A Wood Elf in Windhelm, Stranger in a Strange Land? Options

[haute ecole rider]

Welp it has been a few years (yikes, almost EIGHT??) since I last posted anything in the Fan Fiction forum. I've taken up writing once again now that I have a couple of voices talking in my head once again. I hope y'all enjoy this one . . .

Sundas 17 Last Seed - Candlehearth Hall

“Child!� Lili turned her gaze toward the source of the voice. “Get that mangy mutt out of here! And go home to your parents!�

Here we go again. Lili lowered her hood to show her face, lean, sharp featured and highlighted by slanted eyes. She lowered her hand to touch the dog’s ears, just as pointed as her own. “Forgive me, ma’am,� she kept her voice soft, pitched to carry across the room to the Nord innkeeper behind her counter. “I’ve traveled from across the sea. This dog followed me from the docks. I seek food, a bath, and a bed for both of us. And I assure you Star has been cleansed of any fleas or lice or other vermin. But if you wish,� she half turned to the door behind her, “I’ll go seek lodging somewhere else.�

“Wait!� The woman stepped from behind the counter and approached Lili, gesturing her to step into the pool of light from a nearby sconce. “Forgive me, given your size I thought . . .�

“I take it you don’t see many Bosmer here in Windhelm,� Lili countered softly. “It’s an honest mistake, ma’am.� She looked down at Star’s bright blue eyes. “I can pay for both of us, but I also have a pair of fat salmon -� she held up two fish from beneath her cloak “- I fished up off the docks this afternoon. If you’ll let me use your kitchen for a little while, I can cook it up for us.�

“Salmon?� The woman exclaimed. “Nonsense! Nils!� She called over her shoulder down the hallway extending to the rear of the inn. “My name’s Elda Early-Dawn, I run this inn.� She glanced warily at the black and white dog. “We typically don’t serve dogs in here . . .�

“I’m Lilisfina. That’s why I offered to cook for the both of us,� Lili assured her. “I did clean him up before we came up from the docks.�

“Wait, isn’t he the stray dog the Argonians feed from time to time?� Elda put her hands on her hips. “He’s not filthy, is he?�

“Not anymore,� Lili smiled at him and ruffled his scruff. “I made sure of it.�

Elda narrowed her eyes at the slight Bosmer. “How?� She leaned down slightly and sniffed audibly. “He doesn’t smell fishy, or wet.�

Lili sent a faint wave of restoration magic down his body. Elda gasped and hastily stepped back. Her hand crept to her throat and grasped a small amulet.

“I’ve been traveling all over Tamriel as healer,� Lili explained softly. “And learning as much as I can from fellow healers and mages.�

“Magic?� Elda exclaimed. “Goodness! Not here, nothing dangerous like that! That’s all best kept up at the College of Winterhold.�

Lili pulled the coin purse from her belt. “May I pay for a room, a bath, and the use of your kitchen, ma’am?�

A scruffy man appeared at Elda’s shoulder. “You called, ma’am?�

“Give Nils the salmon,� Elda took a deep breath and met Lili’s gaze. “You can have your choice from our menu, if you want to give that dog something other than fish. We’ll put the salmon on our menu for tonight, or you can have it prepared your way for yourself.� Lili turned to the wizened older man and held the fish to him. “As for the room and the bath, it would be ten drakes for the room and three for the bath.� Her gaze flickered to the dog. “It’d be extra if you bathe the dog too.�

Nils hefted the fish thoughtfully, then grinned in satisfaction at their weight. Lili smiled back, then turned to Elda. “The dog won’t appreciate the bath, but if you have a nice mutton bone left over from that stew I smell cooking he wouldn’t mind that.�

“That’s nice salmon, mind,� Nils exclaimed softly as he met Lili’s gaze. “Salmon my way, salmon your way, or our mutton stew?�

“Let me try the stew,� Lili answered. “I’ve had nothing but smoked fish on the way here.� She counted out the drakes and handed them to Elda. “And here’s three for the bath, and twenty for two nights in the room. Would that be acceptable?�

“Of course,� Elda exclaimed, palming the coins into the purse at her waist. Here’s a woman who knows the value of a good coin. “Follow me, ma’am.� She turned and followed Nils into the back hallway. While he continued down to the rear of the structure, Elda stopped at the first door on the left. She drew a key from her pocket, unlocked it and swung it open. “Does this suit you and your dog?�

“He’s not really my dog,� Lili remarked as she stepped in. “But he decided to follow me.�

“Likely because you fed him,� Elda muttered as Star followed after Lili, his white tipped tail waving over his back as he explored the room with his nose. “Well, do you want your bath first, or eat first?�

“It’s cold outside,� Lili set her pack onto the bed, “and it will take time to get a hot bath ready. I think I’ll eat that stew first.�

“And what would you like to drink?�

“Mead?� Lili asked. “I’ve heard so much about it, and I’d like to try some.�

“Mead it is!� Elda nodded emphatically. “Mind you, be careful with it until you get used to it.�

“I’m Bosmer,� Lili smiled. “Grew up on jagga and rotmeth.� Elda pulled a face. She’s actually tasted jagga or rotmeth?

“Head upstairs, and I’ll have Susanna bring you your meal,� she nodded at Star, “and a bone for that dog. He’d better behave himself!�

“Thank you very much, ma’am,� Lili cast a lock spell on her bag, then followed the Nord innkeeper out. At the taller woman’s gesture, she headed up the wide stairs to the main hall above.

The large space, tucked beneath the high steep roof, took up the entire length of the inn. A large flagstone hearth, its chimney holding up the centerline of the roof, took up the center of the room. The part of the room adjacent to the open stairway held three tables, all three occupied. Chairs were placed along the walls and around the fireplace. On the other side, to the rear, a slender Dunmer plucked at a lute, a plaintive melody drifting from her long fingers.

“Hello!� Another Nord woman, this one a bit younger, her abundant curves highlighted by a rather lightweight outfit, approached Lili. “I’m Susanna the Wicked. Have you already ordered something to eat or drink, ma’am?�

“Elda will be sending something up shortly,� Lili replied. “I’m Lilisfina. You don’t seem very wicked to me, Susanna.�

“Are you new to Skyrim, ma’am?� Susanna tucked her tray beneath one arm. At Lili’s nod, she leaned down slightly to speak softly. “Here in Skyrim, nicknames are meant to be ironic. They call Elda Early-Dawn because, well, she sleeps late most days.� She nodded at a slouched Nord, his winter cap askew over his ears. “And Rolff Stone-Fist, because he has a glass hand. Jaw, too, to tell the truth.� She touched the side of her nose with her finger. “I didn’t tell you that.�

Lili smiled back at her and mirrored her gesture. “Tell me what?� She looked around the room again.

“You’ll have to share a table with one of those men,� Susanna straightened up. She eyed Lili thoughtfully.

“Which one do you suggest?� Lili asked. “I don’t want to inconvenience anyone.�

“Hmm, the black beard nearest us is Captain Lonely-Gale. He’s nice enough, but he’s being - aggressively - pursued by a certain spinster. That makes him cranky when she’s been on him, and she should be coming in here soon.� She shook her head warningly. “Not good company then.� Her gaze shifted to the front wall. “The older gentleman in the left corner behind the stairwell is Adonato Leotelli. He’s a writer, and when he’s writing . . .�

Lili took in the bent head, the quivering quill and the sheets of parchment scattered across the table. “Resents any distraction?�

“And did Elda say you could bring your dog here?� Susanna tipped her head at the Skyrim Husky, who regarded the room from his seated position at Lili’s side. “Because Leotelli will complain about misbehaving dogs, barking and panting and breaking up his concentration.�

“He’s not my dog,� Lili corrected. “But I understand what you mean. I definitely wouldn’t want to interrupt the creative process.�

Susanna snorted softly. “Now that big one with the shaved head and fierce face,� she indicated the man in the opposite corner, scratched iron glimmering in the candlelight with each slow breath, “Stenvar’s a sellsword. Strongest sword arm in the North, if you believe him.� She regarded him with a fond expression. “He’s rough, and looks like an absolute brute, but I assure you, he’s a good man to know. He won’t mind your - the dog, either. If he’s got a temper, I haven’t seen it yet.�

“How would he feel about sharing a table with an Elf?� Lili asked. Susanna glanced sharply at her. “Oh, I heard Rolff Stone-Fist and one other man giving a Dunmer lady a hard time before I came in. Sounded like there’s a fair bit of resentment about them here in Windhelm.�

Susanna laid a finger on her lips. “We can talk about that another time, Lilisfina.� She waved toward the mercenary’s table. “Go on, sit there. I’ll bring you your meal right away!�

Lili and Star wove their way between the chairs toward the indicated table. She noticed the round shield and war axe leaning against a chair at the side of the table, then the hilt of a zwei-hander over the sellsword’s shoulder. He raised his blue gaze from his mug as she stopped beside the chair opposite him.

“May I?� Lili rested her hand on the back of the chair in question.

“Of course,� Stenvar straightened his shoulders slightly and waved his free hand in open invitation. As she took her seat, he clenched his hand and tapped his iron cuirass in greeting. “I’m Stenvar.�

“Lilisfina,� she put her palms together in front of her own chest and nodded once. “My pleasure.�

“Are you certain?� Stenvar’s voice rumbled softly, his eyes glinting with good humor. “I’d argue the pleasure is mine. It’s not often I get a beautiful lass ask to sit at my table.�

Lili regarded him thoughtfully. “Somehow I get the feeling plenty of beautiful ladies do more than just sit with you, sir.� She kept her tone light and soft, and lifted her right brow in challenge.

Stenvar grinned, then shook his head with a chuckle. “Not as many as you’d think, ma’am.�

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: When Stenvar started talking to me, he mentioned that he wrote his Ma quite often. So I thought it was a good way to introduce his segments. As as you said, he is a straight shooter. In more ways than one

@Treydog: The quickest way to a man's (and dog's) heart is via the stomach! Or didn't you already know that? I'll let you decide how easily they work through The Winter War and the fisherman's camp in upcoming segments.

@Sage Rose: I laughed at your clip from TNG - I had binged that last year (watched an episode over each lunch period every working day) and this one was one I enjoyed a lot. Yes, and Poor Lil, indeed! Cold? It's still summer! Yup, gonna get a LOT colder sooner than Lili would like! And your guess about a rescue mission is spot on, as usual.

@Renee: As the others will probably tell you, I'm one of those writers who enjoy playing counter to the usual stereotypes where I can. So having my little Bosmer be a mage instead of a stamina based hunter just made more sense in terms of this story. It's also reflective of my current Skyrim play through, where she has no weapons and wears no armor, only clothing. Stenvar's big enough for her to hide behind in a fight! As for Stennvar, it's just the way she pronounces his name - she rolls the "n" in his name the way some folks (looking at you, Spanish and French speakers) roll their "r's".

Glad you all enjoyed my screenshots. I don't always remember to take them, so they won't be a regular thing. . .

*******************************
Morndas 18 Last Seed - First Light

Lili smiled as Star bounced around her, his white tipped tail waving in the pre-dawn light. His bright eyes glinted back at her as he lifted his head from a snow drift, white flakes glimmering on his white muzzle. She pulled her woolen cloak closer about her neck and watched their breaths drift away in the light breeze.

“Is that all you have for the weather?� Stenvar’s voice reached them as the front door of the inn snicked closed behind him. Lili caught his glance at the sky. “At least it will stay clear, but clear days can be colder.� He shook out a brown fur pelt, then held it out to her. “I’ll cut it down later, but this should help.�

Lili lifted her brows at him in surprise. Well, I didn’t hire him for fashion advice, but he’s being practical. “That’s nice of you, Stennvar,� she answered, deliberately rolling the n sound. “Let me try it on.� He dropped it over her shoulders and held it in place while she secured it with the hide lacing. “Won’t you need it, though?� She eyed the exposed iron of his battered cuirass, fur padding showing around its edges, and the bracers on his wrists.

“It’s still summer for us,� Stenvar responded. “As long as we keep moving I’ll be fine. Besides, cloaks just get in the way of fighting.�

“Hmm, never thought of that.� Lili shrugged the heavy fur into a more comfortable set over her shoulders. “And you’re not worried about my fighting?�

“My job is to make sure you don’t have to fight,� Stenvar tapped his chest. “Ready to go?�

“Yes, lead the way,� Lili whistled softly, and the gamboling Skyrim Husky sprang to her side, his eyes on her, tongue lolling out.

“You may say he’s not your dog,� Stenvar remarked as they made their way toward the city gates, “but I suspect he thinks otherwise.�

“I don’t own him,� Lili responded. “But I asked if he wanted to accompany me, and he said yes.� She shot Stenvar a quick glance. “Same as you.�

“But you’re paying me. How are you paying him?�

“How else?� Lili chuckled and slipped through the smaller postern door set within one of the large gate leaves. “Food!�

Stenvar laughed and led Lili across the long bridge over the White River. Her breath caught in her throat as the breeze turned into a colder, stronger gust. Ow! That’s cold! “Save your breath, ma’am,� Stenvar advised and turned east onto the road that ran along the southern riverbank. “I know where the Winter War is, so if it’s okay with you I’ll lead the way. We’ll have to turn north off the road, and likely will be going through deep snow then. It’s better if I break trail.�

“Sounds good, but once we get within sight, I’d like to stop and take a look myself.�

“Of course,� Stenvar watched Star weave around them, his nose to the snow. “What’s your plan for the dog?�

“I’m not sure how helpful Star would be in a fight,� Lili responded thoughtfully. “But I’ve a feeling he’ll provide warning of danger.� She took a breath from behind the fur before she spoke again. “I’ll keep an eye on him while you’re breaking trail, and let you know.�

“That would be good, ma’am,� Stenvar passed the stables with a glance at the horses within. Lili caught his lingering gaze on the sturdy dark bay in the outermost stall. She slowed slightly to regard the horse. Strong back. Sturdy bones. Plenty of feather on those pasterns. The mare picked up her head from her grain bucket to watch the two walk past, her dark eyes catching the gleam from the snow in the stable yard. Curious. Then it was time to hurry to catch up to Stenvar’s long strides on the icy cobblestones.

They passed a carriage, its shafts resting on upended logs. “That’s the post carriage, it will take you to the other cities for a price,� Stenvar pointed out. “The driver’s likely staying the night in the stable master’s house.�

“Other than on foot, what’s the best way to get around Skyrim?� Lili asked. Either way sounds cold!

“Depends on how far you want to go, and how fast you want to get there,� Stenvar responded. “Most of it is rugged country, and large parts are snow and ice covered like here. On foot is fine down south, but up here you’re better off on horseback.�

“Really?� Lili regarded a small farmstead as they walked by. The road turned north with the river, then veered east after the second farmstead. Stenvar paused at the bend in the road and turned back to regard Lili. By this point the sun began to lift above the peaks to the east, and she squinted against the growing glare from the snow.

“Horses will get you from one warm place to the next faster,� Stenvar grinned. “Can you ride?�

“Depends on the horse!� Lili exclaimed. “I prefer them smooth and gentle.� She met his gaze. “But they are expensive to buy and to keep.�

“Yes, they certainly are,� Stenvar agreed. “Which is why I like the post carriages. They’re slower, but they’ll get you there for less coin!� He turned his face north. “We leave the road here, and follow the river north to the sea. The Winter War is in the estuary on this side. Einar’s fishing camp is across the main channel.�

“Winter War first, then,� Lili pulled the woolen cloak up over her face. “I’ll save my breath now.�

With a chuckle Stenvar started into the snow, Star following after him. Lili stepped into their tracks.

They walked between the pine forest and the riverbank, followed by the distant howling of wolves. Lili kept an eye on Star, but he ignored them. He became alert as they drew near a small group of horkers resting on the ice at the edge of the river. Stenvar kept a wide berth while they lifted their forehands up on their flippers to watch the trio pass. Ugly creatures, but they’re interesting. Curious about us, or just wary?

The sun had cleared the trees when they reached a group of small standing stones. Stenvar paused there and set his pack down. Lili followed suit with her own and watched him pass beneath a squat stone arch to pause before a granite slab set on two large boulders. That looks like an altar of some kind. On either side large carved eagle heads bracketed the entrance to a small cave behind the altar.

Stenvar picked up the top of the battered lantern. He fished out a candle stub from his belt purse and set it within the lantern’s base. With a flint against the back of his dagger, he lit the candle, then replaced the lantern. Lili noted the sprigs of snowberries resting on the slab beside the lantern, and empty bowls. Her curiosity rose as Stenvar placed a piece of bread within one bowl, and a slice of mutton in the other. He stood for a few breaths with bowed head before the stone altar, then returned to Lili and picked up his pack.

“Ready, ma’am?�

Lili shrugged her smaller bag over her shoulders and nodded silently. They returned to their northward path, Stenvar in the lead again. Lili glanced back at the altar once again. That’s no god I recognize.

Their shadows were directly beneath their feet when Stenvar stopped again. He waved Lili up alongside him, and pointed ahead. Here the trees fell back from the shoreline, and Lili found the glare of the snow almost painful as she squinted in the indicated direction.

Here the shoreline broke back toward them, the snow and ice in jagged contrast to the black water. A short distance offshore, large boulders bulked up out of the gentle waves, more horkers at its base. Just past the islet, Lili could make out broken timbers and boards.

“The Winter War,� Stenvar said softly.

“Do you see anyone on the wreck?� Lili tried to make out forms within the shattered craft, but her poor distance vision failed to discern any details.

“It’s in shadow, so it’s hard to see against the glare from the snow in between,� Stenvar responded. “But I do see bear traps laid out on the big rock in front, so they’re there.�

Lili stepped a few steps forward, her gaze already scanning the ground between them and the shore. “What’s the best way to get there? How do they move on and off the wreck?�

“There’s a shallow ford from that point,� Stenvar indicated a long finger of snow and ice below them that stretched toward the islet, “to the big rock. And I see what looks like a rough path up this side of the rock - that’s where the bear traps are.�

“So they’ll have a sentry near the top of the rock,� Lili mused, “and they will listen for those traps snapping.� Stenvar nodded his agreement. “I’d like to get to the top of that rock, think we can do it undetected?�

“It’ll be difficult with those horkers there,� Stenvar responded. “They are territorial animals and will make a lot of noise if we get too close to them.� He regarded them a moment more. “And it’s not the rutting season, so any noise they make will alert anyone on the wreck.�

“Let me worry about the horkers,� Lili responded. A good calm spell will keep them relaxed. “You worry about the bandits. Just how shallow is that ford?�

“It’s low tide right now, so no more than ankle deep.�

Lili sighed. “Not looking forward to wet feet, especially with this cold.�

“We’ll take our boots off to cross, and put them back on once we’re across.�

“Don’t bother,� Lili smiled up at Stenvar. “Like the horkers, I can take care of wet boots. It’s quicker, too.� And warmer!