And so the preparations began.
Rialyn would not linger for long, not when he had to leave soon. A few matters had to be settled before that, but it wouldn't take longer than a couple of days. The Dragonborn was conscious that leaving this city after a recent raid was not the best idea, but he knew the town had a solid defense comprised of a few factions. As long as he can ensure that Nermero and his soldiers are up to the task…
However, he would have to wait for a break in the legate's scheduled to appear. The Dragonborn would ponder what he should take with him for now. There wasn't much space; he could barely take supplies and weapons with him. As he looked over his weaponry stash in his room, Rialyn realized that heavy armor would only slow him down in a place like this. The light armor Rialyn got from one of the stores would be a better fit.
Speaking of the weapons, he would have to take his strongest. Who knew what life could remain in the wasteland and how dangerous it would be. The Auriel's bow would be a most welcome addition. Some creatures you don't even want to allow near you. And the mace, of course…Rialyn wasn't too glad about it, but not taking the powerful artifact would be foolish. The Dragonborn hoped that after becoming a vampire lord, the mace would no longer affect him. No longer will he feel this constant draining by his side…Well, a futile hope that was.
Whether he liked it, Rialyn would have to deal with it.
As he walked out of the room, trying to stay further from this cursed weapon while he still could, Rialyn saw recently-awakened Heleria. She immediately looked at him with some interest.
"Was it you stomping around here last night?" - She wondered.
"Yes. Had a refreshing night's walk…" - Yes, very refreshing.
"You do you, just don't fall asleep the next time you fight someone." - Heleria shrugged. She was ready to go back to her own room, but Rialyn wanted to talk. Keeping secrets was difficult when no one else knew, but this did not have to be secret. She earned his trust, and besides, there was a burning question in his mind.
"Heleria, a moment?" - Rialyn asked. The woman turned around.
"Yes, do you need something?"
"I need to tell you something, but first…Can you answer one question? I might sound strange, but I'd like to hear your thoughts." - Rialyn said.
"Well… You're not going to suspense me to the death, are you?" - The librarian smiled. She seemed to be in a good mood.
"Who is Nerevarine to you?" - Rialyn asked, only to see Heleria's perplexed expression. She thought for a moment; Rialyn warned her for a reason.
"To me?" - She asked for clarification.
"Yes. You are the scholar who studied Nerevarine and his journey for years. You know more about him than most of the dunmer here. I'm sure you have some thoughts." - Rialyn said; Heleria seemed to understand. She thought back to her records.
"Hm…Well, he's the hero who fulfilled the prophecy and rid Morrowind of Dagoth Ur and most of the Tribunal's influence. He came here as an outsider and slowly earned trust among the people of Vvardenfell…He was prominent in the Redoran house, and many imperial factions seemed to think highly of him…" - Heleria paused. "I sound like a textbook, don't I? Forget it. Essentially, he left his legacy upon Morrowind as the noblest of heroes…I think his nobility somewhat overrated, but one can hardly blame people for wanting to idealize someone in these hard times." - Heleria concluded, still guessing the reasoning for Rialyn's question.
"And what made him the "Nerevarine"? "- Rialyn asked, genuinely curious to get her insight.
"Eh…" - This seemed like an interesting thought experiment for Heleria. "Fitting the prophecy and getting approval from all great houses and ashlander tribes would seem like it…But it's not impossible for another to repeat. I suppose he was the reincarnation of Nerevar, bore a resemblance to him and…" - Heleria sighed, almost as realizing that what she says doesn't make much sense.
"And what do you think people see in Nerevarine now? What is it they see in me?" - Rialyn wondered.
"Someone who can be their hero while fitting their prophecies and being one of their race, of course." - This was a more straightforward answer for Heleria.
"Hm…Every skilled enough dunmer can be Nerevarine for them, then?"
The librarian shrugged, seeing little point in the conversation. Still, Rialyn could see in her eyes that he gave her something to think about, something she couldn't get over just yet.
"Well, I would not be surprised if that was it." - She uttered without confidence. "History loses relevance so quickly…It gets twisted to suit the whims of others, and it is nothing complicated, either…You just need connections with the right people." - The woman said with sadness before looking back at the nearby bookshelf. Was she looking at a specific book? Rialyn couldn't tell, but her gaze seemed to ponder.
"I'm leaving Vivec tomorrow morning." - Rialyn said; Heleria immediately switched her attention back to him. She seemed to not understand.
"What, why?" - Heleria wondered.
"I talked to Azura near her statue this night." - Rialyn began as he witnessed pure shock in her eyes. "I demanded answers to all the questions we had. She would not tell much…Mostly more vague talk and severed threads. "
"As you would expect from a daedra…."
"She gave me a lot to think about and something to act upon. She mentioned that blade, Trueflame. Said it is still in Vvardenfell that before Nerevarine disappeared, he left the blade in the sanctum where he first communicated with Azura. It remained there "for another time," waiting for someone to claim it." - Rialyn recounted as Heleria listened with interest and uncertainty. "Only the true Nerevarine's blood will make it blaze again." - Rialyn said.
"You're serious…" - Heleria could barely let go of her surprise. "And you want to go there and check if your blood would work?" - She looked at him, freaked out. "Why in Oblivion would you do that?"
"I was expecting another reaction…" - Rialyn said. "Surely, as a scholar of Nerevarine, you'd want to see the real Trueflame?"
"And I was expecting you to listen when I said that some things should be left in the past…Fine, let's assume it is true. That must have happened before the eruption; that sanctum probably got buried in lava if not annihilated. How would Azura know if it is still there?"
"She does not." - Rialyn gave a light shrug.
"And you still want to go?"
"Yes, to see it for me. I don't want to pass up this opportunity to at least get some answers…And then give them to the people." - Rialyn said.
"But why? I cannot understand!" - Heleria tried to remain calm; Rialyn didn't see her genuinely get angry often. "You came here all the way from Skyrim, found your people, perhaps even new life…And instead of going against these outlandish claims of you being another Nerevarine, you give in to them? What's the point? Why would you want to be another hero instead of…Well, a man." - She asked him; it was a complicated question.
"Do you think that I never want this?" - Rialyn said. "I do, and almost every day. You may know much about Nerevarine, but you don't know how it feels to truly be a hero of such level…And I don't blame you; very few ever do. It's too late for me to dream of a simple life…I gave it up for power and glory multiple times. When I came to Vvardenfell, I had a specific purpose in mind. I knew the pain dunmer people were going through, the horrors they witnessed, the hopes they shared. I wanted to fight, to give them something to latch on to…And I saw exactly what they needed. They need a hero, their hero, the one I can become. There is still much we do not know, and I want to unearth the truth." - Rialyn said confidently. "It's fine if you don't understand, but I want to walk this path, wherever it may lead."
Rialyn had to talk to Nermero, he was about to go and leave Heleria to think, but she had something to ask.
"But you've saved the world already. Maybe even twice if Miraak would break free from his prison." - Heleria said. "Don't you think you've given enough to this world already?"
"I…Perhaps it's a simple instinct or the past that I can't let go of. Either way, there is little point in speculating." - Rialyn stated. Heleria had no response. "And don't tell anyone except Nerius about this. No need for an uproar."
"You are an enigma…" - She sighed before deciding to stop this pointless argument. Soon, one will see another's point, and who will that depends on the answers Rialyn finds.
Until there, there was only one path to walk.
…
"So you've made up your mind, then?"
The visit to Nermero proved to be much less volatile, although there was much Rialyn still wished to discuss. When he set his mind, the Dragonborn was cautious of his departure, possibly leaving the city with less defense against the coming raids. He wanted to make sure that the Legion would provide all the citizens needed. This warranted their meeting at the imperial canton's inn.
"Yes, I've been given enough guidance to travel there…The Ashlands do not scare me." - Rialyn said confidently.
"I've never been deep into the island, but the stories speak for themselves…Barely anyone lives there now; conditions are so dire even the great houses decided to abandon that land." - Nermero shook his head. "But if anyone's going to survive there, it's you, and if you want to follow through with that old legend…Your pejorative." - He saw no point in arguing. The legate has his path, as did the Dragonborn. Yet both wished to see Vivec city safe.
"I want to make sure that your legion can protect the people while I'm gone." - Rialyn got to the point, immediately noticing the abrupt change in Nermero's disposition.
"Spare me your concerns! We had protected the city for years before you arrived. The combined forces here will put any invader to shame." - He spoke with pride for his own men.
"Even with the raids of such scale?" - Rialyn wondered.
"We were not entirely prepared this time, but it won't happen again. Argonians can throw whatever they want at us; we aren't yielding." - He declared.
"Speaking of which…Have you found how all these argonians could get close to the city without being intercepted?" - This was another question on Rialyn's mind. They already missed one scouting party. He would not be too surprised if this happened again.
"We are scouring the shores and interrogating our prisoners…Nothing yet, but it is just a matter of time." - Nermero tried to sound confident. "These bastards are resilient if anything. We will know if they have an encampment in Vvardenfell and quickly put it to ruin."
"Perhaps you should look for the traces of those few that escaped after the assault."
"We're trying, but they remain hidden…For now."
Rialyn sighed. Nermero was confident and eager to defend this city, even when Dragonborn himself harbored some doubts. There was little point in arguing, but whatever happened in the coming week, Nermero would put his best into defense. Seeing his progress questioned even a little did not bode well for the young legate.
"Point is, we will defend the city well enough." - Nermero said as he stood up, preparing to get back to his duties. "Anything else?"
There was, in fact. Perhaps Rialyn should have warned Nermero earlier, but the time never seemed right.
"When I went out to the village hunting thieves…I saw a werewolf." - Rialyn stated.
"A werewolf?" - He seemed puzzled but quickly turned into a form of realization.
"Yes, a lycanthrope with all its powers. It escaped quickly, but I can swear it was no ordinary wolf."
"Hm…There were rumors of a werewolf a few months ago, but they never gave them much credit. But if you say so…" - Nermero seemed concerned; it would seem that Rialyn wasn't the only one who saw the wolf.
"And keep an eye on Celion and Thalmor; they won't be up to any good." - It was a while since Rialyn last saw Celion, but he still felt as if he was plotting something.
"That we always do."
"Ah, here you are!" - Rialyn heard Nerius's voice behind him. The argonian rushed towards him as Nermero had withdrawn from the inn. He had much to think about, but Rialyn could still read the confidence in his eyes. He was an earnest man; Rialyn met commanders who were far worse.
As the argonian sat near Rialyn, the Dragonborn saw his eyes brimming with uncertainty and excitement.
"Don't hold it, Nerius. I can see you're eager." - Rialyn said before taking another sip from the wine glass.
"I ran into Heleria near the temple, and she told me about your plans; she seemed a little distressed, but…."
"A little distressed is putting it mildly…."
"Well, I support your decision." - The argonian said. "It's true, right? That you decided to venture into the island's heart and find that blade?"
Rialyn nodded, once again being reminded of the path ahead of him.
"Yes, I wanted some answers, and all I got was another road to walk…But it's better than nothing. Did she tell you about the blood?" - Rialyn wondered.
"Yes, that only the true Nerevarine's blood would make the sword burn again…And I think yours will." - Argonian smiled.
"Don't get ahead of ourselves."
"I thought about going with you there. Yes, I know it's an ashen wasteland, but I don't really care, anything that gets me away from memories of Riften." - Argonian said proudly. "Nermero says he needs me here, though. He accepted me in the Legion, and I am honored; it also means I answer to him now…" - Nerius was unsure.
"And what do you think?"
"I love this duty more than anything I did before…And there is still much to be done. Much to find out about my people's motives and means."
"You would have a better and way more productive time here." - Rialyn stated. He wasn't even sure if this voyage held any purpose for him, he did not want to carry Nerius into this. "It's my journey; you can have yours. Just be careful around here and remember what I told you… Don't let them split you down."
The argonian nodded and smiled. He seemed eager to help the Legion. After all, they accepted him for who he was while making good use of his talents. He knew it felt majestic.
"And when are you leaving?" - Nerius asked.
"Tomorrow, before the sun rises. No need to garner much attention." - Rialyn said and poured some wine for Nerius.
"Well…Good luck, then."
"You can wish your luck later, for now…How about you tell me more about that work you've been doing for the Empire. I'd gladly hear it."
The Dragonborn was happy to see a spark in Nerius's eyes. There was much to talk about, and the Dragonborn was not in a hurry just yet.
…
Finally, the moment to leave would come.
Rialyn found himself taking great pleasure in the scenery, contrary to what he could have expected. The rising sun covered the earth with its rays, causing the darkest night to go away. Rialyn did not feel hunger, not yet…His skin looked especially pale under such bright light, even without feeling any of its influence. It was slightly uncomfortable to look at the sun with his own eyes, but Rialyn would soon get used to it, or at least he hoped so.
No people, no politics or cities…Just a road of ash ahead of him, searching for the answer that might not even be there. The Dragonborn inadvertently smiled as he descended the bridge into the mainland. Feeling the earth beneath his armored feet immediately caused the Dragonborn to think about the coming adventure. Was it strange for him to take pleasure from such journeys? From ones full of danger and risk, leading to a questionable purpose…Rialyn decided to drop that thought. He was the only one to choose how uncertain the goal was, and for some reason, he did not feel the doubt. Maybe this was the most challenging part…To actually begin.
He studied some maps and marked the location of the sanctum to the north of Vivec, a road there would take a couple of days of walking, just what Rialyn felt he needed.
"Wait!" - He heard a familiar voice from behind, to his own surprise. Rialyn turned around and saw Heleria rushing behind him. The librarian was dressed in some light armor and carried a staff behind her back and a satchel full of some goods. She couldn't possibly be…
"Really, now?" - Rialyn smiled playfully, for he was in a delighted mood, barely expecting this reaction from himself.
"Well, yes…" - Heleria said, unsure how to begin the conversation. "I'd like to go with you. Sorry for being rash back there; I was surprised, to say the least…But I think we have more chances to reach this place together." - She said with a genuine apology.
"I do not hold it against you. If I were to get vengeful over an argument, I would become insane by now." - Rialyn sighed. "Still, why the change of heart? Should I expect someone who didn't even want to get her feet a little bloody to suddenly decide to brave the Ashland?" - Rialyn pointed out, although he felt a little relieved. He got attached to Nerius and Heleria, but he did not want to drag them into this perilous journey. He believed it to be better for everyone, but seeing this newfound eagerness in the librarian's eyes…It was a welcome sight.
"Mind you, I don't like to get dirty only when it's unnecessary, and that's not the case here." - The woman said confidently. "I don't really want to bring our argument up, but you were right on one thing…As a scholar of Nerevarine, I shouldn't miss this discovery out." - She noted. "Not to mention I traveled there already, not that far, but I can definitely show you a couple of shortcuts." - She smiled as she stood beside Rialyn.
"And your library? With the Thalmor trying to take hold of your notes, would it not be best to stay?"
"I talked to Nermero about this. He wasn't too happy when I proposed protection of my library in the coming week, but I asked really nicely."
"Well…" - The Dragonborn looked up into her eyes. "A word of warning. There will be blood and ash…And dirt. If you can handle it, don't linger behind, and you're in."
"I'll try to stay at a safe distance, help you with the spells…And make sure you don't do anything too reckless." - Heleria said with sarcasm.
"You're welcome to try." - Rialyn said before looking away from the city towards the wilderness. Heleria had a motive of her own; this change could not be so sudden…Perhaps she will tell him sooner or later. But she convinced her that she would be of help, and Rialyn did not mind a friend going along…Yes, he would consider her a friend. As much as he did Nerius. They were few, but he never needed more as long as those he had were loyal and understanding. It would seem that they were.
Maybe they would come to an understanding during their journey; maybe seeing one's point did not mean the fault of the other.
It was time to find out.
