The next hour of this journey was spent in complete silence. The only sounds that echoed through Rialyn's ears were the trudging ashes beneath his feet and the swift gushes of the wind. As they ventured deeper into the heart of this Vvardenfell, so did the atmosphere around them become dry and corrupted. With each breath, Rialyn took, he sensed the itching in his throat as if he had inhaled invisible ash.

Yet this did not affect him any more than that. Rialyn wondered if it had to do with his vampirism or that the effects were long-term rather than instant. Heleria did not seem discomforted either, and from what she told him, this wasn't her first time in the ashen wastes. She would gaze up at the smoke-filled sky with doubt lingering in her eyes. Rialyn would occasionally throw a curious glance at the woman, trying to discern what was it she thought about at the moment.

"You're awfully quiet, you know." - Rialyn asked with a faint concern as they walked across the mountainous wasteland. Heleria turned around swiftly, and their eyes met; something that she saw in Rialyn surprised her, although he could hardly guess it.

"I'm the same way you are most of the time…" - Heleria said with a faint tone of sarcasm, almost as if she tried to hide her pain and uncertainty.

"You shouldn't be phased about that raider so much. He made his choice, not surprising." - Rialyn got Heleria's attention as she looked towards the ground for a moment, letting out a heavy breath.

"I know I shouldn't, but…It hits a little too close. Living in Vivec, I almost forgot how fanatical some can be, choosing to die for a pointless cause instead of listening to reason…" - She shook her head in disappointment. "I wish everyone could become a little more open-minded…But that's not possible, not in our world."

"We know nothing about him or his squad; perhaps he understood his purpose just well as we understand ours." - Rialyn suggested.

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you think his cause was pointless? It might not have been so for him." - Rialyn said, thinking back to the adversaries he faced in Skyrim. Many were maniacal monsters such as Alduin or Harkon. Others, Ulfric Stormcloak and Isran of the Dawnguard, had their ideals irreconcilable with Rialyn and his allies. "We can come to an understanding and still oppose each other. Sometimes there is nothing left to do except take up the blade, and this is one of those cases."

"And what then? No one left except the few strongest ones?"

"Perhaps." - Rialyn spoke distantly. He was never one for talk, much less after his time in Skyrim. Heleria might not have shared this outlook, yet she seemed to understand. He got no response from the woman as she just continued to walk. Both of them had something to think about.

However, they hardly got the necessary time. As the two approached the small vale in front of them, something unusual emerged before their eyes in the distance. Rialyn peered through the mist, trying to understand what it was, only to see structures set on the land. The ashen grey covers formed a group of tents, slowly wavering at the turbulent winds. The silence fell upon this vale, Rialyn expected to see someone, at least remains of settlers, but there was nothing.

The Dragonborn slowed down and gazed over the area. He felt Heleria lightly bumping into him, finally getting pulled away from her musings.

"Any ideas?" - Rialyn said quietly as he looked at Heleria. She moved a hand to her chin. Her eyes soon brimmed with a new realization. However, it was followed by worry. Heleria frantically looked around as if expecting them to be watched.

"It seems like an Ashlander camp…"

"The ones you met before?"

"I don't know, but I don't think any others…"

She didn't finish, not before a tall silhouette emerged on one of the hills. A dark elf covered in leather armor clutching a greatsword in his hands. Rialyn could barely see his face, only eyes full of distrust and aggression.

"Think carefully before making a move." - Rialyn took the Auriel's bow and pointed an arrow at the dark elf, who barely cared. He jumped down from the hill, and the sound of his landing echoed in Rialyn's ears before he heard the slightly nervous voice of Heleria.

"We have a slightly bigger problem here…"

She touched his shoulder, trying to turn Rialyn's attention towards their behind. The Dragonborn quickly glanced, trying not to miss their opponent, only to see a grim picture. There were four more, circling from all sides and leaving no way for the two to retreat without a fight.

"The Ashlanders, I take it? What should we expect?" - Rialyn looked at Heleria and said quickly and quietly, hoping to receive some expertise. The Dragonborn had not encountered them before and was unsure whether they were enemies.

"With them, you never know…Act natural. They aren't that vicious."

The dunmer, which Rialyn noticed first, approached them slowly, scrutinizing the pair. Others remained at their positions at his command but ready to strike with their bows and blades.

"Who are you?" - He spoke in a hoarse voice, keeping his distance.

"I should ask you the same question." - Rialyn parred.

"We're simply traveling scholars who happened to pass near your camp." - Heleria said, not entirely lying. "We have no quarrel with you, and I'm certain it's the same for your people."

"Well…" - The Ashalnder spoke, still showing no sign of trust. "I am Ashkhan Darathen of the Zainab tribe. We noticed some strangers approaching this territory for the first time in months…And here you are." - He said with arrogance, thinking that he had them at his mercy. Rialyn felt a rather strong desire to prove him wrong, but there was no point attacking first.

"Is it not the tribe you visited?" - Rialyn whispered to Heleria.

"Their previous leader was way more welcoming…" - She spoke before looking at Darathen again. "Is there any need for conflict? Let us pass on, and this won't have to get any worse for any of us." - Heleria pointed to the continuing passage through the vale, trying to reason with him. Darathen did not seem convinced.

"And how should I know that you have no ill intent? To let you roam free would be…Unwise." - He continued.

"Were we truly some kind of spies or planned anything malicious, would you really expect us to just wander into your camp without any plan?" - Heleria noted. "Let us go; we probably won't see each other again."

"Hm…" - Darathen gazed at Heleria as he toyed with his blade. "Very confident considering you are not of our kind, woman. I do not wish to see your presence here. If you want to leave, then do so the way you came and find another path."

"Well, that's…Uncharitable."

"I am not giving you a choice."

Suddenly something clicked in Rialyn's mind. This was the tribe Heleria visited some time ago, seemingly a while. They were the ones that have told her of the legend and the perceived fate of Nerevarine. Somehow, they knew, they must have known…Considering that Nerevarine leaving this world for Moonshadow was fitting with him leaving Trueflame behind, as told by Azura herself. They were unlikely to see the answer, but they might have been closer.

Rialyn stepped forward, catching Heleria's suspicious gaze on him, almost as if asking him not to do anything reckless. He would try, but no promises.

"Very well, then, but not before I ask of something." - Rialyn spoke with confidence, noticing the Ashkhan's intrigue.

"You are barely in a position to…"

"We are here to learn the secrets of Nerevarine, to discover his true fate. I take it your tribe has some ancient knowledge." - Rialyn threw his words with confidence. "Is the tale of Nerevarine leaving into Oblivion familiar? I would hear from its progenitors." - As the Dragonborn said those words, Heleria couldn't help but sigh.

"We won't hear anything new. What's the point?"

"Enough time has passed; who knows what they have discovered." - Rialyn responded, keeping his eyes on Darathen. "This might as well save us some trouble."

"You're really pushing it. Their patience isn't renown…."

"It doesn't matter."

Rialyn looked at the perplexed Darathen, continuing to talk.

"So, how about telling me where this legend came from?"

"All the tribe's secrets lie with the wise woman, and we won't allow you to speak with her out of simple curiosity." - He clenched his fist in anger.

"This would not be the first time the tribes of ash would allow it, right?" - He glanced at Heleria, who reluctantly nodded.

"Not just anyone. They had to earn it, and I have doubts about your ability."

"Then what is it your tribe respects? I have been through many challenges, more than you can imagine." - Rialyn continued to press on, claiming dominance in the conversation. With each word, he moved one step closer, sounding more challenging. This Darathen was not hard to read and perhaps even easier to manipulate. Heleria realized this, as well.

"We respect strength and honor. They are not for outsiders like you to understand."

"Was it the same when Nerevarine came to your tribe hundreds of years ago? Or was it an exception? Then I'm sure you can give us a chance too." - Rialyn spoke loudly, glancing over curious warriors, expecting another command from their leader. Darathen despised every second of his authority being undermined. "If you care for strength, then perhaps a swift duel will do? If you win, we leave on your terms. If I win, we get an audience."

"Really?" - Heleria sighed with slight disappointment, although she clearly got acquainted with Rialyn's style by this point.

"Fine…" - The Ashkhan said through his teeth, appalled at Rialyn's confidence. From his point of view, it was clearly unearned. Well, the Dragonborn was all too happy to prove otherwise.

Darathen stepped forward, gazing into Rialyn's eyes after examining his mace. Heleria and warriors observed with care, understanding that there was no reason to interfere. Rialyn would make this quick and honorable, with no magic nor shouts.

Darathen charged at the Dragonborn, raising his weapon in the most direct way possible. It was no trouble for Rialyn to block the strike as the mace and greatsword clashed. The Ashkhan possessed more physical strength than the Dragonborn expected, but it was nothing he could not handle. Rialyn pushed back, causing Darathen to change to a defensive stance. The heavy hits swarmed one after another, and even though Darathen blocked them, it was too much for him to remain stable.

Darathen evaded the last hit before striking Rialyn in the opening. He managed to touch his side, inflicting a light wound. The armor contained most of the damage, and Rialyn could still fight despite the pain. The Dragonborn didn't expect to be touched during the duel…Perhaps he slightly underestimated his enemy. This helped him immediately come to his senses and block the coming array of hits from the Ashkhan.

The warrior grew too confident once again, giving Rialyn an opportunity. He did not wish to wound him but end the duel as quickly as possible. People of Vivec wouldn't appreciate their hero wasting his time on battles like this…The next instant Darathen attacked, Rialyn hit his hand, causing the surge of pain to slow through the Ashlander body. This gave him enough time to strike the sword, causing it to fall from Darathen's weakened grasp. Afterward, Rialyn swiftly pushed him to the ground, raising the mace above the defeated warrior.

He was victorious.

"Impossible!" - Darathen chanted as the warriors around him began to take up arms, ready to attack Rialyn at his command. Heleria looked around, carefully clenching her staff if they decided to move. But this wasn't going to pass; Darathen interfered as he slowly stood up. "No! He won fairly, as much as it was unexpected…He deserves what he asked for."

At least he had a sense of honor, not something that could be said about many city-dwellers. At his command, the warriors immediately sheathed their weapons and yielded. Heleria approached Rialyn with an impressed face, even though she was still trying to seem annoyed by the recklessness.

"So that really worked, huh?"

"See? When you have enough strength, it goes a long way." - Rialyn said confidently before looking at the Ashkhan once again. "I trust you will uphold your bargain."

"So be it…But you will be watched."

...

Finding the emissary proved to be simpler than Nerius expected.

Of course, he got some directions from Nermero immediately after getting the task, but from what he knew of Celion, he would not allow him to be caught so easily…But he became a much more public figure in the last few days.

To encounter him, Nerius had to traverse Vivec City during midday, the time when it would be at its most crowded. The argonian could expect hours of walking around, trying not to appear suspicious and watching for his target, but to his surprise, he found Celion after no longer than half of an hour. He was not alone, but the people surrounding him were not from the Dominion.

There were three relatively young dunmer men in the middle of an inquiry by its looks. They strolled over the bridge leading to the temple with Celion at their side. The emissary wore his golden robes, making the clothes of his companions pale in comparison. Nerius needed to be careful to look at what they were talking about. There were quite a few people on the bridge, making it easier for Nerius to conceal his intentions. Still, as an argonian, he would have to behave as non-threatening as possible. He could not allow anyone to notice the daggers beneath his clothes. The argonian followed the group in front of him, slowly trying to discern what they talked about.

As one of the dunmer looked back over his shoulder, a Nerius was overtaken with unease. Who knows what they might think of him and how aggressively they could react…Given the company these three kept, he wouldn't be too surprised. Nerius had to decelerate and pretend to enjoy the view of the sun risen night above Vivec. The last few days were fortunate enough to bring no clouds or sandstorms, so there was something to admire. Celion seemed to think so, too. He stopped near the end of the bridge to gaze at the azure sky. Did this mean he was not in a hurry? At least the dark elf that noticed Nerius switched his attention back to Celion and his comrades.

"So they say you have contacts with the hero, huh?" - One of the dunmer asked with some hope in his voice.

"Not in any recent times, no." - Celion shook his head, refusing to maintain eye contact, but not out of fear. He simply didn't want to bother.

"But I was sure you knew each other? My friends talked about you being acquaintances; is that true at all?" - The second elf asked with intrigue. Celion turned towards him and sighed.

"Not particularly." - Celion shook his head. "If you want to find out where the hero has gone, I do not know any more than you do. My business with him has been…Not entirely pleasant."

"Business?" - The third dunmer wondered. Nerius quickly noticed that the trio was genuinely interested in what Celion had to say and did not harbor the same distrust they usually had for outsiders.

"I wondered if we could work together to protect Vivec and its people. Alas, he said to have no interest in it or any aid, and thus we had to part unfulfilled. I dare to suggest you got the wrong impression of that man. It seemed to me he only cared for glory and profit." - Celion said.

"Doesn't sound like him…" - The first man noted.

"Doesn't it? He barely talks to people and is more reclusive than anyone I've seen before. What makes you think her cares?" - The third one asked.

"Well…The prophecy talks about that." - The first one mumbled, quickly realizing that what he says sounds foolish and incredibly naive.

Nerius had a hard time listening to this without having his blood boil, but he knew better than to interfere. The argonian knew that Rialyn cared about these people even if there was no connection between him and the city. Protecting the weak, this was the Dragonborn's purpose, the hero's purpose…

"Do you think he will return?" - The second one asked; Celion shrugged uncaringly.

"Who knows…Truth be told, as an emissary, I have a lot on my mind right now, and the wayward Dragonborn is far from the most important thing, especially in the face of the recent attack…I would advise you to take the same approach and focus on the present now." - Celion advised. "And, I am sure Thalmor can provide sufficient enough protection for you and other people here."

"And what will you ask of us, then?" - The first one wondered, still not entirely convinced. "We are not foolish enough to believe outsiders will help without demanding anything in return."

"Then the last thing I would advise is trusting the Dragonborn." - Celion claimed. "Speaking of my superiors, I would assure you, this will be decided between the councilors and representatives. There is no need to burden people with such…"

His talk was interrupted by another voice. Nerius noticed a seemingly young dunmer woman approaching the emissary. She looked at him with awe and appreciation.

"Are you from the Dominion?" - She wondered.

"I am indeed." - Celion responded, immediately seeing a smile emerge on her face.

"I just…I wanted to thank you for what you did in the Indoril Canton! When the raiders attacked, there were so many that even councilor Sarrus and her men could barely resist. We survived only thanks to Thalmor reinforcements…I was so scared that day, and now I see how many were saved thanks to your efforts."

"As simple as doing any other of my duties, isn't it?" - Celion smiled. "I am glad to see that not all of you perceive us as enemies and barbarians."

"I know many who still distrust you…" - The woman mentioned. "But all of my closest friends see the benefit of your help. We can only hope you keep it up."

"Oh, of that, you can have no doubt. It was not always simple here in Morrowind, I confess…But over time, I grew to appreciate the land and its people, perhaps even love it. I know that dunmer suffered much, not least due to actions of my people in the past, but I believe we can remedy that in due course…" - The emissary basked in the rays of glory all while portraying Rialyn as vicious and uncaring. Nerius hated it, despised it with every fiber of his being. The argonian couldn't help but clench his fist, which attracted the attention of a nearby dunmer.

"Careful there, lizard." - The man standing behind Nerius said with pure distaste, trying to keep his distance. "If you want to end up like your brethren, then go on."

"Just…Go away." - Nerius didn't look at him, trying to de-escalate the situation without exposing himself.

"What, afraid of a battle, then? Such a coward, seems typical of your kind."

"Shut up!" - Nerius did not take his weapons out despite the temptation, but he could barely hold his anger. It was invoked primarily by the slander he heard coming from Celion at Rialyn. Hearing all these disgusting insults thrown at yourself has been one thing, but hearing the name of your best friend tarnished while he isn't even here…Despicable. The mockery was just the final straw, but his reaction caused the other group to turn around, including the emissary.

"I knew he'll be trouble!" - One of the dunmer said as they circled him like a pack of vultures. Nerius was looking around, desperately trying to decide how he could turn this around, but it seemed like a failure.

"Ah, and here I thought that argonian seemed familiar." - Celion stepped forward, looking at Nerius arrogantly. "I was wondering whether the Dragonborn would take you with him after disappearing…But I guess he does not care for his companions.

"Can't I have a walk outside…Is that against the law?" - Nerius said with newfound spite. "I'm not harming anyone, and I don't want to pick a fight…Why is it so hard then to just leave me alone?"

"Hard? No, not at all." - Celion shook his head. "You are the one causing trouble right now, whether you like it or not." - That wasn't true, but arguing was pointless. It would only serve to enhance the fire.

"You are his companion?" - One of the dunmer said. "That he would travel with an argonian bandit…"

"I'm not a bandit!"

"Do you know where he went, then?" - The woman inquired.

"I…No, I don't."

"Where did the lizards come from last time? Do you have a secret passage in the canals or something?" - Another young elf genuinely asked, as if Nerius knew the answer.

"I do not know…I am just trying to live here and get some fresh air like you do." - Nerius said in a voice concealing his anger, but he still saw their eyes. Their gazes of hatred and disgust…How familiar did the sights grow.

"It seems that the public has made its mind about you." - Celion noted. "They do not approve." - He said before looking back at his company. "Ignore him. This one is fairly harmless…If you still have any questions about Thalmor, then be my guest."

Nerius knew that there was no way he could stay there and remain unsuspicious; these people were already agitated enough. The argonian had no choice but to leave. He threw one last glance at Celion before disappearing.

This was not over.