sighed in relief and began assisting her in this woozy state.

You left?! Sethyas reacted angrily, fuming that he wasn't in a position to protect her.

"This bottle is for Seth to test for poison if he can." Maxical stated, and then looked down to her clothing.

"Eyja's going to kill me. This was her new dress, she hasn't even worn it yet." she lamented.

Sethyas stood up, quite peeved and still adorned in his hood hiding his visage.

"Don't worry about Eyja! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" He yelled.

Both girls began screaming in unified sheer terror, overlapping Seth's admonishing.

Abiene seemed to push Maxical forward, and fell to her seat backing up into the wall. Maxical's claws came into play and she leaped onto the hooded figure, stradding his waist as though he were carrying her reverse piggy-back. The wine bottle fell to the floor and she began clawing and striking him in terrified fight-or-flight response.

"Ow! What are you doing?" Seth yelled between claw strikes, thankfully the helm's chitin covering taking the brunt of the blows. Being caught off-guard he fell onto the floor on his back, and she kept screaming as Abiene found her courage and grabbed the closest thing to her.

The urn.

She ran towards the struggling pair, her face contorted into a fearful anger and she let loose a mighty battle cry; teeth flaring and saliva trailing behind her. She brought the bottom of it down onto Seth's still hidden face.

"Ow! You better have emptied that thing!" He cursed, pointing a finger at the urn accusingly.

"ABIENE! MAXICAL!" He yelled, the two finally stopped, realizing what had just happened.

"Seth?" Maxical asked.

"Yeeesss..." The low tone replied.

"Are you mad at us?" Abiene squeaked.

"Naaaawwww...." he replied.

Maxical reached down and slowly lifted the hood revealing his furrowed brow and bared, clenched teeth.

"You look mad." Maxical said weakly.

"Oh, do I?" he said lowly.

"Well, you came outta nowhere and saidyouweregonnakillusandohgodspleasedon'tkillus!"

"Get off me!" he exclaimed.

"Okay!" Maxical agreed quickly,and moved the quickest Seth had ever seen a Khajiit move.

Getting up, he examined his hood. Besides the claw marks and the...brown sludge, it was none the worse for wear.

"I'm taking a bath in my room, don't leave here. Any disagreements?" He asked, to which they shook their heads.

He left the two muttering something under his breath, and started to climb down the steps, stopping when Maxical squeaked about the wine bottle. He walked back and picked it up, sniffing it once and jerking his head back in reaction.

"Smells of almonds. Nightshade extract, maybe some local additive.... Quick and effective. Maybe the same culprit, maybe not. Whoever put it in there wanted someone dead and in a hurry. There was probably enough to kill all four of us. Don't take anything from strangers...here's why." He said tossing the wine bottle over his shoulder walking away. Maxical caught it agilely and stared with an 'Oh, Gods' expression at it.

*

Maxical:

She hurried after him, gripping the wall. "Seth, wait; please? Someone in rich dark robes and cowl with a deep voice sent that for Abiene. I put it in my pack to bring to you for testing, and a man stole it from my pack. He lays dead outside the back door to this suite." She pointed to the door not feet from him.

"I'm sorry I made you mad, Seth. Please forgive me." She let her eyes speak how contrite she was, hoping he'd see it and realize she never meant to make him mad.

"A man peed on me." She pointed to the bottom of Eyja's dress. "We've both had a crappy night."



*

He stopped and pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed exasperatedly.

"You didn't make me mad...well...sort of...gah! Look...I have this thing about women, okay? Not like that...I just feel overly protective and it comes out bad sometimes. Especially when we're in this type of situation, I...had a sister growing up and she was under my care, and I failed her." His face grew contorted with a pain he refused to share.

"When I heard that you left...it exacerbated that old wound. I should be more careful in the way it comes out." He said looking down at his soiled hood.

"Especially when I'm wearing this thing and we're all on edge, eh?" He grinned. "This was my fault...*I* am sorry. Forgive me."

"But,...I'll examine the body right now, and keep an eye out for this dark robed person. Clean up...and uh..." He sort of sniffed the air. "This....*never* happened." He said with a slight embarrassment to his tone, chuckling at her 'crappy' night remark.