Finally, opening his eyes to see at least a slimmer of light has been surreal for Rialyn. He was lying in his bed, tired and barely awake. He tried to move, but now he didn't hear any whispers…Just tiredness due to how disturbed his sleep was. The last night felt like a horrible, demonic dream, but Rialyn knew it to be true just by the fusion of his blood...And
by the fact that he was completely naked. His path back to the library has been just as disgusting as his awakening. Swimming into the sewers and then ascending to the library has been the only way to avoid guards, who would undoubtedly have some questions. Only then he was able to calm down and revert from his vampire form.
Rialyn stood up, his head was still dizzy, and he was about to fall. But it didn't last for too long; after a couple of minutes, the Dragonborn finally felt balanced. His old clothes were wet and smelled disgusting. Luckily, Heleria left him a couple of spares. He could only hope she wouldn't have too many questions.
As he was putting in the clothes, Rialyn couldn't help but come back to the night. It all went as planned…Well, as planned as this adrenaline rush could ever be. However, one detail still felt out of place, leaving Rialyn puzzled by its end. The werewolf.
It appeared out of nowhere, stalking the same criminals Rialyn found in his hunt. It fought them with prowess and strength similar to every werewolf. Who was it? Who was the primary target, him or the bandits? Was this werewolf akin to those in the circle and controlled its rage, or was it a feral monster? Its behavior and quick retreat would suggest the former.
As Rialyn approached the door leading to the library, he immediately heard some voices on the other side, all of them familiar. The first was Heleria, saying something with notable annoyance while still trying to remain diplomatic. The other was full of camouflaged arrogance and persistence.
The Dragonborn slowly opened the door and quietly walked out. He saw three altmer in the middle of a tense argument. Heleria was talking to Thalmor representatives he saw before, Celion and Camina. Mostly the former, the justiciar was there to oversee and watch the tension, it would seem.
"Heleria, we've been going in circles, and that tires me! You do not get to play the fool with me, I have reliable sources that tell me this research exists." - Celion insisted, but the librarian did not falter.
"I have not the slightest idea about circles; I've made my point clear. I am not confirming nor denying its existence, but this would not be a part of a library under any circumstance. Not before it's finished, anyway." - She responded instead monotonously and couldn't help but let out a yawn. She seemed a little tired as well. These guests must have been her rude awakening,
"Maybe, but we are no ordinary clients, either. I am well aware that you despise your own kin, but for someone who claims to love Morrowind, you are too reluctant to actually help." - Celion said smugly, likely expecting Heleria to feel guilt.
"Oh, here come the personal attacks…Didn't even take an hour. Also, your claim that giving the book to you will help Morrowind in any way is…Offensive. Do I look that idiotic?" - Heleria shrugged calmly.
"Watch your tongue." - Camina replied harshly, still not phasing Heleria.
"How terrifying…" - She responded with apathy.
"Listen here, Heleria…" - Celion began but stopped at the last moment and sniffed. "Do you smell this too? Almost as if someone poured a bucket of sewer water…."
Oh, here it goes. Rialyn sighed, realizing that he would have to appear. The Dragonborn slowly walked out awkwardly and stood in front of the three altmer. He was still a little dreamy.
"Good morning, Heleria…You two as well. Did I miss something?" - He said and yawned so loudly it echoed through the room.
"And here I thought I have problems with sleep." - Heleria said, a little baffled by his current state.
"Do I look that bad?"
"Should I be honest?"
"Come on…"
"Ah, the hero…" - Camina said mockingly. "Living up to his title as always."
"Don't pretend like you don't have rough mornings…" - Rialyn came closer. "Could I propose that you two maybe leave? It's rude to intrude early in the morning and be a pain in the ass…" - Rialyn agitated, not being entirely sensible.
"Do you think that's intimidating or entertaining? You're being pathetic!" - Camina mocked him. "If you feel like rescuing maidens from "evil" Thalmor, you could have at least dressed up for the occasion!"
"You know, I still have my mace in the other room…" - Rialyn continued the provocation.
"And that is a threat." - Camina almost drew her sword only to be stopped by Celion.
"Hear, hear, no need for violence! I wanted to speak to the Dragonborn as well, so let's not lose the moment. Aren't we all sensible people here?" - He tried to calm them down.
"That's debatable." - Heleria quickly added.
"What do you even want?" - Rialyn asked with annoyance.
"We're here because Heleria has something that will be of great aid to our humanitarian mission here." - Celion began.
"Don't forget "allegedly" has and "allegedly" humanitarian." - Heleria responded.
"Don't interrupt." - Camina scowled.
"Fine, fine, have your little moment…."
Celion sighed and carried on.
"Out of all people in Morrowind, she has done the most extensive research on Nerevarine, and people know it!" - Celion grew quite angry.
"Who told you that? People from the bar?" - Heleria asked with a mocking tone.
"I did all in my power to convince her that this research would help us better understand the people of Vivec and help them. Our clients would…- He tried to sound caring.
"And I said that it's private, and yet you still continue to "walk in circles."" - Heleria continued to talk.
"By Au-Riel, why do you have to be so stubborn?"
"She has the right idea." - Rialyn added.
"Holy…Fine, fine, whatever. I'll put in the patience."
"Do you expect me to give potential work of my life to you and some shady
"clients?" That is absurd, and you haven't even told him the actual reason! Let Rialyn decide, although I think it will be quite obvious." - Heleria hinted.
"Come on, be honest with us." - Rialyn said, cornering Celion.
"So be it…As you might know, the rumors about you and your connection to Nerevarine run rampant. Merlyne's influence is considerable due to her position in the temple…Despite her state of mind."- Celion claimed.
"She just needs hope, like most."
"Well, she definitely goes quite overboard…But perhaps this is exactly what people need now. I did some of my own research about the hero and found out something quite intriguing…See, he began as a simple imperial prisoner at the mercy of the Emperor and Blades. They used him as an agent in Morrowind, trying to build the epic of Nerevarine up around this man, whether he was truly the hero or not." - Celion told, Rialyn heard this too, but the tale took a different turn.
"And yet he was given a blessing of ashlander tribes and Azura, correct?" - Rialyn said, seeing Heleria nod. "You can't get any more Nerevarine that way."
"It did not begin that way; it started as a political ploy to create an icon for people to look up to…To believe in. And that is exactly what they need now, and Thalmor can provide it, with an icon, of course." - He finally got to the point; Rialyn saw his agenda.
"Are you proposing an alliance, really? After you've tried to kill me?" - This was preposterous.
"The Empire tried to kill you back in Helgen, and here we are!" - Celion replied, holding his anger back. "I cannot take responsibility for Elenwen's actions. We always had widely different methods. People are at a crossroads, and they need hope. They already believe that you are the Nerevarine; we can make more of it! We will spread the legend further and create a new prophecy. With our knowledge and support, you will become the hero of Vvardenfell; you will bring them hope and fight against the invasion. Isn't that what you always wanted? From what I know, your travels to Morrowind were for exactly this reason. With a little cooperation, get your dream fulfilled, and people get their hope!" - Celion sounded more passionate than ever before. It did sound like a noble proposal on the surface. However, Rialyn knew not to trust them.
"You forgot to mention the part where people gain a newfound appreciation for Thalmor." - Heleria said.
"You should be grateful that Celion even goes to these lengths." - Camina said with disdain.
"Yes, I don't deny it. But you can leave that to us after the people of Morrowind have regained hope." - He looked at Rialyn. "So, what do you say?"
"You don't understand what I actually want here…I want to help, of course, but I can't allow myself to take part in fake legends." - Rialyn proudly claimed, finally getting over his dreamy state.
"It does not matter; we can make it true! Do you really care about being blessed by Daedra? They will take part in anything they find interesting enough. Who knows what will happen if you were to go down the path of Nerevarine?" - Celion said.
"But I am not Nerevarine, not really." - Rialyn said, trying to deal with his temptation. "People need hope, but they can get it without lies. It will require more effort and more work, but it is worth it. Worth much more than selling out to conquerors and becoming another ploy." - He denied Celion the satisfaction. "Was I more naive, perhaps I would accept this proposal, but I've had too many of you in my life. Is that clear?" - Rialyn said, holding nothing that.
"Hear that?" - Heleria said with a smile. "Your presence here is a waste of time, yours and ours."
"Is that…Your final answer?" - Celion asked Rialyn.
"Do I have to repeat myself?"
The altmer sighed and looked at Camina; he turned away and walked towards the exit, and the woman followed him closely.
"Don't think I will drop this idea so easily." - Celion said with distaste.
"You've made quite a mistake." - Camina added.
Rialyn and Heleria watched them leave. The Dragonborn couldn't help but feel pride as he declined this offer, despite some temptation. He would not side with these bastards, not after they have done.
"Finally…Thanks, they have been getting on my nerves lately." - Heleria said.
"Same, they aren't the most pleasant of people…" - Rialyn looked at Heleria with apparent interest. "That said, about that Nerevarine research…."
"I'm sorry to be so blunt, but can you take a shower before we talk about any of that? "
Rialyn was about to argue but didn't find much for it in himself. That was precisely what he needed.
…
After last night's unfortunate events, nothing could be more relaxing to Rialyn than a hot bath. Heleria helped the Dragonborn prepare and heat up the water, after which she left Rialyn to have his time. The warmth spreading through his body made him smile, even though it was hard not to fall asleep in this water.
Rialyn felt alive, felt mortal once again. It was difficult to remember that he had become an immortal being at times. Dunmer might take a long time to age, but that didn't compare to vampires' power. Rialyn was glad at first, but he wasn't so sure anymore. It would be a life full of agonizing nights such as this one, desire to constantly drink blood and prey upon people.
One day something would happen. Either he wouldn't be able to find a source of blood, or worse yet, attacks someone innocent in the middle of his adrenaline rush. Could he be genuinely called a hero of any sort after this? He chose to sell his soul for power and now would no doubt feel the worst of consequences. But he also wondered…What would he do throughout eternity?
Travel across different provinces and help their people when needed? Join a potential war against the Dominion? Travel to Akavir, like Nerevarine did? There was no satisfying answer to this question, not yet. He should be focusing on more pressing matters now.
When Rialyn was done, he felt cleansed and renewed. He finally snapped entirely out of his sleep; this was another advantage of being a vampire. He wouldn't have to worry about the lost sleep time. Rialyn put on some home clothes before returning to the library. He saw Heleria sitting at the only table not filled with books, close to the staircase. She had a teapot near her, prepared to have a drink.
"Hey there!" - She waved after seeing him. Rialyn approached. "You look way better now; I was getting worried." - The woman said jokingly.
"Yes…I feel good as well." - He looked at Heleria and the table she sat at, unsure how to act. He was very interested in seeing this Nerevarine research Celion wanted, but de did not wish to interrupt her.
"You looked like you've just gone through five planes of Oblivion. Anything happened during the night?" - Heleria soon looked at his shoulder. She saw a fragment of Rialyn's scars he received during the night from his battle with a werewolf. They barely ached anymore due to vampire regeneration, but the mark remained. She spoke with concern. "Hey, that's new…Who did this to you?"
"Well…" - Rialyn looked around nervously, then back at Heleria. "It's…A terrible secret of mine."
"Truly?" - She seemed intrigued and a bit worried.
"Yes, but I think you will understand…I sometimes dream walk." - Rialyn responded with dreadful seriousness.
"Oh…And that is all?" - She seemed confused and a little disappointed.
"What do you mean, "that's all"? I dream walked into a sewer, and you can see the consequences."
"Sewers are a dangerous place, true…" - Heleria tried to process this; did she buy it? Rialyn had no idea. "I suppose it's good that you didn't up at a bar or a guard post. While I'm at it, come sit down and have some tea. Special order from Summerset!" - She switched her tone to warm and inviting. Rialyn didn't hesitate for long and sat in front of her. "Would you like some?"
"Yes, thank you."
She poured the green tea into both cups, lending one to Rialyn. The Dragonborn took a sip, enjoying the delicious taste and its heat. When you live as a vampire, your senses can become numb…You may feel cold. But now, Rialyn couldn't get enough of the scent.
"Sorry for the scene before. It's not like you weren't disturbed enough by that point; I just hope I didn't add to that." - Heleria said, concerned.
"You're too kind. I understand how hard it is to deal with Thalmor…Well, at least if we don't consider taking up arms." - Rialyn smirked, remembering the day he left Skyrim. "You did quite good; not giving in to them is the key."
"Hell, if I would, they have been on my nerves for months now. An official delegation from summerset has to ask a lone librarian for books…The sheer irony." - She uttered in annoyance. They certainly saw something in Heleria, despite her resilience and unwillingness to bend to their will…Rialyn respected this and had to admit that his judgment was wrong.
"You know…" - The Dragonborn began, slightly saddened. "I didn't exactly trust you at first."
"Believe me, I've noticed." - She replied, seemingly not too angry or offended.
"The way you helped Nerius and me seemingly out of the blue, how Celion wanted to discuss something with you, I had an occasional thought that…."
"I was a Thalmor agent?"
"Yes, pretty much." - Rialyn stated, unsure how to follow the statement up.
"You're not the first one…" - He could hear a slight sadness in her voice, but she didn't show much. "I can't blame you; being the Dragonborn and all would probably facilitate many threats and backstabbers. But as I said from the start, I am just a bookworm who follows her passion with a distaste for politics." - She said in a slightly worn-out tone, as if tired of explaining this.
"It's alright…" - Rialyn said, trying to force something out that he didn't say too often. "Sorry."
"Eh…Are you alright? Need any more sleep?" - Heleria said jokingly.
"See, I can be reasonable on occasion or two." - Rialyn replied dryly.
"Well, I didn't expect it, to be honest. You're a hero and a legend. People like those don't have to apologize." - Heleria took a sip and looked at Rialyn. She didn't show much of it, but this apology brought her some sweet peace after today's morning.
"There is much you don't know about a hero's life…."
"And much more that I'd rather not know. "
"That said, you know way more than an average citizen. Some would kill for the knowledge you have here." - Rialyn pointed out, hinting her at his desired topic of discussion.
"Funny, Merlyne said the exact same thing."
"How did you end up in Morrowind? I haven't met any altmer here not aligned with Thalmor, no offense." - Rialyn wondered.
"None taken, but there isn't much to tell. Childhood in the orphanage of Firsthold occasional work as a cleric, a failed attempt to join the circle of mages…And a journey to Cyrodiil, where I learned much more about other cultures." - She spoke with a shade of sadness; Rialyn saw that her past wasn't the brightest and decided not to push her about her life in Auridon.
"Have you been to Bruma?" - Rialyn asked, wondering how close they could be on occasions.
"No, cold climate isn't my preference. I spent some time in Cheydinhal, though. A lovely place if you ignore the criminals." - Heleria recollected. "I learned about Morrowind and Nerevarine there and decided to come here. I don't know why…It just felt so different, so remote, this land. I wanted to see it for myself, to uncover its secrets. How much could our mer cousins change after the historic separation? I found my answers." - She said happily.
"Don't you miss home at all?" - Rialyn asked. He still missed Bruma at times but had no desire to return. Without Inaaru or Erstenn, it would never be the same.
"The beaches are nice, that's true…But I don't have any family or friends left there. Besides, our government is not the most pleasant one." - She sighed; Rialyn understood her pain. He found himself frustrated with his own people, too.
"And Nerevarine? Is that true that he researched his history for years now?" - Rialyn wondered, but somehow he already knew the answer."
"I follow the story of Nerevarine because he is…Inspiring? Yes, definitely inspiring, although after learning about him, I can confidently state that he wasn't as perfect as people claim today." - She said with clearance and lack of doubt; Rialyn was interested.
"Why? Don't say he drank too much."
"No, he was exceptional in resisting his addictions. It's about his arrogance and occasional negligence of others…But I suppose that's a common bane for those with power, isn't it?" - She asked Rhetorically.
Rialyn would question whether this was the case for him, but he knew it to be true. Sometimes his actions were questionable, be it joining the Thieves Guild or Harkon's Court. Both cases paid off for the hero, as Rialyn managed to overthrow their former leaders and earn his place at the top while still maintaining the chance to eventually abandon his duties as he did now. Are Serana and Brynjolf as content with him leaving as they seem to be…He might never know. The truth was people died on his way. Some of the innocent.
"And what about you? You know how I said that I will ask about your journeys eventually…" - Heleria hinted as she drank her tea. "And what better place to do it than near our hearth and home…Well, mine, at least."
"Judging by the spark in your eyes…I guess you want to write a book about me." - Rialyn suggested with a note of sarcasm, but he wouldn't put it past her.
"Lovely, if anyone ever asks, this was your idea." - Heleria giggled, still not looking away from Rialyn. "But seriously, I read a lot about Nerevarine and other heroes of the age, but that is not comparable to having one sit in front of you. Your adventures are not history; they are a story in the making. There is nothing I appreciate more than a good story." - Heleria's interest was genuine, more so than many people Rialyn had met before.
"Eh…A story full of bloodshed, war, and betrayal. Occasional happy moments, as well." - He responded with honesty. His experience in Skyrim changed him forever, but if he could exchange it for the lives of people he lost, Rialyn would.
"Tell me about Skyrim. Is it as cold and unforgiving as travelers say?" - Heleria decided to take the lead in asking questions.
"Quite cold, yes, but far from being as frozen as some think…Definitely more forgiving than this."
"Hey…Morrowind's a nice place. You just have to get used to it." - Heleria tried to convince him.
"You could say that I'd rather have to breathe in snow than ash about any place. "
"I would have checked it for myself if it wasn't for the climate. Maybe you will convince me with your tales…" - Heleria thought for a moment. "And what about the dragons? How powerful are they? Can one annihilate a whole town?"
Rialyn had to think back to Helgen, one of the worst days in his life but also one of the luckiest. He could've died so many times back there and still survived.
"The fort near the border got destroyed by Alduin…The towns remained intact, thankfully."
"And you can consume dragon souls, right? Does it…How does it feel?" - She was getting more invested. Rialyn had to think hard about it; he only now realized that with each new time, it felt way less invigorating.
"As if consuming a living being…That still resists. It burns inside you, tearing the soul apart. You want to scream and fall down for a few seconds that seem so slow…And then you feel so strong nothing can stop you." - He noticed Heleria listening attentively. Descriptions like these are precisely what she wanted to hear. The rush of blood, the sheer emotions…Rialyn saw that he was a real-life Nerevarine for her, whatever she said.
They talked about his adventures as time passed, but Rialyn barely noticed. The tales of his quest to stop Alduin along with Greybeards and the last Blades, his service beside general Tullius, the hunt for the staff of Magnus…There was much to talk about.
"…And then, after some lunatics from the east tried to assassinate me, my journey took me to Solstheim."
"Yes, I remember you've said so…" - She said with a clear tone of envy.
"A restless soul of the first Dragonborn awakened, and I put an end to it." - Rialyn said with such calm that it surprised him. This was No, for any reason mundane part of anyone's life, but has he accustomed to such misadventures so much?
The first Dragonborn…Yes, there will definitely be tales about you. I wish I could visit the island to see…Well, to see how it is."
"Not much to see aside from that impressive Telvanni tower Neloth set up." - Rialyn remembered the sight that stood out the most.
"Wait…You've met Neloth?" - Heleria said, surprised. "By Azura, I really wish I've been on this adventure!" - She followed it up with excitement.
"Yes, I have, so?"
"He is one of the last living mortals from the time of Nerevarine. He knew him personally and would have much to tell."
"Oh, you're still on about that…I wouldn't get your hopes up. If you think I'm not talkative, he can put me to shame."
"So, they say…" - Heleria smiled, quickly hiding it soon after. "Did he tell you anything?"
"He was quite fond of him, I'd say. But he clearly didn't want to discuss it with someone so young as myself." - Rialyn remembered this partnership, master Neloth has not been the easiest man to stomach, but Dragonborn was experienced enough by that time. "Maybe I should've inquired more…."
"Damn right you should've; if it wasn't for looking after the library, I'd be searching for an opportunity already."
"Can't go anywhere without your lore?" - Rialyn teased her.
"I don't want to leave it unattended…You've seen what happened just an hour ago, and that's when I am here along with the Dragonborn. Seriously, do they even know you triumphed against the first Dragonborn? "- She was still annoyed by Celion, and Rialyn could sympathize.
"Haven't met any Thalmor in Solstheim but would be surprised if they have eyes everywhere." - The next moment of silence was a perfect opportunity for Rialyn to return to his only remaining question. "They didn't care much for books, though. It was just one, something about Nerevarine."
"Oh, about that…."
"You've been quite protective of it, but I'm not Thalmor, so…."
"I can't help but love shrewd guests…Come on, I'll show you." - Heleria said playfully and stood up, moving towards her room. Rialyn didn't expect her to interrupt the "session" so quickly. The Dragonborn wasn't sure whether she would return soon. The altmer looked back at him with a smile. "Are you going to wait all day? Come on in!"
Rialyn followed the woman into her bedroom. It was of an identical structure to the one he slept in, but evidently, there was way more careful. The clothes were dry, and in their place, the bed seemed clean without smell. Besides the small window, Rialyn noticed an old staff akin to those made in mages guild, he might have asked questions about it, but another focus overtook him. There was a desk standing by the bedside. Rialyn touched wood gently; he felt no stain of dust, only a strong foundation suggesting that this was relatively new.
Heleria opened one of the drawers near her bed and took the book out. Rialyn was immediately mesmerized by the old Tribunal emblem on its cover with a realistic portrait underneath. It was a young dunmer warrior in golden armor carrying his greatsword into battle. His eyes were brimming with passion and sheer heroism. Rialyn felt like he was watching his own reflection, a surreal one. The reflection that was free of his vices and fears. The absolute legend that people of Morrowind desired, the one Rialyn could…Should strive to be.
"Here is the work of my life, the story of Nerevarine, from beginning to an end!" - Heleria put the book near Rialyn and said these words with excitement only one person in Rialyn's life would share, at least speaking of books about Nerevarine. It seemed the Dragonborn couldn't help but imagine more reflections for himself. He sat on the bed near Heleria after her invitation.
Rialyn flickered over the pages in silence, having all of Nerevarine's feats before him. Dispensing corruption within Fighters Guild, the unification of the great houses defends Mournhold from underground invasion. Most of all, his battle with Dagoth Ur beside the Heart of Lorkhan and ending the blight.
"What do you think?" - Heleria asked, hoping that Rialyn appreciated the book. He certainly did.
"Have you composed it all by yourself?" - The Dragonborn asked.
"After traveling across all of Vvardenfell and beyond, learning about all legends and records…Yes, I suppose all I did was put them in one place." - She said humbly.
After flickering through the book, Rialyn finally reached its conclusion. The story of Nerevarine fighting Almalexia at the heart of clockwork city and then nothing. A shame. He was hoping to find some answers, at least here…
"What happened after Mournhold? I heard many stories, but nothing certain." - Rialyn asked; Heleria shrugged, having no answer.
"There are different tales, and I'll try to record them here when I have more time…It took years for great houses to acknowledge events that transpired in Mournhold, much less what happened after. Some say that Almalexia cursed him with her dying breath, an illness that killed him slowly and painfully."
"Wasn't he immune to most diseases?" - This version didn't make sense.
"That's exactly why I find it hard to believe. Most seem to believe he sailed to Akavir and never returned…."
"Why would he ever do that?" - Rialyn just didn't understand this decision. "It's his homeland, his people; why would he leave them in a time of need?" - Nerevarine had something Rialyn did not, connection to his people and homeland, respected for who he was and not for who he could have been.
"Perhaps he saw another vision of another akaviri invasion and tried to prevent it. Perhaps he just craved more adventure or wanted a vacation…No one will know for sure, but barring some ashlander legends, it seems to be the most common consensus."
"Ashlanders? Aren't they all exterminated after the eruption?" - Rialyn was surprised. He heard of ashlanders and their way of life from Inaaru, but even if they survived the red mountain, living in such conditions could not be possible.
"Most, but not everyone. I journeyed into the inner isle once and found a tribe calling itself Zainab. They didn't allow me to stay for too long, but they shared their perception…To be completely honest, it borders on fairytales." - Heleria was quick to discard it, but Rialyn was intrigued.
"Tell me about it."
"They say that Nerevarine perished after returning to Azura's cove where he first met her. He considered his job done and dissipated into the flow of history as swiftly as he entered it." - Heleria recounted their stories.
"Did he just…Disappear?"
"They believe he invoked Azura and left Nirn for her realm of Moonshadow. Doesn't sound very realistic, but I have to give them credit where it's due. They held onto the prophecy for generations and turned out to be right." - She pointed out.
"The same prophecy Thalmor wants to put on me?" - Rialyn hated that they interfered in his life, but there was something about Nerevarine…A man that he wanted to become himself. To learn what truly happened to him. This was Inaaru's dream; perhaps she still looks from the other side and smiles…
"Yes, and that's worrying. People talk about your part as Nerevarine, and it's not just Merlyne. Celion will want to use his influence and add sparks to the fire. It's just…Manipulative on his part." - Heleria said with disappointment.
"In the end, you might have another chapter for your book…."
"Nerevarine is a great hero, but he's in the past. It should be, at least. He had to earn his recognition for a purpose, and whether people like it or not, he's gone. I study him because of historical interest, not for some new sense of hope." - Heleria said with confidence and disdain for such misuse of history.
"Thalmor shouldn't be the ones doing it anyway."
"Yes, exactly! I wonder if imperials and Redoran know about this…" - Heleria was thinking of a course for further action, Rialyn approved.
"We might as well ask them. A legate I met a few days prior would certainly be interested." - He remembered Nermero and his turbulent relationship with Celion.
"Yes, we should probably inquire into that."
"We?"
"Well, it's in my interest as well. I want people of Morrowind to know the past and look into the future, a good motto, isn't it?" - Heleria said.
Perhaps this was a good idea; together, there would be much more they'd accomplish. And speaking of the book, Rialyn will have time to read it soon. Closely and thoroughly, missing no detail. As the dark elf closed it, he caught a glimpse of the first page he missed. There was much less text on there, just a few lines.
"What he puts his hand to, that shall be done. What is left undone that shall be done?
On a particular day, to uncertain parents, incarnate moon and star are reborn.
Neither blight nor age can harm him. The Curse-of-Flesh before him flies.
In caverns dark, Azura's eye sees and makes the moon and star shine.
A stranger's voice unites the Houses. Three Halls call him Hortator.
A stranger's hand unites the Velothi. Four Tribes call him Nerevarine.
He honors blood of the tribe unmourned. He eats their sin, and is reborn.
His mercy frees the cursed false gods, binds the broken, redeems the mad.
He speaks the law for Veloth's people. He says for their land, and names them great."
The prophecy of moon and stars, the Nerevar reborn. This entire book was a tribute to the man that changed Morrowind forever, for better or worse. Rialyn spent a few moments looking at those words, gazing into them as if he was expecting words to change. To swirl around him, echoes of Nerevarine. But it didn't take long for Rialyn to understand why.
As fate would command it, this prophecy was yet another reflection of his own path.
