Of all the places in Vivec that could be considered barely remote, this was far from the worst.
Rialyn entered the tavern at the edge of the residential quarter, hoping to find some solitude and time to ponder. As it turned out, this was just the right place. A few cramp stone rooms were interconnected between each other, isolated from sound and other disturbances. There weren't many inside-a lone ordinator without his helm sitting at the corner, so summed by thoughts immediately stood out to Rialyn. An elderly dunmer couple was sitting closer to the center behind antique wooden tables.
"What if they come here? Will the war resume?" - The woman wondered.
"No, don't worry, we're as safe here as we can be in Morrowind." - The man responded.
Rialyn approached the stand, fully prepared to have a soft drink. There were two young dunmer men in front of him, waiting for their order and arguing.
"Surely you don't think about throwing in with that lot. Have you lost your mind?"-One of them said with utter disappointment.
"Why not? It feels like half of the city's ordinators threw in with that lot!" The other's response echoed guilt and rationalization.
"Have you got no pride at all? Even after all that has happened, we don't need the scum to save us!"
"Pride is the last thing you'll consider when argonians are at your throat…."
The two soon retreated to their table with their drink, finally allowing Rialyn to make a turn. The Dragonborn arrived at a stand, witnessing the bartender. A middle-aged dark elf with bleak bags under his eyes, a young girl behind him, helping to serve the drinks.
"What would you like?" - The tender spoke in a monotone.
"I assume there is no bloody Mara." - Rialyn said lightly, being amused at how his own sense of humor emerging after gaining a few days of respite.
"Haven't even heard of that."
"Something light, then."
"Valenwood liqueur?"
"Will do."
"Arina, a bottle of liqueur for this gentleman." - He looked at the girl, who took a long and intrigued look at Rialyn himself and ran towards the storage. "Take a seat. She'll bring you the drink soon."
Rialyn nodded and sat on one of the tables nearest to the stand. The few minutes he got before the arrival of his drink allowed the Dragonborn to ponder, like others that came here did.
The pacing of his life changed drastically over the last few days. Getting used to Vivec city has not been straightforward. Even in Skyrim, Rialyn preferred to avoid large towns, and those could not compare with Vivec. Over a century and a half, this land was consumed by tumultuous waters and the fall. Now, not much of that catastrophe remained, at least at first sight.
He didn't talk to many people outside of Heleria and Nerius; it satisfied him now. The former turned out to be a very busy woman throughout her day, constantly examining her books and research or leaving for occasional visits to associates. Still, she was a kind and caring woman who allowed Rialyn to stay in a spare room of her own residence. He was grateful for it. She didn't bother him with questions and tales of his adventures, not much, anyway…Rialyn hoped she wasn't planning to write a book about him. He still had his suspicions about the Thalmor business and possible connections but allowed it to slide for now. Being careful was all that mattered.
Speaking of the latter, he was stuck between an uneasy choice between safety and adventure, always making one choice. He was excited to be here, even if many citizens looked at him suspiciously. Rialyn imagined having to live in Riften for most of his life and then finally leaving…He understood Nerius, just worried a little.
He didn't talk to others, but he listened. Rialyn learned much about the current state of Vivec from their conversations. The city was still primarily populated by dunmer, but not as much as before. The only two great houses that had a presence in the town were Redoran and Indoril. Both had to make a difficult choice in allowing Thalmor and Empire into the city. The old cities of Ebonheart and Seyda Neen have been annihilated, and thus this was the only option. The town became a place of negotiations between the great houses and those from outer Tamriel. Citizens themselves were…Hopeful. Finally, their lives had some semblance of stability and ascendance, but they lived in fear of the argonians, which claimed most of the Morrowind's south, including Mournhold. Rialyn wasn't in a position to blame them, considering his own attitudes to high elves.
His musings were interrupted by a dunmer girl, no more than twelve years of age, approaching his table with a bottle.
"Your order, sir…" - She said meekly. Rialyn didn't want her to fear.
"Don't be afraid; I won't harm you." - He responded and saw the girl get a bit more confident.
"Ah, sure…" - She put the bottle on his table but wasn't in a rush to leave. "I think I saw you…You are the moon and stars, right?" - She asked with childlike wonder.
"Who?"
"The blessed hero from Skyrim, right? The one who will save us?" - She pushed on. It seems like questions about Dragonborn would come out from most unexpected places.
"Whoever told you that likes to exaggerate…I am Rialyn." - He responded.
"Arina, nice to meet you…So I was right? Are you…"?
"The Dragonborn? Yes, I am. Before I can save anyone, I need to figure out what is happening here…And why I was expected." - Rialyn added.
"Merlyne says you were in the prophecy, the savior of Morrowind…The real hero." - She said with a glimmer of hope.
Merlyne…This was another name Rialyn heard more than once.
"Who is this Merlyne? I might have a few words."
"She is from the temple, she told us about a hero…And then the yellow elves said she was right." - Arina stuttered a little.
"Oh, that explains a lot…."
Before he could finish, Rialyn saw a very familiar face entering the inn. What in Oblivion was Nerius doing here?
"Ah, here you are!" - The argonian waved to Rialyn and rushed towards him. Before they could notice, Arina ran back to the stand, away from the Dragonborn. As Nerius approached, Rialyn heard malicious laughter from one of the dunmer men he saw earlier. He talked to his neighbor after that, Rialyn could not listen to their whispers, but they pointed at Nerius, who desperately tried to ignore it.
"Don't you remember what Heleria said about bars?" - The Dragonborn asked cautiously; Rialyn just shrugged.
"I'm sure she knew I wouldn't be able to avoid them for long, especially now that you are here." - The argonian sat in front of Rialyn. "Just wanted to have a drink together, you know?"
"Well, I won't say no to that." - Rialyn opened the bottle. "Have you found much of interest around here?"
"Oh, quite a lot. Today, I looked at the Imperial Canton, and the temple is very close. The guards are all around there, working with ordinators and sometimes even altmer." - Nerius recalled.
"Who do they worship now? I assume it is the Daedra." - Rialyn continued
"I heard the talks of the new Tribunal, although there are even more…I didn't try to enter the temple; being watched by all of these guardians felt a little…Dry on my scales." - Nerius said with doubt in his voice.
"Hey, lizard scum!" - The voice interrupted Rialyn and Nerius. The two young dunmer came from behind, looking at the argonian with pure malice. Rialyn caught a glimpse of the old couple leaving promptly as they realized that things were about to get rough. The ordinator in the corner paid no attention whatsoever.
"What do you want?" - Nerius said with a shiver, expecting the worst. Rialyn remained silent, he didn't like to talk, and they didn't say enough to teach them a lesson yet.
"Haven't seen you before, you a spy or something? Well, bad news, scales give it away!" - One of them laughed.
"Do you expect to just come here and drink with Dunmer after what your kind has done? Here, under Azura's gaze?" - The other one continued.
"I am from Skyrim; I've never even seen the invasion…" - Nerius said, concealing his anger. At this point, Rialyn had enormous respect for him. In Skyrim, argonians and dark elves were brothers in grief, driven from their homes and suffering at the mercy of nords. Here, the tables have turned. "And my friend is more than willing to drink with me, so just leave me alone!" - Nerius shouted, attracting the attention of the bartender and Arina.
"What in Boethia's name is going on?" - He asked, but nobody listened.
"As if I care!" - One of the Dunmer said in response to Nerius.
"This place wasn't made for you, so get out and free some space for those that deserve it!" - Another one shouted.
"Try practicing what you preach." - Rialyn said dryly and looked at them. "Leave your place for someone that deserves it more…Granted, in your case, it's not hard."
"And who are you to talk like that?" - The more aggressive dunmer turned to Rialyn. "Why do you defend him? Don't you know what lizards did to Mournhold? You are just lowering yourself to his level!"
"I don't care about debating with you. So just one warning-leave." - Rialyn spoke with a tone of menace.
"Or what?" - The angry dunmer kneeled and looked him in the eyes while the other took the knife from his pocket…This was the exact point.
Rialyn jumped up, taking a sword that was hidden underneath his clothes. It was no match for the mace, but he didn't carry that weapon around too much, for simplicity was welcome now. He pushed the Dunmer aside towards his friend. Both fell to the floor, shocked by the response but not showing any signs of fear. It did not take them long to forget about Nerius as they took the daggers. Rialyn gave argonian a glance, suggesting to stand aside.
"Oh, how bold! I'll teach you a damn lesson!" - One of them said.
"Please, stop!" - Arina's voice rang out in the bar, but no one gave it a response except the tender himself.
"Arina, call the guards!"
"Ordinators?"
"Whoever is closest!"
The girl ran off outside, and the tension continued to rise.
"You've made a big mistake." - One of the elves said, ready to fight Rialyn.
"That's what always say."
They charged at him, only to immediately block their strikes by Rialyn. He stroked one of the dunmer with his sword, opening the wound on his hand. He screamed and dropped the dagger, after which Rialyn pushed him away. He turned to the second one, giving him a few seconds to think and back off. The assailant made a wrong choice and pressed on. Rialyn utilized his fire magic, coming from the left hand. The flames quickly hit this dunmer and forced him to shout, immediately abandoning his attempts. He retreated to his wounded friend, not brave enough to strike again.
"Bloody…"
He was interrupted by the opened door; Arina returned and quickly rushed to the bartender, bringing someone with her. This, someone turned out to be a young imperial man in legionnaire armor, looking at the situation with brimming anger.
"What is going on here?" - He asked in a commanding voice.
"These two started attacking my customers…" - The tender began.
"We just wanted to teach them a lesson; you're not going to…."
The imperial looked at Rialyn, and his expression changed. The rage was momentarily replaced with undivided interest.
"Get out, you two. And don't you dare cause any more trouble."
"But…"
"Get out." - The imperial said starkly. Two dunmer decided to abandon their foolish cause and left the inn with their bodies and prides wounded. The tender looked with disappointment at the mess made before looking at the imperial.
"Thank you."
"No need…" - He approached Rialyn and Nerius.
"I think I've seen him near the canton…" - Argonian whispered.
"If you wish to punish us for that, then I am the only one who took part." - Rialyn stated confidently. "My friend is innocent."
"No, no, we are done with that…" - The imperial raised his hand, ready for a shake. "Legate Nermero Cniseius, keeping law and order here for two years now."
"Why such hospitality?" - Rialyn asked.
"I came to this canton searching for someone specific, and I think this disturbance helped me find them." - He looked at the argonian. "Nerius Calilures?"
"Yes…That's me."
"Then I can only presume…" - As Nermero spoke, Rialyn knew where this was going. "You are the Dragonborn. Rialyn, right?"
"Not again…Can't I just drink in peace for a moment?" - The dunmer wondered.
"Not with our status. It's an honor to meet you; truly, Tullius was of a very high opinion of you." - Rialyn could feel respect in Nermero's voice.
"You didn't just admire him, have you? - Nerius asked suspiciously.
"No, we can talk about Skyrim and all that transpired there later, what I want now…I am hosting a council meeting between representatives of great houses, Empire, and Thalmor…The news you brought about argonian raiders has been troubling. You could provide a full account, and if you are true to your intent, aid." - Nermero proposed; Nerius thought to himself. He was being dragged into politics again, but there was not much choice here, was there? Perhaps it should be sooner and not later.
"Well…"
"Come on, Rialyn, you could help them a lot! You should take the chance." - Nerius advised.
"Not just him; I need both of you there." - Nermero clarified.
"What…Really?"
"Of course, you have seen the raiders as well, haven't you?"
Nerius and Rialyn looked at each other, and the answer seemed obvious.
…
The next journey has been relatively quick and unexpected. The last thing Rialyn expected was an imperial legate requesting his presence at a council, but it was precisely what he needed. He will be able to see the leaders of great houses in the Vivec and Thalmor delegation once again. Perhaps this will shed some light on their plans.
Nerius was excited to attend this session while still worrying about his status as an argonian. The imperial army has tolerated other races, but the same could not be said about most elves here. He remained quiet throughout their patch across Vivec bridges, carefully looking over his surroundings.
Soon they reached the canton with Imperial flags covering its walls and legionnaires guarding the outskirts. Once these symbols inspired greatness, both conquest, and unity among Tamriel, as much as possible. Now the Empire was fractured and weak, Cyrodiil and High Rock remaining its last bastions until recently. It felt strange for Rialyn to realize that he helped turn around the tide of war and unite Skyrim under the Empire, but he believed this was the right course of action. Stormcloaks were a distraction, consumed by vices they claimed to fight against; Skyrim would be a better place for their absence.
"Aren't you too…Young to be a legate?" - Rialyn couldn't help but ask Nermero as they walked through the canton's halls.
"And what makes you think that? The high command makes decisions based on merit, not age." - Nermero replied starkly.
"Well, at times, there is a correlation."
"Why are you the one talking about this, Dragonborn? My identification of mer aging might be lacking, but you seem quite young to me as well" - The legate was not wrong. Rialyn found it curious that the Empire would give this position in Morrowind to Nermero. Perhaps he is judging prematurely.
"I've seen many talented youngsters." - Nerius joined their conversation. "No need to look further than thieves in Riften."
It wasn't fated to continue as soon they reached the main hall. A round table at the center created a semblance of a knightly order. It was surrounded by collections of the imperial armory at several stands in wardrobes, making the room multi-functional. Two chairs were taken, both by dunmer representatives, a man in a heavy steel armor resembling Redoran and a woman in golden robes. They were discussing the recent news with each other.
"And how do you expect us to fight back if that's all true?" - The woman inquired.
"Our people withstood cataclysms far worse without begging for salvation, I have faith." - Replied the man.
"Our land was not as fractured as it is now…We can't turn to daedra."
Their discussion was interrupted by the other's entrance.
"Ah, legate, we've been waiting for a while now." - Dunmer in armor immediately noted.
"I took a little longer than expected, but I hope this won't be of a hindrance." - Nermero announced, looking over everyone present.
"And who are they?" - The dunmer woman asked.
"Guests." - Rialyn's reply was short.
"You'd do good by introducing yourselves." - Nermero said.
"Very well." - The woman replied. "I am Lithel Sarrus, Indoril councilor. Hope it will be a pleasure…."
"Niraeth Glenthyl, I speak for the Redoran." - The man added. Both were expecting the same courtesy from Rialyn and Nerius. Argonian was first.
"Eh…Nerius Calilures, a traveler." - He said a little awkwardly.
"Rialyn, the same thing." - The dunmer replied. Nermero shook his head.
"You're not going to play your games now, are you? He is the Dragonborn, hero to Skyrim and the Empire, simultaneously our witness." - He introduced Rialyn forcefully, trying to build up his status. The Dunmer was getting used to everyone admiring him for the heroics of Dragonborn, most often a facade.
"What he says is, you might have heard of me." - Rialyn played along with a slight smirk.
"Forgive me if that's impractical, but I question their presence on official matters. Who are they in Vivec? Travelers? The Dragonborn's fame doesn't allow him to do what he wants." - Lithel argued, only to be resisted by Niraeth.
"He has seen invaders, I'd hear what he has to say, and he wishes to help…So be it."
Nermero sat at the table, unable to hide his annoyance.
"We're still missing…" - At this moment, he noticed a high elf entering the room. "Speak of the daedra…."
The face was familiar to Rialyn, the same altmer that "welcomed" him when he arrived in Vivec.
"Greeting, everyone." - He said with a slight tone of glee when entering the room. "Apologies for my lack of punctuality; I hope I didn't take too much of your time." - Celion sat on one of the chairs, putting his staff away. He looked at Rialyn with interest.
"Ah, the Dragonborn, what a pleasant surprise! Welcome, I can you only hope you are in a better mood than last time…" - He looked over Rialyn, trying not to pull any strings. The Dragonborn found it entertaining; no matter what he wanted him to think, Celion was wary before him.
"A little better." - Rialyn replied and sat at the table near Nermero. He invited Nerius to sit; the argonian felt a little awkward but eventually joined the representatives.
"So, let's discuss matters at hand, shall we?" - Celion said and looked at Lithel. The woman seemed to understand what he hinted at.
"I had another talk with Tel Vos ambassador yesterday, but their position remains unchanged." - She said with disappointment. "The Telvanni house has no interest in joining us in Vivec, receiving or offering any aid from Empire and Thalmor."
"They want to keep their sovereignty and isolation…I can't say I blame them." - Niraeth considered this moment. "It has been the Telvanni way for generations."
"If we can handle changing our ways after the invasion, so can they." - Lithel was quick to discount this concern.
"Enough with this for now." - Nermero interrupted them with a commanding but still calm voice. "We have to talk about the raiders."
"I have my doubts about their presence here." - Niraeth responded. "But I suppose you brought those two for a reason."
"Yes…So, can you tell me about those raiders you met? Where, how many, what did they say?" - Nermero was determined to push the conversation forward. Rialyn recollected their meeting in his mind.
"There were four of them, didn't say much. We had to kill them in self-defense; that's about it." - He responded.
"We met them to the north of Balmora while passing by the ruins of an old town…No one there except these raiders. One of them said he was sent before death." - Nerius said.
"That must be the remnant of Gnaar Mok…Didn't think anything would withstand." - Lithel seemed intrigued.
"It is a carefully-laid sentiment, but I believe we deserve to see some proof before any concrete judgments." - Celion inquired politely.
"Nerius has just the thing." - Rialyn pointed out, and the argonian took out his blade, placing it on the table. The blade was light and sharp; saxhleel writings covered it. Everyone present scrutinized it, especially Niraeth.
"Yes, I've seen these before…Argonian making is unlikely to be found anywhere in Vvardenfell.
"But they do not have a fleet. How would they get transport and cross the expanse undetected?" - Lithel still seemed skeptical.
"Maybe we don't know everything." - Nermero pointed out.
"Impossible, we've been at war for decades now, and you say they've managed to hide ships?"
"Black Marsh is a remote place; who knows what they have there." - Rialyn was used to expecting every outcome.
"If that's true, they intend to continue their invasion going as far as the isle…This raises some older matters, the ones we discussed with the legate." - Celion reminded them, giving a cue to uncertain Nermero.
"That's true. Celion and I have considered requesting aid from the Emperor. Now that the northern front is no longer a problem, it seems possible. But you know what conditions are at stake." - He reminded the councilors.
"Yes, we do…" - Niraeth said quietly, unhappy at the proposition. "I might understand an alliance, but joining the Empire is too far."
"We could offer you protection, don't you understand?"
"With all due respect, it seems like you are trying to reinstate the Empire to its former glory, and that will never happen."
"Speaking of allies…" - Lithel added. "I talked to Celion about this, but I'm sure he would be better at the wording."
"Ah, thank you very much. If the war sparks again, I will do everything in my power to convince Thalmor to lend Morrowind aid. No offense to our scaly acquaintance, but none of us wish to be conquered by his kind." - Celion said with venom hidden behind concern; Nerius just sighed.
"Why would I expect anything different…I feel like taking a stroll." - Nerius left the table and walked towards the armory to look at the weapons. Rialyn turned to Celion.
"Try to, at least, hide your arrogance next time."
"Apologies, but I have stated the truth. Anyway, back to our conversation…."
"I highly doubt that Thalmor council would agree without demands in return." - Nermero pointed out.
"Why not? They have been more receptive than the Emperor of yours." - Lithel replied.
"I've seen this "receptiveness" firsthand…."
"What's the meaning of this, Nermero? Are we not allies here?" - Celion said with annoyance while Niraeth turned towards Rialyn, trying to get the Dragonborn's attention.
"And what do you think?"
"Me? Why does it matter?" - Rialyn was comfortable just listening to their ramblings and learning about the current situation from this.
"You may not be a hero in Morrowind, but you are one of our people, no matter how stranded. You're also familiar with Empire, so it would only be reasonable to take an interest." - He wasn't wrong; Rialyn thought about his current position for a moment before talking to the council.
"I have lived under the Empire all my life, from Cyrodiil to Skyrim. They can both become a powerful ally and crush their enemies without remorse." - He looked at the legate. "Nermero can attest to that, I am sure."
"Yes, that's true…And there is no intention to make Morrowind an enemy, certainly not on my part."
"Even if so-your Empire remains highly fractured on its own." - Celion said. "Would you risk losing more of your men here?"
"That would depend…" - Nermero began but was interrupted by a loud sound of one of the wardrobes opening, followed by a piercing scream.
"Over here!" - Nerius shouted as he drew his blade. The councilors looked towards the armory and noticed him fighting alone dunmer woman with daggers, her head covered with a cloak. She pushed the argonian away and rushed to the door.
"Get her, now!" - Nermero shouted. Both he and Rialyn rushed towards the intruder, but they were too far.
However, before the rogue could escape, Nerius quickly intercepted her and blocked the door. She didn't even have time to notice before he fought her off with impressive speed, pushing her to the ground.
"Let me go!" - She shouted, but Nerius didn't give it. She managed to cut his hand, which caused the argonian to grunt, but afterward, he tore the daggers from her hand and threw them to the floor. This was the moment when Rialyn and Nermero joined; the woman was cornered, and soon she finally stopped resisting.
"That's an impressive display…Where I'd you learn?" - Nermero asked.
"A thing here, another there…You don't get to Thieves guild without skill." - He said reactively, causing Rialyn to smirk uncomfortably. Mentioning criminal organizations wasn't the best move…Thankfully, Nermero did not care much.
"Are you alright?" - The Dragonborn asked.
"Oh, don't worry, just a scratch." - Nerius responded as the other three councilors approached.
"Now to the matter of who she is…" - Niraeth said suspiciously. Lithel noticed a necklace with a medallion of Daedric symbolic.
"I recognize that…Molag Bal insignia, she must be a worshipper."
"A third one we had to deal with this week, mind you." - Celion said angrily. Nermero looked into the Dunmer woman's eyes.
"Why were you here? Were you planning to assassinate someone?"
"I won't talk to you."
"Oh, you aren't in a position to bargain. Answer me, gods damnit!" - Nermero got furious while the woman focused her attention on Rialyn.
"I…Came here to listen to your talk. You hide your plans from us as the doom approaches…" - She said spitefully, looking over the councilors, before turning to the Dragonborn. "But that wasn't my plan for long. I followed in the shadows…Followed him."
"Wonderful, another obsessed cultist." - Rialyn crossed his hands.
"You are the hero they lamented; I spent days watching you…Many did."
"Is there a point to this ramble?" - The Dragonborn said, barely holding his annoyance.
"Only that Merlyne was right. You are his new incarnation…You are the Nerevarine."