Argoth, the Nerevarine, sat in a chair in his study at the very top of Tel Uvirith. This was where he researched and probed into the Arcane Arts. No one beside himself usually came up here, not even Barsine. The books and artifacts in this room alone were worth a fortune, not to mention the additional artifacts he had throughout the tower, especially in his vault. This was his room of solitude, his peace and quiet.
Argoth sat in one of the chairs in a state of meditation. The new day had just dawned, and he sought advice from an old friend.
"What troubles you my child?" A powerful female voice asked.
The Nerevarine opened his eyes to see a woman with greenish skin, dark brown hair rolled up on top of her head, and red eyes similar to his own probing back at him. She sat in the chair across from him.
"Lady Azura." Argoth bowed his head. "Thank you for appearing here."
The Daedric Princess smiled at her chosen champion. "I would do anything to help you, Nerevarine. Now, tell me your ills."
"It's the Emperor. I don't know why he's causing such an uproar over this princess. Why is he making such a big deal over a centuries-old treaty?"
"I am unsure. He may just be infatuated with Hyrule's princess and consumed by his lust. But I feel a mysterious energy surrounding Pelagius. What its exact nature is, I do not know."
"Yes, I have my own suspicions as well. From almost the very second he took the throne he's brought up this treaty. He has a motive, and something tells me it's not as simple as lust."
Azura gave her chosen a warm smile. "Your instincts have always served you well, Nerevarine, even when you were still a criminal."
"What should I do?" He sighed.
"For now, you must abide by Pelagius' order and venture to Hyrule. If you wish to avoid war, be as diplomatic as you possibly can. In the meantime, trust your fellows back home to have the new taxes repealed. Do not be glum, for I sense that your trip to Hyrule will not be a waste."
"How so, my Lady?"
"That I cannot yet determine. Go with my blessing Nerevarine, and know that I will continue to watch over you."
Argoth bowed his head to his patron deity as he watched her disappear.
"Master, take at least ONE weapon!" "Fast" Eddie Theman, Argoth's Mouth and assistant pleaded as he helped him pack.
"Argoth, I know your magical abilities usually more than do the job, but please take a weapon. You are a Battlemage, after all!" Barsine said to him.
He sighed. "Very well. Time to take a short trip to the vault. Be right back."
He returned ten minutes later, holding an enchanted Ebony long sword, the Sword of Roses. It was far from his best weapon, but it got the job done against most opponents. Argoth placed it in his pack along with his Soul Drinker Daedric dagger that he utilized to Soultrap. Best to have that around in case he found any exotic enemies in Hyrule that were worth experimenting on.
"Ed, go up to my study and get Azura's Star." He ordered, finishing his line of thought when it came to Soultrapping. There would be none of that unless there was a Soul Gem to hold a soul. The Star was his most powerful, and could be reused. It was his first gift from his patron deity Azura. "Don't touch anything else!" He shouted as his Mouth cast a levitation spell to reach the isolated room.
"Here, it's your trademark robe." Barsine said as she returned from the master bedroom, holding a glowing and colorful robe.
Argoth packed the robe that identified him as Hortator of the Great Houses away. Surely, he'd wear it in Hyrule as he did for all formal occasions. He packed the belt of the same position away with the robe, and slid the ring of the Hortator on his finger. The glowing Moon-and-Star ring that identified him as the Nerevarine he wore on his other finger and never took off.
"Come here." Argoth said as he grabbed his wife and gave her a kiss. She laughed.
"To tell you the truth, I somewhat envy you. I wonder what new things you will encounter in that foreign land. Perhaps an interesting fight or two."
Argoth laughed. His wife was ever the Knight and House Cousin of Redoran. She probably wanted badly to come, but he could not afford the distraction. He'd have to go it alone.
"Here's the Star." Eddie said as he landed back in the living room and placed the gleaming silver Soul Gem in his patron's hand. Argoth looked on, always admiring the gem's beauty, before placing it in his pocket.
"I think that's everything." Argoth said as he closed the pack and placed it on his shoulder.
"Are you sure you want no armor, Master?"
"Ed, I'm going on a diplomatic mission, not to war."
"Well, that might just happen." He added sarcastically.
Barsine elbowed him in the side at that remark. Her husband smirked. Argoth kissed her goodbye and walked down the tower, past the guards and Dwemer Centurions to the outside. Eddie was at his side. The Nerevarine looked on and smiled. The renovations and expansions to the tower itself had gone well, and the land was becoming more hospitable by the day, becoming greener in contrast to the surrounding Molag Amur region it was in. Argoth hoped to attract more settlers with the improving land and have the tiny town surrounding his tower grow.
"Put your backs into it!" He heard the grunt of his construction foreman, the female Orc Gashnakh gra-Mughol, the same foreman who constructed his actual tower ten years earlier. Now, he had hired her company to build a canal that connected Tel Uvirith by water to the greater Zafirbel Bay area in order allow for better trade and access to the other Telvanni towns. But that project was far from complete, so he'd have to take his ship from Sadrith Mora.
"Master Argoth!" A female voice yelled.
The Nerevarine turned his head. It was one of his original settlers, the old Dunmer woman Gorven Menas who ran an Alchemy shop in the growing town.
"I've filled your potion order, Master." She said, handing him a small case.
He inspected the merchandise. Most of it consisted of Quality restore and fortify Magicka potions, plus a few of the restore health and attributes just in case he really did happen to run out of the Magicka needed to do it himself. Satisfied, he closed the case and put it in the pack over his shoulder.
"Thank you, Gorven." He said as he paid the bill of 250 Gold Septims, plus a tip of twenty more, for which she thanked him.
"Good luck in Hyrule, master." She smiled and walked back to her home.
"Ed, keep a second set of eyes on the place while I'm gone."
"Yes, Master. Good luck."
The two shook hands. Argoth then used his Amulet of Divine Intervention to warp to Wolverine Hall next to Sadrith Mora. From there it was a simple walk to his assigned ship. The ship set sail; Argoth merely sat down in the cabin and prepared himself for what would be coming.
Link practiced archery at a range in the castle's barracks. It was one way of letting off nervous energy for him. He remained hopeful that everything would work out. Zelda had stated her arguments to Gracian, who seemed to believe that they made sense. Gracian relayed the argument back to Cyrodiil, but the emperor seemed ready to combat it in the courts, and now he was sending another emissary to Hyrule.
Link was nervous. Who was this other emissary? Why was it necessary even to send one? The Hero of Time desperately wanted to find a way out of this situation for Zelda. He'd like nothing better than to marry her in a secret ceremony. But she already had the attention of the Tamrielic Emperor and such an action would most likely mean the onset of war, not only for the supposed breach of treaty, but Pelagius V would also see the action as an insult to his honor.
He wished he could do more, but really the only option now was to wait and see what would come with this new emissary. One thing was certain: he would fight for her, as he had pledged so long ago.
"Link?"
The Hero of Time turned his head to see Zelda approaching him. His heartbeat began to speed up. The two Triforce bearers sat down beside one another. The calm of the day was a welcome relief to them.
"Are you all right, Zelda?"
"I'm fine. I needed this day to relax." She sighed. Her heart was pounding. "Are you enjoying yourself out here?" She giggled. She knew Link would always be an outdoorsman at heart.
"Yes. I need the exercise." He could tell she was still nervous though. "Have you talked to Gracian today?" He decided to get to the problem.
"No. He's waiting for this emissary to arrive."
"Any idea who it is?"
"No. Gracian doesn't even know."
That made Link even more curious and on edge, and he could tell that Zelda was too.
"C'mon Zel." Link used his pet name for her. "We might as well use this free time in the town." He smiled.
"You're right Link. It would probably do me a world of good to get out of the castle. Just let me change."
Link watched her go and sighed at the whole situation. It was a hell of a catch-22. Zelda did not want to marry Pelagius V, but she wanted to do all she could to avoid war. Zelda was a shrewd ruler; she was not the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom for nothing. She would choose whatever option was possible to avoid either. Link would have the courage to support her in whatever she did.
"Well, this is it sir." The Imperial shipmaster said as he dropped anchor. "This is Lake Hylia; it's at the southern most point of Hyrule. The castle is at the opposite end to the north."
Argoth confirmed this on the map of Hyrule that he was given. He brushed some strands of long black hair away from his eyes and took a look at the lake. It was nighttime, and the water glowed in the light of the moon.
"Thank you." He tipped the Imperial thirty Gold Septims and stepped off the ship.
"I'll be here waiting for you sir."
The Nerevarine nodded and walked around the lake. He should be at the castle by mid day tomorrow. What did he know about the Hylians? Clearly they were Mer Folk like himself; a species on a different branch of the Elven tree. They were vastly knowledgeable in magic in their own right, and Argoth was eager to learn their lore, especially about the Triforce, which no one in Morrowind knew anything but the vaguest rumors about, even Divayth Fyr. Perhaps Azura's senses were right in that this trip would not be a waste. Not only could he help to avoid war, but he could also incorporate Hylian lore into his research. Argoth smirked. He had become ever the traditional Telvanni wizard.
The Nerevarine was so lost in his thoughts that he did not see a blue spider-like thing attack him until it pricked his skin. He grunted and dropped his pack, only to see several more approach him. Argoth drew the Sword of Roses, which he had wisely equipped before he left the ship. One slice of the sword was enough to kill the thing, its pieces frozen and then set aflame by the magic damage he had imbued into the blade. He then sent fireballs at the other blue things, charring them to cinders. Argoth sheathed his sword and cast his Hearth Heal spell. The wound on his hip made by the thing's jump was healed and the bleeding stopped. Argoth smirked. Barsine would have immensely enjoyed fighting those things. He picked up his pack and went up the path, levitating over the fences because he did not feel like climbing the ladder. He was now in the area that the map called Hyrule Field. He looked slightly to his left to see a large circular structure with houses in the distance. That must be Lon Lon Ranch. The castle would be beyond that. He continued his walk, noting the scenery.
Zelda sat on her throne in nervous anticipation as the morning sun continued to glow. Word had reached the castle that the emperor's emissary was now in Hyrule and would be making his appearance shortly. Link stood beside her, on guard and on edge himself.
Argoth showed up at the castle gate. He was impressed with the scale of the rebuilding of Hyrule Castle Town. The destruction that the late usurper Ganondorf had caused it could be heard even in Tamriel. Hyrule seemed to be recovering nicely.
The guard at the gate eyed the Dunmer suspiciously. Argoth knew that he obviously appeared very foreign.
"What is your business here?" He asked with some rudeness.
Argoth reached into his pocket and produced the letter that Emperor Pelagius had sent him. The guard's eyes widened when he read the emperor's letter was addressed to Argoth of Morrowind. His eyes spotted the Moon-and-Star ring on the Dunmer's right hand and widened even further.
"Forgive me for my rudeness, Nerevarine." He then clanked his spear on the ground, signaling for the gate to be opened. It was.
Argoth nodded his head and walked through the gate, up the path and past the guards into the castle. So, he was known even here. One of the servants greeted him warmly and showed him up the stairs and through the long hallways to his guest room.
"The Princess is waiting for you, sir."
Argoth nodded his head at the somewhat plump woman, who shut his door. The Nerevarine changed into the robe of the Hortator and placed the belt of the same position around his waist. He looked in the mirror as he fixed his hair from the mussed state it was in after traveling. Argoth put his sword and dagger away into his pack. He wanted to go into that throne room unarmed. Satisfied, and patting Azura's Star in his pocket for good luck, he left his room.
Conversation was ongoing in the throne room, wondering who the mystery emissary was now that he was officially in the castle. Zelda tried to remain calm, knowing that her and Hyrule's future could very much be in this person's hands. Link looked at her with a smile on his face. He nodded at her to convey his confidence in her, not just as his sovereign, but his friend.
Friend…Zelda wished it could be more than that. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sergeant-at-arm's voice.
"Presenting the emissary of Emperor Pelagius V, Argoth of Morrowind!"
Zelda's eyes widened. Argoth, the Nerevarine, and possibly the most powerful warrior in the world was the emissary? Her eyes widened as he entered the room, wearing a glowing and colorful robe just speaking power.
Link was in awe at the massive power he sensed emanating from this man. He had not expected the Nerevarine would be here. What did this mean? The emperor had just sent his strongest warrior to Hyrule! He hoped it did not mean war. He would fight the Nerevarine if it meant protecting his princess and country. But he most certainly did not want to.
Argoth was dumbstruck at the sight of the young woman sitting upon the throne. Crassius Curio was right. Princess Zelda was blindingly beautiful. He couldn't believe that he was actually agreeing with the rather odd Hlaalu councilor, but when you were right, you were right.
"Princess Zelda. I am Argoth of Morrowind. It is an honor to come into your court." He bowed his head, taking Azura's advice to be as diplomatic as possible.
"Thank you, Argoth." She said, noticing the fabled Moon-and-Star ring. So, the Nerevarine really was before her.
"Well! I never expected the Nerevarine to be the Emperor's emissary!" An Imperial man with shoulder-length brown hair came forward. "Publius Gracian, Imperial Ambassador to Hyrule." He shook the Dunmer's hand.
"Princess, who is your strongest warrior?" Argoth asked with some interest after he finished introducing himself to Gracian.
"That would be me." Link answered for Zelda, stepping forward with resolution but also some nervousness.
"Then you must be Link, the Hero of Time." He stepped forward toward the much younger man. There was a tense moment when the two stared at each other. Argoth's slightly taller frame looking down into Link's cobalt eyes, while Link looked up into Argoth's fiery red. The Dunmer then smiled, and held out his hand, surprising Link greatly. "My respect, from one warrior to another."
Link smiled back and shook his hand, noting the up-close look of the Moon-and-Star ring.
"Princes Zelda. I am greatly impressed by the reconstruction of the town surrounding this castle, as well as the other signs of recovery I have seen throughout your realm. Clearly, you possess all the tools of a good sovereign."
"Thank you, Nerevarine. I appreciate your compliments. How was your trip here?"
"Uneventful, I landed in Lake Hylia and decided to walk here. Over by the lake I was attacked by a few blue spider things. No problem, really."
Link laughed. "They're called Tektites. They're more annoying than deadly."
"Ahh, so that's what they're called." He grinned. "Actually, Princess, I received the notice that I was to come to your country on my wedding night. Safe to say, I was most displeased."
Zelda's face turned sympathetic.
"I am sorry to hear that, Nerevarine."
"You may call me Argoth, Princess."
"Well then, let's get down to business, shall we?" Gracian injected himself into the conversation.
"Very well. Princess, I'll be truthful with you. The Emperor cares nothing for the legal arguments you've made. I'm guessing he'll drag the case into a kangaroo court, probably with a judge on his own payroll."
"How dare you insult His Grace the Emperor, Nerevarine!" Gracian stated angrily.
"Ambassador Gracian, you are in my court, and you will not speak out of line!" Zelda replied firmly.
He bowed his head and relented.
"Argoth, if what you say is true; we will wait and see the verdict. I have competent ambassadors of my own for Hyrule's defense. If there are signs of foul play I will appeal to an international tribunal."
Argoth smiled at the young ruler's resolve.
"That will be all for now. I need my rest." She stood up.
Gracian nodded and walked up to Argoth. "You arrogant pig! Insulting the new emperor! I haven't even gotten to know him yet! How dare you speak of him that way!" He said through clenched teeth.
"If you don't get out of my face, you won't get to know him." Argoth said calmly.
Gracian visibly paled and took a few steps back. He bowed to Zelda one more time and left.
"Princess." Argoth addressed Zelda as she was at the door. "May I have permission to use your library? I'd like to learn more about Hylian lore and magic while I am here."
"A man of knowledge are you?" She smiled.
Argoth smiled back. "My house back home is a house of wizards. We pursue wisdom and mastery in the Arcane Arts and lore."
"House?" She asked curiously. "A house full of wizards?"
Argoth laughed loudly. "We call it a house. It means association."
Zelda smiled. "Very well. Use it freely."
Argoth bowed his head in thanks. Zelda walked out, and Link was about to follow her, when Argoth stopped him with a hand on his chest. Link looked at the Nerevarine in suspicion. After scanning the room with his eyes, Argoth whispered in Link's ear.
"I have more news to tell you and your princess. Get me a dinner audience with her, and make it private. Let's just say we don't want Gracian or any of the emperor's spies hearing me."
Link looked on in wonder as the legendary hero walked out of the throne room.