Where the Roots lie; Chapter 5 Final

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    Chapter 5 Final

     

    With a long finger under his lower lip Maros eyed the tribal tattoos on Ciel’nn’s arms.  It had been a surprise, but not a bad one. It was curious - the younger mer didn’t do anything special unless it meant something to him. And if the tattoos were any indication - Ciel’nn was changing. The older mer could almost sense it in the air. “Interesting choice of tattoos, Ciel’nn.” Maros finally said as he leaned against the wall.

    Ciel’nn put his shirt back on and sat down on a stylish chair. “They do have a meaning to me; representing what I am, where I belong and the connection with the Three.” Of course, it meant a lot more, but he thought Maros knew what he meant. The older mer always said things straight to him. There were no secrets between them.

    It had happened after some meditating when Ciel’nn had felt the connection to the Three becoming stronger. He also had realized some other things during the meditations like he’d have to set out for his own journey, to look for something special. The prospect of having to go on his own and freely decide what to do was exciting. The next chapter of his life he’d dedicate to himself.

    “I like when you smile like that.” Maros’ voice called the mer back to Nirn. “I think you’re feeling better and getting back to your old self. Or, should I say shifting to something new?” A playful smirk spread on his lips. “What are you going to do?”

    The young mer reflected the smirk like they were two friends getting into mischief. It was their thing. “I do feel better and for once I know what to do.” He paused for a brief second. “I’m going to travel and look for something special. I don’t think traveling with someone is a wise idea because my companions tend to die sooner or later.”

    Maros frowned at his friend. He almost was about suggesting to follow what House Hlaalu did usually; make a fortune and build up a merchandise, to lighten his mood. However, he had learned Ciel’nn hated House Hlaalu for various reasons - it had been part of  the Empire for one of them. The older mer shifted away from the wall and walked over to another chair opposite the young mer. “Look Ciel’nn, “ he said softly, “I know for sure that you’ll find whatever you’re going to look for. And, as for a travel companion, I’d love to come along, but I’m tied to this place.” He paused and raised the young mer’s chin with his two fingers to his eye level. “Are you listening to me? Good. I don’t know how to advise you, but what if you find a good looking Imperial?”

    It was a joke, Ciel’nn knew that, but he still stared at Maros. “I’m petrified, Maros. You know I don’t like the Imperials.” Even if there was a good looking Imperial, he could avoid them by walking far away from them. Not a pile of Azura’s silver or Septims would make him to… “I heard they make good guards. Bodyguards even.” He heard Maros saying and Ciel’nn shook his head. “No Imperials! Are you even joking anymore?”

    “There is an Imperial in the house.” Maros grinned as he straightened his back as he heard the young mer groan.

    “You’re crazy! I’d better leave soon before you get an idea of fixing me up with him!” Ciel’nn made a face as if he was leaving right at the moment.

    “You can’t leave yet! We have a party coming in the next week and you haven’t seen me on the stage yet.” Maros pleaded. “Let it be your departure gift.” He added in a tone that the young mer knew very well.

    “You’re on the stage? Fine, I’ll stay for a week longer. Not a word about the Imperials.”

    “He’s staying on for a week here, too.”

    “Azura help me!”



    Ciel’nn had decided to meditate for the last time before he’d leave for his journey. He approached the entrance and felt as if something was different about the Temple this time.  A slow frown formed on his forehead. It felt like something was beckoning him - it was a new feeling and yet not frightening one.

    Inside the Temple, he observed the lobby area to see if anyone was acting oddly, but the Priests were behaving normally. What he did feel was being watched and yet no one was looking at him. Ciel’nn shrugged and walked to the Shrine room where the feeling grew stronger. He walked towards Azura’s shrine,  knelt down in front of it and began his meditating.

    The connection to the Three were even stronger there in the Temple. Ciel’nn could feel it and it meant he was back at the roots. He had been thankful for Azura’s guidance before the Dremora Lord had did its thing. The mer knew he was at home under the watchful eyes of Azura. With her lighting his journey, Ciel’nn knew he wouldn’t fall onto wrong path.

    The shrine of Boethiah was next to meditate at.  Somehow Ciel’nn had tendencies to skip meditation for this Daedra Prince because of his father’s constant threats on his life. It had been “Boethiah will punish you” and “Boethiah curse you”. He had been scared with no end. But now… Now through meditation Ciel’nn had found peace and no threats. A certain calmness surrounded him that he hadn’t felt before, whenever he knelt in front of her shrine. With it, he could sleep better.

    When Ciel’nn knelt before the shrine of Mephala, he felt a strong sensation of being grounded on his place, but it was also soothing at the same time.



    Favored one.



    He heard a whisper in his head when he closed his eyes. It made him alert as he didn’t like to be handled by any Daedric Prince, but he’d had little choice in the matter. So he stayed still and waited for whatever was coming for him. But, all he experienced was absolute darkness with comfort and silence. The part of him that was darkness, wanted to merge with what surrounded him. Ciel’nn didn’t know if that was a good or a bad thing, but he felt something changing in him.



    Don’t be afraid.  Another whisper sounded in his mind and the mer relaxed.



    He left the Temple not knowing how long he’d spent in there. Ciel’nn couldn’t even begin to guess, but he felt like… renewed and there was something new that he couldn’t say what it was yet. In all, he was more than ready for the new journey that lay on the horizon. He was eager to face new dangers and get in trouble like Maros used to say. No one would stop him from getting whatever he wanted. Or, they’d meet his blade.  A dark smirk crept on his lips as Ciel’nn thought of it all as his hand traced the hilt of his dagger. Yes, whatever would await for him ahead - he was sure that it’d be fun.  A lot of fun on his own terms.

    He’d need to see Maros for the shopping for supplies and preparing to leave. The coming back home had been good on him. It had been much needed and wanted.

     

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    Next: Alda'hirakam ghar Ara (Dancing on Ash)

     

    End notes: Thank you for reading! :D

Comments

6 Comments   |   GailOlm and 3 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  July 11, 2018
    hehe, Mephala and her web. She is ever spinning and she is certainly interesting in spinning Ciel's tale. I really like that you character is connecting more to his faith. Good short story about his healing journey. 
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      The Long-Chapper
      The Long-Chapper
      The Long-Chapper
      hehe, Mephala and her web. She is ever spinning and she is certainly interesting in spinning Ciel's tale. I really like that you character is connecting more to his faith. Good short story about his healing journey. 
        ·  July 11, 2018
      Thank you so much for reading! Yes, Mephala has a role in his stories. :)
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  February 19, 2018
    And so the Dark Gods push and pull on the threads, spinning a delicate web of twisted thoughts and sensual secrets. Time will tell if that is good for Ciel or not, but at least he got some kind of closure and relief, finally being at peace with himself ag...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Karver the Lorc
      Karver the Lorc
      Karver the Lorc
      And so the Dark Gods push and pull on the threads, spinning a delicate web of twisted thoughts and sensual secrets. Time will tell if that is good for Ciel or not, but at least he got some kind of closure and relief, finally being at peace with himself ag...  more
        ·  February 19, 2018
      I love this comment so much! :)
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  February 17, 2018
    I'm so glad that Ciel'nn is finding a measure of peace through his meditations and connection to the Three. He's even feeling good enough that he could joke around a bit with Maros. I'm looking forward to seeing the direction Ciel'nn's journey takes him.  (L)
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      I'm so glad that Ciel'nn is finding a measure of peace through his meditations and connection to the Three. He's even feeling good enough that he could joke around a bit with Maros. I'm looking forward to seeing the direction Ciel'nn's journey takes him.  (L)
        ·  February 19, 2018
      Yeah, some kind of peace is that. The part of journey will be interesting!