Eighth chapter served to you all by moi.

Guest - Actually, N'Wah literally means an invader. Dunmers, being xenofobic, racist tosspots, use that word sometimes even if insulting some outlander isn't their priority. Also, do us all a favour and not mention that politician ever again, he already got way more recognition than the likes of him deserve. If he was also a religious fanatic, he would pretty much become incarnation of everything I hate about modern world.

The nerd who likes digimon - She sure did. Who would leave behind an enchanted weapon in such situation? Yes, magic from Morrowind, while not perfect, was definitely more diverse than that in future games. Get used to Ted claiming to be someone he isn't just for laugh, he's gonna do that a lot. He has some virtues, but honesty isn't one of them.

Lunar Loon - And I thank you for being such a suppostive reader. There's no author in the world that wouldn't like to have such readers.

NarutoSpardaUzumaki - Thanks. Pretty soon Azirra and Ted will meet again and both stories will almost fuse.

This chapter will be relatively calm, to make up for a lot of action in the next two chapters. Also, it's shorter - it was cut in half again, since I have no intention of making chapters over 10k words long. Have fun!

For one short moment, Azirra felt like she was back home, in Cyrodiil.

Ebonheart was a bona fide Imperial town; Dunmers had nothing to do with its creation. Built right after the old king Llethan opened Vvardenfell to exploration, it quickly became the main seat of power for Duke Dren, the Grand Council, Imperial Legion and Imperial Cult. From this place, the Empire controlled the entire island, both by their military and diplomats.

Speaking of diplomats, there were also two organisations that represented the interests of neighbouring provinces: Skyrim Mission and Argonian Mission, the second of which was the one Azirra had entered few minutes ago.

"Truly, what you did cannot be measured in gold, but please, accept this modest payment from our emergency budget," stated Im-Kilaya, a mage in charge of the mission.

"Normally, I would refuse being paid for helping someone in getting away from slavers, but lately I found herself badly in need of money, so I won't complain." I'm slowly starting to think it's my sense of value that is messed up, not others, if even he calls it a modest sum, thought Azirra. She pocketed the four hundred septims, which, added to the two hundred drakes she had when leaving Balmora and reduced by double charge for a boat ride, gave her five hundred and fifty septims - pretty good.

"You deserve it. It's also a relief that the slaver, who was both a Camonna Tong thug and skooma smuggler, is dead." Oh, yes. On the way to Ebonheart, Rabinna mentioned her former master forced her to swallow a sack worth of packed moon sugar. Once Rabinna arrived to Balmora, a commoner - Vorar Helas - would slaughter her, so that he could take the drugs from her stomach. True story. The boatman almost dropped his oar when he heard that. "We need everyone we can get against this battle with slavery."

"I heard the slavery is legal thanks to Armistice," said Azirra. "And yet so was the ban of exploration of Vvardenfell until the king changed the law. Doesn't that mean the current king can abolish slavery?"

"Not quite. Llethan managed to remove this part from Armistice because he managed to get an approval from the Grand Council. House Dren, which owns a lot of land in mainland Morrowind, was against the exploration, and so was House Indoril, which, being pretty much part of the Temple, owned Vvardenfell back then. The Hlaalu always do what the Empire wants, so it was a matter of convincing the Redoran and Telvanni councilors that they would benefit from this, which they did." Im-Kilaya sighed.

"Then I assume the Great Houses actually like that part of Armistice?"

"It is a much bigger problem. The Dres are obviously against the abolition of slavery, that's the foundation of their plantations. The Telvanni also rely on slaves, so they won't help. The Hlaalu, while supportive of the Empire, also gain many profits from this. The Redoran and Indoril have mixed feelings about it - they both like traditions, but at the same time they know it's their rivals that gain the most from it. Either way, even if two Houses fully supported the abolition, it still wouldn't be enough."

Azirra nodded sadly. She slowly started to feel that her new job, searching for weaknesses of the enemies of the Empire, actually might help people that truly need aid... At the cost of giving Emperor even more power, but after all there are no perfect solutions.

"Well, I guess I'll be going. It's late now and I still need to rent a room at the inn."

She turned around to leave, but the Argonian placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Wait. There's something else I wanted to say."

"What is it?" she asked, turning around.

Im-Kilaya smiled.

"There's a certain group that is always looking for new friends. Money isn't exactly involved in this line of business, it's more about... connections and doing what is right. You freed a slave and brought her into safety of our mission even though there was no guarantee you would get anything in exchange for the costs you had to pay and risks you had taken."

"It would just feel wrong to do otherwise."

"Which is why I'm willing to invite you into our group. I do not mean the Mission either. The Twin Lamps."

"You are... Awfully trusty for a member of a semi-illegal organisation. For all you know I might actually be a spy for Camonna Tong."

The Argonian snorted.

"They would never accept a Khajiit into their ranks, even if it meant the difference between their success and failure. They treat us as resources, not even tools. Also... I can't explain it, but there's something about you that makes me think you are the kind of person that can actually face impossible odds and emerge victorious. And for some reason I find it easy to trust you... I believe I know why exactly you helped Rabinna."

"Really? Why?"

"You helped for the same reason I helped the first slave I freed. You saw yourself in her."

Azirra remained silent.

"It will never stop, you know. If anything, your desire to help will only get stronger, we're just like that. Every time you see the face of slave with broken spirit, you will be reminded that it could have been you... Then you will remember those you already helped. And in the end, you will realize that you actually can do something about it.

"If you ever meet someone who seems friendly towards our cause..." started Im-Kilaya. The old Argonian (at least his voice gave that impression, she never could tell the age of lizard folk) turned her around and led her to the door. "Ask them 'Have you seen the Twin Lamps?'. If their answer is 'They guide the path to freedom', know you have found one of your new friends. Farewell to you, Azirra the mage. I hope we will meet again."

"Y-yeah... See you soon."

The first contact with the camp of Erabenimsun tribe was quite tense.

The Erabenimsun aren't friendly even at the best of times. Ever since the previous Ashkhan died, the tribe became very hostile to outsiders. Ulath-Pal, the new leader, was a brute and murderer. Since he came to power, the camp's main source of income were raids and banditry. All of that Ted, I mean Rotheimaak, already knew from the game, so he had shown no surprise when at his approach many warriors pulled out weapons. Even though it was clear they were nervous from meeting a completely new adversary, they were still willing to fight.

"Drem! I mean, peace! I have no ill intentions!"

"As if we're going to believe that, beast!" spoke warrior of great stature. He was a leader - a full set of bone mold armor and the fact everyone else was getting out of his way made it clear. "I may not care about that weakling Han-Ammu, but I'll not tolerate attacks at any of my mer!"

Han-Ammu? But that means... Ted looked at his legs. So, I'm holding a future Ashkhan in my claws. Oh joy, that will help my reputation so much.

"I assure you he's fine. He just..." Suddenly Ted realized he couldn't say 'fainted', the Dunmer was already labelled as weak in his tribe. "I saw him being knocked out in a fight with the two Clanfears. I ate said Clanfears and decided to spare your companion."

Ulath-Pal sneered.

"Your lies won't save you, monster." The Ashkhan pulled out an axe and Ted was triggered.

I hate those who use fake righteousness as an excuse.

"Fus!"

"...And that's why your Ashkhan got cut with his own axe," finished Ted in a squeaky voice. He started to fear Manirai, the Wise Woman of Erabenimsun. The amount of attention she paid to him was unsettling. The other tribesmen kept their distance to show some respect, but it was clear they did so only half-heartedly. Ted still couldn't believe he got away with shouting at Ulath-Pal.

"Ah-ha."

"Really, that's all!"

"I believe you."

The dragon would've raised an eyebrow... If he had them.

"You do? I mean, it's possible you would, it's true after all, but I'm surprised you have chosen to believe my rot instead of that of your leader."

"Ulath-Pal wouldn't know how to put on a helmet if it wasn't repeatedly told to him for all of his childhood. That's what happens when a mother accidently drops her baby on the ground. Fortunately for you, he respects strength, so when you proved your words alone are stronger than his actions, you earned some respect and safety from his fellow warriors... for now. As for young Han-Ammu, he's fine... too fine for someone who was attacked by lesser Daedra. It's clear you lied to save his face... Some would find it shameful, but I respect that. I find no fault in your actions, Thunder-Lizard."

"Please, do not call me that. It makes me think of New Vegas and how I'll be never able to see it again. My name's Rotheimaak."

"I'm sorry, but I find it hard to say it, Thunder-Lizard."

She's totally doing this just to annoy me, decided Ted. She can say 'Erabenimsun' just fine.

"Since there are matters I wish to speak with you about, I would like to invite you to my yurt... Sadly, you are too big to fit in, so we will have to pick another place to make sure no one will listen."

Huh...

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Tomorrow, just like every week, I will leave the camp and travel to the coast to gather ingredients for my potions. I'll head first north and then east, between two mountains. That's where we will meet, since no one will be able to eavesdrop without us noticing."

"That is fine with me. Now I must be going, it takes some time to find a good spot to rest for the night when you are this big. No offense, but I wouldn't trust your Ashkhan with my life."

"That only shows you are not foolish. Goodbye."

Without another word, Ted flapped his wings and headed towards ruins at which he met the future Ashkhan - it was the safest spot around; no one would reach him there except for some very stubborn Telvanni, but what are the chances of meeting one in the middle of nowhere?

The Wise Woman of Erabenimsun wants to talk about something she doesn't want others to find out... with me, the only person she has met so far that can overpower Ulath-Pal. The dragon smirked. I think I know what it is about. I have a hunch that that young Han-Ammu will get his chance to shine sooner rather than later.

Azirra, with an open mouth, looked at the massive construct she was passing.

"That's not what I had imagined when I was told Vivec City stood in the sea."

The Dunmer boatman chuckled.

"Impressive, isn't it? One of the wonders of the world. I bet even Imperial City is smaller, though I was never there to check it."

"It's not. Then again, Imperial City was built on land..." Azirra decided to not mention she only saw the Capital of the Empire once and from the outside - when she was dragged to its prison.

Vivec was truly the strangest city she ever saw. It wasn't a terrain filled with buildings, oh no, that's too boring. This place had shown just how divided Dunmers really were. It was normal that there were rich, poor and middle districts, but when there are NINE districts, many of them created just because political parties wanted to have a part all of their own, then you know your nation has a problem.

Also, the word 'district' doesn't really fit there. It means a fragment of a city without any clear borders. Vivec was built of cantons - massive pyramid-shaped buildings that could accommodate thousands of inhabitants. Most cantons had four tiers - Underworks, Canal works, Waist works, and Plaza, going from the bottom to top.

As mentioned, there was nine of them. Azirra's final destination was the northernmost canton, the Foreign Quarter. It was originally the only district in which outlanders were allowed, hence the name. Directly from there, you could only get by with bridges to Redoran canton. West of there was the Hlaalu, and east - the Arena. Despite the name, it wasn't just a place of battles, both for honor and profit, since it also held many small businesses. East of the Arena stood the Telvanni district. The two cantons to the south were named after the two Dunmer saints, St. Delyn and St. Olm - that's where the poor citizens of the city lived. Even further south was the Temple Canton, devoted entirely to the most popular faith in Morrowind. Finally, at the very end, was the canton that was the reason for city's name - the Palace, the abode of the mortal form of the god-hero Vivec.

And, if all of that wasn't enough, there was a massive object fixed in the air next to the Temple.

"What is the story behind the big hanging rock?"

"That 'hanging rock', as you put it, is called Baar Dau. It's a moon Sheogorath chucked at the city when it was being build."

"...What."

The Dunmer shrugged.

"It's all written down in The Pilgrim's Path. Sheogorath claimed Vivec was built in the mockery of the heavens and convinced Baar Dau to hurl itself at the Temple. The god Vivec stopped it mid-flight. Ever since, it remained there, as a reminder of what would happen if it wasn't for our saviour. Now it serves as a citadel for Ordinators."

The boat stopped next to the flimsy stairs at the side of the Temple canton.

"Here's our final stop. I swim only between Ebonheart and Temple canton, ask gondoliers if you don't want to walk to the Foreign Quarter. Should be cheap, that kind of trip takes only a few minutes."

"Alright, thanks, I'll be... Eeeeek!"

Out of nowhere a hand emerged from the water and grabbed her ankle. The boatman looked in boredom as a head raised above the surface, only to receive a kick from Azirra and disappear again along with the hand.

"What was THAT?!"

"Layman Remond Viralas, I believe. It was amusing the first two times, but not anymore."

Suddenly a Dunmer landed on the catwalk in front of the Khajiit (heh, Khajiit and a catwalk, I'm so clever... alright, I'm shutting up), breathing heavily.

"Another failure?" asked the boatman.

"Actually, I finally did it. Sorry about that miss, I didn't see you from under water."

Azirra scratched her head.

"Just... What was it all about?"

The Dunmer slowly stood up. He was a ginger - that alone was strange amongst his race. The other oddity was how happy he was. Most Dunmers frown even when they don't want to and yet this one was smiling broadly even though he was just kicked in the head. He was wearing a cheap, but nice, long robe. His white (well, mostly white) clothing and title gave her a good clue to who he was.

"You are in the Temple, correct?"

"Not exactly. I'm just a Layman right now. While it may be a rank, it basically means I'm still proving myself by doing the Pilgrimages of the Seven Graces. So, not quite a priest yet."

Azirra walked up to him and removed a string of seaweed he had failed to notice from his shoulder.

"Oh, thank you, outlander. Would be mighty embarrassing if I were to speak with Archcanon with that on me, even if I did just visit the Shrine of Courtesy."

...Seriously? The friendliest Dunmer I've met so far and he still uses that annoying term? Azirra walked up the stairs, slightly peeved at this.

"So, what's your name? It's not exactly common to see a Khajiit in this canton. Are you here to join the Temple?" asked Viralas, removing the outer layer of his robe and squeezing the water out of it.

"I'm Azirra. I'm just passing by. I wanted to take a walk instead of paying gondoliers. First time in Vivec and I guess I have to get used to walking a lot. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of it in the future."

"First time in the city? In that case, allow me to give you a small tour of this particular canton. I've spent a lot of time around here in the last week. Had some trouble with one of the shrines."

It was the second time he mentioned those, so Azirra decided to ask.

"What shrines?"

"The Shrines of Seven Graces. You know, Graces? Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness... No, wait, that's not it. Humility, Daring, Generosity, Courtesy, Justice, Valor and Pride. Yes, those. They are all reminders of the times when Vivec taught his people very important lessons. By visiting the Fields of Kummu, the temple in Gnisis, Koal Cave and..." here he shuddered. "...Ghostfence, I've passed Humility, Justice, Valor and Pride. The last three Shrines are here, in this city. I've decided to pass Courtesy first, as it was the last true challenge. Wasn't easy, but I finally did it!"

"Uh... Ok." Right now they were walking towards a small tablet standing in the south-west corner of the temple.

"Oh yes, it was a great task indeed. I had to enter the maze under the Palace and find a way to the very center, where I'd allow myself to drown in the holy water so that I can meet a Dremora at the very end and give it a sword."

This religion doesn't make any sense.

"For many days, I tried to find my way to the center, all for nothing. Sooner or later, the water in the maze would rise and flush me into the sea, which represents unavoidable death. But today, Almsivi guided me to the very center and I was victorious!"

"Hey, Viralas!" shouted one of the bypassing priests. "Do you know you could've just entered the third level of the maze and then head for the center?"

Layman froze and for once his gentle smile disappeared.

"And it's NOW that you decided to mention that?! Ugh!" The nearby group of priests chuckled, just like Azirra.

"Doesn't matter. I overcame the maze of life and completed this part of the pilgrimage. And here's one of the last two shrines I've yet to visit."

The small tablet she noticed from before was now in front of them. It was filled with Dunmeri gibberish, so she couldn't read it.

"What does it say? I don't know how to read Dunmeri." Azirra decided to risk adding some fuel to the fire of faith. The young priest in training proved to be amusing so far.

"Its title is 'To stop the Moon'. It speaks the story behind Baar-Dau. You know it?" he asked, excited, clearly wishing he could praise Vivec's name some more.

"The boatman told me on the way."

"Oh." His sad look said it all. He perked up almost immediately, though. "Anyway, in order to receive a blessing of the shrine, one has to offer a Potion of Rising Force. I happen to have two of them, since I've taken one to avoid being flushed this time... Except I've forgot to drink it on my way out, when the level of water increased. Want to try it? I've heard it's a wonderful blessing."

"Er, no, thanks. Go ahead, knock yourself out."

Remond Viralas knelt in front of the tablet, placed a potion in front of him, and started to pray in silence. After several seconds, Azirra decided it simply wasn't worth it and she should leave the man so he can worship his god in peace.

She didn't even make ten steps before a shout broke the silence.

"This... Is... AMAZING!"

She turned around... but Remond was nowhere to be found. She looked up and opened her mouth in shock. The young priest was levitating in the air and doing swimming motions, as if he was still in the water.

"This is epic! And Pa said it would be boring to be a priest!"

If one were, for some reason, to take a walk across the Azura's Coast somewhere around the eight in the morning, they would encounter a bizarre sight - an Ashlander woman talking to a dragon of all things.

I so called it!

"So... You want me to krii the Ashkhan Ulath-Pal and his three Gulakhans: Ahaz, Ranabi and Ashu-Ahhe."

"Yes. As long as 'krii' means kill."

"It does. One thing makes me wonder though. You are a Wise Woman of Erabenimsun, your main task is to aid Ashkhan in leading the tribe. Why do you want him gone?"

Ted of course knew very well the reasons, but he had to play along. He might get away with showing some knowledge, but not all of it. The possibility of Daedric princes learning something from what he had already said so far was already too big. He must be more careful in what he tells and what he merely thinks.

"Aiding Ashkhan with my wisdom is my mission indeed, but it's not possible when he is a fool and violent killer. Ulath-Pal twisted this tribe into nothing more than a group of bandits. If I will allow this to continue, a false god will send Ordinators, or the outlander ruler will attack with his legions. However, as long as our current Ashkhan and his three supporters are alive, Han-Ammu, the only peaceful Gulakhan will never become the new leader. Even if they all die, he might not be willing to accept responsibility. We need something... special. Like the help of the Thunder-Lizard."

Ted snorted.

"For the last time, it's..."

"I know. There's a legend however that tells of your arrival."

The dragon froze.

"Legend?" Please, don't let it be a prophecy!

"The prophecy says..." Damn it! "...That in the age of miracles, a great Thunder-Lizard, whose voice can tear the sky asunder, will arrive, bring prosperity to the people of Erabenimsun, share his wisdom with our Ashkhan, and give our people a great gift."

"...That's it?" It was... surprisingly clear as far as prophecies go.

"Yes. Perhaps it is a real prophecy. Perhaps not. But you fit. Erabenimsun under Ulath-Pal strayed from the way of our ancestors, but it's not easy to remove old beliefs. If the four troublemakers were to disappear and both me and you were to say Han-Ammu should lead, they will listen.

"...That also means I'll have to give Han-Ammu some important lessons. Easy enough, I know exactly what to say. Now it raises the question of payment."

Manirai crossed her arms.

"I do not know what a being such as yourself would want in exchange, but know that whatever it would be you would be also regarded as a friend to Erabenimsun and will be seen as a hero and trusted spirit. You would always be welcome to join us at the campfire."

"Sounds nice, I like to celebrate from time to time... and I do know what exactly I want. It would also fit with the last part of the legend." Oh, I'm such a genius.

"Really? Do tell."

"The legend says that I will give your people a great gift. How about a champion to your people? How about... The Nerevarine?"

Manirai's eyes widened.

"You know of the foretold hero that will unite this land and defeat all its foes?"

"I do. I am a son of Bormahu, Time itself. I see past, present and sometimes even the future." If Ted's bullshitmeter wasn't broken, it would be overloaded right now. "The time of the Nerevarine is near, I know this. But the task ahead of them... Their prophecy is a great challenge. 'Four tribes will call him the Nerevarine, three Houses will call him the Hortator.' Just that part alone is hard to fulfill. I wish to lessen that burden. I'll find the Nerevarine and when I do, Han-Ammu will name him, or her, Kaal, a champion of your tribe, without any more trials and tasks. This will be my gift and payment at the same time."

The Wise Woman gave him a long stare. Ted managed to show no emotion, even though he was slightly nervous about her answer.

"You asked for a lot, Thunder-Lizard... But so did I. All four warriors are strong and fighting them won't be easy. If you will win, then I will trust that the person you will give to us as the Nerevarine will be indeed worthy of such honor."

"Then we have an agreement. Now, how should I go about defeating Ashkhan and his supporters? If I attack him openly in the camp, he might choose a coward's way out and order his warriors to attack me. The tribe would no longer respect me if I were to kill many of them." Not to mention I would end up as a dragon jerky. Whether it's Nords or Dunmers, it's never good if the entire population attacks you with God Mode disabled.

"That can be solved in two ways. One, you will attack him when he is away from the camp, which is often. Two, you will challenge him in the presence of many. The first option gives you more options in which way you can attack and dispatch of him, but the second one will win over the people of Erabenimsun if you should succeed."

"I see... I'll have to think about it. I won't keep you any longer from gathering the ingredients, Wise Woman of Erabenimsun." With a flap of his wings, Ted lifted into the air. "Pruzah Nir! That's the closest thing we dragons have to a goodbye."

"Farewell, Thunder-Lizard. Until our next meeting."

Manirai left for the coast and Ted flew north, towards the Grazelands. Today he decided to hunt down some kagouti; 'hunt down' being used here in quite broad sense (yes, he intended to land on one, shut up). To be honest he was glad he had to eat only once a day... but what a portion that was! Furthermore, he was never truly hungry - he suspected dragons were a lot like T-Rexes in that regard, as in they could stuff themselves with meat and then go on without food for days.

Looks like I'll be fixing Erabenimsun's problems in place of the Nerevarine. That's fine. If only I didn't have to kill several strong fighters... They might prove troublesome.

Let's see... If I remember correctly, Ranabi is a noob that goes down in one hit if you put enough strength into it. It gets messy only if you allow him to cast spells. The others are tougher. The one with shiny, enchanted armor is strong, but mostly because of said items. The Ashkhan and his bodyguard are really tough and they are always together, so I would have to fight both at the same time.

Of course, if I were to get a jump on them or fight dirty, I would easily win. You can't beat something that is always out of your reach. I would have to learn some shout first though, can't kill them with Fus alone. Fire breath is iconic, but not the best choice against Dunmers. That leaves only Frost Breath... No, wait, I have a better idea.

Masalinie Merian smirked at the Khajiit that just teleported in front of her. She was floating.

"Shrine of Daring?"

"Shrine of Daring."

"Friend Azirra, you're back!" said Ajira from behind her desk. She looked very relieved. "When you didn't come back from the swamp, Ajira started to think something terrible had happened! Are you alright?"

Azirra nodded.

"Yes, I am... sorry about the first person. But something terrible did indeed happen. Azirra got jumped by an overeager slaver." Azirra chuckled at Ajira's terrified look. "Don't worry, this one doesn't think he's going to enslave anyone ever again." Mostly because he's dead. "Then Azirra had to ride a boat to Ebonheart so that she could drop a freed slave at the Argonian Mission. By the way, Ajira owes Azirra forty septims just for teleportation from the Guild Hall in Vivec."

The alchemist nodded sadly.

"Ajira thinks it's reasonable. Does Azirra have the mushrooms?"

The protagonist pulled a small sack from her backpack and placed it on the desk. Both she and Ajira immediately sneezed.

"If Ajira will say those are wrong 'shrooms, Azirra will never refer to herself in third person."

"No, they are correct. Thank you. Here, take these my friend." With those words, Ajira gave her four healing potions. "They are not very effective and the taste is terrible, but Ajira is still learning. Should be good for minor wounds. Handy in travels, yes?"

"I'm sure soon they will be of great use to Azirra," stated seriously Azirra, slowly realizing that it was about time she visited Caius Cosades, the Spymaster. The suspense was killing her every time she thought about her unknown mission. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad and she's just worrying about nothing. Either way, she had to find out just so she could focus on a specific danger, not some mysterious threat. "Say, is there a mage in any guild hall that sells really good Destruction spells? Malven Romori at the Vivec branch said she had some really good ones, but her services are for those of at least Conjurer rank."

Ajira started pondering.

"There are two wizards that have Destruction spellbooks in Caldera, but Ajira thinks you should go to Ald'ruhn instead. There's a really good Argonian mage there, he sells many strong spells. But before you go, are you interested in more work?"

"Oh, I'm not going there yet, there are still some things I have to take care of in the city. What work are we talking about?"

Ajira smiled.

"Ajira and Galbedir made a bet about who will first reach the rank of Journeyman. While the winner will get some money, what Ajira really wants is just to beat Galbedir," said Ajira in a quiet voice, to make sure other mages wouldn't hear.

"Yes, this one heard something about the bet."

"Ajira does what she can to advance, this report about mushrooms is one of her biggest chances. But it never hurts to slow down your rivals, yes? So Ajira has a small job for Azirra, not an official one, no, no, a tiny task for a fellow Khajiit."

A tiny task for a fellow Khajiit, thought Azirra. She smirked. So it's about stealing.

"Soon Galbedir will come down there to talk with Marayn Dren about something. In the meantime, Azirra will go upstairs to Galbedir's workplace and swap her soul gem with the fake one Ajira has. Will you help, friend?"

Azirra frowned slightly.

"Doesn't it count as serious theft? I might be expelled."

"Only if Azirra is caught by Galbedir herself. Everyone else here dislikes her, so they would ignore Azirra. And Galbedir won't catch Azirra, because she will be here, talking with Dren."

There's such a thing as the Khajiit Code. Basically, it claims that Khajiit should go wherever they please and take whatever they want that isn't bolted to the floor as long as no one sees. Azirra broke the Khajiit Code way too many times in the last few days, the biggest example being that damned unguarded room full of shinies back at the Census and Excise Office in Seyda Neen. It was time to make up for it.

"I'm in."

"Good, good. Here's the fake soul gem. And remember, it's all about Galbedir thinking nothing is wrong until the gem goes boom when she tries to enchant something with it. So please, Ajira knows it's a lot to ask, but don't steal anything else. Azirra can keep the real soul gem as payment."

Oh well, the Khajiit Code can wait one more day.

"Fine. Let's get started."

A/N:

Looks like both Azirra and Ted are making more friends. Twin Lamps, Wise Women, random priests... Speaking of random priests, if you are trying to pinpoint where was he in Morrowind, don't bother. I know that I said I don't like making up characters, however I realized it could be useful in showing more questlines - Azirra is not going to be in more than three factions at once (at least for the sake of realism), which means I wouldn't be able to show any interesting quests from other groups. Besides, let's be honest - if the Nerevarine wouldn't show up to do all those quests, someone else would. They will remain supporting characters and will appear only from time to time, so don't worry about dividing the plot.

It was possible to join Twin Lamps in the game... Kind of. They were never listed in your factions even if you did and there were hardly any quests. I still don't know how much will Azirra interact with them, but as you can see she's at least friendly. Also, Ajira's quest with replacing the soul gem doesn't count into 'official' guild business - in the game you could advance in rank if you were to did it, but not here, Azirra's not getting any points for that.

It appears that Ted is making a speedrun, sneaky cheater. The quest he is about to do is a part of the main questline. In other words, he's making the way for the Nerevarine ahead of the time.

Well, that's all for now. In the next chapter, we will see how goes a fight with Erabenimsun, Azirra will receive her first mission from Caius Cosades and those of you who read this far without buying the game will be introduced to the main antagonist.