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amberthefantasy · 10 months ago

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'Neath Moon and Star

Chapter 13: Sword

Naris and Ryna spent the night in an inn in Sadrith Mora. Naris dreams were once again filled with misty barely there people and a language he couldn't speak. Thankfully he managed to sleep through these dreams and wake feeling rested and well.

Naris cracked his neck as he prepared to put his armour on the next morning. He and Ryna had decided on visiting Ald'ruhn again to check up on the dealings of House Redoran before returning to Balmora.

"Naris!" Ryna's shocked call made him spin, clutching for a sword that was not there as he did.

"What?" He asked, looking around wildly.

"Your hip," she pointed at the spot where his shirt had fallen down again after he finished stretching.

Naris looked down, pulling up his shirt as he did. His eyes widened when he saw what had shocked his friend. There on his hip was a patch of gold stretching from front to back. Naris stared blankly at it for a moment. Dunmer did not have golden skin, not anymore, not since the Battle of Red Mountain when they had gone from chimer to dunmer, from gold to grey. But there, on his hip was golden skin. Naris pulled his shirt completely off and looked over the rest of his skin.

There. On his arm, right where the corprus had clawed at his body was more golden skin, contrasting against the dark grey surrounding it. "How?" Naris breathed.

"I don't know," Ryna muttered. "But it's there, you have..."

Naris blinked at her. "I am going to ignore this," he said, still in shock.

Ryna let out a laugh, "ignore it? I guess that works."

"Yes," Naris nodded once. "Now leave me while I dress?" Ryna nodded and stepped out of the doorway to allow him space.

They both remained silent as they walked to the mages guild and travelled back to Ald'ruhn. Ryna did not even speak until they reached Under-Skar. "You can see it on your hand," she said softly, motioning to Naris' left hand.

He looked down to see that there were traces of gold along the wrist and pulled his sleeve down slightly. "Let us hope it does not spread," he said.

"Let us," Ryna winced and nodded. "I do not think you would want to answer those questions." Naris nodded in agreement.

"Naris!" Neminda's voice called from above. Naris turned to see the woman standing outside the council hall. "Perfect timing! Lord Sarethi wished for some assistance."

"I shall head right to him," Naris bowed his head slightly.

"And Ryna," Neminda turned to her. "There are some other things I need you to take care of, if you please?" Ryna nodded, she said a soft goodbye to Naris, who gave his own and turned to walk over to Sarethi Manor.

"Ahh welcome serjo," Lord Sarethi smiled when Naris entered his study. "I was hoping Neminda would send you. You see I have a problem."

"I assumed so," Naris smiled back.

Lord Sarethi laughed, "yes yes." He sobered quickly though. "My son is being held in Venim Manor, which is the first manor to your right when you enter Skar. Bolvyn Venim holds my son as a privilege of private justice. Find my son and bring him back to me. Once you and Varvur leave Venim Manor, you will be safe and no one will follow you."

"You want me to sneak into the Archmaster's house and take a prisoner?" Naris asked.

"I do," Lord Sarethi nodded. "Go now, and then I will have a reward for you."

Naris bowed and turned to leave, thoughts racing with ways to possibly do this.

The manor was open, as the Archmaster's manor always was, but there were guards everywhere and there was no way that Naris could find Varvur like this. Naris fiddled with his bag, trying to find anything inside that would help. When his gold-stained hand ran across the cold metal of an amulet he paused, an Amulet of Shadows. It could make him invisible for at least a while, that would make this easier.

Naris slipped the amulet from his satchel and held it tightly, willing the magic to activate. As he watched his hand began to disappear. Naris smirked. Now where would they hide a prisoner.

Naris walked along the walls of the manor. Looking for any hidden doors or overly guarded spaces. As he was passing a tapestry Naris paused, there was a hole behind that tapestry. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, Naris slipped behind the tapestry. A young dunmer was sat on the ground, head bowed.

He looked up when Naris entered. Naris willed the magic of the amulet to stop and raised his hands. "Are you Varvur Sarethi?"

The dunmer nodded, "did my father send you? Are you here to rescue me?"

"Yes," Naris whispered. "I will use the amulet to sneak out of this hole then pass it back through the tapestry when no one is looking so you can sneak out too. Then we shall go back to your father."

Naris led Varvur silently through the manor, back out into the main space Under-Skar and to his father's manor. The moment they entered the manor, Naris felt the amulet slip back into his fingers and saw the other dunmer appear before him again. "Thank you sera," Varvur said.

"It is my duty," Naris bowed.

Varvur smiled, "and you performed it well. Go tell my father I will be in my room, I need to rest."

"Yes ser," Naris nodded. He walked slowly back towards the study, putting the amulet back into his bag as he did. "Lord?"

"Naris," Lord Sarethi stood from behind his desk.

"Varvur is resting my lord," Naris smiled. "He is healthy."

Lord Sarethi almost fell back into his seat. "Thank you."

---

Naris rested for the rest of the day. But soon found himself summoned back to the lord's study. "I am sorry to call on you again so soon," Lord Sarethi was saying.

"I am at your service my lord," Naris bowed his head slightly.

"Thank you," Lord Sarethi sighed. "You have rescued my son, and I am grateful, but there is another favour I would ask of you. Varvur Sarethi has been accused of the foul murder of Bralen Carvaren." He paused to take a breath and Naris furrowed his brows. "I cannot believe that my son would do such a thing, but the evidence is... persuasive. I would start by speaking with my son about Bralen Carvaren. He is in his room, down the hall, second door on the right."

Naris cocked his head but did as he was bid and headed towards the room where Varvur was. When he entered the young dunmer was seated on his bed, head bowed and hands clutched tightly into fists. "Oh hello sera," Varvur said when he looked up to see Naris. "What can I do for you?"

"Your father sent me to ask about the accusation against you-"

"-I didn't kill him," Naris was cut off by Varvur, who stood and gripped his hands tightly. "He was my closest friend. The guards found me near his body, but I don't remember anything that happened that night. Sometimes, though, sometimes I have... bad dreams."

"Bad dreams?" Urged Naris, already feeling that he had a terrible idea of what had happened.

"Sometimes I kill Bralen Carvaren in my dreams. It's... horrible." Varvur shivered. "But that doesn't mean that I killed him, does it? I was having bad dreams before Bralen died. About the time I got that ash statue. It's right over there. Maybe if you take it away the bad dreams will stop." He pointed to the corner of his room where a dark carved statue was placed. Naris walked over and picked it up. It felt wrong in his hands, warmer than it should be and emanating a kind of energy that made him shiver. "Maybe one of the priests at the temple will know what to do?" Varvur said when Naris didn't move or speak.

Naris nodded, gripping the statue tight. "I shall take this away sera," he said. "And I wish you better dreams."

"Thank you," Varvur grimaced.

The temple was larger than the one in Balmora, Naris decided. Though he had only seen that one from the outside, it looked smaller. The Ald'ruhn temple had ornate golden carving tracing the doors. Daedric runes were inscribed onto every wall's baseboard, adding some spell to the temple that Naris could feel in the air. "Can I help you ser?" a voice asked.

Naris turned to where it came from. A dunmer dressed in green temple robes was looking at him with questioning eyes. "Oh yes, I uhh... I found this in Varvur Sarehti's room." Naris handed over the ash statue that was still gripped tightly in his hand.

"You found an ash statue in Varvur Sarethi's room?" the priest asked. He took the statue and looked it over. "Thank you. Yes, I can see there is some kind of conjuration enchantment on this statue. I believe this statue influenced Varvur Sarethi in some manner, causing him to kill his friend Bralen Carvaren. He may still be under the influence of this statue. Get Varvur to come and speak with me. When I am sure that he is no longer influenced by the statue, I will have him cleared of Bralen Carvaren's murder."

Naris thanked him, gave a small bow and left the temple with good news to tell.

Lord Sarehti was beyond happy. He had smiled widely and took Naris' hand in his own in joy. "Thank you, Naris. I understand that my son's name will be cleared when he has been purged of the ash statue's influence. I knew my son would never murder his friend, but I understand this statue influenced him in some way." He paused and looked Naris up and down. "I know I only did this recently but... I would like to promote you."

"Now?" Naris asked.

"I need a new House Father to serve under me anyway," Lord Sarethi smiled. "So I, Lord Athyn Sarethi of House Redoran, do hereby name you, Naris Indarys, House Father and Patriarch of the South Gash."

Naris blinked, he could feel his mouth was slightly open. "Patriarch? What...?"

"Oh do not mind it," Lord Sarethi smiled. He looked Naris up and down. "I do not believe you shall need to worry over the new title for long, now go."

Naris stumbled out of the manor, thoughts racing as he tried to decipher whatever Lord Sarethi meant.

---

Ryna and Neminda found him after that. "You look shocked?" Ryna said questionly.

"Lord Sarehti promoted me to House Father," he said softly.

They both blinked at him. "Then... you shall need a stronghold," Neminda recovered herself quickly.

"A stronghold?" Naris asked.

"The leadership of the House all have strongholds, houses where they base their operations," Neminda explained. "You shall need one. Visit Galsu Gindu in the council hall, she will guide you." Naris nodded, Galsu Gindu, council hall. "And Ryna I do have another task for you if?" She looked at Naris in question.

"I think I can do this alone," Naris smiled. Neminda nodded, as did Ryna, though she was looking at Naris with wide eyes.

Galsu was easy to find. She was in a small side office in the council hall, sitting at a desk. "Galsu Gindu? Neminda sent me about a stronghold?" Naris said questionly.

"A stronghold?" Galsu asked. " If you want me to build you a stronghold, I will need 5000 drakes for labour and materials. You must also bring me a construction contract from Duke Dren in Ebonheart."

"5000 drakes? A construction contract?" Naris asked.

"Here on Vvardenfell, the Duke must issue a construction contract before we lay the first foundation stones for any building. This rule is often overlooked by the Hlaalu and Telvanni, but House Redoran is honourable, and I will not break these rules," Galsu said firmly.

"To Ebonheart then," Naris said.

It was easy to get the contract from the Duke. A transport to Vivec and a boat to Ebonheart. It was easy to find the castle, it was very big, and the Duke was in the main hall, seated on his throne. The Duke was quick to sign the construction contract, saying something about Redoran honour and loyalty. So Naris returned to Ald'ruhn with a contract and pockets full of gold from selling old gear.

Galsu looked up when Naris entered. "Do you have the 5000 drakes and the construction contract?"

"Yes here," Naris handed the contract and sack of coins over.

"Good this is adequate, Naris. Your stronghold will be built in the Bal Isra on the road to Maar Gan. Construction will begin as soon as I give the orders." Galsu smiled. "I would return in a few days for more instruction."

"Naris!" Neminda called as Naris exited the hall. He paused to face her. "To truly be recognized as a member of the leadership of House Redoran, you must gain the support of another councillor."

"Another?" Naris asked.

"I would ask Lady Morvayn," Neminda said. "She is in her chambers back there," she pointed back the way Naris had come. "Her husband was killed by ash monsters and she now holds his seat. She is the kindest of the councillors."

"I shall visit her then," Naris said. He was already tired from travelling all day but what was one more task.

Morvayn was where Neminda said she would be, seated outside what must be her chambers in the council hall. "Lady Morvayn?" Naris asked when he reached her. She looked up, "Neminda advised that I ask for your support in my ascension to House Father?"

"Did she?" Lady Morvayn asked. "I will support you, even though you are an outlander, if you help clear the beasts from Morvayn Manor."

"The beasts?" Naris asked, gripping his sword.

"I am a widow. My husband died defending Morvayn Manor from misshapen beasts that came through the Ghostfence. He believed that the beasts were attracted by a statue we received a few weeks before the attacks began," she closed her eyes in grief. "Go to Morvayn Manor, just east of Skar, here's the key. Get the statue, and take it to Lloros Sarano at the Temple. Once the statue has been destroyed, I will support you on the Council." Naris took the key and bowed.

Naris cut through the beats in Morvayn manor with ease, used to fighting these things after travelling so long. He found the statute in the basement and brought it, wrapped in fabric, to the temple. The same priest, who he assumed was Lloros Sarano, took it and told him it would be destroyed.

Lady Morvayn was in the same place as when he left. She looked up with questioning eyes when he approached. Naris handed over the key. "The monsters are gone and the statue destroyed."

"I am grateful. Know that you have my support in your promotion, and although I lost much of my wealth when Morvayn Manor fell, please take this amulet," she held out an amulet which Naris took with a bow and lots of thanks. As Naris walked away he looked over the amulet, it was a recall amulet he thought. Useful.

---

Naris looked up at the sound of someone entering his room. "Apologies, ser," the young dunmer who had interrupted his meal said. "I have a message for you, from uhh... Duma gro-Lag."

Naris stood quickly, reaching for the note from the orc. Statue all built. Hope you have fun with new one. Khartag Point. Short and... well not sweet but short. "Thank you," he said to the messenger. "Retrieve Ryna Falas if you please." The boy bowed and scurried away.

As Naris waited for Ryna to join him he pulled his armour back on, fixing the strap on the greaves and deciding they probably needed to be looked over by a blacksmith. "Naris? What is it?" Ryna asked from his doorway.

"The statue is done," he explained. "I am going to Khartag Point, you can come or remain here."

"I'll come," Ryna smiled. "I found a map that has it marked, we'll have to travel east to the coast."

"Right. East. I'll meet you outside," Naris said. Ryna nodded.

The statue jutted out above the ridges around it, carved beautifully. As they neared it, Naris heard Ryna let out a short gasp. It was a very large and very nice statue, with a stone base carved beneath it to hold it up. There was a set of steps leading up to the statue. Naris walked up slowly, Ryna stopping at the base of the stairs to let him go alone. There was a stone altar below the carved statue and Naris walked towards it.

With a breath, Naris placed his hands on it gently. "You have done well. This shrine is a worthy one, and my power will again be felt." A booming voice filled Naris' head. "Take this, mortal. Wield the Goldbrand with a strong hand, and let all know that my Shrine has risen!" A shimmering golden sword appeared on the shrine before him, a dark leather scabbard lay beside it. Naris gasped, slowly lifted the legendary daedric sword into the air. It glinted in the sunlight, shining as bright as any gemstone.

Naris slowly sheathed the blade in its leather scabbard. Noting the snake carved into the pommel of the sword. "Thank you," he whispered. A sharp breeze ran around them and Naris thought he could feel Boethiah around him.

He slowly descended the stairs, holding the sword in his hands. "What is it?" Ryna asked, pointing to the blade.

"Goldbrand," Naris said softly. He held it out for Ryna to see.

She stared wide eyed at the sword. "Truly?"

"Truly," Naris scoffed. "Boethiah gave me Goldbrand."

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