Prologue

3E 420

“Naïlo,” the Hlaalu Guard asked. “Did Stacey give you the package?” I opened the satchel at my hip and pulled out the box of drakes. I handed it to the Dunmer in Bonemold Armor. He reached for it and nodded.

“Now then, the Hlaalu Guards will turn a blind eye to the Thieves’ Guild activities in Balmora?” I asked. “That is the deal.” The deal had been in place for five years, ever since the Raynil Orayn became the leader of local Hlaalu in Balmora. The truth was simple: he was like every other Hlaalu, a corrupt, greedy thug.

I walked towards the bridge to the South Wall Corner Club. In the alleys, Skooma-addicts smoked away their money. This was Balmora, the real Balmora. It wasn’t uncommon for an outlander to disappear or a Skooma-addict to sell everything he owned down to the clothes off his back for another bottle of those precious crystals.

Habasi smiled as I crossed the bridge. “Did they receive the ‘package’?” she asked inquisitively. With a nod, I saw that smile grow from ear to ear. She patted me on the back and opened the door for me.

“Good job, Naïlo.”

“Sugar-Lips, it’s my duty to the Guild.”

“Sugar-Lips thinks you’re a good kid, Naïlo,” the Khajiit stated as we walked down the stairs. “Stacey would like you to see you, Ashborn.”

I strode over to the door with a sign: “Private Room” and knocked. When the door opened, a Redguard in exquisite clothes answered the door. He had light brown hair that was combed back. “Naïlo, you’ve been with the Guild for a few years now.”

“Y-yes, S-sera,” I stuttered. “I-I have been with the G-guild for some time.” This was the first time I had ever seen Gentleman Jim Stacey in the flesh. I had once received orders from him to deliver a package to the Hlaalu Council House, but only once.

“Relax, kid. I’ve got some good news for you. I’m officially promoting you to Wet Ear.”

“W-what are you serious?” I asked.

“Yes and with your new rank, I’ll need you to travel to Ald’ruhn to take orders from Relam Arinith, our ranking member there. He has needed someone to help him out with a few jobs,” Stacey grinned. “You think you can handle it, Kid?”

“Y-yes I can,” I nodded like an obedient child. “Can you pay for me to take a silt strider to Ald’ruhn?”

The human looked around for a moment then he finally came to a conclusion. “Tell him Stacey said if he gives you free passage to Ald’ruhn we’re even,” he ordered. “The next silt strider to Ald’ruhn is in the morning, so rest up.”

I walked out and the bartender tossed me a loaf of bread. “Have a good trip, Naïlo.” I had to walk forward to grab it; the Imperial never was a good judge of distance. With a hefty bite out of it, I made my way towards my room. The room had a cloth rug, a pillow and a blanket.

I lied down on the rug and put my head on the pillow. “Finally a member of the guild,” I whispered to myself proudly…

Nice to see you back and writing, Z! A new story featuring the Thieves Guild.

Hmm, let's see what we've got here. Ok, we're in Balmora. Nailo is young and in the guild. Based on the fact that Nailo was referred to as 'Ashborn', I'm guessing Nailo is a Dunmer. Excellent job of not overtelling us about Nailo, but letting us glean it from context. The only piece I'm looking for in the next episode then is the sex of our young Dunmeri thief.

Notice it's set even before the Nerevarine showed up. This is set even before the original Zalphon story so it's all new content.

Hmm, I'm liking this story. Taking place in Morrowind and involving the thieves guild--very exciting, because I haven't read any fan fics taking place in these areas of interest.

Like Acadian, I am also curious to find out if Nailo is male or female. Keep writing--I've never read any of your fan fics before! (Also, I like your title--catchy and simple, it makes your story sound very intriguing...)

WOO HOO !!! Zalphon is BACK !!!




Great line !!!


I am so looking forward to more from you Zalphon !!! WOO HOO !! Great Write !!!

Milady, I'm honored that you took the time to read my fanfic. And Malx, thank you

Chapter One: Ald’ruhn, City of Untold Mystery

I awoke after a good night of rest. When I opened my eyes, I could smell the delectable scent of freshly roasted Nix Hound steak coming from the bar. I pushed the blanket down and walked out of my room. Sugar-Lips grabbed me and whispered, “Sugar-Lips will always be here for you, Naïlo.”

I didn’t doubt it, either. Sugar-Lips was like my big sister, always watching out for her ‘little brother’. Stacey walked out and nodded and returned to his office. I stepped up the stairs wearing a bittersweet, false smile.

Hercinde, a gold-skinned elf nodded and said, “Put those skills I taught you to good use in Ald’ruhn. Remember, there’s much more to Ald’ruhn than it appears, Naïlo.” I was going to ask him what that meant, but as soon as I opened my mouth, he had put a vial to his lips and his body was invisible.

As I pushed the door open, I felt a dagger through my heart. This is what it felt like to turn your back on your family. I had to force myself to walk forward, the entire time I wanted to turn back. I wiped a tear from my eye and whispered under my breath, “May Boethia watch over you…”

I walked up the ramp to the Silt Strider Master. He was a well-groomed, elderly man who stated, “The silt strider is headed to Ald’ruhn, not a place to go unless you’re a Redoran or wish to join House Redoran.”

“Gentleman Stacey said you’d give me passage and the debt would be paid off,” I replied coolly. He smiled and told me to step into the hollowed out shell of the beast. It moaned loudly in anguish, I was used to the sound, but never so close. The cry echoed throughout the hollow shell.

A few minutes passed when an Argonian Outlander stepped into the beast’s shell. He was covered in low-grade Netch-Leather and in his right hand he held a spear made of steel. “Dunmer,” the Argonian greeted. “You’re going to Ald’ruhn? You look too soft.”

“I could say the same to you, Argonian,” I replied. “You wear poor netch-leather and a spear. You look like a slave who recently got away from the grasp of their owner.” In truth, my tone was calm, but condescending.

“You’re a brave Dark Elf,” the Beast-Man stated. “I like you. When I join House Redoran, I’ll remember to make sure that you’re protected. I’d advise you join House Redoran, too.”

What could I say to that? That I was a Thieves’ Guild Operative? No. “No thanks. I’m an egg miner.” The lie was solid and believable, but would he take it? He raised his spear and pulled it back, motioning for me to come closer.

“I am Hue-Geh,” he said. “I was exiled from Argonia for my crimes against the treacherous Murkwater Conclave.” It was hard to make out what he said between the loud shrieks of anguish of the Silt Strider.

“The Murkwater Conclave? Who are they?”

“They’re an organization of my people born under the sign of the Mage. They sell our eggs and our people to House Dres,” the Argonian scowled. “I am eager to join House Redoran so that one day I may take my vengeance on the traitors.”

The Silt Strider Master stepped in and shouted, “We leave for Ald’ruhn. We should be there within the hour.” His voice was strained and hardly contained. The man was obviously under a lot of stress, it could be seen in his eyes and in his tone.

I noticed myself slide back as the shell tilted downward. Suddenly, it hopped into the air; the blood drained from my face. Then I felt the crashing against the ground as I was lifted from the bottom of the shell up a few feet and then back down. The Argonian walked over to me and grabbed my hand while it was still. He put my hand on some of the hairs of the Silt Strider and sat back down.

The next hop wasn’t near as frightening, because I didn’t move so much. It was one hop after another, over and over for what felt like a quarter of an hour. Then it stopped and the beast moaned. I stepped out and noticed the very archaic architecture of House Redoran. The crab-like structures looked like they were made from actual shells.

With a step out of the Silt Strider, I was pelted by granules of ash against my face, my arms, and my exposed ankles. I quickly ran down the steps to find shelter. Down below I found a yurt which I charged into.

“Welcome to Ald’ruhn, Sera,” the Dunmeri Woman stated. “How may I help you?” She had mannequins in tan and silver face-wraps, linen tunics, thick, silk skirts, gloves that were made from weaved strips of cloth and wrapped boots.

“Do you have anything to protect me from the storm?”

She pointed to the mannequins. “Sera, I’m a male,” I alerted her because maybe her eyes were bad. “I don’t wear feminine clothing. Especially considering I am associated with many Western People”

“House Redoran wears these items to keep them safe from the storms,” she explained. “You can wear them or be eaten away by the storm. Here, we can trade. I get people leaving willing to buy exotic clothes like yours all the time.”

I stripped down to my loin-cloth and handed her my clothes. She handed me a pile of clothes. I wrapped the strips of cloth around my hands and feet. I pulled down the tunic and pulled up the skirt. With a sigh, I wrapped the strip of cloth that was the face-mask around my head, leaving only space for my eyes. The clothes I wore were silver in color, which I guess meant status.

I looked at the signs on the buildings, most were trade houses or shops. I came across a club called: “The Rat in the Pot”. When I shut the door behind me, I knew that the law and order of House Redoran was out there. A Dunmer grabbed me by my throat and asked, “What’s the password?”

I got the biggest kick out of these two passages:






What awesome detail you used in these, really conjures up imagery of each scene !!! Awesome Write !!! And so glad you are back !!!

Yes, nice detail as Nailo travels to and arrives at Ald’ruhn. You provide lots of atmosphere and 'feel' here.

So now he just has to find Relam Arinith of his guild.

Chapter One: Ald'ruhn, City of Untold Mystery - Continued

“I was sent by S-Stacey,” I managed to say. I had never had someone so strong actually pick me up by my throat. He released his grip on me and I fell to the ground. Thump was the sound my rear made as it slammed against the hard, dirt floor.

“Gentlemen Jim Stacey sent you? When did he do that?” he probed inquisitively. “And why would he send a youth here.”

“You’ll have to ask him, I’m here to take orders from Arinith.”

“Downstairs.”

Obediently, I stepped down stairs. A Bosmer smiled at me. Unlike most of the thieves here, he didn’t wear a commoner’s or a noble’s. He wore a linen shirt with an emerald vest over it and tan, linen pants. A Dunmer motioned for me to come closer; I had to assume it was Arinith.

The warmth of the fire made it much more comfortable, but something really unnerved me. A Breton female, around my age with a collar and leash around her neck walked over. Sad eyes looked into mine; they were begging for me to help.

“Get back over here,” the one who I assumed Arinith growled. He pulled hard on the leash sending the Breton crashing down on her butt.

“Why did you do that?” I hissed. “She didn’t do anything, just walked over to me.”

“She’s a slave. She was an old experiment of a Telvanni Lord; one that failed quite miserably, so I was able to buy her rather cheaply,” He explained. “By the way, I am Relam Arinith, your new boss, Naïlo.”

The red-haired girl wiped the tears from her eyes and sat on her knees. I didn’t know why, but she felt—different, as if somehow I needed her. “How much did you purchase her for?” I was inclined to ask. “The way you treat her, she was probably little more than fifty drakes.”

“Why do you care? Do you want to buy the Outlander?”

“I’d love to have a pet,” I lied. “How much do you want for her?”

Arinith grinned. “Head to Codus Callonus’ Book Shop, he has a book that a contact wants. The book is called ‘The Vampires of Vvardenfell, Volume I’. Get the book and you can have the S’wit,” he offered.

Without a second thought, I walked out of the Rat in the Pot. Where was this book shop? “Madam,” I tapped a woman’s shoulder. “Could you tell me where the local book shop is?”

“Across Ald’ruhn, by the large Emperor Crab Shell,” the woman politely replied.

The ash started pelting. I was glad I had the thick clothing of the Redoran people. I did my best to get across town, even though it was barren save for the Redoran Guards; it was still hard to see. I opened a door to a shop and a paranoid Imperial drew his blade. “Who’re you?” the alerted Imperial scowled. I looked around to see bookshelves lined up next to each other full of books of all lengths, heights, and bindings.

I had an idea, but if it didn’t work, I’d likely end up in Redoran Prison. I did my best to impersonate a female, “I’m a Redoran Noblewoman. I know you’ve got a contraband book, the Vampires of Vvardenfell. Give it to me and I may not alert the Temple that you have it, Criminal.”

I saw the look of panic in his eyes, which sent a feeling of relief throughout my body. “F-fine, just take it. Don’t tell the Temple, I don’t want to end up as a prisoner. P-please don’t, milady.”

When he handed me the book, I tucked it into my knapsack and stated, “Very well, perhaps I won’t have to alert them, Outlander.” The word “outlander” didn’t feel right as it escaped my lips. Most Dunmer said it quite often as an insult, but it felt like an old, xenophobic insult at that.

With a nod, I walked back to the Rat in the Pot. When I opened the door, the masculine Dark Elf didn’t grab me by my throat, but just chuckled as I removed my face-wrap. Down the stairs I went with the book in hand. “Arinith, I have your book.”
The Mer rose a brow when I handed it to him, but he didn’t make it known that he expected me to fail. “She’s yours, Naïlo,” Relam said as he let me take her leash. “By the way, the last room on the left is for you, Footpad.”
“Already another promotion,” I thought as I led the girl to my new room. “That’s surprising.” When I entered the room, I eagerly found: a bed, a nightstand, a dresser, and a basin.

“What are you going to do, Naïlo?” she asked nervously. The girl had pale skin and straight, fiery crimson hair that fell to her shoulders. Her blue eyes were bright, but I could tell that they were afraid of me.

I pulled out my lock-picks and used my knowledge to unlock the metal collar. “There, what’s your name?” The collar was heavy once I finally managed to pull it off of her, but she still wasn’t completely comfortable around me. I couldn’t blame her after watching what Relam did to her.

“Mirabelle, but I prefer Mira,” Mira whispered. “Any other questions or shall I to silence myself?”

“What kind of experiment were you exactly?”

“I’d rather not talk about it, if that’s okay, Master,” the Girl sighed. “Are you to remove my slave bracers or am I to keep them as a symbol of my inferiority?”

After a few minutes of fiddling, I managed to unlock the bracers and she weakly grinned. “I am a mage, an apprentice but a mage nonetheless if you wish for me to help you.” Mira was modest.

“Mira, if you want, you can leave. However, my duty is to the guild.”

She shook her head, “Naïlo, I owe you my life for freeing me from my slavery. I shall gladly aid you.” Her voice sounded sincere, but I couldn’t be sure. Why would a former slave want to help the one who freed them? I didn’t do anything; I just did what my heart told me to.

I walked out and so did the long-haired Breton. She was still wearing a tattered, grey skirt that reached to her knees and a matching blouse that looked as if it was made for an Orc. “Ah, you freed my—your little pet already?” Arinith asked.

“H-he did,” Mira quietly said. “W-why does it matter?”

“Naïlo, if you want, I have another job for you.”

“What’s the job, Muthsera?”

“Nartise Arobar, the daughter of Miner Arobar has a book that we’re seeking—The Old Ways is the name of the book.”

“How do you propose I get it?”

“You got the other book; you can get this one, Naïlo.” In other words, he was planning and actively hoping I’d fail. I wasn’t quite sure what this meant, but I did know that I needed to get that book to make a point. I was ready to leave and I hoped Mira would come with…

This was quite enthralling! Rescuing Mira was a wonderful thing and shows us somthing very nice in Nailo's character. Very clever how Nailo got the book. And another job already!

Nailo's a good guy, even if he tends to be on the wrong side of the law.

ROFL !!! How you come up with these names for places that always get me rolling laughing !!! Great Chapter, Zalphon !!! And so great to see you writing again !!!

Actually, the Rat in the Pot is the local Thieves' Guild hub in Morrowind (in Ald'ruhn). I try to maintain realism

Oh, !!! Well, it had me in stitches, lol. I haven't played Morrowind yet, can you tell? ROFL !!!

GOTY edition is like $10. Buy it now!

I have had the 360 GOTY for years, and this past Xmas got the PC GOTY !!! Just haven't had time to play period, and when I do get time - either Oblivion, Fallout 3, or Fallout: New Vegas finds its way into my hands instead. I don't have the time to play a new game - just hoping I get all this overwork out of the way before November so I have the time to devote to Skyrim !!!

Chapter One: Ald'ruhn, City of Untold Mystery - Final

Mira smiled weakly at me as I headed towards the door. “I have a question, Sera. May I join you in your goal to speak to Nartise?” Her soft voice was eager, but I didn’t want to risk being captured. I nodded quickly, however that didn’t mean I wasn’t prepared to hide.

“Do you happen to have any other clothes, Mira?”

“This is my only outfit.”

I opened the door to see the ash flying through the air. “Mira, do you have idea how we’ll get to the Clothier’s Shop in this hellish weather?” I asked.

I watched her whisper quietly. “I have used a spell that will protect me from the storm if we move fast,” she stated. “It’s a weak spell, so I most likely will end with a body as red as a dreugh’s.” Without a second’s wait, I opened the door and sprinted for the place where I bought my outfit only less than an hour before.

She followed close behind, but I could see her pale skin getting more and more battered by the small grains of ash beating against her. When we reached the yurt, Mira darted inside. The Dunmeri woman greeted, “Hello, Breton—and didn’t I just see you, Dunmer?”

The woman reminded me of an Ashlander Wise Woman a little too much. “Do you happen to have any clothes for me?” Mira asked. “I need some Redoran clothing.”

“Fifteen drakes and I’ll give you an entire outfit.”

“I have no money; I’m a recently freed slave. Please, out of the kindness of your heart?”

The Old Dark Elf pointed to a mannequin and said, “Very well. Remember that those clothes are to be taken care of, many days have been spent tailoring them.” With a mild sense of dubiousness, Mira undressed in front of me. She stood there and looked at me; I wasn’t sure if she was embarrassed or simply shy, probably both.

I stripped the mannequin of the clothing and handed them to my Breton companion who dressed herself hastily. The only part of her skin that was visible was the bridge of her nose and her eye-lids. “Are we ready to go speak to Nartise?”

“Indeed.”

We ventured towards the colossal crab shell. Two Redoran Guards in bone-mold armor stood at the door. “Why do you seek to enter?” one asked with a scratchy voice.

“We wish to speak to a Redoran Councilor.”

“They’re too busy to waste their time with you, Commoner. Perhaps you could speak to Neminda, though. She’s who you can talk to about joining.”

“Very well,” I grumbled as I shoved open the door. Mira followed closely behind me. Inside the shell was a lot different, at least fifteen oval doors led to different places. In the center was a crater with a ramp down into it where several shops were located.

A sign was by three doors “House Redoran Council House”. Surprisingly, no guards were nearby. The door opened silently, but inside guards were everywhere. A Redguard woman stood across from the door and asked, “Who are you?”

Mira honestly said, “We’re seeking to speak to talk to Nartise Arobar.”

“She’s in Arobar Manor, not the Council House. It’s to the left as you exit.”

I grumbled and we turned around. After about thirty seconds, we reached the door on the left and opened it. “Master Arobar isn’t seeing anyone at the moment, Commoner,” one of the many Redoran guards stated.

Mira muttered under her breath and the guard spoke again, “Actually, I’m sure Master Arobar can make time for you, Madam.” I raised a brow, but I didn’t complain because the guard let us pass.
For several minutes, we walked through the extravagant, subterranean manor. It was beautiful, giant tapestries lined the walls detailing things such as the war between the Dunmer and the Nords or Nerevar killing the treacherous knave, Voryn Dagoth.

Finally we reached the bedrooms, but we overheard a conversation, I peaked around the corner to see a Dark Elf in ebony armor with a matching honoured user sword in hand talking to a dervish looking Dunmer in midnight-black “Is it true, Assassin? Does he lay dead?”

“Galos Omayn, Master of the House Hlaalu is lying in a pool of his own blood. Now about the payment,” the Assassin responded.

“Did you leave a signet ring of House Telvanni?”

“Of course I did, Master Arobar. Now then, you promised you’d pay for this ‘grey writ’, because Galos wasn’t known to be a criminal.”

Arobar dragged a trunk over. “Four-thousand septims are in the chest, count them if you like. I have another duty for you. Deliver this note to the Duke declaring a House War between House Hlaalu and House Telvanni, its ‘signed’ by the Archmagister Gothren himself.”

Why was a Redoran Councilor so concerned with House Hlaalu? What did they have to do with anything? “I’ll deliver the note, but I’ll expect a hundred septims for my work. The duke may take it as a threat from me leading to my execution.”

I made a hand signal telling Mira to follow me to a bedroom nearby. Inside sat a girl in elegant clothing with a skooma pipe in hand. Arising from it was smoke and she rapidly said, “Want some? Its good. You should share some.” Skooma ruined too many people, I hated that about it. A Redoran Noblewoman though? She was maybe three years older than me, but still. She could have anything she wanted and she chose skooma?

“We’re here to speak to Nartise, do you know her?”

“She’s my sister,” the girl said as she inhaled from the pipe. “Her room is across the hall, but unlike me she’s a bit of a ‘good girl’.”

We thanked her and walked across the hall to the bedroom. A young girl with dark brown hair that was groomed neatly in a bun smiled. “Can I help you?”

Mira removed her face-wrap and pleaded, “Can we please come in?”

Nartise allowed us entrance into the luxurious room. Bookshelves filled with books lined the walls, but unlike her sister, she wore commoner’s clothing. “Why don’t you wear clothing fitting for your title, Sera?” I asked. “Like your sister—err—what’s your sister’s name?”

“Ghandosa is her name. Unlike my family, I prefer to live a life of humility. I am no better in the eyes of ALMSIVI so why should I pretend to be? A question, what do you want with me?”

“We require a book—The Old Ways, it’s about the Psjiic Order if I remember correctly.”

“The Old Ways, what a wonderful read. I would love to give it to you, but why have you come to me for it?”

“I’ve a scholarly int—,” I managed to say before I was interrupted.

“We need the book for our employer,” Mira truthfully explained. “We figured you could give us the book, because you have a reputation for being of a noble heart as many Redoran do.”

Nartise smiled, “Okay. I’ll grab it for you.” She walked over to one of the many book shelves and pulled out a leather-bound book with pages that looked like they were made when Saint Nerevar was alive.”

We walked outside and walked trying to disguise our true fear of being discovered by Master Arobar with a false sense of calmness. We finally found the exit to Arobar Manor and I think we were both saying prayers of thanks to our gods.

Redoran Guards stared at us as we walked away nonchalantly. We walked out of the Manor District and headed to the Rat in the Pot, eager to get my reward. The storm had stopped, fortunately for us. Once we entered, Arinith was sitting near the door drinking a glass of Flin. “Have the book?” he asked. “I’m sure the client is eager for it.”

I pulled it out and handed it to him, “My reward?”

He pulled out a small, overly full bag of septims. “Here you go one-hundred drakes. I’ve no more work for you at the moment, so get some rest.” His voice was slightly tainted by the alcohol in the Flin; he slurred some of his words.

I strode to my room and sat on the bed. Mira quickly followed. “If you always lie Naïlo, how will anyone know when you tell the truth?” she asked.

“I guess they’ll just have to hope,” I replied. The truth was I did lie a lot. Maybe too much, but it was part of my life. I had to, because if I didn’t, I didn’t get the job done and I didn’t get to eat. It was a way of survival for me.

“I don’t want to just have to hope,” she whispered.

“Then don’t stay around me,” I sighed. “I’ve never had a choice but to lie and steal.”

“Then perhaps you should come with me, I can help you…”

“Do what? Turn my back on my family?”

“Listen to what your heart, Naïlo... What do they tell you to do?”

“I don’t know what it beckons for me to do, Mira, but eventually I’ll find my answer,” was what I said as I laid down on the bed. I closed my eyes and let my mind drift into the land of sleep.

More thievy adventures of Nailo and Mira. Of course we had to get her properly outfitted first. And so they delivered the book to the rat in the pot.

I wouldn't call that a Thieving Adventure, more of a

"Can I please have this?"

"Sure"

Adventure. However, I think the bigger part was over-hearing Miner Arobar and the Morag Tong Assassin...

These paragraphs are outstanding !!! Very deep, Zalphon !! Awesome Write !!!

Chapter One

This is a very interesting read for me, especially because I haven't played Morrowind more than a few times, and I never got very far in it. Ald'ruhn is one of the cities I never got to, but reading this is making me very much want to play Morrowind again.

The detail you put into Nailo's ride in the silt strider was excellent. I was not aware that you actually ride inside of them like that, and your mentioning their "loud shrieks of anguish" makes me sort of feel bad for the creatures.

When the silt strider hopped into the air and made Nailo go flying around inside its shell a bit, that made me laugh. It sounds more like an amusement park ride than a means of transportation!

I forgot that the Dunmeri in Morrowind made slaves of various races of people in Tamriel. But when you portrayed the Breton woman with a collar and a leash around her neck, my mouth dropped. It's hard to imagine sometimes that real living, breathing people have been enslaved--it's a very sad mark of our history that we would do that to other humans (not to mention the atrocities we have been guilty of in regards to our treatment of animals!). I am glad that Nailo is not like most of his Dunmeri brethren in Morrowind--he felt empathy for her, where others of his kind see it as perfectly normal. This shows him to be greatly advanced--a man ahead of his time. He is most deserving of respect, in my eyes.

When he bought her and took her to his room and then set her free, the way you describe her is worth noting. You do a very good job portraying the brokenness of her spirit--slavery and cruel experimentation has had a traumatic impact on her self-image, and it will take a lot of time for her to rise out of that. I have a feeling Nailo will be a great help to her in this way.

Wow, it rains ashes in Ald'ruhn? I didn't know that. Not somewhere I'd want to build a city, but "to each his own."

I loved the paragraph where you pointed out the tragedy with the Redoran noblewoman--she could have anything in the world she wanted, yet she chose skooma and is destroying her body with it. Sad. Her sister sounds like a much more level-headed person, to be so humble and kind to them.

Mira is a good character, and I have a feeling that both of them are going to have immense impacts on each others lives, and in a good way. I look forward to reading more.

Chapter Two: The Witch-Hunter

Mira was sitting at the foot of my bed with her legs in a meditation stance. She glanced at me as I managed to open my eyes. “Good morning, Sera,” the young apprentice greeted warmly. Her eyes followed me as I dressed myself in the Redoran Clothing.

Mira gazed into my eyes and whispered, “If I may—perhaps we should meet up with the Hlaalu. If we could get the Duke indebted to us, we’d have both House Hlaalu and the Imperials at our service.” Her suggestion was a good one. If we had Dren on our side, we could probably get the Camonna Tong destroyed by the Imperial Legion in one fell swoop.

I walked up the stairs to find Relam sipping Flin and enjoying a bowl of seasoned saltrice. “Naïlo,” he greeted. “The client, who bought the first book on vampires, seeks the second. He’s willing to pay a thousand drakes and you’ll receive a ten percent commission.”

“I’m afraid I can’t, I have other matters to attend to. They’re guild matters, but I can’t handle any ‘procurement duties’ right now,” I replied. “I give you my most sincere apologies, Muthsera.”

“This isn’t a request, Naïlo.”

“I can’t take care of it, Arinith.”

“You’ll do it, or I’ll slit your throat. Do I make myself clear, N’wah?” he barked at me. Rage was in his tone, it was obvious. Everyone stopped drinking and stared at us. When I shook my head no, he grabbed me by my throat and lifted me up.

Behind him, a Dunmer in black clothing with the hood of his cloak pulled up grabbed his crossbow and scowled, “Put the kid down or you can try to bully me.” I felt Relam drop me and he turned around.

“You want to fight me? Let’s dance.” The Dunmer that saved me put back his crossbow and muttered under his breath. Out of nowhere, a scamp appeared and scratched at the flesh of Relam.

Arinith kicked the thing across the bar and pulled out his polished, glass short sword. “Taste this, Fetcher,” he hissed as his blade lunged for the challenger. The mysterious Mer dodged and then pulled out a silver short sword of his own and slashed with it. It connected and a spray of blood flew across the tavern.

“S-stop, please,” Relam struggled to say as he coughed blood. “No more, I give. I won’t hurt the kid.”

Mira looked at me and shrugged. I walked over to the stranger and asked, “Who are you and why do you care about my well-being?” The Dark Elf just kept walking, as if he didn’t even care about me anymore. As he reached the door, I strafed in front of him and asked again.

“Raynil Myrth,” he responded after much goading. “And I helped you for my own reasons.” His voice was deep and scratchy, typical for a male. He put his sword in its sheathe and stood there for a moment.

“You summoned a daedroth,” I said. “How did you do it? I thought only powerful wizards could do that.”

“I’ll tell you…eventually,” the Dunmer replied as he walked out the door. When I opened it he was gone. Raynil Myrth could definitely be a powerful ally, if only I knew where to look to find him.

Well done! You had a very nicely done quiet wake up scene, then a well-rendered fight. Finally, another mystery for Nailo.

You did an Awesome job on that fight scene !!!

Chapter Two: The Witch-Hunter - Final

Myrth was gone, Relam was in a pool of his own blood, and Mira was scared out of her mind. I noticed her out of the corner of my eye she was in the fetal position, sobbing. With a few steps, I walked over to her and knelt down. “Are you okay, Mirabelle?” I asked gently. I was hoping for a yes, but I knew it wasn’t coming.

She just hugged me and whispered, “I-I-I’m so scared. What are we going to do?”

“We will have to find Myrth. I have a feeling he’s someone we need to have with us or he’ll end up with our enemies.”

Between sobs she managed to say, “Where are we going to go?”

“We’re going to Balmora. If we can warn the Hlaalu that Galos was slain by the hand of Redoran and that the declaration of war is from a Redoran, we can probably save them.” We needed to alert Hlaalu that this was of Redoran work. If we didn’t, then the Arch-Magister of House Telvanni would sweep Vvardenfell of all life, save for Telvanni.

I opened the door and there was Myrth. “Who’re you?” I asked him. “Why do you care about us? We need your help, but we need to know that we can trust you.”

“We’ll talk about it on the Silt Strider. Quickly, it’s almost midday, the last one for Balmora leaves at midday. I’ve already paid for the passage.” I motioned for Mira to get up and we traveled towards the gargantuan, insect-like creature.

The ash wasn’t beating, surprisingly. We climbed the stairs and crawled into the carapace of the beast. I firmly grabbed the hair, hoping not to have a repeat of last time. “I am Raynil Myrth, a Witch-Hunter. I have traveled across Tamriel searing the life out of vampires, ending the lives of necromancers and witches, and slaying undead in the name of the Tribunal and the Daedric Lords.”

“How does this affect us?” I questioned, right before the beast bounced high into the sky. “Why do you care about some thief and his friend?”

“I care about you, because you’re more than just a thief. I’m going to teach you a spell. Remember the pronunciation, it is called Almsivi Intervention. The words are: “Zekag Mo—Sep”. You say it together and the spell will bring you to the nearest Almsivi Temple.”

I nodded and with one final leap, we were home… Or what I thought was home. I climbed of the beast and Myrth whispered, “Use the spell.”

“Zekag No Sep?”

“Mo Sep, not No Sep. That spell has saved my life more times than I can count. Try again.”

“Zekag Mo Sep.” Suddenly, a flash of light surrounded me. I was left blinded momentarily and then I could see again. Suddenly a Dark Elf appeared, maybe a little older than I greeted me, “Hello, Traveler. Can I get you anything?”

“I am sorry to disturb you, Priest. I was practicing a spell.” Suddenly materializing beside me was Mira and Raynil. The priest greeted my companions, but Myrth was distracted and Mira was too anxious to say anything.

“We have to go,” Myrth stated. “If we don’t reach the Council House before the letter reaches the Duke, we’ll surely see a war break out that may cause much bigger problems.” The priest raised a brow, but I shook my head and sprinted up the stairs.

It was strange, but beautiful. The vases were filled with the bone-dust of heroes of Morrowind. The statue of Saint Nerevar was breath-taking. It looked so life-like. I knew it was all made of marble, but the armor looked like real bone-mold armor, the sword looked like his famous blade, Trueflame and was enchanted with an eternal, heatless flame spell.

I realized I had stood there gazing at the statue for well over a minute. Myrth grabbed me and we jogged up the stairs. We opened the door and darted for the Council House. In what felt like seconds, we arrived. Mira held the door open for me.

The Duke was standing there, with the Hlaalu Councilors. “Milord,” I blurted out, breathing hard. “Miner—Arobar—sent the a—assassin after Galos.”

“House Redoran would never try something so deceptive,” he replied agitatedly. “What are you? Are you a Telvanni Hireling? My friend is dead, we’re going into a House War, and my people will be suffering.”
“I’m trying to help you,” I explained. “I’ll admit to being a Thieves’ Guild—well former operative, but I overheard Arobar and a Morag Tong Assassin speaking.”

“Guards,” the Duke yelled. “Take this Mer and his companions to Fort Moonmoth. I’m sure they’ll enjoy a year of hard labor for being Thieves’ Guild Operatives.”

“Remember that spell, Nailo?” the Witch-Hunter asked. I knew it was time to cast it and I muttered the words. The flash of light gave me a feeling of serenity. We appeared in the Temple again, all of us.

“We’re too late,” I nervously muttered. “What are we going to do?”

“We’re leaving for Sadrith Mora.”

Mira heard those words and started whimpering. I saw the tears running down her face. “Goth—Gothren did his experiments there.”

“What did he do?

“I was born without any magical talent. I couldn’t remember spells and when I could remember the most minor ones, it left me feeling drained. My parents viewed me as a failure, both to my family and my race,” Mira explained as she whimpered. “So they sold me to Gothren. The Mer tested the ability to empower one’s magical potential. He succeeded, but I live in constant agony.”

She grabbed my short sword and pulled it across her wrist. Pale, blue blood dripped from the wound and boiled once it touched the ground. “Y-your blood is blue and it boils at this temperature?”

“Indeed it does,” Mirabelle whimpered.

“Let’s go to the Mages’ Guild to get teleported to Sadrith Mora,” Raynil advised.

I realized we were still in our Redoran clothing and as we walked out, I headed for the pawn broker. A few minutes passed as we walked towards it. A youthful Mer smiled as we walked in. “Clothes,” was the one word I said.

She pulled out a trunk of clothes. After digging in it, Mira pulled out some black, velvet robes. She also pulled out some black, velvet slippers and gloves. The Pawnbroker’s eyes just I was going to dig in, but Myrth pulled me back by the back of my shirt. “Do you have any leather armor?”

Her eyes lit up, “I have come into ownership of a suit of Septim-Grade Leather Armor. Made from the leather of a de-scaled Daedroth, then beneath is an extremely thin layer of troll leather for the regenerative property, and beneath that is velvet. Although, I doubt you could afford it.”

“How much would it cost for her clothes and this suit of armor?”

“For all of it, the cost would be—about twenty-one thousand drakes.”

Raynil muttered under his breath and the broker started to slouch. “How about ten-thousand?”

“This is Septim-Grade Leather Armor! I won’t settle for less than twenty-thousand.” Grumbling, Myrth pulled out a bag of jewels with a diamond the size of my fist in it.

“Do we have a deal?”

“Oh yes!” Mira undressed, save for her loin-cloth and donned the robes and pulled up the hood. She put the slippers on and the gloves. I put on the Septim-Grade Leather Armor and it felt extremely comfortable. Like a second skin. Raynil motioned for us to leave, quickly.

“How did you get all that?” I probed in awe.

“It’s called illusion. That’s actually a bag of rocks with one the size of your fist. By the time she realizes that, we’ll be long gone. The illusion will wear off after a few hours.” That was brilliant. He turned a bag of rocks into a bag of precious jewels.

“I’ve only ever seen rocks get their color changed, not their weight, texture, and entire shape. That’s amazing,” I blurted out.

“You learn some tricks when you’ve adventured with people who’ve forgotten more about magic than Telvanni Wizard-Lords will ever learn.”

We reached the Mages’ Guild and walked in. The Mages watched us as if we were Telvanni. When we reached the portal room, the Breton simply smiled and asked where we wanted passage. I said calmly, “Sadrith Mora.”

A flash of light appeared and suddenly, we were in the center of Sadrith Mora. Mushroom Towers sprouted to the East, the West, the North, and the South. Thieves, assassins, thugs, they all found refuge here. The Wizard-Lords cared little as long as they weren’t disturbed. This was a hive of villainy; hopefully Raynil had a plan…

http://s1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/...ent=example.jpg

You can see the leather armor that Nailo got there, but you have to imagine the gloves and boots.

Oooh, Zalphon! Did you draw that yourself? Great chapter !!

Alas, I didn't draw it myself. I found it on the internet, but it fits the idea.

I liked the ability to teleport to selected locations that you gave them. Very handy.

And -
“It’s called illusion. That’s actually a bag of rocks with one the size of your fist. By the time she realizes that, we’ll be long gone. The illusion will wear off after a few hours.” That was brilliant. He turned a bag of rocks into a bag of precious jewels.'
How neat was that?!?

And a new set of great armor!

Best set of leather armor money can buy. It is Septim-Grade (as in made for the Emperor or the Royal Family). Simply put, I expect one VERY angry pawnbroker...

Also, that spell (Almsivi Intervention) is a real spell in Morrowind and has saved my life more times than I can count (and in situations just like that!)