AD1 The Story of Iriisii Dovahkiin

 AD1 Returning Home

    Standing on board her flagship. The ocean waves gently slapping against the hull. Masser and Secundas low on the horizon, her ship barely moving as she breathes in the quietness of this moment. Thinking of her home, of her village, what will it look like, how will she feel as she looks over it and the memories return. The light of the moons seems to waver just a bit, the seas calm down till they are still as glass. And her Dream Magic child takes this time to offer to its mother something that could speak to her longing and her fears. From the still waters four figures rise up and tune musical instruments made of water, coral, seaweed. The lead looks up at her on the deck watching and gestures for her to join them. And in a moment of sublime trust she leaps over the side and lands upon the surface. She walks over to them and the zephyrs give her the words to the song as she and the lead join their voices, and the Dream Magic shares this moment with all of the Worlds of Dream. The images of this moment cast upon the skies for all in Dream to watch and listen.

Home Sweet Home

You know I'm a dreamer

But my heart's of gold

I had to run away high

So I wouldn't come home low

Just when things went right

It doesn't mean they were always wrong

Just take this song

And you'll never feel left all alone

Take me to your heart

Feel me in your bones

Just one more night

And I'm coming off this long and winding road

I'm on my way

I'm on my way

Home sweet home

Tonight, tonight

I'm on my way

I'm on my way

Home sweet home

You know that I've seen

Too many romantic dreams

Up in lights, falling off the silver screen

My heart's like an open book

For the whole world to read

Sometime nothing keeps me together at the seams

I'm on my way

I'm on my way

Home sweet home

Tonight, tonight

I'm on my way

Just set me free

Home sweet home

Home sweet home

Home sweet home

Home sweet home

I'm on my way

I'm on my way

Home sweet home

Yeah, I'm on my way

Just set me free

Home sweet home

     She finds herself back aboard ship, the magical musicians have melted back into the sea, but she feels better about herself and this return now, like maybe it will settle some of the ghosts that haunt her memories, demons that haunt her dreams, pain that still dwells in her heart. Those who know her in the Dreamlands are coming together in the temples both active and abandoned, wherever they are close to, and praying for her to find what she seeks. Those who do not know her, see the actions of those who do and ask of who it is that they show such concern for and wish to honor. They sit around these places of worship and speak of her, the things she has done, the lessons she has taught by her actions and her words. And the ranks of the believers living and just visiting in the Dreamlands swell like flooding rivers. Then the visitors return to the Waking Worlds and tell of what they saw, heard, felt. And her power grows as the numbers of her believers grows.

     The air over where her village was, near all signs of its existence gone, reclaimed by the wilderness, except for a few ruined signs of old burned out homes. The community firepit still contains some blackened logs, heated and hardened by the now extinct fires, but now able to resist the forces trying to reclaim the village. And as she sets foot off the ship and walks from the docks onto the land. The ground that the village was built upon begins to shake and tremble. A crack forms in the ground where once she fought against the assassins and fell to the Black Lotus bomb thrown at her by the 'Mother' of the Sinister Seven'. And the blades she carried and dealt death to those who came and destroyed her home, her life, her family and friends. The blades awaken, remembering her touch, as her Grandfather taught her how to forge weapons. As she forged these two blades, all that time ago. They became a part of her. Helping her in her training, in developing discipline, and finally in protecting her village.

     The blades feel her presence, her homecoming. They know the unfinished business that waits for her, that has awakened as they have awakened. And they ready themselves to feel the touch of her hands around them again. They rise and float above the grave she dug for all the bones left behind and left the swords buried with them to protect them until she could come back and properly lay them all to rest according to the beliefs of her ancestors. The duty that she, as the last Aasimar remaining on Nirn is now compelled to do.

     As Iriisii and the companions who came with her stop and look over the port and city. She remembers how busy it was during the time she would come on business for the 'Seven'. Wonders if the name of 'Darkstar' is still remembered, although likely now only in the dives and dark places that still exist in the shadowed alleys leading to still darker courtyards, living in their own little worlds covered by the shadowed darkness. In the homes of the rich and powerful, that name probably is still remembered, as they used her services for their own purposes. Many having relied upon them to get where they are now. But she really does not intend to search through all of that unless she is not given a choice. No, her destination is twofold, one, to find the old lair, and make certain it is not being used once more. Second, to go home, and lay all the remembered pain, the ghosts, and demons to rest.

     Rigmor: "So this is where you came to me from. Where you lived, endured all that you did, and finally escaped from."

     Iriisii: "This is but the doorway to all of that. All that come here must begin here and then go out to where their business takes them. I have many memories of this place, some good, some not so good, most mainly of tasks I was sent to perform, not all required my skills as an assassin. Some required more discretion in what needed to be accomplished."

     Rigmor: "Like what?"

     Iriisii half turns to look at her, "You know quite well what goes on behind closed doors in the dark, smoke filled back rooms of taverns, Inns, gambling halls, bordellos, even drug dens. For all its bright lights, clean streets, cheerful demeanor, its underbelly is as dark and seedy as any other. Even the Temples are not immune to the rot and decay. But it is not our task to deal with any of this, sorry to say it must fall upon Kintyra to deal with it in whatever manner she sees fit. At least unless my old persona is recognized and I am dragged back into that world. Then they just may regret that action."

     Rigmor: "You don't say."

     Iriisii: "No, I do not want to go back into it. Not even to 'clean' it up. If there is a threat to the Empire lurking here, then we will find it, drag it into the sunlight, and deal with it. But anything less, if I can walk away from it, that is what I intend. And do not, I repeat, do not go around and speak as to who we are, or why we are here. We are just visitors looking to expand trade relations, nothing more."

     Rigmor: "You are taking all the 'fun' out of this."

     Rose: "Rigmor, this is in no way of any 'fun' to Iriisii. Even as I have never set foot here before, still I have much experience of other places where the same things go on. I know the dens of depravity that exist no more than a stone's throw from here. The things that go on in them would sicken your gut. Iriisii is right that it is soon to be Kintyra's responsibility to deal with. And luckily, she has Lord Chancellor Blackwell to stand by her as she does. But do not kid yourself, this place can be as dangerous as the Imperial City was when Sethius and Morag Bal sat on the thrones."

     Rigmor: "You did not have to mention them."

     Rose: "Yes, I did. It was the only way to get it into your head the seriousness of playing the role that Iriisii has put together for us while we are here. As the Empress and High Queen of Tamriel, here without an Imperial escort with all that goes with that, we are just 'targets of opportunity' for the darker elements. And everything we said, did, all the way to how you wiped your arse after using the cesspit would be noticed, spoken about, dissected, and  analyzed for ways to influence our decisions. One thing we must take careful notice of, is whether or not the Morag Tong has returned here after the destruction of the 'Sinister Seven'."

     Iriisii: "Rose is right about that. If by some chance they have either came back or attempted to. I have to put a stop to it."

     Rigmor: "Why? If you want to maintain a low profile while here."

     Iriisii: "For the Tong to establish a foothold here, when it came time for Kintyra to 'clean house', it would be a bloodbath. And many innocents would die, be crippled, seriously injured, and the reputation of her and the Empire would suffer for it. I am not consolidating this Empire to see that kind of action mar the beginning of Akatosh's Golden Age."

     Rigmor: "Ok, that I can understand and agree with. But if you are dragged back into it all, I am taking the 'gloves' off and they will rue the day they thought to bring you back."

     Iriisii: "Thank you for that, truly it eases my heart. Come on, we need to eat and rest a bit before going on. I want to listen to the gossip, see what is going on out there now. Then we need to arrange for a wagon and horses."

     Rigmor grimaces, "I know, I know, we have to look the part in everything as long as we are not unmasked."

     Iriisii nods her head, "Now follow me, there should be a mid-level Inn just a few blocks into the city proper, through the 'docks' area. Watch it going through the 'docks', the child thieves are thick as bandits and can steal you 'blind' in the blink of an eye. I still remember the 'signs', so I will warn them off."

     Rigmor: "Will that not tip them off?"

     Iriisii: "The signs are 'common' in nature, anyone from the Thieves Guild, Beggars Guild, cutthroats, highwaymen, and the others use them. I will keep it simple, besides we do not want to attract the guardsmen. They tend to have a 'throw them in jail and let the headsman sort them out' attitude."

     She hands Rigmor and Rose a smaller coin pouch, with a more used look and a few coins of lesser value.

     Iriisii: "Trade with me, I will keep our gold coins. This way if they do manage to pick your pockets, they will only get these scrap coins. By the time they find out we will be out of their reach."

     Rigmor: "I guess it does pay to know the 'ins and outs' of whatever area you are going to cross through."

     Iriisii: "It can save your life if not your gold."

     They pass through the docks with only minimal attention paid to them and that because they are females. Only one drunk tried to 'get familiar' with them thinking they worked at a brothel that he frequented. It only took a moment to dissuade him of that thought. They reached the city gate just as the last of a line went through on into the city. As they reached the crown of the gate, the guard captain calls out to them.

     Guard Captain: "Halt!"

     As they stop and wait, Iriisii signs to Rigmor to let her do the talking.

     Guard Captain: "You do not look familiar to me. Who are you and what is your business?"

     Iriisii: "We are trade agents, returning on the tide from a trip to Pyandonea. As to our business, that is up to Lord Moramal to reveal should he be so inclined."

     Guard Captain: "Haven't heard of any women trade agents, but Lord Moramal doesn't always follow the same path as everyone else. Go on through then. At this time of day, he should be..."

     Iriisii: "At the 'Gilded Courtesan'."

     Guard Captain: "Aye, you do know him. Only one he sent out would know that is where he meets his agents. Do you need an escort?"

     Iriisii: "Not this trip, the next one maybe. If so I will be sure to make the arrangements through you, Guard Captain."

     Guard Captain: "Thank you, my lady. A word of caution, there has been no sign of any of the 'Seven' in some time. Perhaps long enough for the Morag Tong to grow some balls. A few have claimed to have seen some of them over in the merchant district. Be careful if you go through there. If you spot one, let the Guard know. We have a bounty out for any that we catch, 'dead or alive'."

     Iriisii: "I have been through Morrowind before, if I see one, be assured I will report it."

     Guard Captain: "You would have our thanks, my lady. Good day."

     They move on into the city. While walking Iriisii comments about where they are now headed.

     Iriisii: "Damn, I had hoped not to have to play that card, but it is what it is."

     Rigmor: "I take it you know this Lord Moramal?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, Darkstar has done a number of tasks for him in the past. I have no doubt but that he will recognize me. We are going to have to play this close. The possible sighting of the Morag Tong will give me a valid reason for appearing out of nowhere. I will have to explain the two of you as my apprentices. As to why the 'Mother' is no longer visible, hmmm. It just might be possible, I am sure I can  make it work."

     Rose: "What do you have in mind?"

     Iriisii: "The 'Mother' intended to pass on control of the 'Seven' to me, not sure of the time she planned on doing this. But I can make it work for us nonetheless."

     Rigmor: "And how can you do that?"

     Iriisii: "I still have the letter she wrote to me that I took from her body at her campsite near Bloodlet Throne. With the reputation that I had, and that letter, I believe it will be enough."

     Rigmor: "She wrote a letter to you? And you have never shown it to me?"

     Iriisii: "No one else has seen it, except for Vincin, and he is no longer alive."

     Rigmor: "Why Vincin? Why was he so special?"

     Iriisii sighs, "He was her son."

     Rigmor stops dead still in the street.

     Iriisii: "He broke from her before I was taken. She kept him shielded from the 'Seven', he never knew about it until he got suspicious one day. He then kept his eyes and ears open and gathered enough to confirm his suspicions."

     Rigmor: "Why did he not just turn her in."

     Iriisii pauses at a fruit vendor's stall, chooses an apple and pays for it.

     Moving on, "He still loved her as she was his birth mother. He felt it was enough that he went far enough away that she could not find him. I think her trips to the capital city was not just 'Seven' business. She was using others to search for him, but they were all unsuccessful."

     Rigmor: "What is in this letter?"

     Iriisii: "You will not like my answer, but it is private writings of her to me. What she spoke of was meant for me and no one else. I truly doubt anyone else being able to understand what she said, and how it has affected me. But I know this much, the Gods have approved my understanding of what she wrote. And they also approve my wish for clemency for Vincin. You see, he took his own life there at the monument I had put there for Roiseadh."

     Rigmor: "You put a monument there for her? Why?"

     Iriisii: "I have said you would not understand, and this is why I have said nothing about it. But I buried him there by her and as I have said asked the Gods to hold him blameless. They replied to me that they agreed with me and would do as I asked. They also expressed hope that perhaps one day her soul would make use of the path I forged whereby she may one day move closer to the 'Light'. And that Lord Arkay would take responsibility for the monument and have some of his priests take care of it."

     Rigmor: "All right, if the Gods approved of what you did, I will not gainsay them. But why did he seek you out in the first place?"

     Iriisii: "He wanted to see what kind of person would it take to destroy the 'Sinister Seven' and not fall into taking their place. He wanted to know who was strong enough to do that and meet that person. He felt what Roiseadh had built between us, and he wanted to ensure that the last link to that past died with him. He killed himself for my sake, even as I tried to stop him."

     Rigmor: "You are right, there is no way I will ever understand. Because it was you who endured all that happened, and not me."

     Iriisii: "What we have between us is just that, between us. Many would not understand, but it is enough that I do."

     Iriisii looks over at Rose, who also understands those words were for her as well. And the story Iriisii has just told, speaks deeply to her, that this one she loves so dearly, is strong enough to forgive one who wronged her so deeply. She just did not know that when she spoke to Hedren, telling him that she had finally found someone special, she had no idea just how truly special she was then and is now.

     Soon enough they catch sight of the sign for the Gilded Courtesan. 

     Rigmor: "I hope this place is not a ..."

     Iriisii: "Brothel, Bordello, Whorehouse, no, it is not. At least that is not its primary purpose. It is a meeting place for the rich and powerful, the movers and shakers. The sexual activities that go on are consensual. The women and men too, are not paid. They can be handsomely tipped. But they are mainly there for their company, nothing else. The things that are said, go no further than this place. That said I would expect you to be very careful if you say anything at all. If you wish to make use of the services, you may. I will see that they are tipped well."

     Rigmor looks at Rose, then back to Iriisii, "Why are you so accepting of what goes on?"

     Iriisii: "Things could be much worse for them than what they have here. Many earn a comfortable retirement in their later years. And a few have risen high on the arms of their patrons. Besides it would be expected that you might be interested and so take part. Darkstar never did, and so I will not."

     Rigmor: "You are not fooling anyone, you would not in any case, would you?"

     Iriisii: "No, you are right about that. I have never been one for such casual pleasures. For me there must be more involved before I will, much more."

     Rigmor looks at her face and eyes, before nodding her head.

     Rigmor: "Yes, you are right about that. Let us go in before I loose my nerve."

     Rigmor steps ahead while Rose slips an arm around Iriisii and hugs her close. Iriisii leans over and kisses her lightly before stepping behind Rigmor, still holding Rose's hand until just before Rigmor opens the door to the Meeting Hall. Rigmor enters, then Rose, Iriisii following up. The 'House Mother' looks at who just entered and sees Rigmor and Rose, not recognizing them and knowing they are not 'companions', moves to ask them politely if they have entered the wrong establishment. Then she catches sight of Iriisii, who she knows as Darkstar. She stops dead in her tracks, as Iriisii makes eye contact. She then nods her head and the House Mother continues to come forward.

     House Mother: "My esteemed Lady, I was not expecting you."

     Iriisii: "I and mine just arrived. I need to speak to Lord Moramal, is he here yet? I remember he is usually here at this time of day."

     House Mother: "Indeed, your memory is correct. He was held up with a meeting of the City Council. He left word for me of this. May I seat you at his table to await him?"

     Iriisii: "Thank you, I would be most appreciative."

     The House Mother turns and guides them toward a large, ornate, hand carved table near the back of the Hall. The chairs around it covered in fine leather and with sewn pillows for comfort. As they passed the onlookers on either side of the center aisle, a few thinking these women are new companions, gesture to the House Mother. She shakes her head side to side, and makes a cutting gesture with her hands. The men nod their acceptance and go back to paying attention to the companions sitting with them.

     The House Mother seats them, then takes their order for drinks and food. While she is gone, another patron, so drunk he can barely make his way without falling over his feet, stumbles up to their table.

     Armand: "Hey there, lovelies. Where ever did they find you at?"

     Rose and Rigmor glance at Iriisii, who is staring at Armand.

     Iriisii: "You must be mistaken sir, we are not companions, but rather are here for a meeting with Lord Moramal. I would suggest it to be of benefit to you if you would return to your place and leave us before Lord Moramal arrives."

     Armand: "I know Lord Moramal quite well. I am sure he would not deny me the chance to meet such lovely creatures as yourselves."

     Iriisii starts to reply before changing her intent. A heavy voice sounds behind Armand.

     Lord Moramal: "Armand, I think you have had enough to drink, now you are making a fool of yourself."

     Armand: "I was just getting to know your new companions."

     Lord Moramal: "As I just said you are making a fool of yourself. They are not companions, mine or anyone else's. So I would advise you to beg for forgiveness and then go home and sober up."

     Armand angrily, "Who are they that I must beg forgiveness?"

     Lord Moramal: "You really do not want to know my friend. Trust me, you don't."

     Armand looks at Moramal, "I do trust you. Very well, then."

     He turns to Iriisii, Rigmor and Rose, "Ladies, please forgive my churlish behaviour. I would say it was the drink, but it was my decision to drink so much."

     Iriisii: "I feel the sincerity in your heart. Next time be certain of the status of who you speak with like that, they might not be so forgiving as I am."

     Lord Moramal: "Now leave Armand, while you still can on your own two feet."

     Armand staggers toward the door, while the House Mother directs a couple of the male companions to help him out the door. Once the door is shut the House Mother turns and bows to the table. Iriisii returns her bow.

     Iriisii: "No offense was intended, so no offense is taken. You are not responsible for the excesses of those who come to partake in this places wares. Each of them must take responsibility for themselves."

     House Mother: "I thank thee Great Lady for your forbearance. Your food and drink, as well as whatever else you desire is on the house."

     Iriisii: "Thank you, but some food and drink will be more than enough."

     House Mother: "It will be ready in just a few minutes Great Lady."

     Lord Moramal: "It is good to see you once again. Even under these circumstances."

     Iriisii: "You speak of the Morag Tong?"

     Lord Moramal: "Yes, they were the subject of conversation in the council meeting. None know what has stirred them to attempt to come here again. Not after what happened to them the last time they tried it."

     Iriisii: "I may be able to answer that question."

     Lord Moramal: "Then pray tell what is it that has happened?"

     Iriisii: "The Morag Tong is from Morrowind. The next land to theirs is Black Marsh, the land of the Argonians, and the Hist Trees. The Dunmer have for the past centuries been enslaving the Argonians. Now for whatever reason the Hist Trees have motivated the Argonians to rise up and invade Morrowind. They have cut a bloody swath nearly the entire distance across Morrowind. The old capital city of Darklight has been sacked. The Dunmer were forced to leave near everything they had and moved to Mournhold." 

     Lord Moramal: "Please forgive my ignorance but what do Trees have to do with all of this?"

     Iriisii: "That is the right question for all to be asking. Few remember in the earliest years of Nirn's youth, that the Ehlnofey split and each side warred with the other. The Hist existed at that time and stood aside in that war. Still it cost them near all of the territory they covered until only those who lived in Black Marsh survived. Now they have sent the Argonians to war with the Dunmer. Why? Someone would have to ask the Hist, and getting an answer that can be understood is most problematic.

     I would assume the Morag Tong is looking for a new home, but this I know for a fact. It is a decision of their High Council, not their patron, the Daedric Lord Mephala. The stricture that Mephala laid on them to stay away from here has not been rescinded. What that means is that any Morag Tong found on these shores can be killed without any repercussions from her."

     Lord Moramal: "That is interesting indeed, I assume they are the reason you have returned?"

     Iriisii: "Among other reasons, yes, I have unfinished business that cries out for closure. But I would not mind to take care of this unfortunate affair. I assume the bounty on the Morag Tong is still active?"

     Lord Moramal smiles, "Indeed it is, the council has just added a bonus if they can be driven back, away from these shores again. 

     Iriisii: "What is the bonus?"

     Lord Moramal: "A land grant of two thousand acres, wherever the holder desires to execute it, so long as the land is unclaimed, of course."

     Iriisii: "Done, I will accept the contract. When you draw up the papers I will sign them, then we will get to work."

     Lord Moramal: "We?"

     Iriisii: "The two accompanying me are my apprentices, and right now there are very few that can match them. They survived the battle between the Tsaesci and the Imperial Empire of Tamriel. Standing side by side with the Empress until she sent all behind their lines and stood against the Tsaesci alone."

     Lord Moramal: "What happened then, how did she beat them. We only know she won and the Tsaesci were totally destroyed."

     Iriisii: "She is much more than they or anyone else suspected. She is Dovahkiin of Akatosh, the greatest, most powerful ever summoned. She carries the personal blessing of each of the Nine. She is Champion to each of the Divines, to Azura, Boethiah, and Meridia. I know there is more to her but that must remain secret and hidden for now lest attention from outside Mundus be drawn. But all of that is her problem to bear, for now we have our own problems."

     Lord Moramal: "The Tong."

     Iriisii: "Yes, and the traitors that helped them."

     Lord Moramal shakes his head with a heavy sigh, "Yes, the traitors. I suspect if there are not a few on the Council, they have great influence of one kind or another."

     Iriisii: "Dirt, closet skeletons, threats, and coercion, greed, the usual."

     Lord Moramal: "Yes, you know the landscape well. You are likely the best person for this job."

     Iriisii: "Indeed, and the timing is most fortuitous. Let me make this clear, I in no uncertain terms oppose the presence of the Morag Tong, the Cammona Tong, and the Dark Brotherhood's presence here on my homeland. And I will see any and all of them driven off our shores and into the sea. Now with that said, once this matter is settled, there is something I wish to begin discussion on. Something that I have come to believe would be of great value to all who live here. But first we must deal with the Tong."

     Lord Moramal: "As you say, but please, tell me of what you think. I would like to see to what groundwork might be laid for the future."

     Iriisii: "Joining with this reborn Empire."

     Lord Moramal is silent as the grave.

     Iriisii: "I know how it sounds and our history of keeping to ourselves here. But that is soon to not be possible any longer. The Empire of Tamriel is in an expansion stage. The current Empress wants all of Nirn under her Empire when she hands the reins over to her daughter. I understand there is a Prophecy involved in this, one revealed by multiple 'Elder Scrolls'. It seems there are several prophecies involved all joining together into one overarching prophecy. A 'Golden Age' of peace, prosperity, and justice for all who live upon Nirn. In certain quarters there is mention of an prophetic vision some three, four thousand years old given to Maruck, who was a Tang Mo priest of Alessia. the founder and first Empress of the First Empire. He said there would be a great hero to arise upon Nirn. Born of humble beginnings, they would arise from the lowest to the highest, as did Alessia. Three things this hero would do to secure the future of Nirn. First, rebuild the Empire into what Alessia envisioned. Second, smash the Aldmeri Dominion, that stands against this Empire. And lastly, put the Serpent to the Sword, the aforementioned invasion from Akavir that has devastated Akavir. These three things the current Empress has done. And she first came upon the scene, facing the Headsman in the town of Helgen, province of Falkreath, in Skyrim. You do not get any lower or humble than that. The Elder Scroll Prophecies point to 'a child born of Noble and Dragonblood', who will sit the Throne of Sundered Kings and bring in the vision of the Golden Age of Akatosh. The child is Kintyra III, daughter of the Empress Iriisii, Anointed Dragonborn of Akatosh, and Rigmor Ragnarsdottier, High Queen of Cyrodiil, descendant of the former Emperor Titus Meade I.

     One prophecy I could say 'so what', two, I could say was a coincidence, but all that is lining up behind this Empress. No, it can be nothing but the very 'Hands of the Gods' guiding this course. And after what happened to the Thalmor, when she faced them as the 'Right Hand of Akatosh' and delivered his justice unto them. I would advise to take this seriously and stand behind her when she comes. And come she will, right now she is cleaning up the mess of Akavir, after she destroyed their army outside of Leyawiin. It is said their entire army was burned into ash blowing into the wind in the space of an eyeblink. I do not know of that as I was not there, but I went later to look over the battlescene. What I saw defied my ability to explain. Where an entire Army of the Tsaesci was destroyed, there is now a most beautiful garden. A garden that completely encompasses the original battlefield and a temple that she commissioned to honor those that fell there, sitting in the center. The story of what happened is chiseled into the walls of that Temple. What I read made me reconsider all that I thought I knew of how the world worked, its beginnings, its present, and its future."

     Lord Moramal: "Has this Empress offered you a position in her service?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, she has. I told her I had unfinished business to take care of. But she said go and take care of it, then come back and take up the position she offered."

     Lord Moramal: "What about after the daughter ascends to the throne? What then will she do?"

     Iriisii: "That is still a bit foggy. She says she will leave and go elsewhere. Exactly where I do not understand right now. But she said I was welcome to go with her, that my skills were too valuable to waste away, and that there were many places where they could be put to use."

     Lord Moramal: "I do not blame you for your decision in this. For I have never known you to lie about anything in all of the time I have known you. But I expect there will be resistance from some on the High Council, as well as the lower Guilds. But be that as it may, we must first deal with the Tong, then your unfinished business, after that we can address this. You will have all of my support, anything I can do or provide will be yours. Now have you made any plans about how to start against the Tong?"

     Iriisii: "Do we know what part of the city the Tong has supposedly been seen in?"

     Lord Moramal: "At least three of the inner districts. We believe they have an escape route into the underground somewhere in an adjoining outer district. Those are where the 'more troublesome' denizens make their homes."

     Iriisii: "Ok, we will start there and just peruse the area, see who takes more than a passing notice. I am sure someone will send word to them and we will see some activity from them."

     Lord Moramal: "What are you planning to do at this point?"

     Iriisii: "Talk to them, see if they will leave quietly."

     Lord Moramal: "Do you think any will?"

     Iriisii: "Not likely, but I want to give them the chance. Then no one can say they were not warned of the consequences if they stay."

     Lord Moramal: "Good, you have not lost your 'touch'. Extend a truce, then when they stomp it into the ground, show them the error of their ways."

     Iriisii nods her head.

     Lord Moramal: "I will not keep you from your task then. Good luck and good hunting."

     Iriisii gives Lord Moramal a half bow with her right fist clenched and placed above her heart. Rigmor and Rose seeing this, repeat the gesture. Lord Moramal's thoughts on how this operation is going to go rises significantly, as he notes that Darkstar's apprentices did not even need a hand gesture from Darkstar to respectfully leave his presence. They knew precisely what to do and when to do it without any prompting, obviously worthy of being trained by Darkstar. Also Darkstar's choice in choosing these two to train shows her impeccable sense of finding the diamonds among so many lesser stones. Yes, the 'Seven' definitely made the wrong choice to pursue her across the world to Skyrim and paid the price for that choice. The 'Mother' however, went with an entirely different agenda. He hopes she finally found the peace she went to find.

     They go out and walk down the streets trying to distinguish any Morag Tong in disguise among the crowd shopping at the different vendors. They sometimes think they see a flash of reflected light from some source as they progress but it is difficult to tell from where it came or what it reflected off of.

     Iriisii: "I know it is difficult, just do the best you can. We will then be alert when they show themselves."

     Rose: "They are near?"

     Iriisii: "Not on top of us, but they are keeping us in sight. We could duck into an alley and turn this on them but the ones watching are low level members. We would get nothing from them of any value."

     Rigmor: "How do you know this if you cannot see them?"

     Iriisii: "Remember when I was here years ago and faced the 'Mute'. I learned about them, watched them incessantly, until I could predict what they would do in any situation. It was how I got into the fortress they were occupying and took out all one hundred of them in a single night. No one has boasted of doing that since then and I doubt anyone has even tried."

     Rose: "You took out one hundred Morag Tong assassins in a single night?"

     Rigmor: "She sure did, and had a one-on-one conversation with Mephala over it too."

     Rose: "It must have went in your favor as you are with us now?"

     Iriisii: "It did. Now come on, we still have more streets to walk down."

     Rose looks to Rigmor and asks, "Some things she just does not talk about doesn't she?"

     Rigmor: "Yes, and the few times I have gotten her to open up and talk, I ended up wishing I had not. Sometimes it is hard to accept, but she knows what she can and cannot say to someone about her past. Somethings are too difficult to understand properly, others...just too much, even for me."

     Rose: "Just warn me if I start getting close to something like that."

     Rigmor: "Whatever she says about what went on here in her youth, accept it and say nothing more. The details will haunt you for a long time. Some of it I experienced with her first hand, and so I understand why she can be so reticent about the past."

     Rose: "Just out of curiosity, how did you get her to talk about what she kept quiet about?"

     Rigmor: "Got her stinking, staggering drunk. Then I learned why those memories were buried so deep it took that to get them out. Never again will I do that. I learned it doesn't just hurt me when I hear about them, but it hurts her to relive it all over again. And that is the worst hurt about all of it."

     Rose: "I understand, there are somethings in my past that I would rather never remember if I could."

     Rigmor: "Me too."

     Iriisii: "Be careful, we are getting close now. That courtyard up ahead, let me go in first, then each of you forms up on me to form a triangle. Stay far enough to draw if you need to."

     Rigmor and Rose nod their heads and keep silent as they enter the dark, shadowy courtyard. As soon as they enter, all three can feel the Morag Tong surrounding them, but Rigmor and Rose are undaunted by it because they have Iriisii beside them. Iriisii signs for Rigmor and Rose to stop. They so so without a hiccup, standing, ready to draw blades if needed.

     Iriisii: "We are here in your place. You have the advantage in numbers, step out and let us speak. I would have words before anyone needs die."

     A figure steps out of a shadowed doorway, dressed in Morag Tong, chitin armor.

     Tong Leader: "Who are you to come looking for us."

     Iriisii: "You have no need to know who we are. There are more important things you need to know."

     Tong Leader: "And what would that be?"

     Iriisii: "Why have you intruded here once again after Lady Mephala forbade this place to you?"

     The Tong Leader is quiet for a few moments as he digests her words and just how in Oblivion did she know anything about it.

     Tong Leader: "Our being here has nothing to do with her."

     Iriisii notices as a spider scuttles out from one bush and into another.

     Iriisii: "Then who is it that has sent you to your deaths."

     Tong Leader: "Bold words from someone surrounded by blades and arrows."

     Iriisii: "And you are outnumbered at least a hundred to one."

     The Tong Leader looks around and laughs, not noticing the spider that has climbed up upon his shoulder.

     Iriisii: "Just because you do not notice them does not mean they are not there. May I approach?"

     Tong Leader: "Of course, I am not afraid of you."

     Iriisii walks up to him and slowly reaches out to his shoulder. As her fingers brush his shoulder Iriisii gently speaks.

     Iriisii: "Child of Mephala, bless me with your presence, let me feel the touch of your legs upon my skin."

     The spider hesitates for just a second.

     Iriisii: "I promise to return you to this spot, but this one needs to realize the dire straits he and his people are in and that those who sent him did wrong in your eyes."

     As the spider crawls onto the top of her hand, Iriisii carefully draws her hand away from the Tong Leader.

     Iriisii: "Were this Child of Mephala to bite you, you would be dead before you could walk four steps. There are hundreds scattered about and surrounding your people. Tell them not to make a move and maybe Mephala could be persuaded to allow you to live."

     The Tong Leader starts to mouth off when Iriisii cuts him off.

     Iriisii: "Silence! If you want to live then be silent and listen to me."

     She feels the spider legs tapping the surface of her hand. Iriisii slowly brings her hand up to her ear.

     Iriisii: "Please tell me what words Mother Mephala has given to you for me to hear."

     Looking very closely, the Tong Leader can see the spider facing Iriisii ear and watches as its body raises and dips on her hand.

     Iriisii: "I see...yes, I understand. I merely wish to give them the option to leave now and keep their lives. If they choose to stay then their lives will be forfeit.Yes, I believe they have been deliberately lied to and misled by their High Council...yes, I agree it is likely due to the Argonian invasion and the Hist are the ones who began it...no, I do not know why, I have had not speech with either the Argonians or their Hist masters. Yes, I will do this. I see the need of it for all of Nirn. What of...? Yes, I see and agree, there must be a price paid for disobedience. Thank you, Mother Mephala for hearing me."

     Iriisii extends her arm with the spider still on top of her hand.

     Iriisii: "Do not move, Mephala wishes for you to hear what she and I have spoken about. If you make a move to do anything else but listen, you are dead. There now."

     Iriisii: "Half of your company will stay under my eye. You and the other half will return to Morrowind. Your task is to bring her judgment to the High Council. If you are successful in this the other half will be returned to you unharmed. As to the reason you were sent here in the first place. I will go to Black Marsh and speak with the Hist. We will come to an agreement concerning this invasion and you will be able to remain in Morrowind once negotiations have been concluded. But from this moment onward, if any of the Morag Tong ever set foot again on this, my homeland, their life will be forfeit. These are the words of Mother Mephala and are binding upon all of her children, do not forget her again or transgress against her word. The price you will pay will be dire indeed."

     Iriisii reaches up and allows the spider to climb her hand once more. She then eases herself down and places her hand against the ground as the spider crawls off into the brush. Just before she rises back up, she hears a whisper in her ear.

     Mephala: "Once more you have earned my respect. Know that you are now my Champion as you are to Azura, Boethiah, and Meridia. When you speak to my children you speak with my voice. They will hear you and obey. I declare that I and all of mine will stand for the Great Balance when the Jihad of Truth is called. You have shown how strong the Great Balance is by the strength of your devotion to it. May the future of Nirn be assured as the 'Starborn Dynasty' begins an unbroken line of Dragonborn Emperors and Empresses. With that I would ask why do you feel these deserve mercy?"

     Iriisii: "As I spoke to the leader, I felt his thoughts and emotions of the situation and of what I said to him. From that I deduced that he had no idea he was disobeying your past commands of not setting foot here. He was told by the High Council that you had rescinded that edict, so that they might find a new home. This was because they felt that Morrowind would soon fall to the Argonians and the Hist. Also there was a troubling trace that he felt from all that has happened there, that the Hist may not be desiring of stopping with Morrowind. That this is but the beginning of something bigger."

     Mephala: "Troubling indeed, my Champion. That somehow the Hist have been able to hide these intentions from all of us, the Divines included."

     Iriisii: "Much of what we know of them is nothing but suspicion, innuendo, baseless writings likely done to mislead. Though these things are of your world, I do not in any way believe you are involved. The Hist have always closely guarded their thoughts, intentions, desires, remaining close, and silent. All the way back to the wars between the Ehlnofey. But there are other traces in history equally troubling."

     Mephala: "Tell me your thoughts, Champion."

     Iriisii: "The Argonians were taken from Nirn by the Hist of Shadowfen, then returned during the Oblivion Crises. But Shadowfen is the source of nearly all that is deadly and dangerous that has come out of Black Marsh. It is whispered that some of the Hist still live in Clavicus Vile's Realm. Although they originated elsewhere and are considered to be lesser cousins to the Hist. This could be naught but conjecture, but they could still be related. I will need to go there and see for myself."

     Mephala: "Do as you feel needed, but be very cautious. The Hist could affect even you with their sap and substances drawn from it. Nirn can ill afford to lose you now, this close to Akatosh's grand vision. Call upon me should you need assistance. I cannot help as much as I would wish in their 'places of power', but I will do what I can. Travel quietly and act wisely, my Champion."

     As Mephala fades into her Realm, Iriisii looks to the Morag Tong, "Those who are to remain here, stay here in this courtyard. I will have food and water brought here for you. Anyone who leaves should know there is a bounty, dead or alive, on each of you. The guards would very much prefer to deliver your dead bodies when they go to collect the bounty. So keep your heads down, stay quiet and out of sight. I will arrange your return to Morrowind when it is safe for you to return.

     Oh, and there is an access to the waste system of the city. It is under this courtyard in the lowest tunnels. The entrance from here is in an alcove just to the left of the northeast corner of the courtyard. It is behind that large clump of brush amid the two trees there. Once in there, follow the downward corridors until they flatten out, there will be a room on the left side of that corridor. The rooms on the right side can be used for sleeping if you so choose. The only access to the rest of the city from down there collapsed years ago. The city has forbidden any repairs due to the likelihood of further cave-ins."

     Iriisii turns to the Tong Leader, "I have a ship at the docks that will take you to Morrowind. Inform the Captain of what port to take you to. I will instruct him to await your return, he is then to return to me here. If you are successful, then you and the rest of your people will board and we will be off. If there are complications, then inform me of what happened and we will make further plans.

     Tong Leader: "What will you do after?"

     Iriisii: "I have been charged by Mephala to go to Black Marsh and speak with the Hist. To see if an accommodation can be reached that will stop the invasion and the bloodshed. I need to do this before the Empress and the Empire involve themselves into this mess. Once they do, there is no telling how much worse it will grow, before it is finally sorted out. For I know this, the Empress intends to extend the Empire to all of Nirn before stepping down in favor of her daughter.

     She will not stop until this is done, no matter the cost. This is not just her mind or desire, she has the full support of Akatosh and the other Divines. So understand that this will happen, one way or another. If we can lessen the bloodshed and lives lost, it could very well insure our survival. I know I am not one of the Tong, but I am Mephala's Champion now, and so all that is hers is my duty and responsibility to protect. If not for that, all of your heads would now be being delivered to the City Council for the bounty and bonus.

     Understand that I have more gold than I can ever spend, but what I want is that bonus, a two thousand acre land grant. I know where I want it to encompass, and I want it for personal reasons. All I have to do is get all of you off this land to get the bonus. Whether you live or die is now because of Mephala's will and desire. Do not make her regret allowing her to let you live."

     The Tong Leader feels a chill run up and down his spine at Darkstar's words. Now he is unquestionably certain that 'Darkstar' is who he is speaking with. No one else would stand before him and all of his people, speaking of their lives in such a way if it was not 'her'. Now he also knows that the tales told upon the return of the 'Mute', before his unfortunate meeting with the current Empress, are in fact true.

     The Tong Leader turns to address the members, "My fellows, listen to me, our High Council has lied to us. They not only lied to us but were prepared to waste out lives. Whether they actually intended for us to make an outpost here for others of ours to come and escape the Argonian Invasion, I cannot speak to that. But what I can speak to is that they told us the Lady Mephala gave us permission to come here. They lied about that, for there is no question in my mind that this is 'Darkstar' and she says the High Council lied. She came to take our heads for the bounty the City Council here has placed on us. But Lady Mephala has declared Darkstar to be her Champion, and so her Champion desires to see us return to Morrowind and have the High Council face the charges we will level against them.

     As to what would happen afterward with the invasion still going on, she has said the Lady Mephala has directed her to go to Black Marsh, to Shadowfen, to speak to the Hist and see what can be done to stop the invasion. Darkstar knows this needs be done quickly, before the current Empress of Tamriel enters that fight. For if the Empress steps in, she will bring her Legions, veterans all of the ultimate destruction of the Tsaesci. And both sides will suffer until peace is bought with the currency of pain, suffering, blood, and death. For she has but to speak her wish and her Legions will follow her anywhere, even to Oblivion itself.

     So if all of this is to happen, why should we do as she has said? Because we will live on, for our friends, family, to live as well, for the desecration of our ancestors resting places to stop. And for all of us to have a chance to rebuild. For if the Empress and her Legions go in and put down the fighting, how much do you think will be left for us to rebuild? I believe Darkstar, Champion of Mephala, and I will do as she asks of us, in Mephala's name."

     The assembled Morag Tong repeat in a low volume, "In Mephala's name."

     Darkstar: "I will need a few hours to get the ship provisioned, give the Captain his orders, and arrange to get you and those going with you through the city and on board the ship alive. Wait here for me, I would leave my apprentices with you, but that would be a signal to the other hunters out there. The three of us came into this quarter of the city, and as long as the three of us leave, all out there will think you are somewhere else. We will return under cover of darkness, watch for us. We should not be followed but I would take no chances."

     The Tong Leader nods his head and sets a few in various places with a view of the outside. Once Darkstar is satisfied with where they are placed, she nods her head and motions for Rigmor and Rose to follow. She quietly signs for them to say nothing until they are well away from here. The three slip quietly out of the courtyard, down the long alleyway, the sun just beginning to crossover into afternoon. About halfway back to the Gilded Courtesan, she motions for them all to sit next to a fountain in the shade of the city walls.

     As she waits for Rigmor to begin forming questions, Rose asks one.

     Rose: "How are you going to arrange to get them across the city and through the docks?"

     Rigmor: "And why are we even doing this? They are the Morag Tong, they tried to kill me and Kintyra."

     Iriisii: "Rose, do you want to tell her?"

     Rigmor looks surprised at Rose, who takes a deep breath.

     Rose: "Back when Iriisii carried you back to my boat after you had fallen through the limbs of that tree. When I and Iriisii, holding you in her arms, approached Hedren, he asked us 'why', just as you are asking now. I told him then, and I am telling you now, 'sometimes you have to do the right thing, even if it means risking everything'."

     Rigmor starts to remark, closes her mouth, and thinks a moment on what Rose has said and just what it can sometimes mean. Then she thinks on all the times that Iriisii has defied common sense, went and did what she felt was right, no matter what she had to risk, and watched as it all worked out.

     Rigmor: "You are right, I may not realize it now, but sometime later it will work out for us and then I will know why. Because she risked everything and did what was right to do, like she did when she carried me to your boat, instead of leaving me to die of my injury. And I have all that I have, because of what she risked to save me."

     Iriisii raises a hand and gently cups Rigmor's face, "And I have all that I have, because I risked everything to save a young girl who I did not know, from the injury she got while running from the Thalmor.'

     She then leans in and kisses Rigmor, "And it was worth everything I risked."