Home for the Holidays, A Saturalia Short Story Options

[Grits]

Here is a short story about a character from Jerric’s Story. It takes place over Saturalia of 3E432, which I’m pretty sure is the one before things go to Oblivion. I’m posting it in three parts for the time-challenged; I hope that helps for those who can’t get through the whole thing in one sitting.

I should warn you that there are no fights and only one naughty part, in case your tastes run otherwise. Still, I hope you read it.

I welcome your comments and criticisms, and I genuinely appreciate the time that you spend making them!

Home for the Holidays

Part1

Abiene took the porter’s hands and ducked out of the carriage. She stood on the running board, and he lifted her down as if she weighed no more than a wood elf. She held on to his arms until she got her balance, then she looked up and smiled her thanks. He turned to assist the next passenger.

She moved stiffly to the back of the carriage where men were rapidly unloading the passengers’ luggage. The express carriage traveled day and night, only stopping briefly when they changed drivers and horses. It got her home in time for Saturalia, but it was an expensive and physically punishing way to travel. “Milady?” asked another porter.

“Just the one. I’ll carry it; I don’t have to go far.” She pointed at her leather pack, and he handed it down to her. The air was not cold enough to freeze, but the damp seemed to cut right through her. Only six months in Anvil, and I’m already a Gold Coast girl, she thought.

She hooked her pack over her shoulder and walked between the crenellated towers and through the West Gate into Leyawiin.“Greetings, fellow Breton,” one of the guards said to her. She smiled back at him in surprise. Almost all of the Leyawiin City Watch were Imperials.

She turned right at the Great Chapel of Zenithar and continued between the high half-timbered houses. She looked up through the looming trees with their beards of epiphytic moss. She never felt like there was a sky in Leyawiin. She passed Rosentia Gallenus’ house and swung around behind the Blackwood Company Hall. She noted that it wore a new coat of paint on its stuccoed surfaces. She followed the city wall until she reached the statue of Torval the Pilot, then she turned and passed through Pilot Park. Her steps quickened as she reached her own street. She waved and called out greetings to her neighbors, but she didn’t slow to speak with any of them.

Abiene took the path through the side garden of her family’s home and entered through the back door. She dropped her pack outside the scullery and walked into the main kitchen. She stood and smiled at Ilonea, the family’s housekeeper.

“Abiene!” Ilonea cried, and she bustled over with her arms outstretched and her hands covered with flour.

“You don’t want to hug me!” Abiene exclaimed. “I haven’t had a real bath since Anvil.”

“Nonsense,” said Ilonea, and she folded her into a soft embrace. Abiene breathed in the smell of lavender, Ilonea’s scent that had comforted her all of her life.

Ilonea held her out at her arms’ length. “Now you’re right about needing a bath. I have it all set up in the scullery so we can chat. Revilius has been adding hot water all day to keep it ready for you. Go on in there, and I’ll come through and wash your hair for you. You’ll get no peace once Sidette hears you’re home, she has a lot to say about the gown your mother had made for you.”

Abiene was out of her clothes and into the steaming tub in a flash. She relaxed against the curved back rest and sighed with pleasure. Her eyes wandered over the wide sinks and the long shelves of stacked tableware and gleaming cookware. Revilius had kept the fire going all day to heat the water, and the scullery was as warm as toast. She watched steam rising from her rinse water in the warming kettle by the fire. She heard the back door open.

“Occupied!” she called out, and she saw Revilius walk past the scullery door with his face averted.

“Welcome home, Abiene,” he said, and she heard him deposit his firewood in the main kitchen's wood box. She listened to his low voice as he spoke with his wife, and she heard Ilonea’s pleasant tones in reply. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace while it lasted.

Revilius departed with a cheery wave as he walked back out with his eyes on the opposite wall. Abiene ducked under to soak her hair as Ilonea entered the scullery. Ilonea dipped her fingers into the shampoo jar and sat on the high stool behind the tub. She rubbed the paste into Abiene’s tangled hair, scrubbing her scalp with her strong fingers. “I’m going to have to comb it out later, no complaining,” Ilonea said. Abiene’s reply was a contented hmm.

She ducked under to rinse, and when she came up she saw her sister standing smiling in the doorway. “You’re home! I have so much to tell you. Wait until you see our gowns. Did you bring me anything? You’ll never guess who’s been asking about you. I have a new necklace! Ilonea, may we have a snack soon? Hurry up, Abiene, you have to let your hair dry and you haven’t even tried on your gown! What’s that smell? Is that the shampoo? Why doesn’t my shampoo smell like that? Hurry up Abiene!” and she gave her foot a little stomp.

Abiene wiped the water out of her eyes. “I’ll be right up, Sidette. By Azura! You’d think it was six years instead of six months since I’ve seen you.”

“I’ve missed you Abiene!” Sidette blew her a kiss and twirled away.

Ilonea rose and wiped her hands on a linen towel. She shared a look with Abiene. “Nineteen,” Abiene commented.

“And still blooming,” Ilonea replied. “Have a good scrub and call me to help you rinse off. I don’t need you to soak the floor for me.” She headed back to the main kitchen.

Abiene finished her bath and regretfully stood to be rinsed. Ilonea wrapped her in towels and a robe she had warming by the fire and led her to the main kitchen to condition her hair and comb it out. She chatted about domestic matters and the small doings of Abiene’s acquaintances. Abiene shared some funny stories from her journey. Ilonea returned to her work in the kitchen, and Abiene sat on the raised hearth with a cup of Ilonea’s herbal tea letting her hair curl up as the heat dried it.

Abiene’s mother swept into the kitchen. She halted and looked her over. “Good, you’re here. Your gown is in my dressing room, Sidette is already up there.” Her mother wasn’t one for greetings.

She looks the same, Abiene thought. Her glossy brown hair was still untouched by gray, and her skin was as smooth as Abiene’s. Her sharp gaze made Abiene feel that she had already made some error in judgment. “I just want to speak to Papa first. I haven’t seen him yet.”

Her mother sniffed. “He won’t come out until there’s a meal, you’ll have to see him in his study,” she said. “Don’t stay in there long or the smell will cling to you. He’s been conjuring dead things again, even though he knows there are to be no zombies in the house.”

Abiene wanted to laugh, but she had never heard her mother make a joke. “All right, Mother,” she said. She dropped her towels back in the scullery and put on the slippers Ilonea had placed there for her. She smiled past her mother’s back at Ilonea as she made her way down the hall.

She glanced around the hall and the receiving room as she walked through. Everything looked the same. She stopped and knocked on the study door. She waited and knocked again. Finally she took off her slipper and pounded the door with it.

“Enter, enter!” came her Papa’s voice. He looked up as she opened the door, and a smile lit up his round face. “My dear Abiene!” he cried, and he stood up from his desk just in time to catch her as she hugged him. “Let me look at you,” he said, and she took the opportunity to do the same. He looked well, round-cheeked and slightly portly. His curly hair was as much white as gray now, and it stood up in unruly tufts. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners with his delight in seeing her. “How are your studies going in Anvil?” he asked.

“Well I’m mostly teaching for now, but soon I’ll be able to go to Chorrol for more study.”

Her Papa sat back down. “Sticking with the healing then? Good. You have a passion for restoration magic, and a real gift for healing. You could have been anything, I’m glad you followed your heart.”

Abiene was amazed. She had struggled for years with her choices at the Arcane University and her Papa had never advised her. She assumed he wasn’t interested. She realized now that she had never asked.

“What are you working on, Papa? It smells like a scamp in here.”

“Scrolls, my dear, always scrolls! I have been working on some interesting summons spells. Your mother is most displeased with me. Tell me, why Chorrol? Will you study at the Guild there?”

“No, at the Chapel. There’s a healer there, Gureryne Selvilo. He’s working on a new way of healing, using surgery and restoration magic together. It’s very exciting. I have to prove myself before I can earn a position.”

“You will earn it and they will be lucky to have you.” He started to say more, but then he looked around her at the open doorway.

“Papa, we need her,” Sidette said. Her tone was impatient.

“You’d better run along, dear. It’s a big night for you ladies.” He was immersed in his work even before Abiene turned back toward the door.

___

Abiene stood in the new gown and stared at her reflection in shock. The design was so simple, but she felt as elegant as a queen. The brown velvet material was thin enough to drape over her thighs as she moved, and the snug bodice hugged her modest bosom for the best possible effect. The neckline curved low in the front and back. The skirt fell smoothly from the seam under her breasts, skimming her waist and hips then flaring enough to swish when she walked. The long sleeves followed the slim lines of her arms without the poufs and gathers that were in fashion. The only embellishment was a silk ribbon glittering with beads the same color as the velvet. The trim covered the seam under her breasts and sparkled at her wrists when she moved her hands. The color set off her dark brown hair and made her eyes look almost black. Abiene was speechless.

“Your gown is so plain,” complained Sidette. Her own was a strawberry red silk creation trimmed with enough gold braid to sink her to the bottom of the Niben.

“Abiene likes it,” their mother said. “You know she only acts agreeable when she feels agreeable. Not everyone can sparkle and shine like you, Sidette. Abiene glows, but only when she wants to.” She examined Abiene with a critical eye. “Only earrings I think, I have just the pair. You’re a beauty in candlelight, Abiene, when you’re not frowning. Stop putting your hands up, the neckline is cut that way for a reason.” She strode out of the room to fetch the jewelry.

“You do look lovely,” Sidette said. She moved to stand next to Abiene in the mirror. Her own neckline was quite a bit higher. “You’re lucky, that top wouldn’t work for really curvy girls.” She looked at herself and gave a little bounce. The red gown brought out her rosy complexion, Abiene observed. Sidette bounced again, admiring the effect.

“All eyes will be on you tonight,” Abiene said. Sidette’s remarks had long ago ceased to sting her. She just couldn’t give a compliment without concealing a barb in it. “Did I hear that Countess Caro’s cousin is in town?”

Sidette launched into a detailed description of every eligible and desirable man in the county, followed by a list of those who were one or the other, followed by those who were neither. Abiene nodded absently whenever Sidette paused for a breath. Jewelry and shoes were selected and set aside, and the women slipped out of their gowns and seated themselves in their shifts for the hair styling process. Sidette’s maid started by brushing out her silky brown hair. She always wore intricately woven braids.

Ilonea entered the room with tea and biscuits for them. An Imperial woman carrying a quilted bag and a basket followed. “I’m Lorna, milady. I’ll fix up your hair for you.” Lorna was middle-aged, plump, and pretty. She was neatly dressed and smelled of soap. She unrolled a set of flatirons and took a small brazier from her basket.

“You can put those away, Lorna,” said Abiene. “Curly hair doesn’t want to be straight. I’m sure we can think of something else.” Ilonea caught Abiene’s eye in the mirror and winked at her as she left.

Lorna looked uncertain and a little afraid. Abiene knew that she was under instructions from her mother. She made her tone gentle but firm. “Do you have some combs, or maybe a net? Don’t worry about what you’ve been told. After all, it’s my hair.” She smiled at Lorna and took a sip of her tea.

Sidette and her maid exchanged a look. Lorna rolled up the irons and opened the bag. “No brush,” said Abiene. “Here, let’s use this pick. I’ll show you.”

This post has been edited by Grits: Dec 25 2010, 08:24 PM

[mALX]

This is wonderful !!! What intricate attention to detail you have !!! More More !!!!

[Grits]

Part 2

The Metonnes were among the last to leave the Countess’ party. As they stepped into the courtyard the chapel bells were striking the first hour of the new day.

“Saturalia!” shouted Papa. His cheeks were bright with wine. He laughed and kissed all of his girls. They exchanged warm greetings with the other guests who were trickling out into the chilly night. “To the rickshaw, my dear!” he said to his wife. “Take your time, girls. Your mother and I will see you at home.” Papa handed his wife into the rickshaw and climbed up beside her. The Argonian puller took off down the street.

“Look at the muscles on him,” said Abiene. She was feeling slightly tipsy. She was not fond of the Countess, but she had no argument with her wine.

“Eew!” said Sidette. Abiene rolled her eyes. They started down the empty street. The lamps provided adequate light, and the Leyawiin City Watch was out in full force to protect the Countess’ guests on their unsteady way home.

As they turned through Guild Plaza they saw a group of men coming from the direction of the Chapel. Obviously they had also been out celebrating. Abiene looked them over as they passed under the street lamp outside Southern Books. She halted in surprise. “Vidkun!” she exclaimed.

The men shoved Vidkun to the front of the group. There was considerable laughing and back slapping as the rest of them turned to enter the Fighters Guild Hall. Vidkun stood smiling down at her. His breath misted in the air. He wasn’t wearing a coat or cloak.

“Go on ahead, Sidette, I’ll catch up,” said Abiene. Sidette sent a scathing look over Vidkun and walked just out of hearing range. She looked up at the Mages Guild Hall beside her and waited, shivering dramatically.

“Were you going to come and see me, Abiene?”

“I just got here today, Vidkun. I barely made it for the party.”

“Right. We’ve just come from the Five Claws.” A shadow crossed his face. Vidkun would never be invited to a social event at the castle. She couldn’t have said anything more awkward. She blamed the wine.

“You look well, Vidkun. Fighters Guild?” It wasn’t too hard to guess.

He made a muscle with his arm. His other arm was in a sling. “I’m thinking of joining the Blackwood Company, though. They get more contracts.”

“I don’t know anything about that. What about the Mages Guild? Do you remember the healing spell I taught you? What happened to your arm?”

Vidkun laughed. “You haven’t changed. I can’t heal bone, Abiene. But do you see any scars? I remember what you showed me.” He looked at her in a way that made her forget the chill. “It’s good to see you.”

She did see a scar, a deep one that ran along his jaw. She decided not to mention it. “When did you break it? I can’t help myself, Vidkun. I’m a healer.”

“That’s right, I heard you graduated. Congratulations. When are you coming back to Leyawiin?”

“I live in Anvil now, at the Guild. I work there and teach restoration.”

Vidkun looked blank. “You live at the Guild Hall?”

“Metonne Manor is my parents’ house. I’m not like that. You of all people should know.”

Vidkun’s face wore a very different kind of smile now, and his eyes told her that he remembered exactly what she was like. “About that …”

“Tomorrow. But not if you’ve been drinking. Well, not if you’re drunk.”

Vidkun’s jaw dropped open and his blue eyes grew wide. Abiene smiled. No doubt he had expected some resistance. He always underestimated his effect on her.

A few of her neighbors passed through the plaza on their way home from the castle. They nodded to her and ignored Vidkun. “Close your mouth, you’ll give us away. Do you still live with your Fa? Good, listen for the chapel bells and look for me, I’ll walk by as soon as I can after four of the evening watch. By then we should be out visiting. Think of a place we can go. Somewhere indoors, Vidkun, it’s cold!” She moved in to kiss him but stopped herself and squeezed his hand instead. She walked briskly to Sidette, and they continued on their way.

Sidette gave her a prim look as they left the plaza and entered the park. “Is that the Nord that went to school with you?”

“Until his Fa was injured. Then he went to work.” Sidette knew all about Abiene and Vidkun. She was just warming herself up to the subject.

“Are you going to meet him while you’re home? I can’t believe it when tonight you had Vlaramil eating out of your hand.”

“Which one was he?”

“Vlaramil Orius. Brown hair, brown eyes, handsome, green jacket with all of the gold on it? You talked to him for ages. He wears a big gold ring on his right hand.”

Trust Sidette to notice the jewelry. She could probably offer an accurate appraisal of its value, thought Abiene. “Oh right. Well he talked at me, really.”

“He’s one of the Countess’ favorites. He’s always at the castle. You would do well to get him, couldn’t you see he likes you?” Sidette stumbled in her stacked heels, and Abiene took her arm. Abiene wore flat slippers, and now they were the same height.

“Help yourself to Vlaramil. Who was that Breton you were talking with?”

“Don’t think you can change the subject on me, Abiene. You were going to tell me if you had plans with Vidkun. And what about Talenris? Of course he wasn’t at the party. Are you going to see him?”

“I haven’t seen Talenris since before I went to the University. You know that.”

“Well I just thought … since he was your first …”

Abiene stopped and gave Sidette’s arm a little shake. “What’s gotten into you, Sidette? I’m twenty three years old. I live on my own, and I make my own decisions. What are you really asking me?”

Sidette bit her pretty lip. “What’s it like, Abiene? With a man. I mean, I’m sure I’ll be married soon and I’ll find out. But then it will always just be him, and I’ll never know, you know, about the rest.”

“You’ve had too much wine, Sidette. You’re not like me. You’ll have your husband, and you don’t need to worry about the rest.” Abiene tugged her sister’s arm and they started walking again.

“How do you know I’m not like you?” Now Sidette sounded peevish.

“If you were, you’d already know it. So would everyone. Mother would have murdered you by now. You don’t have a you to keep your secrets.” Abiene gave her arm a friendly squeeze. “Anyway, didn’t Ilonea have the talk with you?”

“She told me what happens, but I have no idea why you would want to do that. Just tell me what it’s like. I’m nineteen, you know. No one ever tells me anything.”

Abiene knew that a little information could prevent a lot of whining. “Every time you’re with someone, you give them a little part of yourself. They give you a part of themselves in return. If it’s not like that, it’s not good for you. Talenris never gave anything back, he just whittled away at me. It was like an addiction with him, I wanted more and more, and every time I ended up with less.”

Sidette hiccupped and then burped. She giggled. They had reached Metonne Manor.

Abiene sighed. “Let’s go in through the kitchen and have Ilonea make us some kahve. We still have the gifts to get through tonight.”

They walked around the side of the house and into the warm, dimly lit kitchen. Ilonea was there in her bright apron fixing the trays for midnight breakfast. It was the family tradition to exchange gifts after the party at the castle, and those who stay up late enough always want another meal. Their mother believed that Saturalia morning was for servants and children. Ilonea looked them over as they entered. “Kahve’s in the pot, Abiene.”

She poured kahve and added sweetener for Sidette, then she stood there while she drank it. “Now show them that you’re home and then go use the necessary, otherwise you’ll need to go as soon as we all sit down. I’ll be there in just a moment. Say I’m helping with the trays.” Sidette left the kitchen and Abiene turned to Ilonea.

“I have your gift for you. I want to give it to you tonight.” She reached behind the honeycomb jar and pulled out a small parcel. She handed it to Ilonea.

Ilonea turned the package over in her thick hands. Her face lit up with excitement. Abiene didn’t know anyone who loved a present more than Ilonea. “This needlepoint, Abiene. Did you do this?”

Abiene felt like a little girl again, wanting so much to please. “I’m finally learning, after all those years you tried to get me to pick up a needle. Look how good I am!” She pointed at the tiny flowers.

Ilonea was delighted. “My old fingers can’t do these anymore. Oh, look at the morning glories, my favorite! When did you learn this?”

“At the University, if you can believe it. Sometimes in healing we need to stabilize … well anyway, I use it in my healing.” She didn’t want to get Ilonea started on the subject of how improper it was for a Metonne girl to know about healers’ matters, much less practice them. “That’s just the wrapping though, open it!”

Ilonea unfolded the embroidered cloth and looked at it some more while Abiene fidgeted. Finally she set it aside and looked at her gift. “All right now, what is this?” She looked confused. Abiene had given her a braided leather hair band nearly identical to the one she wore every day.

“Try it on, Ilonea.” Abiene took the old band out of Ilonea’s short gray hair and smoothed it back with her fingers. Ilonea slipped the new band in its place. She looked at Abiene for an explanation.

Abiene slid the heavy pottery dough rising bowl over to Ilonea. It already held tomorrow’s round breakfast loaf under a damp cloth. “Pick it up,” said Abiene. She pressed her hands together.

Ilonea braced herself and heaved the bowl up. She nearly tossed it into the air. She put it carefully back down and looked at Abiene with tears in her eyes. “You enchanted it,” she said. She shook her head. “I’m the housekeeper. It’s too much, Abiene.”

Abiene scooted around the high table and hugged Ilonea with all of her strength. “You were the mother that I needed,” she said in a low voice. “I don’t know who I would have become if I didn’t have you.”

Ilonea squeezed her back. “Hush child,” she said.

Abiene’s tears threatened to fall. It wouldn’t do to go in to her family with eyes puffy from crying. “Oof, Ilonea, you’re breaking me! Better not wear the new one with Revilius, or he’ll have some questions for you.”

Ilonea stepped back with a scandalized look on her face. Then she cackled. “Help me with these trays, imp! I’m old and feeble, remember. Take that needlework back and give it to me tomorrow. No one needs to know about anything else.”

She picked up a tray and headed through to the hearth room. Abiene picked up the other tray and followed her. They served kahve and cakes, and then Abiene sat and Ilonea went back to the kitchen.

Abiene watched her family open their gifts from her. She had brought her mother’s favorite perfume, difficult to get in Leyawiin but easy enough in the Imperial City. For Sidette she had a pair of hair sticks with little green gems that hung down and caught the light when she moved. Her eyes were only on her Papa, though. He opened his gift and looked at it, then looked across at her in wonder. “A scroll. You made this.” It wasn’t a question.

“Right before I graduated. It’s only a charm spell, but it’s a strong one. I want you to have it. I’m sure it’s the last scroll I will ever make.”

“Abiene, it’s beautiful. A scroll so lovely that no one could ever bear to use it, you did it.” He smiled and held out his arm. She went to him and snuggled against his side kneeling next to his chair.

Her mother managed to look at her with both pride and disapproval. Sidette was sleepy and happy, and her Papa was paying attention. This is as good as it gets here, she thought.

This post has been edited by Grits: Dec 16 2010, 03:25 AM

[mALX]

Whew! Great Chapter !!! Oh, the heartbreak of knowing her relationship with Vidkun is doomed !!!

The conversation between the sisters was as natural as it gets, Abiene's responses were Awesome !! (accurate!)

The scene with Ilonea was touching. This is great !!!

[SubRosa]

For a moment I thought this was a continuation of Sir Rugrat Rugdumph's story, given the title. Such a lovely surprise to see it is something altogether different! This seems less like an ES fan fic, and more like a Jane Austen novel. Which is to say, very nice! Why do I keep expecting Abiene's last name to be Bennet, and for her to meet a thoroughly disagreeable fellow named Fitzwilliam? Seriously though, I love chick-stuff like this. The less killin's and monsters, and the more character interaction like this the better! I would be happy to see this continued into a long-term story.

You have given us a wonderful look inside the household of a moderately wealthy Leyawiin family, and brought all the characters to life. From the scullery maid whom we see Abiene is more close to than her flesh-and-blood mother, to her somewhat reclusive father (who perhaps has good reason to shut himself away from the rest of the family? ). Sidette is especially well done. It is easy to see that she is at least slightly jealous of her older sister, and certainly feels outclassed. No surprise considering that Abiene is a fully self-sufficient woman with skills that are in demand, where Sidette seems to have nothing going for her except her family's money and social position.

Very inventive way of weaving some of the in-game dialogue into the story, in ways slightly different from the game.

I loved Abiene's gift to Ilonea! How very cunning of her to enchant it with Fortify Strength!

He’s been conjuring dead things again, even though he knows there are to be no zombies in the house.
This is such a lovely line!

Stop putting your hands up, the neckline is cut that way for a reason.
This one too!


nits:
What race is Abiene and her family? I do not believe I saw it mentioned here. Since they were invited to the Countesses party, I am assuming not Argonian or Khajiit.

Are you going to met him while you’re home?
Looks like the second "e" in meet got scared off by the cold, damp Leyawiin weather.

Finally, slow down a bit! I did not have time to read it yesterday, and you already made another post today. Please give us at least two days between posts, so we have time to keep up and digest each episode before the next airs.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 24 2010, 03:36 AM

[Acadian]

This is lovely! What rich and leisurely character development. As far as I'm concerned you can't overdo character interactions when they are as delightful as those in these two episodes. Ok, Tamriel can sometimes be a dangerous place, so there are fights and that is a part of life, but what you depict here is the really good stuff!

I love the depth and detail to your descriptions.

Abiene is a sweetie and so easy to like!

The feel you are imparting to this is just warm and yummy, like Christmas comfort food. I expect that is your intent, and my goodness you are succeeding. What a feel-good pleasure to read!


Nits:
“Did I hear that Countess Cario’s cousin is in town?” If you are referring to the Countess of Leyawiin, her name is Caro. If that is not your intent, forgive me.

I fear that I must also echo SubRosa's request to slow down. The problem is, if you post real fast, people will read real fast - and as good as this story is, you really don't want that. I read both episodes in one sitting, but I suspect I would have been able to savor them more had they been spread out over a few days. Allow time for busy readers to savor, ruminate, comment and anticipate.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 16 2010, 11:41 PM

[Grits]

mALX: I had to give poor doomed Vidkun a little time in the sun. I’m not quite finished with him yet. I like to think of him this way much better than as the dead guy stinking up the well. I was pretty much guessing with the sister stuff, so I’m glad it sounded natural. Thank you for your support, it means so much!!

SubRosa: I saw the similarities in story titles almost as soon as I posted the story – yikes. Do you know if I can change my thread title?

Abiene’s mother’s outlook would put her right at home in Jane’s world. Happily ES gives Abiene some different options. I really enjoyed writing this story, and I’m going to have to come up with more ways to present dialog. So far I have cup-of-tea and walk-and-talk. Hmm.

Your observations of the Mettones are exactly what I was trying to express, even (and especially) her father’s reclusive tendencies. Thank you so much for sharing them, it means a lot to me!

Nits: Excellent point about her race. I added this as she walks through the gate: “Greetings, fellow Breton,” one of the guards said to her. She smiled back at him in surprise. Almost all of the Leyawiin City Watch were Imperials. Thank you!

Acadian:I’m glad you’re enjoying this, it was very much inspired by the season. I also wanted to give Abiene a chance to win people over before she does anything questionable in the main story. Christmas comfort food often comes with a sprinkling of family drama, so brace yourself for the last section.
Nits: Yes, I meant Caro. I fixed it, thanks!


Seasonal chaos removes me from Chorrol while I turn my office back into a dining room, but I will be back very soon!! Abiene is important in Jerric’s Story, she just hasn’t shown up in person over there yet. And since I wrote this when I had to take a break from going crazy over one arrow, I’m sure Abiene will pop up again and give us some girl time.

edited: I've changed Arnand's name to Darnand. Now he has a role in Jerric's Story.



Part 3

The next day brought a parade of guests through the house. Everyone went visiting on Saturalia, and in Leyawiin those who were lower in the social strata visited the homes of their betters. This meant that first each family had to receive visitors, and then they went out and made their visits. The whole day was a precisely orchestrated series of interactions that set the tone for the entire upcoming year. Abiene’s mother was like a general making her battle plan. Abiene was uncharacteristically content on this day to simply do as she was told. Apart from slipping away to meet Vidkun, of course. As always Sidette would play a role in her deception and then keep her secret. Her sister may not approve, but she would never betray her.

The Metonnes stepped out the front door of Orius Hall and lingered for a moment on the wide stone landing, making sure they had been seen. Abiene waited until they reached a corner to make herself invisible. Her footsteps barely whispered on the stones as she tiptoed away. She heard her mother’s querulous tone and Sidette’s response. Her sister could chatter her way out of any situation that came up with their parents, while their mother seemed to sniff out Abiene’s lies like a slaughterfish with blood in the water.

Abiene wanted to skip all the way to Vidkun’s house. The day had been a trial for her, and the visit with the odious Orius had been the worst. He had become certain overnight that Abiene was the one for him, and Abiene’s mother was ready to use her as another rung on her social ladder. She seemed to think that Abiene had chosen healing specifically to annoy her while she waited for her mother to make her a favorable match. No one seemed to notice that Abiene had managed to find a life on the other side of Cyrodiil on her own. Her Papa seemed blithely unaware of any conflict.

Her spell had worn off, and she walked slowly past Vidkun’s house. A moment later she heard the door and his footsteps coming up behind her. “Rellian’s house,” he said. “Do you know where it is?” He turned his head and gave her an unsmiling nod for the benefit of passersby.

She nodded graciously to him in return. “No idea.”

“Follow me then, not too close.” She saw that he had a day pack slung over his shoulder.

She followed him through the Chapel District and into a neighborhood of small, neatly kept houses. He entered one, and she saw that he left the door open. She went to the end of the street and made herself invisible then ran back and through the open door. She broke her spell and Vidkun shut the door.

Abiene looked around with undisguised curiosity. A fire crackled cheerfully in the small fireplace. The furniture was simple wood and the décor was armor and weapons. The table and most of the other surfaces were bare. A pallet had been pulled in front of the fire, and Vidkun’s pack sat open beside it along with two pottery cups and a bottle of wine.

“Who is Rellian?” she asked.

“A friend from the Fighters Guild. He went home for the holidays. He gave me his key. I lit the fire earlier, I know how you are about the cold.”

Abiene removed her cloak and folded it over a chair. “Is this where you bring all of your girls?” she teased.

Vidkun’s face told her to stop. When they were teenagers he had been more confident with her. Now he seemed overly sensitive about the differences between them. “I hoped you would come home,” he said simply.

“Let me heal your arm.” She wanted to feel the way she had felt when she was running to him. She realized that actually being together had become more complicated.

“It’s fine. He set it really well. If you heal it I know it will hurt you.”

“Only a little. Who set it for you?”

“The porter. Leave it, Abiene.”

“Do you think I’d let you go through New Life Festival with a broken arm? This way you can break it again if you want to.” She gave Vidkun a wicked smile. “Besides, you know you’ll need both arms to hold me.” The healer inside her was fuming. She could not believe he had let the Fighters Guild porter set a broken bone.

Vidkun removed the splint from his arm and let her heal it. The porter had done a good job after all, she thought. Abiene quickly extended her magicka and found no other injuries. He flexed his arm and smiled. She ran her hands down his chest and up his back, impatient to feel the heat and weight of him. Vidkun was so full of life. She smiled up at him and began to tug at his clothing.

Later they lay curled together on their sides watching the fire. “I was serious about the Mages Guild,” she said.

“Are you thinking about work right now? That’s not very flattering.” When he spoke she felt his breath against the top of her head.

She turned in his arms and flipped her hair out from under her. “I’m thinking about you. You don’t have to be the Arch Mage, just think about how much a few conjuration spells would help you. Or being able to see in the dark, or breathe under water.”

“I’m not smart enough, I didn’t even finish school. Besides, I hate the water, why would I want to breathe it?”

Abiene brushed her lips across his chest and drew her nails lightly down his side. “School doesn’t make you smart,” she said. She slid her arm around his back and pressed herself against him. “I could teach you a simple spell, and then you would know you can do it. Believe in yourself, Vidkun.” She pushed him onto his back.

“I would like to see in the dark.” His breathing became ragged. “All right, but …” He groaned and his hands caught her hips. “… later, Abiene.”

___

Ilonea stood at the counter in the warm kitchen rolling out dough for the New Life Festival sweets. Abiene had her sleeves up and her hands deep in the next batch of sticky dough. She loved to help Ilonea in the kitchen.

“Do you like living in Anvil, Abiene?”

She nodded. “I love it there. The Guild is full of wonderful folk. There are always new people coming to learn restoration, and the shipping trade provides lots of injuries to train with. I have my own room, and I have a lot of respect for our chapter head. She’s an Altmer, and she’s been in Anvil for ages.”

“Have you met anyone special?”

“Not how you mean. Don’t worry, I’m behaving. I want to stay there and not have anything to be ashamed of.” Abiene could tell that they were thinking of the same Dunmer.

“Your blood was always too hot for your head. Maybe you’re growing out of it.”

Abiene smiled down at the sweet dough. “Well there is one man. A student in residence at the Hall, Darnand Penoit. He’s had a lot of training, but he hasn’t been to the University. I can’t tell if he likes me, though. He’s either stuck up or shy, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.”

“Penoit, that’s a good Breton name. Why do you think he’s stuck up, is he arrogant? What does he look like?”

“He is so good-looking, Ilonea. He’s a couple of years older than me, maybe four. Dark hair, not so dark as mine and wavy. He slicks it back but sometimes it curls down on his forehead. He has green eyes. I’ve never seen him smile, he’s so serious. He’s not arrogant, he just keeps to himself. He’s always studying or working.” She looked up at Ilonea. “He’s brilliant, like Papa. I don’t want to make a mistake with him.”

“Let’s say shy then. Go easy, Abiene. Take your time if you think you might want to keep him.”

“Thank you, Ilonea. It’s not so hard to be in Anvil. Not like it is here, my nerves are always tied up in knots.”

Abiene’s mother walked briskly into the room and shot a look at Ilonea. Ilonea brushed the flour from her hands and left without a word.

“I need to speak to you about our plans, Abiene. We have a lot to do in the next few days. You have received several important invitations.”

“I’m leaving in the morning, Mother.”

Her mother pressed her lips together and shook her head dismissively. “Not until after the New Life Festival.”

Abiene’s frustration bubbled over. “Why don’t you hear me? I have work to do. I need to get back to Anvil.”

“I’m sure your pirates and ruffians can wait, Abiene. There are people here that you need to see.” Her mother swept imaginary crumbs from the counter. “You could still join any family in Anvil County, even though you are a healer. Such a shame. You could have been a powerful illusionist.” She shook her head. “You live in Carahil’s Hall, and yet you waste your time with restoration.”

“Illusion magic was your dream, not mine,” Abiene snapped. “Stop punishing me for not following it.”

“You need to make a good marriage before it’s too late. I will speak bluntly. You have been discreet, but you will slip up eventually. Your actions put all of our reputations at risk, especially your sister’s. You look so surprised; did you think Sidette’s silly tales fool me? Don’t confuse me with your father. It was bad enough when you took up with that Dunmer, but at least he had the sense to keep it quiet. You were seen on Saturalia with that Nord again. I won’t have a Metonne connected to a thug from the Fighters Guild. Don’t be so selfish, Abiene.”

Abiene was shocked and humiliated. She struck out thoughtlessly. “I should hope for a marriage like you and Papa? I’m old enough to make my own decisions, Mother. I won’t settle for less than what I want the way you did.” Her hands shook with anger.

Her mother’s cold stare pierced her. “You will not stand in my house and judge me. You are a child who stills grieves over mistakes. We’ll speak as equals when you know what it is to make a sacrifice.” She stalked out of the room.

Abiene leaned over the counter and stuffed a dish towel against her mouth to stifle her sobs. She felt that all of her accomplishments had been stripped away, and she was ten years old again. She was furious with herself for allowing her mother to get to her this way. Ilonea’s hands stroked her back and smoothed her hair.

“She wants the best for you, in her own way,” Ilonea said quietly. “She does love you, Abiene.” Abiene pulled herself together. She did not want to cry into Ilonea’s soft shoulder the way she always used to. I need to get away where I can be myself again, she thought.

___

Abiene hopped down from the carriage and staggered when she hit the ground. The Bosmer porter caught her. “Easy, Abiene.” She looked down at him and smiled.

“How is your back, Terniroth?” she asked.

“Good as new, thanks to you. Which ones are your bags?”

“Just the one.” She pointed and he scrambled up and got it while the other passengers were climbing out of the carriage.

“See you around,” he said, and she gave him a cheery wave. She walked to Anvil’s Main Gate and the guards opened it for her. The air was cool, but after all it was Morning Star. She passed into the Guildgate District and looked around the wide circle at the buildings bathed in sunlight. She could see the lofty spire of Dibella’s Chapel rising up behind the Guild Halls where the streets sloped down toward the harbor. The year of Akatosh 433 is going to be a good one, she thought.

Abiene opened the door and stepped into the front hall of the Mages Guild. Her weariness fell away behind her. She breathed in the scents of herbs, solvents, and ancient books. Carahil stood at her customary spot behind the counter. Her face lit up with a gentle smile. “Ah, Abiene, it pleases me to see you return to us. Greetings of the new year to you.”

Abiene folded her hands respectfully. “And to you, Carahil.” Her heart filled with joy that burst out into a smile. “It’s so good to be home.”

This post has been edited by Grits: Feb 7 2011, 07:34 PM

[SubRosa]

Abiene meeting Vidkun in secret was sweet. I especially loved that she actually made herself invisible when she slipped away, rather than just metaphorically so. Equally good was Vidkun's leaving the door open for her, so her spell would not fizzle out and she be seen.

Which brings me to mention, I like how you worked Vidkun into this, given the fate we know is in store for him in the game. It is nice to see some real depth given to a character who we are used to seeing as nothing but a faceless casualty in the MG/Necromancer struggle. Abiene's off-hand comment about being able to breathe water was both brilliant on your part, and at the same time a dark foreshadowing.

Interesting conversation Abiene had with Ilonea as well. Who might this Dunmer be I wonder? Hopefully not Valen Dreth! Teresa says it better not be Tadrose Helas either!

their mother seemed to sniff out Abiene’s lies like a slaughterfish with blood in the water
An excellent metaphor! Given the conversation her mother had with her near the end, I can see just how apt a statement it was! Phew! That was brutal, but not at all unexpected given Abiene's independence, and her mother's social ambitions.

The year of Akatosh 433 is going to be a good one, she thought.
Is Abiene in for a surprise!

All in all, this was an extremely delightful piece. I meant what I said before, in that I would love to see more of Abiene, including a fan fic all her own. You have not only breathed life into her, but built up a complex and believable web of relationships around her. It leaves me wanting much more!

btw. The Austenian flavor to your tale prompted me to finally get around to watching the 2007 version of Persuasion. The 1995 version was better in several ways,especially some of the scenes in Bath, but this was still very enjoyable.

nits:
Abiene quickly extended her magika
I am not sure if this was an intentional change of the spelling, or if someone simply heisted your "c" in magicka. In case it was not intentional, I submit it for your inspection.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 18 2010, 02:39 AM

[Acadian]

Firstly, thank you for sharing this lovely three part short story with us - and what a perfect time of the year to do so!

This final episode was as grand as the first two. The family conflicts were delightfully real and spoke volumes to the depth that you have managed to instill so quickly and deeply into Abiene and her family.

The rendezvous with Vidkun was bittersweet, between the emotions and foreshadowing.

The 'showdown' between Abiene and her mother rendered her return to Anvil a relief.

I see that Arnand seems to be the common link at this point between the stories of Abiene and Jerric. I also note however, that Abiene seems to have a taste for Nords. . . .

Finishing the three part story in the manner you did gave it a strong sense of completion. After all, the story began with her hopping from a carriage upon arriving at Leyawiin. It was so deliciously appropriate to end the story almost mirroring that scene as she hopped from a carriage, happy to be back in Anvil.

[mALX]

GAAAAH !!!! So Abiene is the one that pushes him into joining the Mages Guild ... getting him killed? GAAAH !!! What kind of guilt will she carry from that?

Oh, and before you find Vidkun in the well, if you listen to the people talking in the Mages Guild - they say stuff like,

"The water from that well tastes funny lately..." BWAAAHAAA !!!

Great Write, and you did an Awesome job on the lemon, even if Vidkun is hard to picture in the role (since I've never seen him out of the well, lol.)