Zainab Nerevarine

Ashkhan Kaushad scoffed when I asked him to name me Zainab Nerevarine. He seemed to doubt that an outlander could ever become the Nerevarine. Maybe if I could improve his disposition towards me, he might take me more seriously.

The Zainab wise woman, Sonummu Zabamat, says that Ashkhan secretly admires expensive outlander clothing. She says that if I bring him a pair of exquisite shoes, he might be better disposed towards me.

I gave Ashkhan Kaushad the gift of a pair of exquisite shoes. He seemed pleased.

I asked Kaushad, Ashkhan of the Zainab, to set me a task to prove that I am worthy to be named Nerevarine of the Zainab. A vampire named Calvario has taken refuge in nearby Nerano Ancestral Tomb. If I can kill this vampire, then I will be judged worthy to be named Nerevarine of the Zainab.

Since Calvario is dead, Ashkhan Kaushad says he will call me Nerevarine, but not until all the traditional rites and customs have been observed. It is customary to offer the Ashkhan a generous gift as a mark of respect. Ashkhan Kaushad has done me the great favor of naming the gift he wishes to receive -- a high-born Telvanni bride -- 'a pretty one, plump, with big hips to bring me many sons.'

I asked Ashkhan Kaushad where I might find him a high-born Telvanni bride. He said I should visit high-born Telvanni lords and inform each that Ashkhan Kaushad of the Lordly Zainab will do them the honor of making one of their daughters his bride. He trusts me to choose the finest among those offered. The Ashkhan told me to take counsel with his wise woman, Sonummu Zabamat, who knows his mind well in such matters.

Sonummu Zabamat says no high-born Telvanni would consider wedding an Ashlander. But she has a cunning plan. I must go to Savile Imayn, slavemistress of the Festival Slave Market in Tel Aruhn, and tell her I need a pretty Dunmer slave. Savile Imayn will tell me how to dress the slave like a high-born Telvanni lady. Then I must escort the pretty slave to Zainab camp and present her to Ashkhan Kaushad as a high-born Telvanni bride.

I have told Savile Imayn, slavemistress of the Festival Slave Market, of my plan to pose a slave as a high-born Telvanni bride to marry the Zainab Ashkhan. She says she has a perfect slave for the part, named Falura Llervu, but first Savile Imayn wants me to bring her an exquisite shirt, an exquisite skirt, and exquisite shoes to dress the slave in. I can see this is going to be very expensive.

I have obtained an exquisite shirt, an exquisite skirt, and exquisite shoes to dress the slave Falura Llervu in. Savile Imayn needs time to coach Falura Llervu to play her part, and in the meantime she told me to go get some Telvanni Bug Musk perfume to make Falura Llervu completely irresistible.

I have brought the Telvanni Bug Musk perfume to Savile Imayn, and I have purchased Falura Llervu. Savile Imayn gave me the key to Falura Llervu's cage. When I'm ready, I should speak to Falura Llervu, give her the exquisite shirt, exquisite skirt, exquisite shoes, and Telvanni Bug Musk, and tell her to follow me to Zainab camp to meet her future husband, Ashkhan Kaushad.

I spoke to Falura Llervu and gave her the perfume and exquisite clothes. She says she is very pleased with her clothes and her perfume, and is happy to escape slavery. She says she is a little anxious about marrying an Ashlander, even an Ashlander chief, but anything is better than being a slave, and she is tough, clever woman determined to make the best of her situation.

Falura Llervu and I have arrived in Ashkhan Kaushad's yurt. First I must speak once more to Falura Llervu, then I must present her to Ashkhan Kaushad as his new high-born Telvanni bride.

Ashkhan Kaushad says he is very pleased with Falura Llervu, though she is not so generous in the hips as he would like. He promises to make her a happy bride, and to do her honor as a high-born Telvanni lady. And he has named me Zainab Nerevarine, War Leader of the Zainab, and Protector of the People. He has also given me the Zainab Thong, an enchanted heirloom of the tribe, which shall be a sign to all Dunmer that the Zainab have named me Nerevarine.

Falura Llervu says she is very pleased with Ashkhan Kaushad. He is good-looking, clever, and rich, although a bit full of himself, like all men. She thanks me for having been her matchmaker and benefactor, and hopes I will return to visit when she has brought many fine sons and daughters to Ashkhan Kaushad.

Ashkhan Kaushad told me secretly that he is not such a fool, that he realizes I have tricked him, but he thinks me very clever for having hoodwinked him, and he is much happier than he would be if he had truly been given a stuck-up Telvanni lady.

I have slain a Zainab Ashlander. Now it will be impossible to have friendly dealings with them or their leaders.