Protected, no longer; Chapter 39 (Final)

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    Chapter 39 (Final)

     

    Ciel’nn was studying new alchemy recipes while sipping his tea. He had found a new book for advanced poisons which had peaked his interest, but his focus wasn’t sharp. It was as if something was bothering him.

    He was waiting for Ce’vale to come back from a mission for the Morag Tong. Usually his cousin would send a letter, or a note saying if he’d be delayed, so Ciel’nn wouldn’t worry too much. But, it had been more than a few days now and not a single word from Ce’vale. Maybe it’s nothing, Ciel’nn thought. He’d wait a few days more.

    When he didn’t hear from his cousin for a week, Ciel’nn decided to go and find out. He packed his things into a backpack and headed out. He also had this dreadful feeling of something gone awry. He couldn’t explain why, but it made him worried beyond reason.

    Ciel’nn decided to ask one person, who he knew had contacts with the Morag Tong. Someone had to know something.





    The Thalmor Embassy wasn’t a lot to look at. It looked small to Ciel’nn when he laid his narrowed eyes on it. A part of him was excited and thrilled on the prospect of doing what he did best and another part of him was slightly anxious and afraid. This wasn’t normally what he did, but Ciel’nn had a plan of how to proceed and get to the two mer who were responsible for the Nord’s death. He gritted his teeth whenever he thought about it. I’ll avenge your death, friend.

    Avenge… It was first time he was going to do so. The first time he was able to do it.

    Ciel’nn ducked himself into a small place to hide for the time being and he listened if the ruckus had caused an alarm, but so far it was quiet. He had successfully fooled the gate guard in the disguise of a Thalmor agent in robes. It was cold and he was shaking while he thought of his next move. The inner courtyard had more guards undoubtedly, but it was also night time - he’d use the shadows.

    Approaching the inner courtyard, Ciel’nn tried to move as casually as The Thalmor Agents he’d seen walking - proud and confident. He had to keep his head a bit lower even if the hood covered his head and hid it in the hood’s shadow. He strolled between a wizard and a soldier, coughing abruptly. “Have you caught a cold, friend?” he heard the Wizard asking him. Ciel’nn nodded shortly. “I’m afraid so.” The altmer frowned. “Your voice is…” The Dunmer nearly froze in his place as he eyed the people around. His heart was racing.

    For Rang.

    In a fluid motion, Ciel’nn stabbed the wizard in the abdomen with his poison coated dagger. His free hand pulled out his sword, also poisoned with a magicka sapping effect. It would be a short time before another wizard would rush in. The wizard grunted in surprise and fell down, whimpering. Ciel’nn turned to the soldier nearby and deflected his assault, countering it with quick side slash.

    Ciel’nn’s mind was dark while he ended the lives of the Altmer. He was on a spree and screams of agony were soothing music for him. His moves were precise and liquid movements. It was like as if Mephala guided him in his darkness. Ciel’nn wasn’t sure. His mind was set to kill the next Altmer soldier, while he waited for the wizard to appear.

    A spell hit his back, making the Dunmer stagger and groan in a deep tone. His disguise had caught fire and Ciel’nn had to work fast to get rid of it by sheathing his blades for a brief moment as he took the robes off him, then tossing them at the wizard. Ciel’nn dived into a roll on the side and got up with his blades ready, scowling.

    The fight with the wizard was trying. His body was hurting from the fire spells that were thrown at him. Still, he struggled moving towards the wizard with his teeth gritted together. The wizard snarled something about Altmer superiority, but it only fueled Ciel’nn’s hatred and he pressed on. He smelled his netch armor charring… The Dunmer made a wild last dash with his dagger ready and let his blade sink into the wizard’s side, twisting it.

    Breathing fast, Ciel’nn took a deep breath and continued his killing spree. Elewen and Ancano wouldn’t be far away now - a dark smile spread on the Dunmer’s face. He approached the last building, taking a wild guess where the two Altmer were. Ciel’nn took a health potion and drank it. It wouldn’t be enough to heal the burns and cuts; there would be time for that later. He glanced quickly around if there was more to fight but he was alone for the time being.  He used that time for re-poisoning his dagger with the oldest poisons he’d made and the tip of his sword with a paralyzing poison. These two promised a great deal of agony.

    Lock-picking the front door caused some problems for the Dunmer and he cursed in his mind while his fingers were cold. He managed to open it after several attempts and slipped in quietly.

    To Ciel’nn’s delight, the hall was empty so he thought the pair of Altmer were upstairs. Probably enjoying each other’s company. Still, he crept across the hall in caution and found the stairs. The second floor had one single guard and the Dunmer crept closer, using the shadows as his cover. The guard yawned as if he was bored and failed to see the figure that sneaked upon him, slitting his throat. He was quietly laid down by Ciel’nn, who then listened in next to the door.

    “He had killed many of the patrols and it’s causing harm in our project. It’s an insult!” A female Altmer’s voice said.

    “Elewen dear, we shall celebrate when the rascal is dead. Then, we’ll go after his friend.” A male Altmer voice replied. “Where is my nephew by the way? He should be here by now.”

    “You sent your own nephew to kill the rascal?”

    “He’s completed his training in assassination. There shouldn’t be problems.”

    “Oh, Ancano dear, you’re so cruel, even to your own family.”

    “Anything to please you, my dear.” To this Elewen laughed.

    The two Altmer were about to kiss each other, when Ciel’nn entered the room. Their nearly surprised faces greeted him which he enjoyed and he greeted them in turn with a darkened expression. It felt an eternity before anyone moved.

    Ancano shook off his surprise and moved in front of Elewen. “I’ll have him!” He prepared his fire spell while the Dunmer had moved against him and slashed Ancano’s hand. “Ha! Just a cut!” he sneered at the Dunmer and extended his hand to cast the fireball at him.

    Ciel’nn groaned as he fell to one knee, gritting his teeth together. It hurt so much that he thought he’d be not able to move. Not fire again… He’d need a new set of netch armor at this rate. He listened to Ancano’s sneers until he heard him gasping and struggling. “What did you… Argh!” He heard Ancano collapsing to the floor, screaming in agony. “Elewen!” Ciel’nn smirked as the poison had started to work. “Your nephew is dead!” Ciel’nn stated the fact for the agent and his only reply was more screaming, perhaps in anger, but more in agony.

    The head ambassador didn’t move to help Ancano, but her expression told Ciel’nn that she indeed cared for the fool of the agent. Elewen’s eyes fixed on the Dunmer, who stared at her. “You… you should be dead!” she said in a stern tone. “I’ll finish you myself!” The Ambassador prepared her lightning spell.

    The Dunmer felt something cracking inside him. “My friend died because of you! He died by protecting me, N’wah! Now you both shall die!” Ciel’nn shouted in such fury as if the Red Mountain had erupted again. He took a step to dash towards Elewen, but was stopped by her lightning bolt. It took his breath away from him as he collapsed on the floor while they both heard Ancano’s screaming slowly quieting down. The poison had spread in the mer’s system; he’ll not be a problem anymore.

    I refuse to die here and like this. I should get up before she -

    Then get up and finish your work.  

    Ciel’nn wasn’t sure if he heard right; maybe he was finally losing it. Cousin?

    Get up and finish your work. The voice sounded familiar and it demanded him to act.



    “Ancano! Answer me!” Elewen shouted, but the Agent didn’t reply. “Ancano..? Tch. Useless!”

    Ciel’nn shifted slowly in his place, moved his legs closer to him and pushed himself up. He let out a dark chuckle and looked to a puzzled Elewen while he let out a sheeting hiss. His gaze darkened when the Ambassador’s mouth went into a thin line, readying herself to cast another spell.

    The Ambassador extended her arm to cast, but the Dunmer was faster and tackled her on the floor. Ciel’nn’s dagger hovered above Elewen’s horrified face. “Aw, look at you, Ambassador. Frightened as a small rat in the midst of the cliff-racers.” He purred darkly. Then his face grew dark and serious as he shifted his dagger and he stabbed slowly at her side, close to the vital parts. Ciel’nn felt her body fighting against the old and potent poison. He backed away and got back on his feet, wincing.

    Elewen tried to scream, but her voice was stuck as the poison began to spread through her system. It was a virulent one; it crept through her veins. Tears rolled down her cheek as her body went through shocks as each section of her system shut down, nearing her heart.

    Watching the silent agony of the Ambassador, Ciel’nn was content to look as it happened. He was content for his work even if his body ached. Being starkly aware of the fact he shouldn’t linger here for long, he took a potion and drank it. He glanced around the room absently before he looked at Elewen again. Not long to go, Rang. That poison, I made it myself.

    The door was busted open and Ondolemar stared at the scene before him, startling the Dunmer in the process. “What in Auri-El’s name?!” Ondolemar frowned deeply at the smaller mer. The Altmer witnessed Elewen taking her last breath while Ancano was already gone. But, why was Ancano with her? Wasn’t Elewen his lover?

    Ciel’nn’s self-preservation instincts kicked in and he rushed towards the Altmer at the door, pushing him away with all his strength. He heard Ondolemar cursing behind him as he dashed along the corridor. Find a room with a window. He winced in pain. By Azura! It hurts so much. If only I can get out of here…

    He came by a room that door was ajar and he quickly peeked in. The room had a window that seemed to be breakable. Hurrying inside, Ciel’nn was certain Ondolemar was coming after him.

    “You’ll not get away with this, dark elf!” Ondolemar’s angered voice echoed in the night. “I’ll not rest until I have you and make you pay! You will pay, do you hear me?! I will hunt you!”

    His sight was blacking out and came again as Ciel’nn crawled in the snow. He had no strength in him and he was crawling by sheer willpower and survival instinct. Every muscle of his body was on fire and screaming for rest, healing. He had gotten several cuts that were bleeding.  It’s done, friend… It’s so cold. Ciel’nn wanted to rest, but he tried to crawl further.

    I’m so tired…

    Darkness came over him as he stopped moving as his eyes slowly closed.





    How many times have I been rescued? Ciel’nn had no idea, but he was rescued by an Imperial scout called Taranal, who was a friend of Sarade, and one of her rangers. Taranal had brought him to the ranger lodge that was hidden from plain sight. Ciel’nn had been cautious of the Imperial being an Imperial, but the man had assured him that he only followed Sarade’s words. “We rangers have more important things to do than do the Jarl’s bidding and other mundane matters.”

    Once properly healed, Ciel’nn headed to Windhelm intending to attend the young warrior’s funeral, but when he reached the city he was told he had missed the ceremony by a week. This was upsetting for the Dunmer and  he asked where the grave was. Ciel’nn followed the man called Snow-Claw, who was the young warrior’s friend. “I’ll miss him, too.” The man said, patting the mer’s shoulder before leaving him in peace. Ciel’nn bit his lower lip as he thought of what to say. In fact he had a lot to say, but he had difficulty to keep it together.

    I’m sorry I’m late, friend. I came to say goodbye before I leave. Ciel’nn was quiet for a moment while tears rolled down his cheeks. I wonder what the Hall of Heroes is like. Maybe it’s bigger than a Jarl’s long-house, I don’t know… I’m going to miss you, Rang. I meant to come back to check on you after I ‘d return from Morrowind, but now… I don’t really know! I don’t know if I can handle it. It hurts too much.

    If you see Tellik there, cut his head off. It’s damn ugly... I’m leaving now, and who knows if I’ll ever come back later. Only Azura knows. Goodbye, Rangalen. You were the best friend I ever had. Ciel’nn put a nightshade on the grave and waited a moment before turning away.

     



    Having packed the things he needed for the return trip and saying goodbye to the Dunmer of Gnisis Corner Club, Ciel’nn headed to the docks in the evening. It was snowing and he took a deep breath. He was walked down the stairs when he heard a female voice behind him.

    “Leaving without saying a goodbye?”

    Ciel’nn swallowed as he turned slowly to face the woman. “Sarade…”

    The Huntress walked to him. There was no need of words between them. Sarade knew what had had happened and she looked to be in mourning as he did. Ciel’nn had to bite his lower lip to burst to cry, though Sarade took him into an embrace as she knelt down. She let him hug her back and lay his head on her shoulder. “It’s alright, Ciel’nn.” The huntress whispered gently brushing his back. “I miss him, too.” She looked to the Dunmer. “When things are calmer here, you may safely visit again.” Sarade smiled, but Ciel’nn managed only to shrug. “Well, only you know when you’re ready. Safe journey, friend.” May Kyne watch over your journey, Ciel’nn.

    “Sera.” Ciel’nn said quietly, nodding. He turned around and walked to the Captain to pay for his trip to Raven Rock. He went to his seat, his lower lip trembling and sat down while the crew prepared the boat for the journey. He couldn’t look at Sarade for the last time, but he was certain she was watching him. She had been a good friend and Ciel'nn was going to miss her, too.

    It was then when they departed from the harbor, Ciel’nn broke down in tears, while he curled lower, covering his face and cried inconsolably. He’d lost another friend, who was dear to him and all that had happened before - it had broken him into the pieces. He hadn’t wanted to feel like this ever again.

     

    Back to ToC

     Next: Where the Roots lie

    Note: Thank you everyone for reading! <3 Special thanks to my proof-reader, you know who you are! <3

Comments

17 Comments   |   HaggisHunter and 6 others like this.
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  February 28, 2019
    Well now. After finally recovering from the previous chapter, I'm going to need time to process that ending. I liked his words to Elenwen - "a rat amidst the cliff racers - that was a, cool scene! And the poor dude at the end, too sad to look the Dragonbo...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Paws
      Paws
      Paws
      Well now. After finally recovering from the previous chapter, I'm going to need time to process that ending. I liked his words to Elenwen - "a rat amidst the cliff racers - that was a, cool scene! And the poor dude at the end, too sad to look the Dragonbo...  more
        ·  February 28, 2019
      Thank you so much for reading, Paws! I'm glad you found some scenes that you can like. :) Yes, there are cruel hand of despair always near by him. o:
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  July 1, 2018
    Awesome story Caladran. How does it feel bringing this to such a great closure?
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Awesome story Caladran. How does it feel bringing this to such a great closure?
        ·  July 1, 2018
      Thank you for reading! I'm still sad that it's finished, but it did feel awesome to write such story. :)
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  April 21, 2018
    Well, there you have it, Rang got his closure.  Awesome that you finished this, Caladran and I'm glad I read it. I've got some proofing to do for the Lorc, but I'll jump on the next story soon. Congratulations!
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      The Long-Chapper
      The Long-Chapper
      The Long-Chapper
      Well, there you have it, Rang got his closure.  Awesome that you finished this, Caladran and I'm glad I read it. I've got some proofing to do for the Lorc, but I'll jump on the next story soon. Congratulations!
        ·  April 21, 2018
      Thank you so much for reading! I loved every comment you wrote.  Comments gives me life. It was a struggle to write at some points where I was close to quitting.  I'm glad to got it finished though. :)
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  March 7, 2018
    Good to see Ciel get his revenge so swiftly. Almost wish it dragged out longer, with him serving up a colder dish. But still, it's done. Sad as the chapter might be, I did chuckle a bit at Ciel'nn's lines about Sovngarde. I can imagine Tellik and Rang due...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      The Sunflower Manual
      The Sunflower Manual
      The Sunflower Manual
      Good to see Ciel get his revenge so swiftly. Almost wish it dragged out longer, with him serving up a colder dish. But still, it's done. Sad as the chapter might be, I did chuckle a bit at Ciel'nn's lines about Sovngarde. I can imagine Tellik and Rang due...  more
        ·  March 8, 2018
      Thank you for reading! I'd think Rang and Tellik duel endlessly there, too. :D
  • ilanisilver
    ilanisilver   ·  March 7, 2018
    Poor guy. Loved the scene at the embassy. Very bittersweet ending to a great story.
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      ilanisilver
      ilanisilver
      ilanisilver
      Poor guy. Loved the scene at the embassy. Very bittersweet ending to a great story.
        ·  March 8, 2018
      Thank you for reading! :) I appreciate it!
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  January 25, 2018
    Having followed this story almost from the beginning, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and joining them on their adventures. While the last chapter left me heartbroken and in tears, I was glad to see in this chapter some type of reso...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      Having followed this story almost from the beginning, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and joining them on their adventures. While the last chapter left me heartbroken and in tears, I was glad to see in this chapter some type of reso...  more
        ·  January 26, 2018
      Thank you so much for reading. I'm kinda of heartbroken, but it's on the
      mend. XD I'm still waiting a bit before starting a new story with
      Ciel'nn.

       Solstheim will come a bit later, first Ciel'nn needs so heal. (L)
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  January 25, 2018
    Congratulations on finishing your story, lass. Nothing is as bittersweet as getting the story done, but it is damn good experience, pushing you forward.

    So Ciel made the Thalmor bitches eat steel, got his revenge and there is nothing keeping...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Karver the Lorc
      Karver the Lorc
      Karver the Lorc
      Congratulations on finishing your story, lass. Nothing is as bittersweet as getting the story done, but it is damn good experience, pushing you forward.

      So Ciel made the Thalmor bitches eat steel, got his revenge and there is nothing keeping him in Skyr...  more
        ·  January 25, 2018
      Thanks!  Writing this story was a roller coaster with emotions.

      The Bretren Ring is part  of Sarade's story  that I plan to write later.  Can't reveal much yet. :) (Tellik wasn't part of them, he just tried to join them a...  more
  • Cannon
    Cannon   ·  January 21, 2018
    "He prepared his shock spell while the Dunmer had moved against him and slashed Ancano’s hand. “Ha! Just a cut!” he sneered at the Dunmer and extended his hand to cast the fireball"



    Seems like a bit of an error sneaked in. ...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Cannon
      Cannon
      Cannon
      "He prepared his shock spell while the Dunmer had moved against him and slashed Ancano’s hand. “Ha! Just a cut!” he sneered at the Dunmer and extended his hand to cast the fireball"



      Seem...  more
        ·  January 22, 2018
      "N'wah" means also slave and an insult so I think there's nothing wrong with the usage of the word.  The Dunmer uses it as general insult when they're angry or annoyed, if I'm not mistaken.

      Also, I think it's a bit rude to comment only w...  more
    • GailOlm
      GailOlm
      Cannon
      Cannon
      Cannon
      "He prepared his shock spell while the Dunmer had moved against him and slashed Ancano’s hand. “Ha! Just a cut!” he sneered at the Dunmer and extended his hand to cast the fireball"



      Seem...  more
        ·  January 22, 2018
      It seems like the author's use of the term "n'wah" isn't necessarily improper. While one definition of "n'wah" is "outlander," another source (The Imperial Library which references TES III: Morrowind as it's source) defines "n'wah" as "(n.) an insult mean...  more