So Tre and Tip are off to the Rowenis to see if they can help. I can appreciate Tread's complicated feelings about past Mr. Roweni trying to signal her that he was "one of the good ones".

It is also nice to see Tiphanna stepping up here in a big way, in spite of her own complicated feelings about her old friends in the Fashion Club, and how they treated her.

Well there is that big announcement. We are near the end of the game's main quest, and I guess this Nerevarine chose not to kill Vivec in the process. I have never had a character who let him live. Even January felt that she had to kill him.

Oh boy, the Dunmer are getting into a religious frenzy. This is about the time they do a pogrom and kill all the Jews. I mean Outlanders. Thankfully all the excitement is huge distraction. I imagine all the people who would normally be out looking for Jeval, are instead watching the crowds, if not participating themselves.

There's the Bat Signal. *phew*. Now to the next challenge.

This is 3E 427, so it's the same year as Morrowind the game.

Thank you.

Correct: there aren't any slaves in Balmora. These poor slaves can be found (presumably for sale) in the more far-off locations such as Molag Mar and Telvanni territories. Thing is: capturing slaves is not legal, but in rougher areas there'd be nothing Treads could've done. Which makes the slaver trying to capture Jeval's friend IN BALMORA seem quite odd. Maybe this slaver was new at slaving. Maybe he'd just gotten the job, and was desperate to please whatever superiors he had, or was that desperate for money.

That's how someone like Jeval could come of age there but only be dimly aware of what's happening beyond the city walls

But wouldn't Daria already been aware of the way this works, and considered the implications concerning any beastfolk she went to school with? Even if it's not mentioned in Outlanders, surely she's worldly enough to have come across this topic during all her reading.


Chapter 14. Eesh. Only two more chapters left, I think! The Fan Fiction forum's gonna be pretty quiet during December! Maybe another storywriter will show up, though. I've tried to [Persuade] one of the other Chorrolites recently.

Yeah, that's the thing about Tiphannia. I bet all sorts of conversations were said in her presence, stuff ppl wouldn't ordinarily say, because everyone thought Tiph was too slow or stupid to comprehend.

I like that: One thing about being small, it was easier to hide!

Hmm, I don't know about this black flower thing. I wonder if it's a trap!

Chapter 15

Jeval almost didn't see Ulnar Roweni, who sat in the back of the parlor, where the shadows were thickest. A big book was open on his lap, and he raised his eyes as the door opened.

"Ah, Jeval! Good to see you. I'm sorry the circumstances are so grim."

Jeval nodded. "Thank you, Muthsera Roweni. I mean it."

"You're a good Mer, Jeval. Ah, Treads-on-Ferns?"

"Yes?"

"Jeval and I will need to discuss some matters privately. I don't mean to be rude, but I must ask you to step outside."

"Muthsera, she stays with me," Jeval said.

Sera Roweni's jaw clenched. "This is a sensitive issue. Helping you puts the cause at risk. I am willing to do that, in this case. However, I cannot have anyone else listening in. There are times when the simple act of knowing something can be dangerous. What I say must be between you and me. If this is unacceptable, then I am afraid we're done here."

Treads looked to Jeval.

"It's your call," she said.

"Will you be okay outside?"

"The crowd makes me nervous, but I'll manage. You'll be okay in here?"

"Yeah."

Treads took a deep breath. "I'll be in the alley. Let me know when things wrap up."

She left. Jeval flinched when the door closed behind her.

"Apologies. However, I must proceed with caution. The fact that we're even having this conversation shows that my wife and I both need to be much more careful. I'll admit we underestimated Tiphannia."

Droning chants came through the walls and shuttered windows. It was almost black as night in the Roweni parlor. Jeval took a seat, hoping he hadn't made a bad decision by sending Treads away.

"Can you help me?" he asked.

"I believe so, yes. You will need to be prepared to move quickly, however. You won't have time for many goodbyes."

"That's fine."

"Good. Go to the riverside docks closest to the south wall on the Labor Town side. Do so after nightfall, but do not delay past midnight. There will be an Altmer boatman named Hulilankonel—you can call him Huli, he won't mind—who will take you to Seyda Neen. I've already paid him, so you don't need to worry about that."

"What do I do then?"

"Get passage on a boat heading out of Morrowind," Sera Roweni said. He opened a drawer in the small table next to him and took out a heavy-looking pouch. It jingled as he handed it to Jeval. "This should have enough to get you to Skyrim at the very least. I'm afraid you're on your own after that."

Weighing the pouch was like holding his entire future in his hands. "Gods. Thank you so much. I don't even know what to say."

Sera Roweni smiled. "You don't need to say anything. I must insist that you not tell Treads about the boatman. It's not that I don't trust her, but spreading this information does put Twin Lamps operations here at risk."

It didn't feel quite right. But what else could he do? Jeval nodded. "Sure. Do you always help people like this?"

"On the contrary, the Twin Lamps are very selective. Ordinarily, prospects must contribute to the cause in a great way. You did a gallant, wonderful thing. But you did it more to help a friend than to end slavery. I do not say that as judgment, simply as a statement of fact."

"So, why are you helping me?"

"My wife and I determined that this was low-risk. After all, even if you do report us, you're an outlander, and I am a wealthy Dunmer of Great House Hlaalu. No one will believe you. You have been a good friend to my daughter. And, if you want to get right down to it, I'm a sentimental old fool, and I couldn't stand to see you punished for doing the right thing."

"Thanks again," Jeval said. "But you're part of Great House Hlaalu, right? Are you working against them with the Twin Lamps?"

"No, quite the opposite. I know full well the evils that Great House Hlaalu has committed in the name of profit. But I am Dunmer. I cannot allow my family or my house to be destroyed. Thus, I will temporarily undermine Hlaalu in favor of abolition in the hopes that we will at least survive the storm, in however diminished a form. A reckoning is coming for the Dunmer. My hope is that it will be a reckoning of lost fortunes and ruined names. Because the alternative will come as a tide of blood to drown the land."

"Like a revolt?" Jeval asked.

"Quite likely. Enough to say that it is inevitable, and the Empire's decline makes it imminent."

"Is that why you're having Satheri marry that guy? So she doesn't get caught up in this?"

"That is part of it. Satheri's a kind and wonderful girl. But she has no strength. Her being with us threatens the cause. If an ordinator or a Hlaalu agent wanted her to name names, all he'd have to do is tell her that my wife and I will be spared if she does. She'll believe him, the poor girl.

"She cannot do any harm if she is far away. Her husband-to-be and his family have half-hearted abolitionist sympathies. They do not own slaves and are heavily invested in Cyrodiil. My hope is that they will one day move there, away from Morrowind and its crimes. Then Satheri will be safe."

Except Satheri had no strength, like Ulnar had just said. Jeval wondered if he really wanted to say what was on his mind.

"Got it," he finally said. "I think Satheri might be a little scared. Just so you know."

"Scared? My daughter's terrified of this marriage. But so be it. My wife and I might dress like Cyrodiilics, but we are Dunmer to our cores. The Dunmer are cruelest to those they love most. There's just no other way."

Jeval shuddered inwardly. But he was too worn out to worry about Satheri.

"Do you understand what to do tonight, Jeval?" Sera Roweni asked.

"Yeah."

"Repeat it to me, so I'm sure you know."

"I go to the riverside dock in Labor Town nearest to the south wall. There's an Altmer boatman there named Huli, and he'll take me to Seyda Neen. Then I find another boat leaving Morrowind, and I'm on my own."

Sera Roweni nodded. "That's the gist of it, yes. I know you'll want to say goodbyes but I strongly suggest you avoid talking to anyone."

"Can't I see my family?"

"It's your choice, Jeval. But I caution against it. That is all."

Jeval stood up and bowed again. "Thank you, Muthsera. I owe you for this."

"You can repay me by escaping safely and quietly. Good luck."

In silence, Jeval left the Roweni house for the last time.

*********

Sera Roweni hadn't wanted Jeval to say any goodbyes, but he couldn't leave Treads in the lurch. With his hood up and his heart in his mouth, he walked back to the alley. Balmora kept getting crazier around him; Dunmer kept marching and chanting.

Treads was waiting there for him.

"I'm leaving tonight," he said.

"Tonight? Oh, gods. I know—I know it's stupid of me, but I'd hoped you'd stay." A thin rasp came out of her throat, and she hugged him, grabbing him close. "It's not fair."

"I know," he said, trying not to cry. Because he needed to stay calm, and crying would only make it worse. Tears came to his eyes anyway.

They pulled apart, though Treads kept her hands on his shoulders.

"Uh, Muthsera Roweni didn't want me to tell you any details. I trust you—"

"It's okay," Treads said. "I just need to know you have a safe way out. What about your family?"

He gulped. Dad was still on his trip. Mom and Sis would have to deal with this all on their own until he got back. "I don't know if I can actually see them right now. Like… I might totally fall apart if I do. You'll tell my mom I'm okay?"

"Of course. Look, my dad knows what happened. We're leaving Morrowind. I don't know where we'll go, and I don't know when. But it'll be as soon as possible. We'll try to talk your parents and sister into going with us. They know this place sucks."

"Okay, that works."

"Also, I'm only saying this because my dad made me promise I would, but he says you should join the Legion. That they need troopers like you."

It was such a weird thing to say that Jeval couldn't help laughing. But it was totally Mr. Flowers.

"Don't know if I'll do that. But I'm glad he thinks that about me."

Treads hugged him again. "You're a hero, Jeval. Not your fault this town's too stupid to see it. Write to us wherever you end up, okay? Can you promise me?"

"I promise."

Her arms relaxed, and he slipped through. It was almost dark, with most of the light coming from the votive candles and torches.

"Let me walk you to your house, at least," he said.

"Just like old times," she said.

Together, they walked as Balmora wailed into the night.

The Dunmer are cruelest to those they love most.
This really does carry through your tales. Morrowind has been fucking around for a long time. I see old man Satheri realizes the finding out part is about to start. Given what we know, his worst fears are about to come true.

I don't see Jeval joining the Legion, though I can certainly see why Tread's dad would want him to. I mean, he's not wrong. The Legion needs people like Jeval. But I don't think people like Jeval need the Legion.

And it is off to walk into the sunset. Or it will be soon enough. It feels sad to go, in spite of how dingy and grimy Jeval's Balmora is.

It struck me as very wise of you to not have Sera Roweni cave in to Jeval’s initial noble insistence that Treads stay. Beyond Roweni being right in ‘need to know only’, it was very realistic since Jeval is in no position to make demands as he seeks assistance.

That said, I’m glad that Treads was safe until Jeval returned to her. I can almost feel Balmora – and perhaps all of Morrowind – burning, full of unrest and falling apart. I hope all the outlanders get out safely (despite knowing most of their futures from your main story epilogue).

Epilogue

Jeval didn't know just how bright a morning sky could be until he reached the city of Rihad.

A cool wind blew in from the jewel-blue ocean, brushing past sandstone domes and the rooftop gardens all through the ancient Redguard metropolis.

Putting his hands in his pockets and trying to ignore the hunger in his belly, Jeval walked along the docks and wondered what he'd do next. Since leaving Morrowind, he'd hopped from one caravan to another, from the tundra of northern Skyrim to the jungles of Nibenay to the dry hills of Colovia. Now he was in Hammerfell, nine months after leaving Morrowind. The place wasn't quite what he'd expected, but he liked it anyway.

The money Muthsera Roweni had given him was long-gone. The caravans hadn't paid much. He'd used a big chunk of change to send a letter to Balmora, not even knowing if his family and friends were still there. He had enough to survive a few more days.

He was hungry and had to make more. But somehow, he wasn't that worried. Not yet. Things were beginning for him, not ending. He looked good, too. Turned out, there were ways to still be stylish on a budget. He'd found a fine wooden comb left by the roadside in Skyrim. On the caravan to Bruma, a friendly Orc had given him a haircut, one trimmed down and sleek but still with that lock hanging down over his forehead. Clothes were tough; he couldn't afford a new shirt or coat. But he cleaned what he had in springs and rivers. He'd even added a bright red sash bought at a second-hand shop in Chorrol.

Jeval stopped at one of the ships, a sturdy but weather-beaten cog. A powerfully built Redguard walked the deck, taking notes on a slate.

"Hey, uh, are you guys hiring?" Jeval asked.

The Redguard looked up from the slate. "Sure, we always need a few extra hands. You know anything about sailing?"

"To tell you the truth, I don't," Jeval admitted. "But I learn fast, I'm nimble, and I can take care of myself. I caravan-hopped from Morrowind to here, and I'm still alive."

The man nodded. "We keep things pretty simple on here: take cargo from Point A to Point B, with maybe a stop or two along the way. Our next trip's to Virimoor, with a stopover in Anvil. Now, you have to be able to pull your weight. If you aren't, we'll leave you in Anvil. But if you are, you can stay with us."

"Sounds good to me. Figure being penniless in Anvil is about the same as being penniless here."

The man smiled. "That's the spirit! We're leaving early Sundas morning. You'd best get here at midnight Loredas to be sure you get your place. Think you can manage that?"

"For sure. I'll see you then."

"Don't be late."

Walking away from the dock, the whole city and all its adventures before him, Jeval knew he'd make it. He'd miss Quinn and the Fashion Club. He'd even miss Balmora in a weird way. But he'd find something new here.

And even though it hurt like hell to be so far away from Treads, he somehow knew they'd meet again, each of them with a hundred new stories to tell.

The End

This storyline has been rather a sad one overall because I don’t really think there is any solution to the problems plaguing Morrowind, including the fashion club’s little corner of it. But your title for the story foretold that. Jeval was an excellent primary point of view for this poignant tale and you did a superb job bringing his voice to life.

I was delighted to see this final episode nicely laced with a lighter, humorous and optimistic touch. Jeval continues to exercise the lessons Quinn taught him as he maintains his dapper appearance – even on a budget. His final ruminations made me smile as he holds high hopes for the future. And I tend to agree with him, for he has shown himself to be a resourceful survivor.

Thank you for another very enjoyable read!

Jeval made it! All the way to Hammerfell no less!

And Jeval is styling Patrick Swayze-like as he saunters along the streets of Rihad. He's Stayin' Alive after all.

And now we see how Jeval will become the sailor we will know in the future.

As Acadian said, this is a rather somber story, as it deals with all the ugly inequality of Morrowind, and hints at the cataclysm that we know is on the horizon. But it is a good inciting incident for Jeval to become the Underground Railroad man we met in the epilogue of Dara's tale.

But the end is very positive, which I also liked. Jeval is surviving the unfairness and cruelty of the world, and is creating a better life for both himself and the people around him. Leaving the world a little better than you found it is about the most noble thing I think a person can do.

Very true. Daria was in Sadirth Mora. Not sure how far she walked around, but yeah, if she was headed toward that outdoor marketplace and the docks, chances are she would've seen the slaves in those hanging pod things. Fay Daway (my wood elf) managed to join Telvanni, then was shocked by those pods. She opened every one of those pods. There are no consequences for this, thank the Gods. It would've been 1 against dozens.

Nice, they can hear chanting as they're sitting indoors. Almost sounds like outdoor prayers which occur in some Muslim countries.

He's headed to Skyrim. Twin Lamps sounds a bit like the underground railroad here in America's 1800s.

Ah. So yeah. Let's say Jeval somehow changes his mind or gets caught or whatever, and then he starts rambling about how Roweni is somehow to blame for whatever. Very true. Roweni could just say "Who? .. Jevel? Jevol? Never heard of such a fellow." Then it'd be his word against this esteemed member of the community. I love how this is not a goodness, cut-and-dried situation. There's a lot of risk and the possibility of serious consequences.

My gosh, he's going. Well hey, at least he won't need to argue with his family any longer about what to do with his future. Intead he'll be arguing with himself, in a totally cold, strange land. Hmm. If he's taking the boat to Skyrim where would he port? Solitude? Dawnstar? Windhelm? ❄ Hopefully Solitude. That'd be the least culture shock for the poor fellow.


I think it's possible. Joining the Legion wouldn't necessarily means he'd be a soldier. Like in Laprima's tale, Aunt Elisif recommended Laprima join so she could get involved in administration, or something else which is non-combative. I imagine they'd take one look at Jeval and say "no way are you a capable warrior!" But maybe they'd need him to crunch numbers or clean the mess hall or some such.

Never mind. He's not staying in Skyrim. Rihad, where is Rihad? Ah I see. Hammerfell. Right. The air is crystal clear because he's away from Morrowind's smog.

Even when travelling he's keeping his vanity!

Yikes, THE END. But it's an appropriate end, I'd say. The future's wide open. We can imagine how he got involved with sailing, indeed. Which explains his portion of the Epilogue when he was carrying those stowaways to better times & places. 📖