Shout outs to msyendor for following my story and GalacticHalfling for following and for your review. In response to the review, I'd like to say that I've enjoyed making the characters my own. Many of the characters from the game will play roles larger than you'll remember in the game and of course, I have to add some characters of my own to give the story flavor. It's really fun to decide on how a character's personality will be. Some are noble, some are sensual, and some are just flat out evil dirt bags. I'm trying not to make any character seem shallow or single minded, giving them multiple facets that shape their reactions to a situation. Sometimes I worry that these early chapters are a little bland, because I wrote the original rough drafts long ago. Later on in the story, I've been able to explore different characters more, in part by changing the narration to characters other than Han lu and I hope you enjoy the transition as much as I have. To those of you who have patiently waited for more chapters, I want to assure you that this story isn't stopping unless I finish or die. On the rough draft, I just finished chapter 67. I go through creative spurts of writing lots of chapters in a handful of days and then getting bored and playing video games with my spare time. I try to release chapters slowly on purpose because I am adamant about editing. The story that inspired me to write this was The Legend of Zaden, here on fanfiction. It's an excellent story and is complete, which is rare for a story like this, but I look back on the editing and it makes me want to present my work well.

Just a reminder that all followers and reviews are appreciated and will get a shout out. I'm happy to respond to a meaningful review and would welcome anyone with questions, comments, or what have you to message me. Getting feedback really motivates me to do a writing binge.

The Odai river was low. You could tell by the smell. I tried to ignore it, however, as I sat across the table from Hasphat at Wayn's favorite outdoor cafe. It was near lunchtime, but I'd forgone eating there in favor of somewhere more tasteful and less odorous. Hasphat had given me a couple sheaves of paper and I scanned them over. He didn't seem to be bothered by the smell.

"The Empire, or rather, the Emperor doesn't seem to understand cultures different than his own. He hears of trouble in the far reaches of his Empire and sends his heroes, his legion, his guilds out to solve problems and civilize situations. He does so without consideration of politics, culture gaps, or general feelings toward the Empire."

I listened politely, sipping some local beverage I'd never heard of that was nearly pungent enough to drive away the scent of the river. I was so tired. Not from sleep deprivation, but from the blood loss yesterday. Still, I had work to do. Hasphat continued and I listened as best I could.

"So now, Caius sends you to me, hoping you can be the one to help him solve Morrowind's ails. You will need to learn of Morrowind's history to survive its present. For example, what do you know of the tribunal temple?"

I concentrated, thinking back to when I'd first met Ajira. "They worship three gods. They punish necromancy."

"What do you know about the gods," he asked, keeping me on the track he wanted.

"Nothing really." I might have been able to dredge up a few more details had I been better rested.

Hasphat sighed. "It's important for you to learn. These things have everything to do with the Sixth house and Nerevarine cults. Nerevar was an ancient hero of the Dunmer's ancestors. The short answer to your question is that the Nerevarine cult believes he will be reborn into this nation, that he will drive out all outlanders from Morrowind, and restore the ancient Dark elf nation to its pre imperial state."

I nodded in understanding. "I can already tell why Caius would want to know about them."

"So do I, although, the cult is small and really presents no threat to the Empire, especially since the Tribunal Temple ostracizes its members. Nerevar is a saint of the temple, but the tribunal priests deny the prophecy that he will be reincarnated. There is another informant who might have more information on Nerevar at the mages guild. An Orc named Sharn gra-Muzgob has done extensive studies on local faiths and religions."

I made a note of the name. "So what about the sixth house cult?" The sooner I got my information, the sooner I could rest and relax.

"Once again, you need some background to have a frame of reference. There are currently five Great houses ruling Morrowind. House Dagoth was the sixth house and was lost thousands of years ago. It seems that in recent years, small pockets of worship have popped up across Vvardenfell idolizing the last leader of house Dagoth. Their doctrine states that the tribunal are false gods who have betrayed Morrowind to the Empire and it states that Dagoth Ur, their ancient leader will lead them in overthrowing the other great houses and driving the Empire out, restoring the ancient Dunmer nation."

"That sounds a little silly, doesn't it," I asked tiredly with a sigh? "All these ancient heroes rising back up from the grave."

Hasphat bit his lip. "Well, maybe with Nerevar, yes. He was supposedly killed, but the temple claims that Dagoth Ur is still alive, under the volcano at the center of the island." I gave him a withering look. He held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I know, I know how it sounds, but hear me out. The Tribunal temples gods are confirmed to still be alive. Vivec himself lives in a temple at the southern tip of Vvardenfell and travels the land on occasion. If a demigod from thousands of years ago can still be alive, why not a devil?"

"So what you're saying," I concluded, "Is that you actually believe all of this. You don't think these cults are just crazy people who hit the skooma pipes a little too hard."

Hasphat settled into his seat, leveling his gaze at me. "The more you learn about this stuff from working with Caius, the more believable it will become. Have you seen the Ghostfence yet?"

I shook my head. "I think I heard someone mention it before."

"Well, when you see it, you'll know that there are more powerful forces at play than priestcraft and zealotry. In the meantime, I think you have the information you need from me. Just keep in mind that the temple discourages discussion of these cults. So if you see any Ordinators, you keep your mouth shut."

I agreed and gladly left him and the stink of the river behind. I needed to report to Caius and turn in for the day. I needed some time to heal.