The made their way all the way down the stream this time. The came to a pool of water that formed under a bridge that crossed over above. There was a fallen Ayleid Pillar they used to cross over and then Rosenlyn told them, we are in the great forest now of Cyrodiil. Although overall it is not too dangerous be on alert as there can be patrols of any kind; bandits, Imperial, wolves, or other things.
The group continued to make their way down past one Ayleid Ruin, then continued into the forest and the rise of the Valus Mountains that bordered the area of Riften far to the north and ran all the way down towards Morrowind. It was getting near evening, and they needed somewhere to camp for the night.
Rosenlyn said that the Ayleid Ruin of Fanacas was off in the distance. “We’ll have to setup a night watch as that place used to be home of the Maniefesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum. One of the many vampire clans and families that were scattered throughout Cyrodiil back during the Oblivion Crisis. Because we don’t know if they still live we will have to be extra cautious if we camp nearby. “
The approached the old Ayleid ruin and Etain could sense those within. Etain spoke, “They are still here, beware, they prefer to stay unseen and silently feed on those not expecting them. Let’s set up camp back behind the entrance. I want a circle of tightly knit eyes watching the perimeter. “
Rosenlyn asked, “Etain, what are you planning?” Etain grinned, “ I cannot hope to bring about a new age if I do not at least offer a path to salvation.” Hadvar and Kyne’s Guardian then spoke to them, “Are you prepared for that? Why not just setup a protective shield then move on in the morning when they cannot follow?” Etain replied with certainty, “I will not ever be able to bind all people to this new moral code unless I give them an opportunity to commit to it. Let it be their choice, their decision, on whether to abandon the old ways or to have their souls be bound to a sleep that never ends.”
Hadvar and Kyne’s Guardian looked at each other, “We are bound to your need, Etain.” They both bowed slightly then returned to the central camp to help with preparations for the evening meal. The double moons of Masser and Secunda rose in the night sky. Etain having finished her meal and team asked Julian, “ Tell us a story of the significance of the two watchful eyes above us. Oh, and don’t forget to include that of the Third one. “ Julian replied, “You know about that? Oh, of course you would. How silly of me!”
Julian began, “ In Tamrielic mythology, they are also referred to as Jode and Jone by the human races. However, in Khajiit culture, they hold immense spiritual and physical importance. They are the twin deities that dictate their entire race’s physical forms.” Etain smiled and then asked, “ Tell us how they are tied to the creation of the mortal world!”
Julian said, “ The Lunar Lorkhan, the prevailing Tamrielic creation myth states that these two moons are the sundered, decaying corpse of the trickster god Lorkhan who tricked the other gods into creating Nirn. They destroyed him and his body was cast into the heavens to eternally orbit his creation. “ Etain then asked, “ How does this relate to the Khajiit Lunar Lattice?”
Julian replied, “ For the Khajiit, Jone and Jode are sacred deities. Thei phases dictate the Lunar Lattice, a cosmic law that dictates what subspecies a Khajiit cub will be born as, ranging from the housecat-sized companions known as the Alfiq, to the massive, bipedal war-cats known as Senche-Raht. “
Etain then asked, “ What of the third moon Julian?” Julian said, “Khajiit lore speaks of a secret third moon. It is called the Dark Moon or Lorkhaj. They believe it to be the rotting, corrupted heart of Lorkhan and is tied to dark magic and the creation of their twisted cousins, the Drom’Athra. “
Suddenly there was a shimmering and an ancient Khajiit appeared who was the matron of this Cyrodiil Vampyru. There were others too far away in the shadows. He spoke then, “ I am honored that someone from the new ages remember the truth of Khajiit creation. So who is it that comes and tells stories of the old ways, knowing who we are? “
Etain rose her fingers and flicked them, the fires around the camp simply vanished leaving the light of the two moons to provide a way for all to see. Etain then said, “Come sit with us, I have a proposal for you and your clan to consider.”
The leader sat down and said, “I am Kharjo and who am I addressing that commands such power as to remove obstacles with a flicker of her fingers?” Etan answered, “Before I answer that can we talk?” Kharjo replied, “Of course but tell me who is it that wears armor and carries a sword from the first era? That is quite unique and the like of it has not been seen since those who built these places were still living here.”
Etain ignored his question and began telling a story, “ You like stories Kharjo, I mean anyone who has been living as long as you and considering you are Khajiit must have an appreciation for them!” Kharjo replied, “You do us great honor to remembering the root of who we are.”
Etain then began, “Long ago, in a place far removed from our world of Nirn. A place that existed before the first word of the “The Elder Lore” was written. There existed a world where they that lived there could still hear the song of the earth, the tree, the roots that grew beneath them and the rain that fell upon them to give them life.” Etan smiled, then said, “Please invite the others to join us, they do not need to stay hidden since I am aware they are there.”
Kharjo said, “Come if you want, you may join our host for her story telling.” Some of them came forward and sat among them. Etain then began again, “ This place had a poem that describes their heart, the truth of their souls. Do you like poetry Kharjo?” Of course we who have lived so long enjoy the stories hidden within the words.”
Etain began, “Then listen to this one for it reveals a truth about me and the coming age!
“In twilight’s whisper, olden tales unfold,
Of Fey, the fleeting spirits, both timid and bold.
Once woven in the breath of lore,
Their essence dances ‘neath the moonlit store.
From shadowed glades where the ancient hearts dwell,
To hills where the Sidhe softly weave their spell,
Echoes of Tuatha linger, a sigh through the trees,
The voices of ancestors ride on the breeze.
In emerald brooks, Nymphs cast their refrain,
While Brownies in hearth light weave warmth from the rain.
These guardians of nature, both fierce and kind,
Are the threads of a tapestry eternally entwined?
The Gandharva sang in celestial delight,
While Jinni sparkled in the hush of the night.
From Arctic to Samoa, tales find their wings,
In the laughter of children, their legacy sings.
Yet shadows linger, where fallen angels tread,
A heart-wrenching story of hope long since fled.
In every lost whisper, in every lament,
The Fey, too, are haunted by sorrows unspent.
They flit through the ages, from tragedy’s veil,
To the spark of romance in a whimsical tale.
Once regal and harsh in their otherworldly throne,
Now they fitter as phantoms, in twilight alone.
In meadows of mischief, with Puck’s clever jest,
Titania’s laughter swirls, a haunting caress.
Yet in every petal, in each dew-kissed dawn,
The heart of the Fey whispers, “We have not gone.”
For cultures have carved them in stories so bright,
From Victorian dreams to Shakespearean night.
Through the brush of the artist, the voice of the lore,
The Fey live still; in the hearts they implore. ”
So pause, dear wanderer, under starlit expanse,
In each rustle of leaves, in each fleeting glance.
For the world spins with magic, a truth we must see,
The Fey dwell among us, forever, eternally free. “
There was silence in the camp now. Only the soft weeping of those who had not known tears for a very long time could be heard. Kharjo asked, “So who is it that commands the emotions of even the undead to see and feel the life of the song you sing?”
Etain answered him, “The answers of the who have already been told. I am the Root, the Rain, and the scales that keep them in place.” Kharjo asked, “ Humor me, explain please.” Etain answered, “ In that other world there is Leoht, one in service to the light! However, there is also Sgath, those who hide in shadow. Then there is Cothrom, the balance that stays the hand of light or shadow from becoming too much.”
Kharjo asked, “Which one of those are you then?” Etain smiled and said, “I am all three at once, Leoht, Sgath, and Cothrom too!” Kharjo paused, thought deeply then said, “Only someone who existed before the creation of Nirn could claim all of those at once. That would mean you are of the Elder Blood, The Root, The Rain, that Nirn, the balance between!”
Etain said, “Yes, I am Etain, Saorlaith, Oralaith. Etain incarnated from before the first word of The Elder Scrolls was born, Saorlaith, of royal blood, a ruler yet to be, and Oralaith, empress and high queen of Nirn and the coming age.”
There was silence then and Kharjo said, “We have heard whispers and felt great reality bending powers that have been both seen and felt across all of Nirn. If you are she, then I must warn you that the Dark Court will do anything to prevent you from seeing that age be.”
Etain replied, “Yes, I am already aware of their desires. However, I am not here to speak directly about them but to offer you something that no one else could do.” Kharjo said, “What is your proposal then?”
Etain replied, “I offer you this one chance to choose to be transformed, to be freed from the Dark Court and become a part of the new age. I will not ask you to change your home, if you prefer it, stay, I do not command you to bow to me, to do as I command, I ask you to join us in this age, free of darkness. You will still live forever; I cannot undo what has already been done by the Dark Court. However, I can free you from them, but it is your choice and will only be offered this once.”
Kharjo was silent a moment, “I like you do not command my family; they must make their own choice. However, if it is in within your power to perform such a transformation, I Kharjo would like to walk in both the sunlight of the day, and the moonlight of the night once again. What will happen to those that do not accept these terms?”
Etain replied, “I cannot allow the darkness of the old age to hunt my every move as I bring about the new one. So, it is against my creed to destroy, unless given no other choice. I will put them is a forever dream. There they will basically be in stasis. I will come to them once a year and make the same offer, they can accept and be transformed or go back to their dreams.”
Kharjo asked, “I would know more of this creed. Can you teach me?” Etain said, “Yes, it is called “The Warrior’s Way” However, I am on a tight schedule and have a long journey ahead of me. I promise you though Kharjo I will return and spend time with your clan to hear more stories to learn of the old ways which some are rooted in your own histories as you may already know.”
Kharjo rose then and said, I accept, those of my family you have heard her terms, what say you, accept them or be put into a state of dream. I would advise all of you to consider it carefully, she is who she claims to be. I read truth, honor, loyalty, and kindness in her way.”
Then all of the clan came forward, not a single person choose otherwise. Etain then knelt on one knee and pulled out her sword. The blood began to flow and all around her from the old Cyrodilic Vampire clan said, “ Look she is one with the blood and the sword. They are bound together.”
All of them knelt then to this power and Etain then commanded, “With the power of the Elder Blood I transform you from darkness. Live free now, free of allegiance to them of the Dark Court but also free from me. You are now bound to the age when it comes. Find your new truths, find happiness.” A great light spread from her and surrounded not only the group but dove deep beneath the earth to the root of the land, then the sun rose and the first rays of its beams fell upon them, and none were hurt. They had truly been transformed.
Kharjo said, “Thank you, the ancestor of our families smile upon you, may your journey always bring you to warm sands and blue green seas. If ever you need me, call and I will follow.” Etain rose then and said, “We have to go, long is our journey from here.”
She turned then and led her group away from there and down the trail through the mountains to continue towards their goals. It took them most of the day to reach the pass between the mountains that transitioned them from Cyrodiil to Morrowind territories. They decided to camp right inside the pass entry and up a switch back on to a flat surface with enough space to serve as a campsite.
The day had been quiet and uneventful. Exactly what Etain needed after her exhaustion from the night before. She felt good about how things had turned out. After dinner was prepared and everyone was settled in the conversation began in earnest.
It was Celestine who spoke up first. “Etain, it was hard for me as a Knight of Stendarr to understand why you were offering a way for those who had been sworn so long to Molag Bal, the Daedric prince of schemes, domination, and enslavement along with Clavicus Vile, the prince responsible for wishes, bargains, and pacts to a path to salvation.” Etain replied, “So, what did your insight tell you concerning the why?”
Celestine said, “When I realized it, I felt shame for not having seen it before.” Etain asked, “What did you realize?” Celestine said, “That Stendarr is the god of Mercy, Charity, and Justice. You were in fact providing a better example of those virtues better than any knight I have known.” Etain asked, “The principals of the Aedra are essential to the new age. I cannot hope to gain understanding from those around me if I do not at least try and provide an example of how their virtues might be followed.” Celestine said, “Thank you Etain! For just being you.”
Etain then asked the team, gather around everyone, “What do we know about the dangers of where we’re going now? I don’t know anything about Morrowind, does anyone here know this land well? What can we expect what the dangers we’ll face? How exposed will we be to those we are thing to stay hidden from?”
Alea, spoke up and said, “I have been through this area a bit a long time ago. However, I think if we can find someone who knows the land well and its dangers we should see if they are willing to help us. At least until we meet with this merchant ship near Blacklight Tower.” Hadvar then chimed in, “Blacklight Tower is a notorious location for bad people, many who worship the Dark Court, and if you don’t think they won’t know about us I think that is naive of us.”
Etain then asked, “Okay, so what do we know about this Blacklight Tower in terms of its defenses, and are there any possible kinks in their architecture of placement of troops? Also, what about ships, do we need to do something about that to ensure they can’t follow us once we board the merchant ship?”
No one really had any answers for all of it so Etain said, “Well, it’s been a long day and I expect tomorrow may be even longer with us moving into unknown areas. Let’s go ahead and get some rest. Make sure someone is watching for anyone or anything approaching. We need to stay diligent but also I can’t have everyone on guard duty not getting any sleep. We have no idea when we might need everyone for a fast one or battle.”
Morning came and a unique trio of Khajiit were making their way up to the camp where Etain and the others stayed the night. When they arrived a female Khajiit spoke, “l Of The Linage Of Khamira greet you.”
“This fa vaba afaka +ali daresh jer draqo. Khajiit view vijah ba series di interconnected journeys acknowledging jaji jaadi vara kara +ali iit tataami draqo ba jer vaba ja’fith validation di friendship “
Etain, who was sitting on a log sipping hot tea answered,
“This one be pleased to share your course also. We are happy to know that the Khajiit view life as we do, a series of interconnected journeys acknowledging that you are happy to walk the same course as us and to share in this warm validation of friendship.”
Etain then said,
“Jer vara yosanka +ali shijoh an petanith ahzirr oonpal wajo an jhakri ahzirr ko aro di rik jer kizka daresh ahzirr khisrith tohe’i jaja ora”
Khamira replied,
“ Thank you for the welcome to sit and join our morning meal and tea. We are prepared to discuss and let you hear of how we might share our journey through these lands.”
Etain smiled then said, “You must have spent time with Kharjo back at the ancient place called Fanacas. Only they would know of our purpose and our heart in this land.” Khamira replied, “Yes we were quite surprised to see the old family of Kharjo sitting in the bright sunlight of the day and he told me the story of someone I might be interested in knowing but also someone who might require a guide through these dangerous lands.”
Khamira then said, “Let me introduce my company. This is Lineage of Fezez, an Alfiq who does not suffer from the indulgence of their ancient relative in drinks that lift the spirits. This is Hassarsha, a great warrior and rare lineage of many of the ancient arts of passive restraint. I believe both you and he would enjoy long fireside chats about ‘The Warrior’s Way’ Your creed of life as we have heard from Kharjo.”
Khamira then asked, “May I ask you to share where your journey will take you in the lands ahead?” Etain looked at her group and asked, “How do you feel about their offer to provide guidance and walk the path as we do?” Julian was the surprising first to reply, “She is of the Lineage of Khamira. That name is of great significance during the second age in Tamriel when her ancestors who was in secret the Princess of Anequina, Northern Elsweyr and help to undo the usurper Euraxia Tharn. In time she was crowned Queen of Anequina. So yes, there is no higher honor to be helped by an ancestor of that line.”
Khamira replied, “Your knowledge of our history is great Julian. You must be the scholar of this group, who provides wisdom to the history and lores of these lands.” Etain replied, “Yes, he is a most valued member of our group.”
The Alfiq then whispered to Khamira and she smiled, “My friend and companion here says that he sees that you Etain are already crowned Princess and wear the Tiara that bores your claim to the Alessian Bloodline.”
Etain replied, “Your magical friend here, ‘Line of Fezez’ perceptions are correct and serve him well.” Etain heard no protest from the group and so said, “We plan on navigating the thin lands across from Valdenfell and making our way north until we reach Blacklight.”
Khamira said “That is a long and dangerous trip as those lands are hunted with creatures and spirits aligned with the dark courts. In particular Blacklight will prove challenging. It is invested with thousands of cultist and worse.”
Etain asked then, “What can you tell me of its architecture and layout on those northern lands?” Khamira said there is a tall watch tower that provides access to the great bridge that crosses the bay that separates the actual structure known as Blacklight from the lands we will be traveling.” Etain smiled and said, “Okay that is good news we can use that as a way of preventing any from crossing that are not already on our side.”
Hassarsha then asked, “What of the ships. There will be crews and guard both who will be there already. How do we prevent them from chasing us as we would ask that you allow us to journey with you to the ports of Skyrim.”
Etain replied, “I am the root, I am the rain. I will use the ancient magic of another land to help us in that task.” Khamira smile and then said, “We understand that your blood transcends not only the creation of Nirn but also from other worlds as well. If that is so, then I suspect we will see miracles the day we arrive at Blacklight that will shake the roots of this land.”
Khamira then said,” I would like to suggest you let Hassarsha and Alea I believe is your scout travel ahead so she can learn from him the sleeping dangers of this land. Fezez and I will stay to help protect your own team and to ensure you do not need to overextend yourself before reaching Blacklight.”
Etain then said cut her hand with a sharp stone that sat on the ground. The Khajiit watched her with great interest. She then dipped her finger in the blood and kissed it, A bright light rose from her finger and Fezez commented to Khamira, that is an ancient art only known to those of the Elder Blood.” Etain then knelt before Khamira and blew her breath across the glowing finger with the blood on it. She then said, “In the new age that comes we will stand together as one people, one line of equals, one heart for all time!”
Fezez said she speaks of the Elder tongue. Etain then placed her flowing finger on Khamira’s heart and said, “In the new age that comes we will stand together as one people, one line of equals, one heart for all time!”
Khamira bowed and said, “I look to the future rising of the moons and the coming of the new age. We are sisters as one in honor, as one bound by a moral code that cannot be undone.” Etain then said, “Welcome to our family, shall we prepare for the journey ahead?” All agreed, and Alea said to Etain, “ Hassarsha and I are going to leave now to scout the lands ahead. We’ll leave you markers!”