"It made up most of the former island of Vvardenfell, the heartland of the province. Its eruption - and the loss of the isle - was probably the single greatest catastrophe to befall Tamriel in thousands of years. It's the reason Skyrim and Cyrodiil have so many Dunmeri refugees these days." A problem Jim might not have seen much of, admittedly: traipsing around with Felix, he generally only sees the western side of the provinces.

The mushrooms are impressive. Stratos has never had the privilege of seeing them before, either, and he peers up at the smaller ones they pass on the way down the hill. There seems to be a kind of moss growing on the undersides. "They're called Emperor's Parasols, as I recall. They don't grow outside of Morrowind- something to do with the properties of the ash soil. Remind me to take some samples - they'd make a good peace offering for Felix if he sulks that we didn't bring him."

The road they come to isn't in the best of repair, to the Imperial's eye, but it's a damn sight better than the path to the house. Clearly it's in regular use. Stratos sights ahead through the ash haze before leading the way on. "The main thing is to be prepared for a lukewarm welcome, I think. Morrowind was under Imperial rule until fairly recently, and that may be something of a sore spot. And if there are any Argonians in the area, keep in mind that they have a tense relationship with the Dunmer, to say the least."