Where the Roots Lie; Chapter 3

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    Chapter 3

    The apartment looked like no one had used it for years. Dust was gathering in every corner. It would take some time to clean. Ciel’nn sighed as he eyed his old apartment - he had spent time in here with his cousin and learning alchemy. It had been his small sanctuary after the event at his parents home. Maros had been more than a big help back then and now. It eased Ciel’nn’s aching of being alone.

    “Well, I wish I know a Telvanni spell that clears the dust and trash.” Maros sighed while he looked into a few side rooms from the hallway. “I guess we just have to clean it.” The older mer sighed. “What did you find there?” He asked in a curious tone and stepped closer to his friend.

    Ciel’nn brushed the dust off from the old strong box and opened it. It had his alchemy notebooks and several poison vials. He picked one up and brought it close to his face to study the vile looking liquid. It must have been a long time when he had left these in the house. “I’m checking my poisons. Looks lethal.” The younger mer grinned at Maros, showing the vial. It was darker shade of green with a tint of red.

    The older mer raised his eye brow. “Tell me what it does?”  Of course, he knew what poisons did to people, but he wanted to hear Ciel’nn explain in detail. Maros always had known the hidden darkness that Ciel’nn had since they’d met the first time. Still, the younger mer was an adorable friend, when he explained things that fascinated him. Ciel’nn was also sensitive inside, even if he didn’t show it. Like a shalk bug - tough outside, tender inside.

    “What’s with that face now?” Ciel’nn frowned only a fraction. “Anyway,” he stood up, holding the vial, “it attacks the nerve system; you’ll lose mobility while it spreads,” he said in a low tone, “and then, you’d feel the slow and painful death as you twitch as it reaches your heart.” The young mer pressed a finger on Maros’ chest and moved it up to the spot where the older mer’s heart was. “Your last breath to pray for your god…” The last words Ciel’nn whispered in a dark tone and smirked.

    Maros was quiet for a while while he observed his friend, whose darkness had finally bloomed out. Normally a person would have gone pale from hearing it from Ciel’nn, but the older mer knew it all along. It wasn’t a bad kind of darkness - it was his defense and a weapon. A slow smile crept on the old mer’s lips. “You’ve bloomed into a Black Anther, Ciel’nn.” He stepped closer to the younger mer and brushed a stray hair of his friend behind his ear. “I’m proud of you. How many people have you made suffer?” His tone was soft and caring.

    “Several. Sometimes I had some time to stay and watch them die.” The young mer replied, enjoying Maros’ gentle touches on his hair. Sometimes he wondered how the older mer could stand him, but it was like he understood him. The only one who understood him and accepted his dark side, too. ”Daeljuhn, I’m glad you’re my friend.” Ciel’nn whispered and hugged Maros, who took him into an embrace.

    “There, there. I’m here now.” The older Dunmer soothed his friend. “And, I won’t let you go before you’re whole again.” His embrace tightened, signaling to Ciel’nn that he cared deeply. “Now let’s clean this house.”



    The two old friends had some dinner which after the older mer went back to his place, and Ciel’nn promised to come back after he’d visit the camping place that was special to him. He wondered what he might find there and if he’d see Ce’vale’s ghost, too. It had sounded like his cousin had something to say before the mer had been brought back from Oblivion.Just the memory of that event made the mer grimace. He strolled out of Mournhold and headed towards the lake area. I wonder if the campsite still exists.

    The route to the campsite seemed to be peaceful and somewhat untouched. There was some grass growing over the place. Ciel’nn looked around the area briefly when his memories surfaced vividly and the mer sighed. I don’t know what I’m doing here, but it was his idea. Ce’vale… First he needed to gather some wood for the campfire. The wood he gathered from the nearby trees, and he took out a flint and tinder to make the fire.

    “Why don’t you use the fire spell?” A familiar voice asked. “Or, have you forgotten how to use spells altogether?” The tone had a slight amusement.

    The sudden voice almost startled Ciel’nn, but he calmed down faster than panicked guar in the mine. He stopped what he was doing and stood up, turning around to see the ghost of Ce’vale walking towards him. “Cousin.” A  small smile crept on the mer’s lips. “I’ve missed you. And, no I haven’t forgotten the spells.” It was strange to talk with his cousin like this. Who knew how long they had before Ce’vale had to go back? The young mer would hug his cousin right now if only he could. “How come you’re here?”

    “I’ve missed you, daesohn.” The ghost of the older mer nodded with a smile. “Light the wood first, but don’t burn the place up.” Ce’vale prompted.

    Ciel’nn smirked, “You still remember that accident?”  He turned towards the arranged campfire place. Someone had told him he had an aspect of being fire mage, but it didn’t inspire him as much as being an assassin, not to mention his love for poisons. The mer extended his arm. It was really an accident back then. He closed his eyes  as he thought of the fires of the red mountain for a brief moment - it always helped him to focus on the spell, and re-opened his bright red eyes while the small flame formed on his palm. “I still got it, cousin.” With that, he cast the flames spell on the woods.

    Ce’vale shifted to the flickering campfire and sat down on the ground, with Ciel’nn sitting down next to him. “It wasn’t an accident. We both know how it did went down.” The cousin spoke quietly. “Listen, Ciel’nn, I’m here because I was granted some time with you.” He paused while the younger mer was listening to him. “I wish I could lean on you.” He heard Ciel’nn saying in a sorrowful tone. “I know, but how have you been holding up?”

    “Not good. I’m… not good.” The words came out choked. Ciel’nn felt the tears rolling out. “What in Oblivion am I supposed to do?” He really didn’t have a clue what he should do. If he’d travel with someone, they’re bound to die eventually. Maybe it would be best to travel alone.

    “You need to let it go and forgive yourself. What do you want to do?” Ce’vale asked. “I wanted for us to go for a journey and find something. Now I want for you to go on and find something that is important to you, Ciel’nn.” He paused to think of something. “If you feel lost - meditate at the shrines.”

    What he wanted to do? What did he want? Nobody ever asked him that question, nor nobody cared, except a few people he’d known. What did he really want? That remained unknown to him yet, but perhaps he’d find out soon. “I want someone, who is stronger than I am. Someone, who won't run away from what I am. That and something that lies beyond the horizon.”

    “There you have your answer, daesohn. You’ll find your way and my time is almost over.” Ce’vale stood up and Ciel’nn followed him. The ghost of the older mer studied him. “You’ve come far. I know you’ve been through a lot, but you’re stronger than you know.” Ce’vale smiled warmly before he began to fade. “I’ll be watching over you, cousin.”

    “Tell mother I miss you both.” Ciel’nn whispered before he broke down in tears and fell on his knees.

    Ciel’nn stayed at the campsite staring into the fire and thought on Ce’vale words. Once the fire died he collected himself before he headed towards the city. He’d need to visit the shrines before he’d go back to Maros’ place. The older mer was probably anxious about his whereabouts as it was late already. He’d also need the mer to be close to him tonight.

     

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    Note: Daesohn = brother (they aren't brothers but it's the closest word in Dunmeri to cousin)

Comments

3 Comments   |   GailOlm and 3 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  July 11, 2018
    Well that was just a sensitive seen between his cousin and Ciel. Hope he gets comfort from that. To be able to have contact with the dead, with loved ones, nice touch. 
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  February 11, 2018
    I'm glad that Ciel'nn has Maros to talk to and that he had the chance to meet with the ghost of Ce'vale. I hope that between the two of them he's able to find a small measure of comfort.
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  February 10, 2018
    Long road back, even longer ahead. Things ain't ever easy. Ciell got a chance to talk with the ghosts of the past - even literal ones - and that is more than most get. May he find comfort in that. :)