Some kind of Monster

The names brought a smile to the Redguard’s face. Amar would have hated them, of course, but Asar was always one for a good pun. He stifled a chuckle and then nodded to let Lazarus know he had understood.

“Oh, that’s… somewhat disheartening,” Asar admitted, his smile falling away to a worried frown. That would mean some of the deceased could be raised by necromancers for likely unsavory reasons. But he was not here to go hunting for raisers of the dead. “But I’ve heard faith tends to falter in times of tragedy, often when it’s needed most. I would suppose dealing with the aftermath of the war going on in Skyrim has caused many a priest’s religion to waver…”

Asar quieted for a moment, thinking to himself - about his faith, his travels, his brother who was with the Legion in the very province Asar was visiting for information. He often worried about Amar, but always assured himself that his brother was strong and would continue on. But even the strong would die someday.

“Is there anything else you feel like you should share?” Asar asked, blinking as if suddenly realizing he were awake and turning his head towards the Imperial once more.

Lazarus gave the boy a moment to collect his thoughts, and at his question the Imperial seemed to ponder a bit, tapping his chin. “Actually,” he began, a smile spreading across his face, “there is something I think you should see.”

Asar followed along quietly, sitting in rapt attention as the Imperial spoke. He was surprised to hear that Skyrim’s priests would cremate those of the Dunmer. From what he had come to know, tensions were high between Dunmer and Nords, but he was glad rights seemed to be respected in death.

“The namesake of the stores?” Asar repeated, furrowing his brows slightly, though a small grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “They’ve named their businesses after the cemetery… how interesting. I should make sure to visit there once I can. It is… south of here, yes?”

Allowing a moment of quiet to settle between them, the Redguard pondered over the rest of his questions. Of course, he planned on meeting with every available Caretaker when he could, but he wanted to make sure he covered as much information as he could.

“So, the walled cities have catacombs rather than cemeteries? These Halls are all headed by priests of Arkay, yes? To ensure His Laws are followed correctly?”

The young man’s enthusiasm was beginning to rub off on Lazarus, and a small smile spread across his face and he continued to answer the questions. 

“Yes, I believe the inn’s name is Dead Man’s Drink, and the alchemy shop is called Grave Concoctions,” Lazarus added with a short laugh, “Falkreath is just by the border to Cyrodiil, directly south of Whiterun.”

“Thank you, Lazarus,” the Redguard said, bowing his head before pausing to collect his rushing thoughts. Asar didn’t want to bombard the man with questions, but there was so much he wasn’t certain of.

“I’ve been told that Skyrim rituals tend to involve embalming before burial or entombment. Is this a province-wide practice? How do graves and cemeteries differ in the various climates?”

Lazarus motioned for Asar to walk with him and found a place for them to sit - and old pew from the temple. 

“They do,” he confirmed with a nod as he sat down slightly turned so he was still facing the young man. “ But I’m afraid it’s a bit more complicated than that. The rites performed typically depend on the race of the deceased and the family’s wishes. Say, preparing the body of an Imperial would likely be different from preparing the body of a Dunmer, who are often cremated,” Lazarus explained calmly and paused briefly so Asar would keep up with the conversation. 

Redguard’s smile immediately brightened at the confirmation of the man’s ties to the Hall. Perhaps he had stumbled upon some luck and this Imperial would be willing to share information with him.

“It is certainly a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Caine,” he said, taking the man’s offered hand and giving it a firm shake. “My name is Asar Al-Iah. I’m currently traveling Tamriel to learn about the various funeral rites performed by the different cultures of the provinces. If possible, would you mind sharing what knowledge you have on the burial rites here in Skyrim?”

“Please,” he said and held up a dismissive hand,” just call me Lazarus, there is no need for formality here.” 

[Prompt]

“I do,” Lazarus replied with a brief nod, “although, I’m still fairly new here.”