I could only give casual farewells to the Innkeeper that initially hesitantly housed me and has since with pleasure. Sader kept his neutral face but I was hoping he was feeling something with my leave. It was hard for me to keep my stature after the bitter goodbye with the Craftsman, but I managed it as I spoke for the Innkeeper for the last time.
"Got all of your stuff and ready to go, then? Having you around this long makes me feel like I'm going to miss you. Not to mention I won't have anybody to put in that room of yours except for drunks most of the time." It was the most heartfelt sendoff I will get from a man as business minded but I respected it none the less. I easily can take it as what it is meant to say underneath.
"Don't worry, you'll get someone with all the business that came in recently." The Innkeeper huffed and nodded. Sader kept quiet, looking but working as well. I knew he wasn't someone who got sentimental. Not unusual for a Redguard, possibly one from an original family from Yokuda before it was sunk into the ocean.
"Probably. Anyhow, stay safe." That would be the end of the conversation, but I still needed a direction, something to go on and I had at least a topic to ask about.
"I do have one thing. Have you heard anything about a place called Fang Lair? Maybe a rumor about someone who could know something?" A shrug dashed the possibilities of having an easy start but Sader spoke up finally.
"Start in the more populated area, specifically Rihad. It is a much larger place that can most likely get you started with what you have to find." I couldn't say I remembered the locations of every place but that did sound a bit familiar. Although the oddity of the sudden and partially specific answer did make me think there was more I wasn't being told.
"Okay but how would you know that?" The Innkeeper glanced over his shoulder and Sader looked down after the gazes of the two met. Weird behavior but I pulled out the scroll that was given to me by a stranger and unrolled it. I knew what I wanted, and it instantly filled the parchment with what it was. When I set it on the bar, both Sader and the Innkeeper looked extremely surprised. I didn't want to explain the magic the simple item held.
"Can you point out where Rihad is here?" The map didn't show just Belkarth Guard like it did before but instead showed the entirety of Hammerfell. It had on it three symbols and light brown lines connecting the symbols. The smaller homes most likely signified much smaller towns. An elongated home like the one that symbolized Belkarth Guard itself signified towns that were larger but haven't reached their largest size. Those largest cities were shown by a castle structure and unfortunately, Sader slowly pointed to a castle structure on the southern point of Hammerfell.
"There. Is this that thing I brought you all those months ago?" I just nodded and rolled the parchment back up and pushed it below the plate chest piece the Craftsman graciously gave me.
"Indeed, it is. It turns out it is much more magical than it looked to be. Well, at least I have something. I appreciate your generosity while I was in need, both of you." The two nodded back, the scroll no doubt plaguing their mind now.
The weather outside was getting warmer but the snow still fell. I was going to miss the easy life I could live if it wasn't for the mission I had to complete. I seriously doubted Ria could contact anyone else with her living, or the lack of living in her case, situation. I had a place to start, whether it be just leading somewhere else or not.
Although I wasn't too fond of owning animals or the care they required, I couldn't get to Rihad on foot without it taking months, assuming I even made it after the first night. It was inevitable that I would be in my current situation, using a horse to go from town to town. It was a long trip to Rihad and the time both in between towns in the wilds and the unfamiliar inns did not work well with my lifestyle. The quick change from falling snow to constant sun didn't help me either, getting hotter in my armor as I rode along. Eventually, I had removed my armor entirely and used the scroll to hold it in whatever void it did. During the nights housed in a safe location, I continued to experiment with the magical item, being able to hold items but not in a room of any sort. They disappeared rather completely out of sight, but I could bring them back in seconds and even equip them on and off instantly. That was all I could manage for now, though. The Afterdark Society apparently stalked everywhere when the sun went down and a couple nights I couldn't help but struggle to sleep. They were getting bolder and more seemed to answer the call, no doubt the effect of Tharn having his way around the entire continent of Tamriel.
When I had reached Rihad roughly twenty days later, it was a welcomed respite indeed. My timing could not have been any better, arriving in the morning. I risked the journey through the enveloping darkness with just a lantern for illuminating the path ahead. I had heard from someone I had passed while in last town that Rihad was just a night's travel away and I knew the sooner I arrived, the sooner I could do what was needed. I was subtly hoping that one night, Ria could contact me, so I could ask more questions, but she had been quite since Belkarth Guard.
When I arrived at the front gate with the sunrise at my side, I cautiously checked around myself and gave my horse a much-needed rest. She was breathing heavy, but thankfully had no injuries on the journey I had risked. In the time it was just us, I had gotten quite attached to my new quest companion. I would be with her for however long this journey lasted but I knew some places she would not accompany me or could not. I would not put her at risk for places such as Black Marsh and I was not going to take her overseas, either. The Altmer of Summerset Isle were extremely unkind to anything other than their own, even having suspicion of their own at times, much less to an animal of said person.
It was not a surprise to see that the wall around Rihad was taller and looked to be much stronger than the smaller settlement. The entrance I came up to had a solid steel gate with no visible way to break it down except with siege weapons. It looked magic impervious, even.
Inside, there were two guards vigilantly keeping their eyes on anything that could pose a threat. I was not intimidated in the slightest and found a place to house my companion until I needed her again. With the debt paid in advanced to hold her, which apparently surprised the stablemaster who didn't ask for gold right away, very surprised that I had some to spare it seems.
"You're sure? We don't have many people from outside the walls who have this much gold saved up as of late." He was speaking of what Jagar Tharn had done to Tamriel under the guise of the Emperor.
"Please, don't worry about me. Although, I do have a question for you if I may impose for a few minutes." The man flashed a smile.
"Of course, of course! Please, come in out of the heat and let us talk. My assistant will make sure your mount is given the best treatment." Both the stablemaster and his assistant were Redguards but were dressed much differently than the ones in Belkarth Guard and acted much less conceited. With Rihad existing on almost the southern tip of Hammerfell, it was no surprise that the locals had a lot more experience with other races coming and going, their dress showing it as well. It wasn't specifically Redguard fashion, rather general clothing that was much thinner than the northern wear.
The stablemaster led me to his home, a well decorated place with a fair share of windows and other holes in the walls that hot air could escape from. He looked to be having no problems keeping himself in business and well-fed, a rare sight in how hard things were today for anybody other than Innkeepers or combat item merchants.
"So, what is it you would like to know?" The man offered me water and I couldn't see myself refusing well-mannered hospitality after being on the road for so long.
"I would like your opinion on the best Inn. I need a place to rest while I figure out what I am doing next." It was straight to the point. Sader had suggested I come to this place and now that I was here, I had to figure out what my next move was going to be.
"Ah, there is only one I can recommend. Despite what the name may say, it is a great place to relax and even the bar fights don't cause trouble. You would be looking for the Dirty Serpent." It definitely sounded like a seedy place, but there was no reason not to check.
"Right, then. Can you tell me exactly where it is at?" While speaking, I carefully pulled out the scroll I held in my shirt. I was still not confident in that it was indestructible and treated it with care. When I had it laying flat on an empty table, the map of Rihad had already shown up. The magic I knew it could do were not hard to activate anymore, only having to think about what I wanted was enough to get the scroll to start its work. The man wasn't shocked to see someone pulling out parchment, but only when it was not being used for what he thought did his mouth drop.
"Did someone make you that map?" I was not looking for the man to ask a question, but I knew they were going to come up eventually.
"No, this map is special. Can you please tell me where it is?" The man nodded and pointed at a gray box that, when he gestured at it, began to change color and writing appeared without anyone picking up a quill. The man immediately took a step back and looked back and forth at me and the item.
"What kind of magic is that?!" He didn't sound alarmed, rather amazed but I didn't have time to explain the intricacies of what I was using. I didn't even know myself how this did anything, either.
"I do not know myself. Thank you for your help and I will be back for my companion in time." As I spoke, I rolled up the scroll and bowed. The man bowed back after a moment and I left the home without speaking again.
It took a few minutes to get to the Inn the stablemaster spoke of but when I stepped inside, I was greeted with a cool breeze and a pleasant sight. The Dirty Serpent was indeed not sleazy as previously thought. The walls had a lower strip of cobblestone and the majority was lined with treated wood. It was a better first impression than the Crimson Chasm, but I still felt out of place. The tables were not packed but had a customer or two at each table, filling the empty space nicely. I would be able to find something here, no doubt information that could get me moving again.
The Innkeeper this time was a tough looking Redguard, but he didn't have anyone helping him. He continuously scanned the room, more vigilant than anyone probably should be. I avoided direct eye contact with him, making my way to a table with just one other person. I took the spot farthest from him, not wanting to socialize but rather eavesdrop. I knew I wasn't going to drink a drop, as well.
It took less time than I expected for someone to come up to me, a hand dropping to the table in front of me to get my attention. I was on edge instantly but glanced to the person leaning over the table. He wasn't drunk, surprisingly completely sober from the looks of it or at least able to hold his alcohol extremely well. He wasn't smiling but rather had a worried look on his face, another odd sight in any Inn. I couldn't see any features other than he was clearly a Dunmer, seeing as no other race has ashen skin.
"I need help badly. Can you get something for me?" His voice gave the tone of urgency, speaking quickly and not choosing the best words to get what he wanted. It was safe to assume he asked a few other people before myself.
"That depends. How many others have you come up to so far and asked that?" He answered almost immediately.
"Anyone who would listen. Can you help me?" Again, he sounded nervous and his persistence wasn't helping.
"Calm down, first. Sit, tell me what you want me to do and I will consider it." I wasn't about to do any work that was thrown at me like a low-life mercenary. If anything, seeing if I could make an information trade with this fidgety elf would work more in my favor. He hesitated but eventually sat down, his fingers constantly moving. His robe stopped me from seeing if he was the doing the same with his feet.
"I don't have much time to speak. I had someone deliver a reagent of mine, a lock of ghoul hair, to the Mage's Guild for safe keeping and I need to collect. The problem is that I have other places I need to visit but my mission I was given is very time sensitive. I need the do not have enough time to find the location of all the places I need to find. There are two others out searching for the other shops I had more items delivered and I have my own I need to find. I will pay you for your services, but I NEED the item today. Can you help me?" The Dunmer spoke quickly again, but I heard enough to figure out what he needed. I was worried about why but that wasn't my concern right now. It probably wouldn't be either, especially since I do not care for magic myself, no matter the school.
"I can do that, BUT I do not want money. You can keep it. Instead, how about you help me out with information and I will consider my services paid for." If I could get what I wanted to know tonight, tomorrow would be the continuation of my journey and closer to keeping Tamriel from falling into the hands of a traitor.
"Okay, what is it you want to know about?"
"The location of a place that is supposed to a legend. The Fang Lair." The Dunmer looked down at the table, but the fidgeting of the fingers didn't end as he was thinking. He looked back up at me, just now did I notice his oddly colored eyes. They were a maroon color, close to what you'd think of as demon eyes.
"I can only tell you this. There is one person who knows where that is, and you won't find them at any Inn. Visit the palace and ask the Queen. She can tell you about that, but be warned it will not come without a price of some sort. I promise that is all I know." I stared at the man, who continued to twitch impatiently. The Queen would know about something like that, but I wasn't sure how I would get in that easily.
"Do you know how I can get in? They don't let commoners anywhere close to the interior of the palace."
"Yes. Simply tell the guards 'Lej gives me authority to move freely'." My eyes widened, and I leaned forward, the Dunmer leaning back in shock.
"Lej? Where has he been? How do you know him? What kind of authority does he hold?" Things were getting weird again. I haven't thought of Lej since I first seen him at the Inn, seeing as he disappeared afterwards.
"Wha-I don't know anything about where or what he is doing. He talks to me but doesn't stay in one place. What is your problem now?" I glimpsed past the Dunmer and the table in front of the direction I was looking had their eyes glued on me. I didn't notice I was attracting so much attention.
"Nothing, just thinking about something. I'll get your hair and be waiting for you." The Dunmer immediately stood and rushed out the door without another word. Some of the patrons looked back at me but most ignored the scene, as it wasn't odd to have disturbances with alcohol.
Some time passed before I decided to act on my end of the deal with the Dunmer. I was constantly thinking about Lej, in a lot of ways. He left days after I arrived in Belkarth Guard, helping to get me on my feet at least. I could try to see if this Dunmer could lead me to him, but the problem is that it could lead to nothing but a waste of time.
The Mage's Guild in Belkarth Guard was much closer than the one here, increasing the time I had to take to find my way around. I knew I didn't have to use my scroll since I wasn't going to make the Guild a constant stop, but I wasn't about to show my enchanted item to everyone just to get to the building quicker. From the door of the Inn, I continued to get pointed west for what seemed like forever. When I had found the location of the Guild's building, it was a lot different than the other I visited. This Guild Hall had a wall surrounding what would be considered the area of the property and a large area around the outside wall. It looked like the location was outfitted for spacious room that mages could highly abuse if a fight ever occurred.
The biggest difference in decoration was the color variance between this one and the bright blue walls of the other. This Guild Hall was largely a light brown with clear wear with copper or brass detailing to show the importance. There seemed to also be a large lack of trees and bushes and the like. The two things that were similar of both locations were the hanging sign above the door that was the official symbol of the Guild as well as there being many windows.
The interior differed little to the other, there just being more items around and more books collected on the no doubt couple dozen bookcases, if not more hidden in niches. Even the table in the center of the building looked bigger but I doubted that. It was probably an illusion of the space. The mage that inhabited the majesty was too absorbed in his work and only heard me when I was feet from him. He turned to face me, and I got to see his full dress. He looked to dress much less like a magic user than others, wearing just a thinner material that was more comfortable to the region. His clothes were brighter than others around, consisting of mostly brighter blues and greens with metallic accents. His top was in the style of a tunic and his pants were clearly bigger than his legs to make it easier to walk and work in. Though his physical looks didn't seem to fit the traditional mage type, looking much younger and having swept back style hair that showed off his more feminine features. He was a Breton for sure, not that it was a surprise seeing as after the High Altmer of Summerset Isle, Bretons were by far next in line to be the most powerful race that could use magic.
"You are new to Rihad, I imagine? May I get your name, Miss?" Although he wasn't as old as other mages that have practiced the trade for decades, this Breton was just as well-mannered.
"I am Tenyin Mariner. I came to pick up an item by request for a Dunmer." The Breton tapped his chin and looked to the ceiling.
"I see. I have not had any items given to me directly, but the Grand Wizard might have." It took but a moment for me to register what he had said, and I was taken aback.
"Wait, you aren't the head Wizard here." The Breton shook his head, a light blush coming to his cheeks.
"Unfortunately not, Miss Mariner. I appreciate the thought, but I am the apprentice under her. She should be coming back soon, in fact."
"I see. Then may I stay until she does return? I will not cause trouble." It was a large request to ask to loiter in a Guild Hall with how busy they could be but also with what sorts of things were done in such a place. Getting the opportunity to stay would be very helpful.
"Please, don't act like I am a guard. I don't need to know your background to sense you are a mature woman. Stay as long as you like, and I will inform you of her return."
"Thank you very much, Sir!" I instinctively bowed in respect.
"Again, I appreciate the thought. You must be a soldier or a retired one. Our facility is at your disposal." The apprentice mage bowed back and turned back to what he was doing before at the table. I decided I would read up on the hundreds or thousands of books this building held, amazed by the work that must have been done by any number of people to figure out all of the information.
I lost track of time and was sitting on the floor of the Guild, which was still comfortable, when the apprentice tapped me on the shoulder. My head shot up to see him leaning over me.
"The Grand Wizard has arrived and is waiting for you. Please, come along." He held his hand out to me and I took it. He hoisted me to my feet and I went with him out of the alcove of bookshelves to see a beautiful woman standing at the large table. She wore a flowing dress that didn't have a hint of blue or green, the typical colors that mages tended to wear, but instead was a perfect white. It hugged her body from top to bottom, covering her arms to her wrists and flaying out a little as it reached her ankles. Surprisingly, she didn't seem to be wearing footwear of any sort, but it only showed more of the biggest trait of her body. The white dress went perfectly with her flawless and yellow skin, the skin color that belonged to only one race in Tamriel: The Altmer of the Summerset Isle.
"You seemed to be quite entranced by these books. My apprentice could not get you to look away without pulling you himself, by the looks of it. You have been the one waiting for me, correct?" The woman spoke, her voice smooth. It was a blessing with how perfect the Altmer were to some, and I felt myself momentarily entranced by that very thing.
"Uh, yes. I was hoping you could help me with getting an item that was allegedly dropped off." The Altmer woman nodded and left without a word, leaving me with the Breton. He said nothing as well, standing in place. He seemed to be waiting, but the woman didn't return quickly. Time seemed to stand still as she took more and more time out of sight.
"You seem fidgety. Is something wrong?" The apprentice spoke up out of nowhere.
"No, nothing really. I was surprised at someone like…THAT to be on the mainland."
"Indeed. It was unusual to have an Altmer take the position this close to one of our important locations, but she has long since proven her loyalty." That was not entirely correct, at least that is what I believed. With the history of the race, I was almost sure the woman would never be entirely trusted.
"Hm." I didn't know how else to respond but it wasn't necessary seeing as the Wizard came from a direction opposite she came from with nothing in her hands. Could I have been taken advantage of for some reason?
"Might I ask who the item is for? I cannot be sure of exactly what it was if I do not know who this is regarding."
"A Dunmer asked me to retrieve it. It was apparently for the Redguard named Lej." The Altmer reached into the top of her dress and pulled out a very small leather bag.
"Unfortunately, it is for him. Make sure it gets to him but do not delve deeper into his affairs. It is for the best, I assure you." The Altmer handed me the bag and I made the item disappear into thin air instantly. The Breton looked puzzled, but the Grand Wizard seemed unfazed.
"I don't really want to get wrapped up in whatever he has planned. I have my own quest to finish."
"Good. Do you need anything else while I am here, Miss?"
"Not right now, ma'am. I thank you for answering my question."
"It is no problem. If you need anything else, I will be here to help." With a last bow, I left the Guild Hall and was greeted with the blinding light. It seems I had been in the building long enough that it appeared to be late morning. I was not told when to retrieve the item by and I was certainly not going to waste my day waiting. If the Dunmer was not waiting for me when I arrived, then I would not be seeing him again by early evening.
Before I ventured back to the Inn, I explored Rihad a little and checked on my steed to see how she was doing. The stableman and his helper, unsurprisingly, was keeping her well taken care of but I was relieved to be able to see her. I felt better knowing that even being gone as long as I have from my comfortable lifestyle, it was not always going to be stressful. Although, that part was coming up soon and I certainly knew that.
The Inn was less busy when I returned hours ago, the sun starting to set but no less bright. The former patrons were all but gone and it was emptier at this point. A couple drinkers were scattered among the large room and to no surprise, the Dunmer from before was staring at me. He seemed very nervous, the twitchy nature more evident than before. I couldn't tell how long he has been sitting and waiting, but it was more than apparent he needed my attention. I couldn't imagine ignoring him or what he would do to get what he wanted from me.
"Do you have it?! You were gone for long enough." It was an instant push to the only thing the Dunmer desired from me, the lock of hair. It seemed like such an insignificant item, but Lej apparently needed it for something quite large.
"I was thinking of something. How am I going to be able to see the queen of the palace if she only sees any number of visitors on certain days?" As someone who was previously laboring under Emperor Uriel Septim, I knew the practices of rulers and how specific they were with details. The Dunmer reacted immediately, pulling out an unusual item: A ring. Not unusual because it was a ring but what it looked like. It did not have an immaculate look, rather the farthest from it. It was a rusted, iron band that looked to be picked from a long since dead citizen.
"This will get you in the palaces around Tamriel. Now, can you hand over the item?" The Dunmer set the ring in front of me and his vision moved around my body. He didn't look at me in the eyes, in a hurry to get back to Lej. I wasn't about to make him irate, but I also wasn't ready to be swindled, my hand going over the seemingly useless jewelry. When I lifted my hand once again, the tiny satchel with the hair inside replaced it.
"Here is what you wanted." The Dunmer snatched the bag away, peeking inside and gripping it tightly in his hand after he confirmed it was what he wanted. With no more words spoken, the man clumsily got to his feet.
That was the last thing that happened that day, no more interruptions or surprises. The night was eerily silent as well, not nearly as active during the night as it was in Belkarth Guard. There still weren't guards wandering the streets for protection, but the citizens around were more well equipped. The next day, I continued with the lead Sader had given me, making my way to the palace. It was quite a distance from the town, only being connected to Rihad by a path guarded by many armored warriors. It was a couple of hours until I made it inside the immaculate, smooth cobblestone palace that represented an important point in the province.
"Stop there! Why are you here, citizen?" One of the two guards that stood beside the double doors that led to the interior. It was not a shock to be stopped without any meeting planned.
"I'm here to speak to the Queen." It should have been assumed but I wasn't about to get either of the men angry.
"You are not walking right in. Leave until you are allowed to enter."
"Maybe this will change when that will be happening." I held up my hand, the back of my fingers showing but one thing in particular showing. The rusted band was on my finger since I left to the Inn to get here.
"What is-" The guard growled after seeing the ring and spoke with the other man. They made wild gestures and pointed at me several times. When they were finished, both went back to their post. "Fine, you can go in but know that you and your ilk will not be walking freely for long." I didn't know what the man meant, especially since I was not allied with Lej specifically, only assisting him when it was necessary for me. Whatever the reckless Redguard was doing, it barely seemed legal by the laws set in this city. I wasn't sure how far Lej's reputation reached throughout Tamriel.