Valarya Drethen gently lowered herself into the bath, taking a long breath of relaxation as the rising steam from the water filled her all throughout. The Dunmer woman momentarily shut her eyes as the fresh, hot bathwater caressed and soothed every inch of her, melting away all the accumulated stress and tension in her body like snow beneath a spring sun. This was the only instance all day that Valarya had truly gotten to relax and unwind at all, and she intended to cherish every second as she began to unburden her mind and free herself from the grip of all her cumbersome thoughts.
Hour after hour of replying to letters, managing orders, filling out tax forms, taking inventory, and all other sorts of tedious paperwork. A woman's work truly never is done, Valarya thought to herself, flexing the fingers of her right hand as her joints let out a soft crack. Sitting behind a desk since the crack of dawn had just about withered away the last of Valarya's mental fortitude. Even as she tried to relax, the grating sound of her pen scratching against the endless stacks of parchments echoed inside her mind, seemingly threatening to slowly erode her sanity.
Ashara, her Khajiit chambermaid, lit a fire in the hearth, and it was not long before the entire room became enveloped in the warmth of the flickering flames. The heat from the toasty fire, combined with the comfort of her cozy bath, helped the Dunmer ease herself as she began to feel her body and mind gradually becoming lighter as the stress inside her dissipated.
"Bring me my wine," Valarya ordered, gazing intently into the lit fire as it crackled and sparked.
"Yes, my lady," Ashara answered compliantly, scurrying with haste as she reached for the bottle of vintage Surilie Brothers wine imported from Cyrodiil that rested on the mantelpiece. Serving Lady Drethen's drinks was nothing new to Ashara. The Khajiit had the bottle opened in seconds, carefully pouring the expensive wine into a silver, jewel-encrusted chalice that's value was more than likely equal to the price which she had been purchased.
Valarya inspected the reddish-purple wine briefly, taking a lengthy sniff as she inhaled the sweet, subtle scent. Swirling the wine within the cup for but a moment, she finally took her first sip, letting out an exhale as the beverage licked her tongue and tingled her senses.
Valarya peered out the wide window to her left, staring peacefully into the young night as she took another swig of her wine. A thin veil of mist had drifted from the marshes to the south, partially obscuring the glowing rays of Masser and Secunda behind a shroud of grey. Stars flickered in the black moonlit sky, shimmering gaily like dancing fireflies within the ghostly haze. Valarya smiled faintly to herself as she surrendered her entire being into a state of bliss.
"Is my dress ready?" asked the Dunmer woman.
"Yes, my lady," Ashara answered, on cue. "It is hanging in your bedchamber, freshly cleaned and prepared for you."
"Very good," said Valarya, pleased enough.
"Do you need it for something special, my lady?" No sooner had the Khajiit girl finished speaking, did she realize her blunder.
"I did not give you leave to ask questions, slave!" Valarya's brusque reprimand nearly scared little Ashara right out of her fur. "My affairs are none of your concern, is that clear?"
"Y-yes, Lady Drethen," stammered Ashara, her voice shaking as she quivered. "It won't happen again, my lady."
"See that it doesn't."
Once Ashara was able to compose herself after a moment, she knelt behind the bath, taking hold of Valarya's hair in her hand. With the other hand, she poured some water all throughout the Dunmer's long, jet black tresses, carefully working her fingers through the soaked hair as she tried to unravel some of the tangles. Lathering a generous amount of soap in her paws, Ashara wasted no time as she began washing Valarya's thick hair, not speaking a word as she scrubbed and massaged her scalp with no small amount of care. Valarya continued to indulge in her wine, allowing herself to succumb to complete relaxation as she momentarily shut out the rest of the world.
Valarya was not particularly looking forward to tonight. Alarys had invited his longtime friend, Orvas Dren, to a formal dinner with them at their manor tonight. While her husband never gave her an explicit reason for the unexpected invitation, Valarya could certainly make a guess as to its origin. She knew it had to have something to do with that letter from the Empire Alarys had received the other day. Indeed, her husband had been able to think of little else since reading the letter from Lord-Commander Antorius. Valarya had never held any love towards the Camonna Tong kingpin, and she had been unable to discern exactly how Alarys expected him to be of any help with the Imperials. Lady Drethen did not relish the thought of dining with Orvas Dren, but she knew Alarys would insist on her presence. If Orvas could somehow be of use during this situation with the Empire, then Valarya figured she could at least tolerate the man for a night.
"Do you like stories, Ashara?" Valarya asked, a tad unexpectedly.
"Yes, my lady, very much," answered the Khajiit as she just started to rinse the soap from Valarya's hair. "My brother tells me a story every night, before I go to sleep."
"Are you familiar with the Battle of Red Mountain, and the disappearance of the Dwemer?"
"No, my lady," said Ashara, welcoming this sudden shift in their exchange.
"It is an old tale, passed through countless generations of Dunmer," stated Valarya. "There are several conflicting accounts of exactly what happened, and the one you'll hear will differ depending on who is telling you."
"The battle itself took place in the year seven hundred of the First Era," Valarya continued. "Morrowind, then called Resdayn, was occupied by two races. The Chimer, who were the predecessors to the Dunmer, and the Dwemer, also known as Dwarves. The two races lived together in peace for hundreds of years upon successfully repelling an army of Nord conquerors from Skyrim. Ruling the Chimeri was General Indoril Nerevar, and for the Dwemer, was King Dumac. The two rulers were dear friends for centuries, and it was through their efforts together that both races were able to prosper in this land."
"But that friendship was somehow broken?" Ashara inquired curiously.
"Quite correct," said Valarya. "Nerevar's closest ally and advisor, Voryn Dagoth, somehow learned that the Dwemer had located the heart of the god Lorkhan, deep beneath the crater of Red Mountain, and were plotting to use it to power a terrible machine of destruction. When Nerevar learned of this, he confronted Dumac with the knowledge, and this led to a bitter quarrel between them. The hostilities soon escalated, and Nerevar officially declared war upon his old friend to stop the Dwemer's scheme."
Ashara was gently scrubbing Valarya's shoulders and back as she listened keenly to her every word. The Khajiit couldn't tell what had brought on Valarya's sudden pleasantness, but she figured the best thing to do was simply listen silently.
"The war swept across Morrowind, both sides fighting fiercely," continued Valarya, with no shortage of enthusiasm in her voice. "The Dwemer unleashed armies of automated machines upon the Chimer, built deep within their underground fortresses and workshops. General Nerevar, on the other hand, was able to unite all the Great Houses of Morrowind, as well as the Ashlanders beneath his banner, something never before accomplished. They besieged King Dumac at his citadel within Red Mountain, where Lorkhan's heart was located."
"And what happened next?" asked Ashara eagerly.
"That is where the tale starts to become unclear," said Valarya. "It is most commonly believed that Nerevar led a force that included Lord Dagoth, inside Red Mountain to face Dumac. It is said that Nerevar and Dumac battled one another directly, both suffering terrible wounds. Nerevar emerged victorious, and it was at that moment, out of seemingly nowhere, that the entire Dwemer race completely disappeared."
"How does an entire race of people simply disappear?" asked Ashara, perplexed at what she had heard.
"It is believed that the Dwemer had constructed a set of tools, capable of harnessing the Heart of Lorkhan's power," said Valarya. "It has been strongly suggested that in a last, desperate attempt to sway the tide of battle, the Dwemer used the tools upon the heart, and it was this act that caused their disappearance. No one has been able to say for sure exactly what happened beneath Red Mountain, or even more curiously, if the Dwemer will ever reappear."
"What happened to Nerevar after all this?" asked Ashara.
"I'm afraid the details become even more distorted at this point," Valarya answered. "If the account of the Tribunal is to be believed, Nerevar left the Dwemer's tools with Voryn Dagoth inside Red Mountain, while he left to consult his advisors Vivec, Sotha Sil, and his wife Almalexia about what was to be done with the tools. When they returned to Red Mountain, Lord Dagoth refused to relinquish the tools to them, and a battle soon erupted between them. Dagoth was thought to be destroyed, and Nerevar soon perished from his own wounds, while his three advisors were left with the Dwemer's tools, which they used to make themselves gods, forming the current Tribunal that rules over Morrowind."
"That is a fascinating story, my lady," said Ashara, admittedly entertained by what Lady Drethen had told her.
"I believe that will be all for today," said Valarya. "You are dismissed."
"Yes, my lady, as you say," said Ashara, happy to be finished another day of work.
"Ashara," said Valarya, looking at the Khajiit girl.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Before you leave, feel free to take some extra food from the kitchen for you and your brother," said Valarya. "Should anyone question you, send them to me."
A smile swept across the little kitten's face. "Thank you, my lady! You are most kind."
"Away with you now," said Valarya, and with that, Ashara hurriedly scurried out of the room, leaving Valarya to enjoy her brief solitude before Orvas Dren's imminent arrival.
Valarya spent just a few more minutes in the bath, finishing the last drops of her wine while enjoying the peace and quiet. Finally stepping out of the water, she quickly dried herself off before making her way to the main bedchamber. Valarya did not spend nearly as long grooming herself as she would normally were this an occasion she was actually looking forward to. After quickly running a brush through her hair, she put on just a touch of perfume and makeup, before lastly donning her strapless, dark violet dress that she had picked out. Valarya gave herself a quick look over in the mirror resting on the vanity, subtly adjusting her dress while quickly running a finger through her hair.
There always has to be one strand that just never stays in place. Pleased enough with her appearance, Valarya was soon on her way as she left the bedroom and headed downstairs.
A row of guards gave a long bow as Lady Drethen descended the main staircase to the foyer of the manor. Passing by the grand ballroom, Valarya took little more than a glance at the servants working away inside. She continued on through the wide, richly decorated corridors of the mansion with a brisk, confident stride. Countless exquisite paintings were plastered all along the walls of the hallways and most of the rooms, not the least of those being a portrait of Valarya herself that her husband had ordered to be made for her decades ago. The portrait was placed at the end of the hall, just outside the main parlor. While she liked the painting itself, Valarya always lamented that the artist had made her nose just slightly too big. Had it not have been a gift from her husband, she would have demanded the whole thing be redone while halving the artist's commission.
Alarys was already in the dining room when Valarya entered, staring outside the window as he paid no attention to the servants and slaves setting the table. Valarya could instantly smell the aroma of the dinner being prepared in the kitchens, reminding her of just how hungry she actually was.
"You look quite fetching tonight," Valarya complimented her husband, drawing his attention from the window.
"And you look ravishing, my love," said Alarys, giving his wife a faint smile. Valarya returned the smile, doing a small twirl as she walked over to him, and the Drethens shared a brief kiss.
"You're wearing the necklace I got you for your birthday," said Alarys, fiddling with said necklace in his fingers.
"Our anniversary, actually," Valarya corrected him. "The earrings you got for my birthday."
"Right, of course," said Alarys, his wife adjusting his collar.
"Is Orvas almost here?" asked Valarya.
"Yes, he is due to arrive any moment," Alarys replied. No sooner had Lord Drethen said that, a guard came marching into the dining room.
"My lord, Orvas Dren has just arrived," the guard announced. "He has been received at the front gate."
"Send him in," ordered Alarys.
"At once, my lord," obeyed the guard, hurrying away.
"Was inviting him to dinner really necessary?" asked Valarya.
"Were it anyone else, no," Alarys answered, "but Orvas and I go as far back as our childhoods, and I suspect he'll be able to help with our little situation with the Imperials, seeing as he hates them just as much as I do. It'll be easier to bum a favor when his stomach's full, I'm sure."
The guard from earlier soon returned, escorting the guest of honor to the dining room.
"Alarys Drethen, my old friend!" came the voice of Orvas Dren as he sauntered into the dining room. "How many years has it been?"
"Far too many, dear Orvas," Alarys replied. "I'm glad you could make it on such short notice." The two men shared a brief embrace.
"Anything for you, my friend," the head of the Camonna Tong answered. "So how've you been anyhow, you ol' bastard?"
"Well enough, sera," answered Alarys. "Certainly not getting any younger."
Orvas chuckled, and his gaze then shifted to Valarya, standing by the table.
"Lady Valarya, it is truly a pleasure to see you after all these years," said Orvas, making his way toward her. "You have grown more beautiful since last I saw you." Orvas gave her a kiss on the hand, followed by a short embrace, which Valarya reluctantly returned.
If you weren't a close friend of my husband, I'd have you whipped for touching me.
"The pleasure is mine, Orvas," said Valarya, forcing a smile.
"Have a seat, my friend," said Alarys, "dinner will be served shortly."
"Don't mind if I do," replied Orvas. The three Dunmer promptly took their seats at the long dining table. Alarys sat at the head of the table, with Orvas sitting directly opposite at the other end. Valarya sat just a few seats down from her husband's right.
"A drink while we wait?" offered Alarys.
"I'd fancy a glass of whiskey right about now," said Orvas, "and none of that imported piss they try to pass off as liquor."
"I'm of a mind with you," said Alarys. The Dunmer snapped his fingers, and a nearby servant scurried off to fetch their drinks. He returned only seconds later with whiskey for the men, and wine for Valarya. The woman took a long sip of the wine the second the servant had finished pouring it into her glass.
"Light a fire," Alarys ordered the servant, and he promptly complied as he lit the massive stone hearth across the table.
"Anything else you require, my lord?" asked the servant.
"No. Leave us." The servant bowed before doing as he was bade.
"How fared your journey here, Orvas?" asked Alarys, taking his first sip of his drink.
"Well enough, apart from nearly getting mobbed by a swarm of cliff racers in one instance," Orvas replied. "It's a shame I don't get to travel to the mainland more often. Vvardenfell has been plagued with endless ash storms and widespread droughts the last month. Vivec City has become overrun with foreigners, and is little more than an eyesore to me at this point. I've always been fond of Tear, and the lands surrounding it."
Dinner was finally brought in just then, served by Khajiit slaves. Valarya's stomach gave a growl as she eyed the food laid before her on a silver plate. She took another swig of wine before carefully cutting off a morsel of the juicy roast pheasant, accompanied by a mouthful of warm bread. Looking over, she could see Orvas had already dug right into his food, with seemingly little regard for table manners.
"You really let those fur-bags prepare your meals?" asked Orvas, taking a chug of his whiskey.
"Should I not?" Alarys replied.
"I'm always worried about finding clumps of cat hair in my food," Orvas replied with a snicker. "But I suppose that's better than them damned scalebacks, who'll just drool all over it."
Valarya rolled her eyes, while Alarys seemingly paid no mind to the remark.
"How's business been?" Alarys inquired.
"Difficult, I must admit," answered Orvas. "The Empire has been coming down hard on the skooma and moon sugar trade. Many of my suppliers have been taken out of action, forcing me to drive up my prices, which means my customer base has been slowly dwindling. Shipments are constantly getting seized, and my forces are spread thin trying to keep the Imperials at bay while also trying to keep the councilors in check."
"It seems there's nothing the Empire won't stick their nose into," said Alarys. "It sickens me to see them destroy everything this country stands for, and all the while they have the impudence to piss on our heads and tell us it's raining. Hordes of outlanders swarm these lands every day, and the Imperials expect us to simply watch as Morrowind slowly erodes."
"It must be added insult to injury for you, with your own son having joined up with the Imperial Legion," said Orvas. Alarys shot a glower at the Camonna Tong leader, and Valarya's heart skipped a beat as the room suddenly fell silent.
If there was ever one instance where Lady Drethen truly feared her husband, it was the day their only son announced his intentions to enlist in the Imperial Legion. Alarys's rage had been comparable to an erupting Red Mountain, and Valarya genuinely feared that Alarys would kill him right there and then. Since that day, only a suicidal person would have dared to mention their son in Alarys's presence.
"Serys chose his path long ago," said Alarys, his voice relatively calm, much to Valarya's surprise. "I gave him everything growing up, and in return, he blatantly shamed me, and disgraced my name."
That's the first time Alarys has spoken our son's name in ages, thought Valarya, tracing her finger along the rim of her wine glass.
"The only thing that fool shares with me now is the name Drethen, and I would strip that from him if I could," said Alarys. Valarya shifted uncomfortably in her seat, taking a generous mouthful of wine in the hope it would somehow make this night end sooner.
"I have a favor to ask of you, old friend," Alarys spoke again, deciding to finally get to the point. "Admittedly, that is part of the reason I invited you."
"Your letter to me mentioned as much," said Orvas. "What troubles you, Alarys?"
"I received a letter from Vicentus Antorius the other night," Alarys explained. "It would seem the Lord-Commander is quite insistent on the release of my slaves, and he was even graceful enough to threaten me. He seems to have it in his head that fields plough themselves, and crops grow by singing to them."
"The Imperials have their heads shoved so far up their arses it's a wonder they can see two inches in front of them," Orvas remarked. "So just what exactly can I do to help, friend?"
"It's no secret that you have extensive influence within House Hlaalu, and that they have been in bed with the Empire for several years," said Alarys. "I don't suppose there is any way you could use your connections to somehow get the Imperials off my back. As much as I hate to admit it, the Empire does have the power to greatly hinder my entire operation."
"Vicentus Antorius is an important man within the Legion," Orvas stated. "Certainly not someone you'd want as your enemy. I might be able to get the Imperials off your case, but know that I'll most likely have to call in several favors, in addition to the usual bribes, blackmail, and maybe even the occasional blood spill."
"I know it's foolish to ask," said Alarys, "but I don't suppose you could speak to your brother?" Orvas merely chortled.
"You know as well as I that my dear brother, the Duke of Vvardenfell, is in neck-deep with the Empire," Orvas answered. "Vedam would never dare risk his cozy position by interfering with the Empire's wishes. In fact, I suspect it is none other than he that has been harassing my business as of late. And let us not forget my own niece is the leader of the slavery abolitionist movement in Vvardenfell."
"Anything you could do to help, Orvas, would be greatly appreciated," said Alarys.
"And I am only too happy to help out a dear friend," said Orvas. "I will see what I can do."
"Thank you, Orvas."
"I will need something from you in return, dear Alarys," said Orvas, "as much as I am enjoying this dinner."
"I thought as much."
"The other day, I sent a boat containing a large shipment of skooma bound for Seyda Neen," Orvas explained, "only, the boat never arrived. Come to find out, the shipment was seized by the East Empire Company, and they are currently keeping it within one of their warehouses. I need that shipment out of there post-haste, before they decide to take a closer look at what they seized. I would deal with this myself, but the Camonna Tong is spread thin as I said already, and I cannot spare the men as it is."
Alarys pondered his friend's words for a moment.
"I can speak with some of the other councilors of my House," said Alarys, "perhaps convince them to lend me a small force to secure your shipment."
"I have a better idea," said Valarya, speaking for the first time since this dinner had begun.
"What do you propose, my lady?" asked Orvas, curiously.
"It's simple, really," said Valarya. "I have several letters from the head of the East Empire Company in Morrowind, and, fortunately for us, I happen to be a talented forger. Mimicking his handwriting and signature should not prove overly difficult. I'll draft a letter to those holding your shipment, impersonating their boss, demanding its immediate release. Your skooma will reach its destination, with no bloodshed involved, and by the time the East Empire Company realizes they've been duped, if they even do, it'll be far too late."
"My lady, I would be forever indebted to you," said Orvas, gratefully. "You would truly do this for me?"
"Of course. I would not have offered otherwise," said Valarya.
"You have my deepest thanks, Valarya," said Orvas.
Valarya had eaten just about all she had room for. Finishing the last of her wine, she slumped back in her seat and placed a hand on her full stomach. She was feeling slightly tipsy from the wine, and she could feel herself growing sleepy.
"Would I be pushing my luck if I ran one more thing by you, Alarys?" asked Orvas, breaking the momentary silence.
"Not at all," Lord Drethen replied.
"Nothing is currently set in stone," Orvas began, "but there may come a time when my brother, Vedam, might need to be…removed from the picture."
"We grew up as children, Orvas," Alarys replied. "Are you certain you would wish to undertake such a drastic measure?"
"I do still hold some semblance of love for my elder brother, believe it or not," said Orvas, "but…well, I do not wish to discuss this here to be perfectly honest. Perhaps we can speak over a game of billiards?"
"As you wish, my friend," said Alarys. "I've longed for the chance to beat you again."
"As I have longed for the chance to lose to you," said Orvas. "Will you be joining us, Valarya?"
"I think not," the woman answered. "I'm weary, and I need to rest."
"I'll have a guest bedroom prepared for you, Orvas," said Alarys.
"Many thanks, my friend," said Orvas. "I bid you good night, Valarya." With that, the Dunmer men stood up from the table, leaving Valarya alone in the dining room as they made for the parlor.
Lady Drethen left the dining room herself not long after. The servants had returned and began cleaning up the plates and silverware. Valarya had no desire to remain here with them, and so she made her way back upstairs.
Upon returning to the master bedroom, Valarya immediately discarded her dress, tossing it carelessly to the floor. She slipped into her favorite black silk nightgown before lighting a small fire, and spent a moment warming herself by the flames. Once she was cozy enough, Valarya took a seat behind the oak desk across the room, opening several of the drawers as she sifted through the stacks of old letters and documents.
I know there's a letter from the East Empire Company's head honcho here somewhere. Valarya considered leaving this task for tomorrow, but considering the amount of work she would undoubtedly have on her plate already, she thought it better to just get it done and over with now. Besides, Alarys would likely be up half the night with Orvas Dren, and this was just the chance Valarya needed to enjoy some much needed quiet time.
Finding what she was looking for at last, Valarya laid the letter upon the desk, which she planned to use as a reference as she forged the new letter ordering the release of Orvas's shipment. Putting on her spectacles, Valarya began to study the handwriting of the letter closely, paying close attention to the precise shapes, curves and general contour of the words, taking note of the smooth flow and delicate intricacies of the individual letters themselves. The signature would be the hardest part to replicate, but with just a bit of care, it would pose no problem for Valarya. After a few more minutes, she grabbed a blank parchment and set it in front of her, dipping her pen into the ink as she got to work.
Valarya's eyes shifted continuously back and forth between the two documents as she carefully crafted each word, with each letter bearing perfect resemblance to the handwriting she was copying. The woman's hand glided almost effortlessly across the page, her pen swirling and curving elegantly as if it were a dancer. Once that was done, all that was left was to make the official seal, which would stop most forgers at this point, but Lady Drethen was not most forgers. Like a wizard working a spell, Valarya carefully molded and shaped the dab of wax as she pressed it to the page, and before she knew it, the document bore a more perfect seal than even the East Empire Company themselves could ever make.
Valarya grinned to herself as she took a minute to admire her handiwork, holding the perfectly crafted, and completely counterfeit letter in front of her face. She had no doubt in her mind whatsoever this would see Orvas Dren's shipment released, and the East Empire Company would be utterly unsuspecting to the orders being fabricated.
The things I do to keep this plantation running. I'd say this has earned me another drink of wine. Valarya stored the letter safely inside the desk drawer before making her way to the liquor cabinet. Wine in hand, Valarya initially reached for a glass, but decided to just enjoy it straight from the bottle.
It was just past midnight when Valarya stepped outside onto the balcony. All was silent across the vast land, an eerie fog looming in the air, drifting through the nightly shadows like a haunting specter. Trees rustled softly in the distance as crickets chirped in the grass. Valarya stood by her lonesome, watching the glittering stars in fixation, serenity filling her all throughout as she basked in the beautiful night. A cool breeze sent a relaxing chill through her, small goosebumps forming on her bare arms. There was truly little more she could ask for on a night as perfect as this.
Taking the last sip of her wine, Valarya Drethen shut her eyes, listening to the soft breath of the wind, and it was all she could do to keep from falling asleep right there and then.