The air was cold, and the magicka felt potent even if Ciel’nn wasn’t into spells and all that wizardry. He felt it though, possibly because through his long gone ancestor. His aunt had been a wizard or a high mage. Marveling at the show of ice spells and frost atronachs that Talvas summoned, he watched the apprentice dealing with the ash spawn while Teldryn was making sure they weren’t flanked.
Frankly, it left little to do for Ciel’nn, so he watched, with his sword in his hand just in case, and observed how the ash spawn were reduced into ash piles. It suited him well. The young mer had some time to ponder about his scroll that his ancestor had made for him, and given to him by Neloth. It was a thing of mystery as something told him to open it as a last resort.
The ice spike flew across the air and pierced through the last remaining ash spawn. It crumbled into an ash pile. Talvas took a deep breath and relaxed. He had been close to exhausting his magicka and would need a good rest before any other major task that involved magicka. In any case, the murder attempt on Master Neloth was stopped. Slowly he turned around to see the young mer. “It’s done.
“Such a mage, aren’t you?” Ciel’nn smirked as he sheathed his sword. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re a master wizard.” The mage scowled. “I’m not even close to Master Neloth’s skills.”
“How does that sound familiar?” Teldryn grinned at his partner, who gave him a side-ways look. The fight had been intense as the ash spawn had been relentless. It was as if they had vigor or something to destroy the tower. The mage, however, indeed had managed to destroy them, with his help. Teldryn had gestured to Ciel’nn to stay behind them. The air was getting warmer as the ice spots were melting away and the older mer sighed. Neloth was going to ask them something about Ildari, he just knew it. His eyes turned back to the mage. “Do you happen to know about this Ildari?”
Talvas frowned slightly. “Only that she was Master’s apprentice and some experiment with a heartstone went wrong. I had no idea she’s out there, somehow.” He wished he knew more, so he could defend his master even if the Wizard was able to protect himself. But, if Neloth died he’d get the tower. Better wait and learn from him in the meanwhile. “I’m going to see Master Neloth and see if he needs anything.”
Ciel’nn nodded and shifted closer to his partner when Drovas came out of the Tel Mithryn Kitchen. He was carrying a tea cup in his hand. “Oh, Ciel’nn! I think I figured it out! I think.” He said and hurried toward the Tower. “Good luck with the tea.” Ciel’nn called back at the Steward, then looked at Teldryn. “Let’s stay outside a while longer.”
Teldryn leaned against a giant mushroom root and took out a smoke. He hadn’t had a chance to smoke for a long time. This short break seems to fit fine. He tucked it between his lips and brought up his hand to light it in fire with the slightest flame from his fire spell. “What brand is that?” His partner inquired while he took a drag. “It’s the one House Dres used.” Teldryn looked to Ciel’nn.
“Can I?” The young mer asked. Ciel’nn was curious about the taste as he had never smoked anything. His partner offered the smoke and he leaned to take a drag. He coughed hard for a while, his eyes nearly watering.
Teldryn frowned at him. “Hmm, too strong for you.” He took another drag, enjoying the sensation it brought. “You know, he might ask us to do something about Ildari.”
Once his coughing had stopped, Ciel’nn took a long breath. The smoke might be too strong for him, but he had another idea to taste it, but that was for another time. “Then, let’s see what we can get in return.”
Sipping his tea, Neloth furrowed his brow thoughtfully while they waited for Talvas to return from an errand. It was an important errand for the wizard. If his former apprentice was, indeed, alive they must deal with her as soon as possible. The ash spawn that were sent after him… He was certain Ildari was behind that since her journal indicated some progress. You did your own experiments…but you don’t outsmart me.
The mage hopped off the lift, his eyes reflected shock as he looked to Neloth. “Master Neloth. Her grave is… empty.” He made his way to a chair and sat down. Ildari lives…
“That’s it then.” The Wizard barked. “I must find her location before she does something else.” He walked into an open space on the floor and prepared to perform a divination spell.
Ciel’nn and Teldryn watched the divination happening before their eyes. Ciel’nn had to admit that it was a slightly scary thing to witness when the Wizard spoke in a different voice and tone, “She lives. Seek her in Highpoint Tower.” It was as if some kind of spirit overtook Neloth’s body. He glanced at his partner, who was frowning at the wizard.
Feeling a pair of eyes on him, Teldryn glanced at his partner and gave him a soothing squeeze on the shoulder and a grin. Highpoint Tower… Isn’t it buried in the ash? That means also the ash spawn will be around. “It’ll be alright.” He whispered.
Neloth recovered from the spell and turned to the two mer. “We know she’s at Highpoint Tower. Go there and rip her thrice cursed heart stone out of her chest!”
Ciel’nn shifted. “It’ll cost you, Wizard.”
“What? Isn’t serving a Telvanni Wizard enough?” Neloth narrowed his eyes, keeping them on the young mer.
“I don’t care. You have to pay like everyone else.” Ciel’nn tilted his head slightly. “It shouldn’t be a problem. You’re a wealthy wizard.” To press his message, he crossed his arms. His eyes challenged Neloth’s own.
The Telvanni Wizard gritted his teeth. He didn’t want to pay an Azura’s silver for the now annoying youngling. Still, Ildari must be dealt with soon and he didn’t want to go by himself, to get his robes dirty and all. It was beneath any Telvanni Wizard. Neloth breathed heavily. “Fine. I’ll find something to pay you upon your return.”
“I want plenty of Azura’s silver, then.” Ciel’nn said before they departed.
Inside the tent and in the light of the lantern, the two mer settled for the night. Ciel’nn was sitting on his bedroll while he stared at his grilled ash hopper leg as if there was something wrong with it. He sighed. “Teldryn? I need to tell you something.” His voice almost broke off.
The older mer was taking a bite of his meal when his partner spoke. Teldryn frowned as he looked to Ciel’nn. “I’m listening, Ciel’nn.” He had no idea of the subject at hand, but he was ready to listen and be there for the young mer.
Ciel’nn looked to his partner, then to the burning campfire. “Do you remember the Nord I was with before you? We were going to the College of Winterhold to find answers, and we stopped by at Fort Kastav, where some rebels offered us a shelter for the night.” He took a deep breath. The feeling of needing to tell had nagged at him since the last ash storm.
“During the night we got attacked by the Imperials.” The young mer continued. “Then, in the midst of fighting a Dremora Lord appeared. From a portal.”
“No shit!” Teldryn wanted to say, but he remained quiet and shifted closer to his partner, to offer comfort. I have a bad feeling how this will end.
“The Nord didn’t see it grabbing me. I tried to scream for him, but the Dremora Lord made me quiet. I struggled while it walked toward the portal.” Ciel’nn tried to swallow as the memory still stung. “Helpless… When Rangalen noticed, it was already too late. He started to run to get me…“ He closed his eyes as he remembered that part as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Another deep breath and Ciel’nn told how it all went down in Oblivion. How he found out that he was tricked by a servant of Mehrunes Dagon, and not killing the council member had led him right in front of the avatar of Dagon. He also mentioned the female Dremora Lord and her ally staying on his side. Then, there was the matter of his soul gem that had his mother’s soul in it. He had to use it or die. It had left him a broken and darkened state. As for how he got out, Ciel’nn told Teldryn what Rangalen and Sarade had told him, because he hadn’t had a memory of that. “Sarade told me that the female Dremora Lord, Kliksaath, brought me back, barely alive.”
Teldryn reached out and pulled the young mer into his arms. He put Ciel’nn’s head against his chest and brushed his hair gently. “I’m sorry, Ciel’nn.” He felt a shiver going through his partner’s body as he tried to suppress his crying, and he held him tighter. The older mer was at a loss for words. Nothing would made feel the young mer feel better in words, so Teldryn held him there as long as he was needed to.
Ciel’nn leaned his head against the older mer’s shoulder while the sobbing subdued. By telling his experience he felt somewhat better. He didn’t had many good memories, but he hoped to make them with Teldryn. “You’re the second who knows what happened to me, Teldryn.” He whispered as he played with his partner’s hand. “I wanted to tell you… I’ll never let go of you. You’re… the only one I have.” Maybe it was too early to confess, but Ciel’nn couldn’t help it because he was afraid.
Well, damn… Upon such a confession Teldryn found himself speechless. His previous companionships never lasted this long, so finding the right words was difficult. He shifted so he could see his partner’s eyes. “I’ll be on your side what ever happens to us. And,” he thought for a brief moment. “If you drift away into the darkness, I’ll pull you back to me.” He sealed his vow with a soft kiss to show how much he cared and how close he’d come to Ciel’nn, while he held him closer to him.
“I’m thankful you told me about your experience.” Teldryn said once they were laying on their bedrolls, getting ready to sleep. “It means a lot to me and I understand better what have you been through.” And, what I need to do to keep you going.
Ciel’nn turned his head to Teldryn and smiled. He was thankful, too. For many things that had happened lately. He was thankful for Teldryn staying with him even after he had told him about the killed Skaal hunters. Many others would have left him alone. The days to come made him excited.
The young mer wanted to go to explore the island with his partner. He wanted to find treasures and have a good time, but there seemed to be something coming up for them. Did he have a say in it all? It didn’t seem so. He frowned. “I wish we had more free time.”
“Well, there would be if we don’t always agree to help whoever is asking for it.” Teldryn said quietly. “But, let’s think about that later. We need to sleep. We’re going after a Telvanni apprentice tomorrow after all.” He put his arm around his partner and pulled him closer. “Highpoint Tower isn’t far away.”
Ciel’nn closed his eyes as rested his head on Teldryn’s chest. “Nor, is Brodir Grove. That’s Sildras’—”
“It’s abandoned now. Don’t worry about it.” Teldryn whispered. “Sleep now. I’ll guard your dreams.”
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found this reddit post about smoking on Tamriel, but it doesn't help
much.
https://www.reddit.com/r/teslore/comments/2gbzbq/smoking_traditions_of_t... more
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And Ciel revealed another bit of his past. Good.
And Ciel revealed another bit of his past. Good.