Chapter 17: Urshilaku Camp

Now under the protection of the seven riders, Shimsun led Zayden's company further eastward and along the coastline. After forty minutes they cut hard to the south to follow a path that led up a cascade of rolling hills that concluded at a high peak that overlooked the Urshilaku Tribe Camp. It was a wide and spread out collection of over one hundred structures mostly made from wooden frames and tanned netch leather shell. Most were yurts, each made for one family to live in, with shoulder high walls and domed roofs, measuring roughly twenty feet across. Dotted amongst them were several larger open-air canopies that typically held within them market stalls or slave pens. A few netch farms, guar stables, and tall guard towers dotted the outer boundaries and several docks, each housing several small fishing boats, stretched like fingers into the waters to the north.

The caravan descended down the other side of the hills into the camp and used a main dirt thoroughfare to cut toward the camp's center. Many of the people- all Dunmer, all no doubt direct descendents of the first Chimer to claim Resdayn from the Nords centuries ago- stopped to gawk and stare at the passing outsiders. Those that did not stare rushed away as if fearful for their lives. The dress of the commoner Ashlander was tunics and skirts of woven wickwheat stalks dyed in deep reds and blues and blacks. Many wore face paint of similar colors and braided wooden beads and sea shells into their long hair, both men and women.

Shimsun eventually led the newcomers to one of the largest canopy structures near the center of the camp, a semi-circle open on the northern face. Inside the canopy were five smaller yurts arranged in a u-shape, a tall fire pit burning within the center. The canopy's frame was adorned with charms, blue paper lanterns, and wooden wind chimes that clicked with light, pleasant hollow sounds. Zayden was ordered to wait outside the structure as Shimsun entered. He returned a few moments later with a fierce looking Dunmer man with long, braided black hair. He wore bonemold bracers and leg guards over netch leather pants and tunic. At his waist was sheathed a similar short spear to the one Caius had. He took one look at Zayden before ordering the five to "Dismount and present yourselves to me!"

All five did as they were instructed. Zeela without being reminded retrieved the cloth roll of Great House gifts and carried it with her. Zayden approached the mer and gave a deep, respectful bow. Caius came next and did the same. Again, like with Shimsun, the Dunmer quickly recognized the old Imperial and greeted him warmly. "Welcome back, honored friend of Nibani Maesa," he said. "Have you returned with the one you sought? Is this second Imperial 'Moon-and-Star?'"

"Yes," replied Caius. "With no doubt, he is Indoril Incarnate." Zayden once more presented his ring to prove the statement.

"I am Zayden, named Hortator of Houses Redoran, Hlaalu, and Telvanni," said the Imperial. "With me is my wife, Zeela, my companion Hui, and his wife Jeed-Ei."

"I am Sul-Matuul," said the Dunmer, "Ashkhan of Tribe Urshilaku and its greatest warrior." He gave a second look at Zayden's company and seemed to disapprove. "You and your woman have the look of thieves. And you dress your slaves too finely."

"Hui is my companion, as I stated," Zayden forcefully insisted. "These two Argonians are free peoples, and you will treat them as such."

The Ashkhan tensed at such a challenge to his authority, as did the warriors within earshot. Caius shifted uneasy in his steps and was about to speak again but the Ashkhan then suddenly burst into a hearty laugh. "Dishonorable thief or not, you conduct yourself boldly!" he commended. "Commendable! Perhaps I misjudged you. Come then, Zayden. The Wise Woman awaits. You may permit your company audience, if you wish."

"I do," Zayden replied. Sul-Matuul directed the five to one of the yurts within and all six entered. The confinement within was cramped, a small pit of hot coals simmered in the yurt's center, a steaming iron kettle suspended over them, with small woven mats circled around it. A bedroll, several woven baskets, clay jugs, and wooden chests were positioned along the back wall. Sitting cross-legged on the bedroll was an aged Dunmer woman with beaded silver hair and long brown robe. She met the newcomers of her home with an even, expected gaze.

She wordlessly motioned to the mats and everyone took a seat upon one, the Ashkhan sitting to the old woman's right. Again without words the woman reached for several clay cups and began measuring tea leaves into each, pouring hot water atop them and passing them around. As she did this Sul-Matuul began to prepare a large peace pipe with a greenish-brown tobacco. Once everyone had their cup and had tasted the tea did she finally speak.

"Welcome, newcomers," she began, "travellers from far, with some farther than others. Welcome back, Caius. You left us last to seek out the Nerevarine, and now Urshilaku Ashkhan informs me you return with him."

"Indeed I have," Caius replied. "When I first reunited with this man he already bore Moon-and-Star upon his finger. Then in Vivec City I witnessed with my own eyes the same ring put upon the fingers of two temple ordinators, both dying instantly as a result. I then witnessed-"

Nibani Maesa held up a hand to stop Caius from speaking. "We must determine the legitimate identity of the Nerevarine by tradition," she stated. "The fulfillment of the Seven Trials, as seen in the Seven Visions, must be recognized in their order… The First Trial: 'On a certain day to uncertain parents, Incarnate Moon-and-Star reborn.'" The Wise Woman met Zayden's eyes and asked "Has the First Trial been fulfilled, Imperial Zayden?"

"Before arriving in Vvardenfell," Zayden answered, "I suffered amnesia of all memories of my life before arriving here. By these means the identity of my parents is uncertain."

Nibani pondered this statement. "A valid interpretation… The Second Trial: Neither blight nor age can harm him, the Curse-of-Flesh before him flies.' The 'Curse-of-Flesh' is reference to the dreaded Corprus, creation of the Sharmat Dagoth Ur."

"I was attacked by a creature of the Corprus and infected by the disease shortly after retrieving the ring," Zayden explained. "I was taken to the tower of Tel Fyr, and under the care of its master Divayth Fyr he was able to cure me of its ill effects."

"Irrelevant. It is understood that the Second Trial states that effects of age and all disease are rendered from the Nerevarine's body. Have you any proof of this?" When Zayden shook his head Nibani Maesa set the teapot aside and placed a shallow metal disc into the coals, allowing it to heat up. "We have ways of finding out, though. Give to me a sample of your blood, Zayden. I shall place it within the dish and imbibe its vapors. I am trained in ancient healing arts and from its scent I can read your vitality."

Zayden was in no position to doubt or deny the bizarre request. When the dish grew hot Zayden hovered his left hand over the dish and using his smallest knife to cut and bleed a finger into it. The blood bubbled and steamed upon contact and Nibani Maesa wafted the fumes into her nose.

The woman gave a long, drawn out hum as she contemplated the blood. It seemed as if she entered a light trance. "Peculiar …" she finally spoke at length. "Your blood has remarkable youth, for one of your true age. Your youth surpasses the Altmer; I see uncountable centuries of life ahead of you… Immortality…"

"Immortal?!" Zayden repeated. The looks of his company shared in his bewilderment "But how can that be?"

"The Dwemer," Hui cut in. "Yagrum Bagarn! He was infected with Corprus and he lived for thousands of years as a result. Extended life must be another one of the 'benefits' of the disease."

Zayden had no time for the crushing reality of immortal life to set in before Nibani Maesa reclaimed the room with her attention. "I still detect the faintest taint of the Curse-of-Flesh upon you, but all ill effects have been purged. I wonder if the wizard truly cured you… Difficult to say for certain… Perhaps another valid interpretation…?"

The Wise Woman broke from her state just as the Ashkhan finished preparing the peace pipe. He lit the weed and smoked of it before passing it onto Nibani, who then passed it to the five guests. "The Third Trial," she continued. "'In caverns dark Azura's eye sees, And makes to shine the moon and star.' It has been already determined that the Imperial Zayden bears 'One-Clan-Under-Moon-and-Star' upon his fingers and still draws breath. Caius further claims the death of two others who attempted to wear the ring." The others of Zayden's party nodded their heads in affirmation, they all having witnessed the event themselves. "If this is the case, then the trial seems definitively fulfilled."

"The Fourth Trial," she continued. "'A stranger's voice unites the Houses. Three Halls call him Hortator." Zeela passed down the roll of cloth to the Ashkhan and he laid it out on the floor in front of the Wise Woman. Neatly placed inside were the three gifts: the Ring of the Hortator given by the Redoran, the Belt of the Hortator given by the Hlaalu, and the Robe of the Hortator given by the Telvanni. She took a long moment with each item to examine it and eventually determined all three genuine.

Sul-Matuul rolled the cloth back up and returned it to Zeela. After yet another pause of contemplation the spirits of the Wise Woman seemed to lift. She ordered the Ashkhan to take back everyone's tea and replace it with sujamma.

"Welcome, Nerevarine Zayden," she greeted to the Imperial. "Urshilaku Tribe and we two of the Nerevarine Cult welcome you as an honored friend and guest of our people."

"Thank you," said Zayden, smiling and bowing back to she and the Ashkhan. "Why do you say 'we two' of the cult? Are not the Ashlander people as a whole believers?"

"No," answered Sul-Matuul. "Are all peoples living within the Cyrodillic Empire believers of their Emperor's dragon divinity? We are a people who, at our inception, deny the influence of the Tribunal false-gods. We are a hearty people who survive off the land and embrace its hardships. Belief in Indoril's reincarnation is not core to the Ashlander's existence, and so, many do not believe. But Nibani Maesa, as a faithful servant of Azura, believes. I am the last Ashkhan of the four Great Tribes that still believes. With what you have just said and shown we readily recognize you as the Nerevarine, Zayden, but fulfillment of the Fifth Trial will prove harder by the other Great Tribes. You will need the support of each of their Wise Women and their Ashkhan to fulfill the Fifth Trial."

"What can you tell me of the other tribes, then?" asked Zayden. "Anything I might learn can help."

"To our east, where the Sea of Ghosts meets Azura's Coast, sits Ahemmusa Camp. They are like us, unchanged for a number of generations and traditional in their ways. But as of late they have come upon hard times by afflictions of famine, storms, and attacks from blighted creatures. Any assistance you can offer them would no doubt be greatly appreciated.

The closest tribe south of Ahemmusa is the Zainab. They hold claim to an ebony mine that gains them great wealth from the rest of Vvardenfell. Their Ashkhan is a peculiar one with an odd obsession with the Telvanni. Other than that they are a stable camp.

Beyond them, into the Molag Amur, is Tribe Erabenimsun. They are a tribe that produces many prideful warriors and their culture reflects this. They are isolationist from the other tribes and because of their distance to us we have not heard from them in a long time. We can not offer anything more."

"Everything you have offered already is greatly appreciated," said Zayden. "So does Urshilaku ask nothing more of me to prove my status? You would have me do nothing more?"

"Officially, no," said the Ashkhan. "We agreed that if all the previous trials were satisfied that we would not hinder your first step. That being said, I personally would ask a little more, though you are free to refuse. I would wish to see your skills in combat, Imperial, with the weapon of our people." Zayden glanced at the unique spear he and Caius shared and the Ashkhan confirmed with a nod.

"Very well," Zayden replied. "Do we fight to thrice blood, then?"

"Ha! Such are rules for weak nobility! Urshilaku has great healers. We will fight, Zayden, until one of us can no longer stand! Do not worry, wife-of-Zayden. He will remain in one piece when I am finished with him."

"I would, for your sake, hope so," said Zeela, "because if you didn't, not the Aedra and Daedra combined would be able to mend you back together when I was finished with you."

Again Sul-Matuul gave a hearty laugh. The warrior seemed to respect strength of conviction and already he and Zeela had changed his position on them. When the Ashkhan stopped laughing the Wise Woman turned her attention to Caius. "Blade Caius Cosades," she said, addressing him. "You have accomplished what you set out to achieve and returned with the Nerevarine. In doing so we will keep our promise to you and offer safety in Urshilaku Camp for your remaining years, free from the hunting eyes of the Empire."

Caius gave the woman a deep bow. "I am forever grateful for this," he told her. "In return, I am willing to fulfill my duties to the tribe."

"Indeed. Senipu has been anxiously awaiting your return. Her parents have been insistent on performing the ceremony as soon as possible. They intend to do it tonight." Finally, since before the journey to the camp, the name of Senipu had been dared uttered. The other four of the party turned to watch how Caius would act. The old man simply smiled, gave another deep bow, and excused himself from the yurt, leaving the four with quick parting words. "Nibani Maesa will show you to the ceremony. After that, though, we may not see each other again for a few days. Nothing to worry about. Stay within the camp and rest, prepare for the next leg of the journey. Goodbye for now, everyone." He then made his exit.

"It's still hard to imagine the old man getting married," Zeela mused aloud, "after knowing him for so many years. But why would Caius be away for a few days after?"

"Because of our tradition," said Nibani Maesa. "It is tradition that the newly-wed ride into the wilderness to seek seclusion and consummate the marriage, only to return home when the deed is done."

"I-I see. Tribal people seem to waste no time," Zeela remarked. "Who, may I ask, is 'Senipu?' I am friend to Caius as well, Wise Woman."

"Senipu is a great-granddaughter of mine, only child to one of my grandsons, a netch farmer," Nibani replied. "She is young and just entered womanhood. Be at ease, wife-of-Nerevarine. For the service Caius has done for us, I would not offer him anyone but my prettiest as a wife." The explanation seemed to satisfy Zeela's curiosity. "As for the rest of you, Nerevarine and company, you are welcome in Urshilaku Camp as honored guests. Feel free to stay as long as you desire before you continue on."

"We can provide a yurt for your stay," added the Ashkhan, "and a slave to attend to all your needs. I'll send messenger-hounds out this evening to the other Great Tribes to warn them of your arrival. I will also help spread the word within the camp and make sure you are all fairly treated. But do not get too comfortable, Nerevarine. Tomorrow we shall fight!"

"I look forward to it, Ashkhan," Zayden grinned. "... Wise Woman, I wish to speak with you further. In private." Zeela and Hui immediately began to question Zayden why but he was quick to respond. "There are some things I feel only she can answer, things the rest of you need not concern yourselves with." Again the others began to object. "Everyone, please. I shouldn't be long."

"I agree," said Nibani Maesa. "Ashkhan, see to it the Nerevarine's party be brought to their yurt and their every need is met. The Nerevarine and I will continue in private." Sul-Matuul stood up and began escorting the remaining three out of the Wise Woman's yurt leaving she and Zayden alone. "What do you wish to know, Nerevarine?"

"I… I have had nagging doubts ever since I came into possession of Moon-and-Star," said Zayden. "When I first bore the ring I was struck with a powerful vision. I was imbued with the memories of Indoril and my past life. The memories are fragmented but strong and I can only recall glimpses at a time, even now. I know they are real and meant to give my existence context, to help me understand why I am on the path I currently walk, and yet…"

"You question if they are 'true,' if perhaps there is a greater context you are being denied. Or worse yet, if you are being lied to."

"Is it possible that this might be the case?"

"I have lived many years and have guided two Nerevarine hopefuls before you to the Cavern of the Incarnate, only for them both to die within it. Our tribe and no others hold any stories of any others wearing this ring and living. You are alone in this quality, and this proves your legitimacy as Indoril Incarnate. Your visions were true."

"I feel deep within me the betrayal of Indoril from the Tribunal and know it to be real; he was murdered by his most trusted general, friend, and wife. I sense within me the dread of a future without the Nerevarine Prophecy's fulfillment, a future where Dagoth Ur is left unchecked and would destroy the world with his twisted dream. I know in my heart he must be killed and I would see the Tribunal held to account. But to do the former means, inevitably, the death of the latter. My actions would destroy the Tribunal and inflict a great wound upon the Dunmer, a people already cursed… Must these things play out as they are foretold? Is there not another way?"

Nibani Maesa suddenly appeared angered by Zayden's questions, her wrinkled brow furrowing deep. "It is as I feared…" she sighed. "The Blades have done you a great disservice by bringing you to the Cavern of The Incarnate before you were ready, without fully explaining the weight of your existence. You fail to comprehend that the path you walk has nothing to do with what you desire, Zayden. Your feelings of doubt and loss of control? From the moment you first put on Moon-and-Star you lost your free will."

Zayden balked at his answer but managed barely to keep himself from shouting something back. Nibani continued. "Your path, Zayden, was set many centuries ago, when Azura cursed the Dunmer people for the Tribunal's treachery and declared Indoril's reincarnation as their retribution. You live, Nerevarine, to be the conduit through which Azura's vengeance is done. Is it not your place as Nerevarine to question why this is or to seek ways to subvert Azura's will or her desired results."

"I do not wish to prove Azura wrong, Wise Woman. I only wish to know if the harm that is to come can be mitigated."

Again the Wise Woman looked displeased. "Tell me something, Zayden. Are you Thieves Guild, as the Ashkhan suggested?" Zayden nodded. "Can you say with honesty you have done little harm to others in your days before entering the cavern? How many lives, I wonder, have you cheated and extorted? How much suffering you have brought onto others, or allowed to happen? Hearts broken? Futures stolen?

You have the eyes of one who has killed. How exactly did that come to pass? Were you purely an innocent? I think not…" Zayden's face shifted to an ashen color. "I smelled much more than merely your vitality in your blood. Once imbibed I saw many whispers of your past. I mention these things not to judge or condemn you, but to help guide you and realize a path forward. You claim to want to do as little harm as possible, but have for years already led a criminal life and actively brought harm upon others. Did you not think you were doing harm then? Or was the harm you did for 'a greater good?'"

"Do you think me a fool, then, to want to do less harm now, when so much more is at stake?"

"I think you are a fool for now trying to act like something you are not. You are Thieves Guild, trained and learned. This is what you know, how you think, and how you conduct yourself. It is foolish to now try to act like a noble, selfless hero."

"Should the Nerevarine not be noble and selfless? Would the Dunmer accept a thief as their savior?"

"My people already have, for many centuries past and many times over, though one may never know it. History often looks back favorably upon people of great accomplishments, be the people good of character or not. Great deeds are remembered for eternity, but what is often forgotten are the lurid details surrounding said deeds. My guidance to you, Nerevarine, is do not concern yourself with how you perceive yourself or how others will perceive you, for such things will largely be forgotten to time. Instead focus on who Zayden is, where his strengths lie, and how they may be utilized to fulfill the prophecy."

Zayden looked down into the smoldering embers between he and the old Dunmer and pondered her words. "Villany will be my path to heroism, then?" he mused half-jokingly. But when Zayden looked back up the Wise Woman seemed to nod in agreement. "I see… I will consider your wisdom, Wise Woman. Thank you… If I may, I wish to return to my companions."

"Seek me whenever you have more questions, Nerevarine. Until we next speak."

Zayden brought himself back to his feet and gave Nibani Maesa a deep bow before leaving the yurt. One of the Ashkhan's warriors was still waiting outside and led the Nerevarine across the camp to another yurt where his company was staying.

The company's new quarters were of regular yurt size and spacious enough for the whole group. Hui, Jeed-Ei, and Zeela turned to greet Zayden, they all sitting around the central fire pit as a small, half-naked Dunmer girl attended to them. This was no doubt the slave the Ashkhan promised. The two Argonians had white face paint adorning them and the girl was in the midst of applying Zeela's. The warrior promptly excused himself and left, Zayden taking an empty spot around the fire.

"The girl says," said Zeela, "these markings she's giving us will identify us as honored peoples within the camp." No sooner than she Zeela said this the girl finished applying her paint and shifted over to apply Zayden's.

"My name is Kausha," said the girl. "I have been assigned by the Ashkhan to attend you, Master Nerevarine, and your party for your stay within Urshilaku Camp and beyond. Please, Sir, do not hesitate to use me however you wish." Zayden was already feeling uncomfortable about this arrangement. He looked to the Argonians and saw the understandable disapproval in their eyes. Zeela, by contrast, seemed perfectly comfortable in the moment.

"What if I refuse your services?" asked Zayden to the girl.

"If you no longer desire me, you may dispose of me however you wish. My body and life are yours to do with as you please."

"So if I tell you to get lost-?"

"The Ashkhan will dispose of me instead."

"... Fine," he relented with a heavy sigh. "Then, I don't know, serve us something to drink and then s-sit in a corner or something!" The girl acted immediately once she finished Zayden's face paint and began warming sujamma in a kettle. Zayden fumbled for a cigar and Zeela was quick to notice his current state. She asked what he and the Wise Woman discussed and Zayden reiterated her advice. To Zayden's surprise both Zeela and Hui seemed to understand and agree with her logic.

"Amongst the Argonians," Hui would explain, "those born under the sign of the Shadow are trained from birth to become members of the Dark Brotherhood. Many of those who live into adulthood directly serve the King of Black Marsh. They are considered heroes to my people, even as the murders and killers they were raised to be."

"And there exist many dubious heroes within Dunmeri culture as well," Zeela added. "I agree with Nibani Maesa. You've been taught and trained to be a thief- thanks to yours truly- and there is no sense in believing you are anything else. You are a good man at heart, Zayden, but you must also embrace darkness to succeed as the Nerevarine. It is that way of the Dunmer; to embrace life's light and shadow, for life is a challenge to overcome by any means possible. Just remember to what end you work toward and you will not lose your way."

Zayden grinned. "Maybe you should become a Wise Woman yourself," he said. "You speak in less riddles than she. I knew marrying you was a good idea."

The company spent the remainder of that afternoon within the yurt resting their bodies and preparing for this evening's ceremony. The slave-girl Kausha attended to the four with the obedience of a domesticated dog, barely allowing anyone to so much as lift a finger for themselves. She attended to and served her new masters without question or hesitation, something none but Zeela could fully bring themselves to get used to.

As the sun set that day another warrior came to the Nerevarine's yurt to escort he and his company to the wedding ceremony of Caius Cosades and Senipu. Everyone was brought beyond the outskirts of the camp to an old, bare tree standing alone. Members of the bride's family had already gathered and all were eager to greet the Nerevarine. Under the tree stood a shaman, Sul-Matuul, and Nibani Maesa. Several minutes after the Nerevarine's arrival the shaman called the ceremony to begin.

From the dark of the night appeared the husband and bride, both dressed in white silk robes, who with linked hands approached the tree and stood before the shaman. The bride, Senipu, was a very short woman whose head only reached to the height of Caius's armpit. This combined with her youthful appearance made Zayden believe she was still a child, despite what the Wise Woman stated. Her hair was braided into one wide ponytail that hung all the way down to her knees, further adorned with pink flowers and white shells.

The ceremony itself was brief but meaningful. In the dusk hour of Azura, Caius and Senipu bonded their souls together with matrimonial vows. When the two were declared husband and wife Caius nearly hurt his back bending over to kiss his bride. A guar, saddled with supplies, was then presented to them, the two mounted, and they went off into the darkening evening. None of Zayden's party, himself included, found themself without dry eyes.

A small reception was held thereafter but that too was brief, a larger celebration intended for when the married couple returned. When the party returned to their yurt the slave girl was fast asleep, prompting everyone to do the same. The next morning the yurt was served a breakfast of cooked slaughterfish, the main staple of the Urshilaku's diet. Zayden ate light and prepared himself mentally for his fight with the Ashkhan.

At around noon the party was escorted from their yurt to one of the camp's larger covered pavilions where a quick fighting ring was constructed. It had originally been the slave pavilion but they all had been moved and placed into the stables with the guar. Zayden objected to this but regrettably found himself in no position, even as the Nerevarine, to do so. A large crowd of onlookers had already gathered and the Ashkhan, Sul-Matuul, had already prepared himself for the duel. His was stripped to nothing but a simple cloth wrapped around his waist and his body from head to toe was adorned with war paint. Zayden was quickly rendered to the same and both were given dulled practice versions of the Ashlanders' unique short spear, a three-foot long weapon whose blade made up nearly half its length, as well as a guar-skin shield.

The duel took place in ten minute bouts with five minutes in between each for rest. The bouts would continue just as the Ashkhan stated they would; indefinitely, until one combatant could no longer stand. The two exchanged bows and took their places at opposite ends of the fighting ring before it finally commenced.

The duel went on for seven bouts before either one of the fighters hinted at fatigue. The wins and losses were distributed almost evenly, Sul-Matuul taking a slight lead. They pressed on for bout after bout, hour after hour, until five hours eventually came and went. By that time the two were pouring sweat from every inch of their bodies, their paint mixing and washing off into a muddy mess. But the two kept going, again and again, with no one taking any significant lead.

It was not until twenty-eight bouts and six hours of fighting passed that a true winner was declared. It was during the twenty-ninth round that Zayden, making a quick glance at the crowd surrounding the ring, saw that Caius and his new wife had already returned. Sul-Matuul jumped on this moment to deliver a strong strike to Zayden's left knee that brought the Imperial crumbling onto his back. Sul-Matuul asked if the Nerevarine would yield and Zayden agreed, declaring the Ashkhan the greater warrior.

The crowd erupted into applause as Sul-Matuul helped Zayden back to his feet, the two then shaking hands. The Nerevarine's appointed slave rushed over immediately and served both he and the Ashkhan water and towels to wipe their bodies down with. "Fine fighting, Nerevarine," the Ashkhan commended, "despite you being a thief."

"I have my wife to thank for that as well," Zayden laughed.

"You got distracted, though. What happened?"

"I thought I saw- I did!" Zayden pointed to the crowd where Caius and Senipu stood, the two already engaging in conversation with Zeela, Hui, and Nibani Maesa. "Caius has already returned?"

"Hmm, indeed," said the Dunmer, just as surprised. The two approached the old man as the crowd began to dissipate out of the pavilion. "You've returned, Caius! And so soon! Am I to assume all went well?"

"Yes…" said Caius, oddly sheepishly. Both men looked to the tiny Senipu and saw she was acting quite similarly to Caius.

"Does this mean the marriage has been…?"

"Ashkhan," the Wise Woman interrupted. "That is a private matter that does not concern you."

"Y-Yes, Nibani. Forgive me. I shall depart, then. Until next we meet, Nerevarine and friends. Congratulations, Caius and Senipu." Now quite humiliated, the Ashkhan excused himself and took his leave. Caius invited and led everyone else to his and Senipu's new home, another yurt near the coast. The group shared in tea and pipe weed that Caius smoked from a long-stemmed churchwarden, a common pipe amongst the Ashlanders. Zayden and Hui, expressing their interest in pipe smoking, received a quick lesson on the art.

Now in private Caius revealed- in as polite a way he could- that indeed his and Senipu's marriage was already consummated. While everyone was elated for him, Zayden and Zeela (the latter more intensely) were at the same time crestfallen. They knew they would have to leave Urshilaku soon and Caius would no longer be traveling with them. They were both leaving a friend behind, for Zeela one she had known for decades and for Zayden one that was the first to give him a chance at freedom upon first arriving in Vvardenfell. For Caius's safety they knew this had to be done but it didn't make their sense of loss any softer.

Zeela began talking to Senipu directly, asking her opinion of this sudden arrangement with Caius, also in the most polite way possible. The girl was quick to answer in the positive. "I was nervous when I was first told I was to be married to an outsider. But my great-grandmother reassured me that he was, in his own way, an ally to my people and that he would bring us the Nerevarine. I only looked upon him for the first time shortly before our wedding ceremony. Again I grew nervous. But once we had ventured into the wilderness and settled down into a spot for the night he made a fire, we sat next to each other by it, and we began talking for what ended up being hours.

We spoke at great length and laid bare our pasts, our desires for the future, and many of our secrets. When all was said and done there remained little mystery between us and we both knew deep in our hearts we would be happy together. I am proud to wed and bear the children of such a good friend and ally to the Nerevarine, Wife-of-Zayden. I consider it an honor."

"I see…" said Zeela, awe-struck by her devotion and sincerity. "It seems you're in good hands then, old man. I have nothing to worry about."

"I know you're heartbroken to see me go," said Caius to Zeela, "after all the years we've known each other. To you as well, Zayden. But my role as Spymaster in Vvardenfell is done and over with now, and for my own safety-"

"Caius," said Zayden. "We all understand. You need not convince us any further."

"Yes, of course… I never imagined it would end quite this way, and Divines know I have the lion's share of things to regret… But I'm fortunate to have found the Nerevarine now and the way I did. The Urshilaku have been generous and hospitable, and now I have a new life to live for, for what remaining years I have." Caius and Senipu shared a quick smile and the connection between the two was strong and clear to everyone else in the room.

"We'll be in Urshilaku for another day before we head off for Ahemmusa," said Zayden. "We can spend the day however you wish. And beyond that we will be sure to visit when possible."

The Nerevarine and his company spend much of the remainder of the day within Caius's yurt, Kausha and Senipu preparing a quick and light meal before dusk and before the true festivities began. Once again during Azura's hour a true reception was held near the camp's center, a celebration of the Tribe for the marriage of the Wise Woman's great-granddaughter. The occasion spread out and consumed much of the camp's spirit. Much of the evening for the Nerevarine and his company was spent feasting on new and interesting foods, wines, and further practice on the art of pipe smoking.

The next day was largely spent resting from the previous night's festivities. A late breakfast of slaughterfish and saltrice was served and the afternoon was spent walking the length of Urshilaku Camp an uncounted number of times, Zayden in particular taking in the world around him and the people that lived in it. Many natives would stop, nod, and give their respects to the Nerevarine and the newly weds as they passed. It imprinted on Zayden further that these people, just like the people of wider Vvardenfell, Morrowind, and Tamriel depended on him to do as the prophecy foretold. Their safety and that of countless generations afterward depended on him.

Much of the company's walking was filled with Caius and Zeela recounting story after story the two shared in the time before Zayden arrived in Vvardenfell, each telling more amusing than the last. Before anyone realized it dusk had fallen again and everyone returned to their respective yurts to rest.

The Nerevarine and company woke before dawn of the next day to collect their gear and retrieve their guar from the stables. Caius and Senipu, Nibani Maesa, and Sul-Matuul all awoke early as well to see the company off. They met near the eastern outskirts of the camp and everyone gave heartfelt farewells between themselves. Zeela was easily the most reluctant to leave Caius, even after her long afternoon the previous day. Caius's parting gift to the company was to let them keep the pack-guar, stating he had no further use for it. Kausha immediately climbed atop it, reminding Zayden that she was indeed his slave beyond Urshilaku Camp as well. Whether he like it or not, she was his property now and his responsibility.

Nibani Maesa, as a final gift to and a token of Tribe Urshilaku's endorsement of him as the Nerevarine, gave Zayden a necklace- the "Teeth of The Urshilaku"- a wooden star made from twisted tree roots with a red ruby set in its middle. With final parting goodbyes the small caravan began heading east.