Ahnaressu's Travels Ch. 8 Options

[Dantrag]

I'll try to continue updating on this wonderful site as well as the official forums.

Chapter 8

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A dunmer of about nineteen years stared at the Odai River as the wind blew his long, thin, black hair across his face. His arms were thin, but taut with muscles, a trait gained from years at the forge. He had worn black leather boots, brown pants, and a black overcoat covering his light grey shirt. His fierce red eyes took in everything around him. he watched the dazzling reflections of the trees on the surface of the water, the movements of a scrib, and he felt the presence of the mer walking towards him.

"Hello there. young lad." the elderly dunmer began. "Would you happen to know where to find a young dunmer by the name of Ahnaressu?"
"Actually, I do." said the young elf. "But might I ask why you want to know?"
The elderly mer continued. "I have need of his services. I am old, I will need help getting to my annual pilgrimage to Ghostgate."
"When do you need to get there?"
"Tomorrow."
"Meet you here at dawn. I will escort you to ghostgate then."
The old priest laughed. You had me fooled for a moment, but I knew who you were all along."
Ahnaressu began to walk back towards town and yelled behind him, "Remember. First light."

Ahnaressu had started a mercenary-like business about two months ago, having quit his old smithing job at the Razor Hole. When he started the business, he had hoped for exciting jobs from collectors of artifacts, great houses, guilds and the like, but being based out of Balmora, he usually got jobs escorting priests wanting to go to various shrines. He chuckled to himself whenevr he thought of the time he escorted a priest to the House of Earthly Delights in Suran - without revealing the priest's identity. He made more money than he did working for Thorek, and he had the added bonus of getting out of the monotony of "civilized" life.

When he had saved up enough money, he rented the top half of a house on the west side of the river. He, Cali and Relgar all shared the little house and it was a large improvement from the room in the temple, and less pressure on Ahnaressu to join the ranks of the temple doctrines.

Ahnaressu walked into the house he rented. Having only rented the top half, he always ended up carrying things up the steps for Cali.
"Ahnaressu!" Relgar yelled happily when he saw his older brother walk through the door.
Ahnaressu suddenly became a young child again when he yelled, "Relgar!" and ran towards his brother.
They ended up wrestling, the seven year old Relgar emerging triumphant while Ahnaressu played dead.
Cali laughed, just as she did every time she saw the two brothers together. She turned away from the brawl for a moment to check on the soup, tasting a sip before deciding if it was ready or not.
"Okay, boys, time for dinner."
Relgar jumped off Ahnaressu and quickly sat down at the table. Ahnaressu slowly got up and brushed himself off before seating himself.
The two males in the house rubed their hands together in anticipation of the food. Cali served them and sat down herself.

After dinner Ahnaressu went to sleep in preparation for the next day's short trek to ghostgate.

[Dantrag]

Ahnaressu made his way back to Neloth's tower with another levitation potion in hand. He made his way up the tunnel and into Neloth's chambers. The Telvanni wizard had his back turned to Ahnaressu, leaning over the ashlander's katana.

Ahnaressu didn't even have to announce his presence before Neloth spoke. "If you're here for your sword, it isn't ready."
"You've had three days." Ahnaressu said.
"There is more to my life than serving you." Neloth replied.
"I'm just curious as to when it will be finished." Ahanressu said defensively.
Neloth didn't answer. Instead, he spoke the words of a spell and presented Ahnaressu with the sword. "Now it's ready."
"Great. What did you surprise me with?" Ahanressu asked.
"If I told you, I wouldn't be surprising you."
"I'm not here for a wizard's riddles." Ahanressu said through gritted teeth.
Neloth calmly changed the subject. "Now that I have done my part of the deal, You will uphold yours."
"Fair enough." Ahnaressu replied.
Neloth leaned in close. "I want to fight you."
"What?" Ahnaressu asked incredulously.
"A duel of sorts. I haven't met anyone willing to fight me. everyone is scared of getting burned, shocked, or frozen to death. I need to stay sharp, but I can't if nobody will fight me."
"Alright. I'l fight you."

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sorry for the shortness...I had planned this battle for awhile, but I'm going to make it cool, which takes time. so