Authors Note -

Prior to this, I had decided based on my current lot in life to more or less retire from the story. Than thanks to some private messages passed back and forth with a certain Athynae no less, my inspiration seemed to return.

So, I decided to try, as Seth has become something much more than my own need to express my love of a game now considered to be antiquated, he has become included in the lives of several other stories' characters and their authors, and apparently continues to draw in at least one more person.

Not to mention there is one person who has been there for me from across an ocean both in this written world, and in real life whom I cannot bring myself to let down with my decision.

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For Monika.

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I had departed in such a rush; I did not think that sleep would find me. Yet the rocking motion of the Silt Strider through the night took me to an uneasy slumber. Perhaps it was the distress of the event subsiding, or the flask of brandy. Likely both. As my head rested on my companions shoulder, I relived the event that caused me to flee in my dream.

It was a social call to the Archmistress, Serene Sarethi, nee Catraso. I had returned from Mournhold a few days prior, and in the months I was gone, it seemed she was worried about me as usual. During the visit, she combed through my mind reading my experiences, as she is a telepath.

In one of the uncharacteristic moments I let her in, there we shared our feelings, the passion, and the guilt. The Grandmaster of the Morag Tong, and the Archmistress of House Redoran had had an affair throughout the years; even before we were both wed to our former and current spouses. I, the Widower, she to Athyn Sarethi.

Athyn was a Councilman in House Redoran, as was I. He was also a stalwart ally in the times and trials of the Nerevarine. So when he invited me out for that drink, it seemed like a natural thing, not something that would end in that life shattering revelation…

I awoke with a start, as the wizened face of Athyn smiled at me in my minds eye. Dawn had broken, and there was a sight I rarely grew tired of: Eastern light brought the city of the Man-God Vivec to life. The polished blue marble accenting the tan hue of the great cantons, and the waterworks spilling out from their base to the Inner Sea, glinting in the sunrise as they flowed.

“Are you awake? We’re here.” Came the voice from Penehipumon, better known to myself and those few I had introduced her too as Pene.

I blinked a few times, and than rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. I glanced over at her, her hood giving her a mysterious look as long tresses of dark hair fell from either side of her face; and a slight glint of red gave the slightest clue as to her Daedric nature.

I nodded at her, and brought my hood up as well. It wasn’t a secret mission for the Morag Tong, but I wished to disappear nonetheless. It was not my intention to leave any clues as to my whereabouts.

However my arrival here still required that I interact with one person that knew me, one that I shared a tragedy with. That could wait a bit longer, as my hunger began to return after the shock of my encounter began to subside.

And as I was last on the prior thread (for now)- I shall be first on this one. And more faithful in my correspondence.

Here we have all the power and mystery that is so befitting of Sethyas- on the one hand, a statement of stark fact- Seth and Serene engaging in their on-again-off-again affair. On the other hand- still no definitive explanation of what Athyn told him during that "drink."

Your ability to intrigue and engage the reader has not waned during your time away. Please sir, continue.

I am so incredibly happy to see this story, Black Hand.

It’s the very best thing that’s happened today.

Welcome back!

Wonderful blending of dream, thoughts and rich description here.

First and foremost THANK YOU!!!! I have not the proper words to express exactly what I feel at this moment after reading you first "post hiatus" post. WELCOME HOME UNCLE SETH!!!!

This segment, in true Seth form, leaves us as much bewildered as ever, but as is also always the case, waiting anxiously for more.

And Solstheim?? Um, but, um, I PROMISE I WILL GET THE JOURNALS I WILL!!!! I JUST DIDN'T THINK. Have I told you lately that I really am glad you are my Uncle? That you are my favorite Uncle?



Make that a double!!!!! THE BEST!!!!! Maybe the best this week!!

I know exactly what you mean...

I won't pretend I read your other one... ...But I will be reading this one...

Excellent start...

Oh look, yet another excellent talent about the place...Sheesh... ...( )

Nice one... ...

I liked this line, it's evocative and gave emotion to th description.

A good opening too, a reminder of the previous episode which really drew me in, and enough explaination for new readers. And some of the rich description I so like about this saga. So Seth has run and intends to hide, an interesting start. I suspect he will be rather adept at it.

As ever I look forward to the next part.

Yet the rocking motion of the Silt Strider through the night took me to an uneasy slumber.

I know this is a minor detail, but it was amazing.

Blackie! I'm speechless! uh...actually I'm not but I was so happy about you coming back that I just had to go outside for a moment and shout at the moon in pure joy! Grits said it was the best thing today...I not only agree I think it's the best thing for ...two months! (since you ended the Mournhold Volume)

And so thank you for your kind words! I'm honored!

Anyway the start of this one is wonderful as ever! It's so incredibly good to have Sethyas back again and I can't wait to see where this leads to...

"Sethyas! I have missed you! Please come see me, I need you! I will watch over you..."

@Trey You are too kind sir...

@grits My thanks, It was never my intention to disappoint anyone.

@Athynae Too kind. You are a large part of my return, so allow me thank you instead.

@Acadian kind words from a fantastic writer.

@Olen and as ever I look forward to your loyal readership.

@ Zalphon wow, I didn't think the paltry beginning was that good. I'll have to add more rocking silt striders...

@McBadgere Don't you badger me with compliments,...unless of course,.. you know; you want too. Than go right ahead. And I'll try and return the favor.

@minque well let's not go overboard...okay it is the best thing in like ever!! Or not. I'm just glad to have made you and all the others happy.

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The chill of the departing evening air gave my inward breath a rush of cold. Pene and I plodded towards the Market Canton, showing signs of waking up from the slumber in the eve prior; as merchants and vendors started to open their stalls and stands.

The smell of freshly baked goods and cooked kwama eggs drew me towards one in particular, where a middle aged Dunmer was furiously kneading a saltrice dough. A younger Dunmer woman was tending to the patrons sitting at nearby tables set up. In all the time I had lived in Vivec, I had never thought to frequent one of these.

I decided to remedy that, as Pene and I sat at a table. I looked out over the wall giving a spectacular view of  the city. Within a minute or two the stall tender came to us, inquiring as to our order.

I ordered a trama root tea, with the specialty, special being the only thing they served, kwama egg and bread. 

The tea was served in a tankard that one might expect ale to come in, but was hearty and calming as one would expect of the tea style. The food was equally filling and delicious.

I didn't realize the look Pene was giving me from under her hood until she asked me how the food tasted.

I blinked and than realized I had never actually seen her eat. "My apologies. I did not mean to be rude. What would you like to order?"

"I don't wish to order anything, as that would be a waste of our resources. I was just...curious, as to how it tastes." She replied.

I offered her a portion of the bread with some of the egg, to which she accepted and sniffed before eating. I took from her rapid ingestion that it pleased her

"Have you never eaten mortal food before? Do you even require sustenance?" I asked.

"I have not, at least not in this capacity. Much of what you take for granted is new to me. As far as needing to eat, yes, as I expend energy, I require a source for more. I would never die of starvation as you mortals do, but we daedra can take it by other means. We can usually absorb it directly from the planes of Oblivion. I can absorb the life essence of others, and in this mortal form, I can...imitate...your digestive process. Though it's  not as efficient as yours."

I nearly rolled my eyes. "I'm sorry I asked..." I grumbled as I slid my plate away from me and took my tea.

"Ah, you are not finishing that then?" Pene said as she took the plate.

I took out my hackle-lo pipe and squeezed in some ground leaf. I looked around for a candle or torch, only to find that there was none.

Without really looking up from the plate, Pene offered a single finger, and a thin flame exuded from it. I graciously accepted and puffed the pipe to life.

I thought over my decision to come here, and hoped it was the right one. Not for the reason of running, but rather for the reason of who I thought could help me out with my running.

Duke Vedam Dren, lord of Vvardenfell, was an ally in the times of Nerevar Reborn, and my former father-in-law, being the Father of my deceased bride Ilmeni Dren. He was also the liason between the East Empire Company and the Empire in Morrowind, acting as a major stockholder protecting interests in the isle.

To sum it all up, he was the most powerful man on the island, economically and politically. He was the kind of Mer you wanted on your side, and never as your enemy.

He was also the kind of man that you didn't ask a favor from lightly, for all his progressive thinking, he was still a Hlaalu at heart.  

What a lovely way to start the day!!!! And such a nice interlude for Seth and Pene. Maybe Seth should think before he asks questions of Pene, he might not want her to answer, TMI as the youngsters are so fond of saying. I am curious as ever as to what Seth is thinking about now and what in the world he could be aiming to ask the Duke of Dread for.

Patience is not one of my virtues, Thyna comes by it honest.

Excellent!!... ...Oooh, maybe I should be rubbing my hands together when I say that...I'll try it again...

*Stops typing*...

Kinda fell flat that...

Aaaamywho...Excellent!!... ...

Just a quickie for a newbie to the story - What's Pene?...Just wondering...Edit - Just saw she's Daedric...Duh...Anything else though?...

Nice one... ...

P.s. One!! One Compliment!! AH-AH-AHHHH!!...

Eeeexcellent...

Well, instead of a long winded explanation, how about one I already wrote? On with the long winded explanations!!

http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?s=&...st&p=131713

I smiled all the way through this. I love episodes that linger and lavish upon the simple things. A wonderful breakfast in this case. And delightfully shared with us!

It was a joy to learn more of Pene, from her finger of flame to her. . . less than efficient digestive process.

Fair dues... ...I do like a good seducer... ...

Cheers for that...

Nice one... ...

I was hungry before I started reading... That sounded like a good breakfast and a good way to introduce Vivec and his intention there. Slightly cliffhangerish though, Dren is yet another brilliant character from the game, he's into all sorts and certainly not nice, but open and prograssive when it suits him. Still I suspect there will be a price.

And a bit more background on Pene. I liked Seth's reaction to the too much information...

I look forward to the next part.

Sweet! Yeah I must admit I have wondered about Pene....if she's at least something like a person....and d'ya know what? I still don't know!!!

It will be very interesting to see what business Seth will do with the Duke....and if it hurts to see him...again!

S.G.M

Pene got Seth’s breakfast away from him easily enough. This is going to be fun.

The description of the morning in Vivec was simply wonderful. It makes me miss the water near which I grew up...

And the idea that the "special" is also the ONLY fare- gave me a chuckle.

And Seth is going to have to watch Pene's... well, "sense of humor" seems a bit of a stretch. Although- she DID light his pipe for him.



Yes. I love a good "closer" as much as I do a good opener. This post has BOTH.

Wonderful as ever.

We finished our meal, well, Pene finished my meal for me; as I considered my goal. Which at least in the first part was simple enough, getting to Ebonheart from Vivec. As there was no strider that went there, our options were either walking or taking a boat.

Pene had done plenty of walking, so it seemed a better decision to let her experience something new. The advantage of being in North Landing was that the docks were literally right next to the Strider ports. Being a major hub in the southern trade routes of the island, Vivecs docks were usually busy, and finding a charter was typically less of a hassle compared too remote fishing villages. Seyda Neen for example was the legally required docking for the Census and Excise office to document newcomers to the island, yet there was little to no boat travel available.

We left our quiet meal and headed for the marina. Once there, I took note of an old Dunmer fisherman, shirtless, reeking of booze, and sleepily sunning himself on an old rickety skiff. The mast looked so worn that the slightest gale might split it in two.

It was perfect.

I nudged the old timer awake, and from his confused gaze at me, it seemed like he thought I had a twin.

"Whaddya gotta be doin' with all that pokin' an' proddin' ? Why ken't you just be sayin me name?!" he ranted.

"My apologies, I don't know your name, and was merely inquiring whether or not you were for hire."

"Whaddya see when yer lookin' at me?" he retorted.

"An old fisherman." I replied.

"Thas' what I am, so you says 'Old Fisherman, take me too such and such a place.' Thas' not so hard is it?"

Pene looked at me warily and asked under her breath if the Mer was insane.

"I believe the correct term is 'salty'." I replied.

"Old fisherman, take me too Ebonheart. Please." I said, loathe to drop my ettiquette.

"Ebonheart? Thas' just the other side of the 'ninsula 'ere. Aint worth me time. Could get me three times the coin if I just stayed 'ere and fished." he said scratching his chin, looking up at the sun.

"Don't you dare try to fleece us, you cantankerous old buffoon!" Pene startled us by chiming in. "While there is no guarantee that you'll catch anything today, its perfectly guanteed that you have two paying customers in front of you, right now!"

The fisherman looked in awe at her for a moment, then let out a little chuckle. "Well I guess you got yerself a vessel. On the condition that little spitfire sits with me."

Pene gratefully accepted the seat near the captain' letting her fingers feel the waters as the boat clipped through the shallow shores of Vivec. The feeling of sailing is unique unto itself. Wind, water, and vessel coming together in a sleek harmony that could make even me forget my problems if only for a little while.

He shouted out the principles of sailing over the roar of the masts furling against the wind to a very attentive Daedra Seducer.

For just that one moment under the sun, it felt like everything was going to be okay.

"Some is good but more is better." Yes, usually and in this case you do not disappoint. Looking forward to getting to Ebonheart to see what Seth is up to. Keep it coming!!! All these little appetizers are whetting my appetite for a REAL Seth experience.

I liked that part, it fitted in nicely and you developed a fun character in the old fisherman. Very much the calm before the storm I suspect.

Ebonheart promises to be interesting...

Author's Note: A lot of these updates were made from my phone while posting in an ambulance, so my apologies for it being shorter than usual, I don't ever really know when I'm going to get a call and have to take off. When I say me taking off is a matter of life and death, it usually is.

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After a short yet enjoyable ride, I paid the fisherman his fee, with a little extra to compensate for putting up with Pene's interesting take on haggling. I stood up on the port first, and grabbed Pene's hand to pull her up. As expected of someone who didn't have their sea legs, she wobbled a little as she adjusted to the sensation of a surface that didn't constantly shift.

"Are you all right?" I asked.

"Yes. But for someone who can fly, you'd think I wouldn't be this...what do you call it? Wobbly?" She replied.

I smirked. "I suppose not. But as you said, much of what we take for granted is new to you."

"So this is where you seek audience with the Duke? It is a grand city! I especially like the statue of Peryite! Something to let the citizenry know what horrors await them if they don't perform their tasks!" She exclaimed.

My hand immediately made it's way to my face.

"Ah, this is the mortal expression for...flabbergasted?" She asked.

"Yes...flabbergasted is good word. The statue is of Akatosh, representing the Empire. And the horrors that await the citizenry should they not perform their tasks is...well, absolutely nothing."

"Like,...no Gold you mean?" she asked confused.

"No, like nothing, have you ever heard of bureaucracy?"

Her confused expression indicated she had not.

"I'll explain it later."

The hustle and bustle of a Imperial town even in a remote part of the Empire was something to be admired in and of itself. Merchants, fisherman, longshoreman, craftsmen, mercenaries. They all found something here. I suppose fleeing fetchers such as myself ought to be able to as well.

We traveled uneventfully through it all towards the towers of Fort Hawkmoth; the Imperial Headquarters for Vvardenfell, and residence of the Duke. Much had transpired here. The meeting of the Houses and Tribes as the Nerevarine. The challenge issued to the Knight of the Imperial Dragon; Serene's loathsome Uncle. All seemed as faded memories belonging to a different Mer. A different life. Yet, they were mine as well. Locked inside a heart long grown indifferent. Older and wiser? Or just better at making mistakes?

The creak of the Grand Council Chambers fading oak doors was ominous as it creaked through the vast hall. Even in midmorning the inside was darkened by shadow, and relied on chandeliers and torchlight to make anything visible. As the Imperial Duke's Guard clanked in front of us in polished silver armor, we followed them towards a large middle table.

"His Excellency will be told of your arrival post haste. Please sit here as you await his arrival. If you have any need of refreshment after your journey, please, do not hesitate to ask the Servants, Councilman." One of the Guards said in a perfectly elucidating tone.

Without skipping a beat he performed an excellent military turnaround and the pair clanked off again in a perfect march. As they ascended one of the many spiraling staircases in the fort, I could still hear the echoing.

"Well, aren't they pleasant?" Pene said softly.

"Hmm." I grunted back.

After perhaps twenty minutes, we heard the clanking once again. This time it was joined by a pair of much less noisy footsteps. The Duke had arrived.

He strode forth confidently, his Elegant clothing once tailored to perfection now hung to what seemed to be skin and bone. To say that he had lost weight was an understatement, while it had been a while since we last spoke, the change was no less dramatic.

However, in spite of his sickly look, he still maintained an aura of authority.

As he approached closer, he slowed down, until he came within ten paces of our seated forms.

"Remove your hoods please, Councilman." he commanded.

We did as he bade, and he remained perfectly still for a moment, no show of emotion could be determined from his silhouette.

And than just as suddenly as he stopped: "Sethyas!"

"Forgive me, they had told me merely that a Councilman of House Redoran had come to see me, not you!" He said as he came forward, hand outstretched for a clasp.

I accepted it as we than embraced, and I saw the bags under his eyes along with a few wrinkles that weren't there when I saw him last.

"And who is your companion?" He inquired, taking Pene's hand and attempting to kiss it, to which she resisted and he let go, as she returned an odd gaze.

"Pene. A Healer from High Rock no less. We met in Mournhold." I spoke.

"Ah...you are beginning to move on. That is...good." He said mournfully.

"She is not a paramour of any kind, merely a traveling companion." I offered.

"I-I see. I am sorry, it is not my place to pry in such matters. Regardless, while it is good to see you, may I ask the nature of your visit? Is this House business?"

I shook my head. "No. It is a very personal matter that I would be grateful for the utmost discretion in. This is why I did not offer a name when I came."

"Of course. Let us speak in my private chambers than."

I followed him, asking Pene to stay and wait for me. I only hoped this problem was one he could help me solve.

*Applauds Ambulance men everywhere*...Top man...

*Extra applause for posting stories from said ambulance... ...*...

Very excellent story...

Loving it...

Made me laugh this did - ... ...


Good luck with that!!... ...

Brilliant...

Nice one... ...

And we come to it, the reason Seth is looking for assistance from the Duke. I remain on pins and needles....A wonderful addition to the story and I, as always, continue to look forward to the next installment.

Must go on a quote-fest first- and these are only representative rather than exhaustive:







Pene is absolutely one of your greatest inventions! Seth is- well Seth. He HAS a sense of humor, to be sure, it is just- well... not to everyone's taste. But- putting him in the position of having to "educate" his companion is simply brilliant.

The meeting with the Duke was wonderfully done, showing the toll Ilmeni's death has taken AND the love he still has for Seth.

We sat across from each other in overstuffed chairs of Imperial design. The Dukes private chambers were luxuriant, rife with paintings, silk sheets, imported furniture, and any number of creature comforts one might expect of a noble of his standing.

The window was fitted with glass no less, a luxury even by a Nobles standards. However the lighting was still low in the room, and the sound of a light trickle of expensive brandy being poured into equally expensive goblets gave the atmosphere a calm melancholy.

Vedam Dren handed me one of the drinks as he took a sip of his own. More Nobles ettiquette; a way of assuring the guest that the drink was not poisoned. However to look at his frame, one might suspect foul play of some sort. But I knew better, and imbibed both out of courtesy and a need for a drink.

"So what is this matter that requires my 'utmost discretion' that has you so rattled? Do you require a pardon of some kind?" He began.

I paused looking down at the drink. The ripples indicated the slightest of trembling to my hands. My hands didn't tremble. Not ever. Not out of some pride that I was tough, but rather out of years of honing my craft. For once, I came across situation that for all my skills, there was nothing that I could do. Furthermore, I couldn't tell even the Duke what had caused my request, merely that I had need of his connections.

"I am in no legal trouble of any kind. Much as I hate to say it, I cannot say why I am here. Merely that I cannot go back, ever. The situation rests in the hands of the silence of two Mer, and it is best kept that way. There is no imminent danger, but should the situation be revealed, it will cause undo strife and hardship for those involved. There is the truth, than there are the truths that we live with day to day. The former must not overcome the latter, as there is no need."

The Duke clasped his hands around his goblet, absorbing my words as I spoke. He remained silent for a moment before breaking the silence with his question.

"What exactly do you want me to do? There is nothing stopping you from leaving, moreover, I doubt there is anything capable of stopping you. What can a frail Duke do for you that you cannot?" he said confused.

"I can disappear in plain sight, that much is certain. Disappearing from ones life, well that's a talent I have not yet developed. I want to leave, with no questions lingering behind my departure. No investigations, just...fade away. In this I want you to use your connections, slowly erase my existence."

He looked around the room, as though chasing some elusive idea with his eyes. His mental capacity had not diminished in the slightest despite his physical manifestation of his grief.

"So I take it that you wish to set up anew, outside of Morrowind, is a remote location a problem?" he asked me.

"I suppose the more remote, the better. Not to the point of living inside some cave like a bandit or malefactor." I said, considering the weight of his parameters.

"Than there is the issue of Bal Isra, and your Redoran titles." He said considering his next moves carefully.

"You are suggesting a transfer of ownership?" I asked, already seeing it coming. "Why don't you make the proposal you're no doubt already considering?"

"Well, I'll not lie. I am impressed with the towns growth, the taxes paid each harvest are larger and larger. In no time, I am certain that the town could become a city. And an absentee landlord is not good for business. I could use the position of a Magistrate or overseer of some kind for the land to my advantage. Several mer already look to Bal Isra with a jealous eye, whether you know it or not." He said making several gestures with his hands.

"But allow me to digress, I recently received a missive from a Clerk with the East Empire Company...I trust you've heard of them?" He asked.

I had, you couldn't throw a stone on Vvardenfell without hitting some import or export of theirs. Even the mighty Telvanni with all its sorcery were no match for the Emperors Tax.

"Well, they are looking for investors for a new ebony mine in a site called Raven Rock, on the island of Solstheim."

"Solstheim? I've never heard of it." I said.

"A terrible place I've heard. There is transportation from Khuul if you ever have a need to go." he said.

"What?" I asked.

"Oh, sorry, force of habit." he coughed and restarted. "Solstheim is a small island between Morrowind and Skyrim, neither nation makes any claims to it, as it is of virtually no consequence. You have lived here for how many years and never really heard of it? There are some native Nords I understand, though sparsely populated. For some reason or another, the Empire opened a fort there, Fort Frostmoth, a number of years ago, something about strategic location some General nice and warm in Cyrodiil said once looking at a map."

I considered his proposal. He no doubt wished to purchase Bal Isra, in exchange for my investment into this Ebony Mine. It was a deal more suited to his advantage than mine. It was also perfect.

"So you propose a trade than I take it? Bal Isra for Raven Rock?"

"I cannot 'sell' you Raven Rock. The East Empire company already owns it, and as powerful as you think I am, the Company is a hundredfold moreso. Entire nations economies bow to their very whim. No. I suggest you sell me Bal Isra, and I will cover your investment into the Company, and I will use my connections to land you a job to relocate there, and on my end I will...slowly erase...as you put it, the name of Sethyas Velas in Morrowind. And considering you are also the Nerevarine, I assure you that this will be no small task in and of itself. Even if your legend is largely independent of you now. I will also make no inquiries into the reason you are leaving."

The deal was more raw than I thought. However I was the one making a request much larger than I thought it was. The scale the Duke was speaking of was indeed a bit more grand than I had initially thought. As much as I didn't think of myself in those terms, the truth was a figure such as myself doesn't just disappear without questions being raised. I needed to be a bit more careful than my first reaction dictated.

I looked up at him, his eyes both compassionate and expectant. I reached across the space between us, and he did the same.

As our hands met and shook, I said: "Deal."

Ok now I am just holding my breath.....




"

Between these two quotes the entire segment rests....what could be that BAD????? I have a feeling it is even deeper than these two quotes can reach.

Some heavy stuff there. So Sethyas plans to truly disappear, and sell off almost all he has in return for it. Certainly it makes sense why he wanted the Duke, he's powerful enough and that much is sufficient to buy him.


I liked this line, it gives this piece some humour against the rather dark events.

And a little dig at the rather lazy way Beth put that into the game... bravo!

You certainly build tension. I wonder what Seth will make of Solstheim when he gets there, somehow I suspect that keeping a low profile and obscurity will be harder for him than he thinks.

Ok....so that's what Seth needs the Duke for? Hmm....it puzzles me, Seth running away? It's odd....mmm but maybe...something bothers him?.

I am very very curious....

You are building up the plot quite intriguing, so very Black-ish


And I must compliment you for writing in the ambulance! And for saving lives!

Makes me think of
This

Statue of Peyrite, that made me smile. I’m glad that Sethyas has Pene with him.

After several documents had been reviewed and signed, and a new contract between the Duke and I had been dictated and signed I finally left the room. I wasn't necessarily broke, nor was I totally being skinned. Dren and I had agreed that there was to be an insurance policy of sorts; that is I would be entitled to some minor compensation should the arrangement work out to my personal detriment.

He would also arrange for most of my personal belongings to be transported from my Manor to my apartment in Vivec, should I ever had need to return. That space had long since been transferred from a lease to full ownership.

I had always liked it, and it served me well when my business had me operating in the south of Vvardenfell which was often as my guilds Headquarters were also in Vivec.

Speaking of which, it was also a loose end that needed to be tied up. I had never really thought of retiring, especially after such a short time as its Grandmaster. Even worse, I had to choose a successor who was entitled to murder me in the name of Mephala, as was the ancient tradition within the Morag Tong.


Yet, at that moment the full weight of my quasi-immortality hit me as well. When performing the quests of the Nerevarine against the Sixth House and its Dark Master, Dagoth Ur, I contracted Corprus disease. Known as the divine disease in the circles that studied it, such as Divayth Fyr the four thousand year old Telvanni wizard who ran the Corprusarium for its victims; I was more or less cured.

But only of the negative effects. Corprus itself rendered its victims immune to disease of any kind, and aging. The victims died horrible, painful deaths in a maddened state of uncontrollable growth of flesh, all the while stronger and more enduring than most mortals dream of. For a time, I even possessed this enhanced strength. While hardly godlike, I could snap a steel dagger in two with my bare hands, upturn entire carts of ebony ore with little difficulty, etc. It was lost against the battle with Dagoth Ur himself unfortunately.

However, so long as I did not die of a mortal wound, I would never age, I would never know disease. If fate was kind, I may end up living longer than Divayth Fyr. Or unkind, I didn't know which. The thought of growing old and feeble frightened me. The idea of eternal youth, forever knowing the world anew inspired me.

Back to the matters at hand, the Duke made the deals official as he held a candle to a dripping bar of red wax. Pushing his signet ring into the documents, I was no longer the Lord of Bal Isra. It was oddly exhilarating and frightening at the same time. It was less responsibility to be certain, but it was also less security in the future. Yet for an eternally youthful Dunmer assassin, the world was calling.

The wanderlust, the drive to always know what lied over the next hill, what was in that cave, was returning to me. This...Solstheim, this would be my new Vvardenfell. The beginning of my new life.

Duke Dren looked up at me, and nodded. "Well than, its done. Meet with Canctunian Ponius here in the Ebonheart Docks in three days time. Lay low in the meantime, though I am certain that would be no trouble for the likes of you."

We handclasped as I exited. "Well, otherwise would certainly make the sale of mine rather pointless. I often leave on some business or quest of some kind often enough, so I doubt my absence will make too much of a fuss initially."

"Well...that's it than. It....it has been a pleasure,...Sethyas. I....oh b'vek, I just realized this may be the last time I ever see you...thank you, for all you have done. For myself, as much as Morrowind." He said, the emotion of my departure outweighing the thrill of a deal.

Yet, it was also true. It may well be the last time.

"Take care of yourself, Vedam." I said with a conviction before I left.

Some good musing on immortality, and on Seth. That he has succeeded in Vvardenfell and is bored is very him. I suspect his problem is as much that he doesn't fit in with society as that he is immortal. It will be interesting to see how things go in Solstheim.


I suspect he has some work todo in those three days...

Mental musings that bring much to the forefront of Seth's thoughts, but the excitement of new beginnings is heartening.

And what will the next three days bring?? I look forward to finding out.

Ah, Sethyas, I remember you, you old rascal.

Having skipped his jaunts in Mournhold (nothing personal, but there's a lot to read through there) I'm greatly enjoying seeing him once more. I'm growing greatly fond of Pene the Daedra, and Seth's musings on the nature of immortaility are an interesting read indeed.

All in all, it's good to see this once more, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Seth deals with the challenges Hircine is going to throw at him on Solstheim. Funny thing about assassins is that they're really just hunters of people; wonder how the daedric lord of the hunt will treat that...

No longer Lord of Bal Isra huh! Ok Sethyas, I see....you wish to start a new life. Hmm Good Luck my dear friend, but I'm not so sure life on Solstheim will be easier for you.

Good thoughts of your immortality, it can be a problem right?

"I wish you luck whatever happens"

Sounds like retiring from the guild could be more than just dropping off a letter. It's great to see Sethyas looking forward to a new beginning.

I am in a slight rush here but had to finish the story!!... ...

Damned fine stuff...

Damned fine...

Nice one!!... ...

Looking at the date this thread was started tells me exactly why I never noticed it before, lol. Sorry about that. Your ability to manipulate the story via dialogue is amazing, Awesome Write !!!

As has been true throughout- the heart in this new story is what holds me spellbound. The descriptions of Seth and of Duke Dren, both learning to live with their grief.... Seth's musing on what his immortality might mean...



No comment of mine could improve those words.

"

THAT was worth more than a small laugh.



And, like other readers, I wonder what form Seth's retirement from the Morag Tong will take.

And hanging over it all is the secret- a secret so grave that he cannot even tell the Duke.

@Olen - Ayup

@Athynae - He is quite musey.

@ Colonel Mustard Ahh! Welcome back...I like your insights.

@McBadgere Wowsers!! Hopefully we're bros after all that such and such! But seriously, very glad to have as a reader.

@Minque - Well hardships are entirely dependent on the perspective.

@Grits - Well I certainly hope so too!

@mALX Well, better late than never! Thank you for the kindness.

@Treydog - Thank you very much! I can only hope that future posts can pique the masters interest!

_____________________________________________________________________



With an eternity of pain inside the two of us, I took my leave of the Duke. I saw it as compartmentalizing the past from my future, and that by leaving him behind I chose to leave that grief behind as well. Whether just wishful thinking on my part or not remained to be seen.

Yet, melancholy still followed me down the hall. Nostalgia from a time that seemed as some distant golden age tugged at my heart, yearning for the days of victory and romance.

To these thoughts,I furrowed my brow and focused on the moment as best I could. If it should so be that I walked beneath a dark cloud, I could at least do so with a head held high. I made myself more resolute and bounded silently down the hall towards where Pene waited for me.

She was playing with the flame of a candle on her fingertip. Her idle expression gave no evidence of pain if there were any, as she held it there for moment, only to return it a few seconds later.

"My business here is finished. I take it you have no objections to leaving?" I asked in a slight mock tone.

"None." She said in her bored trance and fluidly got up from her chair.

"So...what happened?" She asked, clearly expecting me to be the one to lift her from her boredom.

"Well...I hope you like cold climates and mining..." as I began a short story of what transpired between the Duke and I.

We made our way back to Vivec, as the next leg of my journey undoubtedly involved several shadowy individuals. I needed a few private moments to myself to accept the changes that had taken place so suddenly. It had been merely a day since the last events took place. Typically, I would want a slow, rational reaction; but this was years of consequences raining down upon me suddenly. It was well past the point weighing and considering.

This time we took the short trek back from Ebonheart. I walked in a brooding silence, less from any black thoughts, and more from a head full of voices, some rational, some emotional, that argued back and forth. Pene seemed to sense my internal conflict, and left well enough alone, thankfully.

The key unlocked my small apartment in Vivec, signs of rust beginning to show around the lock. A good sign that the local thieves and Guild seemed to know that this abode was off-limits. The door creaked open into further sign that this door had not opened for some time. A musty, yet familiar scent greeted my nose with the smell of home.

This place had always served its purpose as a sanctuary from the outside world. What many would consider to be the most basic of amenities, I once considered to be a mansion. It was my first place that I called all my own, after my youth in Cyrodiil spent as a roaming brigand.

The wall directly next to the door still had the stain of Cyrodiilic Brandy trickling down after a bottle was thrown against it. A mark that I would never clean, as it was in and of itself related to the reason why I was now leaving. A heated argument that I could not win; and it wasn't over as she said. It would never be over.

That did not mean I had too be present for it.

So sad, I really wish he didn't feel he had to leave.

Another wonderful installment, nothing less than expected of course. Although his resolve is solid it is easy to feel his sadness at the choice he is making.



No comment, just quoting....

Keep it going BH, great stuff comes in small installments....

There was ever a doubt? ...Manly hugs redeux? ...

Excellent chapter...Loved it...

The more I read about Morrowind, the more I'm wondering about buying it...*Sighs*...Time...It's always time... ...

The whole internal conflict thing is cool...

I love the way that Pene seems to be bored by everything including Seth, but then she expects him to be the one to lift her out of it... ...

Most excellent story...

I do love your writing...So cool...

Nice one...

As if there is ever any question that a new post from you will inspire me, enlighten me, cause me to think...





Those two demonstrate wonderfully where Seth is in his heart and soul. And despite his intention to put the past in the past, I wonder if he will discover that it seems to travel with him.

And speaking of "traveling with him"- certainly second the enjoyment of Pene's "entertain me, mortal" attitude.

Short but heavy (in a good way). There's a lot there bundled into not many words - his grief at leaving everything behind, past regrets and triumphs, mistakes. But it's all past and he really has few ideas for the future. I suspect that may lead to certain things running out of hand when someone like him arrives in a backwater with no clear ideas.

The thoughts on leaving it all behind are well done. I will be interested to see if it works for him, and if it fails why.



Great lines!

Badger - buy morrowind now. I doubt it will cost much and it's still a very good game. Certainly good value for the entertainment it offers.

I had to quote this section for your stunning ability to evoke absolute imagery of the character's emotions and mood so clearly and concisely with barely a sentence. Awesome Write throughout, but I was floored by your manipulation of this scene in particular - pure magic !!

For the same reason, this line bears quoting again as well :



Awesome Write !!

Jumping jehosaphat! I make one short post and...wow....I'm moved beyond words.

Thank you all

_____________________________________________

I opened the aged wardrobe that contained much of the clothes I had acquired from the time I arrived on Vvardenfell. A pair of blacks from Caius to aid my stealth; a simple yellow tunic with a dark green vest from a poor tailor from here in Vivec. My Redoran silks for council meetings. One hung apart from the others.

The Ceremonial robes of the Grandmaster of the Morag Tong.

I could change roles like changing outfits. They were the skins that could be changed, the birds came to roost on my branches and flew away, but as the tree I remained.

However, these roles were necessary, being connected to the various organizations I belonged too. One of them could not be escaped nor bargained with, not even the Duke could bribe the Morag Tong. While they did exchange blood for gold, it was not their purpose.

The Tong was perhaps the most moral; no...principled, of all the Guilds in Morrowind. As they said, only those of proven skill and honor were recruited. As brutal as they were reverent, they existed for the worship of Mephala. Easily one of the most misunderstood of the Daedra, she had no more need to either define or explain her sphere, than did Magnus the Sun. Mephala was simply Mephala.

My favorite interpretation was that of Intrigue. The Daedra of Murder, Sex, and Secrets. She greatly enjoyed plucking at the strings of mortal affairs.Yet as she dabbled in these things, she was not defined by them either.

As the Grandmaster, neither was I. Even as I slipped into the apparel to show the proper respect to my Guildmates, and carried solely the Black Hands Dagger in hopes of passing it on, with higher hopes that it not be stained with my blood.





Pene's eyes grew slightly wider with interest as my demeanor seemed to change as I slowly slipped on my favorite piece. The black gloves that were given to me by Eno Hlaalu along with the robes.


"You do realize that I will be coming with you no matter what, yes?" She said, sitting at my table, her slouched back arching upright ever so slightly.

"I figured as much...you will likely have to be in your Raven form." I said as she already began to transform, her robes falling over her as she became quite smaller than her mortal form.

A dark eyed Raven peeked out from underneath a fold of crumpled cloth, and she immediately hopped towards me, flapping her wings and flying onto my shoulder. As she adjusted herself, she pecked and patted at my hair in an apparent attempt to groom me.

"Really?" I asked.

"Well, if you're going to what could be your funeral, you may as well look presentable." She sent to me telepathically.

This line has to be quoted for its sheer brilliance, and not just because it is such an outstanding metaphor.

My original thought reading this story was that the dialogue was so natural that it totally immersed the reader into each scene. Not just the dialogue, but how you set the scene subtly around the dialogue (I pointed out a huge example of that in the last chapter).

That said, Seth’s inner thoughts/inner dialogue have absolutely become my favorite part of this story because they are a treasure trove of gems like the above, and an insight into the genius of his writer. Huge talent you have!

Awesome Write !!


** The section where Seth is musing about Mephala reminded me so much of a discussion in the lore section of the BGSF forum regarding Mephala and the Acceptable Blasphemies:

To Mephala who threads the Needle with the Hair of wives - (the wives" of Shor ?) - Wives killing husbands considered the ultimate backstab; the web spinner. Mephala weaves plots from the hair of the Aedra - with mortals' lives. Mephala is understood paradoxically to contain and integrate these contradictory themes, but to thread the needle means to find a solution to an impasse.

(As you probably guessed, MK was a part of that discussion).

Oh my.

Perhaps, one day, if I practice diligently- I will learn to pack as much into a "simple" post.



Beyond the images this evokes- there is the sheer beauty of the writing itself. Economical, descriptive, showing perfectly how Seth "centers" himself, no matter which role he is playing.



Speechless on that one- but it HAD to be highlighted, all the same.

And the discussion of Mephala and of the Morag Tong... again, insight into Seth and his dance with darkness.

Just wrap quotes around all of it.....

Amazing.