"It was ever the rarity that Niamh revealed her life; to me especially.

Perhaps it's that she knew how young I was,

She had suffered much and she thought it was too overbearing for even a seasoned adult to hear.

I regret that I thought much of myself at the time and my own suffering,

And I see now looking back that she struggled greatly with herself..."

A Flower in Dragonfire

-Anonymous

Niamh walked around the Elven Gardens in her civilian clothing. She sat down on a bench and pretended to read, listening to the going ons around her. She sat back and crossed her legs, letting the noon sun wash over her and warm her skin.

Two noble women walked past her, carrying baskets with items they bought in the Market District. Niamh listened in to their conversation.

"Laurel told me that her husband Marcus, you know the guard at the Tower, that the Chancellor kicked out that Legionnaire Captain to the streets." One woman said.

"Laurel is a gossip." The other woman said, "I was told by Marguerite he was just demoted."

"No, no, Primrose," The first woman scoffed, "He was demoted the first time. I heard he got into trouble for a mess in the prisons and the Chancellor finally expelled him."

"Is that so?" Primrose rose her brow, "What a shame."

"A shame?"

"Yes a shame. I always thought he was quite handsome. Those dark eyes, the finely cut beard, and the uniform! Makes my legs quiver."

Niamh rolled her eyes, but kept listening in.

The first woman giggled, "He attended a gala thrown by the Sintav family. Iniel apparently thought one of his nieces would be a good match for him. Fine children they would have had if his nieces didn't all look like horses."

"You're terrible, Agnes." Primrose waved her off, "I was there and he had no interest in any of the ladies fawning over him. His thoughts seemed to be on something else. In fact all through the gala he was talking to a few of the men in his battalion, I was trying to listen in on what they were whispering but to no avail. I'm almost inclined to believe he's more attracted to his own sex."

"Oh I don't think that's so. Why just the other day I was walking with Laurel and we saw him flirting with Rochelle. A married woman at that." Agnes winked, "I'll admit I'd let him into my chambers without Charles knowing."

"Agnes, please," Primrose laughed, "Like he'd take your invitation, you wrinkled trout."

"What has he got to do anyway? Now that he's no longer in the Legion." Agnes gave a wicked grin, "I've got the years in me still."

Primrose rolled her eyes, "I can't take you anywhere with me."

"We've been friends for fifty years, Prim, you can't lose me now." Agnes said, "Now let's hurry and catch Laurel at the Temple."

After the two ladies passed, Niamh lowered her book. Her thoughts raced.

If Titus was on the streets it potentially made him more dangerous. He had no facade under the Imperial flag to have her arrested again true, but he could find her much easier without being recognized.

Niamh set her book down, suddenly becoming very aware of her surroundings. She thought that if she could make it to the boarding house then maybe she could catch up with Baurus.

She knew Kesh-Ra was at the Arcane University, and Celeste was looking for the whereabouts of the third book. Niamh looked down the street, eyeing the sign for Luther Broads.

Carefully, Niamh stood up. She tucked her book under her arm and began to walk slowly towards Luthers.

She sped up her walk when she heard someone come out of a building. Her entire body felt as if little pinpricks were pushing their way into her skin. Niamh had reached the door to the boarding house when someone else reached for the handle. Niamh let out a shout before realizing she nearly ran into Celeste.

"Gods above are you alright?" Celeste asked.

Niamh shoved herself into the building, quickly closing the door behind Celeste. Celeste brought them to an open table in the corner.

The two leaned in their bodys and spoke in hushed whispers.

"What happened?" Celeste asked.

Niamh let out a frustrated sigh, "Titus was discharged from the Legion, I'm assuming following our little chat the night before."

Celeste furrowed her brows, her tone evened out, "Do you think he'll come after you?"

"The man was tenacious enough to issue a warrant for my arrest-" Niamh ran her fingers through her hair and sat back in her chair.

"When he had the power to," Celeste reminded her, "A man can say much when he has the power behind him. Without his position in the legion he is nothing. He has nothing."

"You don't understand…"

"Try me."

Niamh took a deep breath. Celeste took her hands gently into her own and squeezed them.

"You can't tell, Kesh-Ra." Niamh said, "And in no way is this to get back to Cloud Ruler Temple…and…"

"I promise." Celeste assured her.

Niamhs shoulders went slack, "I wasn't entirely truthful when I told Kesh-Ra that Alban told me to offer myself in return for the safety of my people. At one point, my father was desperate to keep our village from destruction. A nobleman from Cyrodiil tried to buy our land and use our trees for lumber. You must understand it goes against every law in Valenwood." Niamh felt a shiver run through her, "My father is well versed in our religion. He's a good man, truly. But he looked at me as the eldest of nine daughters and thought he could offer a dowry along with my hand in marriage. That maybe if I was rewarded then our forest would be saved."

"How terrible." Celeste lowered her voice, "You shouldn't have had to do that."

"But I did. I was willing to give myself to save my home...my sisters." Niamh lowered her head in shame, "Titus was the son of the nobleman trying to buy our land. The match made sense. I had resigned myself to my fate, but the night before the ceremony his father drunk himself into a stupor. The pig climbed on top of me and tried to have his way. I stabbed him." There was a sense of pride to her voice when she said this.

"I can imagine Alban wasn't too happy you killed his father." Celeste added.

"Not quite," Niamh sighed, "His uncle called for my execution. But Titus had me and my sisters captured instead, to be brought back to Cyrodiil. He's a very tenacious man, when he wants something he will have it in the end."

"I don't believe that's true."

"Celeste," Niamh looked her in the eyes, "As long as Titus Alban is alive, I will never be rid of him. He's a parasite, a lech...and...I'm not sure how I feel..."

"Then we kill him." Celeste suggested.

Niamh hesitated. Celeste cocked her head to the side, then released Niamhs hands.

"You can't." Celeste concluded.

"No."

Celeste nodded slowly, then rubbed the back of her neck and let out a long sigh. She chose her next words carefully.

"If he does come for you-"

"I know." Niamh said, concluding the conversation.

A moment of silence passed between the two before Celeste brought a book out of her bag.

"Thought you might want this."

Niamh observed the cover, "This is the third book?"

"I've procured it from some fool elf who wanted it for his collection. Even more, he's set up a meeting with an actual member in order to obtain book four."

"Did he now?" Niamhs eyes widened, "When is the meeting?"

"Tonight."

"Then we have no time to lose," Niamh stood up, "I will deliver the book to Kesh-Ra at the university. If Baurus is here before I return I trust you will inform him?"

Celeste nodded, "Have I clearance to accompany him if you aren't back in enough time?"

Niamh thought for a moment then relented.

"Daylight is fading quickly," Niamh concluded, "As soon as Baurus returns I want you to find the book. We need it as quickly as possible."

"I understand." Celeste gave a quick bow as Niamh began to leave.

Niamh turned back to Celeste, "Be careful."

"You as well."

Niamh gave a nod of appreciation before exiting the boarding house.

Kesh-Ra fiddled through the third book of Mythic Dawn Commentaries. He scratched his head and looked up at Niamh.

"This man is a lunatic."

"I couldn't tell." Niamh said sarcastically, leaning against the wall with the first book in her hands.

Kesh-Ra read from the book, "'Oath-breakers beware, for their traitors run through the nymic-paths, runner dogs of prolix gods. The Dragon's Blood have hidden ascension in six-thousands years of aetherial labyrinth, which is Arena, which they yet deny is Oathbound. By the Book, take this key and pierce the divine shell that encloses the mantle-takers! The skin of gold! SCARAB AE AURBEX!'"

Kesh-Ra ran his finger over the text, skipping parts to find the more crazier sections to read off. "Ah!" He exclaimed, "'Reader, you will sense a shadow-choir soon. The room you are in right now will grow eyes and voices.'"

He raised his free arm dramatically, all of the studying mages looked up from their books to watch. "'The candle or spell-light you read this by will become gateways for the traitors I have mentioned. Scorn them and fear not. Call them names, call out their base natures.'"

"'I, the Mankar of stars,'" Kesh-Ra scoffed, "Mankar of the stars my foot…" He continued reading, "'I am with you, and I come to take you to my Paradise where the Tower-traitors shall hang on glass wracks until they smile with the new revolution.'" He stood up and amplified his voice.

"'That is your ward against the Mnemoli. They run blue, through noise, and shine only when the earth trembles with the eruption of the newly-mantled. Tell them 'Go! GHARTOK AL MNEM! God is come! NUMI MORA! NUM DALAE MNEM!'"He looked up at Niamh and shut the book with a thud, "I mean, what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Perhaps we'll know more when Celeste and Baurus return with the fourth book?" Niamh suggested, seemingly amused with the expressions of the mages around them as they slowly went back to their studying.

"As it is I can't believe Celeste procured this so quickly. We haven't been in the city that long." Kesh-Ra seemed impressed.

"The sooner we get the fourth book the better," Niamh said, "If we can get information from them to bring back to Martin the closer we'll get to finding the amulet."

"I doubt there's much to this jargon of Camorans." Kesh-Ra said, "These are ravings from a deluded man who thinks he's some conduit of a daedric prince." He sighed "If there is a pattern I just don't see it."

"You've been reading these books all day, Kesh." Niamh pointed out, "Sometimes it's good to walk away and come back later with a new perspective."

"Maybe Tar-Meena will make something of it when we receive the last book. I'm not sure I can take anymore of this vernacular." Kesh-Ra sat back to distance himself from the book.

Niamh smiled, "You need a drink."

"I need sleep." Kesh-Ra told her, "My fingers have been pouring through papers all day and are sore and dry." He rubbed his fingers together, "I need a glass of water and a warm bed."

"Alright," Niamh said, "Let's collect our things and I'll walk you to Luther Broads."

Kesh-Ra rubbed his eyes and stowed the books away in his satchel.

The two had left the university when Kesh-Ra piped up.

"Do you think Celeste is alright?"

Niamh bit her lip and thought for a moment.

"I'm sure she's capable of handling herself. Has she told you stories of when she was in Morrowind?"

"Plenty." Kesh-Ra let out a dramatic sigh, "The Nerevarine sounds like a pleasant woman, but you wouldn't find me in the same vicinity as a member of house Dres."

Niamh nodded in understanding, "Do you have any hopes of returning to Black Marsh?"

Kesh-Ra shrugged, "I think I'd rather remain in my fathers cabin. There isn't much left for me in Black Marsh. I spent some time in Gideon with my mother many years ago. My father always told me stories of how she went out adventuring and fought nagas and werecrocodiles. I was fascinated, but it was never quite the life for me."

"You've never spoken of your mother." Niamh pointed out, slowing her pace as they entered the city to keep the conversation going.

"Haven't I?" Kesh-Ra looked down at her, "No I suppose I haven't. She was one of the most beautiful Argonians I had ever seen. Soft turquoise scales and calm blue eyes. She was an escaped slave, so she had a Cyrodilic name. Sky-Over-Seas."

"That's lovely." Niamh commented.

Kesh-Ra nodded, "My father called her Shora-Skai." He seemed to get lost in his own thought for a moment before shaking his head, "That was quite some time ago."

"What happened to her?" Niamh asked.

"She went out on one of her adventures," Kesh-Ra said, "My father and I waited for a few years in Gideon. We never received word from her; we presumed her to be dead as we never heard from her original party. Father thought it was best to move out of Black Marsh. I think the memories were too hard for him."

Niamh frowned, "I'm sorry, Kesh-Ra."

"The past is past. I try to not let it deter me from my studies." Kesh-Ra kicked a small pebble out of his way, then he asked Niamh, "What of your mother?"

Niamh seemed caught off guard by the question, "Well…" She thought, "She never really talked much about her past. But she raised me and my sisters right."

Niamh laughed thinking about her sisters, exposing small sharpened canines, "She always made time for each of us. I remember her sitting by the fire, always with the youngest in her lap. She's always had long beautiful red hair, like waves cascading to the floor whenever she took it down."

"I never understood the point of hair," Kesh-Ra stated, then quickly added, "But you make it sound very nice."

Niamh gave him a slight smile.

The two of them walked in silence the rest of the way to Luther Broads. Niamh was shocked when she saw that Baurus and Celeste were sitting at the bar. Both soaked to the bone and nursing large tankards of mead. Kesh-Ra rushed over and sat down.

"Have you gotten the book?" He asked excitedly.

Without a word, Celeste pushed over a red leather bound book and went back to drinking.

"Well hello to you too." Kesh-Ra sniffed, eagerly stashing the book into his satchel.

Niamh sat with Baurus.

"What happened?" She asked.

Baurus put out his lit cigar and heaved a great sigh, water dripping from his hair and onto the bar.

"Celeste and I ran into a few goblins traversing the sewers. We were told by the elf who made the arrangement that it was the only place that Raven Camoran would meet him personally." Baurus told her.

"Raven Camoran? Mankar has a family?" Kesh-Ra asked.

"His son it turns out," Celeste answered, "They made Baurus out fast and immediately rushed us. I was hiding out of sight and managed to pick a few off. I tell you I haven't had such a close fight like that since I was in Suran. They had an established quarter behind the meeting place where a few of the cultists waited for us. We fought them off and had to jump into the sewers to escape."

"I'm glad you're both alright." Niamh said, "That wasn't an easy task."

Baurus nodded, "Now that all four books are in our possession, we can get them back to Tar-Meena and hopefully she'll have some answers." He looked at Niamh, "In the morning I'm heading back to Cloud Ruler Temple."

"Are you sure you want to go by yourself?" Niamh asked.

Baurus nodded, "It's time I finally go back and do my part in protecting Martin. I'll admit I'm ashamed for what happened to the Emperor, I'll die before it happens again."

Celeste gave him a reassuring pat on the back, "You've already done your part in retrieving that book. Jauffre should be proud of you, young master."

Baurus smiled at her and nodded his appreciation. He set his drink down and suggested everyone turn in.

Kesh-Ra sputtered, "A-Actually I think I'll be going back to the university. Now that we have the book I don't want to waste any time in looking it over."

"Kesh-Ra, you need your rest." Celeste told him.

"Y-Yes! But!" He held up his satchel, "There are mysteries to decipher!"

"Alright alright," Celeste chuckled, "I'll take you back then." She set her drink down beside Baurus', "I think I need some fresh air after being in the sewers."

"And a bath." Kesh-Ra commented.

"Don't push your luck." Celeste warned him, pushing him out of the door.

Baurus and Niamh said their goodnights and went off to their own rooms.

Niamh threw her boots into the corner, puffing out her cheeks as she changed into her nightgown. She lit a few candles around her room, cocking her head to the side when the open window blew one of them out. She let down her hair and moved to shut the window.

She reached for the curtains just as she saw the reflection of a face behind her. Her body froze when she felt hands on her hips. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"It certainly didn't take you long to find me, Titus." Niamh said.

"Words gets around about a Bosmeri woman in the city." He whispered into her ear, brushing her hair away to kiss her neck, "Now we can get back to where we started."

"I didn't realize we started anything." Niamh said, melting into his fingers as he lifted up her dress.

"You tease me." Titus said, kissing down her back. He got to his knees and ran his hands along her legs, playfully biting her ass.

He swung her around and bit down on her inner thighs. Niamh steadied herself against the window, brushing under his bearded chin with one finger. He rose with her hand, their faces impossibly close.

"I tease you?" Niamh asked with a husky whisper, "When you're the one with your hands all over me." She turned her finger upwards so her nail started to dig into his chin.

"You've cast some spell over me," Titus said, "Some devilish Valenwood magic."

"You say that now before you've even had me." Niamh stepped forward, causing him to step back. She kept moving until he fell against the bed.

"Tell me, Titus," Niamh continued, "Would you say the same if we ravished each other all hours of the night, and you woke in the morning knowing you've drained your cock into me?"

"That's assuming we haven't killed each other first." Titus said, throwing her onto the bed, both hands around her throat.

"Are you going to strangle me?" Niamh asked, bringing the knife she had hidden under her pillow to his neck.

Titus looked at the knife and scoffed, his grip lessening around her neck.

"You won't." Titus said.

"You won't." Niamh threw his own words at him.

Titus took the hand Niamh held her knife and pinned it to the mattress. He used his free hand and slid it up under her pulled up dress, gripping the soft skin of her back and bent down to kiss her.

Niamh fell into his kiss, growling her words when he pulled away to bite her neck and remove his shirt.

"I detest you." She told him.

"You're a damnable woman." Titus pulled her dress off, biting at the vine tattoo around her breast.

Niamh grabbed between his legs and stroked the erection under his pants. At her touch, Titus fell between her breasts.

"Such harsh words for someone so easy to control." She whispered.

Titus lifted himself off of her and picked up both of hers legs, grabbing her panties between his teeth and pulling them off with utter ferocity.

"Easy to control?" He asked her, spinning her around onto her knees, "We'll see."

He grabbed her hair with one hand and spanked her hard with the other, watching the red marks on her ass disappear. He spanked her again, then moved his hand between her legs to slap her pussy.

The electricity Niamh felt course through her body bade her to sink into the mattress. Titus smiled when he heard a muffled groan into the blankets.

He spanked her once more, speaking in a low voice as his pants and underclothes fell to the ground.

"You've been quite naughty haven't you?"

Niamhs brow furrowed and she forced herself to turn back around, using the force of her body to topple Titus to the floor. She kneeled between his legs and leaned to put a finger over his mouth.

"I've been naughty?" She asked, her eyes glinting in the candlelight, "So have you, Titus. So very naughty."

She set on hand over his stomach, trying not to look over the defined lines of his soldiers body.

"Very naughty." Niamh repeated.

With her free hand she grabbed his cock and slowly began to stroke it up and down, spitting on it all too eagerly.

Titus' head fell back, swooning with ecstasy as she worked the shaft. Niamh could feel him quiver with anticipation, but kept using her hand to pump his cock.

Titus bit his lip and looked down at her, the sight of her touching him making him even hotter.

"Let me fuck you." He said.

Niamh cocked her head to the side, "Why?"

Titus felt a shock through his body when she started moving her hand faster around his shaft. Instinctively his hands flew up to tear at his hair. She moved so that both hands worked up and down his cock, letting him see her breasts bounce with the movement. She spit on him again, gaining more friction.

"I want your cunt." He groaned.

Niamh flashed her canines, "I know."

"Gods…" His head fell back.

Niamh went back to using one hand, steadying herself with the other so she could kiss up his stomach. She stopped when she reached his throat.

"I suppose you want to fuck me." She nipped at his soft skin.

"Yes." Titus whispered, closing his eyes.

"You want to fuck my cunt until I'm broken in two, spilling into me and fucking until you're soft."

"Yes." His nails dug into the floor as she quickened her pace around his cock.

Niamh breathed into his neck, "You want me to scream your name when you take me from behind, pulling my hair and slapping my ass."

"Gods yes."

"But I won't let you." Niamh said, "Now cum for me like the naughty boy you are."

Niamh bit into his neck as Titus climaxed onto his stomach. Niamh let go of his cock and let the mess spill over. Titus glared at her when she tossed his clothes to him.

"Temptress." He called her.

"Fool." She retorted, throwing a spare towel at him, "Now clean yourself and get the hell out of my room."

Titus was about to remark, but for once did as he was bade and stood up to see that Niamh was already pulling her nightgown on.

He strode over to her and grabbed the back of her neck, "What if I want to stay?"

Niamh smiled, "Then you'll just get the same. Never my cunt, or my ass...not even my mouth."

"Oh but how will I ever quiet that sharp tongue of yours?" Titus asked her, bending down for a kiss before she stopped him with her finger.

"I know how I'll quiet yours." Niamh said, "With a scorched dagger."

"A shame you'll never know what it can do if you cut it off."

"I'm weeping already." Niamh frowned and pushed him to the door.

Titus stopped before she opened the door for him.

"Just one night?" He begged, "You'd deny me one night?"

Niamh thought for a moment, then nodded, "I would." She opened the door and pushed him away.

Titus stopped the door from closing with his arm.

"I'll keep finding you."

Niamh scoffed, "Next time I'll use the knife rather than my hand."

"You can try."

"I will." Niamh slammed the door in his face.

She listened to him walk away, hoping that Celeste didn't run into him on his way out. Niamh went over and blew her candles out, but walked over to the window to see Titus strolling the street, a particular spring to his step.

"Idiot." She muttered.

She threw herself onto her bed, her fingers clinging to her hair as the thoughts raced into her mind as to what she had just done. She hit her head against the mattress, hating herself. Niamh took one last look through the window from her bed and whispered:

"Fuck."