Protected, no longer; Chapter 14

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    Chapter 14

     

    His cousin had taken him on the fieldtrip and camping by Mirane’s permission. Ce’vale wanted to know some things and there they were sitting around the campfire by the nearby river.

     

    “How is your alchemy coming along?” Ce’vale asked as he roasted their food on the campfire. His cousin seemed to be tired. He hadn’t dared to ask about Maltrys – he knew things were getting complicated at Ciel’nn’s home.

     

    “I’m getting there. I can make better health potions now, but I also want to… make more poisons.” Ciel’nn replied before taking a sip from his bottle. It was a bit bitter, but he was getting used to it. He was glad to be out of the home where he felt like choking every day since Maltrys spent more time at home.

     

    “I see. I heard he almost had a stroke or something.” Ce’vale said carefully as he looked at his younger cousin. “Well, I’ll see what I can do about the poisons.” he added in a low tone. “What about an alchemy book, hm? I’m sure they have some of those in Mournhold.” He smiled like he had some mischief in his mind.

     

    “That’d be great!” Ciel’nn smiled in excitement.

     

     

     

    The trek to the Riften gates had been full of agony as his shoulder burned. He had been barely conscious and he had passed out in front of the guards, who were suspicious. They demanded an entrance fee even though Ciel’nn was badly wounded, and his left arm was soaked in blood.

     

    The young warrior gritted his teeth and he narrowed his eyes. “The only payment is a black eye if you won’t let us in. We have an urgent message for the Jarl, too.” Rangalen hissed while he tried to hold Ciel’nn at his side. “So, what’s it going to be?” So this is Riften, huh? One kind of a skeever hole it is. His free hand turned into a fist. His patience was running out – they wouldn’t be staying out tonight, not if he had any words to say against it. He was angry enough to punch one of the guards if they didn’t choose their words carefully.

     

    To punch he’d have to lay Ciel’nn on the ground and that he didn’t want to do.

     

    The guards glanced at each other. They were facing a Nord – they were Nords themselves, but they had their orders. “To the Jarl, you say?” It wouldn’t be good if the Jarl heard word of their “gate fee”. No, that’d be a messy business. “You may go. Just be quiet about this. I’ll open the gate.”

     

    “We’ll see.” The young warrior shot an icy stare at the guard and proceeded through the gates into the city. “Hold on, Ciel’nn.” he whispered as raised the Dunmer onto his arms and he carried him further in.

     

    “Can anyone point me to the healer?” Rangalen asked a Nord woman who happened to be closer than anyone else.

     

    “I can help. You can take him to the Temple of Mara. Dinya Balu might be able to help,” she said. “I’m Mjoll the Lioness by the way. Poor elf, what happened?” Mjoll continued as they were hurried towards the Temple.

     

    “Rangalen Mistgaze. We ran into nasty bandits.” the young warrior replied. He climbed the stairs while he held the Dunmer carefully against him, being careful not to wound the shoulder even more. His concern was taking new heights by each wasted second. Ciel’nn needed immediate healing and if he wouldn’t get it soon… Someone would have to pay for it!

     

    Approaching at the doors Mjoll the Lioness pushed them open and let the young warrior carry the Dunmer in. There weren’t many people inside which was good. He saw a Dunmer Priestess coming towards him. Rangalen nodded. “My friend needs healing.” he stated and then glanced at Mjoll. “Thank you for your help.” He received Mjoll’s warm smile and a nod before she left the temple.

     

    “I am Priestess Dinya Balu. I can help. Follow me.” Dinya came forward and said motioned the young warrior to follow her. “We don’t have any other beds than mine and my husbands, but it will be fine.”

     

    It took both Dinya and her husband Maramal’s restoration abilities to seal and heal the wound, but Dinya said it would take time to heal properly. They put Ciel’nn on Maramal’s bed to sleep while the man himself would sleep on one of the benches in the hall.

     

    Rangalen sighed and felt partial relief now that the immediate threat was gone. He had gone to the Jarl and gave her the news from Shor’s Stone. Discreetly he mentioned about the troublesome guards at the gates and that they should be changed to some more truthful and loyal to the Jarl herself.

     

    He had to ask the way to the Alchemist store to buy some potions with the little septims he had. Maybe I should wait till he wakes up and visit there together.

     

    By the time the young warrior had returned back to the Temple, he found Ciel’nn still asleep and Dinya casting another healing spell on the Dunmer. A deeper concern struck Rangalen as he walked closer towards them. “How is he?” he asked carefully.

     

    The priestess looked up at the Nord. “I don’t know when he’s going to wake up. I can’t reach him, but he’s shoulder is healing well. To give it time to heal – you’d have to stay in here for a couple more of days.” she said in a calm tone. “It will leave a scar though.”

     

    “I see. A couple of days… He’s not going to like it,” Rangalen frowned, “but it will have to do. Thank you for all the help.” he added as he watched the Priestess standing up and placing her hand on his.

     

    “Mara will watch over him as he has you beside him.” Dinya smiled warmly before she headed towards the hall to tend whatever tasks she had to do.

     

    The young warrior stood for a while, watching the sleeping Dunmer, before he took a seat next to the bed. He couldn’t help but blame himself, and the sting of guilt was hard. He should have been there and fighting with the Dunmer. He should’ve… He leaned closer and gently brushed a stray hair aside from the Dunmer’s face. Rangalen couldn’t say if Ciel’nn’s face was calm or hurt, perhaps it was both. “I’m sorry, Ciel’nn.” he whispered quietly. “I hope you’ll recover soon.” He pulled away, and settled to read a book called ‘Amongst the Draugr’.

     

    Stirring awake, he didn’t feel the pain anymore. Shifting lightly in the bed, Ciel’nn eyed the room while he was still lying down. Where am I now? Where’s Rangalen? It was quiet and he turned his head to see the young warrior, who leaned slightly towards him and smiled.

     

    “Thank the Gods! you’re awake, Ciel’nn. How do you feel?” Rangalen said in a soft tone. He turned to take a goblet of water. “Here, drink.” He helped the Dunmer drink a bit as he knew Ciel’nn’s throat was always sore after a day’s rest.

     

    The water tasted good as he drank some of it and his throat wasn’t dry anymore. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. What happened?” Ciel’nn couldn’t remember much, the whole trek was partly dark. “Where are we?” They were somewhere safe, he knew as much as he trusted the Nord. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt him either. Ciel’nn saw that now. It was a comforting thought.

     

    “That’s good to hear.” the young warrior replied. “You collapsed when we reached the gates. We’re at the Temple of Mara at Riften. You have slept for three days.” Rangalen continued as he put the goblet aside and he heard the Dunmer groan. “The priestess said you’d be fine in a couple days. That was two days ago. We can leave if you feel completely fine and well by tomorrow.”

     

    Actually he wanted to be sure that Ciel’nn was completely healed and well before they could leave. The young warrior wouldn’t have his friend not fully healed on the road, not on his watch.

     

    He heard the Nord’s defining message, ‘not leaving until you’re healed properly’. Ciel’nn felt better, though his shoulder was sensitive where the cut was. It was going to leave a scar and it bugged him a lot. He might just rest all day till tomorrow. “Fine. Since you’re on watch, can you get me something to eat, if you don’t mind.” he smirked as he leaned against the head of the bed.

     

    “You must be starving. I’ll get you something.” the young warrior said putting out a look as if he had forgotten something. “I’ll be back soon.” he lightly touched the Dunmer’s shoulder before leaving the room.

     

    Ciel’nn was reading a book called ‘The Cake and the Diamond’ when a man entered the room. His eyes shifted up from the book. You gotta be kidding me! The red eyes narrowed at the man.

     

    “I heard you were recovering. That is good.” the man said with a slight smile, trying to be a charming.

     

    “What do you want, Brynjolf?” Ciel’nn hissed in a low tone as his grip on the book tightened. He knew what the man wanted though and couldn’t believe he was here. He had the gall to come and see him while he was still recovering. By instinct his other hand sought for his dagger.

     

    “No need to be so hostile, Ciel’nn. I just wanted to see if you’re alright. And, if you have reconsidered my offer?” Brynjolf took a step closer, looking down at the Dunmer with that smug grin. “You could be a fine addition in our merry band. A handsome addition, too.”

     

    “S’wit! The answer is still no!” Ciel’nn snapped. He started to feel uncomfortable in that man’s presence. He was an assassin, not a filthy thief. “I have not the slightest interest to join in that dirty family of yours.” I wish Rangalen would come back soon.

     

    Brynjolf didn’t make a move to leave; he just leaned against the back of the bed and stared at the Dunmer who stared back at him with cold eyes.

     

    “Who in Oblivion are you and what are you doing here?” asked the young warrior as he grabbed Brynjolf by his arm and pushed him towards the door. “You’re disturbing his rest. Leave now!”

     

    “Whoa, calm down, fellow Nord. I’m only here to ask your handsome – “Brynjolf said as he tried to get out of the firm grip.

     

    “I already said no.” Ciel’nn snarled. “He’s bothering me, Rangalen.” he complained in the form of a cry out for a help. “Punch him if it help any.”

     

    Rangalen narrowed his eyes when he heard the Dunmer’s words. So this man had bothered his friend before and kept at it. It has to stop now. He stepped closer to face the man. He may be young, but no one bothers his friends – especially this Dunmer here. “You heard him, skeever. Get out. Now.” he said evenly, stepping closer.

     

    “Alright, alright. I get it. I’m going. No need to be so hostile.” Brynjolf turned towards the door and glanced at Ciel’nn, but the young warrior blocked his view.

     

    “And, don’t show your face to us again.” Rangalen said aloud and watched the man skulking away. He watched till Brynjolf was out of the Temple. Only then did the young warrior go to fetch the food palette he had left at the nearby table and returned to the room.

     

    “You called him a skeever?” Ciel’nn chuckled as the young warrior laid down the palette on the side table. “A skeever. That must have hurt his feelings. Not that I care.” He was starving and actually joyful to have the Nord back in the room with food.

     

    Rangalen sat down on the chair and watched Ciel’nn starting to eat. “You don’t think he’s… handsome?” He frowned slightly. It was good to see the Dunmer in good spirits and eating for a change instead of sleeping all day. “Who was he anyway?”

     

    “Brynjolf from the Thieves guild. And, no. You can call him a skeever all you like. I think you’re far better looking than him anyway.” Ciel’nn replied casually as he took a bite from his steak. It was delicious! Though he’d change the seasoning a bit. “Thank you for the food. I was starving.”

     

    Better looking… It was a compliment to be sure. He felt a light flush coming on his face and Rangalen averted his gaze a bit. They were friends, he knew that. It was better to keep it that way. He looked at the Dunmer with a smile. “You’re welcome.”

     

    Ciel’nn looked up at the Nord and smirked. “We need to ask someone about Skawulf before we leave tomorrow. If they know any better.”

     

    “Sure, would you like to visit the Alchemy store too?” Rangalen asked as he took his mead bottle and opened it. The Dunmer nodded to him.

     

    “Now that we are here – absolutely!”

     

     

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Comments

7 Comments   |   GailOlm and 6 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  March 17, 2018
    Damn! Will men just leave Ciel'nn alone! Brynjolf keep yer paws off the lad. Glad he got told off. 
  • ilanisilver
    ilanisilver   ·  February 23, 2018
    More handsome than Brynjolf? That’s a great looking man, then. :)
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  February 15, 2018
    "Punch him if it helps any." Lol :D Yeah, I sympathise. The pains I take to avoid that guy and his disingenuous assertions while in Riften is beyond a joke. Been a while since I hit him, but that is now on my to do list again :D Also, I like Ciel'nn's pri...  more
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  November 17, 2017
    Snitches get stitches, Rangalen! >:|

    In all seriousness, I don't think much is going to get done with the guards' little toll racket unless Maven Black-Briar told the Jarl to do something about them.
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  July 20, 2017
    Heh, poor Brynjolf, getting so burned there :D
  • Tenebrous
    Tenebrous   ·  May 23, 2017
    You've nailed how annoying I find Brynjolf when not playing a Thieves Guild character... Nice work!
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  May 20, 2017
    Poor Ciel'nn. It sure sounds like he got a nasty wound. At least Rangalen was nearby and able to get some help once they got to Riften. I loved the dialogue with the guards at the entrance to Riften and also the conversation with Brynjolf. I could hear Br...  more