Master Neloth
Title: Sithian Web 42, Master Neloth
Author: darth_eldritch
Fandom: Elder Scrolls: Morrowind
Size: ~3,400
Characters: Saje Eldros (MDunmer!Nerevarine), Master Aryon, Master Neloth, Archmagister Gothren
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: The Elder Scrolls and all characters owned by Bethesda.
Notes: Written and expanded upon according to in-game experience and head!canon.
Master Neloth
The letter is long, windy, and ranting. Master Aryon reads it while taking tea in his study. Master Neloth peevishly complaining about the newest hope of the Telvanni, that damnable outsider. It's not proper. Troublemakers like the outsider and young Aryon's notions are the ruination of Great House Telvanni.
Rabble rabble rabble. Finally at the end of a long rant Neloth gets to the point. He demands the worth of a slave freed by the outlander. The Argonian slave owned by Slivok that Saje Eldros had freed.
Neloth does not mention Slivok or his unfortunate condition. To do so is humiliation for Neloth and his clan and it is the point of anger for the old Telvanni Councilor. Slivok had foolishly provoked that duel and shamed his family.
But to argue the cost of a slave.
Aryon sighs. Neloth is notoriously cheap and he will never let this one go.
"Master?" Saje as he is finishing a spell casting discipline. Soft dim light of blue and magenta fade into the air in wisps from his hand.
"It's not important. Neloth is shamed with Slivok being beaten and he demands the price of the slave you freed. Anything to make a profit." Aryon indicates the letter that had been delivered by courier.
"Should I pay?"
"Don't concern yourself with it. I can negotiate it. You did win the duel and thus the spoils of war. What you did was commendable, but none of the deadwood see it that way," Aryon states. "I think this is a good time for you to start meeting the other Councilors and carrying out whatever chores they may have for you. Take the time to observe them, learn what you can. This is the only way for you to fully understand what you are dealing with in Telvanni politics."
"A good idea, Serjo," Saje is curious about the other councilors. Recalling his experience with Therana he knows he has to be cautious. "As long as they don't attack me like Therana did."
"You have to be careful in your dealings with them- which is what you must learn, but I don't think you will be in immediate danger from anyone of them," Aryon. "As long as you don't provoke them, that is. Deliberately provoking them- that is another matter altogether…"
Sage nods once. He certainly is not innocent of that practice.
"However, you are on your own in your dealings with them," Aryon adds.
Tests within tests.
Aryon is no fool. Even if Saje had not achieved working closely with Aryon, earning the mage-lord's confidence, he would have become a not so accidental causality rolling through House Telvanni creating circumstances that would benefit Aryon considerably. And Aryon knows better to be in Saje's way should he become that factor.
But Saje understands the long ranged benefits of whatever goals Aryon has in mind, and prefers that route, deferring to the older mer's wisdom and earning his trust. Saje certainly shares Master Aryon's vision of a greater, more progressive House Telvanni.
"Understood, Master."
With that, Saje departs to explore each of the mighty Telvanni towers, and to meet their lords.
````````````````````````````````
"Whatever you want, the answer is no."
Master Neloth in the top chamber of Tel Naga that dominates Sadrith Mora. He snaps his querulous refusal as soon as Saje opens his mouth to greet the maje-lord of Sadrith Mora's Tel Naga. Neloth is resplendent in yellow silk robes as he holds court in his small audience chamber at the top of the mushroom tower. Saje is secretly amused that a kneeler is placed before the old mer. He does not kneel, however, and greets Master Neloth with his usual formal greetings reserved for those of House Telvanni. A proper bow and address of "Serjo."
Neloth's ancient and he squints at Saje, probably not sure if this is the trouble maker who defeated Slivok in that poorly thought out duel. Saje does not mention the incident. Perhaps the old mer thinks berating Master Aryon by letter for not controlling his lackey will settle the matter.
"I've come to see if you have any chores for me, Serjo," Saje offers.
Neloth looks speculatively at Saje. Something like greed shines from his old eyes.
"Ahhh, yes. I know who you are. Outlander. Aryon's scamp. Think you are clever, eh? All of you do, come to old Neloth to see what plots you can spin, little Telvanni larvae. There is something pleasing, and amusing to this old mer about seeing those antennae flex in eager anticipation as the larva rolls and squirms," the old face wrinkles into a mask of grotesque, "Well, I've seen them all. But I can put you to use, since Aryon's having you survey us- you best hope you are not spying on me, scamp-. …I can tell you a few things about Aryon; he was here himself before me not too long ago seeking his fortune- when was that? Yesterday? A week ago? A…rather amusing affair. No matter. You are all the same, except you can be useful like Aryon had been in his time."
Saje struggles against his curiosity about Aryon; perhaps this frightfully old mer is testing, tempting- or baiting- Saje with knowledge about his patron. Or Neloth simply mocks Aryon.
Neloth must have seen the questions in Saje's face, because, "Aryon served as my Mouth, boy, until he started acting on fool notions. I suppose he has his uses out there with the savages. I suppose that's why Gothren allowed him to advance as much as he did because Aryon would be out from underfoot here in civilization with his damned fool ideas. Whoever heard of 'public schools?' Let him supply us with whickwheat and kwama eggs and protect the farmers. Slaves and peasants need their overseers, and Aryon needs to learn to be a harsh master, and not care for those inferior born."
Saje nods, quiet, hoping that Neloth will ramble more.
"I always said he was too smart for his own good. He always listened too much to philosophy from the Imperials and Altmer. For what good? Then that deal with the Psijics. Hnh," Neloth grimaces, rubbing his hip as if ached.
It occurs to Saje if Neloth deliberately plays that ache, feigning weakness. Neloth is certainly open with having his Mouth obtain sload soap for his pains.
Psijics?
"Let him play with his Dwemer ruins and that fort of his. Well, what can you offer me, scamp?" As if Saje is fortunate that Neloth even recognizes him as worthy as the lowest of daedra.
Saje hides his disappointment when Neloth stops his rambling. He disregards Neloth calling him a scamp. After all, he calls Neloth a sload. Although, admittedly, not to his face.
"What is it you wish, Lord Neloth?" He's aware of the measuring stare of the old eyes. Neloth is more dangerous than he appears. Neloth is assessing Saje as a possible threat, the way Saje is supposed to assess Neloth.
"I have a certain interest in a robe which is in the possession of one entirely unworthy. This robe is known as the robe of Drake's Pride," Neloth states.
"Drake's Pride, Serjo?" Saje asks for clarification.
"At the present time, Senise Thindo wears the Robe of Drake's Pride. She is a servant of Master Gothren in Tel Aruhn and a mere child of two hundred years. She does not deserve the robe. Correct this injustice and bring the robe to me, as I clearly deserve the robe far more than she does."
Oh.
Saje carefully conceals his reaction.
"If you wish, Master Neloth."
Sload.
With nothing more to say, Saje bows, excuses himself and leaves.
Neloth grumbles and coughs when Saje leaves.
Whether or not he intends on carrying out this chore he will have to see. There is also the matter if he wants Neloth displeased with him. If he isn't already displeased with Saje for the incident with Slivok.
Of course, as Aryon indicated, it is a point of pride that Neloth will not acknowledge the incident. Not to a mere underling like Saje.
It’s late afternoon and Saje decides to depart anyways.
Journey by boat to Tel Aruhn is a strange affair- first take the Elf Skerring on the hours long route to Tel Mora, then take another hours long trip from Tel Mora (or Vos) to Tel Aruhn… when Tel Aruhn is directly west of Sadrith Mora, a hop, a skip, and a jump across the water.
So Saje water walks there in the matter of less than an hour, the evening lights of Tel Aruhn lighting the waters.
Tel Aruhn is a small town in its own right, with its own tavern and services such as a blacksmith, alchemist, and trader, each in their own pods. An underground part of Tel Aruhn is a large tunnel to the port. In here is the Festival Slave Market, which sells a range of races, not just Argonians and Khajiits… a blight in Saje's eyes as is the slave market in Sadrith Mora.
Saje sighs. The rest of Tel Aruhn is lovely in the setting sun's light. He checks the shops, looking over wares to know who has what for future reference. The Plot and Plaster is the tavern here, a small quiet establishment where he finds Emusette Bracques of the Mages Guild. She is pleasant and does not mention the recent resolution of the Mages Guild monopoly being overturnes. Nor does she say anything about his being in House Telvanni. It seems that most mages in the ranks of the Guild do not care. He asks her about Drake's Pride.
"Yes, that is one of Senise Thindo's robes. She is in the tower's living quarters," Emusette says.
Logical, of course, as Senise Thindo is one of Gothren's servants. Saje thanks Emusette Bracques. To the tower itself.
In the tower Tel Aruhn Saje talks with the retainers, getting to know them, getting a feel for them. As much as there is intense and often deadly rivalry among the Telvanni, they are also very well disposed to others of this Great House.
"Wonder where those young Telvanni were headed with all that gear? Shipmaster said they had quite a boatload," Anora, the Redguard Spellsword and Spellwright of House Telvanni wonders.
"I couldn't say," Saje says.
But he suspects they are setting up base somewhere, an abandoned Velothi Tower most likely. It's not the first time Saje has heard of such rumors, and in more than one place. The Redoran complain about it all the time, as do some of the Hlaalu. Saje bets Aryon knows; whether he is in charge of such operations or not.
He asks about Senise Thindo and is directed to an upper level.
Senise Thindo shares a room with Barusi Venim who sells enchanted items. Both are friendly, greeting Saje as a fellow Telvanni. Saje takes a look at Barusi's stock, and finds an interesting bow. A small but enchanted one that seems quite broken.
"I'll sell it to you for a couple of gold, as it's practically worthless in my inventory," Barusi. "If you can repair it and make good use of it, that would be great."
Saje purchases it. It is a light bow, Shortbow of Sanguine Sureflight, enchanted to enhance one's markmanship. A good practice weapon. It's been months, perhaps over a year since Saje has used a bow. He is not only out of practice, he needs to regain his skill.
He studies it briefly to see how it can be later repaired.
Then he addresses Senise Thindo, and casually asks about Drake's Pride.
"Yes, this is the Drake's Pride that I wear. It is not for sale," Thindo states.
"I see. My pardons. They are striking."
They are yellow and salmon pink silk robes that shimmers with enchantment, a grand piece of clothing with powerful magics that would appeal to the greed of many.
Saje could justify that Senise Thindo is foolish in wearing the robes and openly saying what they are, possibly even bragging and thusly making herself a target, but he thinks he likes the robes best on Senise Thindo.
Master Neloth himself can come and get the damned robes from Thindo.
Saje politely says farewell to the two and leaves with his purchase, the broken bow. He will figure out a way to handle Neloth's demand. He will ask Master Aryon for advice on dealing with Neloth. Aryon expects Saje to deal with the other mage-lords on his own, but Saje is smart enough to know that Aryon would approve of seeking advice from careful sources instead acting blindly.
This is Tel Aruhn. The home to Archmagister Gothren, is it not?
Why not pay the Archmagister a visit and see if he needs some little chore done?
Saje makes his way up the tower, learning its little peculiarities. Each mushroom tower is different from the others, being organically individualistic. With this one Saje has to levitate upwards, then go out a door to an outside deck warmly lit by lanterns, with a commanding view of the coast ad Tel Aruhn itself. Up a lazy spiral of stairs to the topmost pod of the tower.
Inside it is two levels. Two retainers, one actually a ranked Wizard, hold their station on the lower level. "Gothren is in the upper level, to the east."
Upstairs past some shelves is where Gothren holds court in his inner sanctum, flanked by two dremora."
"It is truly a pleasure to see you," Gothren when Saje bows and addresses the archmagister as Serjo.
Gothren is grey haired and old, but is more ageless than ancient. The two Dremora seem to be his only company, but their main purpose is to guard their master. In this small chamber it would be risky to attack the archmagister.
"You are Master Aryon's new protégé, are you not?" Gothren, taking some interest in the young Dunmer presenting himself before him.
"I am, Serjo."
"I wonder, do you share his ambition?"
"Serjo?" not wanting to answer that question, but neither ignoring it as rhetorical.
"Hm, we shall see. In House Telvanni we value cunning, ambition. But you must prove adept enough to take what you want," Gothen.
"I understand, Lord Gothren," Saje.
Saje feels the watchfulness of this archmagister and the stares of the dremora who must not get to feed too often…
Saje steps back very slowly in imperceptive moves. He gets a feel for the room's dimension. The way the two dremora stand on either side of Gothren, almost on either side of Saje himself because of the smallness of the room.
It's a danger zone. Gothren even smiles.
"Do you have any chores for me, Serjo?" Saje asks.
"No. however it is well to meet one of our newer members. I have heard much of you, Saje Eldros. I trust Master Aryon keeps you busy."
"He does, Serjo. Very busy."
"I imagine there must be much to do in distant Tel Vos. However, I must ask of you to advise your master that we must raise the quota on kwama eggs and whickwheat. Even racer plumes and bug musk. The Empire requires these things for the taste of the exotic that the citizens of Cyrodiil seem to have developed. And, unfortunately, Mistress Therana is unable to meet her end of the quota due to trouble with slaves."
"I will tell Master Aryon, Serjo," Saje accepts a roll of paper Archmagister Gothren hands him to be delivered to Master Aryon.
"Excellent. It is well to keep busy… and out of trouble," Gothren states.
So busy so that we don't plot against you. Saje keeps his face smooth. He can smell the furnace breath of the dremora.
It's no secret that Master Aryon has been trying to gain the alliance in the Council by recruiting independent Telvanni wizards such as Baladas Demnevanni.
"I will get this message to Master Aryon as soon as possible," Saje, seizing the opportunity to leave gracefully.
"You do that."
`````````
"I have a message for you, Serjo. From Archmagister Gothren," Saje, returning to Tel Vos.
It is bright early morning and Master Aryon is outside observing the drill of his archers.
"Gothren?" Aryon raises his eyebrows as he takes the scroll Saje hands him.
"He wants more kwama eggs, bushels of whickwheat, bug musk, and racer plumes," Saje says.
Aryon reads the paper, takes a slow deep breath.
"Yes. I suppose we must work at meeting these quotas," Aryon looks towards Vos. "He's keeping me busy so I don't have the time to recruit others to my cause. Fortunately we have plenty of labor coming through here with the opening of jobs on the farms. And we've managed to keep some peace with the Ashlanders. Here… follow me… take back a message to Gothren."
Saje follows Aryon into the towers, through the only door on ground level and up to the Central tower where Aryon has his Imperial museum and Dwemer museum, passing many patrolling daedra and undead.
The imprisoned Legionnaire bangs a cup on the bars of his cell, but quiets and slinks into a corner of his cell when Aryon appears. Aryon ignores the Imperial as he writes a response on one of the tables.
"He demands more racer plumes," Aryon once looks up, his voice wry. "They are selling, particularly in Imperial City."
"Yes," Saje. "I suppose they are making potions. Or the decorations made with them are popular," recalling what the alchemist Anarenen told him, "It's a fad, I suppose."
"Indeed," Aryon, humorous.
Saje is missing something here. Something he is supposed to know?
Oh, yes, that report. But that is forgotten when Aryon asks Saje. "It seems you have a lot on your mind."
"I do," he glances at the Imperial in his cell.
"To the study."
In the study Saje tells of his encounter with Gothren and his impressions, and what Master Neloth wants- demands. The robes that another person is wearing.
"Welcome to House Telvanni," Aryon says.
"I didn't think it wise to provoke the woman and kill her just for those robes to satisfy that old man's demands. It's a great way to make enemies. It's also a great way to make enemies to not carry out those orders. But, then, Neloth is my enemy anyways…"
"You are giving this thought, having awareness of consequences. Which is good. You think before and beyond grasping," Aryon. "Now, what do you think you should do?"
"I'm playing for time here. Is it worth it to do what Neloth wants? Somehow I don't think so. Even if this kind of activity goes on all the time in House Telvanni, it's sure to make an enemy out of Gothren, for Thindo may fill an important position. All things must be considered."
Aryon nods. Whether it's approval or not, Saje isn't sure. But Aryon isn't giving him any answers. Saje has to think for himself.
"Neloth seems to enjoy talking about your younger days, Master. Tries to use it as a lure. Maybe he hopes to get me to work against you, or is laying the groundwork should he desire to in the future."
"Good speculation, but do not let your imagination run away with you, which would serve Neloth well," Aryon advises.
"I should learn all I can about them. Perhaps I should pay Mistress Therana a visit and finally meet Mistress Dratha."
"Which would be well," Aryon agrees.
Saje thanks Master Aryon for his time and advice.
Saje had long learned to think in terms of who is useful and who is not to his long range goals. Admittedly, he has found neither Gothren or Neloth useful.
The old, cautious, and unimaginative... like Gothren and Neloth…
Now if either Neloth or Gothren were truly useful, they would have been trying to lure Saje into working for them with seductive offers.
But they aren't, and they were not about to offer anything to an outlander. Nothing they could do would lure Saje intro betraying Aryon.
Hah, Master Aryon is wise in many ways to take an outlander as protégé. Saje can only admire Master Aryon for his perspicuity. Saje sighs as he leaves Tel Vos. He has passed yet another test from Master Aryon.
.
Author: darth_eldritch
Fandom: Elder Scrolls: Morrowind
Size: ~3,400
Characters: Saje Eldros (MDunmer!Nerevarine), Master Aryon, Master Neloth, Archmagister Gothren
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: The Elder Scrolls and all characters owned by Bethesda.
Notes: Written and expanded upon according to in-game experience and head!canon.
Master Neloth
The letter is long, windy, and ranting. Master Aryon reads it while taking tea in his study. Master Neloth peevishly complaining about the newest hope of the Telvanni, that damnable outsider. It's not proper. Troublemakers like the outsider and young Aryon's notions are the ruination of Great House Telvanni.
Rabble rabble rabble. Finally at the end of a long rant Neloth gets to the point. He demands the worth of a slave freed by the outlander. The Argonian slave owned by Slivok that Saje Eldros had freed.
Neloth does not mention Slivok or his unfortunate condition. To do so is humiliation for Neloth and his clan and it is the point of anger for the old Telvanni Councilor. Slivok had foolishly provoked that duel and shamed his family.
But to argue the cost of a slave.
Aryon sighs. Neloth is notoriously cheap and he will never let this one go.
"Master?" Saje as he is finishing a spell casting discipline. Soft dim light of blue and magenta fade into the air in wisps from his hand.
"It's not important. Neloth is shamed with Slivok being beaten and he demands the price of the slave you freed. Anything to make a profit." Aryon indicates the letter that had been delivered by courier.
"Should I pay?"
"Don't concern yourself with it. I can negotiate it. You did win the duel and thus the spoils of war. What you did was commendable, but none of the deadwood see it that way," Aryon states. "I think this is a good time for you to start meeting the other Councilors and carrying out whatever chores they may have for you. Take the time to observe them, learn what you can. This is the only way for you to fully understand what you are dealing with in Telvanni politics."
"A good idea, Serjo," Saje is curious about the other councilors. Recalling his experience with Therana he knows he has to be cautious. "As long as they don't attack me like Therana did."
"You have to be careful in your dealings with them- which is what you must learn, but I don't think you will be in immediate danger from anyone of them," Aryon. "As long as you don't provoke them, that is. Deliberately provoking them- that is another matter altogether…"
Sage nods once. He certainly is not innocent of that practice.
"However, you are on your own in your dealings with them," Aryon adds.
Tests within tests.
Aryon is no fool. Even if Saje had not achieved working closely with Aryon, earning the mage-lord's confidence, he would have become a not so accidental causality rolling through House Telvanni creating circumstances that would benefit Aryon considerably. And Aryon knows better to be in Saje's way should he become that factor.
But Saje understands the long ranged benefits of whatever goals Aryon has in mind, and prefers that route, deferring to the older mer's wisdom and earning his trust. Saje certainly shares Master Aryon's vision of a greater, more progressive House Telvanni.
"Understood, Master."
With that, Saje departs to explore each of the mighty Telvanni towers, and to meet their lords.
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"Whatever you want, the answer is no."
Master Neloth in the top chamber of Tel Naga that dominates Sadrith Mora. He snaps his querulous refusal as soon as Saje opens his mouth to greet the maje-lord of Sadrith Mora's Tel Naga. Neloth is resplendent in yellow silk robes as he holds court in his small audience chamber at the top of the mushroom tower. Saje is secretly amused that a kneeler is placed before the old mer. He does not kneel, however, and greets Master Neloth with his usual formal greetings reserved for those of House Telvanni. A proper bow and address of "Serjo."
Neloth's ancient and he squints at Saje, probably not sure if this is the trouble maker who defeated Slivok in that poorly thought out duel. Saje does not mention the incident. Perhaps the old mer thinks berating Master Aryon by letter for not controlling his lackey will settle the matter.
"I've come to see if you have any chores for me, Serjo," Saje offers.
Neloth looks speculatively at Saje. Something like greed shines from his old eyes.
"Ahhh, yes. I know who you are. Outlander. Aryon's scamp. Think you are clever, eh? All of you do, come to old Neloth to see what plots you can spin, little Telvanni larvae. There is something pleasing, and amusing to this old mer about seeing those antennae flex in eager anticipation as the larva rolls and squirms," the old face wrinkles into a mask of grotesque, "Well, I've seen them all. But I can put you to use, since Aryon's having you survey us- you best hope you are not spying on me, scamp-. …I can tell you a few things about Aryon; he was here himself before me not too long ago seeking his fortune- when was that? Yesterday? A week ago? A…rather amusing affair. No matter. You are all the same, except you can be useful like Aryon had been in his time."
Saje struggles against his curiosity about Aryon; perhaps this frightfully old mer is testing, tempting- or baiting- Saje with knowledge about his patron. Or Neloth simply mocks Aryon.
Neloth must have seen the questions in Saje's face, because, "Aryon served as my Mouth, boy, until he started acting on fool notions. I suppose he has his uses out there with the savages. I suppose that's why Gothren allowed him to advance as much as he did because Aryon would be out from underfoot here in civilization with his damned fool ideas. Whoever heard of 'public schools?' Let him supply us with whickwheat and kwama eggs and protect the farmers. Slaves and peasants need their overseers, and Aryon needs to learn to be a harsh master, and not care for those inferior born."
Saje nods, quiet, hoping that Neloth will ramble more.
"I always said he was too smart for his own good. He always listened too much to philosophy from the Imperials and Altmer. For what good? Then that deal with the Psijics. Hnh," Neloth grimaces, rubbing his hip as if ached.
It occurs to Saje if Neloth deliberately plays that ache, feigning weakness. Neloth is certainly open with having his Mouth obtain sload soap for his pains.
Psijics?
"Let him play with his Dwemer ruins and that fort of his. Well, what can you offer me, scamp?" As if Saje is fortunate that Neloth even recognizes him as worthy as the lowest of daedra.
Saje hides his disappointment when Neloth stops his rambling. He disregards Neloth calling him a scamp. After all, he calls Neloth a sload. Although, admittedly, not to his face.
"What is it you wish, Lord Neloth?" He's aware of the measuring stare of the old eyes. Neloth is more dangerous than he appears. Neloth is assessing Saje as a possible threat, the way Saje is supposed to assess Neloth.
"I have a certain interest in a robe which is in the possession of one entirely unworthy. This robe is known as the robe of Drake's Pride," Neloth states.
"Drake's Pride, Serjo?" Saje asks for clarification.
"At the present time, Senise Thindo wears the Robe of Drake's Pride. She is a servant of Master Gothren in Tel Aruhn and a mere child of two hundred years. She does not deserve the robe. Correct this injustice and bring the robe to me, as I clearly deserve the robe far more than she does."
Oh.
Saje carefully conceals his reaction.
"If you wish, Master Neloth."
Sload.
With nothing more to say, Saje bows, excuses himself and leaves.
Neloth grumbles and coughs when Saje leaves.
Whether or not he intends on carrying out this chore he will have to see. There is also the matter if he wants Neloth displeased with him. If he isn't already displeased with Saje for the incident with Slivok.
Of course, as Aryon indicated, it is a point of pride that Neloth will not acknowledge the incident. Not to a mere underling like Saje.
It’s late afternoon and Saje decides to depart anyways.
Journey by boat to Tel Aruhn is a strange affair- first take the Elf Skerring on the hours long route to Tel Mora, then take another hours long trip from Tel Mora (or Vos) to Tel Aruhn… when Tel Aruhn is directly west of Sadrith Mora, a hop, a skip, and a jump across the water.
So Saje water walks there in the matter of less than an hour, the evening lights of Tel Aruhn lighting the waters.
Tel Aruhn is a small town in its own right, with its own tavern and services such as a blacksmith, alchemist, and trader, each in their own pods. An underground part of Tel Aruhn is a large tunnel to the port. In here is the Festival Slave Market, which sells a range of races, not just Argonians and Khajiits… a blight in Saje's eyes as is the slave market in Sadrith Mora.
Saje sighs. The rest of Tel Aruhn is lovely in the setting sun's light. He checks the shops, looking over wares to know who has what for future reference. The Plot and Plaster is the tavern here, a small quiet establishment where he finds Emusette Bracques of the Mages Guild. She is pleasant and does not mention the recent resolution of the Mages Guild monopoly being overturnes. Nor does she say anything about his being in House Telvanni. It seems that most mages in the ranks of the Guild do not care. He asks her about Drake's Pride.
"Yes, that is one of Senise Thindo's robes. She is in the tower's living quarters," Emusette says.
Logical, of course, as Senise Thindo is one of Gothren's servants. Saje thanks Emusette Bracques. To the tower itself.
In the tower Tel Aruhn Saje talks with the retainers, getting to know them, getting a feel for them. As much as there is intense and often deadly rivalry among the Telvanni, they are also very well disposed to others of this Great House.
"Wonder where those young Telvanni were headed with all that gear? Shipmaster said they had quite a boatload," Anora, the Redguard Spellsword and Spellwright of House Telvanni wonders.
"I couldn't say," Saje says.
But he suspects they are setting up base somewhere, an abandoned Velothi Tower most likely. It's not the first time Saje has heard of such rumors, and in more than one place. The Redoran complain about it all the time, as do some of the Hlaalu. Saje bets Aryon knows; whether he is in charge of such operations or not.
He asks about Senise Thindo and is directed to an upper level.
Senise Thindo shares a room with Barusi Venim who sells enchanted items. Both are friendly, greeting Saje as a fellow Telvanni. Saje takes a look at Barusi's stock, and finds an interesting bow. A small but enchanted one that seems quite broken.
"I'll sell it to you for a couple of gold, as it's practically worthless in my inventory," Barusi. "If you can repair it and make good use of it, that would be great."
Saje purchases it. It is a light bow, Shortbow of Sanguine Sureflight, enchanted to enhance one's markmanship. A good practice weapon. It's been months, perhaps over a year since Saje has used a bow. He is not only out of practice, he needs to regain his skill.
He studies it briefly to see how it can be later repaired.
Then he addresses Senise Thindo, and casually asks about Drake's Pride.
"Yes, this is the Drake's Pride that I wear. It is not for sale," Thindo states.
"I see. My pardons. They are striking."
They are yellow and salmon pink silk robes that shimmers with enchantment, a grand piece of clothing with powerful magics that would appeal to the greed of many.
Saje could justify that Senise Thindo is foolish in wearing the robes and openly saying what they are, possibly even bragging and thusly making herself a target, but he thinks he likes the robes best on Senise Thindo.
Master Neloth himself can come and get the damned robes from Thindo.
Saje politely says farewell to the two and leaves with his purchase, the broken bow. He will figure out a way to handle Neloth's demand. He will ask Master Aryon for advice on dealing with Neloth. Aryon expects Saje to deal with the other mage-lords on his own, but Saje is smart enough to know that Aryon would approve of seeking advice from careful sources instead acting blindly.
This is Tel Aruhn. The home to Archmagister Gothren, is it not?
Why not pay the Archmagister a visit and see if he needs some little chore done?
Saje makes his way up the tower, learning its little peculiarities. Each mushroom tower is different from the others, being organically individualistic. With this one Saje has to levitate upwards, then go out a door to an outside deck warmly lit by lanterns, with a commanding view of the coast ad Tel Aruhn itself. Up a lazy spiral of stairs to the topmost pod of the tower.
Inside it is two levels. Two retainers, one actually a ranked Wizard, hold their station on the lower level. "Gothren is in the upper level, to the east."
Upstairs past some shelves is where Gothren holds court in his inner sanctum, flanked by two dremora."
"It is truly a pleasure to see you," Gothren when Saje bows and addresses the archmagister as Serjo.
Gothren is grey haired and old, but is more ageless than ancient. The two Dremora seem to be his only company, but their main purpose is to guard their master. In this small chamber it would be risky to attack the archmagister.
"You are Master Aryon's new protégé, are you not?" Gothren, taking some interest in the young Dunmer presenting himself before him.
"I am, Serjo."
"I wonder, do you share his ambition?"
"Serjo?" not wanting to answer that question, but neither ignoring it as rhetorical.
"Hm, we shall see. In House Telvanni we value cunning, ambition. But you must prove adept enough to take what you want," Gothen.
"I understand, Lord Gothren," Saje.
Saje feels the watchfulness of this archmagister and the stares of the dremora who must not get to feed too often…
Saje steps back very slowly in imperceptive moves. He gets a feel for the room's dimension. The way the two dremora stand on either side of Gothren, almost on either side of Saje himself because of the smallness of the room.
It's a danger zone. Gothren even smiles.
"Do you have any chores for me, Serjo?" Saje asks.
"No. however it is well to meet one of our newer members. I have heard much of you, Saje Eldros. I trust Master Aryon keeps you busy."
"He does, Serjo. Very busy."
"I imagine there must be much to do in distant Tel Vos. However, I must ask of you to advise your master that we must raise the quota on kwama eggs and whickwheat. Even racer plumes and bug musk. The Empire requires these things for the taste of the exotic that the citizens of Cyrodiil seem to have developed. And, unfortunately, Mistress Therana is unable to meet her end of the quota due to trouble with slaves."
"I will tell Master Aryon, Serjo," Saje accepts a roll of paper Archmagister Gothren hands him to be delivered to Master Aryon.
"Excellent. It is well to keep busy… and out of trouble," Gothren states.
So busy so that we don't plot against you. Saje keeps his face smooth. He can smell the furnace breath of the dremora.
It's no secret that Master Aryon has been trying to gain the alliance in the Council by recruiting independent Telvanni wizards such as Baladas Demnevanni.
"I will get this message to Master Aryon as soon as possible," Saje, seizing the opportunity to leave gracefully.
"You do that."
`````````
"I have a message for you, Serjo. From Archmagister Gothren," Saje, returning to Tel Vos.
It is bright early morning and Master Aryon is outside observing the drill of his archers.
"Gothren?" Aryon raises his eyebrows as he takes the scroll Saje hands him.
"He wants more kwama eggs, bushels of whickwheat, bug musk, and racer plumes," Saje says.
Aryon reads the paper, takes a slow deep breath.
"Yes. I suppose we must work at meeting these quotas," Aryon looks towards Vos. "He's keeping me busy so I don't have the time to recruit others to my cause. Fortunately we have plenty of labor coming through here with the opening of jobs on the farms. And we've managed to keep some peace with the Ashlanders. Here… follow me… take back a message to Gothren."
Saje follows Aryon into the towers, through the only door on ground level and up to the Central tower where Aryon has his Imperial museum and Dwemer museum, passing many patrolling daedra and undead.
The imprisoned Legionnaire bangs a cup on the bars of his cell, but quiets and slinks into a corner of his cell when Aryon appears. Aryon ignores the Imperial as he writes a response on one of the tables.
"He demands more racer plumes," Aryon once looks up, his voice wry. "They are selling, particularly in Imperial City."
"Yes," Saje. "I suppose they are making potions. Or the decorations made with them are popular," recalling what the alchemist Anarenen told him, "It's a fad, I suppose."
"Indeed," Aryon, humorous.
Saje is missing something here. Something he is supposed to know?
Oh, yes, that report. But that is forgotten when Aryon asks Saje. "It seems you have a lot on your mind."
"I do," he glances at the Imperial in his cell.
"To the study."
In the study Saje tells of his encounter with Gothren and his impressions, and what Master Neloth wants- demands. The robes that another person is wearing.
"Welcome to House Telvanni," Aryon says.
"I didn't think it wise to provoke the woman and kill her just for those robes to satisfy that old man's demands. It's a great way to make enemies. It's also a great way to make enemies to not carry out those orders. But, then, Neloth is my enemy anyways…"
"You are giving this thought, having awareness of consequences. Which is good. You think before and beyond grasping," Aryon. "Now, what do you think you should do?"
"I'm playing for time here. Is it worth it to do what Neloth wants? Somehow I don't think so. Even if this kind of activity goes on all the time in House Telvanni, it's sure to make an enemy out of Gothren, for Thindo may fill an important position. All things must be considered."
Aryon nods. Whether it's approval or not, Saje isn't sure. But Aryon isn't giving him any answers. Saje has to think for himself.
"Neloth seems to enjoy talking about your younger days, Master. Tries to use it as a lure. Maybe he hopes to get me to work against you, or is laying the groundwork should he desire to in the future."
"Good speculation, but do not let your imagination run away with you, which would serve Neloth well," Aryon advises.
"I should learn all I can about them. Perhaps I should pay Mistress Therana a visit and finally meet Mistress Dratha."
"Which would be well," Aryon agrees.
Saje thanks Master Aryon for his time and advice.
Saje had long learned to think in terms of who is useful and who is not to his long range goals. Admittedly, he has found neither Gothren or Neloth useful.
The old, cautious, and unimaginative... like Gothren and Neloth…
Now if either Neloth or Gothren were truly useful, they would have been trying to lure Saje into working for them with seductive offers.
But they aren't, and they were not about to offer anything to an outlander. Nothing they could do would lure Saje intro betraying Aryon.
Hah, Master Aryon is wise in many ways to take an outlander as protégé. Saje can only admire Master Aryon for his perspicuity. Saje sighs as he leaves Tel Vos. He has passed yet another test from Master Aryon.
.