Online:Melina Cassel

Melina Cassel
Location	Dusktown, The Reach
Race	Breton	Gender	Female
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Faction(s)	House Ravenwatch
Condition	Vampire

Melina Cassel

Melina Cassel is a Breton vampire of House Ravenwatch, who will deliver messages to you in Dusktown and is a way of starting the Greymoor Chapter quests while in Blackreach. She is one of their younger members and is close to Fennorian.

She is a skilled enchanter and may have been encountered previously through letters as a hireling who would procure crafting materials for the Enchanting skill line. She can also be met in a series of encounters in The Reach.

Related Quests

• The Vampire Scholar: Find Fennorian in Blackreach and bring him back.
• The Gray Host: Create a defense against the Harrowstorms and learn the Gray Host's plans.
• Greymoor Rising: Prevent a Harrowstorm from being unleashed on Solitude.
• Daughter of the Wolf: Check in with Solitude's survivors after the Harrowstorm.

Quest-Related Events

The Vampire Scholar

She'll call out to you in front of Dusktown, "Fennorian's friend! Over here!"

Talk to her and take her message.

"Oh, there you are. I was supposed to deliver a message for you from Fennorian, but I couldn't find you. I gave it to Princess Svana in Solitude."

What did the message say?

"I have no idea. Reading other people's messages is rude and unladylike. I never engage in such actions!
But the princess had no such qualms about opening the letter. She said if I did happen to see you, that I was to send you to the Blue Palace."

Did Svana say anything else?

"Just that she was still having trouble convincing her father about the extent of the coven threat. And she seemed very interested in getting Fennorian to help you with that.
I'm sure Fennorian will assist you in any way he can. He's good like that."

I'll go to the Blue Palace and talk to Svana.

After accepting the quest, she talks about Fennorian.

"Speaking of Fennorian, I'm sure he isn't purposely sending me off to do these little errands. He's just busy with his research.
We get along splendidly. Everyone says so. He's just painfully shy. He'll come around. You'll see."

The Gray Host

While in Dusktown, she'll call out to you, "Over here!"

Talk with her to see what she has to say.

"There you are. It's a maze down here. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to find you, but they really want to see you up in the palace."

Who wants to see me in the palace?

"Princess Svana, of course. Her father still refuses to act, so the princess has decided to take matters into her own hands.
Luckily, she has my darling Fennorian to assist her. He has a plan for dealing with the harrowstorms, I hear."

Is Fennorian all right?

"I'm not sure. I haven't had a chance to talk to him since the events at Tzinghalis's stronghold.
Look, Svana and Fenn need you. They're waiting at the Blue Palace."

All right, I'll go see Svana at the Blue Palace.

"It sounds like my dearest Fennorian suffered greatly at Tzinghalis's hands. Please, make sure he's all right before he rushes off into the next bit of danger.
He's too brave for his own good sometimes. Oh, but don't tell him I said that!"

You can ask how she learnt this from way down in Blackreach.

I was wondering, how do you communicate with the palace from down here?

"Ah, you want me to reveal one of House Ravenwatch's greatest secrets. Well, that isn't going to happen.
Let's just say that Fenn and I—all of the Ravenwatch, really—have a way to communicate and leave it at that."

Greymoor Rising

She will call you over with, "Quickly! Over here!"

Melina will have an urgent message to return to Svana in the Blue Palace.

"Things are coming to a head and they need you in the Blue Palace! You heard about High King Svargrim, right? What am I saying, you were there! Of course, you were there!
But Princess Svana, she wants all her allies around her for this."

What does the princess want now?

"What do you think? The princess just learned that her father is an evil vampire and he's about to unleash a harrowstorm on Solitude! She needs to figure out how to stop him—and she needs your help to do it!"

How can I help?

"Get up to the surface and go to the Blue Palace. I'm sure the princess and Fenn have a plan. They'll fill you in on it when you arrive.
Good luck and gods speed, adventurer."

I'll go to the Blue Palace and talk to Svana.

You can speak with her after accepting the quest.

"So much of what happens next rests on Fennorian's shoulders. I hope the pressure doesn't get to him. He's such a sensitive soul."

What do you mean, it rests on Fenn's shoulders?

"Obviously, Fennorian's elixir is key to protecting Solitude from the harrowstorm. He has to make enough to distribute, and he has to do it quickly without making the slightest mistake.
That's a responsibility he won't take lightly."

Daughter of the Wolf

This time, Melina will call out to you with, "I'm glad I found you."

"It seems like the worst of the storm in the city above has passed. Princess Svana sent word. You're needed in Solitude."

What's going on?

"Solitude has been through much. Now is the time to heal and rebuild. But they can't do it alone. They need Princess Svana.
And Princess Svana needs your counsel."

I'll find Princess Svana in Solitude.

"Gods willing, we've reached the end of this awful business. The land has enough scars."

With the harrowstorm situation winding down, you can ask what's next for Melina Cassel.

What will you do now?

"Wait for orders from the Ravenwatch. I'll get a new assignment, eventually. Maybe one that includes Fennorian, if I'm lucky!
Sooner rather than later, I hope. I think I'm actually starting to like it down here."

Other Dialogue

After accepting a quest from Melina, you can ask Melina about herself and House Ravenwatch. This dialogue will be the same in all the quests she is involved in.

Who are you, by the way? / Who are you again?

"Oh, that's right! We've never had the pleasure. Melina Cassel of House Ravenwatch, at your service! I trust Fennorian explained what that means, so I won't bore you with the details.
Suffice it to say that I'm here to help."

So you're also a vampire?

"Indeed! Count Verandis provides a safe haven for our kind and teaches us how to live with our special gifts in a manner befitting nobility.
It can all be a bit suffocating, but without his rules we wouldn't be any different from feral beasts."

Completed The Lightless Remnant:	Otherwise:
Has Count Verandis returned to Castle Ravenwatch? "I didn't realize you knew the truth. No one has seen him since he vanished with the Lightless Remnant. But I believe he'll return someday. When he does, House Ravenwatch will be there waiting. As if he never left."	Who's Count Verandis? "He's a noble of Rivenspire and the head of House Ravenwatch. He's a vampire as well, if that wasn't evident—but a good one! He's made his mission to teach vampires how to overcome their beastly urges. And to stop those who refuse to do so."

What's your relationship to Fennorian?

"Oh, we're very close. Maybe it's because we're the youngest members of the house, but there's a connection between us that goes beyond just familial kinship. I'm sure he'd tell you the same if you asked."

Encounters

Melina in the Reach

First Encounter

Melina can also be found in the Reach in a series of encounters. The first time you approach her, you may overhear her psyching herself up:

Melina Cassel: "Melina Cassel … how do you always find yourself in a mess?"

When spoken to she will introduce herself and you have the chance of offering her some advice:

"Oh! My apologies, I was lost in thought. You see, I thought … no, never mind.
Have … we met before? Gods above, how can the Ravenwatch ever trust me with more assignments with a memory like mine …."

Who are you?

"Right. Right! Melina Cassel at your service. I belong to House Ravenwatch—a junior member."

What are you doing out here?

"Having a bit of a crisis.
I could use advice. I joined the Ravenwatch to make a difference for vampires and mortals. But all I do is deliver messages, supplies. I may be younger than the others, but … should I ask to get more important tasks?"

Keep trying. You may not like what you do now, but everyone starts somewhere.

"Hah. I tried telling myself that, but it helps to hear someone else say it. I'll do my duty, but won't lose sight of why I joined the Ravenwatch.
I'm glad I bumped into you. You give good advice."

I don't know. / I don't know what to tell you.

"Ugh, I'm sorry for just throwing that at you. You should know better than to bother random people, Melina ….
I can leave you alone. Thanks for listening."

What's the alternative?

"I … don't know. Do I leave the Ravenwatch? No, that wouldn't do. I can't give up my dream of making a difference.
It's just too hard—seeing such a big gap between what you want to do, and what your actual day-to-day."

Tell me more about the Ravenwatch.

"Lord Verandis Ravenwatch formed a group of vampires who seek a peaceful coexistence between our kind and mortals. We try to stop any of our kind that upset that balance.
Oh I guess I just blurted out that I'm a vampire. I'm good, though, I swear"

If approached afterwards, Melina will thank you for your advice:

"Thanks again for your help. I don't get a lot of chances to talk to people in my line of work—at least, people who aren't other Ravenwatch members. An outside perspective provided some clarity."

Do you worry about encountering the Gray Host out here? (Appears only after giving advice)

"Not particularly. Those vampires and werewolves calling themselves the Gray Host … well, they aren't the same as the Gray Host from history. If you just think like a vampire, you know how to avoid their attention."

Second Encounter

The second time you approach her, you may once again overhear her psyching herself up:

Melina Cassel: "Come on, Melina … you can do this …."

Speaking with her a second time, Melina may apologize for what happened previously:

"Oh! Hello again. Wow, I was just thinking of you.
Look, about the last time we spoke, when I was having … well, a moment. In the middle of nowhere. And then you came along—I wanted to say I'm sorry."

Why are you sorry?

"Because—well, because I don't wish to be the kind of person who pours their heart out to a passerby. Just because I'm not happy with some assignment. People out here have real problems."

Like what?

"The Gray Host attacking people both in the Reach and Western Skyrim, for a start. Ravenwatch agents who put their lives at risk—Fennorian, Gwendis, Adusa-daro. And here I stand, gazing at my navel."

I think you're being hard on yourself.

"Really? I wonder sometimes. Half of my days I feel like everyone is glaring daggers at everything I do. The rest of the time, I wonder if they know I exist.
I should take a step back. Clear my head, so others can count on me."

I don't know what you want me to say.

"Ugh. Of course when I try to apologize for babbling at you, I end up babbling at you. I'll leave you alone, now."

How do you see your navel through your armor?

"Huh? Oh. It's just an expression."

If approached afterwards, Melina will thank you for your advice:

"Once again, you guide me through me [sic] problems. I stay in your debt"

What's your mission this time? (Appears after giving her advice to not be hard on herself)

"The Ravenwatch wants to form contacts with a vampire coven just over the border, in Falkreath. They've heard our overtures before, but with the Gray Host on the march, we hope that they'll be inclined to accept this time around."

Third Encounter

The third time you approach her, you may hear her lament:

Melina Cassel: "Does he even know you exist, Melina …?"

When you speak with her for the third time, Melina will mention her personal feelings:

"Still running around out here, hmm? A lady might start to feel like I have a secret admirer.
Don't I wish. As if I didn't have enough problems in that part of my life …."

What are you talking about?

"Well, I may as well tell you. Your past advice helped me immensely. I feel as though I can trust you.
There's … someone in the Ravenwatch. The more I try to get close to them, the less it seems to work."

Who is it?

"Oh I'd rather not say, if you don't mind. I tend to bring them up too much in conversation as it is. And while I like to think we share a bond-we're both younger members of the Ravenwatch-nothing ever comes of it."

Have you told them how you feel directly?

"No, not exactly. but maybe I should. Before you started giving me advice, I would have just mooned over Fe… that other member of the Ravenwatch from afar.
It's decided. The next time I see them, I'll tell them straight out how I feel."

I don't have a lot to say about this.

"Ah. Did I overstep? I overstepped, didn't I. Classic Melina …. I will leave you be."

What would you want to come of it?

"Well …. Candlelight, flowers a place that doesn't crawl with danger at every turn.
Not many bards tell romance stories about vampires, but we can still feel love, you know.."

If approached afterwards, Melina will state that she resolved to talk with her crush:

"Of course, now that I resolved to talk to them about my feelings, I have to actually figure out what I'm going to say.
I feel like I can do this, though! Perhaps that heroic confidence of yours has rubbed off on me. Well, a little bit."

When will you see them next? (Appears after giving her advice to tell her crush directly about her feelings)

"Gods, with all that House Ravenwatch has endured lately, it could be next sunrise or it could be half a season from now. I hope it's closer to the latter, so I have some time to practice.
Ah! I'm shaking with excitement! Or nerves. Both, probably."

Fourth Encounter

The fourth time you approach Melina, she sounds upset:

Melina Cassel: "You've done it now, Melina …."

Speaking with her a fourth time, Melina will talk about her mission:

"What a relief to run into a familiar face out here, especially after everything that happened to me today."

What happened?

"Well … let's keep this between us, all right?
I may have … botched a mission. My first real mission. Pretty, um, badly. And I don't know what to do about it."

What happened?

"I was meant to stop the Gray Host from recruiting a clan of vampires. I tried to convince them that they'd just be used as pawns. But … they all ignored me. My mission failed.
How can I explain this to the rest of House Ravenwatch?"

Not every mission ends up a success. The Ravenwatch should understand that.

"I hope you're right. I remember Gwendis, Adusa-daro and the others turning up at Castle Ravenwatch after something went wrong. And they still get sent on important tasks.
I just have to feel confident that I did everything I could, and move on. "

I don't have any advice for you.

"I feared you might say that. But it's my problem to deal with. I can have to sort is out … somehow. Thanks anyway."

What did you say to these vampires?

"I told them the truth—the leaders of the Gray Host only want them as fodder. The only vampires the Gray Host cares about are its legions from the first era. They see everyone else as just means to an end.
But my words must have rung hollow."

If approached afterwards, Melina will thank you for your advice:

"I have to think about what to put in this report. What can we learn to stop the next band of vampire recruits from joining up with the Gray Host? Assuming I get another chance …."

Do you know what your next mission will be?

"I need to craft a message to send to some contacts the Ravenwatch has in Alik'r. It should catalogue information about persons of interest in the Gray Host. Which should be right up my alley!
Speaking of which, I better get to work on that …."

Fifth Encounter

The fifth and last time you approach her, you may hear her calling you:

Melina Cassel: "Hello, my friend! Quite glad to see you again."

During your fifth encounter, Melina will thank you again for everything.

"Friend! I hoped I'd bump into you another time.
I have something I wanted to say to you."

What it is?

"Just … thanks.
It's funny, I practiced this whole big speech about how your advice got me through some tough times. How I feel like a better person because I met you … but you know what? Thanks is simpler."

Don't mention it.

"Before we met, I was an insecure wreck. Or it felt like I was.
But I don't think myself into a downward spiral as much anymore. I feel more confident. Like the person I wanted to be when I first joined the Ravenwatch."

That's good to hear.

"Apparently the rest of the Ravenwatch noticed my attitude changed as well. Now I nearly have more missions than I know what to do with. Reconnaissance, reports, diplomatic work ….
In fact, I should get back to it. Farewell, friend."

If approached afterwards, Melina will thank you for your friendship and bid you farewell:

"I always feel glad to see you. But I may not cross paths with you for the foreseeable future. Off to new lands!"

What's next for you?

"Apparently the rest of the Ravenwatch noticed my attitude changed as well. Now I nearly have more missions than I know what to do with. Reconnaissance, reports, diplomatic work ….
In fact, I should get back to it. Farewell, friend."

After finishing conversation during the fifth encounter, you are rewarded with the achievement, A Friend in Deed.

Correspondence

Below is the correspondence she sends you while she acts as your hireling.

Melina Cassel Correspondence
201	Melina Cassel	Melina Cassel here, once again sending the finest enchanting materials your way. After last night's excitement, I do believe I might take a short break. A vacation of sorts. Jakothon has invited me to see the sights of Skyrim, and I think I'll accept his kind offer. But never fear. Enchanting components will continue to find their way to you.
102	Melina Cassel	Thank you so much for allowing me to handle all your enchanting component needs. You will never have reason to regret or fear your arrangement with Melina Cassel. My base of operations is Castle Ravenwatch in the kingdom of Rivenspire, though I range far and wide to gather the best materials for your use. On that, you have my word.
103	Melina Cassel	Patron. May these components find you well. Do not let the rumors and innuendos trouble you. House Ravenwatch, to whom I owe allegiance, is an ancient and honored house. It wields much respect and power in Rivenspire. Anything you may have heard to the contrary is most likely not true. And it should not affect our arrangement in the slightest.
104	Melina Cassel	Not only am I an excellent purveyor of enchanting components, I am an accomplished enchanter in my own right. I am still a relative novice, but I grow more skilled every day. Never fear, however. I will never keep the choicest materials for my own use. That would be a conflict of interest. As you can see by this shipment, I share and share alike.
105	Melina Cassel	Lady Melina Cassel of House Ravenwatch here! I apologize for the tardiness of this shipment, but circumstances beyond my control limit my component collection activities to the darkest hours of the night. I don't want to worry you, but I have a peculiar condition that requires I stay out of the sunshine. I do my best hunting at night, however.
106	Melina Cassel	Ah, I love the night! The darkness is so peaceful, so serene. I don't see why people find it frightening. The night is not to be feared. It is to be enjoyed! Now, the things that wander around in the darkness are an entirely different matter, but we cannot allow a few hooligans to ruin the experience for the rest of us. Your shipment is enclosed.
107	Melina Cassel	Melina Cassel again, writing to you in the darkest hours before the dawn. I hope this package of enchanting components reaches you in a timely manner. I continue to endeavor to make sure you rarely notice my peculiar affectation, though I guess I should refrain from mentioning it so often. In the meantime, enjoy these components.
108	Melina Cassel	Have I told you about Estelle? She is one of the servants at Castle Ravenwatch. She does everything around the castle--she cooks, she cleans, she mends our cloaks. I hesitate to mention, but she also provides a service beyond the call of duty. I will not bore you with the details, but without her, life at the castle would be much more difficult.
109	Melina Cassel	I suppose I should tell you something about life at the castle. I am one of the wards of Count Verandis Ravenwatch. I live here with Adusa and Gwendis, and they are my very best of friends! In addition to studying enchanting and providing components to patrons such as yourself, I learn to cope with "our special gifts," as the Count calls them.
110	Melina Cassel	We also have a number of trusted and devoted servants. Estelle is one, as is Kalin, though he often travels with the Count. The castle and its grounds are extensive, and there are many chambers within its thick, stone walls. I love it here! But the Count has so many rules. Sometimes I think the rules hinder us, but I suppose the Count knows best.
111	Melina Cassel	I was mentioning the rules we must follow here at Castle Ravenwatch. I'm certain they are similar to the instructions your elders set for you. We must not eat to indulgence. We must not kill our food. We must not hunt innocent blood. All rather standard fare. But the Count and Adusa are sticklers that we follow these rules to the letter.
112	Melina Cassel	As I was saying. Rules. I believe they were created to be broken. Gwendis agrees with me. I'm sure you do, too. How can we strive for greatness if we can't leap over the boundaries that surround us? I say leap, my patron, leap! But don't let Adusa know. She refuses to break so much as an egg, let alone a rule. Your components are enclosed.
113	Melina Cassel	Another evening of resource collection, another shipment of components. Thus, the cycle of patron and hireling continues. On my most recent outing, I happened upon an unusual sight--three happy scamps dancing merrily within a circle of glowing stones. I watched for a time, fascinated, when I noticed another figure in their midst.
114	Melina Cassel	The figure that the scamps were dancing around was a young man, bound in thick ropes and gagged with a piece of ratty old cloth. He looked frightened. Not at all as happy and gay as the prancing scamps. I felt sorry for the prisoner, but I also wanted to throw off my clothes and run into the circle to dance with the scamps. Is that strange?
115	Melina Cassel	No, patron. I didn't throw off my clothes and run naked into the glowing circle of stones. Just get that image right out of your head this very instant! Although I really wanted to get naked and dance, truth be told. Oh, very well! Imagine away. Here's your shipment of components.
116	Melina Cassel	So there I was, fascinated by the prancing scamps and concerned about the captive young man in equal measure. It dawned on me that I was being influenced by some kind of charm or enchantment, and that piqued my interest even more. It was time to live up to the code of House Ravenwatch and take action. After I send you these components.
117	Melina Cassel	It was a simple matter to startle the prancing scamps and send them scurrying into the darkness. Stepping into the glowing circle of rocks, however, was another matter entirely. As soon as my foot broke the border of the circle, the desire to start dancing once again rose inside me like lava rushing to erupt from the mouth of a bubbling volcano.
118	Melina Cassel	It took an extreme effort not to succumb to the silent beat of the enchantment. I drew back my foot. Then, in a burst of inspiration, I kicked out and knocked over one of the glowing stones. The glow faded and the desire to dance popped like a soap bubble. I'm not sure I expected gratitude, but the fear in the captive's eyes seemed uncalled for.
119	Melina Cassel	Turns out, the fear in the young man's eyes had nothing to do with me. Instead, it was directed toward the menacing figure sneaking up behind me. I barely dodged out of the way as the Daedra-worshipping cultist tried to swing his sword through the spot where my neck had been a moment before. But I haven't forgotten--your components are included.
120	Melina Cassel	Dear patron, I won't bore you with the details of how I dealt with the Daedric cultist. Nor do I want to burden you with facts about me that would at best upset you and at worst make you see me in an unfavorable light. Suffice it to say, I subdued the villain and followed the Count's strictest rule: Never feed to excess--except on a villain.
121	Melina Cassel	Now where was I? Oh, yes. The villain. I dispatched the cultist with relative ease and had a quick bite. (Fighting makes me peckish.) Unfortunately, my actions seemed to upset the captive young man, who recoiled from me. I must admit, I was expecting him to be a bit more grateful to me for rescuing him. Perhaps if I remove his bindings...
122	Melina Cassel	I guess the old saying is true. Never eat on a first date. The captive I rescued from the cultist is the son of a lesser noble house. Lyam Fontbonne is tall, with dark eyes and a tuft of dark hair. He's also rude and ungrateful. And he had the audacity to call me a monster! If he thinks we're going to have a second date, he's probably mistaken!
123	Melina Cassel	It took some doing, but I was able to calm Lyam down. I convinced him that his eyes were playing tricks on him. The stress of almost being sacrificed to a Daedric Prince and all. Of course I didn't bite the cultist! And I never sucked the blood from his neck! Now that that's behind us, I wonder if he has an escort for the High King's ball?
124	Melina Cassel	What a wonderful evening! Lyam and I talked for hours on the walk back to Shornhelm. He really is quite charming when he isn't being sacrificed to Daedric Princes. He still seems a little shy around me, and I think I make him nervous, but I'm sure he's going to invite me to attend the High King's ball! Your latest components are enclosed.
125	Melina Cassel	Oh, patron! What did I do wrong? It's been two days and I haven't heard a word from Lyam Fontbonne since we said good night on the steps of his family's home in Shornhelm. I saved him from scamps! We shared a moment! And now, nothing! I must be a terrible person! But never fear, I haven't shirked my duty. Your components are enclosed.
126	Melina Cassel	Oh happy day! A messenger arrived at the castle today. He brought a letter from Lyam. He apologized for the delay and wants to see me! What should I wear? I need to find Gwendis! She's so much better at these sorts of things. I promise to tell you all about my meeting with Lyam. Next time.
127	Melina Cassel	Gwendis is amazing. She was so helpful! She advised me all about what dress to wear, how to set my hair, all sorts of things to make my meeting with Lyam unfold as smoothly as possible. He still seemed nervous and a little shy, but he did eventually ask me to attend the High King's ball. I, of course, told him I'd think about it and let him know.
128	Melina Cassel	Gwendis volunteered to respond to Lyam's invitation to accompany him to the High King's ball for me. She's such a good friend! She let him know that I would be both honored and delighted to attend the ball as his companion for the evening. Now all I have to do is wait patiently for the night of the ball. Arrgh! I don't do patiently very well.
129	Melina Cassel	While waiting for the High King's ball, I decided I needed a distraction. A short trip into the wilds of Rivenspire to search out new components seemed like a good idea. I hadn't poked around the ruins of the Lorkrata Hills for a while, so that was as good a destination as any. I was immediately successful, as you can see from this shipment.
130	Melina Cassel	I'm not as alone out here as I had thought. I know someone is watching me. The question is, is this mysterious observer benign or dangerous? Well, either way, they are about to discover that Lady Melina Cassel can be deadly when the need arises. In the meantime, enjoy these components.
131	Melina Cassel	I slipped into the shadows and moved through the ruins, keeping to the darkness. I was certain that I was nearly invisible to my mysterious observer. In that way, I was able to approach his hiding spot without him noticing. He was so focused on scanning the ruins that he never suspected I was now right behind him. It was time to play with my prey.
132	Melina Cassel	Interesting. The man who had been watching me in the Lorkrata ruins wasn't as clueless as I suspected. He was a hulking Nord who wore the armor of a Resolute of Stendarr. He moved as fast as a Wood Elf and was upon me in an instant, his weapon at the ready. I smiled and introduced myself. It was the polite thing to do before I ripped his face off.
133	Melina Cassel	Have you heard of the Resolutes of Stendarr? They're a holier-than-you group of warriors, intent on hunting down and destroying anything they don't understand. The Resolute I met in Lorkrata called himself Jakothon Sacred-Oath. He was everything you think of and more when you hear the words "religious Nord." And, yes, he was here to kill me.
134	Melina Cassel	Why does a Resolute of Stendarr want to kill Lady Melina Cassel? Well, that is the question. It was the first thing I asked him after he made his intentions known. "Because you are a foul, unholy, ugly creature," Jakothon replied. "Because you are a vampire!" What an ill-mannered brute! I am in no way ugly! As for vampire, well, he had me there.
135	Melina Cassel	Does my true nature surprise you, patron? Does it disgust you? Fill you belly with terror and your bowels with dread? Really? If so, I'm disappointed in you. After all, I've served you faithfully and honored our agreement to the letter. I'm not a monster. Count Verandis says we're special. That we have a duty to those who don't possess our gifts.
136	Melina Cassel	I'm not sure how it would have turned out, but Jakothon and I did not fight that day. While we were in the midst of exchanging harsh words and harsher insults, a pack of mindless bloodfiends emerged from the darkness behind the Resolute and fell upon him with savage gusto. With a sigh and despite our differences, I decided to save the Resolute.
137	Melina Cassel	I must say, Jakothon Sacred-Oath certainly knows how to dispatch bloodfiends. Once I intervened and gave him a chance to get his bearings, he took down the rest of the bloodfiends with only a modicum of help from me. He didn't thank me. He didn't decide to be my friend. All he said was, "I'll be watching," and he turned and walked away.
138	Melina Cassel	Since I'm still employed, I'll assume that my being a vampire doesn't concern you--at least not enough to stop receiving enchanting components from me. If you're interested, I'll tell you more about life in House Ravenwatch and how we use our special gifts. For now, please accept these materials as a sort of thank you for your ... understanding.
139	Melina Cassel	It's me again, Melina Cassel. I'm an enchanter-in-training, a supplier of enchanting materials, and one thing more. I'm a vampire. I live by the same code as all members of House Ravenwatch, a code put in place and enforced by Count Verandis. Our primary goal is to do good works, to use our special gifts to help in any way we can.
140	Melina Cassel	The rest of our code involves such high concepts as honor and vigilance, noble spirit and restraint. We only feed from willing volunteers, and never to excess. The only exception to that rule is when we encounter criminals and evil cultists. In those cases, we can give the monsters within us full rein. Your components are enclosed.
141	Melina Cassel	Now that you know the particulars of my unique existence, let's get back to the more mundane aspects of my life. The night of the High King's ball is fast approaching, and I have a list of preparations as long as my arm to deal with. That means I need assistance. That means I need Gwendis! She really is an expert at these kinds of affairs.
142	Melina Cassel	The High King's ball is almost upon us and I still have a hundred-and-one tasks to do. I have to have my hair set and my make-up done. And I need a gown. And a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers in the land. Gwendis says she's working on everything, but I'm starting to become nervous. I want to make a good impression when Lyam comes to call.
143	Melina Cassel	Gwendis did it again! She brought six women into the castle and four hours later my hair is perfect, my make-up is exquisite, my gown is gorgeous, and I feel beautiful! Now all I have to do is not move for the next six hours until Lyam arrives to take me to the ball. But I haven't shirked my responsibilities, patron! Your components are enclosed.
144	Melina Cassel	Be still my beating heart! Lyam arrived at our door and he looked simply smashing! (And, yes, contrary to popular belief, our hearts beat quite well, thank you.) How handsome the scion of the Fontbonne family looked in his finery! And, I'm pleased to say, he seemed as impressed by my appearance as I was by his. He took my hand and we were off.
145	Melina Cassel	Have you ever attended the High King's ball, patron? What a marvelous production! The music, the food, the entertainers! We danced the night away and enjoyed each other's company. My only regret is that the party eventually came to an end. That's the trouble with the night. It never lasts as long as you want it to. Use these new materials wisely.
146	Melina Cassel	Dawn approached as Lyam walked me to the doors of Castle Ravenwatch. I could sense Gwendis watching from the shadows, but she never revealed herself. Lyam told me how much he enjoyed the evening. We kissed. I wanted it to go on forever. But the sun was rising. Reluctantly, we parted. Now I'm happy and sad at the same time. Isn't that strange?
147	Melina Cassel	Do you think it's too soon to see Lyam again? Would it be too forward of me to call upon him? To throw myself upon him and ravish him with sweet kisses? I feel like a school-girl and it feels wonderful! Gwendis claims all the credit, but I think my wit, charm, and beauty had something to do with Lyam's reaction. But here are more components.
148	Melina Cassel	I couldn't stand being cooped up in the castle for another moment, so I grabbed my pack and headed out to acquire more enchanting components for my clients. It was either that or go mad waiting for word to arrive from Lyam. His silence can be infuriating at times! Not a note since the ball! But my work provides a distraction--for the most part.
149	Melina Cassel	A few days away from the castle and worrying about Lyam Fontbonne has done me a world of good. I even got to perform a community service (as the Ravenwatch code commands of us) when I saved a couple of travelers from bandits along the road to Shornhelm. I'm heading home now. And there better be something from Lyam waiting for me when I get there!
150	Melina Cassel	Oh joyous day! There was something from Lyam waiting when I returned to the castle. He filled our great hall with the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen! It was like all the colors of the rainbow exploded inside the castle. I guess I did make an impression! But where is everyone? Why is the castle empty? What happened while I was gone?
151	Melina Cassel	Other than the flowers from Lyam, Castle Ravenwatch is deserted. Gwendis, Adusa, even the servants have disappeared without leaving so much as a note to tell me where they've gone to. I was especially happy when I arrived to find the flowers, but now I'm concerned about my friends and family. I'm growing irritated with these reversals of emotions.
152	Melina Cassel	I'm alone in the castle. Gwendis and Adusa are missing. The servants are gone. Even fair Estelle, who usually offers me my evening meal, is nowhere to be found. I'm hungry! And I'm worried about the household, as well. Why couldn't I have one day to revel in Lyam's loving gesture? Your materials are enclosed.
153	Melina Cassel	Still no word from Gwendis or Adusa. Not even a message from any of our servants. I should be basking in the scent of the beautiful flowers that Lyam sent me after the ball, but instead I'm pacing back and forth and imagining all kinds of horrible fates that may have befallen my family. Well, the time to wait is over. I need to do something!
154	Melina Cassel	I took another look around the castle before striking out blindly and I discovered something disturbing hiding behind one of the baskets of flowers. It was a brief note from the Resolute of Stendarr. "Your prisoners shall be free," the note said. It was signed "Jakothon Sacred-Oath." The fool! Those are our household servants, not our prisoners!
155	Melina Cassel	I need to reach Jakothon and the servants before Gwendis and Adusa find them, otherwise House Ravenwatch might well wind up at war with the Resolutes of Stendarr. I really don't need this trouble right now, patron. Things were going so well before that Nord started following me around. Oh, and enjoy the new materials I've enclosed.
156	Melina Cassel	If I were a hulking Nord who thought all vampires were fiends and practiced a religion of intolerance and piety, where would I hide? The cathedral in Shornhelm? A Stendarr shrine in the wilderness? Maybe in a cave rumored to be haunted by evil spirits that's actually home to a pack of domesticated wolves? How should I know? I'm not a Nord!
157	Melina Cassel	I decided to take a chance and check out some of the caves near Castle Ravenwatch to see if Jakothon was using any of them as a lair. I must say, the hunger pangs are beginning to cloud my judgment, but I won't let a skipped meal or three get the better of me. I just hope I find him and the servants before Adusa does.
158	Melina Cassel	Have I told you about Adusa-daro? She's the bravest Khajiit I know, always undertaking missions for House Ravenwatch. If she was around when Resolute Jakothon took our servants captive, she would have torn the hulking Nord's arms from their sockets. Since there weren't any extra limbs lying around, I assume she was away when Jakothon came by.
159	Melina Cassel	I was about to charge into the third cave in the hills around Castle Ravenwatch when Gwendis emerged from the shadows and stopped me. "There's a Resolute of Stendarr in there," she hissed quietly. "I know," I whispered back, "Jakothon Sacred-Oath." Gwendis quickly explained that she and Adusa were away when the Resolute "freed" our servants.
160	Melina Cassel	"We should wait for Adusa to return," Gwendis cautioned as we watched the cave where the Resolute had taken refuge. I refused. Not only was I hungry, I was angry that Jakothon thought our beloved servants were prisoners in our castle. And his solution was to make our servants prisoners in his cave? I couldn't allow this situation to continue.
161	Melina Cassel	Gwendis reluctantly agreed to wait as I approached Jakothon's cave. The Resolute emerged, his mighty warhammer held firmly in hand. "I just want to talk," I told him. He said he had freed my prisoners. "Did they tell you they were captives?" I asked. "We pay them, house them, treat them like part of the family. They're your captives, not ours."
162	Melina Cassel	"You've taken our household servants captive, Jakothon, and I've come to set them free," I said to the Resolute of Stendarr who considered me nothing more than a monster. At least, I thought he did. He gave out a tremendous sigh and lowered his weapon. "Your servants have been very cross with me, my lady. I apologize for my actions this day."
163	Melina Cassel	I couldn't believe my ears! The Resolute actually apologized. To me! Jakothon said he had never encountered monsters such as the Ravenwatches before and didn't know how to deal with us. "Your servants have spoken very highly of you and your house," he added. "I don't understand it, but it seems I was wrong about you."
164	Melina Cassel	Gwendis led the servants back to the castle. I was about to follow when Jakothon cleared his throat. "My lady," he began hesitantly, "if it's all right with you, I'd like to call upon you in the future. In an un-professional capacity, of course." I do believe the Resolute wants to court me! My life just gets more interesting every day.
165	Melina Cassel	I was hungry. I was tired. So I did the only reasonable thing I could think of when a Nord who's also a Resolute of Stendarr asked if he could call upon me sometime. I said I'd be delighted. I felt guilty a moment later, but it's not like Lyam has asked for my hand in marriage or anything. I kissed Jakothon on the cheek and ran back to the castle.
166	Melina Cassel	Dear patron, how are things in your part of the world? Things here at Castle Ravenwatch have returned to normal. The servants are safe and we're feeding regularly again. Adusa has returned from another one of her secret missions. And I'm back to practicing my enchanting. And collecting components. Here are some materials for you.
167	Melina Cassel	Lady Melina Cassel, at your service! I've undertaken another trip to enhance my skills and gather components for my clients. This time I'm traveling to Sentinel, deep in the heart of Alik'r, to study with the fabled enchanter, Veroine Gimbert. I met her once in Daggerfall, and she indicated that she remembered me. I wonder what she can teach me?
168	Melina Cassel	I'm writing from on board the High King's Gold, a worthy sea vessel, on my way to the city of Sentinel. My servant Estelle accompanies me, providing company and sustenance as necessary on this long journey. I can't wait to study with Veroine Gimbert. I understand she can do things with runes and glyphs that I've never even dreamed about!
169	Melina Cassel	Dear patron, it seems we're under attack! The High King's Gold is a superior sailing ship, but there are three vessels flying pirate flags bearing down on us. I can see the ballistae pointing in our direction. I've never participated in a naval battle, but I would have hoped for more even odds for my first such experience.
170	Melina Cassel	I feel helpless as the ballistae bolts crash into the sea around us and arcane fire flies from the fingers of mages on both sides. I guess if one of the enemy vessels gets close enough, I can employ my unique gifts against them. In the meantime, all I can do is stand back and watch what happens. With luck, these components will still reach you.
171	Melina Cassel	It appears that the pirate vessels would rather capture our ship than sink it. One of their vessels has pulled up alongside us and has begun the boarding process. I hate to reveal my true nature in such a public fashion, especially this far at sea, but I see no other option. I won't allow the pirates to gain control of the High King's Gold.
172	Melina Cassel	As I prepared to get all unladylike on the enemy attempting to board our vessel, a fleet of Daggerfall warships emerged from the fog to our west and sailed toward us. For a moment, I thought the pirates were going to stay and fight, but then we heard the shouted orders. "Disengage!" someone commanded. "Fall back!" shouted another.
173	Melina Cassel	The pirate ships sailed off, most likely disappointed that the treasures of the High King's Gold wasn't going to fall into their hands this day. Truth be told, I was disappointed as well. I was actually looking forward to bashing a few pirate heads together as they tried to board our vessel. Oh, well. On to Sentinel. New materials included.
174	Melina Cassel	Sentinel is a desert jewel on the western shores of Alik'r. The spires and domes of the city are a welcome sight as the High King's Gold approaches the harbor. Even Estelle seems thrilled about exploring a new location, and she's still recovering from the excitement of the sea journey and the pirate battle. I hope Veroine is ready for us.
175	Melina Cassel	Veroine Gimbert is amazing! First, she recognized me for what I am the instant I stepped into her shop. Second, she accepted my condition and then moved onto the reason I had traveled all this way. She started to teach me enchanting techniques I had never been exposed to before. We spent hours as teacher and student. What a great experience!
176	Melina Cassel	Patron, it's me again, Melina Cassel. This newest shipment contains components I collected while in the company of the famed enchanter, Veroine Gimbert. She's taught me so much in the time I've been here! But, alas, all good things must come to an end. I've booked passage on a ship heading for Northpoint and we sail on the morrow.
177	Melina Cassel	Estelle and I have booked passage on the Broken Fin and should be back in Rivenspire in a few days. I plan to use the relative quiet of the sea voyage to review my notes and commit all of Veroine's lessons to memory. Unless the pirates attack us again. Then I plan to reveal my darker side to the rabble in the most direct manner possible.
178	Melina Cassel	Alas, patron, our return voyage was uneventful. Not a sign of a pirate, not a storm cloud in the sky. Not even an angry wave to rock the ship as it sliced through the water. I admit it, I was a little disappointed. And bored. I was so very, very bored. But we're home again. I'm sure something exciting is happening around Castle Ravenwatch.
179	Melina Cassel	I was wrong. Nothing interesting is happening at Castle Ravenwatch either. Perhaps I've had all the adventures that were allotted to me. Perhaps I've experienced all of the excitement that I was entitled to. Perhaps the rest of my days will be filled with sadness and regret as boredom overcomes me. Your newest materials are enclosed.
180	Melina Cassel	Oh, patron, my days are so ... similar! I awaken. I draw sustenance from a servant. I practice enchantments. I collect components. I ship them off. Then I do the same thing all over again! You must think me an ungrateful debutante, living a life of luxury in a castle while complaining about minutia. But it's more than that! I feel unfulfilled.
181	Melina Cassel	It's me. Melina Cassel. The whining brat who wishes for excitement and adventure. You must find me dreadful! I wish it weren't so, but it's how I feel. And there doesn't seem to be anything I can do to change it. Oh. What's this? A letter! Perhaps it's from Lyam. An invitation to another ball? That would be spectacular! But it has a strange seal.
182	Melina Cassel	Remember that strange seal on the mysterious letter I received? Turns out it was the mark of the Resolutes of Stendarr, pressed into a circle of silvery wax. Was it a letter from Jakothon Sacred-Oath? I never did find out how a Nord wound up as a Resolute. Perhaps I'll ask him the next time I see him--provided he isn't trying to kill me.
183	Melina Cassel	Wait a moment. Didn't Jakothon ask if he could call upon me? Yes, I believe he did. Is that what's in this sealed envelope? An invitation from a Resolute of Stendarr requesting a romantic meeting with a vampire? Well, I was hoping for some excitement. I guess I won't know for sure until I read the letter. In the meantime, here are your materials.
184	Melina Cassel	The seal seemed to spark with arcane light as I broke it and drew forth the folded parchment. It was indeed a letter from Jakothon, but the Resolute wasn't seeking a romantic rendezvous. He apparently needs my help. He requests that I meet him outside the Crestshade Mine at an hour past sundown tomorrow evening. Whatever shall I wear?
185	Melina Cassel	I decided to accept Jakothon's invitation and meet him at the Crestshade Mine. He was rather vague about the type of help he required, so I decided to dress for battle. Just in case. There's nothing like an adventure to clear away the cobwebs of boredom! Perhaps I should reconsider my career choice. Maybe the adventurer's life is more to my taste.
186	Melina Cassel	I'm here, outside the Crestshade Mine, and there's no sign of Jakothon the Resolute. I'd say it isn't like him to be late, but I really don't know the man very well. Wouldn't you imagine that someone who calls himself a Resolute would be punctual? You see my point. I'll wait a bit longer. Just to be polite. Here are more materials for your use.
187	Melina Cassel	A tall, gaunt man in flowing robes emerged from the mine and approached me. "You must be Lady Melina Cassel of House Ravenwatch," he said with a smooth yet cheerless smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mazular al-Abec, and I am in need of an enchanter." If this rings alarm bells for you, patron, Imagine the noise resounding in my head!
188	Melina Cassel	So Mazular al-Abec needs an enchanter. That explained a lot but told me nothing. Where was Jakothon Sacred-Oath? Had he called me here to help Mazular or is there something more sinister going on here? I had to bide my time until I had more information, so I summoned up my most charming smile and asked, "So what can I do for you, good sir?"
189	Melina Cassel	Mazular al-Abec asked me if I had ever heard of the theoretical quartonic runestone. "The Celerity runestone?" I blurted out. "Ah, so you do know it," Mazular said. "Then perhaps you can help me extract the rune from its housing." I imagine at this point you might be confused, patron, as I don't know the extent of your enchanting training.
190	Melina Cassel	Camilonwe of Lillandril asserted that it was impossible for there to be only three types of runestones. He theorized the existence of a quartonic runestone, which he named the Celerity rune. He spent the last two hundred years of his life searching for Celerity, but he never found it. Could this Mazular al-Abec really have discovered one?
191	Melina Cassel	I agreed to help Mazular, provided he let me talk to Jakothon Sacred-Oath. "The Resolute of Stendarr?" he laughed. "Do you know that the fool actually tried to kill me?" That was a troubling revelation. It meant that Mazular was a vampire, werewolf, or other creature that preyed on mortals. And probably not a benevolent one. Not like me.
192	Melina Cassel	Mazular had his followers bring Jakothon out so I could see him. He had been beaten, and he was bound up and blindfolded, but he appeared to be mostly intact. When he sensed my proximity, Jakothon called out, "Don't trust the Redguard, my lady!" This earned the Resolute another strike across the head. "I'll help you, Mazular," I proclaimed.
193	Melina Cassel	It's a wise person who knows when to cooperate. Either that, or a weak one. But I couldn't bring myself to see Jakothon hurt any further by Mazular and his thugs. I had no idea who this Redguard was or why he contacted me, but I knew I was the only one who could save Jakothon. I just had to successfully extract a theoretical rune from its housing.
194	Melina Cassel	Mazular directed me to a wagon and pulled away the tarp that covered it, revealing a mound of fresh earth. In the mound was a runestone, a rune still embedded within its oddly shaped surface. "Free the Celerity rune from its housing and you and the Resolute can go free," Mazular said. "After you create a specific glyph for me, of course."
195	Melina Cassel	I studied the strange runestone for a few long moments. I didn't know if this was the legendary Celerity rune, but it certainly wasn't any of the usual Potency, Aspect, and Essence runes I normally deal in. I didn't know what purpose Mazular had for the rune, but I sensed that if I let him obtain it terrible things would occur.
196	Melina Cassel	Here are some new components, patron. Now let me tell you what happened with Mazular and the strange runestone. I took out my rune extracting tools and prepared to begin working on the stone. At least, I hoped that's what it looked like. I only had one chance at this, and all would be lost if Mazular realized what I was actually planning to do.
197	Melina Cassel	Instead of carefully placing the tip of my blade at the corner of the exposed rune, I drove the blade into the center of the stone with all my vampiric might. The stone cracked with a surprisingly sharp sound, immediately alerting Mazular to my treachery. Jakothon tried to break his bonds as Mazular shouted, "You will die for that, Breton wench!"
198	Melina Cassel	As I leapt back and prepared to defend myself, I watched as Mazular began to cast magic--dark magic. Skeletal warriors began to emerge from the ground, ready to do the Redguard's bidding. But do you know what the best thing about being a member of House Ravenwatch is? Help is never far from my side--help in the form of Adusa-daro and Gwendis!
199	Melina Cassel	Three vampires trained in the art of war make for devastating opponents, as Mazular al-Abec discovered that night near the Crestshade Mine. It didn't get any easier for him once I freed Jakothon Sacred-Oath and the Resolute of Stendarr joined the battle. In short order, his followers were dead and his skeletons were scattered bones.
200	Melina Cassel	Have I ever mentioned how much I hate users of dark magic? They always have a contingency plan for any situation. I guess you realize what that means. Mazular escaped. But at least he didn't get the rune he was seeking--whatever it was. Once again House Ravenwatch has saved the day. It's what we do.

Related Achievements

There is one achievement associated with this character:

Achievement		Points	Description
	A Friend in Deed	10	Help Melina Cassel build confidence by encouraging her to persevere through her struggles.