Valenwood, land of the Wood Elves

Then thou will be known as John who wouldst call Valenwood, land of the the Wood Elves, his home.

Go ye now in peace. Let thy fate be written in the elder scrolls.

"Do not fear, for it is I, Ria Silmane. John, listen to me, there are no others left to carry on this fight. You have been left in this cell to die. Jagar Tharn, Imperial Battle Mage of Tamriel, has taken on the guise of the true Emperor. He does not see you as a threat, being only a minor part of the Imperial court. In that act of arrogance, he has made his first mistake. Look to the north wall of this cell. You will find a gold key will unlock the door. Take it and make your escape. The passages here were once used by Tharn to hide treasures he had stolen from the Emperor's coffers. If you wish, you can gather enough to support yourself away from the Imperial seat. Be careful, there are many creatures which inhabit the sewers now, vile rats and goblins. It is too late for me, for I am already dead. Only my powers as a sorceress keep me between this life and the next. That power is however waning. DO not succumb to greed or you may find these tunnels to be your final resting place as well. I can still work my magic to a certain extent. If you travel west from this cell, then south, you will find a Shift Gate. It will transport you far enough from the centre of the Empire that you should be safe. If you survive these sewers, you will see me again. Remember, John, Tharn has taken on the guise of the Emperor. No one will gainsay his word for yours. I will come to you again in your dreams, so it is imperative that you rest from time to time. In that way I will be able to communicate with you and lend my aid. You are entering a dangerous arena, my friend, one in which the players are beings beyond your mortal comprehension. I do not envy your role. There is however a power within you as yet untapped. Look for me when you have gained experience in the world. You are my last and best hope."

I awakened to the drip of water from somewhere above. The cell walls were covered in slime, as were the chains which hung from above. My eye however immediately went to a strange ruby glint from the corner of my cell. In the corner, I found there was indeed a gold key that I took. I opened the door with the gold key. Stepping out my cell, the corridors seemed twisted and confusing but Ria's instructions were to go west, then south to find the Shift Gate.