The evening fell quietly on the Bulwark and the guards changed the shifts. The night watch shift took their places and flexed their shoulders, ready to stay vigilant against anything, or anyone that dared to threaten the town.
An older guard was peering out in the darkening evening when something dropped on his right pauldron. He frowned, turning his head to look and sniff his nose at the smell. “N’chow!” The guard cursed. “Stupid netches!” His fellow guards stifled their chuckles before resuming their duties. The older guard sighed, taking a rag from the nearby box and began to remove his pauldron.
Geldis had scolded the bladesman before giving him any food, while Ciel’nn had his meal free of charge. Teldryn had to pay for his own meal as as punishment for punching his partner. They ate their meals while listening to the Innkeeper’s stories of bar violence. He had witnessed quite a lot. “They were bloody and severe ones when I was younger.”
In their room, Ciel’nn leaned against the door and crossed his arms on his chest. He looked to his partner, who sat down at the small table. We need to talk it through. Avoiding talking about serious things wasn’t a good thing. He needed to get Teldryn to talk. “Teldryn? We need to talk about why you did it? I need to know.”
With a deep sigh, Teldryn nodded, “Alright.” He hadn’t shared his issues with anyone before, and it was hard for him. I get the feeling he won’t this slide until we’ve talked through it. You won’t leave this room until you’ve explained your behavior, Teldryn. He’ll make sure of that, I think. His partner walked toward the table and sat down on the chair next to him.
“Talk to me, Teldryn.” The young mer settled in his chair comfortable with a neutral expression. He put his hand over Teldryn’s. “You tell me to talk if something is troubling me. But, you don’t do the same which isn’t fine.” He hoped the mer would open for him. Weren’t they there to listen to each other’s worries?
The older mer took a deep sigh. “I.. I haven’t shared my concerns with anymore before. Never needed to as I was a mercenary. I didn’t want to.” He paused and looked to Ciel’nn. “What happened on that night…I wasn’t myself. I made a lot of mistakes in the past, Ciel’nn. They began to haunt me again. I drink to forget them again.” Teldryn averted his gaze. “I didn’t want you to know about those mistakes, but you kept asking…”
“So you hit me to push me away? Nearly to my death?” Ciel’nn frowned as he tried to understand his partner. “Teldryn, I’m here to support you, you know? I want to hear about you and your mistakes whatever they were.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I feel I don’t deserve you after what I did. I’m nothing but a stupid mercenary.” Teldryn glanced at Ciel’nn with a broken expression. A mercenary with a lot of issues.
Nearly stunned, Ciel’nn blinked, then stared at his partner. What in Oblivion? He didn’t see that coming at all. Teldryn had issues that was certain, but he felt like that… The young mer shook his head slightly and his look softened as he touched Teldryn’s cheek as he shifted closer to him. “I don’t know you by your reputation, Teldryn. Nor do I give it a damn how many bandits you have killed. How many Azura’s silvers you’ve earned? Don’t care.” He began in a soft tone. “And, you’re not just a stupid mercenary. No, you’re a mer, who caught my attention in your special way.” Ciel’nn’s finger traced his partner’s tattoo, from chin to cheek gingerly as he continued, “You’re Teldryn Sero and you’re the mer I want to be with. My bladesman.”
Huh? For the first time, the older mer had a partner, who didn’t give a shit for his reputation. He had been the tough mercenary all his days, but now… Now he had the young mer who wanted him to be himself? Not the tough mercenary? Teldryn gave a deep sigh and closed his eyes and let his partner trace his tattoo. Soothing. He want to be with me even after what I did. “I’ll try to open up about my issues. It may take some time.” He whispered.
“You’ll have time. I’ll be here.” Ciel’nn whispered back, afraid to break the moment. “I’ll forgive you this once, Teldryn. Watch that it won’t happen again.” He said after a moment and he leaned his forehead against Teldryn’s. “We should get some sleep. I’m tired.”
The two mer walked slowly around the market, enjoying the chill morning. Ciel’nn was testing his legs and deemed it would take one or two more days to recover fully. The bruises still ached, but he had a positive feeling that they’d be training soon.
“Teldryn Sero!” Aphia Velothi’s mouth twisted in a hiss and narrowed her eyes as she marched toward the two mer. “Did I hear right? You hit Ciel’nn?” She stood close to the bladesman, who opened his mouth, but Aphia’s hand raised and slapped across the mer’s face. “Shame on you! It’s a miracle your punch didn’t leave a worse injury.” She growled and turned to Ciel’nn. “How are you feeling, Ciel’nn? Let me check on you.” A frown latched on her face as the old miner’s wife examined the young mer’s facial bruises.
Ciel’nn couldn’t resist a smirk when his partner got slapped. He let Aphia check his face. Her frown made him wonder about the real injury. “I need to heal this. Sit on that box over there.” He heard the healer saying. “Alright, then. I’m feeling better.” The young mer walked to the box and sat down. The healer began her work. They’ll have Teldryn know what he’s done.
“It’s a miracle you don’t have a bone fracture, but this should make the healing process faster.” Aphia finished her work and looked to Ciel’nn. “No need to pay. This is what I can do at least for what have you done for the town.” She smiled.
“Thank you, sera.” Ciel’nn smiled back and he watched the old miner’s wife strolling away. His eyes shifted to Teldryn. His partner was rubbing his cheek. “Want some netch jelly, Teldryn?” He couldn’t resist a little jest. “I’ll be fine.” He heard his partner groaning. Ciel’nn smirked and gazed around the market. The news of the arriving trade ship were on everyone’s lips. That would stir the town for a day. The young mer wondered who might be the new alchemist since Milore was leaving Raven Rock.
“Well, look at that.” Teldryn murmured as he stopped rubbing his cheek. He stepped close to his partner as he watched the Officer and Captain Veleth coming out of the Barracks. The Lieutenant wasn’t with them and the older mer could guess why. He looked to Ciel’nn, who seemed to study the talking Redorans. Always observant. Teldryn smiled. His gaze shifted back to the two Redorans. I wonder what are they talking about.
Officer Aroa had his hands behind his back, clasped together as he walked with Captain Veleth. The Captain was cautious as he was listening to the Officer. They came down the market as if they were walking into a garden to discuss about an important matter.
Captain Veleth wasn’t sure if he should feel threatened, or not, as Lieutenant Sulenien when he had left him he’d marked that his career was at its end. But, the Officer had the concerned expression when he had invited him for a walk with him. He had heard of the Lieutenant’s skooma addiction which nobody had been aware of. That had caught the Captain by surprise, too. The Officer looked to him.
“I was prepared to make Lieutenant Sulenien the new Captain, but he ruined his chance.” Officer Aroa sighed. It was a new weight on his shoulders. “With the trade ship, I am to return to Blacklight. You can keep your current position, Captain.” He offered a neutral smile. “I trust you to keep Raven Rock safe. You know what must be done in order to do so. Isn’t that correct, Captain?”
“Yes, sir.” The Captain nodded, “I’m grateful for your decision, and I will keep the town and its people safe.” What a relief! Veleth had a hard time to keep the excitement off his face, but he managed. He was ready to do his duty as a proper Redoran Captain. His spirit was renewed by this opportunity. He’d not fail for second time. “I’d recommend to keep an eye on Ondren Givrai. He’s a promising youngling and might make a great captain when the time comes.” He heard the Officer saying as they kept walking.
The trade ship arrived at dusk and Tenaru Danasiah strolled down the pier at a brisk pace. She was supposed to meet Milore Ienth at the alchemist’s house. Her luggage was to moved to the house before the meeting, so Tenaru gestured to one of the guards to escort her to the alchemist’s house.
Milore had been waiting at her stall when she noticed the new arrival. She stopped arranging her stocks and hurried to meet her fellow alchemist. “Greetings, friend. I hope your journey was pleasant?” She asked as extended her hand.
The new alchemist offered a tired smile and took Milore’s hand. “Milore, it’s good to see you. The journey was exhausting. Restless waves rocked the ship almost non-stop, but I’m glad I’m finally here and starving.” She gestured at the guard to leave her luggage close to the door.
“We can go to eat at the Retching Netch after bringing your things inside.” Milore turned toward the door. “Then I can introduce you to another alchemist.” She helped Tenaru to move the bags inside the house, and waited for her to get clean and change into more comfortable clothing.
The two alchemists strolled towards the Inn. They passed a few guards carrying torches as they arrived at the door.
“I wonder who is this other alchemist you mentioned?” Tenaru murmured while Milore opened the door for her. She was excited to see this alchemist that her friend spoke of.
“I’m sure you’ll like him. He’s younger than us, but good mannered.” Milore smiled. “He helped me with gathering netch jellies.”She added as they began to descend the stairs.
Ciel’nn had been reading Milore’s notebook while Teldryn talked with Glover about smithing techniques. Smithing didn’t interest him the least, so he focused on the alchemist’s notes. He turned a page when he heard the same alchemist talking to someone else. At least she’s got company. He smiled as he began to read the page about the giant nirnoots. “There he is. Ciel’nn?” It was Milore who called him. Ciel’nn looked up from the notebook as the alchemist was gesturing at him come over. With a fluid motion, he stood up and walked toward the two alchemists. “Sera, this is surprise.” Ciel’nn flashed a smile.
“Ciel’nn, this is a Tenaru Danasiah from Blacklight. She’s the alchemist, who’ll take my place.” Milore looked from Ciel’nn to her friend.”Tenaru, this is Ciel’nn Sarion.”
The new alchemist looked to the young mer with a smile. “Good to meet you, Ciel’nn.” She extended her hand to shake.
Ain’t she a beautiful mer? Ciel’nn took her hand and planted a soft kiss on it. “Pleased to meet you, sera.” The alchemist giggled at his elegant gesture and he let go of her hand, smiling. “I’m sure we’ll get along.”
“What a charmer.” Tenaru sighed and looked to her friend. “You were right.”
“Great! We’ll eat now. There’s a lot to talk about before I leave.” Milore beamed.
“Until then, sera.” Ciel’nn replied as he watched the two alchemist going for their table. I wonder what she was right about. He shook his head lightly and turned to go back to his seat. He was face to face with his partner. “I didn’t hear you coming.” The young mer smirked.
“You were busy with the ladies.” Teldryn grinned as he wrapped his arm around Ciel’nn’s shoulder. “We should eat something, too. What do you want to eat?”
“A mudcrab cake with some tea.”
“We’re not in Blacklight, Ciel’nn.”
“I know, but that’s what I want.” Ciel’nn flashed a smirk. “Alright, grilled ash hopper legs, then.”
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Comments
And a new alchemist comes to town, to replace Milore. She seems nice. Wonder if that's all she is.
I'm certainly glad that Captain Veleth will be able to retain his position!