A/N: And here's the next chapter! Let's see what Sunders-the-Heart is up to, shall we?
Disclaimer: I don't own the Elder Scrolls series. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 11: Return to Vvardenfell
Sunders-the-Heart's POV
After the most recent meeting of our little group of conspirators, I headed with the Blades to Sky Haven Temple. There, we discussed our path forwards. Foremost among these topics was expanding the Blades a bit.
"Well then," I said, "do either of you know anyone we could recruit to expand our order?"
"Very few," said Esbern, "we've had to spend a good portion of our time since the Great War in hiding".
"M'aiq knows much tells little," said a familiar voice, one which couldn't possibly be here.
I spun around, and found a very familiar Kajiit leaning against the wall.
"M'aiq? What… how are you here?" I asked.
"M'aiq hears whispers of coming war," said M'aiq, "M'aiq wishes to know if the old lizard wants aid".
"You know this one?" asked Delphine.
"Yes… but his presence in this time and place are odd," I said, "after all, I met him on Vvardenfell… 200 years ago".
"M'aiq's father was also named M'aiq, as was his grandfather, then again M'aiq may have lied".
"Don't give me that," I said, "no two Kajiit have the exact same pattern of their fur, and I certainly remember yours".
"M'aiq is blessed by his Lady, just as you are by yours," said M'aiq.
"Right… so what did you need?" I asked.
"M'aiq offers to rally Kajiit for what is to come, and report on the actions of the Thalmor," said M'aiq.
I considered his offer, and realized having a contact within Elsweyr, so close to The Summerset Isles would be invaluable.
"I accept your offer, M'aiq," I said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to be off to collect some useful… tools".
"Wait! Where do you think you're going?" demanded Delphine.
"To Morrowind," I said, "I must inform the Dunmer of what is coming… and collect some items I left there. Try and search what contacts you have, see what support you can muster,".
I left Sky Haven Temple, M'aiq following me for a bit before heading off on his own path. I headed up the roads, leaving The Reach behind and eventually making my way to Winterhold. I headed down into the basement of my Inn, and made sure all my adventuring gear was in order. I made sure everything was prepared, then cast Recall. The spell whisked me away to my manor in Raven Rock, where I had previously set my Mark spell in case I needed to make a quick escape. I headed upstairs, and outside to meet with Councilor Morvayn. I found the Councilor in his home, waiting for the next thing which required his attention. When he spotted me, he greeted me cordially.
"Ah, hello my friend," said Morvayn, "good to see back in Raven Rock. What brings you in today?"
"Nothing pleasant, unfortunately," I said, "I come before you today in my capacity of Hortator. There's war brewing… the Altmer are beginning to move forwards with their destructive efforts. The Dunmer must be prepared to fight for the safety of their lands… and the Towers".
"You speak of that text the Thalmor tote around with them everywhere?" said Morvayn, "the one where they speak of the unmaking the world?"
"Correct," I said, "don't forget: the world has been… broken before".
"With Morrowind's current condition, I doubt we can contribute much," said Morvayn, "it's rather difficult to get messages through the mainland, what with Red Mountain's current level of activity".
"All I'm asking it that you keep them from shutting down the Tower," I said, "That is, assuming their foolish enough to get close to Red Mountain in its current state".
"And what will you do?" asked Morvayn.
"I have to pick up some thing I left behind," I said, "If things go as they usually do, having a couple spare tools never hurts".
Morvayn knew what I spoke of: The Tools of Kagrenak; Keening, Sunder, and Wraithguard. I had decided that if these items were strong enough to break the Heart of Lorkhan, they should work against the Eye of Magnus as well.
I headed outside, and out of town. I headed down to the shoreline, and wrapped my face so to keep the ash out. Once fully equipped, I cast Water Walking and started across the Sea of Ghosts. After hiking some distance across the waves, the ruins of Khuul came into view. The port town from which I departed to Solsthiem 2 centuries ago was nothing but rubble and burn and broken timbers. I looked solemnly over what little was left of this place, and then started southeast towards the southern end of the island, where the port of Ebonheart once stood. I knew of a place south of there in which no one would think to look: the submerged Dwemer Ruins of Mudan on one of the islands. Some might wonder why I didn't leave them in closer to Red Mountain, but in truth I felt that location was a bit too obvious.
I continued on my way, and as dusk fell I made camp, using the methods I'd learned from the Ashlanders. I slept through the ash storm which blew through, and in the morning, I continued towards the heart of the island, making good use of my levitation spell as I climbed around the mountain. Eventually, I came to the ruins of Caldera, where the ebony mines were, and down the old trail towards what remained of Balmora. I passed down the main street, the river now choked with ash, and continued south.
Further south, I came to the ruins of Vivec, which were partially sunk into the waters by this point. I headed down the southern peninsula, reaching an area where the ash wasn't quite as thick. Eventually, came upon Ebonheart, the old Imperial port. I continued along, heading onto the islands. I followed the path I had long ago, when I first discovered this place, and dived into the waters. I headed down, finding the grotto which would lead to the ruins, and swam inside. Before long, I came upon the familiar Dwemer towers, and headed through into this long forgotten place.
A/N: And there we go! Next time: Exploring Mudan Grotto, for the 2nd time. see you then!
