XXI - Return to Mournhold

White light enveloped the centre of the platform. The Hands of Almalexia standing around it suddenly straightened, lowered their eyes in the position of attention and respect. When the light cleared, none of them looked up to see that it was not their goddess that had returned, but rather a young woman, standing silently in the middle of Almalexia’s platform, her robe charred and torn and covered in muck and blood. Her skin was scratched and bleeding, her hair tangled and matted with sweat, every inch of her body aching. Upon her belt hung Trueflame and Hopesfire, the twin blades. The Mazed Band rested on her finger beside Moon-and-Star. And in her arms she carried a clay jar, sealed at the top. Silently, Fen passed the silent Hands and walked through the reception chamber, ignoring the stares of the priests and Ordinators there.

XX - The Mad God

Fen lowered Trueflame slowly, unable to look at Sotha Sil’s mangled face any longer. Julan was standing just behind her, his mouth open and his face twisted in horror. Fen seized his arm.

“We have to get out of here,” she said frantically, her voice hoarse. Before Julan could respond, there was a sudden roar of flames from the door. Fen and Julan turned, and the gold flames died away, leaving a familiar figure standing in their midst. Fen’s eyes widened.

XIX - The Clockwork City

Almalexia’s eyes seemed to flash as Fen drew Trueflame from her belt. The fire reflected in the goddess’s golden eyes and her face was lit by a sort of manic joy.

XVIII - Trueflame

Fen wasn’t sure how to spend the next two days. There wasn’t much to do in the city itself, seeing as nearly everyone had deserted the outdoors while the ashstorm raged. She ended up spending most of her time in her room at the Winged Guar, replacing potions she’d used up recently in between reading The Real Barenziah.

About The Elder Scrolls: Online...

Just wanted to offer a quick post to clarify a few things:

• I won't be writing any kind of post like I did for Skyrim analyzing information about TESO
• I don't really like MMOs
• I probably won't play TESO

I don't want to rifle a lot of feathers, but I am very disappointed in Todd and the decision he's made by going in this direction. It's very sad that a series as groundbreaking as TES has to go this way. The series started to die after Morrowind, imo. So main focus will pretty much be Morrowind from here on out.

Sorry about the interruption in the usual broadcast, just wanted to clear that up. I have a very busy weekend ahead so please do not be confused if this week's chapter is a bit late.

If you want full details on my stance against the Elder Scrolls MMO just shoot me an email, I'd be happy to chat about it.

Celestina

Happy birthday again!

First of all, I somehow manged to miss Fen's birthday on April 14th! Happy belated birthday, Fen, you're great.

Second of all, I would like to wish an on-time happy birthday to Morrowind itself. Morrowind has provided me with over seven years of entertainment, and I can't even begin to describe how much the game means to me. When things in my life were very uncertain, Morrowind was always the place I could go to lose myself for a few hours and focus on this beautiful fantasy world where I could be anything I wanted. Through Morrowind I've grown tremendously as a person and the closest I will ever be to putting my gratitude into words is this story. Thank you all again so much for reading and I hope you will continue to do so. Morrowind means the world to me, and I hope I've been able to make you fall in love with it as much as I have.

Thanks for everything.

Celestina

XVII - The Blade of Nerevar

I sincerely apologise for the lack of an update last week. Real life got in the way again. We should be back to normal from here up until the end of Tribunal. Enjoy!

* * *

Silence pressed against Fen’s ears as she climbed the stairs to Almalexia’s platform. The goddess watched her serenely, a faint, knowing smile on her face, her hands held out with her palms pointed skyward. “It is time we talked of greater things,” she said when Fen had told her of Valor’s death. Without even a thought for him, Fen thought angrily. Almalexia went on, “I have watched you since your arrival in Vvardenfell, dear Fen, and you have been a strong and faithful servant to me. None but the Nerevarine could have succeeded as you have.” Her eyes fluttered open and Fen gazed steadily back at her. “How long I have waited for this!” she cried suddenly, a gentle smile breaking across her face. “My Nerevar, returned to me at last! I have watched from my Temple as others have made the claim, and I have seen them fall. I believe now that you are the one who was prophesied!”