Azura guide him. The ignominy Ashu was forced to experience during that examination, driven further into his flesh via needles that addled his brain. Bastards. Every single one will pay, not only for that but also the temerity to label him—him!—a submissive.

Never again will he be someone's bitch. Almalexia, Sotha Sil and Vivec might be gone, but he refuses to the undone ever again. This cycle will be—has been—different. He is alive because that one is dead. He exists because he has the will to do so.

This strange Dwemeri contraption smells like the carriages of the Imperial City. Sharp, florid notes of overly perfumed citizens mixing with the acridity of bodies piled too close together. But it's that acridity, as well as an all-encompassing warmth radiating outward from somewhere low then settling into his bones, that interests Ashu more than the tour. Alchemically knowledgeable, he recognizes the effect as the amorous sort, a type he's used both professionally and recreationally, to great advantage.

Oh, Mephala's tits.

"I know exactly what's happening here," he hisses, blood red eyes dripping contempt, at whoever dares to approach him. "And I'll say is that if you're here to take advantage, you better make it worth my time."

Sex and secrets, lies and deception. Yes, this city drips with Mephalan philosophy and, for a moment, Ashu wonders if he hasn't slipped into a pocket dimension of the Spiral Skein. Decidedly it's the lack of webs blanketing every dim lit corner and natural crevice and the spiders themselves that convinces him it probably isn't.

He watches various couples take part of the challenge, utterly unimpressed. No skill, panache or devotion—most people here fuck like amateurs. If the powers that be demand tribute in the form of sex, then Ashu vows to the Whispering Lady herself it'll be art. The Grandmaster of the Morag Tong can offer no less.

Rudely Ashu shoves his device onto whoever has the misfortune of walking too close, jabbing at the displayed pose on his screen, nostrils flaring. "Come on, I don't have all day. Fuck me."

I'm going to bite your dicks off, s'wits. Fight me, you cowards. Fuck you.