The Story of Trey- Chapter 2 Options

[treydog]

Chapter 2

"Not everyone who [dumps] on you is your enemy; not everyone who pulls you out is your friend; but most of all, when you are up to your chin in [sewage]- keep your damned mouth shut!"

Jack Beauregard (Henry Fonda) in “My Name is Nobody”


It is now the middle of Last Seed here on Vvardenfell, near the anniversary of my arrival so many years ago. If you were to ask me what I had for supper last night, I would be hard pressed to say. But if you asked me to recall my first days in Morrowind, I would do so with ease. And so I shall.

As I went north out of Seyda Neen, I remembered a promise I had made to a Khajiit and two Argonians. Turning west to the sea, I cast a spell of Water Walking and traveled out to deep water. Once there, I dropped three slave bracers, symbols of a practice I hated with every fiber of my being. Having been a victim of forced servitude myself, a slave in all but name, I would do whatever I could to cripple the foul practice. Promise fulfilled, I turned back toward shore and discovered one of the major limitations of magic: spells do not last forever, nor even as long as one might wish. In fact, spells often expire at particularly unfortunate moments. For example, when the spell-caster is well out into the sea and preaching the evils of slavery to an audience of one. One moment I was gliding across the surface of the water, composing one of the greatest anti-slavery speeches in the history of the Empire, the next I was gasping and trying not to swallow a significant portion of the Inner Sea. For future reference, it is better to compose great speeches and plan grand crusades from a comfortable chair in front of a warm fire.

My situation was quickly noticed by several small green fish, which seemed to be composed mostly of mouths full of long, needle-sharp teeth. If my sword technique on land had improved any, it was not noticeable in the water. My thrashing and cursing would have proved highly entertaining to anyone watching; I believe I overcame the slaughterfish as much by churning the water as by swordplay. Once my attackers floated on the surface, I was able to examine them and discover that, in addition to their impressive teeth, they possessed scales with some properties useful for the making of potions, such as Water Walking. Such as... the spell that I had cast to get out here, the spell that I still knew, the spell that I had sufficient magicka to cast perhaps another 9 TIMES! If the water had churned when I fought the slaughterfish, it positively boiled as I realized that I could have just cast a simple spell. I was much damper and much quieter as I slunk back to shore. On a happier note, I didn't quite drown when I noticed some kollops and dove to check them for pearls.

Back on more or less dry land, I downed one of Thavere's healing potions and decided to practice with that bane of my existence, the chitin short bow. My targets of choice were mudcrabs; they tended to be slow and not require 50 or 60 arrows to kill. That may seem cruel to some, but I had several good reasons. First, I was not a ranger; I didn't go flitting through the forest singing songs to the birds and furry creatures. Second, I needed the crab meat to keep me going- there weren't any provisioners out there. And, finally, I really needed to improve my skill with the bow if I wanted to survive. There were plenty of creatures that could hurt me badly if I allowed them into close range. Other than the mudcrabs and a few rats, I met no opposition. Of course, I did bypass several tombs and caves, feeling that my equipment and skills simply weren't up to the kind of trouble I might find. Besides, undead sort of, um, what's the word ... scared me.

I didn't hurry, but I didn't want to waste time either- I had probably left some enemies behind me- enemies that might prove powerful. I needed to get to a town large enough to lose myself and to perhaps join a guild or two. Guilds can be annoying, what with rules, duties, and membership dues, but they also provide some protection. In the real world, most lone wolves either starve to death or get taken down by the pack. It's a romantic image, but I had to think about survival, not image. As I passed the wizard-shaped depression in the road where Tarhiel had discovered one of the fundamental laws of physics, I turned east, wanting to work my way inland. The coast was humid and muddy; I hoped to find more pleasant travel conditions across the foothills. Also, I had just about all the mushrooms I would ever want; I hoped to find different plants farther inland.

My efforts were rewarded with a large variety of plants, including some that would provide healing. Best of all, no Imperial guards jumped out of the bushes to accuse me of lurking with the intent to loiter or treason or whatever else they could make up. As I came up the path to Pelegiad, I almost thought I had been magically transported to High Rock. The buildings looked so much like my home province that I felt a twinge of homesickness. That was quickly dispelled by the sight of an Imperial fort hovering like a black cloud at the north edge of town. Whenever I began to feel that I could breathe freely, I was reminded that the iron fist of the Empire was wrapped around my throat. Seeking a friendly, non-Imperial face, I spied Kunthar, a Nord barbarian. Generally, I find Nords to be likable; they have a simple outlook on life- smash it, spend it, eat it, or drink it. He explained that the Imperial wart, I mean fort, was only one part of the problem. There were also retired soldiers who had settled here and established farms. Pelegiad would not be the best place for me to settle, then. Besides, I had no way of knowing if the Imperial authorities in Seyda Neen were getting ready to send a message for all garrisons to pick up "one Trey, Breton, to be held on suspicion."

Kunthar was a good fellow; he told me about the services available in Pelegiad- the Halfway tavern and inn, two smiths, a trader, even an Imperial Cult shrine. The inn was of greatest interest to me- I needed a chance to clean off the grime of the road and perhaps sleep in a bed. Inside the tavern, I met a peculiar Dunmer by the name of Yakum who spoke a strange variety of Elvish. Among other odd subjects, he mentioned something about a prophecy, apparently some belief of the Ashland Dunmer. It all had to do with something or someone called the Nerevarine. I hardly understood a thing he said, but I liked the old boy; he seemed like my kind of person. After politely ending my conversation with Yakum, I approached the owner, who offered a selection of drinks, food, and best of all, beds. After buying some kwama eggs, I mentally counted my gold and decided I had enough to take a room. That would give me a chance to repair my gear, mix potions, and rest.

Originally, I had planned to just camp on the road and do my maintenance there. But then it struck me that the "clank, clank, ting, clank, clank" of armor repair might be as good as a dinner bell to any creatures in the area. I might as well just start shouting, "Yoo hoo, monster, come and eat me. Got your nice fresh Breton on the half-shell." No, civilization had its benefits, even if I did have to put up with the presence of Imperials. In the quiet of my room, I was able to mix up some Restore Fatigue potions and repair the worst of the wear on my armor and weapons. Best of all, I got to sleep in a bed. It was expensive, but I kind of liked it. Back home, I generally had to share my straw pile in the stable with whatever kind of "wildlife" might be there. That might be one reason why the silt strider bothered me so much; a flea that size would do a lot more than just leave a tiny bump if it bit you. In fact, YOU would be the tiny bump in the silt strider's stomach. The next morning, feeling rested and well fed for the first time, I got back on the road- ready to find adventure, fame, and fortune. What I found was romance.

This post has been edited by treydog: Mar 5 2015, 01:31 AM

[treydog]

Let’s see- what has happened since I last did anything with this? No- it is too much- I will sum up... (gratuitous Princess Bride quote).

We have a “Ghost Cat” in the garage, which has had kittens- which we have also not seen. The cat we have seen- she is a feral who was coming around during the snows of March. And it was clear she and a tom had become “more than just good friends”. So- into the garage with you until we can get this sorted.

Then the gable vent started falling off one end of the house- which has allowed some undetermined type and number of critters into the attic- the one of which managed to fall down inside the wall of the den. Which sent one of the indoor cats into a frenzy.

Otherwise, work is easy- but made more difficult by the new crop of petty tyrants wanting to “put their stamp on the organization.”

A person more clever than I would have retreated into the safety of their writing. But- well- see the “more clever than I” part…. But I have neglected this, and you, for too long, so let me fix that.

@hazmick- Yes, Trey can’t help but pick up anything that isn’t nailed down… um… any random plants he happens across…. And he will occasionally color his memories with the greater wisdom of having survived the events- Caius being a good example.

@McBadgere- He has not dodged all the Fed-Ex missions yet. And Caius remains one of the best NPCs Bethesda ever created. And his influence on Trey is clear in that one of the not-yet-even-a-tiny-glimmer-in-his-imagination daughters is named “Caia”. Thank you, my friend.

@Grits- The guilds in Morrowind have a fair amount of backstory built in… and Trey wishes he could be an “academic,” even as he sees the pitfalls of that path… He very much has my own Southern “sense of place.” The desire for a space which is his own- preferably without straw and horse… byproduct… is quite strong.

@mplantinga- He has a wonderful facility to spot the inconsistencies of others- while being completely oblivious to his own…. And I agree- when I was first playing, I thought Morrowind was just another linear “CRPG”. It was only later that I began to see the depth…

Thanks, everyone for reading and for commenting.


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Worn out from my wandering about Balmora and from speculating about what this forced enrolment in the Blades could mean for my future- as in, did I have a future? I prepared to sleep in a real bed for the only second time in my memory. As I divested myself of armor, weapons, and other gear, I thought about ways to improve my skills. Caius had mentioned trainers, and I knew that the guilds provided such services, as well. But training cost money, of which I had very little. Another problem I had with the idea of using a trainer was that to do so would reveal my weaknesses. Yes, the training would improve the weak areas, but the trainer would always be better than me and, more important, would KNOW what my weak spots were. That was a greater concern than lack of funds; I did not want anyone to know too much about me. With all these thoughts swirling in my brain, I settled in at the table with my ingredients and began working on potions. That required concentration and always calmed me. Working in the quiet bustle of the Mages Guild, I had soon decanted a number of simple restoratives. They were not master quality by any means, but they were mine. With my thoughts finally calmed to a quiet murmur, I went to bed.

How long it was before something disturbed me, I don't know. What I do know is that I was sound asleep one minute and standing beside the bed, sword in hand, the next. I have always had a "danger sense" that told me when trouble was near. Unfortunately, it was never completely reliable. I scanned the room and saw nothing, but the prickling at the back of my neck did not go away. Deciding that it was better to look foolish than to be taken by surprise, I donned my armor and began to search the guild house. I had just reached the ground floor landing when a dark figure seemed to materialize out of the shadows, with a silver dagger in its hand. As my attacker came into the brighter light of the corridor, I realized that his armor was made of a light-absorbing material. I had no time to notice anything more, as he attacked with a ferocity I had never before encountered. I was again able to use the greater reach of my longsword to advantage, keeping away from many of his attacks. Still, a significant number got through, and I was forced to become more defensive. Realizing that I must do something to buy a breathing space, I launched a flurry of strokes that made up in energy what they lacked in style. As my opponent danced back to get out of range, I quickly downed one of the Restore Health potions Ajira had given me.

With renewed vigor, I was able to press the dark-clad knife-wielder into a corner and finish him. During the entire fight, which raged up and down the front hallway, not one of the resident mages came to my aid. Indeed, none of them even came to see what was causing the commotion. While I can understand being engrossed in one's studies, that struck me as somewhat extreme. Shaking my head at the quirks of mages, I bent to examine the body of my attacker. The armor was of very high quality; in addition to its light-absorbing properties, it also was designed to dampen sound. Despite its light weight, it was quite strong, capable of stopping or turning most blows. All this, plus the tattoo of a black spider on the dead man's left shoulder blade, pointed to only one conclusion- this was a member of the Dark Brotherhood.

Even more of a rumor than the Blades, the Dark Brotherhood was reputed to have been involved in every political upheaval in the Empire over the last 150 years. No one knew who they were or where they were based; it was said that anyone foolish or desperate enough to want to contact them merely had to speak to certain bartenders or traders and a letter would be delivered under cover of darkness. The letter would direct the "client" to leave a sum of gold and a scrap of paper with the name of the target in some out-of-the-way locale. If a watcher was set to see who picked up the gold, no one would appear. Or, so some said, the gold would be gone and the watcher found murdered, a note pinned to his chest, saying, "You paid for an assassination. You got one. Do not attempt to contact us again." All of which was very interesting, but did nothing to explain why an assassin had come after me. I was a nobody from nowhere and suddenly people were taking far too great an interest in me. I may have dreamed of having fame someday, but this was not the sort of recognition I had hoped for.

Although I had no doubt annoyed a number of people, I couldn't think of anyone who was either politically connected enough or wealthy enough to be able to use the Dark Brotherhood. The only good news was that they had miscalculated. They had only sent one attacker, and a clearly inexperienced one at that. I knew that he was inexperienced for two reasons- first, he had made a noise that alerted me; second, I was still alive. In fact, the client had made another mistake- I now had a much better set of armor than I could have otherwise afforded. And now I knew I would need it.

Unable to think of anything else to do, I cleaned and repaired my equipment (including my new armor), and went back to catch up on my interrupted rest. All the swordsmanship and running and alchemy must have paid off. When I awoke I felt more confident, and as if I were faster and more nimble. I was going to have to talk to someone about this attack, but who? For anyone else, Caius would have been a logical choice, or perhaps even an Imperial guard. But I wanted to stay as far away from Caius and the Imperial Legion as I could. Maybe Sugar-Lips could give me some advice- after all, the Thieves Guild understood the extra-legal business world as well as anyone. First, though, I decided to see if Ajira had a better assignment for me than assistant-plant gatherer. When I reached her, she was in a state of high agitation. I have to tell you, it is more than a bit unsettling to watch a 5-and a-half foot tall cat lashing her tail and sheathing and unsheathing her claws. Apparently, I was not the only one who had been visited in the night.

Ajira was sure that she knew who the culprit was in her case, though. Her alchemical reports on mushrooms and flowers had been stolen; she was sure her rival apprentice, Galbedir, was behind it. Ajira also knew that Galbedir had not left the guild hall, so the reports had to be somewhere inside. After calming the frantic Khajiit, I made a systematic search, with positive results. Galbedir may have been a good enchanter, but she was lousy at hiding things, particularly from someone like me, whose business was finding hidden treasures. In a few minutes, I returned the reports to Ajira and received a number of high-quality potions in gratitude. Much as I appreciated the potions, this constant bickering and infighting was beginning to wear on me; I hoped that when I achieved sufficient rank, I could leave it behind. Meanwhile, I decided that I would go see Sugar-Lips about the assassination attempt and about any sort of paying job she might have lined up. I had this really stylish black armor I wanted to test out (all except the helmet- I have never been able to stand wearing anything that covers my face).

Sugar-Lips wasn't all that interested in the assassination attempt- her attitude was that any problems I brought to Balmora with me were my own. But in the meantime, would I be interested in doing a job for her?

"Absolutely. Tell me what you need," I said.

It seems that a "friend" of Sugar-Lips needed a diamond. A certain merchant in Balmora, Nalcarya of White Haven, had a stock of diamonds. Of course, any diamond would do; it was up to me to find it. Nalcarya's shop was in the wealthy section of town, so I decided to check it out after I sold my chitin armor to Meldor. The sword I was sentimental about; the armor was just that much extra weight to lug around. I needed cash more than a spare set of armor, particularly if the Dark Brotherhood was after me.

Nalcarya's shop was like paradise- she had the best alchemy equipment I had ever seen, as well as rare and exotic ingredients. No wonder Sugar-Lips sent me here to look for a diamond. Nalcarya also had a guard to keep an eye on all that expensive alchemy gear. As I looked around the shop, I saw two diamonds on a shelf just to the left of where she was working and shook my head. That just wasn't going to happen. I knew my limitations, and trying to sneak one of those stones off the shelf right in front of her was way beyond my skills. Maybe if I could create a diversion and get her to go somewhere else for a minute? Maybe yell "Fire" or something? Somehow I had the feeling she had heard that one before, so it would have to be something else. Before I got into too much of a sweat, I decided to check the rest of the shop. Every now and then, the voices in your head give good advice; usually just often enough that you're afraid to tell them to shut up.