Beta-Edited by KVeronicaP

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Getting an appointment with Nermero proved more difficult than Rialyn expected. As the delegation leader to Morrowind, the legate always had his hands full, be it training a few Imperial newcomers sent here regularly by high command or engaging in political and strategic discussions with others of similar positions. The Dragonborn and Heleria had nothing to do but wait for Nermero to finally find some time over the next few days to come.

As Rialyn was finally settling down in Vivec after spending a couple of weeks in the city, it was time to stop borrowing money from his newfound friend. Rialyn knew the perfect way to earn coin the one that could be employed anywhere. The hard and dirty work path, bloodied swords, and constant glances. The same lifestyle he led in Skyrim, but without pursuing any higher purpose — a mercenary for hire.

Granted, there were many problems in Vivec that needed solving, much like any town. Some believed that large and prosperous cities were safer from crime than any other place, but they were mistaken. If anything, it was the opposite; the viper's nests that formed around places such as Vivec would take years to clean out, and it would be temporary.

Rialyn was glad to work with Heleria on this. She was far from a social butterfly, but lending, selling, and buying new books required having many connections throughout the city, which she had. She had much to do and often came back telling Rialyn of a problem that he could solve pretty quickly and directions to the right people.

It was nothing out of the ordinary, for Rialyn, at least. First, it was as simple as clearing out an apartment infested by rats; a dunmer woman was unlucky enough to be living on lower levels. Rialyn arrived with an iron blade and some light armor. The worst that could happen with rats is a potential infection, but not for him… He did not even take the cursed mace. Rialyn realized that he felt much calmer without its corrupting presence nearby. The same could be said about the Auriel's bow. Having more simplistic weapons with him felt strangely relieving.

The task was as staring forward as they come. He had to help clean out the corpses, after which the Dragonborn received his payment. There came a pure sense of nostalgia for him as he walked across the streets of Whiterun, without any coins to spare, trying to find odd jobs wherever possible. Sometimes it was helpful to go back to the roots.

"Thank you. Heleria is lucky to have you as a friend."

"No need. I'm glad to help."

However, as he turned away, he could hear the same question, or a variation of it, from everyone.

"Are the rumors true? Are you the new Nerevarine?"

"Does it matter?"

These conversations were always fruitless. These people seemed reclusive at first, but now Rialyn saw what they desired. They wanted hope, as anyone would in their state.

His next task was to find a thief hiding in the sewers and bring him to justice. The Dragonborn willfully obliged as the man who asked for this promised a considerable sum. Rialyn tracked the criminal down in sewers, never getting punished for his thefts and assaults.

The Dragonborn knocked him out that day and left him at the Ordinators' doorstep… But not before satisfying his thirst for another few days. When he came back ordinators to his client, the reward was promising, but the questions were pouring.

"They say you were sent by Azura. Is that true? Has she spoken to you?"

"I don't think she would send me anywhere after our one encounter…"

The blessing of Akatosh meant nothing to them. In their eyes, Rialyn was a foreigner who bore a mark similar to the one a true hero held many years ago, the hero that left them prematurely as the doom approached.

Another time, Rialyn journeyed beyond Vivec to a nearby tow. His aid was needed in tracking down a bandit who was disturbing the peace there for others. Rialyn did so with ease, hiding in the shadows and following clues. Eventually, the bandit gave himself away. It turned out to be the very same bosmer who escaped that night. At least there was no werewolf this time, only the strictest hand of justice. And the same expectations. And when Rialyn returned to collect his due, the words were all the same.

"Are you sure you have no connection with Azura? We've prayed over many long years to her. The response is overdue!"

All the same hope, all the same despair…

Once in a while, Rialyn would come to the temple to hear the preaching. To listen to people who gathered around Merlyne, sweet to their ears and pleasing to their souls. Rialyn remained at the back of the temple near the statues of "lesser" Daedra princes. He wore a cloak akin to those of the priests. He watched from a distance, unwilling to interfere as the crowd surrounded Azura's statue like moths to the flame. They mainly were dunmer, and that's why it was effortless to detect Heleria among the public.

"We have prayed for years now, and finally, they have heeded!" Merlyne spoke loudly with pride, capturing the attention of her listeners. Rialyn could see that others were talking to each other, including the librarian, but it was hard to hear them. "Incarnate of moon and stars has been finally sent to us, born on an uncertain day, immune to diseases of the flesh, a hero for the new era! All he needs is a blessing from our goddess, and then he will be unstoppable. No argonian, no outlander… But he still doesn't want to believe that he is the one. Let us pray to the lady of stars. Then, she could bless him and dispel all doubts!" She led the prayer, and many followed. A few remained suspicious of these rituals and continued their observation; Heleria was one of them.

Rialyn would go here to see how the attitudes changed over time. There were more believers in the Nerevarine from one day to another. And as he watched the proceedings go, the Dragonborn began to realize what it was they wanted from him and why. She talked of the first stages in the prophecy, perhaps in an attempt to sway the Dunmer, but she was right. In a way, Rialyn knew it. He was indeed born to parents he did not remember on an unknown date. His vampirism made him immune to aging and much more resistant to disease. It wasn't a perfect match, but there were connections… Right up to the point of being blessed by Azura. He wasn't, but these people believed that more was to come.

"Thinking about becoming the chosen one once again, are we?" a cheerful voice echoed in Rialyn's head, Sheogorath…

The prince must have established a connection with his mind, talking to him through this link. Rialyn sighed. He'd have to remember not to stand near their statues next time.

"And what's the meaning of that attitude? Trying to escape me? Absolute insolence! I'd launch you into Oblivion had it not been this early!" the mad god exclaimed.

(Rialyn did not try to understand his antics; sometimes, all that was needed was peace and acceptance, like in this case. No one in this temple was secure from having their thoughts examined by Daedric princes, much less someone like Sheogorath.

"Drop this, mortal. I am not in the mood to bite! On the contrary, I want to brighten up your moody thoughts with some insanity sprinkled atop!" Sheogorath seemed interested, for the current moment at least.

The god was somewhat right. Rialyn's thoughts have not been the brightest. He might have refused Celion's proposal of becoming a Nerevarine figurehead for the Thalmor, but it was different when his people wanted it. The people he came here to understand and bond with.

"Hahaha, I knew you had the funny spark in you! Trying to understand mortals —even I'm not that insane

Of course, it would be easy for Sheogorath to say so. He was a god. One who lived in his remote palace with a kingdom begging to his will. He did not think like a mortal, nor did he have the same worries and hopes… At least there was some point in trying to understand mortals, unlike some Daedric princes.

"Of course, you won't understand us. You're still a mortal! But not exactly… See, my doubting friend, for them, you are a hero and a legend, something straight off the pages of their history books! They admire you and don't see themselves as your equal. A hero, a savior, the Dragonborn… I'm sure it wasn't that different in Skyrim. And for us, you are just another pawn, perhaps a bit more entertaining than others, but still, a plaything to use and then throw away. Not quite mortal, but far from a god, not quite demented to live by pointless hope and fear among them. Not quite manic to transcend your limits and join our court… A pitiable life, really. I was lucky to not have stayed in that position for too long, and I didn't even need a gibberish prophecy, just one small accident…"

Sheogorath recounted this tale with a different tone, which caught Rialyn off guard This wasn't something he would usually hear from any Daedric prince. Was this sympathy? Understanding? Humanity?

"Oh, don't get sentimental. If you ever visit New-Sheoth to cry in my lap about your hard life, I'll turn you into something useful… Like a bunch of butterflies! Haskill loves that trick. You might even see him trying to smile… Unsuccessfully, of course."

Yes, now that was more like him. Rialyn learned to accept these voices and not allow them to detract from observation. How ironic. In his madness, Sheogorath might have gotten to the root of Rialyn's uncertainty.

He was one of a kind, a hero that only appeared once or twice at every age. The hero who rose from nothing and battled through the darkest pits of despair and Oblivion. He was of the heroes who, over time, lost their humanity, at least in the eyes of those around them. It was "Nerevarine" and "Dragonborn," the titles taken off the pages of legends. People wanted people like him to be legends. Funnily enough, no one remembered Nerevarine's real name for all those legends and reverence toward him. Rialyn feared that this would be his fate as well. They wanted those like him to be legends, and there was no better proof than the procession in front of him.

"You know, if there's anything I learned about ashy elves, it is that they are so proud and full of themselves that even Jyggalag would get jealous! They don't just need a hero; they need their hero. Their Dunmer pride would never allow them to be saved by outsiders, be they from the Empire, Dominion, or whoever else cares about this dull land. Without this…You may have the looks, but to them you are just a pointy-eared Nord helping them out of altruism while the gods have abandoned them. But twist the tale a little and… Ah, not today. I have to go. Someone's causing trouble in Mania again. Need to judge their entertainment value."

After this, the voice left Rialyn's head, leaving him with something to think about This was precisely how he felt. Nerevarine was their hero, their beacon of hope. They wanted to believe that Rialyn could be their hero, independent from the Empire, Thalmor, or other foreign lands. If that was true, the gods did not abandon Dunmer, they were still with them during these dark times, which would go a long way to restore their faith.

And so they continued to pray, and Rialyn watched. Watched as the priests read scriptures of the Daedra and recited the prophecy of Nerevarine while Heleria tried to engage in futile arguments about the relevancy of this prophecy. He noticed a familiar altmer standing at the entrance and watching these proceedings. Celion had undoubtedly paid attention and shown interest, but if Sheogorath's point was correct, his attempts were as pointless as Rialyn's attempts to separate himself from the Nerevarine label. Perhaps the people's will was what drove this city. Maybe heroes and politicians had no sway… He could've waited even longer, but not anymore.

He'd grown sick of waiting.

Granted, Rialyn wished to focus on more pressing concerns right now. Disregarding his status, Thalmor still remained a threat, especially with someone like Celion at its helm. The Dragonborn remembered his words and refusal to stop; he believed it. People like him always find their way, creating a path made of corpses behind them.

Nermero could be an ally, however. Many Imperial officials did not like Thalmor, but few were brave enough to show it. This man was still relatively young and did not always prioritize diplomacy. If Rialyn was correct in his observance during the council, he was just as displeased with the Dominion. He was also more likely to act openly against their tyranny. Rialyn wondered why the Emperor would send a man like Nermero here. Was it because he believed Nermero could gain more experience? Or did he just not care about Morrowind enough? Anyway, here and now, it might be a welcome state.

When Nermero was ready to discuss the details with them, Rialyn and Heleria journeyed to the Imperial Canton. It was later on the day they visited the temple. As they walked across Vivec streets, it didn't take long for Heleria to notice Rialyn's disposition.

"You seem quiet… I mean, quieter than usual," she said with a light tone, trying to ease the Dragonborn's burdens, or at least try to. "I don't think the legate will find it productive to talk to a wall," she added after a moment of silence.

"Just thinking…" he responded distantly.

"Care to share? I find our exchanges quite delightful. Look no further than your story about the College of Winterhold… But that's when you actually talk." She wanted to hear more. Rialyn didn't see much point in resistance, especially after they'd decided to unravel Thalmor's plans together. He sighed and raised his head to look into Heleria's eyes.

"Do you think the Dunmer here want me to become their Nerevarine just so I could be 'their' hero? A symbol of Morrowind and not some ancestral province of their mortal enemies," Rialyn questioned Heleria thought for a moment, but he could see in her eyes that he definitely struck some chords.

"Dark elves are very proud. It would be much easier to accept your "coming" were you to take on the mantle. I find it quite ironic…" Heleria let out a faint smile. "You've looked at the book, I imagine? You know how Nerevarine was treated when he arrived."

"Like a heretic and an outsider."

"Before he earned his place among the houses and became the saint. It was one of the most sudden shifts in Dunmer culture that Nerevarine brought… And it wasn't after his disappearance that he was finally accepted in all of the province."

"Many are like that… They don't appreciate the things they have until such things are no more," Rialyn said sadly, remembering his own mistake.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me twice…" Yes, many would know this feeling.

Soon, the two approached the Imperial Canton for Nermero to meet them in the hall. Rialyn liked this place, as it was [something] familiar to him from both Cyrodiil and Skyrim in a twisted way. Centurios and Imperial flags were something that reminded him of his freezing home.

"Have you been here often?" [-] Rialyn asked Heleria, trying to steer their conversation in a casual direction.

"Not too often," she responded.

"Truly? There must be some books that will interest these men… Some chronicles of the Septim Dynasty," Rialyn suggested, wondering if they even had enough time for reading.

"Maybe, but the garrisons have never been my cup of tea," Heleria said with slight unease.

"How so?"

"Too reminiscent of all that's happened in the world recently and still does happen… Can't see soldiers without them thinking about another war starting right under our nose. Most of them being so aggressive doesn't help it," she pointed out.

"That's exactly why it's good."

"Seriously?"

"You confuse strength with aggression. These men are well trained to defend their provinces, even after their losses. And I'm sure they won't hesitate to defend Vivec if Argonians ever invade," Rialyn said with pride; it was an honor for him to have served among Imperials.

"I understand… But I can hardly do anything with my gut feelings," Heleria stated as they entered the main hall.

"You should try to spend more time here… How about training with a sword?" Rialyn smiled and said with some sarcasm, looking at a confused Heleria. "I'd train you if you wish." It was probably hard for her to tell whether he was serious or not.

"I helped you get here, and now you want to humiliate me that much?" She said with a tone of played-up annoyance. "My skills with a sword are not something for anyone with any talent to see. Magic is so much more elegant." Rialyn thought back to the staff he saw.

"Magic can be good… As long as it leaves some burns to remember," Rialyn said with a smile, showing Heleria the fire spell in his right hand.

"Oh, who am I talking to…" Heleria shook her head.

"Here you are!" a loud voice echoed behind them, and Rialyn felt someone touching his elbow. The Dragonborn immediately turned around along with Heleria to see a familiar argonian with an extensive smile on his face.

"I'm too old for this…" Heleria shook her head after a quiet gasp.

"Saying hello got too boring for you?" Rialyn wondered.

"Hah, I felt your shiver. I'm good at my job, eh?" Nerius said proudly and stood beside them. "I was told you'll come here today, so I decided to try out some of my new skills…"

"How is it going? Nermero gives you your due?" Rialyn asked after shaking hands with his friend.

"Oh, more than enough, that's for sure. He keeps going about me being a 'night blade' for them or something. From Thieves Guild to Imperial Legion, how's that?" Nerius seemed very happy with his newfound occupation.

"See, Rialyn? Don't whine about how you can't find a full-time job after this," Heleria joked, reminding Rialyn of his usual mercenary work.

"No, not my style," he responded sharply.

"Come along. I'll bring you to Nermero!"

Rialyn and Heleria followed Nerius into the nearby hall, not far from the guard barracks. It seemed that this was the expected meeting place. As they entered the room, the legate standing in its middle. The Imperial was focused on something else, a tame but no less ferocious animal roaming this hall, letting out faint howls one after another.

"Attack!" Nermero pointed at the nearest dummy, and his pet wolf scratched it with its claws, obeying the master. Rialyn was impressed by how much control he could exert over the animal, which few would be able to deal with. He caught Heleria's awkward look; the Dragonborn noticed that she was displeased. "Good boy," Nermero said as the wolf rushed towards him.

"Legate, I brought them here!" Nerius waved and caught Nermero's attention. The wolf ran towards the trio and bared his teeth, looking at Rialyn and Heleria with caution, ready to jump.

"Oh, sweet Asura, why did it have to be…" Heleria said and sighed, eyeing the wolf. "It's not dangerous, is it?"

"Any problem with wolves?" Rialyn looked at Heleria, trying to understand her aversion. "One of the most loyal animals, if you can tame it."

"I hate them… Vicious rascals." The librarian shook her head, carefully trying to avoid the wolf. Nermero approached and signaled the wolf to back off.

"Impressed by my pet here, Dragonborn?" Nermero asked proudly.

"Seeing it in Morrowind is somewhat…."

"Surreal," Heleria finished in an unimpressed tone.

"Tiber is a good companion… We're both in a different world here. Anyway, I hope I didn't hold you for too long," Nermero said as he led them towards the nearest table. "Taking a seat?" He gestured to the nearby chairs prepared for Rialyn and Heleria, carefully looking at the altmer woman. "And you are?"

"She's a friend, helped us get to Vivec a few weeks ago," Nerius said. Nermero nodded and extended a hand.

"Legate Nermero Cniseius, leader of Imperial delegation here."

"Heleria Moonward, a simple librarian." She smiled and shook his hand.

"I think I heard about you. You are from the Northern residential canton, right?"

"Storing Tamriel's lore there since before the war, all for enlightenment, of course," Heleria said with some pride and sat near Rialyn.

"I think I'll wait outside," Nerius suggested, only to be interrupted by the legate.

"You can stay. I don't intend to hide anything from you." After these words, Nerius smiled and stood beside them, and the legate turned back to the Dragonborn. "Your friend has been great; even I can barely hear his steps anymore!"

"I knew him to be talented, even before I took him aboard," Rialyn said, Nerius was full of joy due to the recognition he finally got. The Dragonborn was happy to oblige. This was something he deserved.

"So, you wanted to talk about Celion?" Nermero drew his eyebrows close, showing distaste. "He's been getting on my nerves for a long time. What has he done now?"

"Committed a crime of being a rude customer, I had to spend my morning arguing in circles with him instead of doing something productive." Heleria sighed.

"Did he intrude on the library?"

"Along with that bodyguard of his, yes," Rialyn added. "An annoyance for both her and me, but I thought his purpose would interest you." Rialyn looked at Heleria, prompting her to talk.

"So you aren't going to be very talkative after all… Fine, fine. He wanted something that I had no intention of giving, my personal book on the topic of Nerevarine. He really wanted me to believe it would aid his 'humanitarian mission' and failed miserably," Heleria said. Nermero immediately brimmed with annoyance.

"By the Eight, I'm sick of hearing that name… For the last month, Nerevarine this, Nerevarine that. As if someone decided to remember history," he said distastefully.

"Celion proposed an alliance to me. Said he wanted to accept that I'm Nerevarine and support Thalmor, become their figurehead so the public would be tricked into believing that their gods support the Dominion," Rialyn recounted.

"I hope you refused."

"Of course. I don't intend to work with the Thalmor, and I'm not… I don't know, but that's beside the point." Rialyn decided not to go there, but he saw that Heleria knew precisely what he was about to say. Yes, with how this city has been going, you'd get anyone doubting…

"Others talked about it around here," Nerius added. "Everyone seems to believe Celion has some ploy that he's trying to enact here."

"As Thalmor always do," Rialyn added. Nermero seemed to believe their tale.

"That explains a lot…" he said.

"Explains what?" Rialyn inquired.

"That vulture was so happy that the cult remembered Nerevarine and painted you as one suddenly. I've had to deal with him for years, and I managed to find some common ground… But not more. He wants Vivec on their side, not particularly shy about it. Always trying to undermine the Empire… And the Indoril representative seems to believe in his lies." Nermero tried to make sense of it all, but the situation remained complicated. "This cult of Nerevarine is something that he wants. It's a risky move depending on how the Dragonborn will receive this. Either he is very good at adapting to coincidences or…."

"That's something he planned from the start," Heleria finished. "He is clever, and influencing others seems like his specialty."

"I wonder how?" Rialyn continued. "I don't think Dunmer would listen to someone from Thalmor, not the public."

"Aren't you the main scholar of Nerevarine, Heleria?" Nermero asked with some suspicion.

"I suppose…"

"I am not accusing you or anything… But your work has gone a long way to keeping the legend alive." Nermero evidently saw this as an inconvenience; Heleria seemed a little phased.

"Hey, just because I am interested in studying the past doesn't mean I want to see it resurrected as a pathetic parody in Celion's mind!" she defended herself.

"So…"

Rialyn was about to get back on track, but the door opened, and a hound soldier rushed in, with worry in his gaze.

"Sir, you need to join us!" he shouted, causing everyone in the room to reflexively get up. Rialyn had the feeling that they were about to receive some unwelcome tidings.

"What happened, soldier?" – Nermero inquired.

"The Argonians… They are inside the city!"