The following is a re-write of the Morrowind Main Quest. I recently installed MW to my laptop, and now I want to write about it. Like always, feedback is GREATLY appreciated.

The Path to Divination
By- Redsrock

Chapter One: A New Start

I sat on the hardwood planks of the ship, my head beating like a guar-skin drum while I rubbed a bump on the side of my head. Apparently I had banged it against the side of the ship, and I’m just happy that I didn’t thump it on a protruding nail. They really need to repair these ships once in a while. And as I rubbed the sore harder the pain worsened, so much that I thought my head was going to explode. The obvious solution to this probably would simply be not to rub it, but it was one of those situations where I couldn’t stop; sort of like when your mother tells you not to scratch at an itch, yet you keep doing it anyway for no apparent reason.

“Are you alright, friend?”

I looked up to my left and there stood a Dunmer, his dark blue skin and red eyes seemingly gleaming in the light of the several lanterns shining throughout our small cabin, their flames dancing back and forth like tribal warriors around a campfire at night. During the trip he had been sleeping the majority of the time, only waking to either eat or relieve himself. This was the first time he had actually spoken to me.

“Yes…I’ll be fine. Just a little sea-sick,” I responded without looking at him directly, finally having stopped rubbing my head. I didn’t like the way the Dark Elf looked, for he had large golden rings on both pointed ears and also a ghastly looking scar across his left eye. Of course, my look of apprehension was a common one given by most Imperials like myself. We and the Dunmer still haven’t exactly seen eye to eye on most matters, and I doubt that will change any time soon.

Next I attempted to lift myself up from the floor of our cramped cell, but I fell right back down after an almost instant feeling of dizziness. All of a sudden my stomach lurched and out came all that I had eaten last night, which wasn’t much other than a piece of bread and some rice. The Empire doesn’t like to feed their prisoners you see, they like to keep us in their control. A hungry prisoner is a fatigued prisoner, taking away chances of a rebellion or another such outburst.

After I was finished the Dunmer started to help me to my feet. “Stand up, there you go,” he said once I finally had control of myself. “You were dreaming. What’s your name?”

“Jeir,” I answered. “Thank you for helping me.”

“That‘s quite alright. Not even last night’s storm could wake you. It must have been one hell of a dream, eh?”

And now that I thought about it, I couldn’t remember much. “Sorry, I don’t really remember.” But of course that was somewhat of a lie. I am not a man who wishes to talk the days away. No, ever since the trial I’ve been quite the silent person, speaking only when I deem it necessary. I am ashamed of the man I once was.

The dream I speak of was one of mass confusion, several images and happenings blended into one message. Most of it is distorted beyond recovery, but the one thing I do remember for sure was that I heard a woman’s voice, but not that of a human. I don’t remember exactly what she said, but I vaguely remember the words ‘fear not’. That of course could mean a lot of things, but I don’t pay any attention to dreams.

“I heard them say we’ve reach Morrowind, I’m sure they’ll let us go,” he said referring to the Imperial Guards that patrolled the ship. It appeared he was more of a talker than I had originally given him credit for.

The Elf and I were prisoners on the mentioned ship, along with a few others scattered in different locations that I never laid eyes on. I had not a clue what the Dunmer did to be put on this, ship, nor did I care for that matter. I was more interested in why he was even talking to me in the first place. The Dunmer, and the elven races in general, have been widely known to possess a feeling of sheer hatred towards us Imperials. This goes especially towards the Ashlanders, a group of ‘traditional’ Dunmer who wear scores of tattoos and other tribal-related designs.

“So we’ve finally arrived in Morrowind?” I asked him.

“Yes, in Seyda Neen of Vvardenfell I believe.”

It sure bad been a long journey. I was doing my time in the Imperial City prison of Cyrodiil, when in the middle of one hot summer night I was plucked from my cell and placed in a carriage led by an entire brigade of Legion horseman. They had taken me to the Balfalls in Mainland Morrowind before transporting me to Vvardenfell. I don’t know why I was moved, nor do I know why it was done so urgently with an escort of a small army. Everything’s happened to fast, I really don’t understand any of it just yet.

“When do-” I began, but I was quickly cut off by a raised hand from the Dunmer.

“Quiet, here comes the guard,” he whispered while looking out the tiny window of our wooden cell door.

I took a peek myself and sure enough a guard was making his way down the narrow hall, carrying a brightly lit torch in his right hand and his left swaying at the sides of his hip. He opened the door after unlocking it with a key and said harshly, “This is where you get off. Follow me to the surface and you’ll be shown to the Census Offices,”

The guard began walking back towards the front of the ship, but I just stood there for a few seconds. Then the Dunmer behind me whispered, “You better do as they say.”

I nodded and then replied, “Thanks again for all the help. What is your name? I don’t believe you’ve told me just yet.”

“Jiub. It was a pleasure meeting you, Jeir. I only hope that I may join you sooner than later,” he said with a wink.

“I’m sure you will, Jiub. Good luck.” And with that I caught up with the guard, who himself was standing next to a set up stairs and an iron hatchway leading to the ship‘s deck.

The guard looked at me with a glare of dislike and grumbled, “Get yourself on deck and let’s keep this as civil as possible.”

I paid the rude guard no attention and exited the ship. Outside it was early morning, the sun only half-risen into the sky and the winds from the sea blowing strongly to my left. The air was cool, a pleasantry given the fact that the ship I had just left was the possibly the hottest place I had been to. On the deck was a Redguard in Imperial uniform.

“This is where you get off,” he said once he noticed that I had arisen from down below. “Follow the coming guard and he’ll take you inside. There you’ll be released shortly.” The Redguard’s voice was much more soothing than the other guard from inside the ship. This I was certainly thankful for, but just like the other I said nothing to this guard either, and instead walked down a long plank, at last stepping off of the ship and onto the land.

“You’ve finally arrived, but our records don’t show from where. Can you tell me where this ship came from? I don’t feel like talking to that Redguard up there, if you know what I mean.”

I knew exactly what he meant, and if was being prejudiced against the Redguard, something I found quite awful. “We’ve come from Balfalls,” I responded nonchalantly, not wanting to speak to the man more than I absolutely had to.

“Very good. Follow me to the office and Socucius will grant you your release as soon as the regular procedures are taken care of. It shouldn‘t be too much longer as long as you cooperate.” I followed the man down the path and when we arrived at the door he said, “Just enter through these doors and you‘ll meet Socucius. I have to stay out here in order to help the other prisoners when they are released. You don’t need me to open the door for you, do you? I take it you are at least smart enough to do that,” he said, a sly grin spread across his clean-shaven face.

I wanted to wipe that smile away with the flick of my first, but clearly that wouldn’t have been the smartest decision I could‘ve made. So I entered the door and there stood an Imperial guard off to the side to my left, and in front of me an old man dressed in a tattered robe. I took him to be the census officer, and to see him dressed so shabbily surprised me. I assumed those under the employment of the Empire would wear only the finest of clothes, or at least someone of this man’s importance.

“Ah, yes, we’ve been expecting you,” the old man said, light from a nearby candle reflecting off of his white hair and beard. “However before I can release you I’ll need you to fill out some forms. It’s not much, just a couple pages of common information, such as your birthplace, age, name, and everything else that comes along. I have a feeling you’ve been through this situation before, so please set down at the desk by the guard and let’s get this finished. The quicker you fill the forms the quicker I can get you out of here.”

The old man’s tone was cheerful, yet I sensed a hint of impoliteness as well. And while I didn’t that one bit, I wasn’t really in the mood to argue. Besides, he was right, the sooner I finished filling out the papers the sooner I’d get to leave. And it didn’t take me very long to finish everything, no more thirty minutes, and most of it was indeed boring questions that I had already known at the top of my head. The only thing I couldn’t fill out were the names and locations of my parents. You see, I grew up as in orphan living in the Cyrodiilic city of Chorrol, where I had been raised by an elder lady that had taken in several other children with the same situation.

“Hmm, interesting. You say you don’t know you’re parents?” The old man asked once he had looked over my papers. “Normally I would send you back to the ship because of this, but for some reason your release is of utmost importance.” Then he handed me another set of papers and said, “Show these papers to the Captain before you leave the premises. He’ll then give you your release fee and then you shall be free to leave. Good day to you.”

The guard opened a door to his left and I began to walk through when he pulled me by the collar and said, “Touch nothing in the following room to your right. Continue through the door there and you’ll find yourself in an alley. Walk through the next door and you’ll enter the Captain’s quarters.”

Then he shoved me through the door and on I went. I walked through the room without touching anything just as I was told, even though the food looked awfully appetizing. Outside the door was the mentioned ally, and beside the next door was a topless barrel. While I walked past it I couldn’t help but notice I shiny ring resting at the bottom of the container, mixed in with some shoes and what looked like an old piece of torn cloth. I looked around to make sure no one was looking, and there was not because a stone wall surrounded my sides, and yanked the ring and put it in my pocket. Thieving so willingly might seem a bit rash to you, but I knew I’d need the money sooner or later. I figured I could sell it to a local merchant or something.

Inside the next room was a burly looking Imperial man wearing a different type of uniform unlike a regular guard. This armor was red and yellow, mixed in what some spots of silver as well, especially on his belt. I knew then that he was the officer the other guard had spoken of.

“Good day to you. I see you’ve filled out the release forms, excellent. The Emperor had special orders for your release, though I don’t know why. Anyways, along with being released you also have specific orders from the Emperor himself as well. You are to report to Balmora and speak with Caius Cosades. That’s all I’ve been told. And here is your release fee, sixty-five septims. Are there any other questions you’d like answered before leaving?”

“Yes, actually, why the hell am I under orders from the Emperor?”

“That I do not know, but I would appreciate it if you’d lower your voice. While you are now a free man that doesn’t mean you have the right to talk to me in such a lowly manner. I have given you your orders and I advise you to follow them. There are eyes in the trees, friend, if you get what I’m saying. And also you should be thankful that you were even released in the first place. Why the Emperor let you go I have no idea.”

“That makes two of us then,” I said in a tab bit more respectable tone. I was also extremely curious as to what the package contained, but I knew it was probably cursed in some way, so I wasn’t even about to think of opening it. And I had to hand it to the Captain, he was right about how I should be thankful for even being released, and I really should still be rotting away in a cell in the Imperial City. Thank Talos he doesn’t know why.

So I left the building, free from imprisonment and able to go anywhere I want and do whatever I want to do, or at least partially that is. There was still this package I had to deal with, and whatever it was I wanted to get it done quickly. I don’t know why the Emperor couldn’t have just gotten one of his lackeys to deliver it for him. Of course then again perhaps I am of some importance to the Emperor personally? I mean, why else would he have me doing this? I must admit, the situation keeps getting more interesting by the minute.

Great start. The character's shame about his unrevealed past life adds an interesting element to his personality, and a certain mystique to the story. I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this when he walks out the door into Seyda Neen.

There were a couple places where I felt like you had missed a a word. For example, "And while I didn’t that one bit, I wasn’t really in the mood to argue." I suspect you meant to say "didn't like that one bit," but I'm not certain. Overall, however, I thought the writing was good.

Ah, I must have missed that mistake, though I'm not sure how. It's rather glaring. Thanks, mplantinga.

2

After receiving my modest sum of sixty-five septims I left the office, and I could almost feel the angry eyes of the Captain glaring through my thin prison-issued shirt. He didn’t like me at all, most likely because I was being treated in a way he wasn’t used to. The fact that I am seemingly somewhat of a puppet for the Emperor means that I am special as well. And prisoners aren’t supposed to be special.

When I closed the door and took a look at my surroundings I realized the entire town was actually quite barren, contrary to what I had been thinking on the boat. I assumed the city was going to be rather huge, given the fact that it is a primary port for most of the ships sailing in from the mainland. But no, that wasn’t the case at all, and rather I was finding myself a bit disappointed for some odd reason that I really couldn‘t explain.

As I looked around I noticed there were only a few buildings, mostly small homes to the locals. But to my far left, just before a small bridge, there was a larger building. I walked up the sign of the building and it read, “Arrille’s Tradehouse”. I figured it would probably be best if I stepped inside for a few minutes. Inside the store it was even less crowded than outside, with a lone Nord looking at some armor on a wall to the left of the entrance.

“Hello there! What can I do for you this fine day?” said a Dunmer standing behind a wooden counter. “Perhaps I can offer you a set of clothes?” he added, looking at by current attire.

“That wouldn’t be a bad idea, what do you have?” I responded.

“Everything you see around the store is what I have for sale, as well as a little bit of food I have stored in a separate room. Not much to look at unfortunately, the blight has ceased much of the traffic that Seyda Neen is used to. Our fine village is a trading town after all, and the slow business is really starting to hurt my profits. You know, you look like man who could use a new pair of clothes. How does that sound?

I didn’t really like the last comment about me looking like I could use some new clothes, because obviously he knew I had just been released from the prison ships, and no doubt it was my current attire that gave it away. I didn’t really care though, he was being nice about it at least. However, the niceness was fake. I‘ll get to that soon enough. “Sure, thank you.”

He took me around a corner and we walked down a short corridor. At the end of the hallway was a wall and a few tables with different articles of clothing. “And here we are, friend, a good selection of clothing that I’m sure you’ll find to your liking. Just look around for a bit and I’ll be waiting at the front counter. Once you’re ready for purchase just bring them to me. And don’t worry about hurrying, please, take your time!”

I looked around for no more than five minutes. And once I had everything that I wanted to buy I took the items up to the counter just as I was told; this included a plain white collared shirt, a pair of tan linens, and a pair of pig-hide shoes as well.

“I see you’ve found what you were looking for, wonderful!” the elf exclaimed in an almost too happy of a tone. “Now, before I give you a total perhaps you can help me find something that I’ve been looking for, for quite some time actually.”

And the truth was about to be revealed. I knew there had to be a reason for the elf’s happiness. This was what I was talking about, but I won‘t get to that just yet. You‘ll have to wait just a little longer I‘m afraid. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“There’s a certain gem I’ve been meaning to find, and apparently it can be found in a nearby cave just southwest of here, only a few miles in fact. You look like a strapping man, so I thought maybe you could find this gem for me?”

“No,” I said immediately. “I’m sorry but I cannot do that even if I wanted to.”

“…What?” the elf laughed. “I’ve been more than friendly with you, sir, surely the least you can do for me is a simple task.”

“I already said no. If you’d please take my money that’d be great. I have to be leaving shortly.”

“I’ll tell you what,” he responded, his voice becoming more desperate. “If you find the gem I’ll pay you thirty septims and I’ll give you these clothes for free! There’s no way you can pass up a deal like this! Just think about it for a moment, I’m sure you’ll-”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. Please just take my money so I can go,” I said in a defiant tone, but it was of no use.

“Fine, have it your way!” he yelled angrily. No one else was inside his store now, so he wasn’t afraid to get bossy with me. “In fact, you can leave right now without these items, because I’m not going to sell them to you!”

“Just because I won’t run an errand for you? Take my money, there’s no reason for you not to!” I yelled, but in truth I was having fun with this. He was proving the very point that I’ll be explaining shortly.

“I said leave, now! Leave or I’ll call the guards! They’ll take one look at you and throw you back in jail where you belong! Once a prisoner always a prisoner, that’s my theory…”

I looked the Dunmer in the eye and he did the same to me. Hatred wasn’t really fueling my body, but I was just a bit angered. The prisoner comment was starting to get to somewhat, so without saying anything to the Dunmer I left the shop in a hurry, slamming the door behind me.

Outside the sunny skies had been replaced by dark clouds, and soft drizzle was falling down on little Seyda Neen. Rather than take for cover like most people I simply walked through it, mostly in part because it felt good, especially with the winds. As I walked closer and closer down the road I started to really think about my role with the Empire at that point, even if I really didn’t know what it was.

I knew then that there was something important about me, and it wasn’t just a simple delivery. No, that would have been naïve of me to believe, and quite honestly I never really bought into that anyhow. I’ll admit that although I would much rather be on my own merry way doing as I please, I’m also a bit curious as to just what importance I hold exactly. The Emperor is a busy man, and according to some guards I had overheard talking back in the Imperial City, he’s also a sick man as well. I don’t really know what exactly is wrong with him, but supposedly there’s unrest in the capitol city right now. It could very well be that I play into that somehow. I’ll never really know for sure until I see this Caius Cosades in Balmora.

But, that’s the beauty of all this. I’m not sure if I really want to get involved. Like I said, the curiosity is there, but what’s keeping me from just running away to, say, the mainland or some other place? I could easily run away. But, then again, I doubt it would be that easy. Surely there are spies covering my tracks even as I walked through the city. There has to be, I can’t really see it anyway. If I am so important to the Empire there’s no way in hell they’d allow to walk around so freely with no supervision of some kind. That just doesn’t make sense.

“Hello there, mister, mind if I have a few words with you?”

I looked to my left and there was a short little Bosmer man look up at me, his black and beady eyes staring in my eyes with a look of plea. “Sure, but please make it quick.”

“Of course, thank you for your time, sir,” he said politely with a bow. “I am in search of a lost ring, actually a stolen one would be the correct way to put it, but I don’t have anything to prove such an accusation. Long story short, I lost a valuable family jewel and now I am desperately trying to find it. Have you seen it perhaps? It has a large ruby rock.”

Immediately I remembered the ring I found in the barrel just before speaking with the captain. So I took it out and the Bosmer’s eyes lit up like a night during the Festival of Lights. “Oh my, that is my ring!”

“No it’s not, I’ve had this ring ever since I left my home in Cyrodiil ten years ago. I was going to ask you if this is it, but by your reaction I already have my answer.”

“No, it’s my ring! Give it back!”

“And just what makes you think so? It certainly looks ordinary enough to me? Who’s to say that is isn’t mine, hmm?” Just to let you know, I am doing this for a purpose, andnot to be a complete jerk. I know it may seem to be the latter right now, but you’ll simply have to bear with me for a moment.

“Because…because I just know, alright? Give me my ring!” The Bosmer’s rage was getting higher and higher, so the teasing was over for me. I had to give the elf his ring back because I most certainly didn’t want to cause too much of a scene. I only wanted to prove a point, and I did just that.

“Very well, it is indeed your ring. And I had every intention of giving it back to you, just so you know.” I handed the ring back to the Bosmer and he left quickly without saying a word, let alone a thank you. How rude of him, don’t you think? My point exactly. True, he was likely mad at me for doing what I did, but that still doesn’t mean politeness should be thrown out the window. The two instance of the Dunmer and now the Bosmer are prime examples of what I would like to tell. And in fact, I think I will. But only a little, I cannot divulge all of my feelings in one sitting. No, no, I wouldn’t want to spoil you.

Yeah know, life is pretty funny sometimes, especially people. This is something that I’ll get into more later I‘ve already said several times, but let me just tell you one thing so you don‘t think I‘m an arrogant honoured user, because I assure you I really am not. My belief is that in reality there is no such thing as a friend or a good person, but rather something I like to call ‘Proper Truth‘. This is a concept I came up with in prison, and I’ve come to think of it almost as its own religion. I’m speaking in figurative terms of course, but the aspects are all there. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll see what I mean soon enough. The world is full of these people, and I mean that quite literally.

3

At the end of the road in northern part of the city there was a massive creature I recognized as a Silt Strider. I had never visited this island of Vvardenfell before, but I knew the beast was a Silt Strider as soon as I saw it, thanks to my frequent visits to mainland Morrowind, close to the border of Cyrodiil. Silt Striders are certainly a luxury for me right, because that is the only transportation available in Morrowind. Back at Cyrodiil you can always hire a coach or even buy a horse for yourself, but in the land of the Dark Elves that is not the case. The Empire has yet to set up a horse-transportation, something I am disappointed in.

When I walked up to a signpost I read the words, “Balmora”, with the sign pointing to the east. Something told me a walk to Balmora would be dreadfully long, but I only had sixty-five septims and I remembered how expensive Striders were back at the mainland. I started to walk down a dirt path leading out of the city when the Strider owner called out to me from roughly fifteen yards away. “Why walk when you can ride? I can get you there much faster on a Silt Strider, Imperial.”

She was an old Dunmer woman, one with a tone that I was more used to, a bit of disrespect and a hint of defiance. “How much would it cost me?” I yelled back.

“Thirty-five gold pieces and no less,” she said with her arms crossed and her mouth in a frown. For someone who wanted me to pay her for her services she was sure grumpy and unenthusiastic.

“Sorry, I can’t afford that.” I turned to walk away, but then an Imperial man with brown hair wrapped in a ponytail walked over to me from the left. He looked to be in his mid to late thirties, possibly lower forties. I had not seen him before, and it seemed as if he had appeared out of thin air.

“Don’t worry about it, Jeir, I’ll pay for it,” he said with a small grin.

“No, that’s quite alright. I’ll…wait, how do you know my name?” I asked, totally perplexed by hearing my name called out by a total stranger.

“I believe you are on your way to Balmora to speak with Caius Cosades correct?”

“Yes. Just who are you?” I didn’t like the fact that this man seemed to know everything about me and what I was supposed to be doing. Of course that’s when I realized he was working for the Empire, and I felt like an idiot.

“My name is Vodunius Nuccius. To put it simply, I am here to be sure that you make it to Balmora alive, or at all for that mater. I‘ll admit it, I thought that you‘d bolt out of here as soon as you were released. I‘m happy to see I was incorrect.”

“So you’ve been spying on me for the Empire then. Is that how you know my name?”

“I am not a spy exactly, but you’re on the right track. Let me just tell you this, I’ve been looking at multiple documents and papers on you for quite some time. I knew who you were as soon as I saw you leave Arrille’s store,” he said with the same smile. The man thought he was so clever.

This was getting more interesting by the minute. I assumed someone would be following me, but I never would have thought they’d show themselves unless I was actually running away. It’s likely this man thought the paths were too dangerous for me. And honestly, he probably has a point.

“I suppose there’s no arguing with you then,” I said with my hands outstretched pointing at the Dunmer and the Silt Strider. “Lead the way.”


******************************************


The ride to Balmora lasted no more than an hour or so, and the entire time I looked out at the forests. Vvardenfell was just like the mainland as far as I could tell. Vastly different from Cyrodiil, with all sorts of strange looking plants and giant mushrooms. Morrowind was always a mysterious place to me prior to getting thrown in jail. I guess some things never change.

“Here we are, Jeir. Follow me and I’ll take you to Caius. We were hoping that you would have arrived yesterday, but apparently there was a bad storm last night. Is that correct?” Vodunius asked me once our ride left for Seyda Neen again.

“I wouldn’t know, I slept threw the whole thing.”

“That’s a pity, I’ve always been fascinated by weather and all things related to it. It’s just so…mysterious. We know so much yet at the same time we know very little. It’s like one gigantic riddle that we’ll likely never totally understand, don’t you agree?”

“Sure.” I really wasn’t in the mood to talk, despite the fact that Vodunius was a nice man so far. Of course that could all change in an instant.

“Yes, well, let us walk to Caius’ house. It’s on the northeastern side of the city, on the very edge in fact.”

It took us a mere ten or so minutes until we arrived at the house. Balmora was rather large, especially compared to Seyda Neen. According to Vodunius it has been the seat of House Hlaalu for quite some time. The architecture certainly backed this up. I sort of liked it as well, it was different from other places I had been to. Seyda Neen was fairly normal, of course the Imperial presence no doubt played a role in that.

“Here we are, Jeir. Follow me.”

I followed the man to the door, where he knocked several times. Within a few seconds the door creaked open, but not enough where I can see anyone. I heard a whisper from within the house, and then Vodunius whispered something back, looking at me and back to the person inside several times. Finally after a few minutes the talk was over, and Vodunius motioned for me to enter.

“Go ahead, I’ll stay out here and wait.”

“What do you mean wait?”

“Just go,” he said with a wink.

Chapter Two: The Dreadful Abode

I hesitated towards the door, peeked in, and saw an old man standing at the edge of a bed without a shirt on, halfway bald and with a gray short trimmed mustache. Any other time I had have no doubt been appalled by such a sight, but this was not like any other time. The man actually was built, and there was no way he was any younger than fifty.

“Come in, Jeir,” the man said, almost in the tone of an order. I walked inside and closed the door gently behind me. For what seemed like minutes we both stood there, gawking at each other up and down. Finally the silence was broke and the man said, “Have a seat, please. There is much to discuss.”

This time without hesitation I grabbed a nearby wooden stool and sat down. I can’t explain it but I was almost afraid of this man. It sounds so absurd, I know, but I just sensed something inside of him, something wrong and out of place. “So what exactly is going on?” I asked.

At first he did not answer me. But then he chuckled softly and said, “You tell me, boy. What is it you know so far, if anything?” For some reason I don’t think the chuckle was a friendly one.

I didn’t quite like the ‘boy’ reference, since I was already in my early thirties, but I was in no position to argue. “Not much, other than apparently I’m supposed to report to you. I am working for the Emperor it seems, but other than that I have no idea.”

“Good, that means Vodunius kept his mouth shut for once. I assume you’re confused, angry, and somewhat scared about all this? It’s not everyday the Emperor personally orders the release of a prisoner, especially one of your background.”

“What do you mean?”

His smile halfway disappeared and he said, “I’ve seen your papers, boy. I know the crimes you’ve committed. And even though the Emperor has given me strict orders, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for what you’ve done. Not many people here may now of your past deeds, but I do. And that means something, whether you know it now or not.”

This was getting extremely uncomfortable. I came here because supposedly the Emperor needed my help. I didn’t come here to get a talking-to by an old stranger. But along with being angry I was also taken back by his comments. Like I mentioned earlier, I am ashamed of my past mishaps. It’s not something I like to talk about it.

“No offence to you, sir, but I don’t wish to talk to you about that. You don’t seem to like me, and for good reason I should add, but what’s keeping me from walking out this door, hmm? I don’t want to be interrogated again for the same crime. I can’t go through that again.”

Finally he himself sat down. “You’re right, partially at least. You are not here to speak of the past, that much is true. But don’t think I can just simply ignore the horrible facts, because I undoubtedly cannot. Either way it doesn’t matter, so let’s get down to business. You speak of turning your back and leaving, but would you really do that? Do you honestly think Vodunius is the only one watching you?”

“Are you trying to say that I am being spied on my multiple people?” I asked.

“That’s not the point, Jeir,” he answered in somewhat irritated tone. “The point is that you cannot simply walk out of here and forget everything. The Emperor granted you your freedom, but in reality freedom it is not. You and I both know that. You are bound to the Emperor’s wishes no matter if you like it or not. You have no choice in this, and you are my personal subject as of now.”

“But why? Why the hell was I chosen? Was there a specific reason I was chosen?”

He sighed and looked at the ground. Then he looked back at me and said, “Yes, Jeir, there is. But unfortunately we cannot speak of that right now. Perhaps another day, but that will have to wait. Until then we have lots of work to do.”

“Just wait a second!” I yelled, now standing up. I normally wasn’t an emotional person, but all of this was causing me to unravel. I didn’t want to be a puppet to the Empire. “Why the hell should I listen to you? Tell me why I was released or I swear to you I’ll walk right out of here. Your soldiers can do whatever they want, but they’ll have to kill before I come back. You owe me at least this!”

“I don’t owe you a damn thing, boy!” he said, himself now standing as well. “You are the one who’s brought this upon you, not me. You may be in your thirties but they locked you away when you were barely twenty years of age. You haven’t matured mentally, and it’s easy to see when you’re blaming others for your actions. You’re a tough situation right now, yes, but you have absolutely no idea how important you are. And not just to the Empire, but to all of Tamriel as well.”

I sat back down in my chair, not knowing what to think. Maybe I was taking this opportunity for granted, even if I said I wouldn’t. I blame this anger on my prison life, even if that’s not really a good excuse. So many years were spent inside the damp and dark cell. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have shouted it. It’s not your fault I’m in this mess,” I said, looking down at my feet. “I still don’t like this, though.”

“See, you still don’t get it, do you?” I looked up at Caius and he had his head slightly titled sideways. “You are in a wonderful position, boy. I know you aren’t aware of what’s going on just yet, but you’ll simply have to wait. That might strike you as irritating, but I’ll bet you the world that you’d rather be doing this than sitting in your jail cell.”

“Yes,” I mumbled. “You’re right. Fine, what do you want me to do?”

“I am under strict orders from the Emperor himself, Jeir, to see to it that you are ready, or in a better term if you are ready. In the future you may hold the key to the extinction of the evils threatening the land, but I will not get into that right now. For now you and Pelena will go through many tests in which-”

“Pelena?”

“Yes, Pelena. She will be your partner of sorts. One of you is who the Emperor is looking for, but we don’t know which of you fit’s just yet. That is where the tests come in. You and Pelena will answer to Vodunius and I during these times. I will of course always be present here in Balmora, while Vodunius can be found usually in Seyda Neen, but sometimes here as well when he reports to me. Pelena is currently sleeping in a house I’ve rented for this special occasion next door. It’s a two-story house in which she’ll be sleeping at the top and you’ll be sleeping at the bottom. Do you have any questions so far?”

“Yes, what are we being trained for exactly?”

“In time, Jeir,” he said while shaking his head. “For now you will have to trust me, which I assure you is safe. While I don’t particularly enjoy dealing with the likes of you, I still have to follow the wishes of my Emperor. Don’t take offence to that, by the way, it’s just the way that I am. Now, leave here and enter the house to our left. It’s high time you’ve met your partner. Tomorrow morning at eleven we shall talk of your first assignment.”

“Very well, but I hope you know I don’t like this, at all. I don’t like being controlled,” I said while walking to the door.

“I am well aware of that, Jeir. But it’s like I said, none of that matters now. And besides, I think once you realize what is actually going on you’ll change your tune. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping.”

When I left the house Vodunius was waiting outside, leaning against the house and looking up into the sky. It wasn’t yet raining in Balmora, but it appeared Seyda Neen’s storm was heading this way.

“How’d it go?” he asked once he heard the door close behind me.

“Well enough I suppose, does it really matter to you?” Again I spoke before thinking, and again I came off as rude. That was something I’d have to work on. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. It went okay, but I still don’t know much. I have a partner though, that’s something new.”

“Yes, that you do. I met her a few days ago actually. A nice little lady, a couple of years younger than you if I remember correctly,” he said while scratching his head. “Anyways, go ahead and meet her. It’s only eight o’clock in the evening and I doubt she’s asleep yet.”

Then Vodunius left and heading towards the river, leaving me by myself.

************************

When I carefully opened the door to my new two-level house at first I couldn’t see anything. The only light came from a small candle in the corner of the room. Once my eyes adjusted in a matter of seconds I realized the candle was lying in the middle of a tiny wooden table. And sitting next to the table with a book in her hand was a pretty-looking Breton with an unsure expression set about her face.

I knew she was a Breton, for she resembled that of a human, but her nose and ears were a bit pointier than usual. Even in the dim light I could tell she had a beautiful set of blue eyes, and long strands of blondish brown hair to go with it. She was without a doubt an attractive woman.

“Hello, there,” She said cheerfully once I had closed the door and officially stepped inside. “You must be Jeir, am I right?”

“Yes, yes you are.” I closed the door and then walked over to her, extending my right and. “And you must be Pelena. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She smiled even wider and stood up, obviously impressed by my manners, and then shook my hand. One thing I remember most about my mother before she died was that she told me how to act around all women alike…with respect.

“The pleasure is mine. You’re certainly taller than I imagined you’d be. I don’t know why though,” She giggled. I laughed along as well, and then there was that awkward silence everyone hates to have happen to them.

“So, I guess we’re partners?” I said.

“Yes, but unfortunately I don’t know what for,” she replied. It was clear that she was just as confused as I was.

“Me neither. Caius didn’t tell me a damn thing, other than we are important for some reason, but then again he couldn’t tell me that either,” I said while rolling my eyes. “I take it you didn’t make it any farther either?”

“No, not yet at least, but hopefully we‘ll learn more tomorrow morning. We’re supposed to meet Caius at his house at eleven. Did he tell you that?”

“Yeah, at eleven. Say, I’m kind of hungry, I haven’t eaten in a while. Would you like to get something to eat with me? There has to be at least one decent diner around here.”

“There is,” she smiled. “And yes, I would love to eat with you. We might as well get to know each other, don’t you think?”

“Sounds good to me. Where is place to eat?”

“Close to the entrance. It’s small but never crowded. And I think the owner has a crush on me,” she laughed. “It’s kind of creepy but at least he gives me a discount on my food. Do you want to leave now?”

“Oh yes, I haven’t had a good meal in…..well, let’s just say a while.”

She laughed again, her hair wavering through the light of the candle. “I think I know what you mean.”

A great spice to the original Main Quest with a fellow, well, for lack of a better word, potentate. Or, perhaps, competitor? I'd like to see where this goes.

I believe you don't mind people criticising (do say if that's not the case), so I thought I'd mention one issue: although it is rather obvious in the MQ that the PC is important, I personally wouldn't have had Caius state it so quickly, or so bluntly. It just doesn't strike me as the sort of thing a spymaster would do.

Despite that, though, this is a great piece of writing, and if I know what I'm doing I should keep paying attention.

Thank you, Marcel.

The reason Jeir finds out about him being important so fast is beecause Caius wants to make sure Jeir is really in this. If he was to tell Jeir he was simply a delivery boy and that he wasn't important, he'd just run away.

This continues to be quite interesting. I do have to agree with Marcel, however, that it seems Caius gave away a little too much. I'm sure that an empire that has so much in common with the Romans would have more compelling ways to keep an operative in line than to give away that they are essential for the future of the empire. But I think you are correct, given your portrayal of Jeir so far, that he would have run away if he thought he was just a delivery boy. Your solution clearly has worked for Jeir so far, and for Pelena; I'm curious to see how it pans out in the future.

Thanks, M. Can I call you M?

Ehhh we usually call mplantinga Dr Planty, but ok....

Anyway you continue to impress with your work Red!

@Redsrock: you may call me whatever you want, as long as it is respectful, or joking in a friendly way. Stargelman called me planty once, and it did stick with some of the other members. Minque seems to prefer Dr. Planty, which does give me warm fuzzies, as it took me forever to get that darned PhD. But as I said, you're welcome to come up with a brand new nickname if you wish.

-M

An interesting story Reds, a nice variation on MW storyline with the added contention of a rival. This shall be followed.

Unfortunately there is nothing else to follow, Bean. Sorry, but I scrapped this long ago. Now my focus is on my world Teir, and "Romeo and Juliet: TES-Style".