Encountering complications was something Rialyn expected, especially here. Still, it would be a rather pathetic turnabout if they would not be able to collect enough coins to even reach the heart of civilization. Perhaps relying on a curious stranger to help them out was not the worst option. The altmer woman followed in his steps, taking a close look with unabashed interest; Rialyn wasn't impressed.

"Where did you say your friend was…" - She gave the Dragonborn a hint, which he preferred to the awkward silence.

"Near the tavern." - He replied sharply, still carefully monitoring her moves.

"Do you mean…Cornerclub?" - She wondered.

He slipped once again, it would seem. Rialyn was used to seeing taverns and inns on his travels, but the only "cornerclub" he knew of was in Windhelm. It was called so by dunmer, who were frequent visitors there. He should've learned the name by now.

"Yes, that." - He wasn't particularly keen on supporting a conversation. Perhaps she would appreciate the gesture, but the possibility of this being an unfortunately encountered Thalmor spy still lingered in his head.

"You will get used to it soon, have no worries." - She was of another opinion, clearly desiring to talk. "Oh, forgive me, my manners, I haven't even introduced myself!" - She quickly remembered. "I am Heleria."

"Yes, I heard your talk." - Rialyn was good with remembering names; there were many that he had to keep. She clearly caught his distrustful tone.

"Are you still not sure about trusting me? Please, let these fears go, surely you would be glad…" - She really pushed it.

"Yes, I am not. Do you want me to believe you would help us for nothing?" - Rialyn gave in slightly.

"Well, I said it's not for nothing…But it is nothing malicious, I promise." - She said with confidence.

"That's not the first time I hear that…I still need to know why."

"I am just a little intrigued, quite simple, really."

"I can see that."

"Then why do you ask?" - Heleria replied with a soft smile. Rialyn just sighed. They have reached the cornerclub; it would be better to focus on issues that matter for now.

"Is this your first visit?" - Heleria wondered as Rialyn opened the door.

"Yes. You have some advice?"

"Not particularly, just be careful with dunmer in there. They don't like outsiders, especially if they feel they threaten their space…So you might want to take the helmet off."

"I knew it all already. And no, I won't."- Rialyn said, giving Heleria a slight glance.

"Oh…Alright, I won't interfere." - She shrugged and followed him. Soon the elves descended into the dining area. Rialyn immediately noticed a few dunmer occupying it, enjoying their time…Seemingly.

Rialyn remembered visiting Bruman taverns with Erstenn and how different it was from this. Nords would laugh and shout so loudly that the mountains would shriek, not to mention the amounts of ale they drank. Here it was very…Quiet, almost silent. Being clad in heavy armor, Rialyn would obviously attract some attention; he immediately caught some suspicious eyes.

Ignoring them, the Dragonborn walked towards the host who remained at the stand, ready to serve his clients. He immediately looked at Rialyn, unsure of how he should act.

"May Azura light your path…" - He mumbled. "You are ordering something?"

"No, I just wanted to ask…."

"A glass of Deshaan wine, if you would be so kind." - Heleria said, sitting near the stand.

"Of course." - He replied and walked towards his stash. Rialyn was unimpressed.

"I am in a hurry, you know." - The Dragonborn said sternly.

"I am a quick drinker, well, on some occasions. Your friend must have found something to do if he wanted to get coins."

"I…" - Rialyn didn't finish, as this was the exact moment the host returned and handed Heleria a glass of crimson wine.

"Thank you." - The woman replied and grabbed the glass; Rialyn knew he should ask his questions now.

"I am looking for a friend." - He said directly to the tender. The man looked at Rialyn.

"Anyone I should know?" - The host replied.

"Nerius Calilures. He might have passed by." - Rialyn said and noticed the host getting silent, thinking to himself. It seemed like he was trying to recollect, but his yellow eyes ran quicker than a pair of comets, avoiding Rialyn's gaze. "Has a blade and light armor, also…."

"I don't know what you're talking about; I saw no liz…" - He went silent with a grimace of terror stuck on his face, which Rialyn immediately caught. His last word left no doubts.

"Lizards, was it?" - He pinned the point down.

"No, that's not what I…" - The host stuttered.

"I didn't mention that my friend is an argonian."

This was the moment when Heleria interjected, surprised.

"Your friend is an argonian? And you haven't told me?" - She put the wine away and looked at the host. "Of course, he would be in danger here without sufficient preparation, and others will cover-up."

"Please, don't make it worse…" - The host pleaded; Rialyn turned towards him.

"So, you have seen him. Where did he go?" - The Dragonborn inquired.

"I…Don't know, he just asked for a job and left after getting no offer."

"If that were so, you wouldn't lie to me." - Rialyn would have none.

"No, you misunderstand, I…."

Rialyn took out the cursed mace, and the host immediately felt its withering. The Dragonborn knew that turning to violence here would be unwise, but he could barely help it.

"See this? Do you want me to use it?" - The Dragonborn claimed, causing the host to tremble in fear. Others looked at him, surprised, but didn't dare to interfere. He looked at the host's neck…His blood was flowing through it; he could almost feel the scent. So appetizing…

"For the love of Azura, do you have to be so brutish?" - Heleria tried to hold Rialyn back.

"You have any better ideas?"

"As a matter of fact, I do." - She stood up and walked in between him and the host.

"Now, now…" - She began to talk only to be interrupted immediately by the tender.

"I already told you I don't know anything!"

"Has there been another band of underground slavers? Or perhaps someone who just hates argonians? Either way, this isn't exactly the best position." - She spoke, toiling the line between the natural softness of her voice and the harsh tone of interrogation.

"That's not me, I swear!"

"I never said it was you, but…You know full well that slavery is now outlawed, and argonians have rights identical to other inhabitants of Vvardenfell. You wouldn't want Redoran to hear about this? Niraeth might warrant an investigation…Or you might just tell the truth to us and be left alone for all you want. Isn't that a simple choice?" - Heleria said, gradually getting calmer and more cooperative in her tone.

"I…Look, just…It is Nesuri Daren, one of my friends. She told him to come to her house and kill some rats for gold, but…She lives there with her brother; they despise argonians and never ask someone like your friend for anything. I don't know what she wanted…But they might be in her house. The one to the northeast, the very last one…" - He trembled before her.

"Thank you." - Heleria gave out a smile.

"Just leave me…."

"Don't fear, we'll keep our promise." - She said before turning around and looking at Rialyn; he nodded with approval and followed her to the exit.

"Impressive." - He had to admit

"See, sometimes a way with words is all you need. How about we help your friend before he gets himself killed? I want to meet him too, you know."

"Anytime."

Rialyn and Heleria approached the lone Dunmer house in the direction given at the club. Rialyn was constantly looking around to prepare for a possible ambush while Heleria searched for the place. Several thoughts rushed through Rialyn's head as the two approached this house. He looked behind, trying to cover his face from the ashen wind and see if they were followed. A lone Redoran guard walked in the distance without paying any attention to them. Heleria seemed a little concerned as well.

"We can't trespass here without proof of their crimes. Should we just…Knock?" - She asked rhetorically. Rialyn nodded.

"I'll wait for her to open, and if not, we'll find another way." - The Dragonborn approached the door, giving Heleria a last glance before knocking. "Stay behind me; she might come armed." - Rialyn advised and finally knocked. There was no response at first, just silence. In a moment, the dark elf knocked again, twice as loudly this time. Soon, the door opened, and a young dunmer woman with long black hair and a concerned look gazed at Rialyn.

"Hello…Who are you?" - She said cautiously.

"Rialyn. And you are Nesuri Daren, correct?" - The Dragonborn suggested.

"I…Yes. What do you want?"

Rialyn thought for a moment. He needed to express his needs without making her fear just yet.

"I was looking for a friend, Nerius Calilures. I've been told he came here to help kill some rats…" - As Rialyn said those words, he could see the reflection of fear in the woman's eyes.

"Oh yes, of course! He was of great help to me, didn't know he had friends in here. He decided to stay for a while…But I'll call him to you, just a moment."

She closed the door and hastily disappeared. Rialyn and Heleria looked at each other; both knew that something was wrong; she spoke too unnaturally, plainly speaking. It was worrying. Soon Nesuri returned and opened the door for them to enter. The only reason Rialyn still wasn't sure was that he did not expect her to be so foolish to attack someone with his level of defense.

"Careful…" - Heleria whispered as she followed the Dragonborn.

The house seemed old and not exceptionally decorated; Rialyn could still feel the dust lying under his armored feet. There was no one in sight, just them and Nesuri. Rialyn could, however, notice a pathway to the basement…

"So, where is Nerius?" - He asked Nesuri. The woman trembled.

"Over here." - She pointed to the wall, and for a split second that Rialyn pretended to be distracted, she attacked. The woman held a dagger in her arm, pointing it right at the Dragonborn's neck. She was unsuccessful, of course. He pushed her aside and grabbed her arm as the dagger fell from Nesuri's hand.

"This is almost too predictable." - Heleria sighed.

"I repeat my question, where is Nerius?" - The Dragonborn asked.

"Burn in Oblivion, freak!" - She responded with vile.

"I see." - Rialyn began to force his hand, slowly inflicting more pain on her hand, bringing it, quite literally, to a breaking point. Nesuri screamed in agony; she didn't take long.

"Fine, fine! He's in the basement…I held him there; take him and leave!" - She cried in pain.

"Thank you. Now just don't get up." - Rialyn pushed her towards the floor one last time, leaving Nesuri without any weapons to protect herself. Now they needed to free Nerius, but still, something felt wrong.

"I suppose your method was more effective this time…" - Heleria said, following Rialyn through the opened trapdoor. They descended into pure darkness underneath the house, barely able to see anything. This was where the vampire blood could help; boiling from hunger, it still had its uses, such as a vision of the night. He saw his comrade before him; Nerius was tied up and gagged near the wall. His eyes brimmed with excitement as he saw Rialyn, but the argonian still worried. He shivered, almost as if trying to tell something but couldn't.

Rialyn heard someone running from behind; he turned around to see a strong dunmer with an ax pushing Heleria aside. As the woman lost balance and fell on her back, the barbarian was prepared to cut her down. Heleria reached for her pockets, preparing a defense strategy, but not before the attacker was stopped by Rialyn. He took his mace and hit him hard; the enemy fell down, hitting the wall. Rialyn approached Heleria and gave her his hand.

"T…Thank you. That was too close for comfort." - He helped her get up and rushed towards Nerius, finally freeing him from his chains. He couldn't help but think of the wounded dunmer lying near the wall…The blood was clotting, an opportunity too good to pass.

"Thank the Hist, you came! I was so worried; they are just…."

"Go outside with her. I'll talk to you…A bit later."

"What do you want to do?"

"Say a few words." - Nerius obeyed and followed Heleria. Even though he did not know who she was, the Dragonborn's trust was enough for him. After Heleria and Nerius left, Rialyn finally looked upon the defeated warrior.

"Why did you have to…You scum! What did you do to my sister?" - He shouted angrily.

"She is intact and alive, but you two took my friend hostage…And someone will pay the price." - Rialyn took his helmet off, showing his withered head and red eyes to the assailant.

"By the gods, who are…."

Rialyn plunged his teeth into the warrior's neck. He couldn't even scream; the pain was apparently too much. The Dragonborn could sense the return of his power and how it flowed through him. Finally, to feel so alive once more…This catharsis was worth it, every single time.

When he finished, the Dunmer fainted, all the better. It was time to follow Heleria and Nerius. Rialyn put his helmet on and walked up from the basement, but before he left, the Dragonborn heard the angry voice of Nesuri.

"Why did you help this lizard scum, we had no quarrel with you, but you just had to come and ruin it!" - She shouted with hate.

"He was my friend."

"Choose better friends, then! They are savages, incapable of humanity. We would be doing this world a favor by killing him."

"Since when is he responsible for the actions of your conquerors?" - Rialyn asked, only to provoke Nesuri even more and cause her to shout in unceremonious rambling.

"My mother wasn't responsible. She was innocent, so sweet, oh so kind…They murdered her in their conquest, these degenerate monsters! Animals, all of them! All, all…" - She continued to scream, eventually becoming weeping. There was no point in prolonging this; Rialyn left the house to see Heleria and Nerius, happy and embarrassed at the same time.

"Here you are, Rialyn! By my egg, they were insane!" - He exclaimed.

"Your friend has been rather…Worried. And apologetic." - Heleria added.

"What happened there?" - Rialyn asked Nerius.

"I'm sorry, so sorry…I have fooled again. I followed this woman. She promised to pay gold for killing some rats in her basement…These two caught me in a trap. Tied me up and began to beat up." - Nerius pointed to a few wounds on his scales. "They loved the torture…It's so fortunate that you arrived in time. Sorry to be a drain."

"Don't be; the situation is resolved, and that's all that matters…" - Rialyn encouraged him. The feeling of renewal after drinking blood left him feeling much more positive. "And this won't be a problem anymore; we can get to Vivec now."

"Oh, can we?"

"Ask her." - Rialyn pointed at his newfound companion.

"Is she the bookseller? Did you get money from her?" - Argonian was curious.

"Oh no, that's not me. I'm more of a librarian…Heleria, a pleasure to meet you."

"Nerius…I think you know that already, though."

"Heleria agreed to pay for our passage to Vivec, and I am grateful for that." - Rialyn said. "No point in turning it down, is it?"

"Oh, that's fortunate! Did you do a job for her or something?"

"Well…" - Rialyn looked at Heleria, and she shrugged.

"Consider this a token of good faith; we can discuss more on our way. The carriage isn't far; I hope we all agree that we shouldn't linger here for long?"

"Yes, indeed." - Rialyn nodded. It was time to go.

Another day, another lunatic to hunt down.

This was Camina's way of life, the one she got used to living among cantons of neo-Vivec. She only wished there were someone else to clear out rascals that disturb the peace, or at least not as many suspicious stares as she would pass the streets searching for her target. After searching Indoril canton and getting all the required confirmation, Camina lost all hope of finding the outlaw quickly.

When she arrived at Vivec with the second delegation, Camina expected there to be more pushback. That the Dunmer of this city would despise their presence here, that they would resist at every turn. They did not. The acceptance and apathy of the majority of these people shocked her. Was it because they provided genuine help to the population? Or did they give up on their centuries of proud independence? Either way, Camina couldn't help but gain some faith in their project in Morrowind. If only the Empire wasn't here…

She entered the halls of Redoran canton, getting ready to attract some attention. With any luck, the criminal would not be far. They were predictable, and most followed a single route, running to the underworks through Redoran Canton, thinking it would be safe. Camina felt uneasy as she saw the stern guards covered in symbolic armor gazing at her. They were not too happy with altmer coming in here, especially her status, and no authority would ever change that.

She passed by their training arena, seeing two rage-filled dunmer combating each other in preparation for invasion. She couldn't blame them. They might need it very soon. Camina stood upright and approached the entrance to the underworks of the canton, only to be halted. The guard looked over her Aldmeri armor covered in gold.

"Hold there; what's your intention? "- He asked suspiciously.

"Camina Caraire, Dominion's justice." She responded with a prepared reply.

"Another one…Should I remind you of whose territory this is?"

"I am here only to find Othos Ivar. I presume you've heard of his assassination attempt on one of our diplomats." - This claim forced the guard to back off a little. He knew full well of their agreement.

"I see…Surely you are not implying that House Redoran is associated with…."

"Enough of this; all I want is an inspection! This is a route which sum like Othos uses most commonly, don't you understand? It is of your own interest."

"Yes, I did not mean to deny it. However, know that we will keep watch as long as you are here." - The guard moved aside.

"That will not be necessary; I am only here for the traitor."

Camina didn't look to her side as she descended towards the lower levels of the canton. Truth be told, she still didn't know whether Redoran aided Othos and other fugitives; there was no way to prove it, but she would not be particularly surprised.

As she went towards the underworks, Camina became more cautious. Her every step could be watched, and while the new underworks were not as extensive as those rumored to exist before the destruction of old Vivec, but dangerous, nonetheless.

The light was leaving her, but the justiciar was not afraid. Her blade was sharp, and so were her eyes.

She could only find a few rats whose presence made her miss Alinor, no matter how common they became. But she knew that he was here…This degenerate dared to attack members of the Dominion. That cannot go unpunished.

Eventually, she saw a lone dunmer rogue, desperately trying to find his way out. She walked directly towards him, ready to look in the eyes and see whether it was him. Even if it wasn't, this behavior was suspicious enough.

"Othos?" - She asked, her voice echoing through the sewers.

The man heard her and immediately trembled; Camina was correct. He ran a few seconds later with the justiciar running after him. She would not let him get out of her sight at a time when he was already confused. This would be an easy target.

"Get away from me!" - Othos shouted as Camina came closer, but it was no use. The altmer woman pushed him to the ground and backed the bandit into a corner. She saw him shivering and ready to beg, but she wouldn't listen. Camina didn't care what was on the mind of Dominion's enemies. These dunmer were savage at times, always a bother. She had a clear for execution on sight, and that's what she was going to do.

"Any last words?" - She said as she raised her blade.

"You think you've won? Do you think that Vivec will be yours? I've seen what will come, and you fools don't realize! Punishment would be unwrought!" - He shouted spitefully. Prattle and nothing more.

However, before she could strike him down, a familiar male voice rang from behind.

"Camina?" - Someone said with an impression in his tone as he walked towards her from behind. "I heard about your adventures in the sewers, but to meet you at such a perfect moment…."

An altmer mage stood before her, with a smile on his face, as always. Celion Leinarte, the leader of the Thalmor delegation on Vvardenfell and one of her only superiors. First and foremost, however, he was a dear friend.

"Just handling another traitor, it's all fair and good." - Camina replied.

"As always, I'm impressed…" - Celion glanced at the fugitive. "Alas, you didn't just decide to kill him, did you?"

"Why not? The city will become a little safer without this madman." - Camina replied confidently; Celion thought for a moment but eventually shook his head.

"If I learned anything from living in Vivec, it's impossible to end criminals manually. You cut off one head, and another one grows. We should take him for questioning."

"Will he tell us anything worthwhile? Is he not just a lowlife criminal?" - Camina wondered.

"See, I conducted a little investigation for myself while we were at it." - Celion looked at the eyes of furious Othos. "I know where your allegiances lie. You have been a frequent visitor to the temple canton, a devout follower of your gods…Such a shame that Merlyne had no choice but to give you away."

The Dunmer jumped at him with a dagger, trying to cut him down.

"FOR MOLAG BAL!" - The maniac shouted before being pinned to the ground by Celion's arcane trap. He screamed in agony before losing his ability to speak for a moment, earning a wholly broken will. Camina enjoyed looking at it, but she realized she could learn a lot from Celion's judgment.

"He might be our key to uncovering the cult's actions, if there are any to uncover at all, you see?" - Celion asked; Camina saw no reason to argue.

"You were right, sorry…."

"Don't be, just think carefully next time. He will come with me to the Thalmor canton, and I will interrogate him thoroughly." - Celion gave a smile.

"I'd be glad to help."

"I know, but there is something else for you. I received some troubling news recently."

"Another argonian raid?"

"No, it's from Skyrim."

"Why would we care about that wasteland? Hasn't the rebellion been destroyed?"

"It's different…Have you heard of Dovahkiin?"

The hero of Skyrim and the entire Tamriel…A rising star who saved the world from Alduin the Worldeater and saved Thalmor a lot of trouble. He was also at the forefront of the civil war under the banner of the imperial legion.

"He left Skyrim despite the Dominion's attempts to stop him, and everything points to his course being Morrowind and Vivec specifically."

"Why? What does he hope to find here?"

"That's a good question and not the one I have an answer for…" - Celion thought to himself. "I have a few theories which I will test upon his arrival…But for now, all we can do is prepare to meet him."

"You want me to get ready for a fight?"

"Not in the slightest…Prepare him a hero's welcome; that will buy time.

"Why? There is no…."

"You will see, Camina. What did I say about thinking carefully?"

The Aldmeri woman sighed; he was right. Perhaps it would be better to trust him and do as he says this time. Both her and Celion always had Thalmor's best interests at heart. All that was certain for now was one simple fact…

The Dragonborn comes.