Ciel’nn stirred up from a nightmare to find out that his partner was still asleep. He frowned at his own state - why had he awoken? His nightmare had been absurd, but wasn’t what had he bothered him. He felt restless, but he didn’t want to disturb Teldryn’s sleep so Ciel’nn settled back to rest, his head on Teldryn’s chest while he listened to the heart beats.
Why am I awake in the middle of the night? I want to sleep, but I’m not tired anymore.
He frowned as he caressed Teldryn’s strong arm idly. It brought him comfort so he shifted slightly closer to look at his partner’s features. You look so calm when you’re asleep. And gorgeous. I shall keep you protected from anyone. You’re mine. Ciel’nn rested his head on the mer’s chest and tried to sleep. By instinct, he wrapped his arm around Teldryn in protective way.
Azura bless him.
The Imperial ship docked at Raven Rock harbor. The lady thanked the captain as she stepped out of the ship. Her two guards flanked her as she walked in a leisurely pace to the town.
A mysterious smile spread on her full lips as the first Redoran Guards came across her. “Dears.” They stared at her as the Lady passed them with her guards. Oddly, they didn’t ask her anything, but let her pass. The Lady thought she heard their sighs and it made her pleased.
The Lady stopped at the market and gazed around. The merchants looked to her, some frowning and the Alchemist had narrowed her eyes at her. She let out a tiny scoffing sound and continued observing. Searching.
Not here.
(From left: Sincano, Elante and Cirion)
The altmer guard studied the passing Redoran guards. How basic their armor is. Just look at that armor. Is that made of bone? He sniffed at the sight of it. Auri-El, we’re somewhere at the backside of the gods! Cirion frowned at the town and its habitants. Guess children can’t afford any better than those… bug houses.
“I want to know how Sujamma tastes.” Sincano murmured, smiling dreamily. He had heard so much about it. He was curious about the drink of a different culture. There was hoping the Lady would permit some time to them so he could enjoy the Inn’s selection. And, even if Sincano didn’t like being bothered by the children, he was willing to behave because they were on a foreign island. He also didn’t want to rile the Lady and miss a night with her.
“You can’t be serious!” Cirion gasped. “I wouldn’t drink that foul stuff. I hope they have wine.” He crossed his arms thoughtfully. They really were far away from home because of the Lady. Cirion didn’t mind it, but somewhere in the back of his mind he wanted to go home and marry the Lady. He had goals to reach. The brilliant goals which by he’d rise in the society of the Summerset Isles.
“Don’t let the Dunmer hear you, friend.” Sincano said as he observed the market. “I hope her ladyship has luck with the Inn keeper. For whatever she seeks from here.” He heard Cirion sighing. “I certainly hope so.”
Geldis thought he had seen all the beautiful ladies of his life, but he didn’t expect to see one of the Altmer ones on Solstheim. Yet there she was, looking at him with a perfect smile. Geldis smiled back, thrilled at the Lady’s presence in his Inn. Her gaze was nearly enrapturing. She took a step closer to the counter. With a silly smile, Geldis said, “Greetings and welcome to my humble Inn that I call The Retching Netch. What I can get you, lady?”
“Hello, Inn keeper.” Elante greeted him, still smiling.
“Call me Geldis.”
“Geldis dear,” Elante smiled as she looked into his eyes as she brushed her hair slightly. “Do you happen to know where I can find Teldryn Sero? He’s an old friend of mine and I heard he might be here.” Her voice was like the sweet honey and a whisper a man would follow to their hidden demise.
She had been with Teldryn? What a lucky mer! Geldis sighed at the honeyed voice, then he frowned. “He’s out of town for the moment. I don’t know when he’ll be back. May I ask your name, lady?” Very beautiful lady.
The Lady smiled. “I’m Lady Elante, Geldis dear. Now I’d like to buy a bottle of Sujamma and a bottle of wine.” She waited for Geldis to bringing the bottles and then she said them. “Thank you for your help.” I guess I need find something else to do.
Tenaru observed the Altmer woman coming out of the Retching Netch. She narrowed her eyes. I don’t trust her. There’s something about her that feels wrong. The Altmer with her guards came across the digger Ralis Sedarys and they seemed to have a chat before they headed for the ash wastes. Well, well, Ralis, you found a founder then. Tenaru shook her head and returned to mixing a health potion.
As the three altmer and Ralis passed the Bulwark, Ondren kept an eye on them. An Altmer among us. Should I be worried? He watched the party of four walking into the ash wastes, and glanced at Raryn who frowned at him. They shared a concern that they didn’t need to say loud. They seemed to be heading to the Kolbjorn barrow, Ondren thought. What are you up to, Ralis Sedarys? And what about the Altmer party?
The others of the Redoran Guard on the Bulwark watched Ralis and the three Altmer disappearing into the ash wastes. Someone sighed and the others shook their heads.
The three pirates lay dead on the ash. They had been tough and brutal to fight against, but Ciel’nn had been adamant that he wasn’t going to give no quarter to them. One of the moves that Teldryn had taught him had saved his life. It had been a split second decision. The slash he had given to the pirate was fast and decisive. The man never saw it coming.
Ciel’nn was sitting on the fallen tree trunk and reviewed the fight in his mind over again. He discovered that his own moves wouldn’t had saved him in time. There hadn’t been time to lead the man to his partner at all, so savage had been the three pirates. Maybe I should go for the throat next time? Or, blend my moves with Teldryn’s? Ciel’nn still felt breathless even if he tried to steady his heart.
“What a stubborn bunch.” Teldryn muttered and glanced at his partner. He stepped closer to Ciel’nn and put his hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?” He seems exhausted. Did something happen? The young mer looked to him with a slight frown.
“That was a close one.” Ciel’nn replied. “Too close. One of your decisive moves might have saved my life.” He fell quiet for a moment. “I still have a lot to learn from you since these pirates are getting tougher.” He certainly felt there was more to learn and wondered if he would ever achieve the same skill level as his partner. And if he would have to stop teasing the opponents for real and go straight for the throat instead. Teldryn caressed his cheek before he sat down next to him.
“You’ll learn during the fights.” The older mer soothed his partner as he wrapped his arm around Ciel’nn’s shoulder. “And you should go for the kill because they’ll do the same. They try to play me off defense, but I always show them the cost of playing with me.” He paused for a moment and glanced at his partner. “If you see an opening - go for it, Ciel’nn.” Teldryn smiled warmly.
“I think I can do that.” The young mer replied after a moment of thinking and smiled. His partner nodded with a grin. He had seen many openings, but didn’t intended to finish until he’d got bored. It seemed he needed to change to do better and to defend them both. Yes, I see it now.
“I’ll open this chest and we’ll see what’s inside.” Ciel’nn said as he knelt in front of the treasure chest. Teldryn hummed a song while he tried to pick-lock the chest. The lock was difficult, but after a long moment and light swearing of Ciel’nn’s the lock clicked.
“There. Not that difficult at all.” Ciel’nn said and waited for Teldryn to come closer. Then he pushed the lid open.
“Well, look at that.” Teldryn murmured. “I think it would fetch a nice price from Mallory.”
“It looks warm but it’s ugly.” Ciel’nn grumbled. “Nordic armors are always ugly. Except the dragon scale one Sarade wears. Have you seen those yet?” He let Teldryn to take the armor from the chest.
“I don’t think I have.” The older mer replied while he studied the Deathbrand chest armor. The Stalhrim part was worn, but still intact. “I think Mallory would be pleased to have this.” Teldryn put the armor into his backpack and stood up. “Time to look for a camping place.”
It was late evening when they had their tent up and the campfire burning. The cold wind blew from the sea and Ciel’nn shivered in his fur cloak. “And I thought it’s cold in Skyrim…” he muttered while Teldryn prepared their horker soup.
“You know,” Ciel’nn said once Teldryn brought his bowl of soup, “when I and the Nord were at Windhelm with Sarade and the Nord asked if she knew this brutish man called Tellik. Sarade became as angry as an ice wolf and the Inn almost froze up, I swear. My tea chilled during that, Teldryn.” He smiled at the memory. I wonder how she’s doing. I kind of regret having not saying anything when I left Windhelm.
Teldryn smiled while he sat down to eat his soup. “She sounds like a person who put up with shit.” He replied before tasting his soup. It was good to hear Ciel’nn talking about some good memories. The older mer had more memories than he wanted to remember. Most of them weren’t good.
Ciel’nn glanced to his partner after he’d taken a few spoonfuls of his soup. It warmed him a bit. “I’ve seen her punching a Stormcloak soldier, but what would you like to have? An item or something else?” He asked in softer tone, wanting to if there was anything he could get for Teldryn. Anything at all.
The older mer knew what he wanted from his partner, but he knew he wasn’t ready. An item, eh? Teldryn thought a moment while stirring his soup. The question warmed his chest. “I have always fancied the Dwemer things like First Council rings with a gem on them, but they are rare these days. A Dwemer sword would be great to find too.” Anything on the Dwemer really. He paused to eat a spoonful of his soup. “Just don’t bring me plates or forks.” He grinned.
The young mer laughed heartily. “Got it, Teldryn. What about a Dwemer goblet?”
Teldryn kept his eyes on his partner while he thought a moment. “No, I’d rather have a chalice.” He replied in a low tone. Just like you want it. He saw the glimmer in Ciel’nn’s eyes. A warm smile bloomed on his lips. “I’ll find the chalice for you. For us, Ciel’nn."
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