Mephala's Maiden: Black Rose Clan Options

[Black Hand]

Hey guys, this isnt a divergence from the main story I have, but rather, I have been trying out a new type of character on my X-Box, a custom class 'Geisha' after seeing the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha' Recently, and I gotta tell ya, its a lot of fun. Something different to be sure. It inspired this. Enjoy. (I hope.)


“Who was that lady, Sera?” asked Sayuri, looking at Edryno Arethi, her current matron in House Hlaalu.

“No one, get back too your duties, Retainer.” Edrnyo replied, twirling the Black Rose in her hand, a deathly pale in her face, she had been delivered the death message and was in no mood to speak.

Sayuri, the young Bosmer girl had been adopted by House Hlaalu after her parents had been murdered by a Telvanni Mage whilst in Sadrith Mora, and one of the Merchants traveling in his own ship to trade, took pity on the little crying girl, dropping her off in Balmora, and told Nileno Dorvayn of her plight.

She remembered the tsking of Nileno, and the warmth of her palm as she rubbed her cheek affectionately. She was given clothes and a bed, and place to sleep, and she was put to work, alternately being trained in House Hlaalu’s favored skills, for three years she served mostly as a serving girls, performing menial tasks, and occasionally as a thief, or a decoy. She loved it, as it seemed to coincide naturally with her gods-given talents.

Bratheru Oran, Edryno’s lover took the rose from her hand, and threw it on the ground, smashing it underneath his leather boots. His expression showed that of rage and helplessness. Sayuri would not bring it up again for three weeks, but one day, when Edryno gave her a key to her house, and told her that she would be gone for several weeks, she finally explained, as she had never held anything back from her adopted daughter for long.

“Do you remember that Rose, Sayuri? The black one?” she asked, as Sayuri nodded her head, remembering the vivacious Altmer that had delivered it, dressed in exquisite clothing and wearing Telvanni Bug Musk.

“You’ve been chosen, and are being taken from me, under the pain of death, I cannot refuse. The Black Rose Clan is taking you, and you will serve them. I…I am leaving to speak to them, and perhaps negotiate an alternative. But seldom will they refute a selection.”

“Black Rose Clan? Matron, I don’t understand!” Sayuri said nearly on the brink of tears.

“You know of the Morag Tong? They worship the Great Daedra Mephala, the Dark Matron of Murder, Sex, and Secrets. They are a small faction within the Tong, dedicated to the second part of that. Whereas most assassins are dark, aloof, and grim in nature, a Black Rose, or a Dark Petal, also Thorns or Mephala’s Maidens, rely more on Personality and Agility. As every rose have five petals, so does the Clan. When one ‘wilts’ away as they call it, either killed, or grows to old too become pleasing to men, another must be chosen to take their place. You, because you are born under the Sign of ‘The Lover’ which gives you more agility, and the power to freeze people, will become the newest petal in the Black Rose.”

Sayuri’s eyes tried to no avail to hold back the tears of confusion and frustration. For the second time in her life, she was to lose her family. Edyrno ran her hand through the childs raven dark hair, and embraced her, attempting to comfort the shaking Bosmer.

“I know, I promise everything will be all right…”

[Black Hand]

Sayuri followed Errisa’s gaze over her shoulder, and took notice of two vivacious Dunmer Maidens walking toward their table. The walk, the poise, the dress. These were the other two Dark Petals.

Errisa arose from her chair, smiling and arms outstretched, silently cooing out ‘sisters!’ The other two returned her embrace, chatting nonsensically about the years spent apart, until finally they looked down at the nervous Bosmer.

They introduced themselves as Anssi Tyravel, and Dralsie Andules. Anssi had short reddish hair, and Dralsie had long dark brown hair in two ponytails that came down either side of her neck. Both hugged Sayuri and welcomed them to the family.

Anssi, the more passionate of the two, was the first to probe Sayuri for information, her first kill, how it now felt to be a member. To which Sayuri replied plainly, provoking an ‘ahh’ response from Dralsie, who was a bit more intelligent and methodical in her demeanor.

Dralsie folded her hand around Sayuri’s, a warm and soft grasp. “Don’t you listen to her, little one; her first time was followed by a week of crying and flin. You’re doing just fine; I think you’re going to make a great Sister.”

Sayuri gave a polite smile and nod. Dralsie saw through this and began a little pep talk.

“Look, I know it seems macabre that we sit around and discuss what we do like we came from the market. However it is what we do. The Morag Tong is definitely a fraternity to our sorority, but don’t forget that those we take for Mephala, deserved what they had coming. We believe in an ancient form of justice, when those who have wronged another pay in equal terms. Gold is not equal to a life. Only another life is. And somewhere deep inside; you agree. That is why Andrethi lies dead. Telvanni justice indeed.” She spat out the last sentence, truly disgusted by his actions years ago.

Sayuri smiled again, this time genuinely, grateful that someone shared her viewpoint. “But ,what about Mephala’s pleasure in all of it. That’s what bothers me. She is a Daedra, she cares not about mortal justice, just her realm, and sphere being strengthened.”

“True.” Dralsie nodded, impressed. “The spider can be a fickle mistress. But we are all caught in her web, we are a part of the society that she helped build. Soon, when the higher truths begin to form in your mind, you may come to see things as we do more clearly. But you are already so advanced for your age.”

“I’ll thank you for the compliment.” Errisa said extending a finger at Dralsie. “I am after all, a great teacher.”

“Say, girls. Has she ever been to Desele’s?” Anssi said with a mischievous look in her eye that was pointed right at Sayuri. “I mean when was the last time we were all in Suran at the same time?”

“No. No. No. NO!” Errisa started.

“You remember what happened last time. Genevieve had to bail us out from the Magistrate.” Dralsie finished.

“How was I supposed to know you had to have a permit to dance in there? Besides I’m not talking about using the kitty sugar this time.”

“Stop!” Errisa said putting a hand in Anssi’s face. “We really don’t want to give Sayuri the wrong impression. We are not….party girls. We do serious things.”

“The ONE time we cut loose.” Anssi protested.

Errisa considered it. “When is Genevieve due?”

“Three days, minimum.” Dralsie nodded, liking the idea more with each nod of her head.

Errisa looked at Anssi. “No sugar this time?”

“Swear to the holy three, the sugar I will let be.” Said Anssi, making some religious sign with her hands.

Sayuri of course was somewhere between laughter and incredulousness.

“What is Desele’s?” she asked, which prompted laughter from the trio at the table.

“It’s a place where men are boys, and women can be women.” Dralsie said with a chortle.