V

Arken stepped out of the Ald'Ruhn Mages Guild into the early afternoon sun, raising his arm to shield his eyes. He turned to walk down the main street to the dominant feature of the small town. The Skar Hall wouldn't have been that unusual as far as large buildings went, except for the fact that the entire structure was not built at all. It was an enormous chitin shell left by some ancient gigantic crustacean many ages ago. It held up well to the frequent sand storms that blew through the West Gash Region and even served as a decent shelter from blight storms. It was also the location of the Redoran hall, where all the house nobles and hierarchy lived. Arken's interest in the place was an appointment with one of those nobles, the House Lord who only went by the name Lord Redoran, as many of the noble-born elders did. He was Arken's sponsor on the house council, the lord of all House Redoran, and the man who he was reporting to on his most recent job.

Being admitted into Skar wasn't a problem. Waiting for Lord Redoran to see him was, since the man was understandably very busy. Arken was standing in the House Redoran hall in Skar wearing his chitin armor, waiting to be admitted into the chamber. After what felt like an eternity, the door opened and the domo stepped out.

"The lord will see you, Master Dralkes." Arken nodded to him as he stepped through the door into a large and lavishly decorated stateroom. Standing further back into the room was an older Dunmer man, well into his third century, adorned in the long and extravagant robes of a nobleman.

He noticed Arken as he walked in and motioned him further into the room, "Ah, Master Dralkes. Please, come in, come in."

Arken did as he was bidden and stood before the lord, regarding him with a shallow bow, "Lord Redoran."

The lord set a scroll he was reading down on a desk and turned his attention to Arken, "I assume by your presence that the task is complete."

Arken nodded, "Yes, ma'serjio. I've convinced the merchants you specified to sign on with the new trade commission. Also the Hlaalu official you mentioned has been…'deprived' of those finance records you wanted." Arken handed the lord a small scroll with a Hlaalu seal stamped on it.

Lord Redoran accepted the scroll, "Excellent. You have proven yourself once again, Master Dralkes." He turned toward his desk and started sifting through some parchments, "You have done well for yourself in the short time you have been with the House, Master Dralkes. It's not often we find a young man of your talents."

"I seek only to better myself and the Great House Redoran, milord." Arken suppressed a cringe. The only thing he hated more than taking orders was schmoozing.

"I have no doubt." He pulled out a particular parchment and glanced it over, "I believe it is overdue that we recognized your many accomplishments for the House." He turned and handed Arken the scroll and a sizable pouch of gold, "By this order, I have secured your appointment to Lawman in House Redoran and reward you with this stipend."

Arken accepted both items and bowed, "Milord is most generous."

"Father."

Lord Redoran was about to comment when his attention turned to the young Dunmer woman who just entered the room.

"I found the book you were looking for."

Lord Redoran accepted a large volume from the girl, "Ah, yes. This is it. Thank you, my dear." She gave a big smile as her father kissed her on the cheek.

Arken nearly had to make a physical effort not to stare. He was looking at what he was sure was the most beautiful Dark Elf woman he'd ever seen. She had long black hair in a ponytail that hung to her lower shoulder blades and eyes that sparkled like garnet gems. She was a very attractive young woman, without a doubt. Either she saw through Arken's attempts not to gawk, or noticed him of her own accord, but either way, the young woman's attentions found Arken.

"Oh. Father, who might this handsome young gentleman be?"

"I don't believe you've met our most recent Lawman yet." He motioned toward Arken, "Merrenda, this is Arken Dralkes, Lawman of House Redoran. Master Dralkes, this is my lovely daughter, Merrenda Redoran."

She blushed and shrank away from Lord Redoran, "Father, please. You're embarrassing me." In spite of her father, Merrenda followed protocol and extended her hand to Arken

Arken came to his senses when he realized he was being addressed, "The pleasure of this meeting is entirely mine, milady." He bowed, accepting her hand and kissing it, winning a little giggle from her, "And if I may be so bold to say that the lady's beauty knows no bounds."

Merrenda retracted her hand, "Well, you are quite the charmer, aren't you, Master Dralkes?"

Arken raised his brow, "Merely stating the truth, milady." He looked at Lord Redoran, "Perhaps the lord might permit me to grace his lovely daughter with a gift, a small token from a humble lawman."

Lord Redoran looked between the two briefly, "Well, by all means, Master Dralkes."

Arken nodded and held his hands in front of him. He showed both sides before briefly brushing his palms together and a glittering star-cut emerald appearing in his fingers.

He handed the gem to Merrenda, "A small token, milady, though I will say its beauty is paled in comparison to your own."

Merrenda's eyes widened as she accepted the emerald, "Why, thank you, Master Dralkes."

Arken nodded to her, "Again, the pleasure is mine, milady." He looked at Lord Redoran again, "Sadly, I have pressing business of my own I must attend to. With the lord's permission, I'll take my leave."

Lord Redoran thought for a moment, "Very well. But please remain available. I shall have something for you soon."

Arken bowed to them both, "Thank you, milord, milady." He turned and left the stateroom. Merrenda's gaze followed him through the door before she looked back at the emerald Arken had given her.

Lord Redoran broke the hanging silence in the air as he turned back toward his desk, "He is quite an interesting man. Wouldn't you say, my dear?"

Merrenda's eyes went misty, "He is. He's very interesting, and quite charming."

The lord regarded her out of the corner of his eye, "I hope not too charming."

Merrenda rolled her eyes, "Father, I simply said that he's a charming young man. What harm is there in that?"

"A great deal. I know you, Merrenda. I know how you disagree with the old traditions. I've said it once; I've said it a hundred times: you cannot marry outside of your position of kinswoman noble to the House."

Merrenda slipped the gem into her pocket, "I still don't see why marriage must be dictated by politics and protocol rather than love."

Lord Redoran sat down at his desk, "Some of us have to make sacrifices so our ways may live on. We all have our places in this world, Merrenda."

She turned to look at her father, "Were you happy in your place when politics forced you to marry mother?"

The lord stopped what he was doing and hung his head slightly. He turned his seat to look at her.

"I found happiness. I grew to love your mother, and you and I both know she would say the same about me. It wasn't easy, but we worked with what we had. Today, I wouldn't give up my relationship with your mother for all the wealth of Tamriel." He stood and walked to his daughter, taking her hands in his, "My dear, you were born into a world of wealth and comfort. As your father, I want you to have the best I can give you. This world of luxury is the best I can give you, but it has its price. All I ask is that you accept that price, please."

Merrenda looked up and met her father's gaze, "Somehow, father, all the wealth and splendor of Morrowind would seem vain if I couldn't enjoy it with a man that I love."

Lord Redoran breathed a heavy sigh, "Once again, we'll just have to agree to disagree. Now run along, dear. You have duties in the library to attend to."

Merrenda nodded somberly, "Yes, father." She kissed her father's cheek before turning to walk out of the room. Lord Redoran watched her leave, shaking his head and wondering if he would ever get through to her.

Arken walked out of the Skar hall and stopped in the middle of the sandy plaza to think for a moment. He'd just handed a five-hundred drake gemstone to a young woman he'd only just met. He shook his head for a moment, wondering what in Dagoth's name would possess him to do that. He looked back at the enormous building as he continued walking back to the Mages Guild, thinking idly about the pretty young Dunmer girl he'd just met, Merrenda. Arken never really considered himself a ladies' man, so why in blazes would he go out of his way to be so charming for this young woman? He did admit that she was very attractive, but so where a number of other women that he worked with in the Thieves Guild and Morag Tong. What made her so special? Arken shrugged it all off as he stepped into the Mages Guild and paid for transport back to Balmora. He had other jobs to do right now, so thinking about this could wait until later.

Arken arrived in Balmora and headed to his home, where he would get the scoop on his next job from Ra'Jharra. He pushed the door open and made his way to the table. A map of the town of Molag Mar was laid out on it with several colored arrows and lines indicating points of infiltration. Arken hadn't been part of the Morag Tong long before he petitioned Grandmaster Hlaalu to allow Ra'Jharra to join up also. It was an opportunity for the Khajiit to put to use all that Arken had taught him about blade craft. Ra'Jharra was assigned as Arken's ward for the time being, learning the ropes and the ways of going about the tong's business. Krayven Harkonus was still his partner, and the two frequently pulled off difficult assignments together. The pair was starting to get something of a reputation for being unstoppable within the tong. With his characteristic efficiency, Arken had done very well for himself during his years with the assassins' guild. His usual modus operandi these days was to accept a mark from the Morag Tong, and while he's in the area investigating and eliminating the target, he takes a little time out to pilfer a few valuables from the locals that he can sell to Thieves Guild fences. He would fill in his down times with the occasional Fighters Guild contract. It was a plan that was more than just a little lucrative, and Arken was becoming quite a wealthy man for it.

Arken leaned over to put his hands on the table to study the map as Ra'Jharra came down the stairs, "That is all that I could find while investigating the area. Molag Mar is a large stone canton like those in Vivec. The place is almost a fortress. However, there are several points of entry that could be taken advantage of."

Arken nodded absently, "Not many good options. Some are just downright risky."

Ra'Jharra nodded as he looked at the map, "Risky, but well worth it. The mark lives on the third level, and there are several well-stocked shops along the way."

Arken simply nodded as he looked at the map. It was worthwhile to look into some of these plans, risky though they may be.

"Something's bothering you."

Arken finally looked up from the map to his Khajiit servant, "What makes you say that?"

Ra'j shrugged, "You seem somewhat distracted, like you're thinking about something else. Did everything go alright with Lord Redoran?"

Arken shrugged in return, "Yeah, everything's fine. In fact, I was just promoted, so everything's great right now."

The Khajiit shook his head, "There's more than meets the eye here. You're holding something back. I can tell." He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall behind him, "I haven't been your servant for these last ten years and learned nothing about you. I can tell that you're not being entirely forthcoming with me."

Arken shrugged and shook his head, "There's nothing to hold back, Ra'j. I mean, yeah, I am thinking about something, but…" Arken paused and chewed his lower lip for a moment as he thought of how to phrase his response, "It's…It's nothing that important." He motioned to the map, "Now, if you don't mind, we've got to find a way into this place that attracts the least attention."

Ra'Jharra smiled in a big, carnivorous grin, "I should have recognized it sooner." He leaned forward slightly, "It's a woman, isn't it?"

Arken's eyes became as big as saucers, "What? No! What makes you…I-I mean…" He trailed off and his shoulders sagged, "Yes, I did meet Lord Redoran's daughter, Merrenda, today and, yes, I do think she's attractive, but that's where it ends, Ra'j."

Ra'Jharra's shoulders bounced up and down in a hearty chuckle, "You can keep telling yourself that, but you're smitten over her. I can tell."

Arken looked at him and scoffed, "Smitten? Hardly." He stared hard at the map for a long moment before looking at Ra'Jharra again, "Why? Am I acting smitten?"

Ra'Jharra shrugged and started looking around the room as he spoke, "You were very forthcoming with her name, even though I didn't ask for it. And you're extremely defensive right now, almost like you're in denial."

Arken's face hardened and he turned to head for the door, "Just get a plan together and gather the travel supplies." He nearly slammed the door on his way out. Arken huffed as he strode across the bridge to the other half of town, but he couldn't help but think about it at this point. Was he smitten over this girl? He'd never even had a boyhood crush when he was young, so he wouldn't know how to recognize the feeling. His childhood didn't lend itself to such frivolous activities as relationships. Simple survival was almost always on the forefront of his mind, and members of the opposite gender were viewed either as allies to help him or enemies to hinder him like everyone else.

Arken stopped in the middle of the bridge and crouched down to look into the water running beneath. He had already admitted to himself that he thought Merrenda was attractive, but it seemed that there was a little more than that. He felt his heart flutter every time he thought about her. He had hidden it well at the time, but he turned into a bundle of jittery nerves when she offered him her hand. Arken stared hard at his reflection in the water. He'd been breaking molds of the common thief since he'd come to Morrowind. Fynix had broken the "friendless" mold. Was this another mold to be broken? Could it be possible? Could a thief actually find love? Arken shook his head. Unfortunately, he didn't have the answer to those questions.

Arken stood and started toward the Mages Guild again. He had to talk about this, get it off his chest, but he wanted to talk only to someone he trusted. Besides Ra'Jharra, there was only one other person in all of Tamriel who held Arken's trust. He entered the guild hall and paid the guild guide for transport to Sadrith Mora. Fynix was only three years older than Arken, but it only took mere moments to learn a lesson that could help the rest of your life. Arken made his way from Wolverine Hall into the town proper of Sadrith Mora, where he moved to find Fynix's house. As always, he knocked and Fynix shouted through the door to come in. Arken went back through the mushroom shaped house to find Fynix back in his spacious little library, organizing his myriad of books.

Fynix looked at Arken briefly as he used a telekinesis spell to place a book on a higher shelf out of reach, "Hello, Arken. What brings you to my humble little hole?"

Arken leaned on a bookshelf, but stood up again suddenly when it shifted under his weight, "I have a stupid question for you, Nix, but it does have some relevance. Have you ever dated much?"

Fynix's head snapped around to Arken and he scrambled to catch the book he'd dropped while levitating it to a higher shelf, "Well, I must say, when you said you had a stupid question, I wasn't quite expecting that. Why do you ask?"

Arken shrugged as he leaned against a sturdier bookshelf, "No reason."

Fynix just stood there, holding several books and working his jaw from side to side as he thought of an answer, "Well, I…hmm…I'm not really sure how to answer that for you." He set the books down and sat down in a chair, "I think the best way I can say it is that I do believe there is someone out there for everyone. It's all a matter of keeping your eyes open and being patient." He thought for a moment before looking at Arken warily, "You've met someone, haven't you? You wouldn't be asking this if you hadn't."

Arken shrugged and ran a hand back through his matte black hair, "Well…Yeah, I've met someone. Just met her today. Her name's Merrenda Redoran."

Fynix's eyes widened, "A Great House Princess. You like to set your sights good and high, don't you."

Arken shook his head, "Her position doesn't really matter at this point, Fynix. Just who she is matters."

Fynix canted his head and furrowed his brow, "Care to run that by me again?"

Arken walked over and sat in the seat across from Fynix, settling in for a lengthy conversation, "I had a feeling you wouldn't understand right away. I'll break it down for you: I meet a pretty and well-mannered young woman about my age. She takes a shine to me after a while, but sooner or later the dirty laundry is bound to come out."

Fynix nodded as he began piecing it together, "Eventually, she finds out that you're a thief."

"Among other things, yes." He tapped his finger on his left forearm in reference to the tattoo beneath the gauntlet. Fynix was properly aware of Arken's affiliations with the Morag Tong, "As soon as she finds out about all that, she's gone like yesterday." He hung his head and rubbed the back of his neck, "It's more of a question of 'can a thief have that kind of love?'. I've never really seen myself as the fit in and settle down type."

Fynix sat back in his seat and crossed his legs, "Ark, I just said that there's someone out there for everyone." He pointed at him, "Even you. I'm happy for you that you've met someone, Arken. If this whole thing works out for you, I'll be positively ecstatic for you. If not, then I'll be there for you in the end. That's what friends do. But you're never going to find out what's in the cupboard if you don't open the door. All I can tell you is to pursue the relationship properly. When the time does come, then tell her what she needs to know and let her make her own judgment about you." Fynix shrugged, "The way I see it, if she stays with you even with the skeletons in the closet, then that proves that she's a girl worth holding on to." He chuckled lightly, "Besides, if you're a thief, then who better to steal a woman's heart?"

Arken rubbed his chin as he thought about what Fynix had said. He finally had to admit that he was right about one thing: he wasn't going to find out if he didn't try. Arken never really had shied away from taking risks, and it appeared that it was time to take another.

He looked at Fynix and nodded, "Thanks, Nix. For everything."

Fynix waved the comment away, "It's the least I can do for a friend." He looked around the library and stood up, "I don't mean to shoo you away, but I've got to get this mess cleaned up or I'll never hear the end of it from my mother next time she visits. I'll be over in Balmora some time next week. We ought to get together sometime, have some fun."

Arken nodded as he stood up, "You don't need to tell me twice to have fun. I'll see you around, Nix." Arken left Fynix's house and walked slowly back to Wolverine Hall. Maybe, just maybe, even a thief could find love. But he would never know if he didn't try. Arken thought for a moment, wondering when he'd be up in Ald'Ruhn next. It wouldn't be too long, maybe even sooner if Lord Redoran sent for him before then. Arken allowed himself a self-satisfied nod as he pushed through the door into the Mages Guild hall. The days were soon coming that this particular thief was about to redefine who he was.

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Arken looked around the corner down a row of bookshelves in the Redoran library, where he spied his objective. With Merrenda's position as Lord Redoran's daughter, what few duties she had included managing the attendants in the library, making sure everything was tidy and orderly. Arken had taken the better part of two days to work up the nerve to ask Merrenda to dinner. He'd done his best to make himself presentable for the occasion, but the weather patterns of the West Gash Region had other ideas. Fortunately, he'd managed to remove the majority of the dust the sand storm outside had deposited on his clothes before he arrived at the library. Arken swallowed the lump in his throat as he rounded the corner and approached Merrenda from behind. It was only now that Arken noticed that she was about half a head shorter than he was. She was giving orders to a pair of attendants, both of which bowed to her as they departed.

Arken cleared his throat before speaking, "Milady Redoran?"

Merrenda turned around and smiled brightly when she saw who it was, "Oh. Hello, Master Dralkes."

Arken shook his head, "Please, milady, I prefer just 'Arken'."

She nodded in response, "In that case, I also prefer just 'Merrenda'. Call me 'Lady Redoran' too many times and my head might start to swell." She glanced over at the attendants briefly before returning her attention to Arken, "Did you need something?"

Arken cleared his throat again quietly before continuing, "Actually, I was wondering if you were available for dinner tomorrow evening. Just a casual dinner."

Merrenda hung her head and rocked back on her heels once, "Well, I…I'm sorry, but I'm busy tomorrow evening. I have a mandatory attendance at the Redoran House Ball tomorrow. I'd never hear the end of it from my father if I didn't attend."

Arken refrained from showing his disappointment as he gave a resigned nod, "I understand if you're busy."

Merrenda tapped her lower lip with one finger for a moment before she spoke again, "Actually, that might work out after all." She looked at Arken, "How would you like an invitation to the ball?"

Even as disciplined as he was, Arken's head visibly jerked backward in surprise, "What? To the House Ball?"

Merrenda nodded, "Of course. It's the most formal event of the house. Lots of Redoran dignitaries from all over Morrowind will be there. As a Lawman, I'm surprised you didn't already receive an invitation." She looked over at one of the servants and snapped her fingers twice to call him over, "Get me an invitation to the House Ball tomorrow, please."

Arken watched the servant hurry off and looked at Merrenda, "Just how formal is the Redoran House Ball?"

Merrenda shrugged, "Rather. It all depends on how many people in high places you want to impress. Mind your manners and follow appropriate protocols and you can make some rather influential friends. Just mind how you behave and you'll have nothing to worry about."

Arken nodded, "So you really want to invite me to the most formal event in all of House Redoran?"

Merrenda smiled and waved away his comment, "I'm sure you'll do fine, Arken." The servant arrived at her side and bowed as he presented a piece of fine parchment with emblazoned lettering.

Merrenda accepted the invitation and handed it to Arken, "There you are: a formal invitation to the Redoran House Ball."

Arken carefully accepted the invitation and nodded to Merrenda, "I appreciate the generous offer, milady."

Merrenda smiled and nodded to him, "It's my pleasure." One of the attendants called to her from another row in the library and she turned to respond, "I'll be right there." She turned back to Arken, "Well, duty calls. I hope to see you there, Master Dralkes."

Arken bowed in return, "I'll see to it you won't be disappointed, milady." With a smile and a parting wave, Merrenda turned to go deal with the issue at hand. Arken wandered out of the Skar hall in a haze. It wasn't quite what he was expecting, but the intended goal would be met nonetheless. The setting would be far more formal than he wanted, but he would get to spend some time with Merrenda.

Arken made his way out into the streets of Ald'Ruhn when his haze was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find, instead of a person, a nearly-transparent chameleon shadowform standing behind him. The shadow pulled back its left sleeve, revealing some bare flesh that bore the Mark of the Morag Tong. Arken immediately removed his left gauntlet to show his own mark in response. The shadowed messenger silently handed Arken a folded piece of paper before vanishing into a nearby alley. Arken was very familiar with Morag Tong couriers. The tong preferred to keep much of its activities confidential, especially communication amongst its members.

Arken opened the note and read it through. It was from Artanus Savantus, the man who'd extended his invitation to join the Morag Tong several years ago. The message was rather brief, saying only that the matter was urgent and that Arken needed to meet him in Suran as soon as he was able. Since he didn't have anything planned until tomorrow evening, Arken went immediately to the silt strider platform and paid the transport price, plus an extra sum to convince the strider master to make a special trip. The ride was little more than a few hours and Arken soon found himself disembarking the silt strider at the little mountain town of Suran. Suran was a small town carved into the side of a mountain that overlooked a vast river. Arken located a tong contact and learned that Savantus was presently in the house of a local slave trader. He went to the house to find the door open. As a thief, Arken never really had much compunction about inviting himself in, so he stepped through the door to look for Savantus. He finally found the elusive Imperial in an upstairs sitting room, crouched over a dead body.

Arken walked up next to him, "What was so urgent?"

Savantus pulled his hood back and nodded to the body in front of him, "He was the local slave lord. He was marked by the tong, but as you can see, this is a radical departure from our standard execution."

Arken looked the body over and agreed. The body was an older Dunmer, probably third or fourth century, dressed in clothing that spoke of wealth. At least it would have if it wasn't soaked in blood. The body was covered in various slashes and stab wounds and was resting in a wide pool of blood.

Savantus continued staring at the body, "He was butchered like an animal. The creed states that the mark must be eliminated quickly and cleanly. This mess can't get much sloppier."

Arken crouched down next to Savantus, "Are you sure it's one of us who killed him?"

Savantus nodded, "His writ of execution disappeared yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, whoever took the writ didn't sign off for it like they were supposed to." He ran his index finger through the blood on the floor and waved it under his nose, "He was probably bled slowly. The blood's at least a day old."

Arken shook his head, "I don't think it was bleeding that killed him."

Savantus finally looked at him, "What makes you say that?"

The young Dunmer motioned to the body as he spoke, "Well, the large gash across the chest was probably the killing blow. Judging by how thin it is, it was probably a very quick and strong slash with a very sharp blade. It's unusual because the rest of the cuts on the body are in nonessential areas, places with no major blood vessels or nerves or anything. Some of them are over pressure points, but that won't kill you unless you good and deep. They're all small and nonessential, but probably very painful."

Savantus nodded and looked back at the body, "Are you saying he was tortured before he was killed?"

Arken shrugged, "That's what it looks like."

Savantus was silent for a moment before he looked at Arken again, "But who would do this? The creed forbids torture."

Arken thought for a moment before answering, "Well, we do know that, whoever they are, they don't want anyone else to know who they are. Otherwise they would've signed off on the writ like they were supposed to." He stood up and looked down at Savantus, "Unless we can figure out who has the writ, then we've got nothing to go on."

Savantus nodded before standing up himself, "I have to inform Grandmaster Hlaalu. He's not going to be happy about this." He turned to leave, but stopped and looked at Arken, "Keep an eye out for any more of these torture deaths. I'll see if I can turn something up before you do."

Arken nodded, "Consider it done. Good hunting."

Savantus turned to leave, "Good hunting."

Arken looked at the slashed and bloody body as Savantus left the house. Savantus' question was a good one. Who would do this? More importantly, why? There was nothing to be gained in sadistic torture, not unless you're some kind of demented freak. Arken shook his head as he turned to leave. No person deserved to be butchered like cattle.

That thought stopped Arken in his tracks as he closed the door of the house behind him. It just now occurred to him that he was actually doing something because it was the right thing to do. There was no reward in this investigation. Arken was doing this just because it was wrong. He thought about it for a moment longer. It was just like how he'd freed Ra'Jharra ten years ago. There was no reward for freeing slaves. In fact it was illegal in Morrowind. Arken only did it because no one deserved a life of forced servitude. Arken breathed a deep sigh as he came to a stark realization. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, somewhere deep down inside him there was a sense of morality guiding his choices. And no matter how much evidence to the contrary, he was a good man deep inside. He shrugged it all off. Thief or not, someone had to pay for torturing that man before killing him, and Arken intended to find out who it was.