He looked at the dead reaver youngling’s corpse. His second and others had brought it back to the upper camp after they had dealt with the kid. Sildras knelt down to inspect it. The youngling had died in pain by the look on his face. He frowned, Probably poison. The reaver youngling hadn’t been the brightest of the lot, but losing him stung even so that the reaver lord had to suppress a deep breath. Mustn’t look weak in front of others.
Never was good with keeping family. Sildras glanced at the two male reavers who stood near him. Although, I still have both my sons. They’re strong. They’ll survive.
“And, the kid?” He looked to his second, Selvura.
“They gave him a good warning. He was barely alive when we left him in the ash storm.” Selvura crossed her arms on her chest. “The kid gave a fight but he isn’t strong. Shall we finish him next time?”
Sildras shook his head as he stood up. “No, I don’t think he’s trouble. Break his arm if he shows up again. Is the hunting party back yet?” His eyes swept the camp. The reaver lord knew the answer before Selvura got to reply. “Something has happened.” He turned to one of his sons. “Casseth — take two mer with you and track the hunting party.”
“As you want, Sildras.” Casseth shifted and gestured for two reavers to follow him. He was the oldest of his sons. A battle hardened youth, and Casseth always had a cold die-hard look in his face. He and his brother, Dram, called their father by his name in order to not let their enemies know they were relatives. Thus, nobody could use it as an advantage. “Shall we engage in battle if we see them? Skaal or Raven Rock?”
“No, I want you to find what happened to them and report back.” Sildras replied, and looked around the camp. “Others, prepare the camp for the night.” We need to burn the youngling, too.
Casseth nodded and led the two reavers out of the camp and down the Southern wastes.The two reavers were his most trusted mers that Sildras had given under his command. They marched at a brisk pace toward the old camp at Brodir Grove. The oldest son frowned. Usually his father would assign Dram along with him, but not today. Is he worried about something?
The old camp was undisturbed since they had left it. Casseth looked over the camp once more before he led them toward the hunting grounds. He had been taught to track animals, but Casseth had to admit to himself that he wasn’t the greatest tracker. Still, he followed the tracks in the ash. “Not far to go.” He looked ahead at the hill.
The sight of the dead hunting party was troublesome. Casseth gestured the two reavers to guard posts while he knelt down to study the chitin arrow that had pierced the dead reaver’s cheek. A deep frown latched on his forehead. “Poison?” He wasn’t an expect on alchemy, or the poisons. The oldest son shifted the reaver’s neck scarf. Some decayed skin with black spots. Casseth lowered the head onto the ash and stood up. He’d never seen such vile results from a poisoned person. He still stared at the corpse. They must have had great pain when they died. What are we dealing with? The kid caused this?
Casseth studied the other dead reaver, who had died with a smile on his lips. How bizarre. “They had a camp in the cave.” One of his reavers said to him as he walked out from the cave “The kid had help?” Casseth frowned. If the kid had company, then father’s plans may be disturbed. As much as he wanted to track down the kid, and as much as he wanted to break the kid’s arm, he couldn’t disobey Sildras’ command. “We’ll return to the camp now, but keep an eye out.”
“Are you listening, Ciel’nn?” Tenaru put her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed. The young mer hadn’t paid attention for her request. “Trama roots needs restocking. I need you to— “ She had found the young mer handsome and thrilling, but also making her infuriated.
Ciel’nn flashed a snarl at the new alchemist and realized he regretted being polite to her. He didn’t know what Milore had told her about him, but something in Tenaru’s behavior was resentful. Maybe she was noble born, he guessed. “I’m not your errand boy! I just came to buy some scathecraw, but I think I’m going to collect myself.” High born alchemists are the worst. He turned around, ignoring Tenaru altogether and looked to Teldryn. “Do we train today?” He felt he was ready to continue the training, and wondered what his partner had prepared for him.
They began to walk toward the beach. The older mer smiled. “We can spar after you’re warmed up.” He looked to his partner. “No favors for the new alchemist? I must say, I don’t feel like much of an errand boy either.” The young mer glanced at him with a brief smirk. “I also think she’s interested in you, Ciel’nn.” The smirk vanished, and Teldryn realized how the alchemist’s interest made his partner uncomfortable. He put his hand on the younger mer’s shoulder. “It’s not as she has a chance, right? If she tries anything, I’ll be ready.” Teldryn flashed a coy grin.
“Ready to do what?” The young mer looked to his partner, but the older mer just grinned. Ciel’nn had a hunch what the mer might be up to, but decided to focus on the training. I need to keep my mind on what’s the coming — the Tempest. He hadn’t forgotten the threat that Gormva had revealed to his partner, nor the troubling feeling he got from Sildras’ reavers. It was like the island was stirring up, ready to make everyone’s life difficult.
His muscles were recovered from beating and his body was rejuvenated thanks to Aphia’s healing. Ciel’nn flexed his arms and locked his gaze on Teldryn. They’d have the sparring going on until the other would fall, or give up. He reminded himself not to do the trick again. It would cause himself to fall, too. Briefly, the young mer studied his partner. A slow nod and they began.
How dare he to refuse to help me? Milore was certain he would be a help! Tenaru mixed to the ingredients together and had been at it while. He’s so handsome and I want… But, he also makes me infuriated! The potion failed utterly and bottle bottle broke in her hands. The alchemist hissed in frustration as she began to clean the mess. I’ll have him yet. No one refuses Tenaru Danasiah the Splendid alchemist! Just wait, Ciel’nn!
“Hello, Tenaru.” A familiar voice cut off the alchemist’s train of thinking.
Tenaru looked up from her cleaning. She narrowed her eyes until they were slits. “Brivan Methanil. What in Oblivion are you doing here? Stalking me?” It had been nearly a year since they last saw each other. Why he was there was beyond her understanding. I don’t want to see him.
“I’m assigned for guard duty here, love. I’m not stalking you.” Brivan sighed. How lucky it was, he was assigned to his guard post there in Raven Rock. What he hadn’t expected was to run into his ex-girlfriend. “Still angry? It was you who broke our bond, not me.” I still miss you.
“I wanted excitement! You’re boring, Brivan!” Tenaru groaned. The nights with him were wonderful, but otherwise he was tied to his Redoran Guard job. It was an honorable one, but so boring. A safe life in the hands of a protecting boyfriend wasn’t enough. That’s the reason I’d come over here, and I’ve finally found someone more exciting. Her gaze turned toward the strange stone. Pity, I don’t see the young mer from here.
“Is something bothering you?” Brivan frowned. He might have to find out what it was. If there was a new boyfriend in the picture, he’d know. The Redoran guard hoped it wasn’t one of the other guards, or some mercenary. If it was the latter, Brivan knew he wouldn’t stand it for a second. “It was nice to see you doing well, Tenaru. I’ll be at the Retching Netch if you change your mind.” With that, he strolled toward the Bulwark.
The sparring made Teldryn nearly exhausted. They had been at it for a few hours into the afternoon. His partner hadn’t shown any signs of giving up and it put Teldryn in a tight spot. The older mer smiled to himself. Ciel’nn had learned a lot such in a short time. Perhaps he’ll learn on the fly since it’s practical. Nothing wasn’t as thrilling as partner who was as good at fighting as you are. Still, Teldryn wondered, how will you react when the Tempest arrive?
Teldryn still remembered the day when the Orc wanted to hire him, but he’d be probably dead if Ciel’nn hadn’t shown up on that day. Dead by poison, probably.
The older mer seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, so Ciel’nn backed away and stood there. He tilted his head. “Mind telling me what’s wrong?” He could’ve won the sparring about since the other mer was distracted, but it wouldn’t feel like winning fairly. The look on his partner’s face was puzzling, and Ciel’nn wanted to know why.
“I was wondering what would have happened if I’d accepted the hogger’s offer.” Teldryn looked to his partner as he sheathed his sword. “I could be dead by your poison, I’d wager.” A curious smirk played on his lips. He watched as Ciel’nn shifted his stance.
The young mer flashed a smirk. “Wrong, Teldryn.” He walked closer to his partner with a mysterious smile as he gazed into the mer’s eyes. “I would have raised the offer.” He said in a softer tone. “And, each time the hogger would do the same, I’d too.” Ciel’nn paused for a brief moment. “Until I’d get you on my side.”
“Damn, I’d feel like being auctioned.” Teldryn laughed. It would have been a thing to witness, but he was content for the outcome. He had a feeling that Ciel’nn usually got what he wanted. It was in his gaze. The older mer pulled his partner closer to him.”Your training is almost complete. You learn quickly.” He brushed gently the young mer’s cheek with his thumb. “I’ve never met so mysterious a mer with his quick blades as you before.” He added thoughtfully in a husky tone.
Ciel’nn smiled shyly as his wrapped arms around his partner. “But, I’m still not on your level.” He didn’t mind as he could always mix the styles as he saw fit. There were a bunch of different stances and combinations he’d use. But, the fact was fighting with Teldryn made him a better fighter. “You’re my counter side.” He took Teldryn’s hand in his own. “I’m glad you’re with me, Teldryn. You’re what I need. What I want.” His tone was careful because he was afraid of ruining everything. Even if the other mer had said he’d not leave him.
A reassuring smile spread on the older mer’s lips as he embraced his partner. “The rest comes with the experience.”
The evening covered the town of Raven Rock in dark cloak. It meant good for Geldis, who watched the people coming down the stairs and ordering drinks and food. He also noted the new alchemist who kept looking around as if she expected someone to be there. A Redoran guard approached her, but she scoffed at the polite gesture. I wish I was young again. Geldis sighed with a smile.
Teldryn walked down the stairs, gazing around for a free table. The counter stools were taken already and so were most of the tables. “It seems full here. We can eat upstairs though.” More private that way. He looked over his shoulder to Ciel’nn, who nodded.
“There you are, Ciel’nn! I was wondering when you’d show up.” Tenaru had come upstairs when Teldryn went to order food from Geldis. “You must want some company while your friend is away. No worries! I take care of you, darling.” She beamed, thinking she had the young mer trapped now.
Ciel’nn had hoped the alchemist hadn’t seen him once he settled to wait for Teldryn. Tenaru had come right in after the older mer and Ciel’nn groaned. Even if she was a fellow alchemist, something about her put him off. He wished he had a potion of invisibility. Self note: make some of those potions. The way Tenaru looked at him was too eager. Teldryn come back faster. “Are you listening to me, Ciel’nn? I think we would have a great time if you’d take me to a dinner, or a walk.” The alchemist kept talking to him. “I’m not interested, Tenaru.” Ciel’nn finally said.
“Nonsense, dear. I think Milore meant us to be together. I believe her.” Tenaru flashed a smile. “What do you say? Tomorrow, a nice walk along the beach?” She reached for his hand, but the young mer crossed his arms on his chest.
“I think you’ve mistaken Milore’s words and I’m not interested.” Ciel’nn snarled, more darkly than he had intended. The alchemist frowned at him. “I’m with someone already.” He shot a dark look at Tenaru. Leave me alone.
Tenaru opened her mouth—
“He’s with me, woman. Leave it.” Teldryn said in a low tone behind her. “And, someone is asking for you downstairs.” He put the plates on the table and glanced at Ciel’nn. You alright? The young mer rolled his eyes, but smiled at him.
“With you?” Tenaru stood up as if she couldn’t stand the bladesman’s presence. It’s the way he carries himself, ugh! “How anyone can be with you, ruffian?” She moved towards the stairs, her eyes lingering on the younger mer.
As if finish and drive away the alchemist, Teldryn stepped next to Ciel’nn and prompted him to stand for a moment. When the young mer leaned toward him, Teldryn took his partner in his arms as they kissed. He hoped the alchemist would take a hint to leave as the way he held Ciel’nn and how he was kissing him, showed that this mer was his.
“Ugh, Ghastly!” Tenaru exclaimed in disgust and rushed back downstairs, where her ex-lover waited for her.
The kiss still tingled Ciel’nn’s lips when they settled down to eat their meal. It had told him a few things about his partner. He wished the moment stayed like it was - calm and nothing threatened their lives. He was… more than content? Yes, Ciel’nn was leaning toward that way. He wanted more though. It would come in due time. His partner was sipping his tea and was looking at him. Ciel’nn put up a certain smile.
On the horizon, there were Sildras and his gang, and the Tempest coming. But for now, Ciel’nn would cherish the moment. “I think we can leave the town tomorrow.”
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Comments
And wow, those are a couple of level-headed reavers.
And interesting that Sildras ... more