On the roof of the mages guild, Ajira's fur and robes fluttered in the breeze. Colder weather accompanied the month of last seed. In Seyda neen, the weather was warmer, but further inland, the temperature stayed cooler and the air lost much of its humidity. I'd need something warmer to wear than my sleeveless shirt.
"Ajira didn't thank you for helping her with those thugs," she reminisced aloud.
"I probably would have found another reason to fight them. I don't exactly have a clean slate myself, but I have a pet peeve when it comes to people being a nuisance."
She smiled at my attitude. It was always interesting talking to a Khajiit. With men and elves, our faces still shared similar features, but Ajira's feline face was more difficult to read. "It is brave to lend aid to a stranger, but you may want to be more cautious in the future. Ajira doesn't know what it's like where you grew up, but there are many powerful factions here in Morrowind and even if they don't war openly, they do clash secretly. You don't want to get caught in the middle."
"Would you be referring to the mages and fighters guilds?" She had left the room during my conversation with Ranis, but with the characteristic good hearing of Khajiit, she was probably listening the whole time.
"You Dunmer are so comfortable with discussing secrets, that sometimes you don't guard them as closely as you should. Yes, the guilds are at odds, but we are new to this arena. There are older forces at work and often they are at odds with us."
"I know about the five great houses."
"Ah, but only three are prevalent on Vvardenfell. Hlaalu, Redoran, and Telvanni."
"My mother comes from house Telvanni."
"Do not tell that to Ranis," Ajira warned. "She seems to hold a grudge against them."
"I owe no loyalty to them. Thanks for the advice though."
"You asked about the temple on the silt strider. You should know that they are not to be trifled with."
"I assume they don't approve of daedra worship. Do they worship the divines from the Imperial religion?"
"Far from it. They despise foreign gods. I don't know much about their worship, but you'd do well to abide their laws."
"What are they?"
"Mostly they outlaw any worship outside their own. They tolerate the Imperial cult, but only because they dare not challenge the Empire. Ajira would keep Daedra worship to herself if she wore your shoes."
"Who enforces the temples law? Do they employ the city guards?"
"No, the city guards are employed by whatever great house rules the city. Here in Balmora, it is house Hlaalu. The temple has its own force of Ordinators. Ajira saw them when she visited the city of Vivec. They wear magnificent golden armor and helmets that look like a face. They give Ajira chills in the spine."
I was beginning to get used to her referring to herself in the third person. "So they punish daedra worship. Anything else?"
"Well, necromancy and lots of old Dunmer legends. They also try to control news of the corprus spreading. Ajira supposes they want to prevent a panic, seeing as we can't escape the island. It's the most logical thing this one has heard of them doing."
"So I need to be careful of the guilds, the great houses, the council club, and the temple. Is that all," I joked?
"Not remotely. There are the crime guilds. The thieves guild seemed to follow us from the Empire. There's the local crime guild, the Camonna Tong. They're all Dunmer and they hate outsiders. Also if you go outside the cities and explore, you may find daedra worshippers. Maybe you aren't afraid of them, but they are dangerous too."
"Why do people live here?"
"If you keep your head low, this land does have its charm and it is steeped in magic and history. Just look at it." She swept her hand around at the city before us. In the early morning sun, the buildings gave off a golden glow, and the Odai river glistened. People of all races bustled about just like in Cyrodiil. To the south, the Odai valley had a road following the river south and I could see what looked to be giant mushrooms. The guards on the walls stood proudly with their bows and spears, their yellow armor complementing the sun's glow.
A chill ran up my spine and I experienced a sense of familiarity. This was the land that had produced my family. I had ancestors buried here and I might even have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins I'd never even met. It was possible. I'd have to find a map and visit the east coast some time.
"Maybe you're right," I whispered reverently. "There is something to this place."
The moment was interrupted by my stomach growling loudly. "Thank you for the information Ajira. I'll watch my step. It's time for breakfast."
She rubbed her eyes tiredly. "No, it's time for bed. Sleeping on the silt strider is far from restful."
"I'll be back tomorrow to check in with Ranis."
Ajira waved as I went to explore the city.