Turdas, 25^th Last Seed, 4E 202

Rigmor and Baa’Ren-Dar had sat together on a beach overlooking Akashima’s bay. The view was spectacular, if you ignored the hint of a magical shield that hid the island.

Baa’Ren-Dar was content to listen to Rigmor’s tales of Wulf, but ensured she drank and ate sufficient to maintain her strength. Rigmor was fragile, but Baa’Ren was confident she would find the strength to perform her duties as Countess of Bruma. His only concern was the support she could expect from her council, including her mother.

Baa’Ren was aware of disturbing rumours concerning Emperor Titus Mede II’s preferred successor. He would keep that information to himself for now.

About an hour later, everybody had gathered in the throne room. Mitsumori let the attendees mingle for a few minutes before signalling Yatahashi. The Master of Arms then stood, held out a small gong and hit it three times before sitting down again.

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Mitsumori.

“I hope you are well fed and found Akashima’s beauty an aid in combating your worries. I call upon Lady Silah to tell us of the efforts to stabilise the Primary Timeline.”

Silah smiled, and like her Dovah form, it was soothing and put people at ease.

She said, “Before I talk about the Primary Timeline, I would like to correct Psijic Monk Nxendia’s excellent and concise explanation of parallel timelines.

Please understand that The Divines desire mortals to gain knowledge by themselves. Very rarely do they hand knowledge over as I am about to do. I asked Lord Akatosh for permission, and, for Rigmor’s sake, he agreed to my request.”

Rigmor asked, “What do you mean?”

“Nxendia’s explanation of parallel timelines was correct within the extent of mortal knowledge. However, it assumed there are millions or billions of parallel timelines. I have no doubt each Divine could handle such a burden, but they do not have to.

The metaphysics of the Aurbis quickly cull most parallel timelines soon after their creation. We do not know how it chooses which timelines to terminate and can only speculate. We think that if timelines vary little from each other, then all but a few are culled. There will still be many parallel timelines by the end of a kalpa, but they might number in the thousands rather than millions or billions.

To clarify, each Junction may produce millions of parallel timelines, but metaphysics eliminates most of them soon after creation.

I thought it best that you, Rigmor, know this fact and hope that it helps a bit with your understandable worries.”

Rigmor nodded and said, “Yes, it does, Silah. I do not know if we shall find Valdr, but searching among thousands of parallel timelines rather than millions makes me feel a bit better. However, I am aware that if in Oblivion, The Divines will not know of his presence.”

“Lord Talos helped me present my case to Lord Akatosh. Even amongst the chaos, he thinks of you, Rigmor.”

“Thank him for me, Silah.”

“I shall. Now, onto the mess that was once neat, parallel timelines.

Aurbis metaphysics automatically culls timelines according to laws of which The Divines are not privy.

Similarly, Aurbis’ metaphysics automatically untangled the knotted timelines that occurred after Valdr vanished. That event caused a Dragon Break, no different than others, despite the complexity of the knot.

As with other Dragon Breaks, the automatic untangling is not perfect, and Jills are tasked with finding and repairing paradoxes within the Primary Timeline. Depending on its nature, resolving a paradox may lead to the termination of one or more parallel timelines. We may have to retain foreign histories in some cases.

While Jills attempt to detect and repair paradoxes, linear time continues.

Valdr often, jokingly, accuses me of making a mistake about the jungles of Cyrodiil, but that was a choice I had to make, and he knows it.

A Dragon Break is not over until we have resolved all paradoxes. That can take a day or, as once happened this kalpa, over a thousand years. Each Dragon Break is different.

A paradox might not be apparent for some time, so we cannot predict when the current Dragon Break will end. Until it does, we can expect strange events to occur.

Terminating a parallel timeline is not as severe as it sounds. However, an explanation necessitates the introduction of other metaphysical concepts.

What do we call the parallel timeline mortals? The Psijic Order calls them ‘Temporal Manifestations.’ But they like complicated terms, and do not deny that fact, Nxendia!”

Nxendia bowed and said, “It makes rare knowledge sound far more important, Silah.”

Silah continued, “Daedric Princes call them Reflections. Nord Shamans used the term, ‘Second-Paths.’ The Ayleid liked ‘Meta-Personae’, which most of you would find impossible to pronounce in Ayleidoon. Valdr liked the term, ‘Numinal Echo,’ so that is what we shall use.

Ulfr is a Numinal Echo of Valdr. The deceased Nerevarine on Tenno Island is a Numinal Echo of The Nerevarine. I used the present tense because, even if dead, they are Numinal Echoes.

When a mortal dies, their Anima, or Consciousness, travels to an afterlife or is redirected to the Soul Cairn or returned to the Soul-Stream or, in rare cases, is trapped in The Void.

When a Numinal Echo dies, even within Oblivion, their Consciousness is stored in an extra-temporal locus in the Aurbis.”

Nxendia laughed and said, “But they like complicated terms, and do not deny that fact!”

Silah sighed and replied, “I can still breathe Dragonfire in this form, Nxendia! I was about to clarify what that mumbo jumbo means.”

A grinning Nxendia bowed once more.

An amused Silah explained, “The extra-temporal locus has, if you have not already guessed, many different names. Nord Shamans called it ‘The Loom of Kyne.’ Dunmer name it, ‘The Quiet Web.’ That Altmer prefer, ‘The Echo Lattice.’ Once again, of the myriad names used, we shall adopt Valdr’s preference, which is Ancestral Loom.

Remember, it does not matter how many Numinal Echoes exist; there is only one soul per mortal.

When a Numinal Echo dies, everything that they experienced is drawn into the Ancestral Loom. That includes memories, emotions, experiences, traumas, spiritual growth, skills, insights, and, importantly for our gods, their Mythic Weight. The dead Numinal Echo still contributes to the Mythic Mass of the god they worshipped.

Typically, this information remains in the Ancestral Loom until the mortal dies in the Primary Timeline. It is then reintegrated into the Consciousness of the mortal.

Valdr has mentioned many times in his journals that with death comes wisdom. He is correct, and this metaphysical phenomenon is the reason why.

An exception to this is Valdr and other Aedric Dragonborn. They are constantly absorbing this information. We do not think Miraak can utilise this information. We think Valdr does so instinctively, probably due to Lord Lorkhan’s gift. The Amulet of the Kings used to allow a Septim Emperor access to this information belonging to previous Septim Emperors. The reconstructed Amulet of Kings lacks the same ability.

This transfer of information occurs even if a Numinal Echo dies in Oblivion or loses its identity in the Soul Cairn. Neither Daedric Princes nor Ideal Masters can prevent it.

I hope I have explained this major gobblygook well enough. Are there any questions?”

There was silence, so Rigmor asked about something else.

• Rigmor: Nothing to do with metaphysics. What advantage is there to your new avatar form?
• Silah: I will likely spend a lot of time investigating potential anomalies. That will require me to speak to mortals who do not know I am a Jill or even know we exist. A transparent female is disturbing to many people. This form will be more readily accepted.
• Rigmor: Even with your scales and horns?
• Silah: I chose to keep those as conversation starters.
• Baa’Ren: Your cleavage and long legs will also act as conversation starters.
• Rigmor: Baa’Ren! You pervert!
• Vayu: He is only speaking the truth, Rigmor.
• Silah: Indeed, I hope to have the opportunity to investigate the mating practices of mortals.
• Rigmor: What?
• Silah: I could have done so in my other form, but who wants to knock boots with a ghost?
• Merria: That would be weird. The male could see his whatsit inside your thingy.
• Rigmor: I cannot believe this conversation!
• Silah: Are there any questions about the metaphysics or timelines?

After a few seconds, Silah said, “Then Divine Knight Granite will tell us about Aurane and Minotaurs.”

Granite’s voice matched his adopted name. It was deep and rumbled like an avalanche as he said, “When Valdr vanished, all connection to Saint Alessia ceased. Although she had not spoken to Minotaur shamans since entering her battle of wills with Lord Bal, her presence was still felt in the many shrines my people have of her. Understandably, this sudden loss has caused great consternation. Unfortunately, some have used this situation to feed on the need for retribution amongst the more militant. As a result, large numbers of Minotaurs have left our places of refuge and spread across Cyrodiil and Skyrim. We have no connection to High Rock, so that province is safe from these idiots.

For some time, Minotaurs have lived amongst the Forlorn. Due to King Madanach and the Divine Knights’ culling of aggressive tribes, the Minotaurs and Forlorn have lived peacefully amongst the people and have gained the trust of both peoples. Last week, a Minotaur Lord ripped King Madanach to shreds and declared himself the new leader. There is now chaos amongst Forlorn and Minotaur, with tribal warfare breaking out. Unfortunately, innocent civilians have been targeted and killed in the ensuing chaos.

Several months ago, His Imperial Majesty declared Minotaurs as Imperial Citizens and therefore protected by its laws. He has refused to condemn all Minotaurs and Forlorn, and has demanded that restraint be used in controlling and, hopefully, defusing the situation.

General Tullius has once again proven his worth by quickly organising defensive perimeters around the main tribal grounds. However, many aggressive Minotaurs did not join the Forlorn and roam free in the forests of Skyrim and Cyrodiil. They regard all other species as enemies and seek revenge for the attempted genocide of my people. They claim the disconnect to Saint Alessia is part of a plan to restart the genocide. Logic has lost all meaning as members of a suppressed race seek retribution.

In our prime, we did not have the numbers to resist the armies of Man and Mer. The actions of these radicals could turn their imagined renewal of genocide into reality. They will undo any goodwill earned and turn us into the hated savages many believe us to be. Saint Alessia would weep at this development.

All we can do is try to protect the innocent while tribal warfare decimates both Forlorn and Minotaur. Hunters and remote farmsteads are vulnerable, and His Imperial Majesty has asked the Divine Knights to aid General Tullius and Commander Mario in their defence within Skyrim. The sheer number of troops within Cyrodiil and the size of The Great Forest make our aid unnecessary in that province. The Minotaurs hiding within The Great Forest will never be found, so it is a matter of rapid response when they wander from its confines.

A portion of Saint Alessia’s will, or Lifeforce, was used to maintain her presence with the shrines of my people. A part of it was used to maintain Aurane. When Valdr vanished, Aurane shuddered. The statue of Alessia above the main entrance changed to a form unfamiliar to most, but well known amongst my people. It now looked like the young Alessia with warpaint and a crown with horns. It is how she looked while fighting the Ayleid.

Aurane deteriorated quickly. Within days, most of the plants had wilted and died. The buildings began to crack, and we feared they would soon collapse. Everybody has been evacuated and now lives within the many properties owned by Valdr. We are now formulating a plan based on Valdr’s desire for Divine Knights to live a more normal existence. We shall be spread across Skyrim, but the use of Corbs and teleportation will allow us to respond to situations rapidly. Our presence amongst the general population will, hopefully, provide a level of assurance sorely needed during these trying times.

Are there any questions?”

• Mitsumori: As discussed with Vayu and you, we have an open invitation to civilians and those who guarded Aurane to join us here.
• Granite: We shall let them know, Grandmaster.
• Rigmor: How many of your people know of Saint Alessia’s battle with Molag Bal?
• Granite: None of them. That is why our shamans could not explain her partial and then complete absence.
• Rigmor: Would it aid attempts to return order by informing them?
• Granite: It would, but we cannot do that, Rigmor. Valdr often emphasised the importance of minimising the number of people who knew about that conflict. Once that is known, people will investigate further, which increases the risk that all our secrets will be leaked, including Valdr’s parentage and his disappearance.
• Baa’Ren: The large Shrine of Alessia also changed to her young form. In Skyrim, the number of Saint Alessia worshippers is small amongst Legionnaires. However, in Cyrodiil, the percentage is much higher. They have started to question what is happening.
• Vayu: Yes, and the rumours are spreading. Some are already blaming your people, Granite.
• Rigmor: We must create a plausible reason based mainly on the truth, but vague enough to protect our secrets.
• Granite: If our shamans believe the diversionary tale, that will help maintain some order. However, I doubt anything will stop the militant Minotaurs. Saint Alessia’s absence was an excuse to grab power and exact revenge. A bit like Ulfric using his fake concern about Talos worship to attract followers.
• Rigmor: Bloodthirsty Minotaurs in The Great Forest is yet another concern to pile upon the many others my people face. Bruma’s guards are excellent, and many of them are seasoned Legionnaires. However, monsters from their childhood, and excuse me, Granite, for using that term, will test their resolve.
• Granite: No need for an apology, Rigmor. We know that is how we are viewed, and that is why this development is so upsetting. How can we claim to be a peaceful, advanced people when Minotaur Lords tear kings to pieces and others slaughter hunters and farmers?
• Baa’Ren: Have faith in Emperor Titus Mede II, Rigmor. He has excellent military advisors, and they will organise protection for all the counties.
• Rigmor: I know, Baa’Ren, but every problem seems magnified in severity, and I lack confidence. I want to crawl into a corner and hide, but duty will not allow that. Many people need their Countess right now, so I must learn to be that, without Wulf and Our Quiet and…

Rigmor refused to break down again. She will reserve that for the privacy of her chambers in Bruma.

• Rigmor: I will continue to be Countess Rigmor, who is fair, firm, and resolute. Wulf will be proud of me when he returns.
• Silah: Valdr is more than proud of you, Rigmor. You are his inspiration.

The room was silent, so Granite said, “Baa’Ren-Dar will now give us an overview of the rapidly changing political situation in Tamriel.”

Baa’Ren-Dar might seem diminutive compared to others in the room, but he had a presence and dignity that soared above all others.

“This one has made quick trips all over Tamriel to gauge the mood of its citizens. Strife threatens in many places. As Granite has witnessed among the Minotaur, most people are genuinely worried, while others use the uncertainty to revive old grievances and urge violence and rebellion.

Before Valdr vanished, he promised Khajiit his aid against expected Thalmor aggression. That aggression is now more likely, as the Thalmor are masters at using distractions to advance their plans. They believe a Mane exists, and they will tear apart Elsweyr to find him. We are not yet a united nation and could not defend against a determined Thalmor invasion. The best we can do is bloody their noses enough that they go home and lick their wounds.

The Governor of Evermore was quick to realise that recent events endangered the fragile peace and the progress from serfdom to freedom. He did not know the cause, but he could see that old superstitions and fears were resurfacing. He has visited sites where anomalies have been reported and personally met local clan leaders and shamans to assure them there is nothing to fear. His efforts have been appreciated, and that province seems stable. The rest of High Rock’s stability depends on the Governor’s success.

As this one said, there are many scared people, but I can see no immediate danger of social upheaval.

This one met His Imperial Majesty in private two days ago. That one is always an impressive figure, but Valdr’s disappearance has made him more hesitant and less sure of himself. Although he only met Valdr in person a couple of times, it is evident that one is fond of our friend. I think he blames himself for what happened. We know that is not the case, but emotions rarely obey logic.

This one warned His Imperial Majesty that he must put Valdr’s disappearance to the side and concentrate. The Elder Council have tried to assassinate him before. The current chaos may provide another opportunity. For the sake of all Nirn, not just The Empire or Tamriel, Titus Mede II must continue to rule.

This one has been very brief with no mumbo jumbo or gobbledygook. Are there any questions?”

• Vayu: We shall aid you in Elsweyr as Wulf promised. We will do it incognito and will have to do so without Miraak’s or Wulf’s Thu’um to aid us. But I am sure a couple of dozen Divine Knights will bloody their noses sufficiently to halt their aggression.
• Baa’Ren: This one was not going to ask.
• Rigmor: That is because you are too polite, Baa’Ren.
• Baa’Ren: This one is not a military leader who regularly sends others into danger, Rigmor. It would be more than a simple favour that this one would be asking.
• Vayu: We do not view Nirn in terms of provinces, countries and so forth, Baa’Ren. Wulf has instilled in us a worldview where the well-being of all is paramount. He would be ashamed of us if we did not aid Elsweyr.
• Baa’Ren: Divine Knights Forgotten Mane S’in Dunestride and Lunar Guard Do’Qua’Der would be pleased to fight beside you once more.
• Vayu: I am sure they would rather not fight at all.
• Baa’Ren: True, but this one thinks a confrontation is unavoidable.
• Rigmor: Have you planted false information to lure them into a battlefield of your choice?
• Baa’Ren: Thalmor spies are too clever for such subterfuge to work. But Khajiit are quick to mobilise and would soon confront Thalmor forces.
• Mitsumori: You know that traitors within are the greatest danger. Many Khajiiti benefit economically from Elsweyr’s division. The Thalmor will attack with precision, using insider information.
• Rigmor: That is why I thought false information could be fed to suspected spies.
• Baa’Ren: The 3^rd Dominion rarely acts on a single source of information. They would also know Khajiit would move a Mane between many locations at random intervals. All Khajiit can do is prepare and show no mercy.
• Granite: They would be fools to attack. It would guarantee a united Elsweyr.
• Baa’Ren: You forget Thalmor arrogance, Granite. The thought of not finding the Mane or losing would not cross their minds.
• Rigmor: It is a pity Wulf’s father soured the Empire’s relationship with Elsweyr.
• Silah: Emperor Tiber Septim did what was necessary, Rigmor. Do not forget that his actions led to centuries of peace.
• Rigmor: I did not mean any disrespect, Silah. I do not know how a mortal turned god deals with his wife and child being in extreme danger. I suspect Lord Talos feels as helpless as I do.
• Silah: Lord Talos asked me a question. It was, ‘Who does a god pray to?’ That is his dilemma, Rigmor. Mortals often take solace in prayer. The Ninth Divine battles against despair alone.
• Granite: Saint Alessia likely has no idea what has happened. She is now using all her will in her battle against Lord Bal and has withdrawn from Aetherius and Mundus. She is Aedra and can die.
• Raikou: Daedric Princes can manipulate souls and mould their owners into something they are not. This change is not permanent and is reversed upon death. Therefore, I doubt Lord Bal would kill Saint Alessia. He would use her for current or future schemes.
• Rigmor: That is terrifying! What if Wulf had to face a warped version of Saint Alessia?
• Vayu: We would hope his logic dictates his emotions, Rigmor.
• Raikou: I did not mean to disturb you, Rigmor. Saint Alessia still fights, for wherever her battleground with Lord Bal is, her defeat would be known. Like how Lady Mara’s rings let you know Valdr still lives, Lord Talos has such a connection to his beloved.
• Baa’Ren: If that is all, this one calls upon Master Mage Merria to inform us of what is happening in Akavir.

There was silence, so Merria began her telling.

“We currently have several sources scattered around Akavir in general and Tenno Island.

Eight Akaviri speaking Divine Knights, including the newest recruits, Tang-Mo Bao-Zhen and Tsaesci Nefuh-Gydrin, have been joined by the Sohei leaders, Yashimano Suda, also known as Tagamori, and Nurendo, in a rapid visit to Blood Farms and other areas of enslavement. There, they seem to have convinced most enslaved Akaviri to head for Mikoi. Only a few stubborn Tsaesci landowners and nobles met a grisly fate for opposing the changes. The majority of Tsaesci civilians of Mikoi stayed inside their homes and businesses during the last battle with Tairo’s army. However, there is plenty of room for the freed Akaviri heading their way. Tairo is once again keen to see Tenno Island become a place where Akaviri and Tsaesci co-exist.

Mikoi will be the centre of administration while we wait and see what develops on the mainland. We believe that many Akaviri will return to farms as paid employees of their former masters. Once again, the reality of the situation has forced changes upon some noble Tsaesci.

The second rebel army, which fared much better than Tairo’s, will populate the other palaces and cities void of leadership since their Coil Lords died in battle.

That army was organised by two prisoners whom Valdr freed from Komori Castle. The god, Zan’xi, helped Hana and Kuchinawa convince free Akaviri and those who walk the Zho’vul-Kei (The Way of the Pale Flame) to fight for Akaviri rights and to stop the persecution of those who refuse to drink the blood of mortals. Hana convinced the Nittakhonts and other tribes on Tenno Island to join her rebel army after the fighting was over.

Tairo’s brethren on the mainland joined the second rebel army. It seems the majority agreed with Tairo but did not want to disobey their superiors and risk being accused of desertion. When Zan’xi told them about Longwang, they shifted their allegiance to the free and persecuted. That is why they left their northern mountain posts. They have placed themselves under Tairo’s command.

Zi-Khuliin Ushevi Aina became Coil-Lord of Clan Kotimaru unopposed. Over half their forces survived Valdr’s slaughter and the war. Their engineers and artisans are scattered over Tanno Island, aiding in the repair of infrastructure.

I investigated the protective dome of Zei’Vaaz-Ruhk. A Great Welkynd Stone powers it and can withstand most attempts to penetrate it. Atheris will act as our liaison within that palace and city and has control of the barrier.

Lord Kide-dhigra and Spymaster Lord Mogami Hirakuni will remain on the mainland and use their well-established networks to monitor Akavir’s politics.

What we think will happen is this. The clans will fight amongst themselves until a new emperor emerges from the chaos. Free Akaviri and others will continue to make their way to Tenno Island. If and when the Tsaesci decide to attack the island, they will find it well fortified and well defended.

That is what logic and history tell us, but we must be prepared for outliers. We do not know who wiped out our headquarters on the mainland, nor can we predict what influence they will have in the future.

Are there any questions?

• Rigmor: Wulf was worried about the crew of Elysana, Endyval’s ship. He saved one, but did not have the chance to save the others.
• Merria: They all survived their captivity. Upon being told of the actions of the two who aided Endyval, they administered their own justice. After recovering their health, they intend to sail Elysana back with the goods they took from the estates that enslaved them.
• Rigmor: What about Usanagi, the Tsaesci noble who aided Endyval?
• Merria: As per Emperor Temujin-Xhik’s agreement with Valdr, Usanagi and the Tada Family were executed. Their crimes were made public. We did not want it to seem like mindless acts of the victors.
• Rigmor: Did Coil Lord Nagamatu slaughter the people of Ayo?
• Merria: No. They were found scattered amongst the same Blood Farms as Elysana’s crew.
• Rigmor: Wulf thought that might be the case. They were too valuable to waste.
• Vayu: We can all understand your bitterness towards enslavers, Rigmor. Valdr’s actions have at least given hope that enslavement can end in Akavir.
• Rigmor: That is true and provides some solace.
• Raikou: Do not forget that the north of Akavir is now unprotected. The Kamal will attack and delay the establishment of a new emperor.
• Merria: Are there any more questions?

When nobody spoke, Merria said, “Then I call upon Countess Rigmor to tell us what she needs going forward.”

The request took Rigmor by surprise. Baa’Ren-Dar smiled at her. He must have known this was planned.

She gathered her thoughts and said, “I am but one person amongst many millions facing an uncertain future. I have the advantage of knowing what occurred, and I understand some of the metaphysics behind the anomalies and where Wulf might be. However, nobody can tell me precisely where he is, what danger he might be in, or when he will return.

When Lady Mara gifted us our rings, they were meant to allow communication between Wulf and me, like a small Corb. However, the unique connection between us altered the rings. At first, we could detect each other’s moods and then our health. Later, Our Quiet worked, in a lesser capacity, via Mara’s Rings. Lady Mara does not understand how this has occurred, which proves a point Wulf has always emphasised. The Divines do not know everything and are at the mercy of the metaphysics of the Aurbis.

I am glad that Mara’s Rings tell me Wulf still lives. Now, that is a blessing. But what happens in ten years? Am I still to wait for his return, or should I forgo all the vows we made and wed another, knowing he is alive? That is the dilemma I will face, and nothing in the knowledge imparted here will aid me.

Olette is an amazing young lady. She is also practical and has accepted a reality I cannot. She continues as an apprentice at The Bards College with a determination to succeed for her Cap’n. She mourns and worries, but has not let Wulf’s disappearance change her plans. My plans revolve around Wulf, a farm near a waterfall, and at least one child who enjoys running through the wheat and into her father’s arms. I cannot pursue my plans, and I do not know if I can make new ones.

I will take an interest in political and other developments because I must look after the welfare of my citizens. But I will be like a Dwemer Automaton. I will fulfil my duties, but half of me is missing. I do not know what Rigmor Ragnarsdottier will look like or how she will act in the future.

So, I thank you all for worrying about me, but I ask that we concentrate on the bigger issues. I will sort myself out, eventually….