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Many people know the ancient story how Emer Dareloth stole Nocturnal's Cowl and became the Grey Fox. This is a tale almost as tragic but never before told…

Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of the night, the shadows and the luck had a problem: She was too happy. When she answered the prayers of her followers and manifested on Nirn, she couldn't help but laugh at the terrified people. She wore an aura of friendly darkness and liked to drink (black) tea.

But her devouts thought the Empress of Shadows should look stern and depressive. They all converted to Azura because she acted like her servants thought she ought to.

Nocturnal was desperate. She even asked the divines for help, but they just laughed at her. Now she was depressive, but nobody prayed to her anymore so nobody could see it.

But then she was surprised by Meridia, who always liked to make a party with her. She brought Nocturnal a present from Clavicus Vile: An invisible mask that turned her friendly gaze in a terrifying scowl.

After some time, a little girl who was afraid of the darkness prayed to Nocturnal. But when the Prince with her Scowl appeared, the little girl died of fear.

Soon everybody who worshipped the Daedra knew the story and her ex-followers prayed to her. When they saw her Scowl, they were satisfied and happy and worshipped her again. Nocturnal was happy and made a huge party. She invited all Princes, even Malacath, Jyggalagg and Vernaccus.

Eras later, when Mercer Frey stole the Skeleton Key, Nocturnal cursed him with wearing her Scowl until he died. Mercer was unhappy because his Scowl spoiled every party and nobody invited him anymore. He loved parties and telling jokes and having fun, but now he became depressive and mean.

And because of the curse of Nocturnal's Scowl, Mercer scowls all the time.