an Urshilaku boy once asked the Nerevarine about the practice of slavery, saying
"my lord Moon-and-Star, why is it that the hated House Dunmeri practice slavery as they do?"
the Shalkkeepers son knew well that his people may, at times, take captives for ransom. he knew of intertribal conflicts with the Ahemmusa that had begun with hostage-takings and ended with vengeance and blood-lettings. but nothing about the economics of the plantation system made sense to him.
the Nerevarine looked up at the night sky, and smiled sadly at the stars
then she sat cross-legged in the ash and spoke in a low voice
"sit and listen, child, Clanmother Moon-and-Star will tell you of the Folly Dunmeri"
the boy sat quickly, mirroring the Nerevarine, his ruby eyes wide with wonder
"Veloth's lost children have been seduced into blasphemy against their own spirits, and have betrayed themselves unto the House of Troubles. this is the doing of Molag Bal, but also their own."
seeing some other Urshilaku children near, the Nerevarine called them over as well.
"listen close to Moon-and-Star, little Velothi, and heed this one's words.
*The Slave robs his Master of the Labor it takes to make him a Mer*.
The callus of spear-and-bow build strength. The callus of the netchi-hook builds patience. The callus of the muck-shovel builds discipline.
But the callus of the slaver's whip builds only arrogance. It is only a violence that masquerades as strength. That is a war-masque that will betray its wearer in the face of true terror. Do not forsake your labors and grow soft and water-fat like the plantation-keepers, for they have shaped themselves into prey animals and have only yet to learn so."
And the last word was AZURAH
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