Ripping out an outfit or weapon from a larger shop mod, such as Robert's Armory, to create my own mod is something I've done in Morrowind but I haven't tried in Oblivion.

Since I've play a male character the question is why do I include the Goddess Store at all. It's the female companions, although the Gaoddesses aren't too bad to look at either. With up to 8 companions, not all travel with me at once, the ladies need some R&R and the Goddess Store provides a excuse for the ladies to enjoy themselves.

Over the last ten years it's become the running joke in the game. Arrive at the Imperial City, cash in a ton of valuable loot. Ladies run off to go shopping at the Goddess Store. We leave the I.C, flat broke.

You wouldn't know what to do with those riches anyway. The ladies are doing you a favour of preventing your untimely demise through being crushed under too much gold.

20210620 the Goddess Store
Leaving the University we made a quick stop to check my account balance before heading to the Waterfront.

“Well what an unexpected pleasure it is to see the Psychadelic Warrior,” Venus the Goddess of Love and Beauty greeted us as we entered the Goddess Store. “I’m sure the Field Hippies will be pleased to see you. Perhaps you can help a friend make a decision?”

Field Hippies, now what did she mean by that?

That fleeting thought was interrupted by a familiar voice, “Does this make me look fat?”

Spinning around I came face to um, face with Vilja. She was trying on pirate outfits and the one she had on certainly didn’t make her look fat.

Seeing Vilja in her new pirate outfit Kaleah, Pym, and Elenya waste no time in trying on some of Goddess Venus’ evening wear.

Looking around the main floor of the Goddess Store, I… uh oh, I’m not getting away on the cheap this time. It wasn’t just Vilja; all my Ladies were here. They were milling around Venus and Isis like a crazed Black Friday mob at a Door Buster sale.

So, this is what they do when I’m not around to supervise.

Thank the Goddess; I don’t see Fiona and Yesmin. Never mind, I found them on the second floor, being fitted with armor by the goddesses Athena and Hecate.

Going back to the main floor I find the Ladies are gone. Oh no, they wouldn’t!

Yep, they did. There they were downstairs in the Serpent Goddess Chamber browsing the exotic offerings of the goddesses Sekhmet, Wadjet, and Kali.

It’s definitely going to be one of those days. Giving up, I changed out of my armor for something more comfortable and went downstairs to the bar. Three Goddesses can be found hawking their wares in the barroom; Bast, Freya, and Diana.

After a few bottles of wine, I told the bartender, the goddesses Bast to wake me when the frenzy was over.

The goddesses didn’t have to wake me. The raucous, the Ladies made with all their chattering over who got the better deals, was enough to wake the dead.

Kaleah, Maeva, and Elenya wanted to show off their new armor kits.

Kaleah and Maeva bought theirs from the Goddess Bast. The armor may be stylish but the shiny vinyl gave them a cheap look that I didn’t care for.

Elenya was wearing an armor outfit she purchased from Diana. The leather biker jacket, blue jean hot pants, and boots I really liked but the outfit seemed so out of place.

“But this is what all the famous tomb raiders wear,” Elenya said indignantly.

I was about to mention something to Kaleah, Maeva, and Elenya when a sudden thought of clarity stopped me.

After a thought reset I shouted,”Drinks are on me.”

The party lasted well into the wee hours of the night. After which we all stumbled down to the Bloated Float where my good friend Ormil found places on the floor for us to sleep.

Haha! That really got into a 'fitting frenzy'. The old coin purse should be a lot lighter now. A LOT.

Buffy recalls several of those outfits but she required quite a bit of tailoring down to get them to fit. Screenshot

That is a very nice picture of Buffy in the black dragon robe. Too bad I'm not a very good tailor as there are a few nice items that don't fit well. Some of the armors either clip of give the ladies a thick tree trunk neck.

It's a good thing I have plenty of houses; one in every city and several extras. The ladies need plenty of closet space.

This post has been edited by macole: Jun 21 2021, 08:51 PM

You've outdone yourself, macole. What a silly episode this was. Psychedelic Warrior indeed.

I do really like the red, black, and blue they're wearing in that first shot. I could see Renee Gade III wearing something like that in her off-time.

See, now you know why Vampire Hunting was so awkward when Renee was doing that questline, especially the random vampires part. She'd always *not* be wearing armor in her off-time. Instead she'd be in some ridiculous dress and be totally unprepared when she spotted one of those vampires, and then she'd always want to attack and un-life the vampire anyways.



EDit: yes, Buffy fits in that black one-piece. She actually looks taller than usual!

Thanks, hope you don't mind a bit of silly. The Goddess Store page was for those who don't or can't use mods so that they can get some idea of what the store is like.
I've tried being serious. I don't think I'm good at it. It brings back dark depressing memories of my "lost years", '68 through '70.


It's a little easier for male characters, I think. There's very little of what I consider good looking clothing available for the males.

20210627 Sutch Village, Fort Sutch completed
One by one my Ladies left the Bloated Float to return to their respective stations.

Maeva, headed southeast to Crementine Temple Cathedral to protect Lilia the White Wing from the evil sisters of Athena, and to instruct her in the gentle ways of the Cute Elves.

Fiona left for the wine presses of Shadowcrest Vineyard. Yesmin, Claire, Elenya, Pym, Kaleah, Vilja, and I traveled with her as far as Shadowcrest Vineyard. There we parted ways with Fiona, leaving her at the vineyard as we continued on to Anvil.

While escorting the ladies to Anvil a courier delivered a couple messages. It appears that things have been happening around Cyrodiil and elsewhere while I was trapped in the ladies fashion emporium. The first message reminded us that we could now return to Orcrest and find out how Eloine’s rendezvous with the Minotaur went.
The second message was to inform us that Fort Such was now totally complete

It was late when we arrived at Benirus Manor. Clair immediately went downstairs to the secret vault to inspect the artifacts we had stored in Lorgren’s tomb.

The five remaining Ladies drew straws to see which two would share the only bed.

I didn’t bother, I’d just lose anyways. I always do. Us losers settled for not so comfy spots on the floor to curl up and sleep.

The next morning I escorted Vilja to Dunbarrow Cove. Once there, without having to be asked twice Vilja took charge of the pirating operation.

Back in Anvil, I took Kaleah to Morvayn’s Peacemakers to trade in all the excess arms and armor she’s been carrying. In appreciation of my masterful mercantile skills and for being freed of all that junk Kaleah wrapped me up in her arms and soft wings for a big hug; much to the dismay of Morvayn.

I could feel Morvayn’s intense pinched-eyed stare of disapproval on my back as we walked out the door. I guess worshiping “good daedra” is not the same thing as a show of affection by one.

From Morvayn’s our next stop was the local Mages Guile Hall where we spoke to Carahil. Aware of why we were there Carahil was prepared to hand us the key to Clara Astatius’ house. As she was showing us the location of the house on a map Carahil mentioned that we were expected.

Well would you look at that, Sutch is on the way to Clara Astatius’s house. We can check out the new Fort Sutch along the way.

“Come on Kaleah let’s get the others and go see the new Fort Sutch.”

Pym and Elenya were eager to be on the way. As expected Claire to want to remain in Lorgren’s laboratory.

Yesmin also had decided she wanted to stay in Anvil for a while. She was having thoughts about taking the Flounders Flourish out and sail around the bay.

The trip to Sutch took the rest of the day. It was nice to see the reconstructed Fort Sutch.

The interior was very nicely done but there was one tiny detail that bothered us.

As we took in the view from the ramparts of the fort Kaleah leaned close and whispered, “Why are the trebuchet and ballista artillery directed at the village?”

Accepting an offer from Julius Gareun whom I supposed was the fort’s commandant, we spent the night at Fort Such.

The accommodations were more than satisfactory and I should have slept soundly but Kaleah’s question bothered me throughout the night.

What a crew! Probably a good thing that the number of ladies traveling with the Jandanga was thinned down some during their travels.

Given her new outfit, of course Vilja would take charge of that pirate village.

Hmm, why are the siege engines aimed at the village indeed?

I have always assumed they belonged to the invading forces that destroyed Fort Sutch.

20210630 SutchVillage OysterBay, NakedNord ClaraAstatius

We left Fort Sutch early the following morning. We declined Julius Gareun’s offered to have breakfast delivered from the Silver Star Inn. When we mentioned we’d like to see how Paj Meel was doing, Julius agreed that that was a wise choice. Not only would the food be hotter but deliveries to the fort can be very slow.

Over breakfast we discussed how to get to Clara Astatius’s house. The house is supposed to be on the banks of the Brena River. The road heading west from the village appears to cut through the mountain range behind Sutch Village. We leave the inn hoping that the road takes us to the banks of the Brena.

The road west cuts a narrow path through the mountain range. Exiting the cut we continue down the slope until we come to the small deep water port of Oyster Bay (Sutch Village). Talking to some of the residents reveals some interesting facts about Oyster Bay. The little settlement has a storied past from the days of old when Anvil itself was still ruled by pirate kings.

Nowadays, with Sutch as its major trading partner, Oyster Bay appears to be much more respectable. Oyster Bay’s lucrative contracts with Sutch to ship ebony ore from the Sutch mine to prime ports in Hammerfell has turned the once pirate haven into a respectable port. That’s the official story.

Unofficially we got the impression that something is going on under the table. Talking to the residents of Oyster Bay we heard comments like; “A veritable haven to collect all kinds of delicacies from the rich waters” and “Fishermen? Ha ha, no. While a few do enjoy it our main source of income is the trade routes”. Code phrases for pirating, I’m sure.

As long as Oyster Bay lives up to its agreements and does not disrupt ebony shipments, the undermanned garrison stationed at the fort is willing to ignore the pirating. Why upset the cart and lose the valuable trade. For the time being anyways.

Walking around Oyster Bay we could see Clara Astatius’s house high on a cliff overlooking the Brena River. And near impossible to get to from Oyster Bay. We’ll have to go back up the road to Sutch and circle around.

When the road to Sutch cut through the mountain the sight of Fort Sutch loomed over the town of Sutch. Seeing its artillery directly in line with us gave me the answer to Kaleah’s question. The citizens of Sutch do not trust the pirates of Oyster Bay.

Should pirates or for that matter any other invading force attack Sutch from Oyster Bay they would be constricted to this narrow pass. Well placed stones shot from a magically enhanced trebuchet could pin invaders here, giving Sutch time to mount defenses.

It was a walk but on the far side of Silver Star Manor and Vineyard we found a path taking us to Clara’s house. The key we were given worked and we entered. There was a very brief glimpse of activity and the lights went out. Someone had cast a darkness spell.

I summoned Twinkle to counter the datkness. In the resulting twilight my Ladies severely admonished three bandit wizards for their complete lack of manners when greeting guests. The wizards learned their lessons well and I’m certain they will never misbehave again.

Fearing the worst we searched the house for Clara. On the second floor we found a magical fire, you know the kind that burns flesh but nothing else, had been set blocking a bedroom door. A woman’s voice pleading for help could be heard on the other side of the door.

Thinking only of putting out a fire I grabbed a bucket from the basement, raced down to Oyster Bay, filled the bucket from the river, and raced back again to douse the flames.

I was near collapses, exhausted, huffing and puffing like a blacksmith’s bellows.

My sweet lovely supportive ladies stood there arms akimbo, eyes flashing and toes tapping.

“You know you could have just teleported down to Oyster Bay and back again with the water and been back in seconds,” scolded Kaleah. “Instead you go running off like a ninny.”

“OK, ok. I admit I panicked.”

With the fire extinguished Clara Astatius stepped out of the room to talk with us. She told us more of the story. Clara was shocked but not surprise to hear the news of her once prize student, Viola Tarensa. Giving us her journal Carla suggested that a location may be found within. Fort Goldthroat was mentioned as a favorite place of Viola Tarensa. This may be significant. We need to return to the Imperial City and inform Raminus.

“First,” suggested Elenya. “Let’s go back to the Silver Star Inn for dinner and a room for the night.”

This post has been edited by macole: Jun 30 2021, 04:38 PM

Reading such stories makes me daze out into the distance... I see a day in the future when Lena's Cyrodiil might move to PC... and open the borders to other lands... and pirates... and new settlements...

I snap back to reality. May be one day. There's still lots to do in Lena's Cyrodiil as it is, without opening borders. Gods know what might come in, once you do...

Oyster Bay is lovely! For Buffy’s fiction, we quite developed the seagoing trade routes, including the trading companies, routes and even ship names. Did not use any mods to support that though. Even had to pretend the lower Niben had sea access via Leyawiin.

Twinkle makes a great counter to a darkness spell.

Running down to the bay to fetch a pail of water? How pedestrian.

Yes, it is. And it meshes perfectly with Tamriel Rebuilt's Stirk island. My previous character started the game on Stirk, swam over to Oyster Bay (they are within sight of each other), traveled from Oyster Bay to Sutch, and from Sutch to the Fighters Guild in Anvil. That journey was a perfect way to ease gradually into the vanilla game.

It's a good thing Jill wasn't with me. I might have fallen into something.


Yes it would be a perfect start. I'll try to remember that should I ever start again.

This post has been edited by macole: Jun 30 2021, 11:34 PM

202107 Sutch Village - Wine, Women, and Song
Nearing the Silver Star Inn we received a message informing us that Elliot Levitius, the owner of the Silver Star Manor, has gone missing. Perhaps we should talk to Paj-Meel about this.

“Isn’t that the big house with the vineyard we just passed?” Elenya asked. “I couldn’t help but pick a couple grapes as we passed by. They are very good.”

During dinner Paj-Meel explained about the message. It seems no one has heard from Elliot Levitius in months. It’s like he just packed up and left in the middle of the night. According to the charter his house and all it contains, including the vineyard and servants is for sale.

The asking price of 40,000 is high but it’s a lot of house and property to consider. I told Paj-Meel we’ll think it over and give him an answer in the morning. We then rented a room for the night.

It was breakfast time when Elenya got back from an early morning walk to visit the vineyard. All she could talk about how the fabulous grapes were. Why with Shadowcrest Vineyard and Silver Star Winery, we could equal or exceed Tamika and Surilie Brothers combined.

Balance in nature is everything according to Elenya. Until it comes to dominating the completion, that is.

That settled it. Calling Paj-Meel over, we completed the purchase of Silver Star Manor by the time breakfast over. Paj-Meel’s eyes popped when Kaleah dropped a sack of gold coins on the table.

“She’s a… she’s a… she’s a,” was all he could say. Like he’d never seen Daedra Seducer before.

Transaction complete, we went straight away to inspect our new enterprise.

There it was, Silver Star Manor sitting atop the hill high above the town of Sutch. The way the sunlight struck it gave the house an eerie look.

“House on Hunted Hill,” I said absent mindedly.

“Bates’ Motel,” countered Elenya.

Pym started drawing blazing runes of protection in the air while Kaleah, the one who laughs in the face of danger, started singing.

“We’re gonna lay around the shanty, Feache, and put a good buzz on.”

That broke the tension. We opened the door and stepped on into Silver Star Manor.

Contrary to our first impressions once inside the manor everything seemed perfectly normal. Well, aside from the creepy looking caretakers, that is. As described the manor and vineyard came completely furnished and in good working order. After introducing ourselves to the creepy couple, Gill immediately brought up business matters necessary to keep the winery operating.

The Anvil delivery contracts had gone into default after Elliot Levitius vanished. We need to go to Anvil and renegotiate new wine delivery contracts with the local inns.

Popping over to Anvil, we first try our negotiating skills at the Count’s Arms. Despite My Ladies best efforts to entice Wilbur into signing, the publican refused to negotiate citing unreliable delivery concerns.

We left The Count’s Arms with a new understanding. Every merchant in town believes that Silver Star is an unreliable business partner. This is going to more difficult than anticipated.

Walking out to the docks, Elenya suggested trying the new Black Flag Tavern. No luck there, being a BC franchise they wouldn’t even discuss it.

Our efforts at The Flowing Bowl brought another rejection along with a lead to try Norbert Lelles. Ah yes, my old friend Norbert. If he won’t take an order no one will.

Norbert made an offer alright, for twenty percent of the sale. We also had to agree to a firm weekly delivery schedule. More than two days late on a scheduled delivery and the contract is terminated. What a friend. Had us over a barrel and he took advantage.

We hurry back to Silver Star Manor to make arrangements for the first shipment. Thinking of it now having to rush back here every week is going become a serious scheduling issue. Knowing of my predicament the house servant, Gil proposes that for the miniscule fee of 5 percent of the sale he would ensure that the weekly shipment is met.

What could we do but agree. I guess 75% will have to do. Besides, if the wine takes off we’ll just raise the price a bit.

Staying the night in our new manor, we fell asleep trying to figure out how long it would take to recover our investment.

This post has been edited by macole: Jul 4 2021, 06:55 AM

Ah yes, the lives of adventurers and merchants are probably not so compatible. . . . Methinks the best your little band can do is luck upon a very solid manager for the winery to capably handle week-to-week operations.

20210708 I-SL Missing Tax Collector
Leaving the winery operations in Gil’s presumably capable hands, we made preparations to leave the Silver Star Manor. I did wonder about Gil though. If he was so capable, why didn’t he keep the shipments going when the original owner vanished? He could have pocketed a fortune.

On the plus side it shows that he’s honest and trustworthy. Don’t really buy it but what else is there to go on.
Being a little tired of all the running around we walked down to Oyster Bay and hired one of the pirates, um merchants to sail us to Leyawiin. From Leyawiin we took the Yellow Road north until we reached the Blankenmarch settlement.

There, under the cover of being lost and asking directions we slyly gathered information concerning a certain tax collector.

Oh yes, the residents of Blankenmarch had some things to say the tax collector. None of it good! Thief they called him. Over charging and pocketing the excess. Glad to see someone on his case they eagerly informed us that he had continued north.

It was about 6:00PM and we were getting ready to leave Blankenmarch when Shivaya, the Khajiit Scout that Do’Leandra wants us to spy on, walked into camp. With some effort we get her to talking and learn that she is looking for Dar’jones, last seen at Harlan’s Watch. As soon as we got that information we left Blankenmarch in the hopes of catching the tax collector.

Following the Yellow Road north we stopped by Nocturnal’s shrine to ask if anyone saw the tax collector. The only answer we got was “Protect the Key.”

The information we got from Karrizy was that the tax collector never made it to the mouth of the Panter River. He could be holed up anywhere between here and there. The Ayleid ruin Arpenia stood out as a likely place to stop for the night.

The small Ayleid ruin turned out to be rather uneventful. Other than some nice treasure chests and some odd light emitting crystals there wasn’t much to Arpenia. We quickly cleared it of raiders and spent the night in the quiet ruin.

The next morning we continued our journey north. As we neared the Panter River sounds of fighting could be heard. We picked up the pace and soon we could see an Imperial Guardsman engaged with a huge ogre. The ogre struck the guardsman down before we could get there.

My Ladies took care of the ogre while I tried to tend to the fallen guardsman, Gagrath gro-Uzkul. I was too late. With his dying breath the Gagrath gro-Uzkul said two words, “west, gold”.

Certain that Gagrath gro-Uzkul was the personal bodyguard of the tax collector we began to search the area. It was very difficult to find the blood trail covered by the dense foliage but we did eventually pick up the trail. The blood trail led us down to the banks of the Niben. There we found the tax collector floating in the river.

He was dead but the tax money was not on his body. Whoever did this must have taken the money.

The a sound of someone approaching startled us. Turning around to face whoever is approaching we see a familiar face. It’s Kanaane, the Aureal from the Stranded Light.

A great sense of relief washed over us as I called out, “Kanaane, come quickly, we could use some help.”
With our guard relaxed, we were momentarily stunned when Kanaane summoned golden saint armor and attacked. Once we recovered the fight was over quickly as Kanaane prove to be
no match for the four of us.

“Too long sitting at a desk makes one weak and slow,” Kaleah stated

With the battle over a quick search Kanaane’s body surrendered a large pouch full of gold coins.

“Why did she attack us? I have no idea but it looks like we’ve recovered the taxman’s ill gotten coin.”

“My Jandaga,” Elenya said. “We should take the gold and report back to the Stranded Light. The balance feels wrongly tilted. Something really strange is going on with Kanaane.”

“You’re right. This could be serious. Tesserayiel needs to know immediately.”

With a wave of a hand I sent us back to Merendin.

As ever, I'm in awe of your graphics when it comes to lush foliage - showcased in several of your screenshots here. Wow, sounds like that corrupt tax stuff has long tentacles. . . .

20210717 I-SL Merendin – Missing Tax Collector, Breaking the Monopoly II
Arriving at Merendin we spent the next couple of days discussing the implications of attacking us and her subsequent banishment. Is this an indication of defections within the ranks of the Stranded Light?

The first thing we noticed upon entering Merendin was that there were now eight portraits adorning the entrance wall. A sure sign that the expected new spell creator had arrived.

Sad to think that Kanaane, the artist who creates all the Stranded Light themed paintings found in Merendin and throughout Cyrodiil, may no longer be around to create any new portraits.

Being just past midnight, the reception lobby was empty except for an unfamiliar Maomer sitting crossed legged on the floor meditating. Ahtize, the newly arrived Maomer spellmaker, stirred from her meditations to acknowledge our greeting. She told us how happy she was to be here in Merendin. It’s so much better than the half-submerged cave where she had been hiding.

Leaving Ahtize to her meditations we looked forward to nice soft bed and a good night’s sleep. Faint noises coming from an adjacent room got our attention. Curious to know who else was still up at this late hour we went to investigate. There in a corner of the next room applying paint to canvas stood… Kanaane!

“Why are you looking at me like this?” Kanaane asked.

“You attacked me.”

“I did?” the Kanaane in front of me responded. “My prices are very reasonable. I’m no cutthroat merchant. Besides you get a discount due your rank in the Stranded Light.”

She definitely misunderstands so I explain the encounter and how I banished her by combat.

“Err… that can’t be,” Kanaane began. “Otherwise one of us wouldn’t be here. What makes you think… ah. I understand. Them. You need to talk to Tesserayiel.

With that we found a bed and went to sleep. The next morning we spoke to Tesserayiel. Tesserayiel was shocked to hear how we were attacked by Kanaane. She launched into a vigorous defense of Kanaane only to stop in mid-sentance. Then much like Kanaane did the night before Tesser abruptly changed direction and suggested we talk to Karashivuel about doppelgangers.


Asking Tesserayiel about Ahtize the new Maomer spellmaker Tesser explained, “Ahtize is a great help to our cause. People who can’t get into the Arcane University now come to us. You should see the faces of the high and mighty Altmer though. A Xivilai? No problem. Her kind? Ouch.”

Tesser had one last word for us before we left to find Karashivuel. She warned us that those Khajiit scouts, Karrizy and Shivaya are evil Renrijra Krin. Best to do what Do’leandra says.

Karashivuel had a lot to say about doppelgangers. According to her some Daedra especially Daedra Seducers are so highly proficient in shape changing that they can assume the features of someone else. Kara said she’ll take some time to think on how to deal with such a threat.

“Doppelganger what? As if invisible foes aren’t bad enough! Now like in a house of mirrors we'll be fighting ourselves in the caves!”

Taking Tesserayiel’s advice we talk to Do’leandra. She insists that we take the tax money to the Count of Leyawiin. “One must understand that we’re in Leyawiin County. One wouldn’t want the authorities mad at us.”

Do’leandra also thinks there’s something fishy about Shivaya wanting us to track down a missing Khajiit.
Do’leandra suspects the missing Khajiit is a spy and request that we inform her immediately if we should happen to find this spy.

Since Karashivuel mentioned Daedra Seducers we decided to pay a visit to Teshekru’s bar for a drink and get her thoughts on doppelgangers and Daedra Seducers.

Staring intently at me, Teshekru smiled widely and exclaimed how happy she was to see us. She got kind of flirty and for the briefest of moments her face darkened.

“That one’s been trapped in a soul gem too long,” Kaleah mumbled to herself as we left Teshekru. “Can’t hide her wings, can’t fly. Just who does she think she is chatting up MY Feache like that?”

A few unintelligible expressions later Kaleah calmed down a bit. “At least she’s not as dangerous as that thing Turumerin at the 19 Voids.”

Passing through the lobby on our way out of Merendin we found shy little Jo’beala silently dancing in a corner of shadows. Normally timid and full of self doubt the Ohmes-raht stopped her dancing to rush over to us.

Excitedly Jo’beala blurts out she’s been learning a lot about enchanting. Now she thinks she will be able to enchant items as well as any Telvanii. All she needs is something she called a “Focus Crystal”. Supposedly this crystal aids in transferring the magical energy from soul gems to the item. It also reduces significantly the chance of destroying the soul gem.

She knows where to find a crystal. Jo tells us, “I've heard that a Focus Crystal was lost while being transported from Cyrodiil to Sentinel. The delivery was attacked by undead, dragged into Niryastare. It's an Ayleid ruin in western Cyrodiil, near the Hammerfell border, south of where the Brina River splits.”

“I’ll look for it the next time we pass that way.” Jo’beala danced delightfully away, beaming at the thought that she had proved herself useful.

Now that there is no one left to delay our departure any longer, we left Merendin to take the taxman’s bag of gold to Leyawiin.