The Tale of Sethyas Velas

Chapter one; ...to the east, to Morrowind

In Cyrodiil I had made my living growing up on the streets, looking out for my younger sister, Setsuna Velas. We were outcasts, orphans. Two Dunmer youths that had nothing since birth and we stole bread when times were tough, often ending up in the Imperial City Prison.

When times were good we could sell ourselves as guides, or perform odd jobs for merchants around the city. Perhaps it was only the fact that the good times allowed for better living conditions for my sister that prevented me from falling too deep into my secret art.

I had never told my sister the horrible things I had done. You see, I've always had a knack for the Bow and Short Blades, the practice for these weapons I had while hunting out in the Forests for deer, so that we could have a decent meal.

But on more than one occasion I had come across a traveling Merchant with wares and gold that foolishly had no escort or bodyguards. I felt remorse for firing an arrow into their backs or slitting their throats as I snuck up from behind, but I felt worse for my Sister, going hungry sitting around some campfire in the cold wilderness, or begging for a coin on the streets.

I would never tell her where I got the gold, and she would never ask. I couldn’t tell her that I was an Assassin, even if it was what I was good at.

And perhaps your wondering was a cutthroat dredge like me ever contacted by the Dark Brotherhood? Yes, not just once, but on several occasions.

It would always happen the same way; we would be asleep in some Tavern along one of the roads that ribbon through Cyrodiil, or making camp for the night. And I would sense a figure approaching, making certain the Setsuna was asleep I would walk a distance away and a dark shadow would come out of nowhere.

I grew used too what they would say, so I would whisper out: "Dark Brother! I will not accept your offer! Assassin I may be! But I love my Sister, and I would die before I break her heart! I beg you now, leave me in peace!"

There would be a moment of cold stillness in the air before I could just make out a Dark-Robed figure becoming translucent and vanishing into the Midnight Air. What I said was true, I couldn’t bring myself to break her heart, although the career would certainly bring more money, but the worst she had ever seen me do was steal food, and I felt that it was my duty too protect what little innocence she had left.


But it was during one of these encounters, that I grew unlucky, and was torn from Setsuna. In a trail not far from Cheydinhal I spied an Orcish Female bound in Leather Armor and saddlebags filled too the brim with Wolf Pelts on her horse. Realizing she was a Hunter and likely on the way back to the City too sell the pelts off I decided to take her horse and loot for myself.

Drawing out my bow I notched an arrow and aimed for her head, the arrow struck true and her horse whinnied as she fell off, her body hitting the road with a sickening thump.

As I ran towards the kill to claim my spoils, I was ambushed by an Imperial Legion Forester; he came riding like a winged twilight out of Oblivion on his Bay Horse, sword drawn, and yelling to the high heavens.

"Stop right there, foul murderer! Surrender to me now, or I will give you the death you foul banditry deserves!'

I considered running, I often had. But he would have had me before I got too far. On top of the fact that further down the trail I could see torches silhouetting the unmistakable profile of more Imperial Legion horseman, who apparently had heard the yelling and screaming.

Resigning myself too a long stint in Prison, I knew that I could still get word to Setsuna as too what had happened. No. I would tell her a fabricated story, say that the Legion was just pinning this on me, or that it was an accident, but I would never tell her that I ever resorted to murder.

My Evening sleeping on the straw bedroll was not a pleasant one. Inside the dank, dark cell I tossed and turned with horrible images plaguing my mind. But I soon heard a strange noise from my cell door that made me stand up with a start.

There were three figures at the door and one was a Dark Hooded figure with two Imperial Guardsmen behind him. For a moment I thought the Dark Brotherhood had come for me again, but I realized his robes were a dark brown.

One of the Guardsmen pulled out his keys and opened the door, the three men passed through as the door creaked open. The Guards unsheathed their blades as the robed figure approached me.

"Don't make any sudden movement’s prisoner! We won't hesitate to kill you!" said the Guards.

The robed figure removed his hood, and I saw his face clearly. He was an elder Imperial man clean shaven with a tonsure style haircut. And he came in close to my face and studied me for a moment before finally speaking.


"So....you are the Dark Elf called 'Sethyas Velas'. This facial tattoo of yours, do you know what it means?" he asked matter-of-factly.

He was referring too the tattoo that covered most of my face, it was mostly in the shape of a Hand and was colored black. I never knew my parents but I knew that they had given it too me upon my birth, along with my name before we were left in a Chapel orphanage.

"No....I always had assumed it was a Tribal or Family markings, sir." I said groggily.

The man looked me over once more. "And you do not know your parents either?"

"That is true." I replied not knowing what to make of this situation.

He nodded to himself and walked away without giving me anymore explanation.

For two more days I would wonder what it was all about, than just as suddenly without explanation the same man came with some more guards and stood at the open door.

"Sethyas Velas, come with us, you are being transferred." he said

Not being one to argue under the circumstances I left with them under the cover of night to a Carriage bearing the Imperial Symbols. The Door had a large lock on it, with iron bars on the window, clearly a prisoner transport.

As the guards prepared to open the door, I looked at the Robed Man and finally asked.

"Where are they taking me? Surely my offense wasn’t this grand!"

He looked me over for a second and replied.

"No it wasn’t. This has nothing to do with it. But I've already said too much, Go and may the Nine be with you."

The carriage ride lasted for days, I spent my days and nights with the constant bumping of the wheels against the dirt road, and the water and food the Guards gave me was minimal. I began to grow ill, and as we arrived somewhere I did not recognize except that it was a port and I saw as many Imperials as I did Dunmer.

At the port I was carried on board a Ship, it was normal except that it had been commandeered by the Imperial Navy, and I was taken on board with another Dunmer. Fever breaking out I struggled to introduce myself but I instead collapsed. The last thing I remember was the rasp voice of a Dunmer, much like my own voice saying 'Lay Down young one....there ‘s one helluva journey ahead of us."


Then I entered the dream. It was dark and filled with Images of Towns and Wilderness the likes of which I had never seen...and then the voice.

They have taken you from the Imperial City's Prison. First by Carriage, and now by boat. To the east ...to Morrowind. Fear Not, for I am watchful. You...have been chosen....

Then I saw many Daedric writings superimposed upon the Images none of which made any sense, but than they slowed down, and I could see them finally ...Many Fall, but one remains....

Wake up....are you all right? You're shaking....Wake up....

I came too. It was dark.

"Stand up...there you go....you were dreaming....What’s your name?"

"S-Sethyas. Sethyas Velas" I muttered

"Well not even last nights storm could wake you. I heard them say we've reached Morrowind, I'm sure they'll let us go." said the Dunmer.

"Jiub" he said placing his hand on his shirtless chest, offering a slight smile.

He opened his mouth to say more, but looked behind at the footsteps audibly making there way towards us.

"Quiet, here comes the Guard!" he whispered.

The Imperial man came towards us and he looked at me sternly demanding that I follow him. He lead to the top deck, and I was stunned by the images, a truly beautiful landscape, and to my right I could see a Giant Insect of some sort, it nearly filled me with terror, But I was out of it enough to continue on.

Walking down to the dock planks I was greeted by another guard, this one was amiable enough; perhaps he was far enough from home to not give a damn about another prisoner in his wake.

"Ah you're the one from Vvardenfell, follow me up to the Census Office, and he'll finish your release."

I was dumbfounded. I was being released? Why the hell did the Guards bring me hundreds of miles from home to do this? Was this a sick joke of some kind? A new way of dealing with Murderers and Bandits?

I was becoming angry, and the anger ate its way through the fog in my mind. Determined to see what was going on, if I was a free man, then I could make my way back home.

Walking my way into the Office I was greeted by a Robed Elder Breton. He introduced himself as Socucius Ergalla.

"Ah yes, we've been expecting you, you’ll have to be recorded before your officially released...” he said in a High-Pitched annoying voice. The man reeked of Bureaucrat, and was very good at pretending that he cared what was going on around him.

"Now....what is your Trade, Dunmer?" He asked licking the tip of a quill pen, then applying a bit of Ink to it and looking up at me expectantly.

I thought back to my days in the Orphanage. They had taught us how to read and write by copying manuscripts and various religious Documents. That was hardly a trade. Than I thought to my banditry, and realizing that these men were hardly unaware of my offense, I looked at the callouses and scars on my hand that resulted from years of firing a Bow, and handling a Dagger.

"I'm an Assassin, Breton. I kill people; it's what I'm good at...even If I don’t like it. Put that down as my Trade."

Surprisingly, the Breton wasn’t surprised at all. "Ah yes, many native Dunmer are Assassins, your kind seem to have a knack for that trade."

Looking at him strangely, he replied: "Assassins are sort of legal here in Morrowind. Ask about the Morag Tong when you have the chance......"he said motioning to the door, clearly indicating not to ask him.

"Now the letter that preceded you mentioned that you were born under a certain sign, and what would that be?"

I realized that I would get him with this one....few others, myself included really believed it.

"I was born under the sign of the Atronach." I stated matter-of-factly.

He did look up at me this time with a puzzled look. Those born under the sign of the Atronach were usually mages, and good ones at that. Both blessed and cursed Atronach birth signs were blessed with increased magicka and could even absorb the energy of magic cast against them. But they could not regenerate their own magicka, and would need to rely on Restore Magicka potions instead.

"Interesting....Now then, you've been properly processed. Take this to Sellus Gravius in the next building and he'll give your exit fee." He said blowing on the parchment to dry the Ink.

As he handed me it I went past a Guard named Gancielle Doaur to the next room. In the room I saw a iron dagger point-first in a table, thinking to myself that they would never notice it gone I pulled it out an hid it underneath my shirt in my waistband, not knowing what it would take to get home. If I had too slit a few throats to be back with my sister, so be it. She was the only one I cared about, and the only other being whom had ever showed me compassion and love.

Noticing a pick on the table as well, I took that and realized that I might be in a bit more luck than I had previously thought. I noticed a small chest on a shelf behind me and decided to give it a try. I had certainly made use of picks before and this chest yielded its small treasure to me easily. Rewarded for my philandering was Thirty-One Drakes, to me a large amount of money. Thinking to myself, this would pay at least for my trip back to the mainland.

Looking at the table with its Silverware finery, I smiled as I grabbed a bag and loaded it into the sack. This would pay for my trip back to the Imperial City.

Making my way into the next building, I noticed a small ring that glowed slightly of enchantment in a barrel and decided to add that to my coffers. Luckily for me it held healing magic, this situation was getting better and better.

"Your papers please." Was the greeting I received from Sellus Gravius seated at his table. He seemed oblivious to my sack as I walked into his Office. Perhaps he thought they were personal effects, it didn’t matter to me as long as I could sell them off for money.

I handed him the parchment and without looking at me he read the information it contained, whilst speaking to me.

"My name is Sellus Gravius, my background is not important, but it is my duty to occasionally welcome visitors to the Vvardenfell District of Morrowind."

He paused for a Moment and then looked up at me.

"Your release was authorized by Emperor Uriel Septim Himself. I do not know why he has sent you here. But I received word of this by courier only yesterday."

He shrugged as he continued "But that's the way the Empire works, Secrecy, let not the right hand know what the left one is doing. Anyways. I have some duties for you." He pulled out two folded stacks of paper and a small sack that jingled as it hit the table.

"You are to go to the town of Balmora, and find Caius Cosades, ask for him at the South Wall Corner club. You will deliver the paper with the Imperial Seal on it. Do not view the contents, do not break the seal. The other paper has your instructions written down in greater detail. You are of course being compensated fro your work as courier. He said motioning to the bag of money, with his same indifferent expression.

"Any questions?" he said.

"Where is Bal--Mora?" I asked genuinely confused.

"North of here, speak with Elone at the Trade house, she's a scout and could give you far more detailed instruction than I." he said motioning to the door.

As I exited he said reminding me, "You’re a free Mer now, Good Luck, Don't screw this up."

And there I was.

Free.

For whatever reason I was in this backwater land pardoned from my sins and separated from the only one I loved.

And with that a Bosmer approached me, identifying himself as Fargoth.

"Hey there! Haven’t seen you're Dark Elf face before. you're then one they dropped off aren’t you? Odd too see a boat that time of day, I hope the Guard treated you well. I swear they took my Ring!" he said in an annoying Bosmer voice.

I thought to myself of the ring and wondered what I should do. But I remembered my Couriers fee had made my journey's expense a great deal easier. And even I knew what the value of bribing a little goodwill could do, especially being a stranger in a strange land.


"THIS ring?" I asked, brandishing it between my finger and thumb.

"Yes!" He said snatching it out of my hand. "Yes! This IS my ring! Thank you,..um.."

"Sethyas Velas"

"Thanks Seth! You don't mind if I call you Seth do you? Of course you don't! Seth, you don’t know what this means to me! I can’t pay you...which means, I know! Come with me!" the excited Wood Elf grabbed by the wrist and led me to the Trade house, which I was heading for anyways.


Busting in through the door, the Bosmer excitedly told what happened to Arille, the High Elf Proprietor. Arille was genuinely moved by my honesty it would seem and immediately took a liking to me.


"Well, I did need some gold to be honest..." I told him.

"Oh no! I do NOT lend money! What you did was not that great!" Arille exclaimed defensively.

I shook my head almost laughing.

"No, I want to sell these off, I meant." Opening my sack.

Arille seemed to know that the silverware was stolen but smiled and looked at me instead, than he whispered to me.

"I'm no fan of the guards here, they're the real thieves. Always shaking down poor Fargoth, looking the other way with Bandits...."

He appraised the Silverware and after much thought he gave me an offer.

"I'll pay Sixty Gold pieces for the lot."

"One hundred twenty, and I sleep for a week here."

"Seventy Five....and I'll give you a room for the night."

"Done."

Before I parted to retire for the evening, I approached Elone for directions. Not that I planned to go. But I needed more gold for my return home. Perhaps I could do a few more courier trips before I left.

At the mention of Caius' Name, she showed a genuine interest and went over directions on how to reach Balmora even writing the direction for me. Ending with a wink and a comment spoken under her breath that I thought went along the lines of. "Somehow I think you and I will meet again."

As I slept I remembered the dream I had the previous night.

"Fear Not. For I am watchful, You have been chosen."

What was it all about? Why did I remember this dream as though it had taken place in everyday waking life?

The answers would wait until tomorrow.

Inundated with the new information I had gotten from Elone, I packed up my belongings in the morning and decided to take the trail too Balmora. While the Silt Strider would have been faster, and perhaps safer, I needed to save as much money as was possible.

While hiking along the trail, I heard a screaming followed by a thump that landed not two feet from me, had I taken a few more steps the robed figure would have landed on me.

Looking to see if he was okay first, I realized that he was dead, further inspection into his belongings yielded a decent longsword, enchanted with shock magicka. This weapon made itself to my hilt.

As I continued to inspect the corpse I realized what had happened, in his journal the Bosmer apparently called Tarhiel had attempted to change travel by inventing a Scroll called "Icarian Flight" only the poor fool didn’t seem too realize that it wasn’t the fall that killed you, it was the landing.

Realizing that I had little time too waste, I counted on the guards in Seyda Neen too come across the body and give it a decent burial. I didn’t mean to act so coldly, but I had bigger problems of my own.

Arriving in Balmora many hours later as the sun began to touch down on the horizon, I began to ask around for the location of the South Wall Corner club. Most of the Dunmer locals were especially cold to me, perhaps because of my poor clothes, and outlandish accent.

But finally a Hlaalu Guardsman, looking quite intimidating in his Bonemold Armor figured it was enough of his duty to point me in the right direction.

I soon learned why the Dunmer weren’t very happy to give me directions. I walked into the dimly lit Club first greeted by the suspicious stares of a Nord Woman. As I walked down past a Wood Elf and a Khajiit, I soon came to realize that there wasn’t a single Dunmer in the place. This put me into a Catch 22 Situation I was a foreigner here, but these fellow foreigners still saw me as a Dunmer. Trust was going too have too be purchased.

Sitting down at the bar, I put a few Septims down and ordered a drink. The Breton introduced himself as Phane Rielle, and proceeded to pour me a Mazte.

"I'm looking for a gentleman by the name of Caius Cosades, perhaps you've heard of him?" I said taking a sip from the Tankard.

Phane looked me up and down for a few seconds, than motioned for me to stay where I was while he walked away. He came back a few minutes later with an Imperial Man who was more open than most.

"You’re looking for Caius? May I ask what your business with him is?"

"I'm afraid that's private, I was just told too look for him here. That’s all I know."

"Well, unless you can give me a better reason, you won't find him. Especially when I don’t know who it is that told you."

Pulling out the sealed package I was to deliver. I pointed to the Imperial Seal on the wax holding it closed.

"This is why I am here. And my Employers would be very unhappy if he didn’t get it. Get it?" I snapped at him tired of playing word games.

The man backed down and told me too come upstairs with him.

"Bacola Closious." he said extending a hand.

I took his hand cautiously, wondering what he was up to now.

"Call me Seth. Now where can I--"

"--find Caius." Bacola cut me off. "Leave the Club out the way you came, hang a left up the stairs, and straight down till you see the furthest door facing you...”

"Why you being so open now?" I asked

"Boy! You have NO idea where you are, do you?"

"Yes the Sou--"

"Save it" he said cutting me off again "Son, if you don't know, you don't want to know. Just don’t come in here again acting like you’re an Imperial Legionnaire preparing to raid us....you wont like the results."

"That a threat?" my tongue reacted faster than my mind.

"That's a promise. Now leave." He said turning his back to me and opening a leather pouch and pulling out what looked like rolled hackle-lo leaf, lighting the tip on a candle on a table.

As I walked out, I felt a clawed hand grab hold of my arm. Turning around I saw a grinning Khajiit clad in Chitin light armor.

"This one is Habasi; this one knows you are not Imperial Legion. This one sees things, sees how graceful others move..."

"Um, I'm really not into housecats if you’re saying what I think you are." I rasped out.

Her ears went back and she hissed slightly. "You are stupid, little, lost boy! This one was not making a pass; this one was making a proposition. This place is Thieves Guild!"

Suddenly the last ten minutes became crystal clear.

"If your thieves guild, why are you telling me?" I asked already knowing the answer.

"We could use a new Wet Ear. Jink and Slink. Besides, you are lost, you look lost. You need friends. We need friends. We need Dark Elf who is not native, but who can pretend to be when it suits us. Besides you know Caius. Caius is also--"

"I've never even met him, I'm a courier. I'm just here to make a delivery then I'm going back home to Cyrodiil."

"Fine then. Go to Caius and go home....tell no one of what you saw or heard here."

"Relax, I don’t care....I come from poverty myself, I have no love for Guards, the Rich or the Empire."

I walked away with her eying me suspiciously. Following Bacola's directions I knocked on the door of what looked like a little bed-and breakfast. A few minutes later, what appeared to be a pathetic old man, opened the door slowly, just a crack. With one hand behind his back.

"Yeah? What do you want?" he said very hostilely.

"Caius Cosades?"

"Never heard of him."

Pulling out the Package I said to him. "Fine. My mistake this is for him though, if you know where he is.'

There was a pause, and then the door opened, as I got a better look at him. I realized that he wasn’t as pathetic looking as he seemed. He looked both ways before motioning for me too come in.

"So do you know where he is?" I asked

"Yeah. Standing right in front of ya. Now are you going to let me see that Package or not?"

I handed it too him and then tried to imply that a tip was in order. It was the only reason I hadn’t walked out immediately. Looking back, I wished I would have.

Walking back and forth he kept silently reading until within a minute or two he looked up at me differently than he had before.

"I'm sorry. I didn’t realize that maybe you were tired after such a long journey. Have a seat, have drink. Hmm. You like Skooma?"

"No"

"Neither do I! Never touch the stuff! Here have a hackle-lo." he said handing me the same rolled stuffed leaf that I saw Bacola Closius smoke.

You only live once I thought to myself, lighting the hackle-lo.

Inhaling the leaf I realized that it wasn’t a drug per se. The restorative properties of the leaf only seemed to restore any fatigue I had lost. Though it did have a slight numbing effect, almost like paralysis.

Caius continued pacing back and forth, scratching his chin and mumbling out some cryptic statements under his breath. His eyes became intense as he fully finished reading the contents of the package.

"So, you're Sethyas Velas?" He finally let out.

"Yes....though I don’t re--"

"--call you giving me your name, I know. You're name is in the letter, would it surprise you too learn that the letter is all about you in fact?"

'Yes and No. Personally, I think this is all just some sick joke for my crimes."

"I don’t know about any crimes you may or may not have committed Sethyas. What I do know, is that this letter has given me specific instruction to make you a member of the Blades with the rank of Novice."

"Blades?"

"The Imperial Intelligence Service of course. Im the Imperial Spymaster of Morrowind, we serve as the Emperors Eyes and Ears in the Provinces. And the Emperor himself has ordered that you join us here in Vvardenfell."

More shocked than anything, I wasn’t sure if this was good news, or if I was in the worst trouble of my life.

How on Nirn was I going to go from an ex-prisoner, an Assassin no less? Too joining an elite unit of spies? The situation seemed grim for me, I had no idea just how deep I was in. Plus, Setsuna...I had to get back too her.

I explained my situation too Caius, who was all too willing too listen to his latest Agents background, for twenty minutes I told him of my sister, of my trade and my incarceration and subsequent release. Then after a few seconds of thinking to himself he gave me his thoughts.

"Two things, Dunmer. The first is you know my secret, if you leave now I have no choice but to kill you. Nothing personal, but it's my job. Second, and more importantly is, you don't realize the chance you’re being given here. The Emperor has set you free. In the Blades you have a chance to hone your skills, have a career, and make yourself some gold. Even if you killed me, and returned too Setsuna, what are you going back too? A life on the streets? Begging for gold, stealing your next meal? Constantly being hounded by the guards?"

His words struck a chord in me that rang true. Is that what I wanted for her?

Caius pulled out a key of his houseplant and unlocked his chest, pulling out a bag of gold, he handed it to me.

"First thing Pilgrim. You're new, and you look it. Here are two hundred drakes. Get yourself some decent armor, or a new weapon, or buy yourself some training. Just come back too me a little bit less wet-behind-the-ears. You're an Assassin right? Well, you'll be more of an Agent working for me. If you already understand the principles of Stealth it should be easier for you too progress in what I will eventually have you do."

He sat on his bed and lit up a Hackle-lo leaf.

"I want you too set yourself up with a cover story. I don't care what. Just as long as you aren’t rotting in a fort prison somewhere that I can't find you. You're an Assassin you say? Look into the Morag Tong...last I heard they were looking for some replacements, something went wrong with their last assignment...some Telvanni Battlemage in Vivec had a field day apparently. Piles of ash everywhere."

I recalled that the Bureaucrat, Socucius Ergalla had mentioned Assassin being a semi-legal trade in Morrowind. And the Morag tong.

"What is the Morag Tong?" I asked passively.

"Well "Morag Tong' means something like 'foresters guild' but they are an ancient Dunmer society steeped in tradition and are controlled by a rigid code of conduct. They are nothing like the Dark Brotherhood, so don't go thinking that. They mostly go for native Dunmer, but I know and respect a few westerners who are members. Beyond that, you're on your own. I got no idea about how to join them."

"So that’s it? You trust me to come back? No threats or strings?" I asked unbelievingly.

"No threats. But you're now in the Blades. A Novice, MY Novice. Never forget that. Ill act as your Patron for a while. Come by for breakfast once a week to let me know how you're doing. And, OH...how silly of me to almost forget."

And with that he gave me a quick list of the Blades Trainers; noticeably Elone in Seyda Neen was one of them. Thing were starting to become a tad bit clearer.

It turned out that the Morag Tong had a guild house in Balmora. The large city was actually the District Seat of House Hlaalu, a clan of Merchant Princes. Nobles and rich folk, loyal supporters of the Empire it turned out.

The very type of people I despised.

Being poor gives you a different perception of those who are supposed to be above you, I make no claim to goodness, I am a cold-blooded murderer and a thief, but everything I did had was either survival or to ensure that Setsuna did not suffer.

Walking the streets of Balmora that evening I cried. I remembered her face when I used to make her laugh, and her tears when she was so hungry....

I had to help her out. Deciding to use what little money I had on me, I made my way to Meldor's Armory and decided to suit up. And the little money I had got me an equal amount of very little. Despite the fact that he was a Bosmer, a race I find particularly annoying, yes, I’m prejudiced, I am a Dark Elf after all.

Looking through his wares I decided I would stick with what I knew best, light armor, and the Netch Leather Armor he sold seemed cheap enough. Outfitted with a cuirass, pauldrons, gauntlets and boots, I was at least closer to face what challenges would lay before me. Checking out his weapons did yield some better choices, especially a bow that would later become my trademark.


"That is perhaps the most beautiful bow I've laid eyes on, Meldor. What style is that?" I said pointing at his bow on display.

He looked behind him and then turned his gaze to me smiling proudly.

"Bonemold." he said simply



"Bonemold Long Bows are simply the best quality bows you'll find in Vvardenfell friend stronger then even Steel Bows. If you're interested, though its worth, oh three hundred, I'll let it go at two hundred, just because I know you'll be back for more of my quality merchandise!" he said with a slimy tone in his voice. Did I mention I didn’t really like the Bosmeri very much?

Realizing that my coffers were slowly dwindling, I had to think fast.

"Listen. I simply can’t afford that, but if you're willing...here's my offer. Give me the bow for one hundred, and I will offer you a very lucrative discount on any loot I bring in, I'll see to it that you more than earn back any loss you take with a decent profit."

Meldor seemed almost insulted by my offer, but than stopped to think. I believe he realized that he'd much rather I risked my neck than himself on picking off a few bandits.

"All right Dunmer. You have a deal. But first you must swear an oath to Zenithar that you will fulfill your end of our bargain. But do not take this oath lightly, once you are marked by Zenithar, no merchant will trade with you, not even a silt strider transport. Do you swear?"

Knowing his words to be true I took the oath and the bow. And in a show that not all Bosmer are so bad he gave me a quiver of arrows to sweeten the deal.

I was set and tried to figure out my next move, and decided that a quick raid would be essential. But, where?

Truth be told, any Publican can tell you what the local rumors are, and usually the lower rent the Inn, the lower the people they deal with. Being street trash gave you a certain wisdom that the rich could never possess.

I decided the "Lucky Lockup" would be my best bet, and indeed Benunius Argudilius did have a few bandit caves I could hit; he also suggested that an Outlander like me might pick up some nice bits raiding Ancestral Tombs. But mostly he suggested that the Bitter Coast was known as the 'Smugglers Coast' in certain circles and that would be the best place to start.

I also met an unexpected friend who would change my life in another way at the Lucky Lockup. A middle-aged Redguard named Hickim dressed in Leather Armor muck like mine approached me in a quiet voice. He inquired about my inquiry into bandit caves.

"Well. I'm recently moved to Vvardenfell. Came from the Imperial City, I'm thinking about going back....but I guess I'm seeking my fortune you might say." I said knowing that a lot of what I said was double-entendred.

"Well tell you what you go and get some practice with that bow, boy. And if you can keep your nose clean, I might have some information that you find useful." he said. I would later find out that he was a recruiter of sorts for the Morag Tong.

My first try as a freelance adventurer was a learning experience to say the least. Having lived in the wilderness of Cyrodiil myself, it seemed I could instinctually find a bandit cave. I had trekked from Balmora for an hour or so to the bitter coast. The familiar scents of salty brine mixing with rotting vegetation that I had first encountered with my arrival in Seyda Neen now assaulted my nostrils once more.

As was common in this region apparently it started raining, the drops creating a constant drumming rhythm on the flora and trees, and the netch leather that now armored my body was natural water repellant, though it didn't stop my hair from becoming soaked.

Despite the harshness of environment, I felt invigorated. Running through the swamps I got a few practice shots on the local wildlife. I am by no means unskilled with my bow, but the last few days had been rather rough.

And within an inland swamp I had indeed found what I was looking for. An aged and weathered door crudely built into a rock cave entrance represented the opportunity of money and a decent bed for the evening.

Creaking in through the door, I was greeted by the dim lighting of torches and a screaming Nord guard charging me with a large war hammer. Though I reacted by pulling out my dagger, realizing this would be a close-quarters fight I was met with stunning blow to my midsection that knocked the wind out of me.

Falling to my knees, the Nord lifted the blunt mauler high above his head to deliver a deathblow by crushing my skull. Fortunately heavier weapons take longer to swing, which gave me the window that short blade fighters excel in, stabbing the iron dagger into his foot, the bandit roared in pain and the hammer fell out of his hands, and the iron making a clanging noise as it hit the stone floor. Adrenaline rushing through my system, I rushed the Nord grabbing his thighs and pulling back forcing his weight backwards. His skull made a slight crack as it made contact with the ground, and perhaps it was my anxiety, or lack of experience, but I began too simply punch him in the face over and over, eventually I came to my senses, and realized I was breathing rapidly, and the Nords bloody and bruised face was explanation enough as to why my hand was aching.

Pulling my dagger from his foot, I put the edge of the blade to his throat and made sure the job was finished. I didn’t need a mistake to come bite me in the spotted owl on my way out of the cave. If I made it out, first thing was first and I needed to heal somehow, and I wasn’t sure if my little encounter wouldn’t attract more of my friendly hosts.

Checking the Nords pockets I was in luck finding a restore health potion, which was put to immediate use in healing the ribs that I realized he had broken with his welcoming blow. Also finding a small purse with a few gold coins and a few picks and probes I pocketed the items and moved on to the rest of the cave. Able to maintain my stealth I stayed to the shadow and walls and listened carefully to any signs of resistance. A few twangs of my bow string had managed to clear out the remaining bandits, all with similar belongings to the Nord.

And going through the crates and barrels had brought about mediocre loot. Some clothing, a few weapons. Until I hit the jackpot, for the first time since I had come to this remote Island I smiled. Finding a little jewelry box near a hammock, I pried at the tumblers for a few minutes before I finally tripped its lock.

And yielding its treasure to me I was greeted with the shine of several precious gems. This would be more than adequate to repay my debt to Meldor and get me some decent lodgings. But I realized it was time too start thinking a little more long-term. I would have to look into getting myself a place.

The long haul back to Balmora was uneventful and ended with me entering Meldor's Shop. Apparently catching him as he was about to close the Bosmer gave me a dirty look as he turned around to look at me. Then as he recognized me his face became indifferent instead, until I tossed him a diamond, which he easily caught.

"This should even us out I think." I said to him.

"Oh my, Yes! Good work, Sera Velas. This will more than repay your debts. I thank you for your honesty." he exclaimed looking at the jewel with greedy eyes.

I finished my business with him and sold off the various weapons I had collected upgrading from my rusty dagger to a steel wakizashi, and increasing the weight of my quiver and gold purse.

Moving on to the next phase of my settling in I needed a place. Using my street smarts I headed back to the Lucky Lockup to see if Benunius knew of any places in the area.

And again to my luck. The Publican told me that he had heard of a recent death in Vivec and their might be an apartment in Vivec's St. Delyn Canton. Not close by any means but certainly affordable.

Taking the silt strider and a gondolier I arrived at Vivec’s High Fane and was greeted by a priest who looked disdainfully on my outlandish appearance.

"Greetings my child, do you seek to join the temple?" he asked me obsequiously.

"Join the-- um, no I'm here to see about a possible vacancy in the Saint Delyn Canton. I was told the temple rents the rooms."

"The choice is of course, yours to make, Child." he sighed, grabbing a large set of keys he bade me to follow him, and we walked together to the St Delyn Canton. Walking by us with gold-laminated armor with a large crest on their helm, sneering and making snide comments that tempted me to test the durability of their armor.

"Who are these people?" I asked

"Ordinators. Militant Scholars and Disciples of the Temple. They serve as Guards here in our Lord Vivec's Holy City." the priest impatiently replied.

"Lord Vivec? I thought the city was named Vivec?"

Nodding his head side too side the priest explained too me about Almsivi. Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil, and the Tribunal Temple that served them. He lavished praise on them, as he told stories of their ascension to Godhood from basic mortals, and sharply criticized me for being a Dunmer and not acknowledging my 'birthrights'.

He opened the door and showed me Saint Delyn North Two, and told me that rent was 25 drakes per month with two months deposit, and asked me if I wanted it.

Handing him an emerald, he looked disbelievingly at me and shook his head.

"Gold, outlander. Not gems. I'm sorry"

Counting out seventy five drakes I handed the money too him, and he crankily thanked me and handed me the key and said that he would drop by with the necessary paperwork in the morning.

Shedding my armor, I collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The swirling grey mists of my dreams lent me little true rest, and I awoke into the unfamiliar surroundings of my new abode with a start. Rubbing my eyes, I took my clothing off a nearby bench and donned my armor and inspected my bow before heading out into the strange new city.

As usual the xenophobia of the Ordinators told me that I was a stranger in a strange land. But I decided to speak with one to hopefully at least get a better idea of the happenings on the city. Not surprisingly, I was greeted with a hostile "Go on about your business, but I am watching you, scum." To which I replied with a hostile stare and sarcastically asked about directions and the various cantons. Some topics I brought up he wouldn’t answer others he relented something about. Finally I pulled out a hackle-lo leaf, and lit it on one of the torches that lit the walkways of the canal, and offered him one. Looking around he removed his helm and lit one up too. The sweat dripping from his brow made me chuckle inside, realizing that the heat must be what made him so cranky.

Letting the restorative revive him the Ordinator's attitude pulled a One-Eighty, and he finally began speaking too me as a fellow Mer. Speaking to me of the basic going's on of his job, and the city until he finally broached a subject that did interest me.

"..And that's why we haven’t been able to touch Councilor Curio. Speaking of murders, have you heard? Seven murders in Vivec recently? Five of them were outlanders just like you! And two were my Ordinator Brethren!" He rasped out, the smoke from his leaf trailing up his face. He than squinted looking at me, sizing me up, and took a long drag before advising me.

"Listen, no one wants to admit it, but we need outside help. The Ordinators throats were slit before they could unhinge their weapons. No one wants to think it’s a Vampire. And given the fact there was no bite marks or blood drained from the bodies, it probably wasn’t. Listen; speak with Elam Andas at the order of the watch in the high fane. You have the look of an Adventurer about you. And to be honest, we'd rather an outlander died trying to find her then another Ordinator.”

I wasn’t sure whether to thank him or to slug him, but I let a cooler head prevail and thanked him for the tip. Walking the distance wasn’t as bad as I was beginning to prefer walking to the gondoliers. And I walked into the High Fane asking occasional directions before finally walking in the door and was greeted by Elam, himself.

He was quiet and reserved and spoke politely which contrasted to the image of his Indoril Armor greatly. But he did manage to subtly broach the subject of some 'work', to which I openly professed interest in. In spite of the grunting of a Dunmer whom Elam identified as Tarer Braryn, whom kept on reaching under his cuirass to scratch himself, I accepted the unofficial contract and listened to the witness reports, which last placed a Dunmer Woman in Netch Armor and a dagger in the Hlaalu Compound.

On my way out I was called back with a brash 'Outlander.' Turning around I looked at Elam whom pointed at Tarer.

"Elam won't let me off my shift early. Since you may be doing some wandering for a while, would you mind dropping off a Book for me? I can certainly pay you."

I thought that this was awfully strange, considering it was just a book, but as he continued to scratch himself Tarer explained that he had gotten pissed last night and may have said some things to the Arch mage Trebonius Artorius that resulted in a horrible rash. The book was actually an apology of sorts. I couldn't help but let out a slight stifle of laughter when I thought about the situation. Tarer obviously didn’t like being the butt of a joke but instead only pleaded further and scratched more intensely.

I accepted his offer but still took great care in handling the book so as not too catch his rash. Opting to put it in my leather satchel carefully wrapped in paper.

It would seem that fate was kind with Tarer's errand. As I delivered his book as apologies to the balding Arch mage whom was quite taken by the gesture, even giving me an expensive potion of levitation, I overheard a couple of the mages speaking about the murders that I was investigating.

Asking them about the description of the Dunmer Maiden I sought, they had over heard one of sewer workers recalling someone fitting the description skulking about the Foreign Quarter sewers. Wasting no time I made my way too the lower waistworks and started skulking myself about the sewers. And it did not take long, to seek my quarry.

Indeed there she was A Dunmer Woman in Netch armor, much like mine, building a shrine it would seem with some sticks and red candles into some standard that I did not recognize, in truth the whole sight gave me the creeps, especially as she started chanting some sort of strange incantations. The only words I understood were 'Dagoth' and 'Dreamer'.

Perhaps it was the darkness of the sewers, or the flickering of the red candles, or both but I began too feel in the presence of evil. It was not anything I had ever felt before. And I silently pulled out my bow and knocked an arrow, aiming straight for her heart.

"Come into the open, Madame. I would hate to kill you, but I've heard much of your knack for killing."

She seemed not to hear me for a second, until she suddenly unsheathed a small dagger and turned around, her face both angry and distant, as though hearing voices. Her red eyes cast upon me with a chilling countenance. She began to walk slowly toward me chanting something under her breath.

"The Wick wheat is winnowed, and the N’wah must die!" she said over and over, the sight genuinely frightening now. So much that my hand began shaking and I released the arrow, it landing harmlessly at her feet.

"N'wah....no,...not N'wah.......Yes...We have you in our Discerning Eye,....Sethyas Velas!" she screamed as she rushed me with the dagger, the cruel point sheathing in my right shoulder, and some poison or enchantment began to take my stamina, and I found myself barely able to stand, mixed with my fear it was a wonder I did not pass out. Unsheathing my wakizashi however I was determined not to die by this nightmarish woman.

Pushing her off me I stood ready to fight flipping the wakizashi around in the Akaviri battle-stance I had learned from a Khajiit Monk in an Inn far away in Cyrodiil. We circled each other for what seemed like an eternity, but was little more than a few footsteps.

I decided to take the first move, and I lunged forward with my foot stamping down to increase the force of my lunge, followed by an instinctive "Kei!" The blow landed right in her side possibly puncturing her lung. But she was unfazed as if possessed by some greater force, and given my feelings so far, I believe she was.

Unsheathing my blade from her, she followed with a parry of her own that scaled harmlessly against my cuirass as I jumped back from her blow, turning my blade downwards I stabbed her in the right shoulder and quickly turned around now facing her back and twisting the blade, her blood pooled up from under her clothes and armor, and with the tendons severed she dropped her dagger, followed by a small rivulet of blood.

"How did you know my name? Have you been spying one me?" I said pulling the blade out and forcing the edge against her throat, while holding her left arm behind her. She began to fanatically scream about Red Mountain and Lord Dagoth and somehow forced her way out of my grasp, she lunged for her dagger and I realized that I had no choice, and before she was able to get up, still on her stomach reaching for the dagger I jumped over her and holding the wakizashi upside down with both hands around the hilt, I forced the point into her spine easily sliding through the tough netch leather.

I stood up and sighed aloud, cleaning my blade off on her clothing and reclaiming my bow. I was no stranger to killing, but this didn’t feel like murder or self-defense even. When she gasped out her last breath, it felt like....I freed her.

Claiming her dagger as proof, I certainly wasn’t going to carry her body through the streets of Vivec. And towards nightfall, I returned to the High Fane, and spoke to Elam Andas; he was genuinely impressed with my work and thanked me by awarding me the armor of one of the slain Ordinators. I also completed my business with Tarer who was so happy to be rid of his rash that he doubled his payment towards me, and greedily drank his curing potion that Trebonius had given me to deliver to him.


As I returned to my Apartment for the evening, I was greeted with a slight bit more friendliness from the Ordinators as words of my deeds had spread. 'Not now Outlander, head on.' Was their usual greeting now. So I had earned the title of 'Outlander' instead of 'scum'. Well it was a start. Certainly better than the Imperial Legion Guardsmen in Cyrodiil treated me.

There was also a strange Dunmer Woman standing outside her apartment, dressed in common clothing, she nonetheless held a regal air about her and she just stood there watching the moons rise, contemplating Azura-knows-what. And for whatever reason she took notice of this humble Dunmer Assassin and smiled rather sweetly at me.

I have killed in cold blood, seen things that no man or Mer should see. But this, this caught me off guard. Actually stunned I found myself unable to return the smile and continued on to my apartment. Whether she was displeased or not, she made no sign of it. And I did not give it a second thought.

The second night in my new place, and I once again shed my armor and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning I took a strider to Balmora to report in with Caius. He hadn’t been expecting me, but was hospitable nonetheless. Making me breakfast of scuttle and hound meat, he inquired into my recent going's on. I told him of my venture into a bandits cave, and how I had recently solved the series of murders in Vivec, and how the killer had known my name.

"That IS strange." he said his features twisted in concentration. "Could mean she was just spying on another outlander though, if that's who she was after primarily. You do reek of foreign customs, Sethyas. Which is why its time to start your education a little more on local customs. Talk to Hasphat Antabolis over at the Fighters Guild here in Balmora. I want you to get some information on The Sixth House Cult; I don't know much about it, but what you told me sounds a lot like what little I do know. It's time I got a little more info on it. Hmm, he might ask a favor of you, but do it. As the newest recruit in the Blades consider this your initiation rite. Go after breakfast."

We ate primarily in silence though he did occasionally pop in with a joke and an old story about his rising in the Blades. Between gulps I feigned interest, though the more he told me of Morrowind the more I did actually become interested in what he had to say. Caius handed me a book titled 'On Morrowind' ordering me too read it, and commented that there was no point in being a part of history if I was too ignorant too understand it. I had no idea how prolific his statement would turn out to be.

Stopping by the Fighters Guild I greeted my too Hasphat, but not before selling the armor I had been rewarded with to Wayn for quite the sum of gold, with 3,500 drakes now in my coin purse, I was feeling quite rich. But most of this money would serve another purpose; it would go to Cyrodiil to help my Sister. I did worry about her a great deal, but I don't give her the credit she deserves, in many ways she is smarter and tougher than I.

"So you're with Caius, eh?" Hasphat commented after I whispered who I was and what I was doing there.

"Sixth House? Sure I've done some research, and I'd be happy to let old Caius know all about it. But there's a little this for that involved." he explained wiping the sweat off of his face after finishing his sparring match with an Imperial woman in the lower room of the guild house.

I winced at the thought of eternally being the errand boy, but the truth was after my encounter I was eager to learn more of the Sixth house. Hasphat went on to tell me of the ruins of Arkgnthand near the Moonmoth Legion Fort.

"All I want is a Dwemer Puzzle Box. It's a little cube about the size of your fist."

When I asked him as to how he knew it was there, he explained that he had gone there a few months ago examining the ruins, but he was under supervision from the Legion. Dwemer Artifacts are illegal to own unless you have an Imperial Charter it turns out.

"So ...you want me too rink my neck AND break the law, I just got out of prison! And Oblivion takes you if you think I'm going back!" I yelled at him, resisting the urge to grab his throat.

"Keep you voice down, Dunmer!" he hissed. "You’re in the Blades. Your authority supersedes that of the Legion. If they come down on you Caius will take care of it. Besides there no one there, just slip in and slip out, and none will be the wiser."

I calmed down, and walked out of the guild house, it was hard to control my temper sometimes, but the walk to the fort cooled me down. Looking to the path ahead I came to the foot of ancient Dwemer Bridge. But contrary to what Hasphat had told me, their was an old man at the other end dressed in Iron Armor, as he spotted me he made some gestures and his eyes flickered as a Skeleton materialized in front of him.

"BATTLEMAGES! I HATE BATTLEMAGES!" I yelled pulling out my Bow, and knocking an arrow.

The steel point of the arrow whistled through the air, the target being the skeleton summoning. I knocked another arrow and kept up a rapid fire, I knew that as an Assassin I should never have been seen, but I was caught as much by surprise as the Battlemage was. Switching tactics as the deadly fighter pulled out a War Axe and barreled down towards me across the bridge, I quickly took aim at his armor, right where the neck was exposed. The Battlemage clearly relying on his armor to protect him. I let the string release the missile to him, and the arrow did indeed make contact...on his shoulder. The reaction he gave by stumbling and stopping to pull it out did make up for the miss.

Pulling out my wakizashi, I sprinted the few remaining feet between us, and slashed his wrist that held his axe. He winced in pain, and dropped his axe, which I immediately kicked over the edge of the bridge. He rose up from my attacks, his hands making motions once more, his eyes intensely focused upon my person, and casting what appeared to be fire, his spell engulfed me in flames. Inside the heat I smiled, this Battlemage clearly WAS a fool.

Stepping from the inferno, hardly scathed, I kicked the back of his knee, and placed my blades edge at his throat. The idiot clearly didn’t know that Dunmer were practically resistant to fire, here within the land of Red Mountain my race had spent millennia amongst it fire and ash, and we had adapted to its harsh environment.

"How did you live through that spell? That shoulda turned you into a barbecued rat-on-a-spit!"

"Shut up. I'll be asking the questions here, Battlemage. First off, who are you? And what's going on here?"

At first rather tight-lipped, the Battlemage nonetheless became more amenable to my requests as I applied some pressure to his neck, and blood began pouring out, eventually I found out his name was Snowy Granius, and there were about a dozen bandits clearing out the Dwemer Ruins. My main target was a man called 'Boss Crito'.

Thanking Snowy for his time, I slit his throat. I might have let him go if I didn’t believe that he was loyal to the death to Boss Crito, in spite of loose lips, he most likely figured that it didn’t matter what he told me, as he planned to kill me at the next opportunity, an opportunity that I had denied him. Permanently.

Knowing now that the odds were well stacked against me within the ruins, I nonetheless still had the element of surprise, and as I pulled on the crank to open the doors, I hoped that it wasn’t ruined by the creaking of the ancient doors.

Sneaking my way past the doors and through the dimly lit stone tunnels of Arkgnthand, I spotted and observed my first two targets. Up until now I had been merely rushing headlong into battle like a Warrior, now I applied my talents of stealth, and took the patient and even refined approach to combat. While I respect warriors for their bravery and skill, I still do not view the Assassin's art as cowardly, as many are led to believe.

No, the art of shadow is a more slow and methodical approach to one's situation. Merely taking the time to make note of ones options, prior to taking action. An approach that can lead to less regret or even avoiding ones own demise, you can see your doom from a mere few feet away, and simply skulk around it.


Noting that these bandits were unarmored, and merely with steel daggers on their belts, I nonetheless managed to snipe both bandits with no alarms being raised. Approaching the two story entrance to the internal area of the Dwemer city, I weighed my options and mentally thought out which place I should begin my search first.

Then I smelled the booze. Echoing faintly from the top floor I could hear someone singing an old bar song. Followed by some yelling that sounded roughly like orders. Smiling to myself, I decided to at least take this guy out next. Climbing up some collapsed rocks that served as a makeshift bridge, I rounded a corner and slowly opened a metal door. And saw some drunken man kicking about some Dwemer dishware and putting it into some crates.

"Frankie! Donny! Get in here and help me with this blasted stuff!" The bald Imperial said taking a swig of what smelled like Mazte. He then seemed to notice something on a nearby shelf and began walking towards it.

Lifting a cube of the shelf he put down his drink and muttered 'whass thiss?' to himself, examining with a stupored concentration. My heart leapt as I realized that he was holding exactly what I had come for. Deciding to get close and personal with my wakizashi over potentially missing with an arrow, I crept up on the Imperial and brought the point to the back of his neck and pushed until I could see the other end coming out the other side of his throat.

His body going limp, and dropping the cube, I unsheathed my blade from him, and picked up the Cube with matter-of-fact 'I'll take that.' Examining the cube I could see many intricate designs, and lines that suggested certain patterns might be within its mystery. All that for this little thing?

Regardless, I had a mission to fulfill, and I needed to know what was up with this Sixth House, and why the seemingly possessed Dunmer woman had known my name. I returned to Balmora a few hours later, and walked in through the Fighters Guild Door, determined to know what Hasphat knew.

Ah, I see you have what I asked for. I'll just take that....is this blood?" Hasphat asked, looking at the cube strangely.

I nodded, informing him that his information was wrong, though it didn’t quite stop me from getting what I needed. I gave him a look letting him know that I didn’t quite appreciate the surprise meeting, and that my patience with his little errand was running thin.

The look seemed to work as he commented on the happenings. "F-four bandits you say? And there were more? Hmm. I believe I sent the right man for the job. If I had known, please believe that I would have told you. But you want to know about the Sixth House, right? Ask away."


I asked for several minutes and he wracked his brain and wrote down everything he knew for myself and Caius. The Sixth House was House Dagoth, 'Dagoth' being one of the words I remembered from my encounter in Vivec. But according to Hasphat, they were exterminated by the other houses ages ago, during the war of the first council, largely a religious conflict that ended with the Orthodox Houses victorious over the Secular Houses Dagoth and Dwemer. I asked about 'House Dwemer' and whether they were Dunmer or Chimer as well. He explained that the Dwemer were elves, and mistakenly thought of as 'Dwarves' in the west. But by no means were they either Dunmer or Chimer.

The whole thing actually intrigued me, and I inquired further into the History of my people, but he cut me short instead recommending that I pick up some books from Dorisa Darvel just across from the Guild house. He also gave me some advice.

"What an adventurer like you really needs is a sense of current events, where the trouble is. What's going to earn you some gold? But for now go ahead and report to Caius, and there's one more thing. The Dwemer Puzzle Box seems to hold a key, come back in a day or so, and I may have a key for you, if you'd like to explore it some more."

Taking his first direction, I immediately stopped by the Bookstore, and a quiet, mousey Dunmer Maiden greeted me with a studious glance and a "Yes, Outlander. What may I do for you?"

I inquired as too some history books and some references about 'Saint Nerevar' that Hasphat had mentioned. She gave me about five books that had decent references and histories, which I gladly paid for.
On my way out as the Night began too creep its way across the sky, a Dunmer Man in a green robe approached me.

"Greetings Sethyas Velas, I am a sleeper, one amongst thousands. I bring you message. Your Lord Dagoth is raised, and you cannot deny your lord!" he said with a sadistic grin, red eyes glaring.

Fear took over me once more, and I ran. I ran all the way to Caius house, and bolted in through the door, slamming it behind me. Caius was rather startled and had reacted quickly by pulling out an Imperial shortsword, yelling in surprise.

"DON'T DO that!!" he said laughing, putting his sword down. I began yammering about what happened, and Caius told me too sit down and slow down. Lighting a hackle-lo leaf I breathed in the smoke deeply, letting the restorative take effect. I explained what had happened between puffs. After I left Dorisa bookstore and how I had ran like a frightened child. Describing the Mer to Caius he said: "Sounds like Raryn Radrys. Local here in Balmora. Seemed like the quiet type...I'll look into it in the meantime, give me Hasphat's notes. You go on and read your books, something tells me, and you’ll need the education."

As night dragged on, I read all about the conflict over 4 millennia ago. How the Dwemer made an alliance with House Dagoth, and how a Councilor Indoril Nerevar, united the houses and the tribesman of the Ashlands against the treacherous houses. Eventually, I just fell asleep slipping into a strange dream....

A tall figure with a golden mask led me among the dead as through a wedding celebration. I heard many voices, but no lips moved. I strained to breathe, but my chest didn't move. The tall figure spoke with each figure as he passed among them, laughing and joking, as if they were alive, but they made no reply. I tried to cry out, but without breath, my tongue fluttered in vain.


I awoke with a start, yelping slightly. Caius had fallen asleep over Hasphat’s notes, while reading them at his table. My cry also woke him, and he stretched awake and mumbled a 'good morning', I told him about my dream, and he worried that I might be going loopy, and advised me to keep a lid on it, as that sort of thing around here made the natives very uneasy.

"Anyways, I've reviewed Hasphat's notes, and they cover the Sixth House admirably. But not the Nerevarine Cult. Hop on over to the Mages Guild, and talk to Sharn gra-Muzgob. Again you may have to do a favor for her. But do it." he ordered.

Caius had ordered that I talk to her, but he didn’t give me a timeframe, so I decided to take care of some personal business prior to his latest mission. Dropping by Rithleen's house, the Blades Warrior Trainer and Courier, I had to get word back to Setsuna.

A pleasant and confident woman, she took me into her house with a hospitality I had rarely known. And I inquired as to her services and the rules for sending messages.

"Well two weeks out of the month I gather up official intelligence and head back to the Elder Council in the Imperial City. The other two I'm here resting from my travels. If you want to send personal correspondence, it must first be reviewed by Caius to ensure no secrets are being spilled. And it will cost you fifty drakes; sorry those are just the rules."

I took twenty minutes and wrote out a letter to my sister explaining that I was all right, and that I had a steady job with the Empire as a courier, and that I would see her again soon I would send her money, and explained that she was to buy a house or get an apartment and wait for me. I included a bag of two-thousand drakes which I entrusted to Rithleen, why I trusted her with so much money I don’t know. But she was an entrusted courier whom had served the Blades for many years now, and had handled larger sums of money before. I just wanted too know that she was all right, and I instructed Rithleen to look for her in the Imperial City Waterfront, where I knew she had a few friends that would at least give her a place to sleep for a while.

Moving on to breakfast, I ate at the Eight Plates Inn, pondering what an Orc Mage would have to do with the Nerevarine Cult. But still, I reminded myself that Mages lived for dusty old tomes. Leaving the Inn after I finished eating, I saw him again, this time in broad daylight; the Mer Caius said was Raryn Radrys. This time I would not let fear get the better of me, and grabbing the hilt of my Wakizashi, I confronted him.

"What does 'Lord Dagoth' want with me, Raryn? That's right, I'm not the only who can learn peoples names without asking them. What do you have to say now?"

His reaction I did not expect, I figured defensiveness, or hostility, or him to attack me. None of that occurred.
Instead, confusion.

"Wha? L-lord Dagoth? Who,..who are you? Why do you speak to me in such a way, outlander? I've done nothing to you!" he said in a very genuine way. Don't get me wrong I wasn’t about to drop it so easily, nor am I an easy prey to the art of Speech craft. But his reaction, all my instincts were telling me, was genuine.

"You don't remember? Last night, as I left Dorisa Darvels bookstore, you approached me and called me by name, and told me 'Lord Dagoth' is raised and that he is lord." I said a little easier now.

He looked at me strangely. "I-I went to sleep early last night....but I had such disturbing dreams. I’m afraid to tell anyone because they would try to 'cure' me, please, whoever you are, tell no one of this....I have soul sickness. Please. You don't know what the Temple will do."

What can I say, I believed him. I have been confronted with strange things in the last few days. As he ran off, I also got the feeling that what Caius was having me investigate was also related to the strange events. In the pit of my stomach, I felt the icy finger of cold dread. This was evil, a profound and subtle evil. And I was experiencing its symptoms. Would I end up like Raryn? Wandering the streets in my sleep babbling on about "Lord Dagoth'?

Pushing the thoughts aside, I steeled myself, and ran onto the mages guild, in truth, I had never stepped into one, and was a bit curious as to what books and concoctions, and summonings were rumored to go on in their halls.

Opening the door to the Mages Guild, my senses were assaulted with the smells of alchemy, enchantments, magicka, and leather bound books. It reminded me of my days in the Chapel Orphanage, better days those were, and so it actually put me in a nostalgic and pleasant mood.

I was greeted by curt, and subtly hostile Dunmer Woman dressed in an elegant, dark blue robe. Behind her words, and false smile, I could see a smoldering hatred of...outsiders.

"Hello, I am Ranis Arthys. Welcome to the Balmora Chapter of the Imperial Guild of Mages. I am the Chapter Steward, if you have any need of our services, or wish to join our little family here; I am the one that you should speak with. Now, what can I help you with?"

I got a very slimy feeling even talking to this woman, and wished to make our talk as short as possible.

"I have personal business with Sharn gra-Muzgob. The matter is urgent." I said clearly hinting that I had no business with her.

She looked over my common clothes and Netch Leather. She mentally sized up my Bow, Arrows and Wakizashi and finally she put a palm up and a few feet from my face, and closed her eyes for a second. Putting her hand down, and opening her eyes she was quite surprised.

"You have deep magicka, fellow Dunmer, may I ask what your birth sign is?" she asked.

"What does this have to do with where Sharn is?" I asked incredulously.

"I sensed a spike in the magicka levels as soon as you entered, and you are that spike. The reason I tell you this is that you have remarkable talents that you're not even aware of. It would be a shame to let such power go to waste. Conduct your business, and then please come speak with me about joining the Mages Guild. Hear what I have to say before you refuse me. Go now, Sharn is down that walkway, in the common area." she said pointing to her left.

I wondered what exactly what she was trying to get out of me, and I figured she was trying to flatter me trying to get another Guild Member to pay gold, and meet some quota of hers.

And I did find Sharn in the lower areas apparently looking at some labeled bottles on a shelf by the wall. Muttering something that sounded roughly like 'eye of newt, toad so greeny, turn my corpse, into a zucchini.' Though that probably wasn’t what she said, it still incited a chuckle out of me. She turned around and with her dark eyes fixated on me, gave me a glance.

"What is so funny, that it warrants an interruption, Dunmer? Bother someone else if you want Guild Services." she said with a dismissing wave, turning back to what she was doing.

I walked up behind her, and whispered in her ear: 'Caius sent me.' To which I was rewarded with her attention and toothy grin. She then started on about how she was more than happy to do business with Caius' associates, and just so happened to need an errand run. I sighed, knowing that that was coming.

She then began to describe the Andrano Ancestral Tomb, and it's close proximity to Seyda Neen, and how there was a skull of Llevule Andrano that she wanted for......research. She than began to look over my weapons.

"Let’s see....IRON arrows? NO! Go too Wayn here at the Fighters Guild, and buy yourself some silver arrows. SILVER, Dunmer! Three reasons: One. Cheap and plentiful. Two. The arcane substances of silver can affect both the Undead and Daedra, no surprises. Three. It does extra damage to Werewolves should you ever encounter one. Now lets see that blade of yours....pshaw...Steel....here let me use this old soul gem, add a fire spell, and here you go. Now you can swing at ghosts, and actually hit something! Now go, fetch my skull and bring it back!" she said not-so-gently pushing my back, and muttering something about "What do they teach adventurers these days."


Taking her advice, I swapped my iron arrows for a quiver of silver ones from Wayn, who was beginning to enjoy my patronage. Leaving for the silt strider, I pulled out my Wakizashi, and did feel it hum quietly with a red magicka. So this was an enchanted blade now. I was starting too like Mages...but I still hated battle mages.

I arrived from the Strider in Seyda Neen, and the rain once again drenched the bitter coast, the now familiar smells invigorated my senses. The heat and humidity in this swampy backwater town actually invigorated me, and before proceeding to the tomb, I instead dropped by Arrille's tradehouse to speak with Elone.

"Ah, so we meet again under different circumstances, don't we, Novice?" she whispered. I smiled at her as I realized that her job was to get a look at the newcomers to Vvardenfell. I then asked her about the local tomb, and Caius' mission with Sharn.

She looked quizzically at the air for a second and told me to head back to the strider and take the path going by it until I reached a crossroad, and hit a left. She also mentioned that another Dunmer had come by a week ago and asked her the same thing. I frowned and shrugged it off. If the skull wasn’t there, it wasn’t there. Taking her direction, I easily found the tomb, and looked at some runes carved into the keystone above the door. They were Daedric, and spelled out 'Andrano'. This was the place all right.

Opening the door, I adjusted my eyes to the light and could smell old death, the smell that came from the undercrofts in the Chapels. But there was a different smell here, new death. Proceeding down a ramp, I descended into the earth, fear in the pit of my stomach growing with each step I took. I had never been a grave robber before, always respecting the peace of death, now I went against one of my few principles and found a not-so-peaceful Ancestral Ghost, visible only by its white wispy trails and bone-chilling chattering. I had heard of ghosts before, but never seen one. It was an experience, to say the least.

But I was here for a reason, and while my opposition wasn’t flesh and blood bandits this time, Sharn still said that they would fall too magic, and silver. I tested her advice against a nocked silver arrow and a quick twang of my bow. The arrow traveled directly through the ethereal form, and if it is possible for ghosts to display pain, it showed it, and the form dissipated into a green gooish substance that hit the floor without a sound.

Walking forward a bit more, I stumbled against something on the floor, grabbing a torch from the wall; I passed it over the source of the smell of new death. A Male Dunmer body that had vicious scratch marks, and an uncommonly pale pallor to his face, as though his energy was sucked right out of him. IU wondered if he had any connection to Sharn, and I was his replacement. I let it serve me as a reminder to proceed cautiously, either way.

Replacing my bow in its sling on my back and unsheathing my Wakizashi. I kept on going deeper to try and find the burial site of Llevule. I also began to wonder whether Sharn was a Necromancer. It was semi-legal in Cyrodiil, though grave-robbing was a crime punishable by death. But here it was quite illegal, and also punishable by death. But these Dunmer also performed a version of Necromancy, tying there Ancestors to the family tomb to guard it. And I learned first hand, that it was true, as an arrow narrowly missed my head, and a Crippled Skeleton hobbled away to get a better shot at me.

Running towards the bony fellow, I flipped my wakizashi around and gave a battle cry, not an assassin's approach I know, but the swordplay and screaming are designed to force focus over thoughts and emotions, and become one with your target. No arrogance, no showboating, just react to your opponents moves, and make moves accordingly. The Akaviri battle philosophy.

The steel blade met with his spinal column, and the fiery enchantment swallowed his ribcage, and the Tomb's Guardian was put to peace, a second time. I proceeded again into the tan walled tomb, my boots scraping granules of dirt now, as I neared a door, I could hear grunts and pants that were ...other worldly. I put out the torch, and peeked through the slats in the door, and saw a horrible sight. A Zombie, or bone walkers as they were known here in Vvardenfell.

How can I describe the horrible sight of the muscles and decaying skin falling from the bones, held together by thick threads, or the fact that it is still a corpse, albeit a moving one, and that it is decaying giving off a horrible smell. At least the skeletons didn’t smell.....but I also saw the skull I needed off in the back on a family shrine. Here we go again I thought.

Opening the door slowly, I snuck behind the creature, and walked to the shrine, grabbing the skull off the Dirt Circle, that seemed to be comprised of ash and bones. Trying to sneak out, the bone walker saw me, and immediately gave a horrible.....exhale. I think it was trying to scream, but its lungs were far to gone for that. And I wasted no time in grabbing my things and running, I might have tried to test my skill against the horrible creature, but I had other things to worry about, like saving my own skin, for example.

Crashing out into open, I breathed heavily, and the rain felt like new life as it washed away my sweat. I looked at the skull, and like Sharn had described, it had ritual markings that I could not decipher. Wrapping the object in paper, and shoving it in my Satchel, I made sure no one could see it, as I did not want to get a reputation for being a grave robber. The only bonus of this mission was that I was close to the strider and the ride back to Balmora was quick and pleasant compared to this latest venture. I mean seriously, I couldn’t figure the type of company that Caius was keeping. First a ruins looter, now a grave robber, and possible Necromancer. At least things were interesting, I suppose.

I arrived in Balmora a few hours later, and walked into the guild hall, past Ranis Arthys who was apparently meditating on something as she conjured up a scamp, and then paid more heed to it than me. I entered into the lower room of the guild house, and tapped Sharn on the shoulder. She turned around and smiled.

"Ah you made it back. Good, the last guy I seen---oh, never mind, do you have the skull?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

Pulling it out, I peeled back the paper a little bit and she smiled as she mouthed the markings' words. I then leaned in again, and whispered. "Are you a Necromancer?"

She seemingly took offense and sputtered out a false sounding denial. I looked over her chest that was slightly opened and lifted the lid.

"So then, this ISN"T your copy of 'Legions of the Dead' or 'Darkest Darkness' or 'Corpse Preparation Volume 1'. Sweet Azura, these things come in Volumes?"

Sharn then became very nervous and slammed the lid shut, narrowly avoiding my hand, and grabbed me with her brute Orcish strength and took me aside.

"Fine, I'm a necromancer." She hissed at me, whispering. "If you keep quiet about this, I'll teach you a spell that would cost a pretty drake anywhere else."

I agreed and for a few minutes we went over the basic principles of a Summon Skeleton Spell. The concentration required to draw the energies of undead creature from Aetherius and submit it to your will. As well as the proper incantations to hold it on Mundus for a short time. When she felt I was ready we moved onto Blades Business.

"So Caius wants to know about the Nerevarine Cult, eh? Sure, you've been quite the errand boy. So here you are, some notes that I took not too long ago. Feel free too read them yourself of course. Now have you anymore questions...or blackmailing?" she said sarcastically.

I inquired into the war of the first council, and she told me what she knew of General Nerevar. And that the head of House Dagoth, Lord Voryn Dagoth, and he had been close friends and allies, until civil war broke out. Nerevar perished during the conflict, but was survived by the current three God-Kings, ALMSIVI. Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec. The Nerevarine Cult she explained was the Ashlander Tribes belief that a Reincarnated Nerevar would someday return and fulfill his promises to the tribes. The Temple refutes this theory and openly hunted those claiming to be the Nerevarine, calling them False Incarnates. Furthermore, there a recent case of one whom was called Peakstar, though no one had seen or heard from her in a few years.

Slowly, perhaps subconsciously, things began tying together in my mind. But I needed to get my information to Caius, and see what was next on his agenda. However on my way out a hand softly clasped my shoulder.

"I take it your business is complete?" said the Dunmer Maidens voice. It was Ranis and she apparently still wanted to speak with me.

"Yes." I grunted, not wanting to speak with her.

"I know that you have preconceptions as to what mages are and do. You yourself are a strange combination. You're obviously either an Agent or an Assassin. But your sign, it is the Apprentice if I am not mistaken?"

I squinted, she was close.

"The Atronach, actually, and yes, I know it's strange, but that's me. Where are you going with this?"

"I would like to teach and guide you, I know your no wizard, but let me explain, there are many schools and disciplines that could greatly complement your skills. Alchemy can provide you with potent poisons, Enchant can help you make better uses of your weapons, and Illusion....Illusion can make you walk unseen in broad daylight.....like this." she said as she raised her hand to the air and green energy engulfed her form and I could no longer see her, though she spoke still.

"Alteration can unlock doors and make water like air, or as solid ground, Destruction can utilize the elements into weapons..." she then became visible and cast a small fireboat at a candle on a nearby table, lighting it. She then turned to me and stared her Red eyes into my own.

"And this is the part where you say, all this for only 500 Gold Drakes?" I asked sarcastically.

She smiled and said. "Guild Dues are 200 monthly, now that you mention it. But the training more then makes up for it. I assure you. Think over my offer, I have been looking for a worthy apprentice for sometime, and Atronach Birth signs are rare to say the least."

I told her I would think about it, and made my way to Caius house, he needed answers as much as I did.

As I entered into Caius' house, he smoking something out of a pipe, blowing out thick plumes of white smoke, with intense eyes he looked over me, wondering if I would say something.

”‘Never touch the stuff', eh? None of my business, anyways Caius. Here's Sharns's Notes. Now, what do you need next? The sooner I finish my business with you, the better." I said with a respectful tone.

Caius took the notes, and studied them for a few seconds, before placing them on the table. He looked to me for a moment before speaking.

"I want you too know I read the note to your Sister, The content was fine except for mentioning having a 'career' with the Empire. So I edited it, in your writing of course, to say that you were a courier for the East Empire Company as they were buying prisoner labor from the Empire. On top of the fact that I added 500 more drakes to the money you sent back." he smiled at me.


”Your doing good work, and as much as you think that this is all just business, I also understand looking out for ones own. While your here in Vvardenfell, your family. All my other agents, I look out for them, I worry about them, that's how we stay a tight knit group. I hope in time you can come to look upon me as a Mentor. In the meantime, here is what I want from you, get out and get some more experience. Join a guild; get some more loot, whatever. You need to keep you cover story current. Besides, I need time to figure how all this ties into the Emperor's plans for you."

I was grateful that Caius had sent back more money, but when he said 'the Emperor’s plans' something selfish in me twinged. And I made some comment under my breath about 'what about MY plans', and Caius was quick to react. Sidestepping me, he had me on my back on the ground in two moves, the old man was quick, and I’ll give him that.

Putting his hand to my throat, Caius calmly held me in place as much as I struggled to raise, the Skooma-sucker had me immobilized.

"Trying to prove something, Old man? Fine you’re a stronger martial artist then me won't stop me from sneaking in here with a dagger in the night, if that's what you’re thinking!" I yelled in anger.

"STOP IT! Stop acting like a selfish little child! All I'm trying to do is help you, whether you can see it or not! You gonna ruin your chances out here because things don't always go your way? Being street trash like you described yourself as, you should be used to it by now! Now get out of my sight! Come back when you’re ready to follow some damn orders!" he screamed at me.

I got up quietly, if I thought I could take Caius on, I would have. I don’t like being humiliated, and yes, sometimes my ego overcomes my reason.

He pointed to the door, and gave a glance that clearly spoke, 'get out of here'.

I opened the door, and slammed it behind me. What would stop me from returning home now? I certainly had the money, and Rithleen wouldn’t know that I had left. I would have lodgings by the time I got to Cyrodiil, and she and I could flee ...and live just as we always had. In the gutter.

I don’t think I should admit this. But I'm Mer enough to admit it, I cried. I hated feeling powerless, unable to control my own destiny, but as I thought of Setsuna, and our life on the streets, I realized that we never were in control of our lives. We always lived by the kindness of strangers. Hand to mouth living. Hunger, day after day. I retook myself and sighed. I would apologize to Caius in time. But he had made it clear that he wanted to hear from me when I was better.

So I took off to the Mages Guild to talk to Ranis. I would learn at least some skills in the Mages art.

Opening the door to the mages Guild as I finished bawling, I was greeted by Ranis once more.

"Ah, the Atronach Birth signs. I never did get your name." she said in a falsely friendly tone.

"Sethyas Velas. Assassin." I pulled out a small leather bag with 200 gold coins. "And now Mages Guild member. Sign me up Ranis. Teach me the art of Magicka."

She smiled as she took the bag from and counted it out. "Now that that formality is out of the way, I will process the proper paperwork in the Morning. In the meantime get to know your fellow Mages guild members, and set yourself up in your bunk. Also, make sure that you get to know Ajira; she is a Khajiit, my personal apprentice. She will have your initial duties. Now go, go! Mingle!" she said slightly impatiently.

I was put off by the 'personal apprentice' comment about Ajira. I thought she said that she would make me her personal apprentice? No matter, as long as I got what I came for, I didn’t really care. Besides, it wasn’t like I couldn’t see through her like an open window.

I made my way down and smiled at Sharn, whom was surprised to see me again. I explained to her that I had decided to join the Mages Guild, and that her secret was safe with me. She laughed, and offered her opinion on the Guild, mainly that it was a rat’s nest of slipshod politics, but essential to her research. She offered Marayn Dren as a good source of practical and beginning spell casting.

But cutting to the chase I met with Ajira, and she purred out a greeting to me, letting me know what was up in the guild and how to proceed carefully. She also told me something I already suspected.

"Ajira likes her new friend Sethyas Velas, so she tells him secret, that he too must keep secret. Ranis brings you in, not because of birth sign. She tell's Sethyas lies that make him smile, because Sethyas is Assassin. Ranis want's people dead. But she cannot afford to get her hands bloody, so she brings in one whose hands are bloody. Walk with care, you are hunter, Ajira sees this in your eyes, but Ajira also sees sadness, so she thinks that maybe this means you are not all bad. Besides, this one sees how you look at Galbedir the Bosmer with contempt, so this one knows you will help Ajira with her bet!"

I actually laughed at her comment, I couldn’t help it. Some Bosmer maidens were quite fair, but Galbedir was quite stuck up prancing around in her Exquisite Robe, acting as though I didn’t exist. I hate the rich, Guards, and the Empire. Even though I was working for it.

Oh, and Battle mages, I hate Battle mages.

But I decided that I too liked Ajira off the bat, and thought that she might make a good friend, at the very least.

Speaking for a few hours with the other guild members, I settled in for the night, and fell to my bunk with a heavy head, thinking that in a few days I would go have breakfast with Caius and apologize. Than the dreams started again.....

In my dream, a tall figure with a golden mask greeted me, saying, "There are many rooms in the house of the Master. Be easy, for from the hands of your enemies I have delivered you." It seemed I had died and could see myself laid upon a table lit by candles. But with my own hands I touched the figure, and the figure drew breath, opened eyes, and rose from the table. Then the room was gone, and the world filled with light, and I awoke.

I awoke with quite a start again, waking half the members of the guild, all of whom shushed me and went back to sleep, wearing only my pants, I walked to the cleaning quarters and washed my face in the basin. I stared at my own Dunmer face staring back at me, the red eyes faintly glowing accented by the Black Hand Tattoo, and my hair messy from sleep.

I cleaned up and fixed my hair, putting on my clothes, and donning my armor. I reviewed all the things that were happening, and resolved myself to learn from my experiences, and grow stronger. For myself, and for Setsuna. I fiddled with my bow for a bit, and sharpened my Wakizashi that Sharn had enchanted only yesterday.

Two hours later Ajira approached me sitting at the tables reading some books on Mysticism and the beginnings of the Mages Guild. Putting a clawed hand gently on my shoulder she quietly purred at me and told me that she had duties if I was interested. I gladly accepted, eager to start my education. And she said that she would start me with something simple, Alchemy.

I wandered through the bitter coast for a few hours that day gathering some mushrooms for her, actually enjoying the day out and learned when I returned how to identify the basic alchemical properties of them, Ajira then taught me how to mix and brew potion using a basic Apparatus set-up. Little did either of us know that this would create a life-long passion for me. Alchemy would turn out to be my favorite magic school, although it doesn’t actually involve magicka use.

Ajira had a few more tasks over the next few days, usually getting flowers or a mixing bowl. But finally she let me in on her secret plan to sabotage Galbedir. She laughed as she plucked out a blue quartz from a pouch at her belt, and chuckingly told me that it looked just like a soul gem, but it wouldn’t hold one. I started laughing too as she asked me to switch it in her desk, so that she would think it was enchanted when Ranis tested her for her promotion. Suffice to say I enjoyed the opportunity to bring the spoiled brat down a notch.

Next thing you know though, she struck back. And Ajira was running around her workshop nervously throwing around papers and her alchemy apparatus, hissing as to where her reports were. I told her to relax and told her I would find them. Walking upstairs, I took the direct approach.

Unsheathing my Wakizashi, I calmly asked Galbedir where Ajira's reports were. She replied that she had no idea what I was talking about, and didn’t appreciate me threatening her. I replied that there was no threat taking place, but if her body was found floating in the Odai river the next morning, I would be sure to bring the same kind of flowers that I spent hours on end hunting for Ajira to her funeral.

She cracked after my comment, and I smiled as I returned Ajira's reports to her. Sometimes it was nice having your reputation precede you. I mean sure I might have simply casted a charm spell, but I'm an Assassin after all. Not a Mage and they could adapt to me if Ranis wanted any...services from me.

Suffice to say, Ajira won her bet. And I spent the remaining days training in all the schools I could afford. Destruction, Mysticism, Illusion, Enchant, Alchemy, and Restoration. Soon I was a decently competent hedge wizard.

"Just because you can cast a few fireballs, and make yourself invisible doesn’t mean I think you’re ready." Caius said munching on his bread and scuttle.

"But I can do so much more than that now Caius. You told me to get better, and I have." I replied.

Caius shook his head thinking. "No, you read a few books, and learned a few magic tricks. Can you shoot any better? Can ya swing a sword around? And I don't mean that little toe-stabber of yours. I need you prepared for undercover work, and if the situation calls for it, for you to adequately defend yourself. Join the fighter’s guild maybe? Or the Morag Tong, just show me that you’re ready."

Caius had indeed accepted my apologies, he didn’t actually want to humiliate me, and it was just his way of ensuring that I kept my ego in check. We had a few words, and he was expecting me and had breakfast fully prepared.

Deciding to continue my education in my arts, I decided I would look for the Morag Tong. But where was I to start? They had a guild house here in the city, was it like I just walked in and asked for a license to kill?
Regardless, I needed a drink. The last week had nothing but potion brewing, casting spell, after spell, and reading every dusty tome I could get my hands on. But I was able to learn quite a few new tricks. That would more then come in handy.

Walking back to the Lucky Lockup, I greeted the Publican, and ordered a Mazte. I sat down at a table, and took a load off. A few minutes later, the side door opened, and the low lighting in the Inn made the sunlight blinding, and the figures profile was darkened and unrecognizable.

The door shut behind him, and it was Hickim. The Redguard walked over directly to my table and sat across from me and smiled. He glanced over at the Barkeep and signaled him to bring him a drink.

"I don't suppose you mind if I join you for a drink do ya?" he said with a grin.

"Not at all. What brings you by?" I queried

"Well, just so happens that I've been looking for you. Word has spread of your accomplishments, the Vivec murders which you solved, Mages Guild trainee. Lots of side adventuring to it seems, according to Meldor. You got some work with the bow eh?"

I nodded, I didn’t like the fact I was being spied on, but this seemed different somehow. As though my actions were a test for something higher.

"Well then, I think it's time I made that offer from a couple weeks back. You should know that, I am an Agent of the Morag Tong." he said quietly, and putting his finger to his lips when my eyes grew wide.

"We work in secrecy, and only those of proven skill and honor are ever offered the chance to join our ranks.
You've come to Vvardenfell at a good time it seems, we've lost quite a few good men, and we need a few more Assassins to refill our ranks. I look for outlanders like myself to recruit. You interested?"

I nodded, perhaps a little too hard, as he shook his head and laughed.

"I'm sure you have questions though...go ahead."

I inquired as to what the Morag Tong was, and why the Assassin's trade was considered legal in Morrowind, he explained that the Morag Tong worshipped the Great Daedra Prince Mephala, and her black hands guided the secret society since the earliest vestiges of Dunmer Society, even to when the Dunmer were Chimer. The Assassins trade had been an early tactic to overcome the Chimers enemies, and as is the three anticipations of Almsivi, Boethiah, Azura, and Mephala, gave the Dunmer the secret knowledge to kill their enemies.

The Morag Tong supplied three varieties of execution, public, private and house war. Targets were determined by the legal writs of execution, though rumor did have that there were extralegal 'grey writs'.


I nodded at all he had to say, absorbing it all in, and then asked him how to proceed. He took out a small book and handed it to me.

"To join the hunters, you must prove that you are a hunter. This book will provide you with all the necessary clues to find the Grandmaster. Only he may allow you to officially join. This is where I leave you; you’re on your own now, good luck." Hickim said wiping his mouth, finishing his drink and leaving.

Excited that they would take an interest in me, and actually intrigued by there recruiting methods, I eagerly opened the book, titled, 'The Black Glove.'

"Swift and agile are the Morag Tong. Silent and unseen they move. Illusions they supply to misdirect their prey. Close and sure they strike with short blade, or distant and secure they strike from afar with accurate missile fire. Light armor protects them from harm, and the acrobatic discipline finds for them the unseen and unlooked-for path. Have you these virtues? Then, perhaps, your oath and service may please the Morag Tong."

"Do you have your friends and your finery, but no place to go? Do you laugh and cry, but no longer feel? Do you wear these masks? Then, perhaps, your oath and service may please the Black Glove."

"The blood of the hunter and the blood of the hunted. The joy of the hidden and the joy of the seeker. The blood of the eye and the blood of the gate. The joy of the living and the joy of the dead. Are you one with these things? Then, perhaps, your oath and service may please Mephala."

"To make your oath and enter our service, the worthy must seek the Grandmaster, who by tradition lives in the unseen and unlooked-for corners of Vivec City between the blood of battle and the waters of life."

On to the next chapter