Fredas, 11^th Evening Star, 4E 201

Inigo forgot his hot chocolate as he stared in horror at his friend. Wulf was once again tossing his head from side to side and thrashing about as if fighting restraints. His eyes darted here and there but saw nothing. He kept asking for forgiveness and repeating that he tried to get back. Unconsciously, his Thu’um amplified his voice, and all inside Lakeview Manor could hear his laments.

Olette started crying again, and Akiho ushered her outside to help milk Gertie, the cow.

Inigo’s tears also flowed and for the same reasons. He and Olette loved Wulf and, mistakenly, saw him as a constant pillar of strength whose presence was as sure as the sun’s. His friend often warned others that he was mortal, but the visible reality of that fact had disturbed the Khajiiti and the young girl. Inigo has witnessed many in the throes of Skooma addiction in such a state as Wulf’s. It seemed wrong that his friend had to experience similar delusional nightmares.

Olette insisted on being close to Wulf. Nobody could argue her right to be here, and she was warned of the shock of seeing Wulf in this state. Meeko also wanted to come. However, he decided to stay at Aurane to comfort the other children. He had howled the moment Wulf had fallen from the portal, even though it occurred thousands of miles away. Such is the bond between the two.

Because the injury is to the soul, Aurane is not suitable for Wulf’s rehabilitation. The Ayleid palace is isolated from Mundus, and Mundus is what will replenish Wulf’s Lifeforce.

When stabbed and poisoned by The New Order, Wulf returned from The Void in three days. It was now the fifth day after Wulf fell through the portal. Celestine and Khao explained that Wulf’s soul will heal indeterminately. There is no strict formula or rule for such a recovery. He was not in danger of death, and patience was required.

Khao and Inigo took care of Wulf when he soiled the bed. Khao taught Inigo the ropes as he had often had to perform similar tasks when tending to those injured in battle. Rigmor always remained close so that Their Quiet kept Wulf calm. When Rigmor left to attend to her needs, Inigo’s friend became restless. She had suggested using a chamber pot and having a bath in the bedroom, but nobody thought she should have to do so. It might be upsetting, but Wulf’s discomfort was temporary.

Inigo heard Rigmor’s return and went downstairs with a cold mug of chocolate.

I awoke and was confused. I staggered to my feet and looked around. I recognised the room. I was in Lakeview Manor, and my beloved Rigmor and some of my friends were speaking downstairs.

The room stopped spinning for a while, so I listened.

• Rigmor: How was he, Inigo?
• Inigo: The same restlessness and asking for forgiveness.
• Rigmor: I saw Olette and Akiho trying to milk Gertie. I assume Wulf could be heard, and that upset Olette.
• Khao: Yes. Akiho is a wonder. It is hard to believe she is royalty.
• Celestine: Ahem. Are you suggesting royalty excludes compassion?
• Khao: Ahh, not at all princess. Not at all.
• Celestine: Good. I would hate for your wonderful tail to get all toasted and crispy.

I smiled to hear light-hearted banter amongst my friends. I did not want to cause doom and gloom. Thus, I decided to announce my return to consciousness with some humour.

Using a bit of Thu’um, I said, “If I don’t get answers and undies soon, I will start breaking things!”

That outburst was met by shocked silence, and then Rigmor laughed. The others told her to come and see what her Guardian wanted.

Rigmor rushed upstairs and was met by a giant barbarian imitating one of her hands-on-the-hips moments.

Rigmor looked offended at first but then played her part.

“Good morning, Wulf. It is good to see you so much better than, well, for several days.”

“Hey, where is my stuff?”

“Your armour, including the cuirass Vayu repaired, is in the cupboard behind you. You soiled several pairs of ‘undies,’ which are being washed. We recovered your sword from the lake bottom, and it and your bow are also in the cupboard. I have no idea who stole your manners.”

We both laughed and then Rigmor flew into my arms.

Our kiss was long, full of relief and only interrupted by my legs giving way. Rigmor is remarkedly strong for her petite size, but she had no hope of supporting my weight. We both landed heavily on our posteriors.

I said, “It’s okay, just a slight tumble on my part.” That was enough reassurance, and nobody came to investigate.

Rigmor asked, “What happens now?”

“I go outside and see the sky and trees and listen to the cacophony of Skyrim. Then we can discuss what happens next.”

We both got to our feet. Rigmor said, “I will ask Inigo to help with your kimono.”

She turned to leave, but I grabbed her by the waist. Rigmor turned her head and stroked my face.

I asked, “What is the date?”

“Early morning of the 11^th. Today is the fifth day after Morthal’s gate exploded. There has been no sign of any other Oblivion Gate being prepared.”

“Your kimono is ripped.”

“Gertie did not want to be milked and tore the sleeve. The stupid cow then complained later when her udder was uncomfortably full.”

“Perhaps you had cold hands?”

Rigmor giggled as she remembered an incident when I complained of that issue.

Rigmor left me with her spirits high. My plan worked, even though I was far from well. It is a wonder Mara’s Rings did not give away the ruse.

After retrieving my kimono and undies from the cupboard, I dressed under Inigo’s cautious glare. He chattered incessantly, and he was relieved his friend had returned.

After almost being squeezed to death by a teary Olette, I went outside and waved hello to Lakeview Manor’s staff and some visiting merchants as I plodded towards the fishery.

My friends allowed me to stand silently at the end of the jetty. The beauty of Nirn, created via great sacrifice by the Aedra, belonged in the Aurbis, and I was not going to allow gods or mortals to destroy it!

There was not enough room on the jetty, so we stood on the shore to talk. Olette had been carrying two steaks, which the mudcrabs eagerly accepted. The young girl tends to befriend every animal she encounters.

• Rigmor: We do not want to hear any apologies about being a burden or a worry or any other crap!
• Wulf: Am I allowed to wallow in self-pity?
• Inigo: My friend, we know you are incapable of that. But feel free to try.
• Wulf: Was the information I gathered of any use?
• Celestine: Vayu worked with some mages from The College of Winterhold and determined the basic functionality of The Black Hearts. It was enough information for Silah and the other Jills to figure out an accurate and quick test for The Chimera of Desolation’s presence.
• Khao: Lady Kynareth usually does not investigate random storms where they should not be. It has always turned out to be mages using spells or others using artefacts that cause them. However, we now know that The Master uses such storms to mask The Chimera of Desolation. Therefore, every random storm will be investigated.
• Wulf: We must continue as if The Master is not an issue. We cannot mope around waiting for something to happen.
• Rigmor: So, what is your plan?
• Wulf: I will likely be called upon to investigate Evermore’s problems. I think I should first speak to Orsimer and others who have fled the kingdom. So, I shall visit some of their strongholds.
• Olette: You look tired, Wulf.
• Wulf: Although I was not physically injured, my body used much energy to fix itself. I will be weary for a few days, but wearing my armour will aid greatly, and my fatigue will not significantly affect me.
• Rigmor: When Wulf, Rose and Celestine first helped me, I walked many miles and climbed steep paths because of the dweomer Wulf put on my armour.
• Olette: Yeah, I read that in Wulf’s journal. You even had enough energy to whine and complain.
• Rigmor: Excuse me, young miss. I do not whine and complain!

Rigmor laughed along with the rest of us.

• Olette: Others tried to explain, but I found it all complicated. Why was it better that you healed outside of Aurane?
• Wulf: Lifeforce, the part of your soul that defines life, is a part of Mundus. Like a plant needs sunlight to grow and flourish, I needed to absorb Lifeforce. The Divines could have forced Lifeforce into my soul, but that has inherent risks. Because of how Aurane was designed, Lifeforce cannot exit or enter its pocket plane. Therefore, I needed to be in Mundus, and this manor was the logical choice.
• Olette: So, you were like a tree absorbing sunlight.
• Rigmor: More like a noxious weed.
• Olette: I have never seen anybody worry and fuss over a noxious weed like you did with Wulf.
• Rigmor: Whoa! I pity the male you decide to wed!
• Olette: Who said I like males?
• Rigmor: Oh, sorry. I thought the way you stare at young apprentice blacksmiths when they are hot and sweaty is a clue.
• Olette: Nobody needs to fear me if they accept that I am always right.
• Wulf: Except when you are wrong.
• Olette: Those times will never be mentioned and will become part of the myth I leave in my wake.
• Celestine: Do not ever change, Olette.
• Olette:  Why would I? You cannot improve on perfection.
• Wulf: I have been out of it for five days. That means Jarl Elisif has probably stamped the paperwork by now.
• Olette: Paperwork?
• Wulf: She had to declare your father has legally abandoned you so the adoption could be finalised.
• Olette: Adoption?
• Rigmor: Wulf can adopt you if that is your desire.
• Olette: And one day, you would be my mother.
• Rigmor: Your other mother. I could never replace the woman buried in Riften.

Olette burst into tears. However, this time, they were not products of sadness for my condition. They were tears of joy and exactly what I needed to continue the tasks ahead.

After a group hug, Olette returned to the manor to tell everybody she could find that I was adopting her.

• Wulf: Have I done the right thing?
• Inigo: Yes, of course you did, my friend. If not, Olette would have told you!
• Celestine: You cannot let grim possibilities dictate your life, Wulf.
• Rigmor: Olette never had a legal surname as her mother could not prove who the father was. She was a bastard, and now she will be Lady Welkynd, which is all that matters.
• Wulf: Olette will be a Septim, which may be a curse.
• Khao: To borrow one of your weird colloquialisms, that is a load of bollocks.
• Wulf: Yet we hide Rigmor’s thin Mede lineage. It is not a worry without merit.
• Rigmor: Rejoice, Wulf. You made Olette happy. After the last few days, that is a relief.
• Wulf: Before donning our armour and heading for Bruma, I want to visit Mother’s shrine.
• Khao: You win the bet, Rigmor. I shall present you with your sweet rolls the next time you visit Aurane.
• Celestine: Saint Alessia might be unable to speak to you, Wulf.
• Wulf: I know, but I feel her presence at the shrine, and that is precious.
• Rigmor: You might want to know everything, but that is enough. Let us visit the shrine and take me home.
• Wulf: I hope Malesam is on his best behaviour. I would hate to punch him in this weakened state. Some of his teeth might remain in place.

Rigmor and I teleported to Mother’s shrine. She did not talk to us, but that is okay. Her divine presence was a boon to me.

Father said, “Silah was right, and I owe her some sweet rolls.”

I turned and laughed as Rigmor was giving Talos one of her stares. Due to the steep terrain, my petite beloved also looked taller than Father.

Both stared at me as my laughter turned into guffaws.

• Talos: What is so amusing, Son?
• Wulf: Apart from your skinny legs poking out of the dress you are wearing?
• Rigmor: I hoped Wulf’s sense of humour would recover with the Lifeforce.
• Talos: Unfortunately, that is a product of the Consciousness half of his soul.
• Wulf: Tell me, Father, why you wear your Colovian General armour. I have not seen that since you used to beat me black and blue when sparring.
• Talos: The truth is, Rigmor, by the time Wulf left for Akavir, he bested me with every weapon.
• Rigmor: Were you spying on us, Lord Talos?
• Talos: No, Rigmor. Silah told me of the bet you had with Khao.
• Rigmor: Oh, then I withdraw my annoyed stare.
• Talos: I wondered why it got so chilly.
• Wulf: Good one, Father.
• Rigmor: It seems weirdness is inherited.
• Wulf: Along with remarkedly handsome features.
• Rigmor: Yeah, right. Pffft!
• Wulf: So, Father, why the armour?
• Talos: It is how Emperor Titus Mede II imagines I look, so this is how I appeared to him.
• Rigmor: His Imperial Majesty is of advanced years, Lord Talos. You risked his heart failing with shock.
• Talos: You underestimate Titus, Rigmor. The emperor was in the most secure place imaginable, his cabin aboard Katariah while at sea and surrounded by elite Penitus Oculatus agents. His initial shock was quickly replaced by curiosity and then recognition. Emperors should not bow to others, and I had to stop him from bowing to me.
• Rigmor: Is he on his way to attend Vittoria Vici’s wedding?
• Talos: Only a few people know his intention to attend. Not only is he fond of Vittoria, but he also knows that marriage between old foes is essential in reconciliation with those who supported Ulfric Stormcloak.
• Wulf: You have always worked through his religious advisors. Why the personal visit?
• Talos: When Martin Septim destroyed The Amulet of Kings, the oversoul of previous Emperors and Empresses was eliminated.
• Rigmor: The advice available via the oversoul was lost to subsequent leaders of The Empire.
• Talos: Yes, which was a more significant loss than people realise. I relied on past wisdom, and so did all those before me.
• Wulf: That sounds creepy and somewhat disturbing.
• Talos: It was helpful, Son, and only as creepy as you allowed it to be. Oh, and Rigmor, please call me Hjalti.
• Rigmor: Yes, of course, Hjalti.
• Talos: If we have finished with Rigmor’s non sequitur, please answer my question.
• Rigmor: And the pot calls the kettle black.
• Talos: I have not heard that saying in many years.
• Wulf: Rigmor does not realise how many of my colloquialisms she has adopted. But once more, we diverge from the critical topic.
• Talos: Lady Mara is concerned about the situation in Evermore. She believes it could engulf all of Tamriel if not countered. However, she thinks a diplomatic solution is needed, whilst I assumed that Titus was thinking of a more martial answer. I advised him to try diplomacy first. He did not question my advice, for I am one of The Divines, and he is a devout mortal.
• Wulf: You know that diplomacy often involves wielding a big stick. Is anybody in His Imperial Majesty’s inner circle capable of being diplomatic and can be trusted with the task?
• Talos: No, because we believe one or more Daedric Princes are behind the problems. You are aware of how they use mortal flaws to further their plans. Turning neighbour against neighbour is a common tactic.
• Rigmor: You have suggested Wulf be the stick wielder.
• Talos:  Yes, and I do not doubt that Wulf thought he may have to go to Evermore.
• Wulf: I thought it was likely, but I know nothing of the problems except that Orsimer are the victims again.
• Talos: I will not tell you much as our information is not from eyewitnesses. Lady Mara is waiting for one of her priestesses to update her on the situation.
• Rigmor: How big a stick will Wulf have?
• Talos: Without prompting, Titus suggested Imperial Emissary. I agreed with him that would be a wise move.
• Wulf: I would speak and act with the authority of His Imperial Majesty. All nobility would need to submit to my authority or be subjected to arrest, jail and even execution. I do not know if I want that responsibility, Father.
• Talos: You are most likely the only person who has a chance of achieving a diplomatic solution. Titus clarified that he would have several legions on the border ready to sweep across the kingdom if chaos erupted. High Rock cannot be allowed to plummet into civil war. That would harm countless mortals and please certain Daedric Princes. The rest of The Empire would be dragged into the conflict, and The Dominion would patiently wait and then eliminate the victors.
• Wulf: When will Katariah dock in Solitude?
• Talos: Within a fortnight.
• Rigmor: You have time to prepare, Wulf. Visiting the Orsimer strongholds is a logical first step.
• Wulf: Please, Rigmor, I am still stunned by your use of logic. Have mercy!
• Rigmor: Get f…. f…. fornicated!
• Talos: Son, we have told you the bond between yourself and Rigmor is powerful. Your experience in The Void proves that point. Please have confidence in your abilities. When Rigmor works beside you, there is no telling what is possible. The Master made a mistake playing games with you.
• Wulf: Who is he, Father?
• Talos: We can only speculate. There are theories, but I will not muddy the waters with them. We are confident he has nothing to do with Evermore.
• Rigmor: I assume Silah will be very busy helping to monitor The Liminal Barrier.
• Talos: She cannot be spared even for a few minutes. She is the most capable of the Jills, and Lord Akatosh relies on her.
• Wulf: Alduin’s return continues to generate issues. We were naïve to think his defeat would give us some reprieve from Mundus threatening events.
• Talos: They will always occur, Son. Your mother did foresee Alduin’s return affecting The Liminal Barrier. We are still investigating the metaphysics.
• Rigmor: This might be a naïve question, but can Dragon Breaks occur without detection?
• Talos: It is a sensible question, Rigmor. The answer is yes if they change the reality of Oblivion or Aetherius. That answer is based on our limited understanding of metaphysics. It could be wrong.
• Rigmor: Ahh, thanks for the reassurance.
• Wulf: Logic and sarcasm. Are you sure you are the real Rigmor?
• Rigmor: What do you say, Hjalti?
• Talos: Rigmor is unique, and nobody could mimic her. Plus, your soul tells you who she is.
• Wulf: It was rhetorical. Jeez!
• Talos: I had better leave you to your task, Son. Like any father, I was worried when you entered Oblivion and I could not see you. That has happened a lot lately, and I blame it for my grey hair.
• Wulf: You will continue wearing that armour.
• Talos: Can’t an old soldier relive his youth without criticism?
• Wulf: You could remove the blood stain from the collar.
• Talos: It is not the blood of an enemy, Rigmor. It is my blood from when an assassin slit my throat. Like your scars, it is a reminder of my journey. So no, Wulf, I will not remove the bloodstain.
• Wulf: You know I shall try my best, Father, no matter how daunting the task.
• Talos: I know that. The Nine know that. Emperor Titus Mede II knows that. More importantly, our enemies know that!

Father vanished. There was nothing to discuss, as I had been given a task of which I was only starting. Therefore, without another word, Rigmor and I teleported to Lakeview Manor and donned our armour.

We said our goodbyes and thankyous to Akiho. Like many of my associates, she is a person of immense capability teamed with endless compassion.

We teleported into Rigmor’s bedroom. She would not let me see her ‘apartment’ as it is where she forgets being a Countess and is, therefore, a mess.

Not long after 10:00 AM, Rigmor left the room to gather her advisors. If the court was in session, the wait might be lengthy.

Fortunately, the wait was short, and I was soon in the presence of Rigmor’s advisors.

I felt uncomfortable sitting at the head of the table, but Sigunn insisted, so I did.

My body betrayed me, and I slumped forward with exhaustion. I was hoping to convince Rigmor that I was okay.

Rigmor did not panic but calmly advised, “Wulf, take a second to compose yourself. Do as you told me when I was recovering from the leap into the trees. Do not rush things!”

I smiled at my beloved, sat upright, and started the conversation.

• Wulf: Please be assured I am okay. I am recovering from an injury and am not as cautious as I should be.
• Malesam: What kind of injury?
• Wulf: We shall get to that in due course.
• Rigmor: It has been almost two weeks since I joined Wulf in Skyrim. What do you know of the events there?
• Sigunn: Khao visited twice, only to tell us that Rigmor was okay and was aiding you.
• Wulf: Lady Sigunn, please move closer. I am not comfortable with you being way down there.

Sigunn laughed as she made her way to the seat on my left.

• Wulf: Khao had to be cautious because we were concerned about spies.
• Malesam: I can assure you, Lord Welkynd, that I would sniff out spies in a jiffy.
• Wulf: If Khao divulged certain information, can you guarantee it would not be mentioned over a few pints or in other casual conversations?
• Malesam: I would hope not!
• Wulf: But you cannot guarantee it, can you?
• Malesam: We are not as adept as you in subterfuge.
• Rigmor: Which is why we are very cautious, Malesam. Many lives depend on us being successful, and secrecy helps us achieve that success.
• Malesam: I am eager to hear why you dragged Rigmor away from her essential duties as Countess of Bruma.
• Rigmor: I was not dragged anywhere, Malesam. I decide what is essential for the well-being of Bruma’s citizens, not you.
• Wulf: Despite Khao’s adherence to secrecy, I thought the news sheets would have mentioned the crises in Skyrim by now.
• Sigunn: Two Oblivion Gates opened. One was in Solitude and the other in Morthal.
• Rigmor: There were three Oblivion Gates. One was underground, and Wulf’s journal covering that problem has yet to be released.
• Malesam: Okay, three Oblivion Gates are a problem, but what did they have to do with Rigmor?
• Wulf: Advisor Malesam, Bruma is not an isolated island surrounded by hundreds of miles of ocean. It is part of Tamriel. Therefore, anything endangering Tamriel also endangers Bruma.
• Rigmor: With the information you do not possess and in total reverence to my responsibilities, I will decide how best to serve our citizens. That is the last time I will make that point, Malesam. You advise. You do not dictate!
• Wulf: The first Oblivion Gate was opened by Mythic Dawn cultists. Professor Freathof, are you familiar with Professor Endiel?
• Freathof: Yes, indeed I am. His knowledge of Ayleid culture and ruins is enlightening and fascinating.
• Rigmor: The Mythic Dawn were searching for a Great Ayleid Stone. They befriended Professor Endiel, then, when they thought he might have the information needed, they kidnapped him from this very city!
• Wulf: They tortured and eventually killed Professor Endiel.
• Freathof: Oh my!
• Wulf: Because Bruma patrols include Ayleid Ruins, The Mythic Dawn spent considerable time digging into Rielle from Skyrim’s side of the border.
• Rigmor: So, Malesam, one of our citizens, was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. Then, The Mythic Dawn desecrated and stole from one of our protected Ayleid ruins. Do you think I should have been involved?
• Malesam: I…ah…well…
• Cerys: Father, the answer was yes before Rigmor discovered a citizen was kidnapped. I think you need to re-read the purpose of why The College of Winterhold has employed you as Rigmor’s advisor.
• Wulf: To cut a long story short. The plan was to use the power of The Great Welkynd Stone and my soul in an incantation that would have destroyed The Liminal Barrier. Mehrunes Dagon would have walked upon Nirn again.
• Rigmor: Wulf recognised what they were doing and avoided the trap they had set. He entered Oblivion and shut down The Oblivion Gate.
• Cerys: Wulf’s connection to Lord Akatosh makes his soul a potential force for destroying The Liminal Barrier.
• Wulf: That is correct, Master Mage Cerys. So, there is a dilemma I may have to face many times. I must risk my soul by entering Oblivion to deal with Oblivion Gates. Please do not doubt that all Daedric Princes know that potential use for my soul. We are fortunate Hermaeus Mora had no intention of harming mortals when he had Miraak within his realm.
• Sigunn: Were Mythic Dawn cultists responsible for the other two Oblivion Gates?
• Rigmor: No. A person we only know as The Master is responsible. He plans to drag all of Tamriel, possibly all of Nirn, into The Void and enslave surviving mortals.
• Wulf: The Master has modified magic originally designed by Mehrunes Dagon called The Chimera of Desolation. He has taken advantage of the weakened Liminal Barrier and dragged parts of Nirn into his realm, also called The Chimera of Desolation. When we entered the Oblivion Gate, that was the realm in which we found ourselves.
• Rigmor: When Wulf says we entered, I accompanied him and Celestine.
• Malesam: I must object most vigorously, Lord Welkynd. You told us you do not take others into Oblivion because it is too dangerous. Yet, you thought it wise to take our Countess into such danger!
• Rigmor: You are not stupid, Malesam, so stop acting like an idiot. Accusing Lord Welkynd of falsehood is ridiculous and endangers your teeth.
• Wulf: I rely on intuition when confronting the unknown, Advisor Malesam. We needed to investigate what was on the other side of that Oblivion Gate and get that information back to Nirn so others, including The Divines, know what was occurring. It was different than stepping into an Oblivion plane that I recognised.
• Rigmor: Once again, Malesam, I decided based on the information available after discussing the options with others.
• Wulf: As it turns out, I and Celestine would have perished without Rigmor’s intervention.
• Rigmor: To be fair, I was also seconds from death when Wulf intervened and saved me. That is what groups of friends facing danger do, Malesam. I doubt you have ever faced such a situation.
• Wulf: After closing that Oblivion Gate, I entered the one in Morthal solo. Once again, that decision was based on intuition. I will not attempt to describe what was found through both Oblivion Gates. It is complex and is still being analysed.
• Rigmor: To escape Morthal’s Oblivion Gate, Wulf had to traverse The Void.
• Wulf: The last time I did that, Lady Azura anchored part of my soul in Mundus. I had no such anchor this time, and my Lifeforce drained rapidly.
• Rigmor: Our Entwined Souls acted as an anchor. Without that connection, Wulf’s would have perished in The Void. The Consciousness half of his soul would have been at the mercy of whatever being discovered it.
• Wulf: I was barely alive when I returned to Nirn. I have been bedridden for days as my Lifeforce replenished. That is why I am so weary. But I cannot rest, for there are other dangers facing Tamriel that The Divines and His Imperial Majesty want me to investigate.
• Sigunn: Do you intend to accompany Wulf, Rigmor?
• Rigmor: Not now. Wulf must do some preliminary investigations and plan how to tackle the issues. If my assistance is needed later, I will join him.
• Freathof: Lord Welkynd, you have placed yourself in grave danger several more times to protect the people of Nirn, including ignorant Altmer advisors. Although we will always worry about our Countess, I am grateful for your efforts, and we must trust Rigmor’s judgement on these matters.
• Malesam: I only desire the best for Bruma and Countess Ragnarsdottier.
• Rigmor: Then advise, Malesam. Do not second guess when you know a few facts. Do not question my commitment to our citizens.
• Wulf: Professor Freathof, I am sorry for the loss of Professor Endiel. I am sure Auryen is also upset. When things settle, I may continue Bruma Ayleid Museum as an extension of my museum. Bruma is where many Ayleid lived and flourished. It is fitting that such a museum as the professor envisioned be here. It would be named after him.
• Freathof: Thank you, Lord Welkynd. That would be an excellent tribute to my friend.
• Wulf: Now, excuse me, I have tasks that should not be too strenuous and cannot wait.
• Sigunn: It is superfluous to ask you to be careful. But I will. Wulf, please be careful.
• Wulf: It is not superfluous, as a lack of caution has almost led to my demise on two occasions.
• Rigmor: He had better be careful because if Wulf dies, I will be so mad I will never speak to him again!
• Wulf: Dark humour, logic, and sarcasm. Wow, how things change after a trip to Oblivion.

I gave Rigmor a quick kiss, then teleported to Aurane.

After doing the rounds and showing everybody that I had all my limbs and was relatively healthy, I gathered a squad.

Valdimar, Rayya, Gregor, and Kogo will visit the Orsimer strongholds with me.