Chapter 22

Chapter 22:  The Dying God

Then that is no small thing.  Go and make a better world.

“So you’re still here.” I said with a smile.  Vivec still presided over his shrine to himself, but somehow he seemed smaller.  I had brought Julan with me as he had earned the right to be called Nerevarine, for it was he, not I,  who plunged Keening into the Heart of Lorkhan.  Together, with knife and hammer we sent the devil to Oblivion and the living gods to their knees.  Whether or not it was I or Julan who could boast the title of Nerevarine was now a matter for scholars to debate.  Somehow the two of us overrode the stars, Azura and the plans of gods.
            Vivec looked up at me, nodded acknowledging our presence.  “Yes.  We have survived.  We have lost our divine powers, but not altogether. I see you brought in Ashkhan Kaushibael. ”
            “He has vested interest in what you have to say, as a failing god-head affect us all.”
            He nodded.  “I should think this is what all Ashlanders wanted…..However, some token of the people’s faith remains, and we shall dedicate it to rebuilding the Temple.  Now that Dagoth Ur is gone, we can turn our energies to the more humble needs of the people.  It is good, honest work, and I believe there is redemption in it.”
            “I think there is.” I agreed.
            Julan finally acquired his voice.   “How will you rebuild the Temple?”  Julan asked, though I thought the better question would be how do you rebuild faith?
            “To start there still issue to be resolved between the Temple and the Dissident Priest.”
            “You mean whether or not you are actually a murderer?” Julan asked flippantly.
            Vivec looked up, scowling. “You do get to the heart of things, don’t you, young Ashkhan?”  He laughed then looked away.  “Yes, many people still believe, foolishly I might add, that the Tribunal murdered Nerevar.  That is simply not true.  There are other things though.  Now that Dagoth Ur is gone, we must reorganize.”
            “How so?” I asked, acting as if I understood the levity of his statement. “What was the point of a Temple if the doctrine ceases to exist?”
            “There is less need of Ordinators now and a great need of priests and healers and teachers.”
            “Well thank gods for that.  There shouldn’t have been Ordinators in the first place.” Julan spat.  My glare screamed don’t get too cocky, we don’t know what powers he has left.
            “What would you teach the people?” I asked more delicately.  “Who shall they worship, as you and Almalexia and Sotha Sil are no longer gods?”
            “The Tribunal’s days as gods are numbered, as you have so eloquently pointed out.  I have told my priests that I shall withdraw from the world and that the Temple should be prepared for a change.  We may be honored no longer as gods, but as saints and heroes, and The Temple will return to the faith of our forefathers—the faith of the Ashlanders—we shall worship our ancestors and the daedra, Azura, Mephala, and Boethiah.  The temple will survive, but without living gods.”  This was everything Julan had ever wished for.  Vivec then turned to me. “So Nerevar Blue, what will you do?” he smirked at the poetry in his words.  Julan was right, he was a horrid poet.  Vivec continued, “I ask this sera, though I will be leaving this mortal plane soon, and dispersing my cares to the cosmos—I am curious and perhaps even concerned for my people.  Will you battle King Helseth and claim Morrowind for the Septims and the Empire?  You have tasted power Annika Blue, now tell me, what are planning to do with it?”
            “Septim has yet to claim me, sera and I have no plans other then becoming a wife and mother.”
            Vivec stared curiously at me, “Those ambitions are rather small for the Protector of Morrowind and the daughter of a Emperor.”
            I stared at Vivec for a moment then looked back at Julan, “They are small, but they are mine.  For once I own my destiny.”  
            His scowl disappeared and a smile, with no malice spread across his face. “Then that is no small thing, Nerevarine.  Go, the both of you, and make a better world.”  I nodded in respect and Julan—surprisingly—bowed.  He could afford to be magnanimous now.