Chapter XIX: Preparations

(Reyvin's pov)

Everything after I was almost mind raped by the old fart living in the mushroom nearby turned into a bit of a blur. I spent most of my time thinking of a plan to end the fucker, but after I went through every possibility I realized that sometimes simple is best.

I asked around town for a bit, disguising my investigation as idle questions, and learned that there were about twelve Dunmer serving Dyrren at his tower, a rather small amount for a Master, but he is in Skyrim and more would be considered threatening.

Sergius helped me with modifying the enchantment of the staff so that it would still give me the signals it was intended to do, just without the mind rape part. I thanked the old Imperial and he warned me to be careful, even giving me a speech about how my life is more valuable than revenge.

Since Mephala deigned to look at my vengeance with interest, I decided to go for her preferred method of poisoning the bastard and killing him that way. No reason to displease the Eldrich entity that could fuck with me for eternity.

Naturally, he would have some protection against poison, so I would have to work around it in some way. What I finally chose was the most potent Magicka burn poison I could find, which should bypass his defenses and weaken him enough for me to stand a chance in actually killing him without getting maimed myself.

When I asked Morrigan if she could concoct something along those lines, she said that she barely knew how to brew middling poisons at best at the moment. Continuing my search, I discovered that no one in the college really made poisons to any great extent, frustrating me to no end.

As I was walking around the gardens to cool off a sudden thought struck me, the merchant scroll!

I quickly left for a summoning chamber in the Hall of Refinement, and after checking around the place for any possible issues, used the scroll.

Suddenly a tall grey-skinned horned Dremora appeared in front of me "Hello stranger!" he says in a gravelly voice before looking me over in some surprise "Oh, you aren't the previous customer, guess that she got caught then" and shrugs.

I nod "Yes, she bit on a bit more than she could chew, anyway you are a merchant yes?"

He smiles and spreads his hands, an ornate wooden stall appearing next to him "Indeed I am Xelzaz the purveyor of the finest goods from mundus to oblivion, what might you need oh honored customer?"

Deciding to make sure before I accidentally offer my soul or something equally ridiculous I ask "You take gold?"

He scoffs "Of course I take gold, what do you take me for?" Before he interlocks his hands with a greedy look "I also take other goods and services, after all, I need to get my wares somehow"

I hum "You want some enchanting done? I can do that or gold, your choice"

A happy smile appears on his face "Ah indeed, enchantment is always very lucrative. Very well what is it that you require?"

"The most potent Magicka burn poison you can get" I reply bluntly.

He scratches his chin a bit "I could provide you with a dose" He turns toward his stall and searches through it for a bit before pulling out an ornate vial "Ah! There it is, the shadow-scales sold some of these to me after they got done with that whole invading Morrowind debacle. Used it to weaken even the strongest of Dunmeri mages if they are to be believed."

My eyes widen a bit and he notices this, the greedy look deepening "Oh, I've hit the mark then?"

I nod "Yes, this would be perfect for what I have intended, what would you want in return?"

He pretends to be calculating "Oh, say a dozen enchanted rings of differing boosting effects no less than above standard quality"

I immediately shake my head, noticing what he is trying "I said I would provide enchantments, not enchanted items, and a dozen is far too many. Try again."

He coughs, annoyed he was caught in his attempt "Sigh, fine, fine I will provide you with the materials and power source, while you will finish the enchantment of course." He then turns serious" The amount is fair considering the potency and rarity of the poison, trust me when I say it is very much worth that, and the price is non-negotiable."

I grit my teeth but end up accepting "Fine, as annoying as it is, it is doable. Do you have more scrolls to summon you or?"

He nods and hands me the scroll and vial of poison "You will summon me again in a week and we will conduct further business, the materials for my order will be delivered at that time as well." before he suddenly stops "Ah but how can I be sure you will deliver on your promise after you already get my goods?"

I wave him off "Having a merchant with specialized goods accessible at all times is an extremely useful thing, it is not in my interest to cheat you."

He nods enthusiastically "Good, good! Truly you are a mer of great wisdom. It has indeed been a pleasure doing business with you young mage. Until we meet again!" and disappears with a *pop* alongside his stall.

When he is gone I finally let my guard down, he might have been portraying himself as a harmless merchant, but he was still a Dremora... and those are always dangerous.

Well, at least the enchanting will be good practice, and honestly having a business contact in the form of Xelzaz is a very big boon.

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Later that day I met with Thorfinn and some other guards that fought beside me behind the guard house, even Thorgrim was there despite his newfound dislike of me.

Thorfinn was the first to speak "So why have you gathered us here Reyvin? You said it was something serious."

I nod "Indeed. I am afraid that I am in great need of help from all of you."

Everyone gets interested and listens closely.

I use my sight to scan around the place just in case, finding no one I continue "I have been betrayed in a rather disgusting manner, the Telvanni Master Dyrren sent me a staff disguised as a gift... said staff was meant to take control of my free will."

The guardsmen grow furious and are about to start shouting in outrage, but I quickly signal them to remain quiet so we don't get caught before even planning anything.

"Naturally I am going to kill him, but his servants might get in the way." Before I can be interrupted I continue "No, I don't want them dead, I just need someone to hold them back while I deal with the tower's Master."

Garm, the guard that stuffed the sock in the Thalmor's mouth speaks up "Why not just have him arrested? He could face justice and you wouldn't need to risk yourself like this"

I shake my head "He would just teleport out of the city if that were to happen, and besides it is proper Dunmer custom to gut whoever tries to enslave you. Even his own great house won't frown on me killing him, they would just laugh at him for dying to a youngling"

Garm mutters "Dunmer are fookin weird man" and everyone chuckles.

I turn serious "So, you boys in?"

Thorgrim who was silent for most of the time finally speaks up "Aye, Flame-tongue. We will help you." with everyone giving a cheer in agreement.

"Thank you all, after this is done drinks are on me!" another cheer.

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