The brisk winds greeted the waking town of Raven Rock in the early morning. The Redoran Guard changed shifts and hoped for another calm day ahead. Captain Veleth came out of the barracks and began his morning patrol around the market. Everything was going well. It seemed as if nothing threatened their town. Thank and pray for the Reclamations it stays that way, Veleth thought.
A brown pouch awaited Tenaru at her alchemy table. Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered she had asked Ciel’nn to collect handfuls of Ash creep cluster and scathecraw. He actually collected them! She thought, her eyes shining. Tenaru took the pouch and loosened the ribbon. The brown pouch had the ingredients she needed to make a potent poison. With a smile blooming on her lips, the Alchemist slipped back inside her house with the pouch. There was so much to do.
Recent days had been hard on them, Teldryn knew and felt it. He still couldn’t quite understand what it had been like for his partner in the realm of Hermaeus Mora. He understood about losing a friend. But, to lose a friend like that - in the hands of a Daedric Prince and by his own choice. No, Teldryn couldn’t understand that at all. Talvas had been a friend for a short time for Ciel’nn, and yet the young mer was at the edge of collapsing.
The older mer brushed his partner’s hair as he still was asleep. The last three days after their return to Raven Rock had been rough for Ciel’nn. He had gotten drunk with three bottles of Sujamma on and crashed on the counter of the Retching Netch. Then Geldis had had enough of it, and Teldryn had to carry him into their room where Ciel’nn could sleep it off.
The nights hadn’t been calm and restful, Teldryn had gotten to know. The nightmares haunted the young mer even if he slept in his embrace. The whines and cries nearly broke his heart as he didn’t know how to help his partner. I should ask Elder Othreloth for help. Surely he knows what to do? Even if Ciel’nn was asleep, his arms were tightly around the older mer’s waist as if it was the last safe place on Nirn. Teldryn let him sleep as long as his partner wanted. Azura knows, he needs the sleep now. He brushed his thumb gingerly over one of the scars on Ciel’nn’s cheek and wondered what the day would bring for them.
Ciel’nn stirred awake. He felt somewhat rested. The long sleep had been good for him. Teldryn’s heartbeats brought him a sense of safety and comfort. He shifted and snuggled close to his partner. A content sigh escaped from his lips. “Bladesman.” Then he sniffed at as if some bad smell assailed his nostrils. “You stink.” He added after a moment.
Teldryn smiled. “How did you sleep? I hope it was peaceful.” He half frowned at the comment. “It must be the Sujamma after your hangover the other day.” It really wasn’t that a bad smell, or he couldn’t smell it at all. His head itched slightly, but the older mer ignored it. “It was somewhat peaceful, but also restless at times. I still can’t understand it.” He heard his partner saying. “Are you feeling better?” Teldryn asked.
Ciel’nn shifted to look at his partner, smiling, then scowled. “I’d feel much better if your hair wasn’t a mess. Troll fat gone bad and it stinks. It also looks like a damn bird’s nest.” He flashed a smirk. He looks like he’d been in a fight with a pair of harpies. “I don’t have any troll fat left.” He heard Teldryn saying. Ciel’nn tilted his head. “If you wash your hair first, I can handle the rest, daelha.” He reached out and touched Teldryn’s chin. “But without the troll fat.”
Without the troll fat… Teldryn watched as the smile danced around his partner’s lips. He’d feel feel those tender hands in his hair. Now that would be a new sensation, the older mer was certain of it. He swallowed. All these little teases and the way Ciel’nn looked at him… I bet he doesn’t realize how much I want him, but I’ll wait until he’s ready for it. The grin spread across his lips without the older mer realizing it.
Teldryn leaned in and brushed his lips gently against Ciel’nn’s owns. His partner brought up his hand behind his neck, gently pulled him closer and they kissed slowly. Teldryn shifted his hand on Ciel’nn’s free hand on the bed, softly stroking it. He heard a slight moan from Ciel’nn as their kiss deepened. It was enough to sent his mind spining. His heart raced, and the older mer knew if he wouldn’t end the kiss soon, he’d lose control of himself. By Mephala, he’s so alluring.
Reluctantly, the older mer withdrew with his eyes still closed. He didn’t trust himself to look at his partner yet, but he sensed Ciel’nn still looking at him with that mysterious smile of his. No, he will calm himself. He glanced at the young mer who smiled at him. “Thank you, Teldryn. I really needed that.” Ciel’nn said to him in a calm tone. Teldryn smiled back. I’d do more when you allow me. Then, he inwardly shook his head. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’ll wash my hair now.”
While his partner washed his hair, Ciel’nn stole a few looks on Teldryn’s strong back while he prepared his own mixture of hair mousse. The mixture was made of ash hopper jelly, some lavender and Emperor parasol moss which he mixed with them. Ciel’nn was confident it would keep his partner’s hair up just as strong as troll fat, but it would look and smell better.
Once he had the mousse ready, Ciel’nn glanced at Teldryn looking at him while drying up his hair with a towel. The sight took his breath away and he bit his lower lip, but he didn’t break their eye contact. Damn him! He’s teasing me back. Just look at that grin. It was then when Ciel’nn for the first time noticed that tattoos that snaked around the older mer’s arms. Traditional Dunmeri tattoos that matched the one on his face. It makes him more interesting and wanting. “Liking what you see, Ciel’nn?” Teldryn’s low voice cut his chain of thoughts. The young mer flashed an appreciative smirk.
The door was knocked twice.
“A moment!” Both Ciel’nn and Teldryn shouted.
“I was just wondering if you two are alive in there.” Geldis called back.
Ciel’nn looked to his partner again “Get over here, so I can fix your hair. And then, we can go to eat something.”
The Inn was filled with the chatter of the miners and a few merchant who were talking about the usually business in Raven Rock. A few Redoran Guard were eating there. Ciel’nn and Teldryn chose a free table and sat down.
“Things seems to go well here.” Teldryn said casually while they were for Geldis to take their order. He had to admit his hair felt lighter and different. The slight lavender scent was also nice bonus. Ciel’nn had done some miracle mousse. I wonder what else he can make? He glanced at his partner who observed the patrons.
Geldis marched to their table and stared at Teldryn’s hair. “What happened to your hair, Teldryn?”
“We ran out of troll fat, so had to improvise.” Teldryn grinned. “How does it look?” He brushed his hand over his hair, making Ciel’nn chuckle.
“Well, I must say it’s refreshed your look, Teldryn.” Geldis replied, and looked to the young mer. “And what will it be today?” He studied Ciel’nn discreetly. “Good to see you doing better, Ciel’nn.” It was hard to watch him drinking on that night. You’d think I’ve seen it all in here. But it seems there is always something.
Ciel’nn smiled. “More or less, Geldis. We’ll take filled tomatoes with Seared Slaughter fish, and honey tea.” He knew Geldis cared, but maybe he was cared more here than back at home. Though, Maros would be fussing over him no doubt if he knew what had happened. “I’ll be right back.” He heard the Innkeeper saying.
On their way out, they came across Ralis. Ciel’nn flashed a sneer. “If it isn’t the digger. I hope you haven’t found a partner for the barrow yet?” Dead should stay undisturbed no matter what relics might lie down there. Something about Ralis bothered him, but Ciel’nn couldn’t say what was it.
Ralis narrowed his eyes. That ex-Hlaalu kid had the nerve to sneer at him. He obviously didn’t know that he was trying to do some important work for important people. No matter. “Not yet, kid. But mark my words, the barrow will be revealed with its riches.”
Another sneer from Ciel’nn, and Teldryn shot a cold stare at Ralis before he guided his partner out of the Retching Netch. What’s he doing here? Eh, it’s probably nothing. Ciel’nn’s not liking him at all.
“What’s got into you?” Teldryn asked once they were at the Market. “Anyway, we need to visit the Temple.” He gently nudged Ciel’nn toward the Temple.
“He rubs me the wrong way. I swear, Teldryn, he’s up to something, but I don’t know what yet.” The young mer replied with a frown. “It’s good to visit the Temple again. I haven’t meditated for a long time.” He hoped there weren’t many so he could focus in peace. “We’re going there because of your nightmares. I’m hoping the Elder would have some advice about it.” He heard Teldryn saying as he looked at him. The young mer nodded. Nightmares… He did want to get rid of them, but how? How would a priest of The True Tribunal help him? I guess we’ll just see what happens.
“And I advise to forget about Ralis. He’s nothing but a digger.” Teldryn said in a low tone as they climbed the stairs to the Temple.
“I’ll try.” Ciel’nn replied with a small smile.
The Elder Othreloth listened to Ciel’nn when he told him what had transpired at Tel Mithryn. The priest frowned deeply when the young mer mentioned Hermaeus Mora and that he had nightmares because of it. Then Teldryn told what happened during the nights when the nightmares occurred.
It’s getting worse by the sound of it, Ciel’nn thought. No wonder he’s worried now. I wonder if he gets to sleep at all?
The priest looked to Ciel’nn. “I wish I was an expert on these things, but given the traumatic experience you need to give it time and place your faith in the true Tribunal. All will be clear in time.” He said in a soothing tone. “Pray at the altars, and I’m sure you’ll be heard.” He gave a polite smile.
“And, you’re sure it works?” Teldryn asked doubtfully. “This is serious matter, you know?”
“When have you meditated the last time?” Elder Othreloth looked to Teldryn. When the mer looked away, grumbling something like ‘I don’t do such things’, the priest nodded and smiled. “It is good to meditate every now and then.”
“Thank you, Elder Othreloth.” Ciel’nn said and walked to the shrine of Azura. He’d need some time to meditate on each shrine. He glanced to his partner. “Are you going to wait here, Teldryn? This is going to take a while.”
“I can sit and wait if you want to.” The older mer replied. His partner nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait right here. Take your time.” He added in a low tone. We don’t need to go anywhere in a while. He watched his partner kneel in front of the shrine of Azura and focused to meditate. It’s good to relax a while.It’s good for him, too. The Reach Witch’s warning echoed in his mind and Teldryn took a deep breath. The Tempest is yet to come, and it worries me.
Maybe it’s time to pray for real? For both of us.
Ciel’nn meditated at the shrine of Azura. He wished for a blessing for his nights that they would be more calm and peaceful. Clear from the nightmares that Teldryn didn’t need to worry about him. And, he hoped protection for Teldryn, but not for himself. He wished their path would be as clear as the starry night sky. Show me the way when I’m lost.
At the shrine of Boethiah, Ciel’nn wished for battle clarity in case of the darkness would arise. He wanted to be able to see who his and Teldryn’s enemies were. Keep our blades sharp and ready for any battle. Though he had known battles since he was young. Each battle were different. Sometimes there were battles which from it was difficult get free.
Finally, the shrine of Mephala. He wasn’t sure what to make it of it. Ciel’nn heard a slight hum when he closed his eyes and focused. He heard a whisper from the darkness. If there was someone who specifically would cause harm for him or Teldryn. Ciel’nn had the feeling he’d know what to do. He always knew. Always acted on it.
The feeling he was getting grew intense and the young mer gritted his teeth together. He recognized it and shook himself out of the meditation. He stood abruptly and gazed around with half frightened eyes. He was slightly disorientated. I need fresh air… It is too much. Then he rushed out with Teldryn’s voice asking if he was alright behind him. It was probably bad to leave in the middle of meditation, but he wasn’t ready to finish it this time. It scared him.
Outside of the Temple, Ciel’nn almost crashed onto the Alchemist. She looked at him. “Hey! Watch it!” Then she realized it’s him. “Are you alright, Ciel’nn? You look scared?” Tenaru asked. She was carrying a small vial.
The young mer steadied himself and looked to her. He took a deep breath and shook his head. “I don’t know.” He tried to smile but it faded. There was a bench near by which he walked to and sat down and tried to clear his head. Tenaru walked to him with a confused look. “I… have something for you, Ciel’nn.” She said and showed him the vial.
Ciel’nn raised his head and eyed the vial. “What is it? You want me to poison someone?” A half attempted joke that didn’t take wings at all. His mood had crumbled down. Tenaru frowned at him.
“No, nothing like that, silly.” The alchemist smiled. “It’s a gift for you. From one alchemy to another.” Then she explained with great lengths to tell him how she had made it and how potent the poison was. She noticed that the mer tried to focus to listen to her, but couldn’t. “Anyway, I hope it helps on your journeys.”
“I… I don’t know what to say, but thanks.” Ciel’nn managed to say.
“It’s alright. Just know if you need something from the stall, all you need to do is ask.” Tenaru said and turned her head toward the Temple door as Teldryn hurried outside. “I’ll leave you two, then.” The alchemist nodded to the older mer and left.
The older mer walked to his partner and looked to Ciel’nn. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” He put his hands on the young mer’s shoulders. He’s scared of something, Teldryn thought as their eyes met. “What is it?” He asked in a calm tone.
I don’t know how to tell you, Teldryn. Ciel’nn was confused and wanted to hide. How am I going to meditate at Mephala’s shrine if it lures it back? He bit his lower lip as he tapped his finger on the vial. He looked into his partner’s eyes and knew that Teldryn would understand. “Teldryn…I’m afraid. And, I don’t know how to fight it.”
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