Chapter Four
Trip To Ebonheart
Day 2- Pelagiad 9:59 AM
I woke up in the barracks of Fort Pelagiad; "Trade Day" was finally over. I was still baffled by what happened yesterday, with the Orc and the two Dark Elves, all three dead. I had a dream, I could not quite remember what had happened in it but I thought that somehow it might be important. I remembered a man in a cloak and a dark room lit by only red candles. That was all I could remember. Perhaps I would remember later today but first I needed to get ready for the trip to Ebonheart. I was to see my brother as soon as I got there. 'There are many things that I have to ask Caius,' I thought to myself.
Slowly I began to gather my armor, sword and Drakes and headed upstairs to the main, largest room of the fort. Dwarven artifacts, skooma and moonsugar were just some of the things that were confiscated from the day before. I decided to turn around and get something to eat before I left.
"Alika," I said, "Do you have some scuttle I could have to eat?"
"Why yes I do Darin, hold on a moment while I get them for you." She smiled at me and I couldn't help but to smile back at her. She motioned for me to follow her into a small room with some sacks, which were most likely filled with foodstuffs. She bent over and opened the bag and pulled out a handful of Saltrice. Quickly she tied the sack back up and turned to face me.
"Here you are, Darin." She said as she handed the Saltrice to me, "I hope it is enough for you."
"It is plenty, thank you Alika." I replied.
"Do you want some bread too? It is from yesterday but it is still good." She asked/
"Yes please, some bread would go nicely with this Saltrice and some water."
She picked up a loaf of bread and broke off a third of it, "Here you are," she handed me the bread and asked, "So where are you going?"
"To Ebonheart to see my brother," I replied, "I think I should be on my way now, thank you very much for the food, Alika." I turned and left the room.
"The pleasure was all mine, Darin."
I left Fort Pelagiad and I was surprised to see that so many people were still here even though "Trade Day" was over. I walked the fork in the road and took the southern path towards Ebonheart.
Chapter Five
Duke
Day 2- Ebonheart 10:00 AM
We have been in Ebonheart for nearly four and a half hours, we were told to wait for the Duke who was currently on a ship that departed from Hla Oad earlier in the day. It was to arrive within the next hour or so. Ebonheart is a fort city; it is placed on three islands. The south most island is the dock, there is a large stone courtyard that has a large statue of a dragon that is heading towards the earth. There is also the East Empire warehouse and its company hall. The second island consists of the little inn and the large Hawkmoth garrison barracks, it is connected to the first island by a long bridge. The Third island it the fort itself, large towers on every corner and crenellated walls surrounded it. This is where the Duke works and lives. There is also an Imperial Cult shrine within where people go to get themselves cured of disease and blight problems.
The six of us sat by the dock staring off into the sea. A good fifteen minutes passed before a ship finally appeared on the horizon, we all looked up at the relief that the ship finally arrived. I smiled; I was to meet the Duke who I had never seen before.
Time slowly wore on as the ship slowly floated towards the Ebonheart docks, it was a large ship bearing the crest of the Duke of Ebonheart, the mast was a white one and wasn't helping the ship at the moment for there was only a light breeze. The current brought the ship to the dock and an anchor was thrown overboard as waves crashed against the stone and wooden dock.
The gangplank was dropped and eight Imperial Guards walked off the boat followed by several Dark Elves, they wore extravagant clothing, which portrayed that they were of noble rank. Then the Duke himself walked off the ship, he wore extravagant clothing as well but he also wore a heavy Daedric breastplate, one of the strongest armors in all of Morrowind and Tamriel. Being a Dark Elf, the Duke is a tall, dark skinned man but not nearly as aged as Nerfeg. The Duke had a hairstyle that has become popular in the Dark Elf community in the past few years; his natural red hair had been spiked up and pushed to the center in the design called a Mohawk. On his finger was a heavy ebony ring that had a purple glow to it, enchanted with a barrier spell.
The Duke was followed off the ship by some other well dressed men of almost all races, they were most likely his diplomats and personal assistants. Archers and mages were the last off the boat and some men who came from the East Empire Company Hall quickly tied it up to the dock.
Karthgar went to greet the Duke on his return; the rest of us followed his lead.
"Greetings Duke of Ebonheart and Vvardenfell, I am Karthgar of the Fighters Guild." Said the large Nordic man to the Duke. The Duke studied Karthgar and the rest of our squad and finally spoke.
"So you were sent by old Nerfeg I presume?" he said in a deep, hoarse voice. "It has been years sense I have seen the old fool in person!" He said it in a half-laughing half-earnest voice.
"He sent us here and said that we are on a mission of great importance, My Lord." Stated Karthgar.
"Well of course you are," the Duke said to Karthgar, "Why else would the old man send you to Ebonheart to talk to me?" He grinned and said, "Come, follow me."
The Duke walked past all of us, his personal guards quickly followed him. He was met by an Imperial man, "Excuse me, Duke?" he called to him, "Sorry to bother you sir, but I need to find my brother, Caius. Do you know where he is?" The Duke laughed and pointed towards a tall building. "He is in there, and you must be Darin, no?"
"Yes sir, that's me."
"I am very sorry about the passing of your sister, but I can say that we are doing everything we can to find out who did this to her."
"Thank you very much sir, I hope to see you again sometime."He headed to the tall building that the Duke pointed to and everyone continued on their way.
We were forced to walk behind the guards that now surrounded the Duke of Ebonheart. The Duke began to lead us towards the large keep on the third island in the fortress of Ebonheart. It was crowded sense the Duke had finally arrived; many were going to tend to the ship or just came out to see that the Duke had come back all right. Lodarth, the Wood Elf in our party bumped into one of the many men who passed by us, all he got was an angry look. Karthgar laughed at the Elf, over the years the two had become the best of friends in spite of the racial difference.
We entered through the large wooden door of the keep; it opened into a large room with a large table going around a large stone support that was at least ten feet wide on all sides. Many people were moving thought the main entry hall running many different errands. We walked towards the back of the room where a large spiral staircase led up to the second floor. Most of the guards did not come up into the tower with us, probably on the Dukes most trusted men. In one single line we walked up the spiral staircase to a large room with a table in the middle, servants were already setting it for dinner, which would be in a few hours.
"Please have a seat." Said the Duke plainly; we did as we were told. The table was large and a fine white tablecloth that covered it. The room had a high ceiling that was maybe seventeen feet high. The room, like the rest of the keep, was made of stone and mortar.
"Let us talk freely until supper is served, when it is we can talk of matters of greater importance."
"That sounds like a plan, My Lord." Replied Karthgar.
"Why don't we start by telling me your names." Said the Duke.
Karthgar nodded then said, "I am Karthgar, born in the city of Dagon Fel, My Lord."
"I am Lodarth Hake born my home province of Valenwood, My Lord."
"I am Horak Gra-Sheih and this is my twin brother Gorak Gra-Sheih, My Lord. Born on the island of Vvardenfell in the city of Balmora." Said Horak as he and his brother made a polite bow to the Duke.
"I am what my friends call Slippy the Argonian, My Lord. I was born in the province of Blackmarsh."
Finally I rose as the others did and said, "My name is Kama Karasi, My Lord. I was also born and raised in the city of Dagon Fel." I then sat down and the Duke scanned each one of us again.
"Very good, now that we are all acquainted; have you ever heard the story of Morning Star?" Asked the Duke of Ebonheart, we all exchanged glances and then shook our heads indicating to the Duke that we have not.
"Good! Then I shall read it to you." The Duke motioned for one of his servants to go and get the book he had just said.
A few minutes later the man returned with a book in his hand.
"Yes, this is it." Said the Duke as the servant handed the book to him. He opened it and promptly began to read.
Morning Star
Book One of
2920, The Last Year of the First Era
by Carlovac Townway
1 Morning Star, 2920
Mournhold, Morrowind
Almalexia lay in her bed of fur, dreaming. Not until the sun burned through her window, infusing the light wood and flesh colors of her chamber in a milky glow did she open her eyes. It was quiet and serene, a stunning reverse of the flavor of her dreams, so full of blood and celebration. For a few moments, she simply stared at the ceiling, trying to sort through her visions.
In the courtyard of her palace was a boiling pool which steamed in the coolness of the winter morning. At the wave of her hand, it cleared and she saw the face and form of her lover Vivec in his study to the north. She did not want to speak right away: he looked so handsome in his dark red robes, writing his poetry as he did every morning.
"Vivec," she said, and he raised his head in a smile, looking at her face across thousands of miles. "I have seen a vision of the end of the war."
"After eighty years, I don't think anyone can imagine an end," said Vivec with a smile, but he grew serious, trusting Almalexia's prophecies. "Who will win? Morrowind or the Cyrodilic Empire?"
"Without Sotha Sil in Morrowind, we will lose," she replied.
"My intelligence tells me the Empire will strike us to the north in early springtide, by First Seed at the latest. Could you go to Artaeum and convince him to return?"
"I'll leave today," she said, simply.
4 Morning Star, 2920
Gideon, Black Marsh
The Empress paced around her cell. Wintertide gave her wasteful energy, while in the summer she would merely sit by her window and be grateful for each breath of stale swamp wind that came to cool her. Across the room, her unfinished tapestry of a dance at the Imperial Court seemed to mock her. She ripped it from its frame, tearing the pieces apart as they drifted to the floor.
Then she laughed at her own useless gesture of defiance. She would have plenty of time to repair it and craft a hundred more. The Emperor had locked her up in Castle Giovesse seven years ago, and would likely keep her here until he or she died.
With a sigh, she pulled the cord to call her knight, Zuuk. He appeared at the door within minutes, fully uniformed as befitted an Imperial Guard. Most of the native Kothringi tribesmen of Black Marsh preferred to go about naked, but Zuuk had taken a positive delight to fashion. His silver, reflective skin was scarcely visible, only on his face, neck, and hands.
"Your Imperial Highness," he said with a bow.
"Zuuk," said Empress Tavia. "I'm bored. Lets discuss methods of assassinating my husband today."
14 Morning Star, 2920
The Imperial City, Cyrodiil
The chimes proclaiming South Wind's Prayer echoed through the wide boulevards and gardens of the Imperial City, calling all to their temples. The Emperor Reman III always attended a service at the Temple of the One, while his son and heir Prince Juilek found it more political to attend a service at a different temple for each religious holiday. This year, it was at the cathedral Benevolence of Mara.
The Benevolence's services were mercifully short, but it was not until well after noon that the Emperor was able to return to the palace. By then, the arena combatants were impatiently waiting for the start of the ceremony. The crowd was far less restless, as the Potentate Versidue-Shaie had arranged for a demonstration from a troupe of Khajiiti acrobats.
"Your religion is so much more convenient than mine," said the Emperor to his Potentate by way of an apology. "What is the first game?"
"A one-on-one battle between two able warriors," said the Potentate, his scaly skin catching the sun as he rose. "Armed befitting their culture."
"Sounds good," said the Emperor and clapped his hands. "Let the sport commence!"
As soon as he saw the two warriors enter the arena to the roar of the crowd, Emperor Reman III remembered that he had agreed to this several months before and forgotten about it. One combatant was the Potentate's son, Savirien-Chorak, a glistening ivory-yellow eel, gripping his katana and wakizashi with his thin, deceptively weak looking arms. The other was the Emperor's son, Prince Juilek, in ebony armor with a savage Orcish helm, shield and longsword at his side.
"This will be fascinating to watch," hissed the Potentate, a wide grin across his narrow face. "I don't know if I've even seen a Cyrodiil fight an Akavir like this. Usually it's army against army. At last we can settle which philosophy is better -- to create armor to combat swords as your people do, or to create swords to combat armor as mine do."
No one in the crowd, aside from a few scattered Akaviri counselors and the Potentate himself wanted Savirien-Chorak to win, but there was a collective intake of breath at the sight of his graceful movements. His swords seemed to be a part of him, a tail coming from his arms to match the one behind him. It was a trick of counterbalance, allowing the young serpent man to roll up into a circle and spin into the center of the ring in offensive position. The Prince had to plod forward the less impressive traditional way.
As they sprang at each other, the crowd bellowed with delight. The Akaviri was like a moon in orbit around the Prince, effortlessly springing over his shoulder to attempt a blow from behind, but the Prince whirled around quickly to block with his shield. His counter-strike met only air as his foe fell flat to the ground and slithered between his legs, tripping him. The Prince fell to the ground with a resounding crash.
Metal and air melted together as Savirien-Chorak rained strike after strike upon the Prince, who blocked every one with his shield.
"We don't have shields in our culture," murmured Versidue-Shaie to the Emperor. "It seems strange to my boy, I imagine. In our country, if you don't want to get hit, you move out of the way."
When Savirien-Chorak was rearing back to begin another series of blinding attacks, the Prince kicked at his tail, sending him falling back momentarily. In an instant, he had rebounded, but the Prince was also back on his feet. The two circled one another, until the snake man spun forward, katana extended. The Prince saw his foe's plan, and blocked the katana with his longsword and the wakizashi with his shield. Its short punching blade impaled itself in the metal, and Savirien-Chorak was thrown off balance.
The Prince's longblade slashed across the Akavir's chest and the sudden, intense pain caused him to drop both his weapons. It a moment, it was over. Savirien-Chorak was prostate in the dust with the Prince's longsword at his throat.
"The game's over!" shouted the Emperor, barely heard over the applause from the stadium.
The Prince grinned and helped Savirien-Chorak up and over to a healer. The Emperor clapped his Potentate on the back, feeling relieved. He had not realized when the fight had begun how little chance he had given his son at victory.
"He will make a fine warrior," said Versidue-Shaie. "And a great emperor."
"Just remember," laughed the Emperor. "You Akaviri have a lot of showy moves, but if just one of our strikes comes through, it's all over for you."
"Oh, I'll remember that," nodded the Potentate.
Reman thought about that comment for the rest of the games, and had trouble fully enjoying himself. Could the Potentate be another enemy, just as the Empress had turned out to be? The matter would bear watching.
21 Morning Star, 2920
Mournhold, Morrowind
"Why don't you wear that green gown I gave you?" asked the Duke of Mournhold, watching the young maiden put on her clothes.
"It doesn't fit," smiled Turala. "And you know I like red."
"It doesn't fit because you're getting fat," laughed the Duke, pulling her down on the bed, kissing her breasts and the pouch of her stomach. She laughed at the tickles, but pulled herself up, wrapping her red robe around her.
"I'm round like a woman should be," said Turala. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
"No," said the Duke. "I must entertain Vivec tomorrow, and the next day the Duke of Ebonheart is coming. Do you know, I never really appreciated Almalexia and her political skills until she left?"
"It is the same with me," smiled Turala. "You will only appreciate me when I'm gone."
"That's not true at all," snorted the Duke. "I appreciate you now."
Turala allowed the Duke one last kiss before she was out the door. She kept thinking about what he said. Would he appreciate her more or less when he knew that she was getting fat because she was carrying his child? Would he appreciate her enough to marry her?
The Duke finally finished the story, we all looked at him and he looked back at us.
"So what do you think of it?" Said the Duke of Ebonheart.
"I really enjoyed it, My Lord." Said Karthgar, "One of the best I have heard in my life."
"Good! Good! I am glad you liked it; the First Era was an important time in the history of Morrowind." We all nodded in agreement, from what I new of the First Era is that it is when the mighty god-kings were born.
The Duke continued to speak, "Our supper should be ready soon, please make yourselves at home, for the next few days this is your home as much as it is mine."
"Thank you. We accept your gracious offer, My Lord." Was the reply that came from Karthgar.
Trip To Ebonheart
Day 2- Pelagiad 9:59 AM
I woke up in the barracks of Fort Pelagiad; "Trade Day" was finally over. I was still baffled by what happened yesterday, with the Orc and the two Dark Elves, all three dead. I had a dream, I could not quite remember what had happened in it but I thought that somehow it might be important. I remembered a man in a cloak and a dark room lit by only red candles. That was all I could remember. Perhaps I would remember later today but first I needed to get ready for the trip to Ebonheart. I was to see my brother as soon as I got there. 'There are many things that I have to ask Caius,' I thought to myself.
Slowly I began to gather my armor, sword and Drakes and headed upstairs to the main, largest room of the fort. Dwarven artifacts, skooma and moonsugar were just some of the things that were confiscated from the day before. I decided to turn around and get something to eat before I left.
"Alika," I said, "Do you have some scuttle I could have to eat?"
"Why yes I do Darin, hold on a moment while I get them for you." She smiled at me and I couldn't help but to smile back at her. She motioned for me to follow her into a small room with some sacks, which were most likely filled with foodstuffs. She bent over and opened the bag and pulled out a handful of Saltrice. Quickly she tied the sack back up and turned to face me.
"Here you are, Darin." She said as she handed the Saltrice to me, "I hope it is enough for you."
"It is plenty, thank you Alika." I replied.
"Do you want some bread too? It is from yesterday but it is still good." She asked/
"Yes please, some bread would go nicely with this Saltrice and some water."
She picked up a loaf of bread and broke off a third of it, "Here you are," she handed me the bread and asked, "So where are you going?"
"To Ebonheart to see my brother," I replied, "I think I should be on my way now, thank you very much for the food, Alika." I turned and left the room.
"The pleasure was all mine, Darin."
I left Fort Pelagiad and I was surprised to see that so many people were still here even though "Trade Day" was over. I walked the fork in the road and took the southern path towards Ebonheart.
Chapter Five
Duke
Day 2- Ebonheart 10:00 AM
We have been in Ebonheart for nearly four and a half hours, we were told to wait for the Duke who was currently on a ship that departed from Hla Oad earlier in the day. It was to arrive within the next hour or so. Ebonheart is a fort city; it is placed on three islands. The south most island is the dock, there is a large stone courtyard that has a large statue of a dragon that is heading towards the earth. There is also the East Empire warehouse and its company hall. The second island consists of the little inn and the large Hawkmoth garrison barracks, it is connected to the first island by a long bridge. The Third island it the fort itself, large towers on every corner and crenellated walls surrounded it. This is where the Duke works and lives. There is also an Imperial Cult shrine within where people go to get themselves cured of disease and blight problems.
The six of us sat by the dock staring off into the sea. A good fifteen minutes passed before a ship finally appeared on the horizon, we all looked up at the relief that the ship finally arrived. I smiled; I was to meet the Duke who I had never seen before.
Time slowly wore on as the ship slowly floated towards the Ebonheart docks, it was a large ship bearing the crest of the Duke of Ebonheart, the mast was a white one and wasn't helping the ship at the moment for there was only a light breeze. The current brought the ship to the dock and an anchor was thrown overboard as waves crashed against the stone and wooden dock.
The gangplank was dropped and eight Imperial Guards walked off the boat followed by several Dark Elves, they wore extravagant clothing, which portrayed that they were of noble rank. Then the Duke himself walked off the ship, he wore extravagant clothing as well but he also wore a heavy Daedric breastplate, one of the strongest armors in all of Morrowind and Tamriel. Being a Dark Elf, the Duke is a tall, dark skinned man but not nearly as aged as Nerfeg. The Duke had a hairstyle that has become popular in the Dark Elf community in the past few years; his natural red hair had been spiked up and pushed to the center in the design called a Mohawk. On his finger was a heavy ebony ring that had a purple glow to it, enchanted with a barrier spell.
The Duke was followed off the ship by some other well dressed men of almost all races, they were most likely his diplomats and personal assistants. Archers and mages were the last off the boat and some men who came from the East Empire Company Hall quickly tied it up to the dock.
Karthgar went to greet the Duke on his return; the rest of us followed his lead.
"Greetings Duke of Ebonheart and Vvardenfell, I am Karthgar of the Fighters Guild." Said the large Nordic man to the Duke. The Duke studied Karthgar and the rest of our squad and finally spoke.
"So you were sent by old Nerfeg I presume?" he said in a deep, hoarse voice. "It has been years sense I have seen the old fool in person!" He said it in a half-laughing half-earnest voice.
"He sent us here and said that we are on a mission of great importance, My Lord." Stated Karthgar.
"Well of course you are," the Duke said to Karthgar, "Why else would the old man send you to Ebonheart to talk to me?" He grinned and said, "Come, follow me."
The Duke walked past all of us, his personal guards quickly followed him. He was met by an Imperial man, "Excuse me, Duke?" he called to him, "Sorry to bother you sir, but I need to find my brother, Caius. Do you know where he is?" The Duke laughed and pointed towards a tall building. "He is in there, and you must be Darin, no?"
"Yes sir, that's me."
"I am very sorry about the passing of your sister, but I can say that we are doing everything we can to find out who did this to her."
"Thank you very much sir, I hope to see you again sometime."He headed to the tall building that the Duke pointed to and everyone continued on their way.
We were forced to walk behind the guards that now surrounded the Duke of Ebonheart. The Duke began to lead us towards the large keep on the third island in the fortress of Ebonheart. It was crowded sense the Duke had finally arrived; many were going to tend to the ship or just came out to see that the Duke had come back all right. Lodarth, the Wood Elf in our party bumped into one of the many men who passed by us, all he got was an angry look. Karthgar laughed at the Elf, over the years the two had become the best of friends in spite of the racial difference.
We entered through the large wooden door of the keep; it opened into a large room with a large table going around a large stone support that was at least ten feet wide on all sides. Many people were moving thought the main entry hall running many different errands. We walked towards the back of the room where a large spiral staircase led up to the second floor. Most of the guards did not come up into the tower with us, probably on the Dukes most trusted men. In one single line we walked up the spiral staircase to a large room with a table in the middle, servants were already setting it for dinner, which would be in a few hours.
"Please have a seat." Said the Duke plainly; we did as we were told. The table was large and a fine white tablecloth that covered it. The room had a high ceiling that was maybe seventeen feet high. The room, like the rest of the keep, was made of stone and mortar.
"Let us talk freely until supper is served, when it is we can talk of matters of greater importance."
"That sounds like a plan, My Lord." Replied Karthgar.
"Why don't we start by telling me your names." Said the Duke.
Karthgar nodded then said, "I am Karthgar, born in the city of Dagon Fel, My Lord."
"I am Lodarth Hake born my home province of Valenwood, My Lord."
"I am Horak Gra-Sheih and this is my twin brother Gorak Gra-Sheih, My Lord. Born on the island of Vvardenfell in the city of Balmora." Said Horak as he and his brother made a polite bow to the Duke.
"I am what my friends call Slippy the Argonian, My Lord. I was born in the province of Blackmarsh."
Finally I rose as the others did and said, "My name is Kama Karasi, My Lord. I was also born and raised in the city of Dagon Fel." I then sat down and the Duke scanned each one of us again.
"Very good, now that we are all acquainted; have you ever heard the story of Morning Star?" Asked the Duke of Ebonheart, we all exchanged glances and then shook our heads indicating to the Duke that we have not.
"Good! Then I shall read it to you." The Duke motioned for one of his servants to go and get the book he had just said.
A few minutes later the man returned with a book in his hand.
"Yes, this is it." Said the Duke as the servant handed the book to him. He opened it and promptly began to read.
Morning Star
Book One of
2920, The Last Year of the First Era
by Carlovac Townway
1 Morning Star, 2920
Mournhold, Morrowind
Almalexia lay in her bed of fur, dreaming. Not until the sun burned through her window, infusing the light wood and flesh colors of her chamber in a milky glow did she open her eyes. It was quiet and serene, a stunning reverse of the flavor of her dreams, so full of blood and celebration. For a few moments, she simply stared at the ceiling, trying to sort through her visions.
In the courtyard of her palace was a boiling pool which steamed in the coolness of the winter morning. At the wave of her hand, it cleared and she saw the face and form of her lover Vivec in his study to the north. She did not want to speak right away: he looked so handsome in his dark red robes, writing his poetry as he did every morning.
"Vivec," she said, and he raised his head in a smile, looking at her face across thousands of miles. "I have seen a vision of the end of the war."
"After eighty years, I don't think anyone can imagine an end," said Vivec with a smile, but he grew serious, trusting Almalexia's prophecies. "Who will win? Morrowind or the Cyrodilic Empire?"
"Without Sotha Sil in Morrowind, we will lose," she replied.
"My intelligence tells me the Empire will strike us to the north in early springtide, by First Seed at the latest. Could you go to Artaeum and convince him to return?"
"I'll leave today," she said, simply.
4 Morning Star, 2920
Gideon, Black Marsh
The Empress paced around her cell. Wintertide gave her wasteful energy, while in the summer she would merely sit by her window and be grateful for each breath of stale swamp wind that came to cool her. Across the room, her unfinished tapestry of a dance at the Imperial Court seemed to mock her. She ripped it from its frame, tearing the pieces apart as they drifted to the floor.
Then she laughed at her own useless gesture of defiance. She would have plenty of time to repair it and craft a hundred more. The Emperor had locked her up in Castle Giovesse seven years ago, and would likely keep her here until he or she died.
With a sigh, she pulled the cord to call her knight, Zuuk. He appeared at the door within minutes, fully uniformed as befitted an Imperial Guard. Most of the native Kothringi tribesmen of Black Marsh preferred to go about naked, but Zuuk had taken a positive delight to fashion. His silver, reflective skin was scarcely visible, only on his face, neck, and hands.
"Your Imperial Highness," he said with a bow.
"Zuuk," said Empress Tavia. "I'm bored. Lets discuss methods of assassinating my husband today."
14 Morning Star, 2920
The Imperial City, Cyrodiil
The chimes proclaiming South Wind's Prayer echoed through the wide boulevards and gardens of the Imperial City, calling all to their temples. The Emperor Reman III always attended a service at the Temple of the One, while his son and heir Prince Juilek found it more political to attend a service at a different temple for each religious holiday. This year, it was at the cathedral Benevolence of Mara.
The Benevolence's services were mercifully short, but it was not until well after noon that the Emperor was able to return to the palace. By then, the arena combatants were impatiently waiting for the start of the ceremony. The crowd was far less restless, as the Potentate Versidue-Shaie had arranged for a demonstration from a troupe of Khajiiti acrobats.
"Your religion is so much more convenient than mine," said the Emperor to his Potentate by way of an apology. "What is the first game?"
"A one-on-one battle between two able warriors," said the Potentate, his scaly skin catching the sun as he rose. "Armed befitting their culture."
"Sounds good," said the Emperor and clapped his hands. "Let the sport commence!"
As soon as he saw the two warriors enter the arena to the roar of the crowd, Emperor Reman III remembered that he had agreed to this several months before and forgotten about it. One combatant was the Potentate's son, Savirien-Chorak, a glistening ivory-yellow eel, gripping his katana and wakizashi with his thin, deceptively weak looking arms. The other was the Emperor's son, Prince Juilek, in ebony armor with a savage Orcish helm, shield and longsword at his side.
"This will be fascinating to watch," hissed the Potentate, a wide grin across his narrow face. "I don't know if I've even seen a Cyrodiil fight an Akavir like this. Usually it's army against army. At last we can settle which philosophy is better -- to create armor to combat swords as your people do, or to create swords to combat armor as mine do."
No one in the crowd, aside from a few scattered Akaviri counselors and the Potentate himself wanted Savirien-Chorak to win, but there was a collective intake of breath at the sight of his graceful movements. His swords seemed to be a part of him, a tail coming from his arms to match the one behind him. It was a trick of counterbalance, allowing the young serpent man to roll up into a circle and spin into the center of the ring in offensive position. The Prince had to plod forward the less impressive traditional way.
As they sprang at each other, the crowd bellowed with delight. The Akaviri was like a moon in orbit around the Prince, effortlessly springing over his shoulder to attempt a blow from behind, but the Prince whirled around quickly to block with his shield. His counter-strike met only air as his foe fell flat to the ground and slithered between his legs, tripping him. The Prince fell to the ground with a resounding crash.
Metal and air melted together as Savirien-Chorak rained strike after strike upon the Prince, who blocked every one with his shield.
"We don't have shields in our culture," murmured Versidue-Shaie to the Emperor. "It seems strange to my boy, I imagine. In our country, if you don't want to get hit, you move out of the way."
When Savirien-Chorak was rearing back to begin another series of blinding attacks, the Prince kicked at his tail, sending him falling back momentarily. In an instant, he had rebounded, but the Prince was also back on his feet. The two circled one another, until the snake man spun forward, katana extended. The Prince saw his foe's plan, and blocked the katana with his longsword and the wakizashi with his shield. Its short punching blade impaled itself in the metal, and Savirien-Chorak was thrown off balance.
The Prince's longblade slashed across the Akavir's chest and the sudden, intense pain caused him to drop both his weapons. It a moment, it was over. Savirien-Chorak was prostate in the dust with the Prince's longsword at his throat.
"The game's over!" shouted the Emperor, barely heard over the applause from the stadium.
The Prince grinned and helped Savirien-Chorak up and over to a healer. The Emperor clapped his Potentate on the back, feeling relieved. He had not realized when the fight had begun how little chance he had given his son at victory.
"He will make a fine warrior," said Versidue-Shaie. "And a great emperor."
"Just remember," laughed the Emperor. "You Akaviri have a lot of showy moves, but if just one of our strikes comes through, it's all over for you."
"Oh, I'll remember that," nodded the Potentate.
Reman thought about that comment for the rest of the games, and had trouble fully enjoying himself. Could the Potentate be another enemy, just as the Empress had turned out to be? The matter would bear watching.
21 Morning Star, 2920
Mournhold, Morrowind
"Why don't you wear that green gown I gave you?" asked the Duke of Mournhold, watching the young maiden put on her clothes.
"It doesn't fit," smiled Turala. "And you know I like red."
"It doesn't fit because you're getting fat," laughed the Duke, pulling her down on the bed, kissing her breasts and the pouch of her stomach. She laughed at the tickles, but pulled herself up, wrapping her red robe around her.
"I'm round like a woman should be," said Turala. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
"No," said the Duke. "I must entertain Vivec tomorrow, and the next day the Duke of Ebonheart is coming. Do you know, I never really appreciated Almalexia and her political skills until she left?"
"It is the same with me," smiled Turala. "You will only appreciate me when I'm gone."
"That's not true at all," snorted the Duke. "I appreciate you now."
Turala allowed the Duke one last kiss before she was out the door. She kept thinking about what he said. Would he appreciate her more or less when he knew that she was getting fat because she was carrying his child? Would he appreciate her enough to marry her?
The Duke finally finished the story, we all looked at him and he looked back at us.
"So what do you think of it?" Said the Duke of Ebonheart.
"I really enjoyed it, My Lord." Said Karthgar, "One of the best I have heard in my life."
"Good! Good! I am glad you liked it; the First Era was an important time in the history of Morrowind." We all nodded in agreement, from what I new of the First Era is that it is when the mighty god-kings were born.
The Duke continued to speak, "Our supper should be ready soon, please make yourselves at home, for the next few days this is your home as much as it is mine."
"Thank you. We accept your gracious offer, My Lord." Was the reply that came from Karthgar.