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An Orc, Strange Headlines, and a Wrecked Wagon
17th of Heartfire, 427 3E
Today was indeed a normal day even if it did remind us that there are some strange characters out there. Or at least in the southwestern portion of Vvardenfell. Before I get into that I want to record what played out last night. No, nothing scandalous or dishonorable.
The moons were full last night and there was an odd green coloration in the air. According to rumors, zombies have been roaming around Vvardenfell during the full moons and the green coloration in the air is one of the signs that they might be about. All of this strongly suggestions that there are necromancers in the region who are waking the dead. Although I don't believe that Mebestian's odd relatives have anything to do with this, it's no big surprise that the locals have been grumbling about the Pelagiad shopkeeper harboring his vampire mother and lich grandfather. Neldor and I are starting to wonder how long it will be before the Ence family is driven out of the Ascadian Isles.
Because of the full moons and all that are connected with them, I decided to take Neldor up on his offer to stay in the fam hand's hut at the back of the property. Of course being the gentlemer that he is, Neldor offered to stay in the hut himself and allow me to sleep in the master bedroom (which is in what was once the barn's hayloft). I wouldn't hear of it and insisted that Rey and I would be perfectly fine in the hut. It's about the size of what the Pelagiad rental huts would be if they were combined into one building. Granted the farm hand's hut could indeed fit inside the Princeps Almalexia's chambers but I've learned to be comfortable in small places and have discovered I really don't need a lot of room.
The interior is clean and quite nicely decorated. The previous owners of Neldor's property obviously cared that their farm hand was comfortable, having provided the person with a nice twin bed, a chest of drawers, a bookcase and a wood stove. There is no kitchen (although one could heat a teapot or a bowl of soup on the wood stove), but the hut includes a bathroom with piped in water, so although I can't really cook in the hut, not having to go outside to use an outhouse is a nice trade-off.
In spite of the odd green lighting that was in the air, I felt quite safe when I locked the door and went to bed. Indeed I slept quite soundly and did not wake up as early as I normally do. Eventually I was awaked by the neighing and nickering of Gloria and Garland who were right outside the window that's next to the bed. The horses' neighs were occasionally accompanied by a bray from Oliver. Obviously the three equines felt that I had slept long enough.
As I said, it was really nice to be able to get up and go into the next room to relieve myself and then wash off rather than having to go outside where anyone in town could see me. Feeling more hungry than usual, for I typically have breakfast much earlier, I headed over to the barn-house after I had washed and dressed. My knock on one of the barn's front double-doors was answered by Neldor calling out, "Door's unlocked!"
I stepped inside the furnished barn and saw Neldor sitting on the wicker sofa reading a book. As he sat there with one of his feet resting on his knees and the book resting against his calf I was once again struck by how good looking he is. How in the world was this mer single when we met?
Looking up at me, he grinned and said cheerfully, "Hey, Sleepy-Head! I was starting to wonder if you were all right out there in the hut."
I assured him, "That was the most sound sleep I've had in weeks. I was more than comfortable."
Neldor replied, "Glad to hear it. My offer for you to stay there instead of continuing to rent the little huts in town still stands. Having rented them myself, I believe that Drelasa is over-charging." Before I could reply, he continued, "Oliver and I went into town early this morning and got a fresh order of groceries. Help yourself to some breakfast. I already ate a little while ago."
Following a glance at the kitchen, which has good stove, running water, and even a frost box (a newly developed piece of magical technology that is basically a tall closet which holds a constant effect Cold enchantment), I looked at Neldor and said, "You have to allow me to pay rent! Or at least contribute paying for the groceries. You're already been keeping Gloria here for me. If I accept your offer to use the farm hand's hut I insist on helping with the living expenses. I also want to help maintain this place. I may be a former princess but that doesn't mean I don't know anything about house-keeping."
This was something we had discussed earlier and Neldor's response was that he didn't want to be my landlord and deal with formal arrangements such as rental agreements. After staring at me for a moment, he agreed, "All right, we can take turns buying groceries and paying for maintenance expenses. I just don't want you to feel pressured to give me a payment of so many septims at the start of each month. I don't want us to be landlord and tenant."
I pointed out to him, "The last time I mentioned this you said that we're a team. That's how I see it; as assisting my team-mate with the home that he opened to my horse and pet fox as well as to me."
With a soft laugh, Neldor set his book aside and rose to his feet. Coming to embrace me (and holding me closer than I've ever been to another person), he replied, "Yes, we are a team. We're both members of the Wrongly Accused and Unjustly Punished guild. Together we can maintain this place as well as raise enough septims for our Escape to Solsthiem fund."
After he kissed me, I replied, "Speaking of which, I should eat some breakfast so we can head to the Bitter Coast and do some hunting. The mudcrabs aren't going to jump into the collection basket by themselves."
Because of my oversleeping we got a late start on today's hunt but not so late that we had to worry about wandering around the Bitter Coast after dark. As we were walking along the narrow dirt road toward Seyda Neen we noticed a grouchy looking orc who was clan in commoner's clothes and pacing around a muck pool. The orc, who had been grumbling to himself, suddenly glared at us and stated sharply, "You! Get Dazagh some Luminous Russula! Find it in the swamps west of here. Dazagh needs twenty!"
Inwardly I thought, And we should do this for you because...? Outwardly I asked hesitantly, "You can't find any yourself?"
Holding his arms out, gesturing at our surroundings, he snapped, "None here! All gone!"
Truth be told, he was right. The mushrooms in that area of the Bitter Coast appeared to be picked clean. As I was hoping that this odd orc would calm down, Neldor said, "If we see any more, we'll gather them for you and bring them here on our way back."
Instead of thanking us, the orc repeated, "Dazagh needs twenty!"
Neldor and I glanced at each other with perplexed expressions before continuing onward to Seyda Neen. When we were out of the orc's earshot, Neldor said softly, "Sometimes I really wonder what is going on with the orcs around here. I've met orcs in other places and they usually seem as intelligent and articulate as other races. The ones I've come across on Vvardenfell however don't seem to be the sharpest knives in the drawer."
We stopped at the trade-house for we were both in need of more iron arrows. While waiting for Arrille to finish waiting on another customer, we browsed the notice board and the newest editions of the various broadsheets. The news that once again had everyone chattering was of course an article in the Vvardenfell Tattler.
Today's Tattler headline screamed;
House Telvanni's Archmagister Gothren challenges Master Neloth to mud-wrestling match!
The article claimed that the event was being sponsored by House Hlaalu's Councilor Crassius Curio but there was no word yet on when tickets would be available for purchase or when wagers could be made. We could hear the locals talking excitedly about the match after we had purchased our arrows and were leaving the trade-house.
The Dunmer who purchases our crab meat said to the Breton agent who was posted nearby, "My money will be on Master Neloth. That mer is scrappy."
Eldafire, who happened to be walking by, said, "Oh surely you don't believe this nonsense. Everyone knows that the stories in the Tattler are made up! Just like that story about Master Neloth being seen levitating nude around his tower."
The Breton insisted, "That story is absolutely true! The article even had a picture of Neloth floating around in the buff!"
Eldafire countered, "That was a drawing! Anyone can make a drawing and say it's based on fact."
"It was a very detailed drawing!" the Breton replied.
After shaking her head in dismay, Eldafire asked, "But why would a Councilor of House Hlaalu sponsor a mud-wrestling match between a couple of House Telvanni wizards?"
A female Dunmer answered emphatically, "Because he's Crassius Curio!"
As Neldor and I left the village, I commented, "Made up or not, the Tattler always gets people talking."
Neldor replied, "Did you notice that the stacks of the more serious news sheets were barely touched but there were hardly any copies left of the Tattler? I guess most people want the silly and sensational more than they want real news. Of course real news can be depressing so I guess the Tattler's popularity isn't so surprising."
We gradually made our way down the coast, hunting mudcrabs and gathering Luminous Russula mushrooms along the way. Eventually we drew close to a wrecked wagon that rests along the side of the road near the peninsula. I have noticed the wagon many times but have never gone near it. Gesturing at the wreck, I asked Neldor, "Have you ever checked inside of that?"
He answered, "I once walked up to it and looked in the bed of the wagon. There are some small chests in there, but they give off a very strange and unpleasant smell."
Glancing at him as I gathered some mushrooms, I asked, "Like there's something dead and decaying in there?"
Grimacing, he shrugged and replied, "No, it wasn't like that. It's difficult to explain...It's like a foul magic. The stench makes me think that there are objects in one of the crates that are dangerous to handle and are best left alone. I can't tell you what to do, but..." Neldor gave me a somewhat bashful smile as he continued, "As someone who cares about you, I hope you don't open any of the wagon's crates. No matter what might be in there, it's not worth exposing yourself to items that hold foul magic."
Appreciating his concern, I told him, "Don't worry, I'll heed your advice. I certainly have no desire to have contact with any foul magic."
Gesturing at the wagon, Neldor pointed out, "Look at how broken the hitch is. The team of mules or horses that were pulling that thing sensed that something foul was in the wagon and wanted no part of it. It's like they went crazy and managed to tore themselves loose. No telling what happened to the driver."
I replied, "Animals tend to know when something is bad for them. Who knows? The crates might contain something that causes the 'zombie issue' that everyone is talking about."
While we had been making our way along the shore I had thought that the flat spot near the shore would have been a good place to stop and have a bite to eat, but Neldor didn't like being even that close to the wrecked wagon. My own sense of smell is quite strong but pales next to Neldor's and according to him the stench coming from the wagon's cargo was quite foul. Not wanting to stay near a location where something sinister was resting, we went back up north and ended up having lunch on a small hill that overlooks the peninsula. Not only is the view pleasant, but it allowed us to see other mudcrab nests so we could make the remainder of our daily quotas.
Not only did we each obtain twenty pounds of crab meat, but we also found twenty samples of Luminous Russula which we took to the grouchy orc after selling our catch. Before either of us could say a word, the orc exclaimed as he snatched the mushrooms I offered him, "Luminous Russula! Dazagh will put Russula to good use, yes!" At that point he pulled a ring out of his pocket, which he practically tossed into my hand as he added, "Dazagh will never be blind again!"
As he walked away, I looked at the ring and was surprised to see that it had been enchanted with Light and Night Eye spells which would last for one minute. I suppose this wasn't bad compensation for us gathering some mushrooms.
With amusement in his voice, Neldor commented, "That wasn't exactly an epic quest, was it?"
Laughing softly, I agreed, "No, but it's a good one for when a person wants to avoid being noticed and thought of as a competent hero."
Also laughing, Neldor said, "Exactly. Caius will never think that either of us can make it as spies if all we're good for is picking mushrooms."
Although we were both making light of our situation, it really isn't a laughing matter. The less people know of us, the better. Hopefully the mudcrabs will continue to be plentiful, allowing us to save up enough septims to barter for passage to Solsthiem. In the meantime I hope that Caius finds someone who is more willing and able to fulfill whatever role the Emperor had in mind for us.
*~*~*
Dazagh and his simple quest to gather some mushrooms is added by the Tales of Seyda Neen mod.
Also, the broken is wagon was set up to replace a shipwreck that appears in vanilla Morrowind. While I have a large variety of components to use when setting up the screenshots, at the moment I don't have a wrecked ship. In "BuyDeBug" mode I have some house-boats, but that's not quite what I needed for this scene.
Since smugglers usually need to transport their goods over land as well as by sea, I didn't think a wagon was beyond belief. I highly doubt that animals would like ash statues so a team of mules or horses would either be severely spooked or could even go insane, wanting nothing more than to separate themselves from their sinister cargo. Therefore instead of a shipwreck was have a wrecked wagon.
Today was indeed a normal day even if it did remind us that there are some strange characters out there. Or at least in the southwestern portion of Vvardenfell. Before I get into that I want to record what played out last night. No, nothing scandalous or dishonorable.
The moons were full last night and there was an odd green coloration in the air. According to rumors, zombies have been roaming around Vvardenfell during the full moons and the green coloration in the air is one of the signs that they might be about. All of this strongly suggestions that there are necromancers in the region who are waking the dead. Although I don't believe that Mebestian's odd relatives have anything to do with this, it's no big surprise that the locals have been grumbling about the Pelagiad shopkeeper harboring his vampire mother and lich grandfather. Neldor and I are starting to wonder how long it will be before the Ence family is driven out of the Ascadian Isles.
Because of the full moons and all that are connected with them, I decided to take Neldor up on his offer to stay in the fam hand's hut at the back of the property. Of course being the gentlemer that he is, Neldor offered to stay in the hut himself and allow me to sleep in the master bedroom (which is in what was once the barn's hayloft). I wouldn't hear of it and insisted that Rey and I would be perfectly fine in the hut. It's about the size of what the Pelagiad rental huts would be if they were combined into one building. Granted the farm hand's hut could indeed fit inside the Princeps Almalexia's chambers but I've learned to be comfortable in small places and have discovered I really don't need a lot of room.
The interior is clean and quite nicely decorated. The previous owners of Neldor's property obviously cared that their farm hand was comfortable, having provided the person with a nice twin bed, a chest of drawers, a bookcase and a wood stove. There is no kitchen (although one could heat a teapot or a bowl of soup on the wood stove), but the hut includes a bathroom with piped in water, so although I can't really cook in the hut, not having to go outside to use an outhouse is a nice trade-off.
In spite of the odd green lighting that was in the air, I felt quite safe when I locked the door and went to bed. Indeed I slept quite soundly and did not wake up as early as I normally do. Eventually I was awaked by the neighing and nickering of Gloria and Garland who were right outside the window that's next to the bed. The horses' neighs were occasionally accompanied by a bray from Oliver. Obviously the three equines felt that I had slept long enough.
As I said, it was really nice to be able to get up and go into the next room to relieve myself and then wash off rather than having to go outside where anyone in town could see me. Feeling more hungry than usual, for I typically have breakfast much earlier, I headed over to the barn-house after I had washed and dressed. My knock on one of the barn's front double-doors was answered by Neldor calling out, "Door's unlocked!"
I stepped inside the furnished barn and saw Neldor sitting on the wicker sofa reading a book. As he sat there with one of his feet resting on his knees and the book resting against his calf I was once again struck by how good looking he is. How in the world was this mer single when we met?
Looking up at me, he grinned and said cheerfully, "Hey, Sleepy-Head! I was starting to wonder if you were all right out there in the hut."
I assured him, "That was the most sound sleep I've had in weeks. I was more than comfortable."
Neldor replied, "Glad to hear it. My offer for you to stay there instead of continuing to rent the little huts in town still stands. Having rented them myself, I believe that Drelasa is over-charging." Before I could reply, he continued, "Oliver and I went into town early this morning and got a fresh order of groceries. Help yourself to some breakfast. I already ate a little while ago."
Following a glance at the kitchen, which has good stove, running water, and even a frost box (a newly developed piece of magical technology that is basically a tall closet which holds a constant effect Cold enchantment), I looked at Neldor and said, "You have to allow me to pay rent! Or at least contribute paying for the groceries. You're already been keeping Gloria here for me. If I accept your offer to use the farm hand's hut I insist on helping with the living expenses. I also want to help maintain this place. I may be a former princess but that doesn't mean I don't know anything about house-keeping."
This was something we had discussed earlier and Neldor's response was that he didn't want to be my landlord and deal with formal arrangements such as rental agreements. After staring at me for a moment, he agreed, "All right, we can take turns buying groceries and paying for maintenance expenses. I just don't want you to feel pressured to give me a payment of so many septims at the start of each month. I don't want us to be landlord and tenant."
I pointed out to him, "The last time I mentioned this you said that we're a team. That's how I see it; as assisting my team-mate with the home that he opened to my horse and pet fox as well as to me."
With a soft laugh, Neldor set his book aside and rose to his feet. Coming to embrace me (and holding me closer than I've ever been to another person), he replied, "Yes, we are a team. We're both members of the Wrongly Accused and Unjustly Punished guild. Together we can maintain this place as well as raise enough septims for our Escape to Solsthiem fund."
After he kissed me, I replied, "Speaking of which, I should eat some breakfast so we can head to the Bitter Coast and do some hunting. The mudcrabs aren't going to jump into the collection basket by themselves."
Because of my oversleeping we got a late start on today's hunt but not so late that we had to worry about wandering around the Bitter Coast after dark. As we were walking along the narrow dirt road toward Seyda Neen we noticed a grouchy looking orc who was clan in commoner's clothes and pacing around a muck pool. The orc, who had been grumbling to himself, suddenly glared at us and stated sharply, "You! Get Dazagh some Luminous Russula! Find it in the swamps west of here. Dazagh needs twenty!"
Inwardly I thought, And we should do this for you because...? Outwardly I asked hesitantly, "You can't find any yourself?"
Holding his arms out, gesturing at our surroundings, he snapped, "None here! All gone!"
Truth be told, he was right. The mushrooms in that area of the Bitter Coast appeared to be picked clean. As I was hoping that this odd orc would calm down, Neldor said, "If we see any more, we'll gather them for you and bring them here on our way back."
Instead of thanking us, the orc repeated, "Dazagh needs twenty!"
Neldor and I glanced at each other with perplexed expressions before continuing onward to Seyda Neen. When we were out of the orc's earshot, Neldor said softly, "Sometimes I really wonder what is going on with the orcs around here. I've met orcs in other places and they usually seem as intelligent and articulate as other races. The ones I've come across on Vvardenfell however don't seem to be the sharpest knives in the drawer."
We stopped at the trade-house for we were both in need of more iron arrows. While waiting for Arrille to finish waiting on another customer, we browsed the notice board and the newest editions of the various broadsheets. The news that once again had everyone chattering was of course an article in the Vvardenfell Tattler.
Today's Tattler headline screamed;
House Telvanni's Archmagister Gothren challenges Master Neloth to mud-wrestling match!
The article claimed that the event was being sponsored by House Hlaalu's Councilor Crassius Curio but there was no word yet on when tickets would be available for purchase or when wagers could be made. We could hear the locals talking excitedly about the match after we had purchased our arrows and were leaving the trade-house.
The Dunmer who purchases our crab meat said to the Breton agent who was posted nearby, "My money will be on Master Neloth. That mer is scrappy."
Eldafire, who happened to be walking by, said, "Oh surely you don't believe this nonsense. Everyone knows that the stories in the Tattler are made up! Just like that story about Master Neloth being seen levitating nude around his tower."
The Breton insisted, "That story is absolutely true! The article even had a picture of Neloth floating around in the buff!"
Eldafire countered, "That was a drawing! Anyone can make a drawing and say it's based on fact."
"It was a very detailed drawing!" the Breton replied.
After shaking her head in dismay, Eldafire asked, "But why would a Councilor of House Hlaalu sponsor a mud-wrestling match between a couple of House Telvanni wizards?"
A female Dunmer answered emphatically, "Because he's Crassius Curio!"
As Neldor and I left the village, I commented, "Made up or not, the Tattler always gets people talking."
Neldor replied, "Did you notice that the stacks of the more serious news sheets were barely touched but there were hardly any copies left of the Tattler? I guess most people want the silly and sensational more than they want real news. Of course real news can be depressing so I guess the Tattler's popularity isn't so surprising."
We gradually made our way down the coast, hunting mudcrabs and gathering Luminous Russula mushrooms along the way. Eventually we drew close to a wrecked wagon that rests along the side of the road near the peninsula. I have noticed the wagon many times but have never gone near it. Gesturing at the wreck, I asked Neldor, "Have you ever checked inside of that?"
He answered, "I once walked up to it and looked in the bed of the wagon. There are some small chests in there, but they give off a very strange and unpleasant smell."
Glancing at him as I gathered some mushrooms, I asked, "Like there's something dead and decaying in there?"
Grimacing, he shrugged and replied, "No, it wasn't like that. It's difficult to explain...It's like a foul magic. The stench makes me think that there are objects in one of the crates that are dangerous to handle and are best left alone. I can't tell you what to do, but..." Neldor gave me a somewhat bashful smile as he continued, "As someone who cares about you, I hope you don't open any of the wagon's crates. No matter what might be in there, it's not worth exposing yourself to items that hold foul magic."
Appreciating his concern, I told him, "Don't worry, I'll heed your advice. I certainly have no desire to have contact with any foul magic."
Gesturing at the wagon, Neldor pointed out, "Look at how broken the hitch is. The team of mules or horses that were pulling that thing sensed that something foul was in the wagon and wanted no part of it. It's like they went crazy and managed to tore themselves loose. No telling what happened to the driver."
I replied, "Animals tend to know when something is bad for them. Who knows? The crates might contain something that causes the 'zombie issue' that everyone is talking about."
While we had been making our way along the shore I had thought that the flat spot near the shore would have been a good place to stop and have a bite to eat, but Neldor didn't like being even that close to the wrecked wagon. My own sense of smell is quite strong but pales next to Neldor's and according to him the stench coming from the wagon's cargo was quite foul. Not wanting to stay near a location where something sinister was resting, we went back up north and ended up having lunch on a small hill that overlooks the peninsula. Not only is the view pleasant, but it allowed us to see other mudcrab nests so we could make the remainder of our daily quotas.
Not only did we each obtain twenty pounds of crab meat, but we also found twenty samples of Luminous Russula which we took to the grouchy orc after selling our catch. Before either of us could say a word, the orc exclaimed as he snatched the mushrooms I offered him, "Luminous Russula! Dazagh will put Russula to good use, yes!" At that point he pulled a ring out of his pocket, which he practically tossed into my hand as he added, "Dazagh will never be blind again!"
As he walked away, I looked at the ring and was surprised to see that it had been enchanted with Light and Night Eye spells which would last for one minute. I suppose this wasn't bad compensation for us gathering some mushrooms.
With amusement in his voice, Neldor commented, "That wasn't exactly an epic quest, was it?"
Laughing softly, I agreed, "No, but it's a good one for when a person wants to avoid being noticed and thought of as a competent hero."
Also laughing, Neldor said, "Exactly. Caius will never think that either of us can make it as spies if all we're good for is picking mushrooms."
Although we were both making light of our situation, it really isn't a laughing matter. The less people know of us, the better. Hopefully the mudcrabs will continue to be plentiful, allowing us to save up enough septims to barter for passage to Solsthiem. In the meantime I hope that Caius finds someone who is more willing and able to fulfill whatever role the Emperor had in mind for us.
Dazagh and his simple quest to gather some mushrooms is added by the Tales of Seyda Neen mod.
Also, the broken is wagon was set up to replace a shipwreck that appears in vanilla Morrowind. While I have a large variety of components to use when setting up the screenshots, at the moment I don't have a wrecked ship. In "BuyDeBug" mode I have some house-boats, but that's not quite what I needed for this scene.
Since smugglers usually need to transport their goods over land as well as by sea, I didn't think a wagon was beyond belief. I highly doubt that animals would like ash statues so a team of mules or horses would either be severely spooked or could even go insane, wanting nothing more than to separate themselves from their sinister cargo. Therefore instead of a shipwreck was have a wrecked wagon.