"Woke up already, have you?" - The first sound Rialyn heard after opening his eyes was Heleria's voice. This choice of words immediately sent him down a spiral of unpleasant memories, as if he hadn't just escaped one. The Dragonborn looked around to see the burning sun above them; it seemed like a long sleep.
"And you finished your book and got bored?" - He asked while slowly getting up.
"It's a long book, and I always try to avoid getting bored. I'd rather have you look outside, though; your friend over there can barely hold back!" - Heleria pointed to the south. When Rialyn finally ascended, he saw the glory of Neo-Vivec in front of him.
Numerous large structures towered above the waters and beyond docks; if the books were to go by, they were named cantons. Each served a purpose, be it a residence of a particular great house or a place for citizens to gather together. They were surrounded by deep waters with a golden bridge connecting the city to land. The sea around them was uneven and widespread, with occasional isles of land among it, leveled and torn. The consequences of old Vivec's destruction still remained.
"Now that's a city! For all our differences, dark elves have their style…" - Nerius said with approval, while Rialyn continued to watch in awe. Here it was, their destination. He was supposed to be here a few days ago if not for their detainment due to the storm. Now there was not much left to do but to see this city for himself. How ironic…Sometimes he wished matters would be as simple as slaying a dragon.
Nerius and Heleria got off the cart, the altmer woman helped their rider, and was ready to enter the city.
"You are not having second thoughts, are you? This wouldn't be very Dragonborn of you…." - Heleria gave him a little push.
"Come on, there is much for us to see!" - Nerius added
Rialyn just sighed and got off the cart. It was time to see what secrets Vivec held. The roads paved outside of it had few people on them, mainly the guardians covered in heavy armor in gold, watching his every step. Rialyn imagined most stayed indoors due to occasional ashen storms, even if they were not frequent near the sea.
"I hope at least they wouldn't attack for being an argonian…Although they look like they might." - Nerius shivered a little.
"I've read much about them…" - Rialyn quietly said while looking over the guards. "New ordinators, are they?"
"Yes, they are of House Indoril, not so faithful to Tribunal any longer…But they don't need much reason to watch out for "scum."" - Heleria replied cautiously. "So, as I said, we can…."
"Wait, there's someone ahead." - Rialyn interrupted her and pointed to the other road. There was a whole party walking directly towards them. There were three ordinators and a…No, it couldn't be. Rialyn barely held his gasp; Nerius couldn't hold his scowl while all Heleria showed was a mild annoyance. In front of them, there was a Dominion soldier, a woman covered in Aldmeri armor.
"Is that…What are they doing here?" - Nerius asked in shock.
"See, when your nation is stuck between a returning invasion and a destructive force of nature, you would accept help from…Various sources." - Heleria said. Rialyn remained silent, resisting his urge to grab a sword immediately.
"Halt, traveler, I have a few questions." - The woman said as she stood in front of the trio, clearly interested in Rialyn.
"These travelers are exhausted; we've gone from Balmora. Perhaps…" - Heleria began to talk only to be clear cut off.
"Silence, I wasn't talking to you." - The woman looked at Nerius with eyes full of distrust and hatred. Rialyn could feel Nerius's unease, and this unfairness infuriated him.
"Is he with you?" - The woman asked.
"And why exactly does it matter?" - Rialyn asked angrily. "Is poking into others' business something every Thalmor does?" - The Dragonborn crossed his arms, not showing any signs of submission.
"Don't overdo it…" - He heard Heleria's whispers.
"Yes, you certainly seem like the man I was told about. The armor fits the description, too…But we've expected you to come by sea." - She noted.
"Hopefully, your expectations don't carry on to me answering any of your questions." - Rialyn said. There was no place for weakness. The Thalmor killed Inaaru, killed Erstenn, and stripped so many of faith and freedom, fueling the civil war in Skyrim even after seeming peace.
"Perhaps I should introduce myself for you to show some manners? Camina Granaire of the Dominion delegation, and are you called Rialyn? That's all our records say." - She asked.
There could be only one reason he was in their records, which meant they knew that Rialyn was no ordinary elf. They wouldn't let the Dragonborn out of sight, but their intentions still remained a mystery.
"If your records are of any accuracy, you should understand the consequences of provoking this man." - Heleria aided Rialyn a little, but soon they all noticed another high elf. This time it was a mage covered in black robes and a destructive staff between him. Pale skin and dark hair immediately made him distinct, as did the smile on his face.
"She is not here to provoke anyone…" - He stood in between them and finally looked at the Dragonborn. "By Auriel, you truly are impressive, Dovahkiin."
"I don't have anything to say, not to you, not her. Move aside and let's be on our way." - Rialyn remained unimpressed.
"You don't have to say anything, not before you hear me out. I am Celion Leinarte, leader of Thalmor delegation in Vvardenfell." - He bowed courteously, yet it still seemed highly fake and pretentious to Rialyn.
"Well, it's not that you would give me a chance to introduce myself without looking at the record…Better than trying to kill me, I suppose." - The Dragonborn said with annoyance.
"Perhaps you need to be reminded of your infiltration of the Thalmor Embassy near Solitude? Our people died there, of your hand." - He reminded with the utmost calm, almost as if it was expected.
"Can we honestly not do this now? There is certainly a better…" - Heleria was not allowed to finish.
"I do not intend to take much of your time, just wanted to make sure Rialyn here got a welcome he deserved!" - Celion exclaimed.
"You'd better listen to him unless you want any more problems with me." - Camina added.
"Is that it? All you wanted to say?" - Rialyn continued.
"See, as a "public" figure, your travels transgressions do not remain unnoticed, whether you like it or not. The word has quickly spread that the vaunted Dovahkiin has left Skyrim in search of the unknown." - Celion declared; Rialyn understood what he was getting at.
"Don't say that people know about your arrival…."
"Oh, but they do. People of Vivec are a hopeful lot, much more so compared to other dunmer of Morrowind. And we aren't even talking about prophecies…" - Celion thought about how to put this into words. "And as we, the Thalmor delegation, work with the people, we have told them about you. A dunmer warrior with an accursed mace and an unmatched set of Daedric armor, a perfect candidate for a hero." - Celion described with pride. Rialyn felt the rage flowing through him.
"Isn't that a little…Impolite? Have him introduce himself, you know?" - Heleria asked rhetorically but ended up being ignored by Celion.
"We are helping the Dragonborn more than anything. Our records say…" - Camina began.
"I don't care." - Rialyn cut her off, continuing to look at the elusive mastermind here? Celion didn't seem troubled at all.
"The situation in the city is complicated. Supporting order is getting difficult with every hour. And whatever your intentions in the city are, let me assure you that we are not your enemy here. Our goals are largely similar." - The mage said and lent a hand to Rialyn, hoping for him to shake it. The Dragonborn looked at it with utter disgust, hidden behind his visage.
"Tell me honestly…When will the assassins come? A day? Two? Maybe it will take a month, doesn't matter. I had enough of your kind in Skyrim, enough oppression for both myself and the ordinary innocents. I'd sooner join the argonian invasion than throw in with you!" - He exploded at them with hatred and rage. Celion just shook his head.
"Disappointing…But expected. If that is your position, we won't stand in your way. There isn't much to say…" - Celion glanced at Nerius. "Just be careful what you say around here with the company you keep. Who knows what they might think after seeing an argonian…"? - The delegate hinted, which caused Nerius to respond directly, tired of this arrogance directed at him.
"Perhaps you should be worried about argonians who raid this island and not those that try to live in peace!" - This wasn't something Thalmor expected; Camina immediately turned her attention to Nerius.
"You're lying! There are no argonian raiders in Vvardenfell; we saw to that."
"Didn't see enough, did you?" - Rialyn joined in, unable to resist the temptation of mocking those bastards.
"Enough!" - Heleria stepped in between them. "If you haven't realized yet, I'll spell it. This is just not productive! You don't try and forge alliances before the guest even settles down! How about we all go about our business?" - That almost sounded like a command and seemingly worked. Celion sighed and turned to Camina.
"Later, then. Let Dovahkiin have his pride."
"I told you…."
Celion bowed before Rialyn, who, of course, showed no same courtesy. Before finally leaving, Celion threw a suspicious glance at Heleria.
"When the need arrives, I might need to discuss something…I would appreciate it if you could free a moment of your time." - He proposed.
"I have no slightest idea of what you're talking about." - She responded with uncertainty.
"Nothing that will inconvenience you…." - Celion looked over the trio, almost as if inspecting his potential victims. At least that's how it looked in Rialyn's eyes.
"Enjoy your stay in Vivec, Dovahkiin. Remember, our doors are always open."
The mage turned away and gracefully walked out, followed by Camina and ordinators. Unlike her, Celion could hide his hatred and personal motives near perfectly.
As the party withdrew back, Heleria looked over Rialyn and Nerius, who had no desire to talk. Whether she wanted to say something or not, the woman decided to withhold that for now. It was time to go.
Despite having no intention to hide his disdain for Thalmor and their manipulations, Rialyn was relieved that it did not go too far. Heleria had a point…Even if her desire to avoid conflict felt like a weakness to Rialyn. Sometimes all you have to do and stand up for yourself and allow no one to take advantage. He did not believe Celion for a moment. There was a scene behind his demeanor, the Dragonborn had no doubt.
"Well, that wasn't what I expected…" - Heleria said with uncertainty.
"My friends in Riften had much to say about liars like those…Their waters are too murky." - Nerius shivered a little and responded, he had no love for Thalmor; none of them did.
"I dealt with these types. If they are trying to be polite, there is something for them to gain. There isn't much to do except keep them away." - Rialyn said with fading anger in his voice.
"They are official representation here. Believe me when I say you don't want to make enemies on your first day!" - Heleria remained adamant. "Hopefully, they would turn their attention to the argonian raiders now that they know…."
"Probably already thinking of how to turn it to their advantage." - Rialyn said with disdain.
"I don't doubt, but all in its time…" - Heleria added. "If what they say is true, not everyone knows you are the Dragonborn…."
"They wanted to attract attention, for some reason…Whatever it is, can't be good." - The Dragonborn said as he looked to the sides. The gazes of passing Ordinators weighed heavily on him. Who was an enemy, and who, a friend?
"Oh, don't be so dull, we'll get you a new set of clothes, and you will fit right in with the people here." - Heleria pointed.
"I have my doubts…."
"Hey, I lived with them for years; I will have advice for every situation."
"Well, you are just a resident…" - Rialyn remembered Celion's words once again. His caution rose. "Or maybe not? He wanted to talk to you about what?"
"I…Have no idea whatsoever."
Perhaps Rialyn was getting a bit too trusting…She was still an altmer who took an unusual interest in him. What says that she can't be working together with them? She might be better at pretense than Tordver. There was no guarantee.
"And he seemed very certain. I told you I was the Dragonborn, so be fair. If you have any ties…" - He said with some irritation.
"Wait, wait." - Nerius interfered. "She helped you find me and helped us to get here; that's too far!"
"It's not unfounded…" - Heleria said quietly. "But I have no interest in defending myself. That will be a little unproductive. I can say this once and for all, I don't have any ties and involvements." - She said, trying to remain optimistic, with a tone of disappointment beneath it. "Maybe you'll trust me more in time."
"Maybe…"
"Give her a break, she…."
"Let's change the topic, shall we? My tour to you can officially begin now; we've arrived at the residential quarter!" - She said while pointing to the structure in front of them. Heleria stood in front of the entrance, right under the sun, causing her azure eyes and bright blonde hair to shimmer underneath it.
"How many can it house?" - Nerius asked.
"A couple of hundred or so, there is the Great Bazaar in the center, and I live on the lower level." - The altmer said as they entered past the guarding ordinators.
Rialyn saw the heart of this canton, a vast hall with numerous houses stacked around the center. He soon realized that these were not residential but the biggest shops in the area. Some of them had citizens gathered around them, but even so, it was surprisingly quiet. Nothing in comparison to Skyrim. Most of them were dunmer, but members of other races were among them, primarily imperial or nordic.
They talked to each other, whispered, and gazed at Rialyn as he passed. Celion made a great deal of exposing how the Dragonborn would look upon arrival, and so these people would now.
"My library is to the north." - Heleria pointed but not before an old dark elf stood between her and Rialyn.
"You…We've been told about you." - He said with an unusual tone of hope in his voice as he looked at Rialyn.
"I am not in the mood for long conversations."
"The Dragonborn, yes? Merlyne has heralded your arrival, a hero from the north blessed by imperial gods…She called you a long-lost son of Morrowind." - He seemed impressed and very confident in whatever nonsense he was saying.
"I don't know any Merlyne, and as I said…."
"We're very busy right now, apologies. I have to show my friend the city; we can discuss all of that later." - Heleria claimed and moved away from the bazaar, signaling Rialyn and Nerius to follow her.
"This seems like a fun place…." - Nerius said, unsure whether it was severe or not.
"Somewhat. The bazaar was a new touch after the city was rebuilt, took it after the old capital." - Heleria explained as they entered the corridor.
"Who is Merlyne? Someone important?" - Rialyn finally asked.
"Someone who I expected to be a nuisance if she knows…But after you came, her words might not be so nonsensical." - Heleria said with doubt.
"That does not explain it." - Rialyn said.
"You'll meet her yourself fairly soon."
They finally approached the right section, descending into the canton's lower levels. Rialyn could almost feel the sea beneath their walls, its scent of salt mixed with the stench of sewers. Heleria must have lived here for a long while to get used to this. As they entered Heleria's residence, Rialyn found himself quite impressed.
"Oh, home, sweet home, this journey has been more exciting than usual! "- Heleria exclaimed as she sat on the nearest chair. "Did you mention history? Well, I have much of that."
They found themselves in a middle of an extensive library occupying a territory that would constitute a couple of flats. Rialyn found himself surrounded by bookstalls, not as grand as the ones in castle Volkihar but filled with knowledge and lore. Heleria put her book on one of the stands.
"That's magnificent." - Nerius said in awe. "Did you collect all of those yourself?"
"Some of them, others from partners and contacts in other provinces. I took it upon myself to run a library here, so people of Vivec would have something to read. It would give them some leisure, especially in these times…" - Heleria said with hope. She truly cared about helping others in any way she could.
"I'll have a travel around the city later today; its wonders don't cease to amaze." - Nerius said.
"Be careful, it's not Balmora, but still, you're an argonian."
"I won't fall into the same trap again." - Said Nerius with shame.
Heleria turned back to Rialyn, who couldn't help but explore the stands. The books were organized in chronological order. The history of Chimer, the war with the Dwemer, Azura's curse, the Ebonheart Pact…All through the fall of the Tribunal and the city of Vivec. Rialyn felt the desire for knowledge burning inside once again.
"So…You've finally arrived." - Heleria said. "Surely you didn't go all the way to read some more books?"
"No…Not just that."
Rialyn knew what he wanted to do now, the very moment he arrived in Vivec. He didn't even settle and already became a part of another's game and intrigues. But on the flip side, this gave him a clear vision of what to do next. No matter when and where Thalmor was, the enemy couldn't be trusted. Their "delegation" would only serve as a tool to strengthen their grip on Vivec and weaken Morrowind. Perhaps the war in Skyrim would continue here, this time with the natural enemies. Rialyn was more than willing to take part.
Such was a hero's burden.