Ciel’nn stared at the Severin Manor key that Councilor Morvayn held out for him. “You have earned it as well as the citizenship of Raven Rock.” He heard the Councilor say.
He had already received five thousand Azura’s Silver as payment from Adril for the job well done. Ciel’nn thought back on what they had done for the Councilor - risking their lives own like that. His drew his lips in a tight line then it turned into a sneer. “Keep the manor. Adril’s money is enough.” He inhaled and shot a sharp look at the Councilor.” As a citizen I expect you to deal with your own problems by yourself.” He let that sink in for a moment. “If you still want us to do something, you still have to pay like everyone else.”
The young mer forced himself to smile politely at Adril for the money before he turned away. He knew Teldryn would follow him as he walked out of the building. He couldn’t less if his words had shocked the mer on the big seat. His sneer faded into a tired look. His partner came to his side.
“You did the right thing. I wonder what they were thinking by offering the manor like that.” Teldryn matched his pace to his partner’s They both knew it had been a base for criminal operations. Who would want it then? He hates the Hlaalu so it must be one of the reasons, the older mer pondered. “What are we going to with all the money, Ciel’nn? Not that I’d want some for a drink.” He realized they were going to the Retching Netch.
With a smirk, Ciel’nn glanced at his partner. “Alright, we’ll split it, but I’ll give share to Geldis. Our rent for the room is due soon.” He paused and looked at the Inn before them. “I wonder if he’s willing to sell it to us?” It would support both of them and also Geldis’ business. It’s worth a try.
“Hey, wait up boys!” Tenaru’s voice called out. She walked to them from her stall. “Where have you been? By Azura, you look like you’ve been on the road for weeks!” The Alchemist looked to Ciel’nn and then to Teldryn with a frown.
“We took on The Severins and some of the Morag Tong.” Teldryn dusted some ash from his shoulders. “By the pitiful plea of Adril Arano no less.”
Tenaru’s eyes widened as well as her mouth fell open. “Mo- Morag Tong?” She looked to Ciel’nn who looked tired. “By Azura, are you alright?” She couldn’t believe that of the Second Councilor. To send these two mer to the wolves without a mage support. The nerve of that mer!
“More or less.” Ciel’nn nodded when the Alchemist studied him for any visible injuries. “I’ll just need more rest before more shit appears.” He couldn’t help the snappiness at the end. “We’ll be at the Inn for a meal if you want to join us later?” He looked at the Alchemist.
“Oh, I’d love to, but I have some orders to do. Do you need anything?” Tenaru smiled at them, straightening up. She was relieved that Ciel’nn was alright.
“I’m running out of the poison. Here I have made a list.” Ciel’nn took down his Backpack and pulled a piece of paper out of it. He handed it to Tenaru, who smiled at the list.
“Great! I’ll get it done within two days.” The Alchemist beamed and left them alone.
“Now I’m hungry. Can’t wait to see what Geldis is serving tonight.” Teldryn grinned as they entered the Retching Netch.
“I hope he has some honey and sweet bread.” Ciel’nn smiled as he opened the door, and they entered the Inn.
They found an empty table in a shadowed corner, and Ciel’nn ordered some grilled ash hopper legs, honey and sweet bread and Sujamma. He noticed Teldryn ordering two bowls of ash yam and horker soup. I guess he’s as hungry as wolf then, the young mer mused as he took a bite from his sweet bread.
Geldis set the bowls down on the table. “Here you are, Sera. Enjoy.” He straightened up and frowned at nothing while wiping his hands on his apron. “I take you haven’t noticed the Orc yet?”
“Thank you, Geldis.” Teldryn looked to the Inn keeper. “What Orc, Geldis?” A frown latched onto his forehead. He hadn’t noticed any Orc when they had entered the Inn. His eyes shifted to his partner who looked at Geldis while holding a piece of grilled ash hopper leg. Ciel’nn’s eyes were focused and slightly on alert.
“There’s an Orc?” The young mer whispered and he glanced around the Inn as discreetly as possible. At first he didn’t notice the Orsimer who sat at the dimly lit table at the second section of the Inn. The Orc had a tankard in front of him and a huge battle hammer rested against the wall. He wore weathered looking ornate orichalcum armor. The young mer found himself biting his lower lip. Let’s hope he’s not Mogrul’s relative who’s come seeking revenge. He had to admit that the presence of the Orc made him feel uneasy.
“So far he’s been quiet and minding his own business.” Geldis shrugged and finally returned to the counter.
I hope it stays that way too. We don’t want to fight an Orc with that kind of equipment. Teldryn sipped his Sujamma. He found his partner had resumed eating his meal, and the older mer moved the second bowl toward Ciel’nn. “I wish you’d eat a bit more, Ciel’nn. You weigh almost nothing.” Teldryn said in a genuine concerned tone.
Ciel’nn looked to the bowl then at his partner. It was true that he wasn’t eating properly. He always ate lightly. And if he was honest with himself, he’d need a bit more food. A smile bloomed on his lips. “Alright, I’ll admit that you’re right. I’m blessed to have such a caring mer with me.” He took the bowl and begin to eat.
The older mer watched his partner eating with a smile. “I think it’s the reason why you get tired fast during longer fights.” He said in a soft tone. Ciel’nn glanced at him and tilted his head before he continued eating again. Yes, you know it’s true. Teldryn sipped his Sujamma as his eyes scanned the patrons. It was a peaceful evening, but the Orc bothered him and he didn’t know why.
Before they went go to rest, Ciel’nn wanted to visit the Temple. Teldryn had stayed at the Inn. It didn’t bother the young mer who climbed the stairs up to the landing of the Temple. He hadn’t had time to visit the shrines for some days and hoped he’d have undisturbed time now. He needed it.
Someone was sweeping the floor when Ciel’nn closed the door. As he walked closer to the stairs, the person ahead turned around, looking as stunned as he was.
Slitter? Ciel’nn stared without uttering a word. He gritted his teeth as the memories of Milore’s rape came back to him. The sounds he had heard. Milore’s muffled cries. His eyes grew cold and Ciel’nn fisted his hands. How dare he come here after what he’s done!
You should have killed him when you had a chance.
Slitter had collected himself quickly and frowned at the mer. He remembered the moment when he was at the younger mer’s mercy. The cold stare he received from Ciel’nn was like a bath in a wave of hatred. It shattered his recollection, and Slitter averted his gaze, he shook slightly and felt thick in his throat. “I regret what I have done.” He muttered. “I’m working on my redemption.”
Redemption? Ciel’nn grunted and would’ve laughed if they weren’t inside the Temple. He didn’t believe for a second that a mer like Slitter would change his bad habits. He relaxed his hands, too long fisted. He wanted to hit the mer again for Milore’s sake, for being in the Temple, for being just in his way… The young mer flashed a hard and colder stare at Slitter before he turned around and walked out of the Temple with a snarl on his lips.
Slitter sighed. The young mer had said nothing to him. Nothing at all. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting from him. It’s what I deserve, but I couldn’t even get to ask how Mogrul died. I think I saw a flash of regret that he didn’t kill me. “I am atoning for my crimes.” He muttered and resumed sweeping the ash from the floor.
Of course, it was a bit humiliating doing this work. Sweeping the Temple grounds daily, but it was as good a start as any. And Slitter had accepted it. He wanted to work hard to prove that he could change! Regardless of how long it took.
The armored Orc finished his drink and got off his chair. He lifted his battle hammer off the ground and tucked it onto his back. He walked slowly toward the stairs while the Inn keeper gave him a crude nod. Without a word, the Orsimer climbed the stairs and disappeared in to the gloom of the night.
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