Nibani Maesa, with a worried look on her face, rushed into the yurt of Sul-Matuul, the Urshilaku Ashkan.
"Sul-Matuul!" She cried. He turned to her with a stern look on his face. "I feel Dagoth Ur's power fading. The blight is gone from Morrowind. The Nerevarine has done it. We have held in our faith, and the gods have rewarded us."
Sul-Matuul took a moment to digest the information. "Yes, indeed Dagoth Ur's power is fading and the Nerevarine's power is growing. But I sense a disturbance in this flow. Though the Nerevarine's arms and legs surely continue to become stronger, his spirit is afflicted with a disease that cannot be healed. His heart is shattered and hangs low with an unmatched sorrow. He comes seeking help." Sul-Matuul turned to Nibani Maesa. "He comes seeking the wise woman of the Urshilaku."
The door to the yurt swung open and standing there was Raja with Ahnassi, cold and lifeless in his arms. The dust storm outside blew dirt and debris into the Ashlander's eyes, but they stood unmoving.
"Nerevarine," said Nibani Maesa, glancing quickly at Sul-Matuul in shock. Raja gently placed Ahnassi on the ground, and bowed his head.
"It's an honor to once more be in the presence of the Urshilaku," he says with tears in his eyes.
"Lift your head." Demanded the Ashkan. "You bow to no one, Nerevar. You are cursed. That is why you are being so humble."
Raja stood as the wise woman and the Ashkan bowed to him.
"What is this body, Nerevarine?" Asked Nibani.
"Ahnassi the Khajiit," he replied, stuttering. "I love her, and I'll do anything to bring her back."
Nibani looked at him with pitying eyes, and felt her own eyes begin to swell with tears. She looked to the Ashkan, who was standing as solid as stone and looking on the sight. She then looked back to Raja who was now crying over the body of Ahnassi.
"I cannot bring her to life," she said, "but I know one who can. Her name is Millie Hausen. You may find her either in Molag Mar or in the former bandit cave Aharnabi, just south of the Shrine of Azura. Talk to her, and tell her I sent you." She put a hand on his shoulder. "We wish the best of luck to you, Nerevarine."
Raja formed a smile at the wise woman, and then prepared to leave. Suddenly Sul-Matuul cried, "Wait." Raja turned with a bit of impatience in his glance, but the Ashkan's solid stare forced him to stay.
"You must know the consequences of what you're about to do." He said. Raja paused for a moment.
"Thanks, but no thanks," said Raja, as he picked up Ahnassi in his arms.
"Listen to me," yelled Sul-Matuul.
"I know the consequences," said Raja. "And I am ready to risk them for Ahnassi."
"You know nothing!" Replied the Ashkan. Raja froze. "I cannot believe how inept the Nerevarine is. If you go through with this plan, you will kill yourself."
"Then I will be extra careful," he said. Sul-Matuul sighed.
"You, Raja-Dee, are Nerevar reborn, a hero foretold throughout generations. Your immense power makes you nearly immortal over the living. You are immune to disease, be it common or blight. The pangs of poison are nothing matched to your endurance. You are resistant to magic and fatigue." He paused momentarily. "But you are also immune to the natural aging that tears at our flesh from the second of conception. You know this and I know this.
"When you bring back the life of your loved one, you and she will dwell in blissful ecstasy for several years. But her time will come, Nerevarine, and she will perish. It is the reality of nature, the cruel laws of fate that tear us all apart. And it is inevitable."
"No," Raja muttered.
"Yes," replied the Ashkan. "She will die, Nerevar, and in your heart, you will be lonely. You will roam the plains of Vvardenfell with tears stinging your eyes as you look west towards the distant sunset. Your affliction with drag you along the dirtiest paths of Red Mountain until a roustabout's sword pierces your skin and guars tear at your flesh. And all will be lost. This is the reality we all must face sooner or later, and is one we cannot avoid. It is the way of the gods, Nerevar. And we can do nothing to change it."
Water flooded in Raja's eyes.
"So what are you going to do, Nerevar?" Asked the Ashkan. Raja couldn't respond. "There are many options open to you," said the Ashkan. "Leave her with us, and we will give her the most honorable burial the gods can offer. Bring her to Vivec for a blessing before her body perishes. Or revive her and be momentarily satisfied, only to live in sorrow for eternity. The choice is yours, Nerevarine."
Raja doesn't hesitate picking up Ahnassi. "I will bring her to Aharnabi," he said, "even if I die on the way there." Nibani Maesa put a hand on his shoulder.
"Best of luck to you, Nerevarine. Through blight and sandstorm, the Urshilaku will always be with you." From her robe, she took out a glowing green ring. "Here is the ring of the Urshilaku. Let its power fortify your speed so your journey will be swift and smooth. I believe you are now strong enough to wield its power."
Raja put on the ring and felt the energy engulfing the muscles in his legs. "Thank you," he said, bowing.
"Nerevarine," said the Ashkan. Raja raised his head. "Return to me when you have completed your mission. Raja nodded and opened the door, using his robe to protect Ahnassi from the sand storm. Before they disappeared from view, Nibani Maesa whispered a prayer.