Ciel’nn had said he’d help with the ash spawn issue after the Orc was gone, but he had been down for several days. He and Teldryn had heard of the continued attacks against the Bulwark and with a heavy sigh Ciel’nn decided that today he’d go and talk to the Captain. “The damned Ash spawn.” The young mer heard Teldryn cursing quietly as they approached the barracks. It was obvious his partner hated them as if they were a plague. And, it was true - Ciel’nn knew the ash spawn were a menace back at the mainland. But, he guessed it’s better to deal with the issue so the Redoran Guard can catch another breath and focus on the town’s recovery.
The continued ash spawn attacks put the Redoran guard under some stress as they were undermanned for the time being. Captain Veleth paced back and forth - it would be two weeks before the Redoran official would arrive and question him and Councilor Morvayn. He wasn’t sure of who the council would send, but the Captain felt it would be a tough inspection. Maybe they would question the prisoner, Slitter, too. He stood up from his chair when the door was knocked on and strode to open it. The Captain saw the kid looking at him and the bladesman who shot him a snarling glance. “Yes, what it is?”
Ciel’nn shifted in his place. “We’re here to help with the ash spawn problem.” He stated with a neutral look. For a moment, the young mer could swear the Captain was praising Azura in his mind as his face lightened up, almost in joy. I came back from Skyrim only to ending up to help my own kind. I guess it’s better than helping the not so thankful Nords as long as I get something from it, too.
A thankful smile spread across Captain Veleth’s lips. He had stopped hoping the kid would turn up and offer his help since he seemed to be down. The situation was dire at the Bulwark. “I am very thankful, Ciel’nn. We’re undermanned and need someone to find where the Ash spawn attacks are coming from.” He paused for a moment when the bladesman decided to say, “Undermanned and who’s fault is that?” It came out as a snarl and the Captain felt a sting of guilt. “Where would we start looking for clues?” the kid then asked him. “I think the best way is to check on the ash piles outside the Bulwark. Then bring me any clues you may find. Azura light your steps.”
Ciel’nn nodded. “Got it. How is Ondren doing by the way? Is he at Bulwark at the moment?” he asked in a genuine and concerned tone. He had seen how Eronos’ death had affected the young Redoran Guard. It reminded him of Rangalen’s death of which he was getting over. The young mer missed the Nord. He also wanted to make sure Ondren was alright.
“He’s recovering from the loss of Eronos. Give him time.” The Captain replied. “Eronos was a promising guard. If you want to talk to Ondren, he’s at the Bulwark.” He thought a moment when the kid said in an even tone, “I know what a loss means, Captain. Let’s go, Teldryn.”
They left the barracks and headed towards the Bulwark. Ciel’nn felt a few looks of the Redoran Guard on him as they passed by. Everyone had lost someone close to them. He had lost his family and friends that he’d managed to make during his journey. I still have Maros, and… The young mer glanced at his partner, who looked thoughtful. He liked the bladesman more than he let on, and he realized he’d fight for his partner - keep him close.
“Remember to breathe.” Ciel’nn heard the older mer saying to him. The young mer blinked and looked to Teldryn who was looking at him. “I was just thinking.”
“About what?” Teldryn asked in a half curious tone. It would be good to hear his partner’s thoughts every once in a while. He wasn’t sure if Ciel’nn’s mood had shifted for the better. It was hard to tell. “That I have such a fascinating partner.” He heard the young mer replying with a controlled smirk. The older mer grunted. “Huh.” He reached out to shuffle Ciel’nn’s hair with a smirk of his own. “You’re interesting, too, Ciel’nn.” Soft and silken. Your smirk match my own.
Ciel’nn let out a half-hearted hiss when the older mer shuffled his hair. “Gah! Not the hair!” he protested while his partner laughed. If there was anything that Ciel’nn didn’t tolerate a lot - it was his hair that was neatly kept at all times. If it was anyone else than Teldryn, Ciel’nn would have grabbed his dagger and pointed it at the throat, very close at it. The young mer ran his fingers through his hair to fix them even though it wasn’t even near like he wanted them to be. He thinks I’m interesting! It’s a good sign. He had wondered if the older mer thought the partnership is purely a business arrangement, but Ciel’nn dared to hope for more, later on.
The young Redoran guard was observing the ash wastes from the Bulwark when Ciel’nn and Teldryn arrived to meet him. Ondren turned to Ciel’nn who approached him with a saddened expression. “How are you doing?” Ondren asked, but for his reply he got drawn into a comforting hug. It was weird, but also soothing for him. “I’m sorry for Eronos, Ondren.” He heard Ciel’nn whispering softly to him. The young Redoran guard swallowed and put his hand on Ciel’nn’s shoulder. “He was a good friend.” He said quietly when the young mer let go of him. “Are you going somewhere?”
“I’ve been better, but your Captain wants us to help with the Ash spawn.” Ciel’nn replied with a sigh. To him, Ondren was torn and seemed like he hadn’t slept much. He could relate to that. The young mer didn’t know how to make the other mer feel better, but he guessed time would show. “We can talk more when we come back, if you want.” It was an open offer which he’d leave for Ondren to decide.
“He sent you out already? For Azura’s sake! We are still recovering and he wants to take on the fucking Ash spawn!” Ondren hissed, but he felt Ciel’nn’s hand on his arm. “Hey, it’s alright. At least the hogger is gone, right? You need to recover too.” He heard the young mer’s soothing voice saying. Ondren had to admit that Ciel’nn was right. “The Hogger is gone.” He said as calmly as possible while closing his eyes briefly. “Did you end him with much pain?” The young Redoran Guard asked as he opened his eyes.
“Yeah, he also went insane at the end. Who knows how long it had been bubbling inside his head.” The young mer replied with a light smirk. “Anyway, we need to go, but you take your time and recover, alright? You’re my favorite Redoran.” Ciel’nn turned to leave while he heard Ondren giving him a laugh.
“Favorite? Right! Stay safe!” The young Redoran Guard waved. The Hogger is gone. Ondren took a deep breath and resumed his guard duty.
Searching through the ash piles, Ciel’nn had only found several mineral chunks and to his joy - various raw gems. “Another sapphire!” He beamed as he put it into his backpack. Having not an idea of what they should look for, the young mer kept poking in the ash piles. “Have you found anything, Teldryn?”
“Just chucks of minerals and gems. Maybe we should move towards the Old Attius Farm.” The older mer replied as he stood up, stretching his back. If it was up to me, the Redoran Guard should deal with the ash spawn by themselves. “Alright.” The young mer replied to him and walked on the road.
“Can I have those gems?” Ciel’nn asked as they approached the farm. He had no idea what he’d do with them yet, but he wanted them for safe keeping for the future. The young mer still hadn’t found a chalice he’d liked, but maybe, when they’d leave Raven Rock for adventuring across Solstheim - he’d find one? Ciel’nn could only hope.
“What do you use them for?” Teldryn asked as he handed the gems to his partner. He had an idea of selling them for more alcohol, but since Ciel’nn wanted the gems… And, that way he looked when he’s asking them… Either you are getting soft, Teldryn, or you’ve found a rare gem for yourself. The old mer chuckled quietly to himself and looked ahead of them - at several piles of ash and a dead Redoran Guard. “Something is bound to be found around here.” He said with a scowl.
“I hope so. The sooner we get this done the better.” The young mer replied and began to search while the older mer shoved the ash with his boot. “I don’t know what to do with the gems yet. I just like to collect them for the time being.” Ciel’nn said as he found a piece of paper - a declaration of war. He frowned as he read the paper, tilting his head slightly. “Do you know anyone by the name of General Falx Carius? An Imperial?” Never heard of him.
“General Falx Carius? No, I don’t think I know any such name.” The older mer replied, frowning. “What else is written on it?” He stepped closer to his partner, who was frowning at the declaration of war paper.
“That they keep Raven Rock stronghold as an enemy.” Ciel’nn paused for a moment and looked to Teldryn. “Raven Rock doesn’t even come close to a stronghold.” He absently looked towards the Bulwark while he heard his partner saying, “Look at it, Ciel’nn. What do you see? Isn’t it the best stronghold you’ve ever seen?” The young mer frowned for a second, then cocked a dark brow and glanced at Teldryn. “Very impressive indeed.” He nodded with a smirk. “We should be proud of them, yeah.” Ciel’nn was aware of them mocking the Redoran settlement, but he tried to remain neutral. “We should inform the Captain about the General.”
Teldryn gave a heartily laugh and slapped Ciel’nn’s shoulder. “Exactly!” The old mer sighed soon after, and became serious. “I guess we should, so we can get this show on the road.”
“This can’t be!” Captain Veleth slammed his hands on the small Inn table.”General Falx Carius was thought to be dead over two hundred years ago.” He took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. “This doesn’t bode well for the town. I don’t have a choice but to ask you to deal with him.” The Redoran Captain sighed, looking at the kid.
Ciel’nn had seen it coming when he had read the paper. He’d do it, but with a price tag. He flashed a smirk. “Of course, Captain, but are you sure you can pay what I ask for it?” He knew they were recovering from the losses that happened during the Orc’s bullying and blackmailing, but a Dunmer had to make a living. His services as a freelance assassin weren’t cheap. “How much are you asking for then?” The Captain asked him.
“We have to deal with Ash spawns. Raise the price, Ciel’nn.” Teldryn prompted close to the young mer.
Ciel’nn thought a moment as if he was an experienced trader before he replied, “My prices are solid. It’s one thousand up front and another thousand upon completion, but since we have to risk our lives with the Ash spawn, let’s say up front is one thousand and five hundred.”
The Redoran Captain groaned and rubbed his head. He’s worse than Teldryn Sero, but I have no choice since we’re undermanned. “You two are impossible, but I’ll ask for the Councilor’s purse for your payment. This is important for our safety.” He stood up to leave.
“Hurry, then, Captain. We’ll wait right here.” Teldryn grinned and watched how the Captain left them in a hurry. The older mer looked to his partner. “That was smooth. Where did you learn dealing with money?” he asked as they walked over to the bar to get something to eat.
The young mer leaned against the counter. “My mother taught me some of the trade while she dragged me into the market.” Ciel’nn replied with a soft smile, then he mouthed “ex-Hlaalu” to the older mer, who chuckled. “So, what do you take? I think I’m going to take a grilled ash hopper and trama root tea.” He was starving. “Geldis?”
“I’ll take roasted ash hopper legs and Sujamma. I wonder how long the Captain is going to take it to get the money?” Teldryn said while observing the Inn.
“Your food is coming soon, sera. What are you two going to do now? All the talk about money.” Geldis asked as he took their order as he had listened to them. “It’s good to see the people back in good spirits. Although, I need to ask for new tables and chairs that the Orc had crushed. Savages…”
“We’re going to deal with the Ash spawn.” Ciel’nn replied like it was a dreadful quest with no return back. “If the Councilor is a wise mer, he’ll return soon enough.” He smirked at Teldryn. “A mer has to make a living, right?”
Back to ToC
Comments