- Not to be confused with Velsa Orethi or Velsa Salaron.
Velsa, born as Velsa Arendis, is a former member of the Thieves Guild who retired shortly before the failed heist in Taneth. She resides in her villa in the Flooded District of Abah's Landing. Zeira suspects that Velsa has been ratting out their info to the Iron Wheel, though after this is disproven, she agrees to rejoin the guild.
Background[]
- "Decades ago, I was Velsa Arendis of House Dres. Yes, the one built on the spoils of the slave trade. When I fled, I released dozens of slaves. Gave them gold from the house treasury. I regret not seeing the look on Mother's face. But nothing else."
- ―Velsa[src]
Decades before 2E 582, Velsa was born to Arendis family of House Dres. Her family ran a Slavery plantation, and she loathed her family's business. Velsa met Narahni, a Khajiiti slave working in the family's kitchens. They later fell in love, and made a plan to free all the plantation's slaves.[1]
Just as Velsa was making her escape with the slaves, her brother, whom Velsa considered the worst of her family, arrived at an unfortunate time. In order to ensure Velsa and the other slaves' escaped safely, Narahni went into the arms of Velsa's brother to distract him. Velsa saw this, and had mistaken Narahni for eloping with her brother. Before Narahni could get a chance to explain, Velsa left.[1]
Velsa later went on to join the Thieves Guild of Abah's Landing. After Nicolas became the Guildmaster, he elevated Velsa to a position on the Thieves Council. Walks-Softly found her to be pragmatic.[2] She later left the Thieves Guild between 2E 579 and 582, wanting nothing to do with the guild. She retired to her Villa, growing a number of plants in her garden and raising her pet Skeever, Sotha.[3][source?]
Interactions[]
Cleaning House[]
After finding Velsa in her garden, she will have a conversation with Silver-Claw. She will later assist the Vestige in infiltrating Silver-Claw's Warehouse, which has been taken over by new management. Afterward, she will rejoin the Thieves Guild.
The Long Game[]
Zeira has asked Velsa to gather intel around Abah's Landing, but she has instead gone off to No Shira Citadel to spy on the Iron Wheel. She will send the Vestige inside to find out what Cosh is up to.
A Faded Flower[]
Velsa will ask the Vestige to help investigate whether a letter she received was truly from her family. It later turns out the letter was from her old lover, Narahni.
Forever Hold Your Peace[]
Velsa can attend the wedding of Cosh and Magnifica Falorah as the Vestige's date.
Prison Break[]
Velsa will aid the Vestige in breaking Zeira out of prison.
That Which Was Lost[]
Velsa will be happy to see Narahni reunited with her son Tashmin.
Master of Heists[]
Velsa will direct the Vestige to Fa'ren-dar.
Dialogue[]
Show: Cleaning House |
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In her garden:
"You made it past my traps. You're lucky, stupid, or quite skilled. I haven't decided which. Well? My garden needs tending. Out with it, and be on your way."
Outside the warehouse: "You're here, and relatively unskewered. Next is the significantly harder part. First, we sneak into the warehouse. Next, we observe our surroundings. Finally, and this is the most important part, you do exactly what I tell you to do."
In the warehouse: "Hmph. A fool braying orders to lackeys."
Outside the Thieves Den: "I'll speak with Zeira when I'm damned well ready. Best to let her stew on what I've done."
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Show: The Long Game |
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"So, you got Silver-Claw to spill a secret. At best, a minor accomplishment. He didn't send you to that powdered hornbill, did he? "Buy a special uniform to fit in?""
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Show: A Faded Flower |
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"Took your time, didn't you? But you're here."
After being reunited with Narahni: "Is this what happiness feels like? Yes, I suppose it is."
"Narahni and I have much to discuss. Don't you have guild business, somewhere way from here?" |
Show: Master of Heists |
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"You've been busy. Did you realize you've provided the Thieves Guild with a lucrative opportunity? Probably not. It's all right, I won't even imply you're thick. That's how lucrative."
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Show: Forever Hold Your Peace |
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When deciding who to bring to the wedding as your date:
"Yes? Why are you looking at me like that?"
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Show: Prison Break |
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In the Den, if "A Faded Flower" has been completed:
"I know that look. That's your "tell Velsa to do something" look. Why do none of you believe I'm retired? I could say it slowly. "Ree. Tired." Did it stick this time?"
Outside Nicolas's cell: "Nicolas wasn't lying. I figured out all of his tells long ago. He knows where they have Zeira, which means the acting guildmaster has a decision to make about a lockpick."
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Show: That Which Was Lost |
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"What? I must have something in my eye. Mold spore or something. It's this damn cistern! Who lives in a cistern? I can't wait to get back to my garden."
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Conversations[]
- Salt Water
Velsa: "Oh, this should be good. And why is that?" Walks-Softly: "Have you ever seen what salt water does to good clothing?" Velsa: "I don't believe I have. Let's experiment." Walks-Softly: "Back! Back, I said!"
- Thief Salute
Quen: "He did the same thing to me. What do you suppose it meant?" Velsa: "I convinced him we have a "thief salute."" Quen: "You did not!"
- Zeira being happy
Velsa: "Zeira has been too happy, lately. I don't trust it." Quen: "We rescued her from the Iron Wheel. Of course she's happy." Walks-Softly: "I think Velsa is more concerned that her barbs no longer stick in Zeira's hide." Quen: "You're right, now that I think of it. It doesn't matter what Velsa says, she's just … placid." Velsa: "It won't last. It can't last, can it?"
- Thanking Velsa
Zeira: "I know, Velsa. I can't thank you enough. Velsa: "You … you what?" Zeira: "I said, "thank you." And I'll say it for the rest of your life." Velsa: "I don't know what your game is, but … stop that. It's unsettling."
- Robbing the Iron Wheel
Velsa: "Which means there are less of them around to guard their pay." Walks-Softly: "Velsa, think. If we empty their coffers completely, they can't buy passage by ship. How will they ever leave Hew's Bane?" Quen: "We leave them just enough to purchase camels?" Walks-Softly: "That could work. All right, Velsa—go over your plan once more …."
Show: Cleaning House |
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In Velsa's garden: Velsa: "Did you fall and land directly upon your skull? I... am... retired!" Silver-Claw: "Velsa! Do not make me beg. It is unbecoming of our most profitable history." Velsa: "And who is this, Silver-Claw? Who else befouls my garden?" Silver-Claw: "In all truthfulness, I have no knowledge. A friend? But... you have no friends. Beyond my humble and mercantile self, of course!" In the warehouse: Torkming: "What the …. Shor's bones, the stench! <Velsa knocks Torkming out> Velsa: "This way … hurry!" After finding the ledger: Velsa: "Someone's coming! Hide before they see you. I left a surprise in the warehouse, but it's not ready. Not yet." Iszreena: "You see? No one here. Trying to cover up for your nap?" Torkming: "Torkming is ever vigilant! There is an intruder in this warehouse!" Iszreena: "Cosh's people are on their way to inspect the warehouse. We don't have time for this nonsense!" <An explosion occurs> Torkming: "An explosion? Torkming knew something was amiss." Velsa: "Surprise, you fools. I'll collect Silver-Claw—meet us back at the Thieves Den." After completing the quest: Velsa: "You could practice thinking with your mouth closed." Zeira: "Oh joy, here she is. Velsa! I'd recognize your grating voice anywhere. How is your retirement? Seems there are some troubles from which you can't run away." Velsa: "It's very relaxing, "guildmaster." Did you know I named a weed after you? It grows taller than it should, and takes more water than its share from the plants around it." Zeira: "That's hard to believe. You were never the type of person to get your hands dirty." Velsa: "Oh, it's true! The danizeira weed thrives in the dark. I take great pleasure in cutting it down to size, every day." <Velsa leaves> Zeira: "Just as I remember her." |
Show: The Long Game |
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Upon returning to the Den: Velsa: "You see, Zeira? Your protege returns, having survived the "invulnerable" Iron Wheel. You should have more faith." Zeira: "Everyone, clear the room." |
Show: A Flawless Plan |
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In the Den: Velsa: "Back to the tomb? Your plan is to relive the guild's greatest failure?" Zeira: "My plan is to get the Iron Wheel's boot off our necks!" After speaking with Zeira: Quen: "Off to find Percius Loche. Meet you there, partner." Zeira: "Everyone else, pack for a long journey. I'll bring us home safe and sound." Velsa: "More promises you can't keep." In the room with the pillars: Quen: "How are we supposed to get through?" Velsa: "Ask Zeira. She knows how to do everything in this place, unless it's stealing a dowry." Zeira: "No idea. Last time, Nicolas had me watch the passage behind us. There must be something in his journal." Walks-Softly: "Anything useful?" Zeira: "Nicolas loved his puzzles. You're welcome to try." At Shinji's Truth: Zeira: "The journal says this chasm is called ""Shinji's Truth."" Last time, we never made it across." Quen: "I can't see the bottom. Is there a bottom?" Velsa: "Throw yourself in. We'll see how long before we hear the splat." Zeira: "Quen, Walks-Softly—look for hidden doors or switches. Velsa, you're with me. I need your help to walk Malooc's Path." Velsa: "And what of your protege?" Zeira: "Watching my back, should anyone try to stab it. Let's go." In the room with the darkness: Zeira: "Forgive me, my old friends. Velsa: "What did you say? Zeira: "Nothing. Velsa, do you see that panel? Put your hand on it until I say otherwise." Velsa: "For what reason?" Zeira: "When I set foot on Malooc's Path, an aura of light will surround me. The darkness cannot harm us as long as you touch the panel." Velsa: "So … what can harm you?" Zeira: "We could fall to our deaths. Or the creatures within could devour us." Velsa: "Well, then. Enjoy yourselves." Zeira: "Velsa knows what to do. But we should speak before we cross." While traversing the darkness: Velsa: "Are you there yet?" Zeira: "We're still moving! Keep holding the panel!" Velsa: "Zeira? My arm's getting tired!" Zeira: "Don't you dare release that panel!" Velsa: "Zeira! One of the statues gave me a funny look! Zeira: "Don't antagonize it!" Upon returning to her with Tall Papa's Ashes: Zeira: "Velsa? You can let go of the panel." Velsa: "I know what you did." Zeira: "What?" Velsa: "I know how they died. How you killed them." Zeira: "That's low, Velsa. Even for you." Velsa: "Always had to be the hero. Be the guildmaster's darling." Zeira: "You're cracked. I didn't need anyone's approval." Velsa: "You held the panel. From here you saw the creatures, closing in. You thought you could save them. Only you. So you released the panel. Grabbed your weapon. Rushed out to meet them." Zeira: "I could have saved them!" Velsa: "Because in your head, you are the hero. But the light faded. The darkness rushed in, and ate them alive." Zeira: "I tried to reach them!" Velsa: "And the darkness tried to eat you alive. So you had to recover from your wounds. That's why you didn't return to Abah's Landing—at least, not soon enough." Zeira: "I crawled from the tomb. The darkness … you can't imagine the pain …." Velsa: "You were the only one who could have warned the guild. Who could tell them the Iron Wheel was coming." Zeira: "Velsa … stop." Velsa: "Zeira … you were never the hero—you were always a thief. Now? You're just a shadow." After returning to Shinji's Truth with Tall Papa's Ashes: Walks-Softly: "Quen, it's a bad idea." Velsa: "Words escape me." Zeira: "Someone, tell me what I'm seeing." Walks-Softly: "We heard strange noises in the chasm. Stone grinding against stone. Quen, well …." Quen: "I found this invisible bridge!" Velsa: "So you followed my advice and threw yourself in the chasm." Zeira: "The ashes! Spread them on the bridge to see where it leads. And Quen, get back from there." In the room with Lakayd the Repentant: Quen: "Do all crypts come with … whatever that is?" Velsa: ""Every tomb needs a guardian." An old Yokudan saying, wasn't it?" Lakayd the Repentant: "Your introduction is formless and without grace. Recite Danobia's maxim!" Walks-Softly: "That's alarming." Zeira: "Velsa, Quen, Walks-Softly—stay back! If it's hostile, we'll handle it." Lakayd the Repentant: "Recite Danobia's maxim, or you shall be deemed trespassers!" Zeira: "It must be some kind of pass-phrase! If you have any ideas, now's the time to call them out!" Velsa: "You can't seriously expect us to—" Walks-Softly: ""Pass-phrase!"" Quen: ""Yokuda!"" Walks-Softly: ""Gaiden Shinji!"" Velsa: "Idiots!" Walks-Softly: "Velsa, you aren't even trying." Lakayd the Repentant: "Trespasser! Danobia's justice falls upon you!" After killing Lakayd the Repentant: Zeira: "That didn't go as planned." Velsa: "You're right. I honestly thought it would kill us all." Zeira: "Come on. Let's see what's in the treasure vaults." |
Show: A Faded Flower |
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Velsa: "Did you find out who sent that letter? Not that I was overly concerned …." Narahni: "Someone who lacked the courage to sign their name, but now wants to make amends." Velsa: "Narahni! Is it really you? Just the sight of you opens old wounds …." Narahni: "Oh, Velsa. I know what you saw, what you must have thought. This one never meant to hurt you." Velsa: "I saw you in my brother's arms! He was the worst of my family! How could you?" Narahni: "He arrived at exactly the wrong moment. I had to do something or our entire plan would have failed." Velsa: "You … you didn't betray us? You … did that for … me?" Narahni: "It was the only way to guarantee your escape." Velsa: "I let the years flow by without giving you a chance to explain. What a waste! But I'll make it up to you. I'll keep you safe." |
Show: Forever Hold Your Peace |
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In the den, after stealing the invitation:
Zeira: "Velsa, for the third time—I hear your concerns." Velsa: "And ignore them, at your peril." Walks-Softly: "Well, I'm in. A wedding at Hubalajad Palace? Just imagine the spread!" |
Show: Prison Break |
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In the den, before speaking to Silver-Claw:
Velsa: "Silver-Claw, stop pacing! You'll wear a rut in the floor." Silver-Claw: "It helps me think! Now, where is the guildmaster? Or acting guildmaster? Or whatever you call it?" Velsa: "Look who's here! Your long wait is over." After speaking to Silver-Claw: Quen: "We know where Zeira is? Are we going to rescue her?" Velsa: "What do you mean "we?" I'm retired." Quen: "Zeira would do the same for any of us. Even you, Velsa." Walks-Softly. "The least we can do is hear out our acting guildmaster. So what is the plan?" Outside Nicolas's cell: Nicolas: "Ah, Walks-Softly. So good to see you again. How have you been?" Walks-Softly. "Hunted. Missing too many dead friends." Nicolas: "And Velsa as well? I thought you'd retired!" Velsa: "And I thought you were dead. Seems we were both disappointed." Nicolas: "And … who are you? I don't believe we've met." Quen: "I'm someone who knows better than to listen to your lies." Outside Zeira's cell: Quen: "Chief Inspector Rhanbiq?" Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "The other thief? Surrender, all of you! The Iron Wheel is relentless. We serve a higher calling than gold or riches." <Velsa knocks Rhanbiq unconscious> Velsa: "What? He seemed the type to talk all day." Quen: "Zeira! You aren't the only prisoner we freed. They're on shore and itching to come back to the Thieves Guild." Velsa: "Yes, yes. A charming reunion. Open the cage so we can go." After freeing Zeira: Zeira: "Everyone, listen up! Quen, good work freeing the prisoners. There are a few more on this ship—break them out and send them topside." Quen: "Yes ma'am!" Zeira: "Good. We'll need them to strip this vessel and the docks of whatever they can carry. Velsa? Velsa: "Don't bark orders at me. I'll set traps near the prison door. Slow down any Iron Wheel come to check on the ship." Zeira: "Good thinking, Velsa. Everyone, be quick about your work. Don't linger or we'll end up back in a cell. Once you have all you can carry, grab a boat and row hard for Abah's Landing. Let's go!" After finishing the quest: Zeira: "As for the rest of you—I'm naming you as part of my Thieves Council. I'll need those I can trust in the coming months. Yes, even Velsa. "Councilor emeritus," if it suits you." Walks-Softly: "This calls for a drink. Or five. Where's Andarri?" Velsa: "Huzzah. Meaningless titles." Quen: "Don't be so … well, you." Malizah: "My apologies for interrupting. Your … "Lord Thrag" escorted me here? Magnifica Falorah requests Zeira call upon her at the earliest convenience." Zeira: "I'll have to celebrate later. Opportunity waits for none of us, whatever title we have." Velsa: "What would you have us do? Stare at one another until your return?" Quen: "What does it matter to you? Aren't you retired?" Velsa: "Semi-retired. And what would you suggest? Hold hands and sing songs?" Quen: "Hardly. The only tune you know is "grating."" Velsa: "I think I'm starting to like you." |
Show: That Which Was Lost |
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After talking to Narahni:
Velsa: "Narahni, you should have told me. Of course I'll find your son!" Narahni: "Oh no! This one doesn't want to be left alone to worry about you and Tashmin. Please. Stay here with me." Velsa: "Of course. Our friend here is capable of finding Tashmin. Everything will be all right." Upon Tashmin's return Tashmin: "Is that … my mother? This one never should have stayed away so long." Narahni: "Oh, happiness, oh, joy! First Velsa and now my Tashmin." Velsa: "Your mother has missed you. Welcome to our home, Tashmin." Narahni: "We have so much to catch up on, my dear, sweet son. Come, let us talk." |
Quotes[]
- Cleaning House
- "Follow me, and keep quiet!" – Before entering the warehouse
- "Over here! Quickly, before we're seen!" – On the way to Silver-Claw's office
- A Flawless Plan
- "If three of us survive, we'll be a greater success than the previous failed attempt. 'Progress.'" — Outside of Prince's Gate
- "See how the Iron Wheel litters their camp with traps? Or perhaps you don't. Try not to die out there." — At the tomb
- "We barely made it here alive, yet someone else slipped past the crypt's guardian? Something's off." — In the vault
- "Let me see that. Nicolas used half-maps like this—thin overlays placed atop existing maps. You line them up with common points of reference." — Upon examining the coded map
- A Faded Flower
- "Narahni, you must be tired after the journey. Relax and we'll talk later. I know we have so much to tell each other." – After completing the quest
- Prison Break
- "My distractions worked, as expected. I'll stick to the shadows for now." – Upon entering No Shira Citadel
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dialogue with Velsa
- ↑ Meet the Character ― Zeira
- ↑ Events of The Elder Scrolls Online: Thieves Guild