Maormer Machinations
Ian S. McClure
The road to Mistral was scenic, but all too short. Soon after departing from the Temple of the Mourning Springs, Elereth and I saw the glittering port city off in the distance. My ruined armor was in my pack- unusable after getting blasted by Uldor's magic. Our travels were not eventful, though we did take longer, perhaps, than we should have, on account of enjoying the route. But even the island beauty of Khenarthi's Roost was forgotten upon arrival at Mistral.
Unlike the Khajiit cities I had read of, Mistral was quite tranquil and safe. There were a few beggars, yes- no doubt sugar junkies or skooma addicts. But most there were honest merchants or friendly townsfolk. The architecture was striking, as was the bustling docks.The large majority of the population was Khajiit, but there were a few Altmer about- no doubt they came for business opportunities or tourism. However, we came on a mission of our own.
“Razum-dar!” I cried, shaking the lightly armored Khajiit's hand eagerly. “How're you doing? Your mission going well?”.
He shrugged. Cryptic as usual, he said: “It goes as expected. This one has heard of your exploits- you and your Bosmeri friend. The whole island is grateful for your work… Well, most of the island, at any rate. Keep your wits about you, my new friend. Mistral's houses cast deep shadows, and vipers lurk in the tall grass.”.
Elereth piped up, “What do you mean?”.
Razum-dar continued. “Mistral is the jewel of the southern seas, a free port with ties to half of Tamriel. Ambassadors from the Dominion arrived weeks ago to negotiate its admission into the alliance. But things… have not gone smoothly. Khenarthi's Roost has an old treaty with the Maormer. They claim the Dominion intends to invade their home waters of Pyandonea. It's a sticking point in negotiations. The Silvenar could use some help. Find him, give him this token. He'll know you are a friend.”.
Elereth gasped. “The Silvenar? Here?” she said, awed. She looked to me. “The Silvenar is our spiritual leader. He represents us physically and emotionally, and reflects the state of our people. It's… a rather difficult concept to explain to a non-Bosmer. Let's just say, he's very important to us. I never thought I'd meet him!”.
Razum-dar nodded. “We are not here to conquer anyone. The Silvenar knows this. He is in the Chancery, seeking a peaceful resolution here.”.
“Alright, we'll head there.” I said. “But first… What is, exactly, the Aldmeri Dominion? I never asked, and it's been bothering me for a while.”.
Razum-dar smiled. “The High Elves, Wood Elves, and Khajiit stand united under the Eagle banner. We secure our borders from the other alliances- the Daggerfall Covenant, the Ebonheart Pact- as well as try to take the Imperial Throne, which currently lies in the hands of pretenders. Queen Ayrenn leads our Dominion, and believes that mer- with the help of the Khajiit, naturally- should lead our people through this era of strife.”.
After this explanation, Elereth and I stopped by the market- a bustling place of craftsmen and traders peddling their wares. There, Elereth got her bow and jack repaired, as well as getting a new set of clothes, and I commissioned a new set of armor from the local smith. After the Khajiit took my measurements and I payed her, she happily began hammering away on her anvil.
On our way out, I witnessed another beggar- but this old Khajiit was different. He was dressed shabbily, of course, and his white fur and brown beard were dirty, but his eyes were wise and his claws sharpened. I went up to him, depositing a few coins in his outstretched palm.
A smile appeared on his aged face, and he said: “Many thanks, Altmeri warrior. May you always walk on warm sands.”.
Once we settled our business at the market, Elereth and I went to the Chancery, a large building where the government of Khenarthi's Roost and their guests resided. Outside, we saw one of said guests: an Altmer Vicereeve named Pelidil.
“Is the Silvenar blind?” he cried, to no one in particular, clearly overcome by rage. “Every one of these Maormer scum is a venomous serpent, waiting to strike! We should've cleansed this place of them the moment we arrived!”.
At hearing this, Elereth turned her head to me. “Come on.” she said. “Maormer can't be that bad, can they?”.
At this I sighed a bit. “Everything I've read in history books claims that our Pyandonean relatives are monsters- it is true that we're at constant war. You remember their plot at the Shoals- that alone is indicative of their general nature.”.
Elereth shrugged. “Even so, I imagine they're not all bad. Just like not all Bosmer are thieves and whatnot.”. At this, we continued on inside.
The Silvenar, it turned out, was a quite nice mer. He was short and old, with a ponytail. He looked up from his book, and politely said: “Your pardon, friends. The Dominion's arrival on Khenarthi's Roost has upset the locals. It falls to me to smooth the waters… Please, help yourself to food or drink. I'm happy to speak with you once this matter is settled.”. As Elereth stood, slack-jawed and awed, I took out Razum-dar's token from my pocket, and handed it to him.
“Most unexpected!” he cried, studying the token. “It seems we have a mutual friend… Hm. Perhaps you can advise me on a small matter. The Maormer have a treaty with Khenarthi's Roost. This is nothing to fear- a treaty is something I can work with. Yet, neither Harrani, the Headwoman, nor Ulondil, the Maormer Ambassador, will produce a copy. It would be indecorous to suggest the treaty is anything but actual and sound, yet I fear it won't present itself without a more active line of inquiry. Would you be my voice in this with Ulondil and Harrani?”.
“You want us to ask them for a copy?” Elereth said, still stricken with admiration.
“Exactly! A chorus of requests may succeed in carrying the tune. Harrani in particular seems eager to see this resolved, though I fear the Dominion presence binds her hands. But, I'll leave you to it!”.
Harrani was surprisingly young, with striped white fur. She said, “It's hard to keep track of the new faces since the hurricane, but I don't believe we've met. Harrani, Headwoman of Mistral. Welcome to my city. May your stay here be full of warm winds and soft sands.”.
“Terribly sorry to bother you,” I said, “But the Silvenar wishes for a copy of the treaty.”.
She groaned, putting her face in her palm. “And I told him, the act of doing so would complicate matters with our long-time Maormer allies. They take great offense to the Dominion's claims upon the island. Look around you. What great armies do you see? Our survival depends on knowing when to fight, and when to please. The treaty has brought us prosperity for generations. I won't be the one to break it.”.
Having failed with Harrani, the two of us went to Ulondil, a fierce-looking and armored mer- seemingly more fitting for battle than for politics. He looked at us, and said: “We upheld our treaty with the people of Khenarthi's Roost for generations, and this is how they repay our kindness!? We will not allow High Elf thieves to gain a foothold in our territorial waters! By all rights, this is our island. Harrani's people occupy it with our blessing. If she breaks the treaty, so breaks our truce. We'll take back our island. And the Khajiit will pay the price!… I know what you're here for, 'High' Elf. Why don't you ask Harrani for her copy of the treaty?”. Defeated, we left him to his work.
“Any luck securing a copy of the treaty?” the Silvenar asked, looking up. Elereth shook her head. Nodding sagely, the old Bosmer continued: “Then there's little chance for compromise… You understand the stakes, yes? It's why I ask you to take a more active role in securing the treaty. I don't do so lightly. I understand our mutual friend prefers the rum served at the Boatman's Tail, an open-air tavern in town. Perhaps he has an idea on procuring the treaty.”.
We sat at the bar, Elereth placing some drakes on the bar. “Some jagga for me, please.” she said, grinning. “What'd you like, Ardolan?”.
“What is jagga? I haven't heard of it.” I replied.
“Fermented pig's milk. It's one of the few alcoholic beverages Bosmer drink, what with the Green Pact and all. Rather good- want some?” Elereth said happily.
“I think I'll stick to ale, thanks.” I answered. Not sure I wanted fermented pig's milk just yet.
As we received our beverages, we were joined by none other than Razum-dar, who had a mug of something in his hands. He sat, looking around. “You think this one drinks on the job? Good, then so will everyone else. What is the word, my friends?”.
I said, “The Silvenar needs to see the treaty, but we can't get a copy.”.
Razum-dar smiled, sipping at his drink. “Ulondil won't provide a copy- his viper tongue is sharp. But Harrani can't- her copy was stolen. It only takes three drinks to loosen the tongue of a Chancery clerk, if you were curious.”.
Elereth piped up, “You know who stole it?”.
“A good question!” Razum exclaimed. “Raz answers with an interesting bit of trivia. Ulondil posted a guard at his quarters the day of the theft. His subtlety is rivaled only by his pleasant personality. Oh, and it's five drinks for Embassy staff. Six puts them out… But, that's besides the point. Someone needs to slip into the Maormer Embassy, find a way past the guard, and rifle through Ulondil's personal quarters. Oh, and do it without bloodshed that could provoke war. In case he was not clear, Raz is talking about you.”.
I was silent for a while. “Why us?” was all I could finally muster.
Razum-dar was silent as well for a bit. “The pragmatist Raz says it's because you both have no firm connection with the Dominion. The optimist says it's because you're more than capable. That said, only one of you should go.”.
Elereth looked at me. “You're better at this kind of thing, I think.” she said, taking a swig of her jagga. “I'd probably lose patience and shoot someone.”.
Amused, I finished my ale. “Well then. In that case, I think I'll be off. See you two soon.”.
However, as I left the Boatman's Tail, I saw a familiar Khajiit beckon me to him. The old beggar was sitting on the ground outside. When I approached, he said, “Hail there, Altmeri warrior. This one has heard you wish to retrieve a copy of the Maormer's treaty, yes? He may be able to help.”.
Confused, I crouched down. “No offense, but I don't see how you can help.”.
He laughed at this. “Then you know little of beggars. We are excellent at getting information. This one happens to know the guard posted at Ambassador Ulondil's quarters spices his drinks with moon sugar, yet is quite susceptible to its drowsy effects.”. Here, he dug out a pouch of the substance. “Here. This one was saving this for special occasions, but he thinks that preventing an attack on Mistral qualifies.”.
I smiled, taking the pouch. “Thank you. Say, what is your name? I am Ardolan.”.
The old Khajiit smiled back. “Rissat-jo is my name, walker. Now, you should go. Treaties don't steal themselves, yes?”.
“Are you lost?” the burly guard said, eying me suspiciously. “Ambassador Ulondil's quarters aren't open for visitors.”. I lifted a finger, offering him a mug of ale. He looked at it, then crossed his arms. “Do you think I take drinks from strangers?” he asked.
“Well, if you don't want it-.” I started, but the Maormer interrupted me.
“Never said I didn't want it. If the clerk didn't toss you out, I guess you're not a problem. Sure, one drink.”.
The guard promptly took the drink, and impressively downed it in one swig. He yawned, walked for a bit- and promptly passed out. Clearly, Rissat-jo's advice bore fruit. With that problem solved, I entered the quarters. The treaty was in Ulondil's quarters. I took it, and went to find Razum-dar to give it to him.
“The spring in your step!” he cried, smiling. “Did you know a sense of accomplishment can alter one's stride? You learn to notice it in others.”.
“Well, you'd be correct in thinking I was successful.” I said. “Here's the treaty. Where's Elereth, by the way?”.
Razum-dar laughed. “She is still at the tavern. She is… indulging, quite a bit.”. Well, I suppose she deserved to unwind after all the stuff she's endured- losing her father, being attacked by a giant snake, and being possessed by an evil spirit.
Razum-dar continued. “The Silvenar, however, is certainly being watched. You should inform him the treaty is safe. When the Silvenar looks at this, he will tear a hole in the Maormer's side… The treaty, of course. Not Ulondil. Though- heh, that would be funny. Anyways, the Silvenar and his wife, the Green Lady, are in the armorer's home.”.
The Green Lady, it soon transpired, was quite different from her husband. Supposedly, the Green Lady represents the more primal aspects of the Bosmer, and this was evident in the woman's personality- violent and chaotic. Still, she grudgingly allowed me to enter the house to speak with the Silvenar.
However, when I entered I noticed two things- a strange, odorous aura, and the dead body of said Silvenar.
The corpse bore no signs of attack, but it was oddly burnt up, as though it had been engulfed in fire. Despite my examinations, I couldn't figure out who had done this, or how. When the Green Lady entered, she was beside herself with rage. “You found him like this!? Answer me!” she cried. I nodded. “Then you know nothing! A thousand curses on this wretched island. They've taken my beloved! The murderers won't survive the day. Harrani knows her city. If she won't tell you who did this, I'll shorten her tail until she does. Now go. Go!”.
I rushed to the Chancery, where Harrani sighed upon seeing me. “Not again. Please, I understand what the Silvenar desires, but I told you. We cannot-”.
I interrupted. “The Silvenar is dead.”.
“Dead?” she asked, sitting down with an expression of dismay. “He was just here! What happened?”.
“I was hoping you could tell me.” I said gravely.
“How awful. Such a peaceful creature...My guards saw nothing. We doubled the watch to ensure safety! I cannot abide the Silvenar's murder in my town. I'll close the port if I have to. None set sail until his killer is brought to justice!”.
“Can I help?” I asked quickly.
“Of course. I declare you a deputy of the Mistral Guard. No door shall be barred to you. On my desk you will find the most recent reports from the Mistral Guard. You are welcome to review them.” Harrani said.
As I left, I heard multiple shouting voices- no doubt Ulondil, Pelidil and Harrani were arguing. The report mentioned various things- an apothecary, an abandoned warehouse, and a Maormer ship- that the Guard hadn't had time to investigate. In a few hours, I'm going to investigate the crime. I can only hope I can catch the culprits in time.
-Ardolan Larethbinder
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Comments
So he's playing the investigator... hope your next chapter isn't too far away.