Captain Veleth was finishing his patrol around the town. He decided to detour into the Retching Netch and hoped the officer wasn’t there. Their last discussion hadn’t been cordial. No, it had been strictly official and firm. “If you fail your duty one more time - minor or major slip - it’s back to Blacklight with the next trade ship.” Daynes Aroa had said to him. The Captain sighed - he had been lucky to keep his post, but something told Veleth that the officer would gladly send him home anyway.
And, that wasn’t all. Veleth had seen another Redoran soldier shadowing the officer. Probably a mer, who would take his place if he was sent home. The Captain’s eyes widened in a cold realization. Possibly he could be a mer that Aroa sent to spy on me! To watch if I slip on duty. What if he’s around there right now? Veleth wasn’t sure if he should go the Inn and have his drink. He desperately needed it, but he was afraid to look around.
“Captain Veleth.” A younger male voice said in a neutral tone nearby.
Turning around, the Captain saw a Redoran Lieutenant, who shadowed the officer, walking towards him. Veleth swallowed slowly as if there was a lump in his throat. “How I can help you?” The soldier’s gaze was vigilant and his slight smile made the older mer uneasy. His eyes, black. Breathe, Veleth, breathe!
The Redoran soldier looked to the Captain. “You look tired, Captain. Haven’t you slept well at all?” He smiled, clasping his hands behind his back and observed the older for a mer second. “I’m Idros Sulenien and we need to talk, Captain. Walk with me.” The Lieutenant continued his walking and glanced at the Captain.
Walk with him? This isn’t any good. Veleth took a deep breath before he followed the younger mer. He’s in the league with the officer, I bet. “What is it that you want talk about?”
Idros kept his hands behind his back as they walked. “I’ve been shadowing you and the two younger soldiers at the Bulwark since the day we arrived. They have shown quite some promise in their career and they aren’t easily corrupted as some others.” He said as he glanced at the Captain, who frowned. They passed by another guard and Idros nodded to him. “You’re on your last straw, Captain.” The Lieutenant continued in an even tone. “The fact that you failed to protect your people from the green pig has shown that your lack of willpower and discipline. The filth should have been kicked into the sea on the first day it came.”
The speech Veleth was hearing was almost as bad as the officer’s. He barely dared to breathe. “I did my best, but Cou—”
The Lieutenant shot him a stern look. “I understand that your hands were tied as Councilor Morvayn had accepted the filth’s ‘protection’, but the point is, Captain,” Idros stopped the older mer with a mere hand gesture and turned to face him. “You’re a Redoran, are you not? You failed your people. You failed Raven Rock!”
Veleth felt as if he on a standing a melting ice chunk that was slowly fading away. He knew he had failed, but he was still a captain, wasn’t he? He could fix things if only they allowed. “What are you trying to say, Sulenien?” He asked even if he thought he knew the answer.
“Officer Aroa has given you a last chance because you know the people here and have been here for a long time But, if you fail again, I’ll be your replacement.” Idros let the very fact sink into the Captain before he continued in a wary tone. “Things are changing for Raven Rock and at the mainland, Captain. We cannot let mistakes happen anymore. The Redorans will make sure the Dunmer endure for times to come.” He observed the frowning older mer. “Don’t fret, Captain.” The same slight smile spread on his lips. “You’ll do fine as long as you remember that you’re a Redoran. I hope you remember that. Have a nice day, Captain Veleth.”
Tight-lipped, ashamed Veleth fisted his hands as he watched the Lieutenant striding away. Idros Sulenien was on good terms with the Officer it seemed and they had talked. He couldn’t decide who was worse: Sulenien or Aroa? They both seemed strict. Making sure we endure for times to come? What does that even mean? Did something happen on the homeland? The Captain let out a heavy sigh and headed to the Retching Netch.
The waves on the beach flowed restlessly and the afternoon sun gave some light between the clouds. Teldryn looked around the beach as he had led his partner there for training. He deemed the beach worthy as it was spacious and not so flat. It would be an excellent training field for them. “You picked a romantic place.” The older mer heard Ciel’nn saying. “It gives us some privacy.” The young mer flashed a smirk at him.
Fighting only with a sword wasn’t exactly new for Ciel’nn. It just wasn’t his style. Still, he listened to Teldryn when he had pointed out that his stance was wrong and then guided him to do it properly. Once Ciel’nn’s stance was fixed, the actual training began. The older mer taught him a faster way to parry and Ciel’nn was quick to learn how to deflect.
Ciel’nn watched carefully when his partner shifted his sword to slash out at him. At first he wasn’t certain of what parry he should use. The young mer knew it was a practice fight, but to see Teldryn coming with such determination — it set his heart racing as he realized how the older mer’s opponents must had felt. There was beauty in Teldryn’s way of fighting. Terrifying and beautiful at the same time. Ciel’nn brought his sword in front of him in time when their blades clashed, and his partner grinned.
“Good. Again. Now, faster.” Teldryn said and backed away. “You must come forth and not wait. Make a counter move if you can.” The older mer flexed his shoulders and prepared. “You’re terrifying!” He heard his partner gasping. “You can be, too, if you want to. Ready?”
“I’m never ready for you!” Ciel’nn flashed a smirk as if attempting to distract, but he knew better. It wouldn’t work on his partner. He took the stance and prepared for the next fight.
After a few hours into early evening, they’d had several practice fights and Ciel’nn was exhausted. He hadn’t got any slashes through for Teldryn saw them coming and parried them all. They had put a campfire on a small platform of stalagmite and laid down a spare bedroll on which they sat now.
The older mer took a Sujamma bottle and two cups from his backpack. He filled the cups and offered a second one for Ciel’nn. “You did well, Ciel’nn.” Teldryn said thoughtfully in a soft tone. “You’re not strong, but you can use your speed which you certainly have.” He took a sip from his cup. “We’ll train tomorrow again.” The older mer looked to his younger partner with a smile.
“I’m not sure if I can ever reach to your level.” Ciel’nn said, holding his cup in his hands. “Though, I’m glad to learn anything you can teach me.” A sip from his cup. “Your style seems to be straight for the throat.” He gave a gentle nudge on Teldryn’s arm. “It is exactly that.” The young mer heard his partner saying. “And, that’s why you’re so fascinating.” He said it with warmth and admiration.
They looked at each other, sharing a smirk before Teldryn leaned in while he brought his free hand behind his partner’s neck. Their lips almost touched each other.
“You must be the one who killed the Orc, or so I heard.” A voice said from nearby.
Ciel’nn was about to move, but his partner pulled him close and kissed him. He returned it with passion, placing his hand gently on Teldryn’s cheek as they ignored the speaker. He wrote love letters with his tongue that only Teldryn could read.
“Can you stop that? I need to speak to — ” Idros asked as he wasn’t used to being ignored. No, everyone always listened to him. His only reply was to see how the older mer deepened the kiss with his partner which made Idros even more grossed with what he was witnessing. The nerve! He crossed his arms on his chest and pretended to look at the sea. He also hated waiting.
Involuntarily Idros glanced at the two mer, who were still making up. A grunt escaped from his throat. He even considered to leave, but he wanted to know if the kid had actually killed the Orc. He doesn’t seem so strong to be a fighter. He’s just a kid. The mer frowned as he assumed he was older than the kid by a few years. Perhaps I should return to the barracks and report my findings to my Officer? The mer thought as he gazed into the horizon.
“What do you want, s’wit?” The young mer asked close by. He was standing with his partner and observing the mer in the Redoran garb. Another Redoran. Ciel’nn found it annoying - especially if they were high ranked. He could stand the normal guards, but the ones in high ranking garb were beyond a nuisance.
Teldryn was also observing the new Redoran. He suspected he’d been busy with the Officer as they hadn’t seen him before. And, why does he want to talk with us? The older mer decided to stay close to his partner, his stance battle ready and aware of any incoming threats. “Ah, a Redoran out of the shadow.” His tone dripped with mockery.
Idros opened his mouth only to shut it again. He was stunned by the outrageous greets he received before he had focus on them. He took a deep breath and straightened. “Ciel’nn wasn’t it? I wanted to see the Orc’s killer myself and I must say you don’t look like much of a killer to me. Perhaps the merchants were wrong.” He paused briefly - the young mer was scowling at him which made Idros smile a bit. “How about a friendly duel, hm?”
“I don’t think that’s good idea.” Teldryn interjected, taking one step forward. “He’s not ready for duels— “
“Oh, I think he is. Isn’t that right, Ciel’nn?” Idros drew his sword. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.”
Ciel’nn gritted his teeth together. He was tired, but when someone threw a challenge Ciel’nn wouldn’t back down. It gave him a tempting idea which he decided to try if there would be a chance. The young mer looked to his partner. “It’ll be alright.” He said in a soft, but excited tone.
“You’re tired. I don’t want to get you hurt because of a foolish duel.” Teldryn objected with a frown, but Ciel’nn placed his hand on his chest.
“It’ll be him who’s going to hurt.” The young mer smiled like he was into mischievousness. Then, he looked to Idros. “Your name first, s’wit.”
“I’m Idros Sulenien of the Redoran Guard.” The mer replied proudly and Ciel’nn let out a snarl.
Figures.
Idros nodded as his opponent took his place. He was certain he’d teach the brat a lesson. Then he would report his Officer to his own after the duel. He’d find it most useful and would consider a promotion. The Redoran observed the younger mer briefly. “When you’re ready.” He’d prefer to charge by himself, but Ciel’nn took that advancement from him. How bold! Let’s see what he’s capable of.
Ciel’nn had shifted from his place before the Redoran had time to reach him. His intent was to get close enough and end the duel before it would get too far. A smirk slowly spread across his lips. He’d need to make the mer frustrated first. The slashes were quick and testing as he circled around Idros with a taunting smirk. He parried the swing as Teldryn had taught him and found out he was quickly free from the Redoran’s immediate slash range as Idros recoiled with a scowl.
The older mer watched the duel of blades as it happened. He’s using my tactic. Teldryn grinned. But, he’s still out of his comfort zone without his dagger. Frowning slightly, he pondered what his partner would do if the Redoran would try to advance on Ciel’nn. He’d be ready to interrupt the duel if it would become too dire. He wouldn’t like it, but safety comes first.
The Redoran noticed too late that the young mer had got close to him. Uncomfortably close, and Idros damned himself for getting distracted by the flying flirt that Ciel’nn threw at him. Now it was almost impossible to get away from him. It was getting on his nerves. In the blink of a brief flash of anger, Idros shifted his sword—
Ciel’nn noticed the sudden move from his opponent. By instinct he fell back to his own ways of fighting. He spun around in a fluid motion, close to his opponent, to side step and grabbed the Redoran by his free arm as firmly as he could and shifted. He used the momentum when Idros gasped as he was unbalanced and then Ciel’nn brought him down, face down first.
Idros found himself on his face in the ash. He coughed ash and was stunned by such an outrageous move. It was not an honorable move! The Redoran gritted his teeth together in anger. This should have not happened! That brat! “You dishonorable brat! You cheated!” He almost shouted.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know we’re dancing by the honor code.” Ciel’nn replied as his tone carried some laughter, while he sheathed his blade audibly. “You’re lucky, Redoran. He usually has his blades poisoned.” He heard his partner saying and the young mer smirked. He stepped close to the Redoran once more and knelt beside him. “Oh, Mogrul died by the poison and the cuts that I gave him. You should not pick on me second time.” His tone was dangerously low.
Teldryn made his way to his partner and grinned. “Let that sink in him now.” He offered his hand to Ciel’nn. “Now that was a move I haven’t seen before.”
Ciel’nn took Teldryn’s hand with a tired smile and let the older mer lead him away from the beach. “It’s one of the ace cards I have.” He stepped close to his partner and leaned slightly into Teldryn as it was getting colder. “I can’t wait to see what you’ll have for me tomorrow.”
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Comments
Oh oh! I'm sure Teldryn didn't like having Ciel... duel... with someone else...
...I'm sorry I can't stop at all...