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: Believe me, Lili has already considered aaaalllll the ways she can get Sten out of his armor! And yes, she knows to give credit where credit's due.

@Acadian: A Nord and a wood elf? Same way a St. Bernard and a mini poodle do it! Where there's a will (and desire) there's always a way! Thanks for calling out the little tags I use to keep the dialogue interesting. As for the nit you pointed out, I double checked with Lili and her response was "That's what I said, not what I should've said!" So I think we both can agree to leave that phrasing alone, as it is uniquely Lil's

@treydog: I had a lot of fun picturing how a wood elf from Valenwood would respond to the bitter cold and rugged environment of Skyrim. Yes, she's done a bit of traveling (Valenwood - Elsweyr - Black Marsh - Morrowind), but has never encountered anything quite like this! Brrrr! And world building is something I really enjoy doing, just not as an info dump, but more as a natural exploration/finding out about things from those who live there. Having Lili be new to Skyrim is a great way to accomplish this, as she would ask questions natives would never think to ask!

@SubRosa: Shenanigans will ensue, but just not quite in the way we are thinking at the moment! That will come later . . . And yes, everything is so different to Lili - even the trees!

@Renee: I'm glad you are enjoying things in Skyrim with Lili. I always imagined Bosmer as being less dependent on their vision and more dependent on smell and hearing in their jungle environment - the sight lines are horrible compared to say the open tundra around Whiterun or the grand vistas in Anequina. Hence her near sightedness. No rowboat mods - I use my imagination a lot here. Cairns, rowboats, raft building, etc - all those are from my imagination. When I was playing Oblivion, I hated those clock mods - they always felt so lore - UNfriendly to the medieval environment of Cyrodiil. So I got to thinking how did they tell time in those days? Then I realized in Europe at least, they used church bells to sound out the hours of prayer - matins, vespers, compline, etc. Since every town in Cyrodiil has a church/cathedral, and they sounded the bells hourly, I just felt it was natural to use that as a way to mark time. And since Skyrim follows Oblivion, I kept some of the Oblivion stuff here. As for DarkFox, I have nothing but good to say about his mods - all the ones I've used work very well.


*****************
Morndas 18 Last Seed - Terms for Future Engagement

Well, I�€™m going to try and squeeze a little bit more into this last bit of parchment. The bounty for the wreck was one thousand drakes. One thousand! Even with the usual split that�€™s going to be a nice chunk of coin to send home as soon as I visit the courier�€™s in the morning. And I can finally get this armor repaired like new. I�€™m looking forward to seeing Oengul again - he�€™s a good smith and honest.

Not only that, but I learned a few new things about wearing and taking care of heavy armor. Maybe it�€™s time to start saving for a good set of steel armor. And best of all, Lilisfina wants to hire me again for future jobs - might bring in even more coin if they�€™re anything like this bounty job. Don�€™t get your hopes up just yet - we�€™ve got to figure some things out first.
I�€™m going to sign off now so I can get these coins off to you tomorrow. Give my love to Halla and Old Fang. I�€™ll write again when I get the chance.

Sten

Star flopped down on the rug beside the bed as Lilisfina dropped the heavy bag on the square table. She pulled it closer to the bed and waved Sten to the chair. �€œLet�€™s get this counted out shall we?�€� she seated herself tailor fashion on the bed and dumped the silver coins over the surface of the table. �€œStacks of ten?�€�

Sten drew the chair up to the table and seated himself. �€œTo start,�€� he cast his gaze over the numerous coins. �€œBut it�€™s a thousand drakes. That�€™s what, one hundred stacks?�€�

�€œHmm, let�€™s count the first hundred,�€� Lilisfina matched actions to words as she started making stacks. �€œWe�€™ll divide that between us, then count out the second hundred.�€� She paused in her counting as Sten picked up a handful of coins. �€œDo you have a coin bag of your own, Stennvar?�€�

�€œYes,�€� not sure if it�€™s big enough though. �€œWonder why the Jarl paid in drakes, not septims? Would be easier to count out ten coins instead of a thousand.�€�

Lilisfina shrugged. �€œWho knows the mind of kings? Or Jarls?�€� She grinned up at him. �€œPerhaps not enough gold in his coffers.�€�

That�€™s a good point. �€œThat�€™s likely, ma�€™am,�€� Sten resumed his counting. �€œThis Stormcloak uprising of his isn�€™t easy to maintain.�€� He caught Lilisfina�€™s curious glance at him.

�€œUprising?�€� She leaned back a moment. �€œWhat�€™s that about?"

�€œYou mentioned the Thalmor earlier,�€� Sten resumed his counting. �€œThey�€™re here in Skyrim, trying to wipe out Talos worshippers.�€�

�€œThat�€™s right, the White Gold Concordat,�€� Lilisfina nodded. �€œAnd Jarl Stormcloak is resisting the Thalmor and trying to preserve Talos worship?�€�

Sten leaned back and regarded the ten tidy stacks of drakes between them. �€œYes, ever since the Markarth Incident.�€� He watched as Lilisfina pushed five stacks toward him and slid the other five into her coin bag. Wait. That�€™s not the usual split. He caught her curious glance at him. �€œHe went to Solitude last spring and killed the High King Torygg in front of his court in defiance of Thalmor rule.�€�

Lilisfina�€™s eyes widened at his words. �€œHe murdered the High King? That took some balls. Either he�€™s foolish or foolhardy.�€�

�€œRumor has it he challenged the High King to a duel, then Shouted him to death.�€�

Lilisfina�€™s gaze sharpened. �€œShouted him to death? Just what do you mean by that?�€�

Sten searched his memory for old tales told at an elder�€™s hearth years ago. �€œWith the thu�€™um, the Voice in the Dragon Tongue,�€� I hope I am making sense. �€œIt takes years of training and study to master the Shouts. Before he became Jarl, before the Markarth Incident, Ulfric Stormcloak studied with the Greybeards.�€�

Lilisfina leaned back again and watched Sten collect his five stacks of drakes into his coin bag. �€œDragons again,�€� she mused. �€œThat�€™s interesting.�€�

�€œYou did mention a Dragon cult in Elsweyr earlier,�€� Stenvar started counting again from the pile of silver coins. �€œAre you familiar with Dragons?�€�

�€œOnly from the tales the Khajiit told,�€� Lilisfina joined in the counting. �€œApparently Dragons have appeared in Elsweyr at times, though none have been seen since the Second Era.�€� In short order the two had ten more stacks counted, and again Lilisfina pushed five stacks toward Sten and kept five for herself.

That again. This isn�€™t going to be the typical split, is it? Sten met Lilisfina�€™s gaze as he slid the coins into his bag. �€œIs this how you want to do the split, ma�€™am?�€�

�€œWhat�€™s wrong? I did say we would split the bounty, didn�€™t I?�€�

�€œTypically the employer keeps sixty to seventy out of every hundred drakes,�€� Sten explained. �€œI thought that�€™s what you meant?�€�

Lilisfina straightened up. �€œI�€™ve never done it that way,�€� she set her fists on her hips in mock indignation. �€œI�€™ve always paid my hirelings fifty to fifty.�€� She smiled at Sten. �€œOh yes, I�€™ve had sellswords like you working with me on the tough jobs. How do you think I paid my way around Tamriel to get here?�€�

Sten shrugged. �€œI thought mages, alchemists and healers usually barter their services.�€�

�€œI do that too,�€� Lilisfina responded. �€œBut somehow paying my sellswords in coin feels more appropriate for the risks they take in providing their services.�€� She aimed her finger at him. �€œRisks you took.�€�

�€œNo complaints here,�€� Sten returned to counting more coins. Lilisfina joined him in making the pile of loose coins smaller.

�€œHow do you normally get paid, Stennvar? By the job, or by periods of time?�€�

�€œBy the job,�€� Sten set up another stack. �€œIt�€™s how folks want to hire sellswords these days. If one wants long term muscle, there�€™s retainers, guards and carls.�€�

�€œCarls?�€� Lilisfina repeated.

�€œYou could call them bodyguards, I suppose,�€� Sten explained. �€œThey enter service freely, and swear to protect their Jarl or Thane with their lives.�€�

�€œI see,�€� Lilisfina nodded to herself. �€œAnd they don�€™t get paid as well as a sellsword, say?�€�

�€œWell, it�€™s a steady employment, they get housing, board and gear provided by their masters,�€� Sten responded. �€œGear is usually a bit better than a guard�€™s, and they stay with their master at all times.�€�

�€œSo why are you a sellsword, instead of serving one of these Jarls or Thanes?�€�

�€œI�€™d like to have a bit more freedom in my choices of whom I hire out to,�€� Sten watched Lilisfina split the next ten stacks between them. �€œI don�€™t want to be stuck doing things that go against my grain, so to speak.�€� He shook his head. �€œCan�€™t do that once you�€™re a carl.�€�

Lilisfina fell silent as they kept counting. Sten wondered at her thoughts. She�€™s thinking over everything we talked about. Sure asked a lot of questions - she seems eager to learn as much as she can about Skyrim.

Finally they reached the last hundred drakes. Sten looked up to see Lilisfina�€™s thoughtful gaze on him. He stilled his hands and waited.

�€œHow do you feel about long term employment, Stennvar?�€� Lilisfina took a deep breath. �€œWith me?�€�

With her? Long term? �€œHow long are you thinking?�€�

�€œWell, I liked the way we worked together out there on The Winter War,�€� she mused. �€œAnd I prefer to keep busy, even if it means doing odd jobs around here for a time. I�€™d like to have a good amount of funds, and be more acclimated to this cold, before I venture north to Winterhold. How does getting paid for a month�€™s worth of work sound to you?�€�

Sten felt wariness rear its head. �€œWhat kind of work do you have in mind?�€�

�€œEvery city I�€™ve come across, every settlement, even individuals encountered on the roads,�€� Lilisfina crossed her arms, then lifted her left fingers to tap on her jawline, �€œthere�€™s always something that needs to be found, a forgotten task that needs to be completed, and a message to be delivered, all involving danger to some degree or another.�€�

�€œHmm, and you want a strong arm at your back?�€�

�€œOr in front of me, or at my side, wherever such strength is needed.�€� Lilisfina nodded. �€œBut such a strong arm needs to be someone I can trust with my life, and here in Skyrim, that�€™s a question that I have to consider very carefully.�€� Again she tapped her jaw with her fingertips. �€œEspecially in Stormcloak territory.�€�

�€œWell, you can ask my Khajiit employers if they have been happy with my services,�€� Sten mused. �€œThey seem to trust me quite a bit. And I�€™ve always done my best by them.�€� He met her gaze. �€œBut they�€™ve proven to be good employers, and have always treated me well. That kind of trust goes both ways, ma�€™am.�€�

Lilisfina nodded. �€œAgreed. I tend to be careful of who I hire, because it would be easy for someone physically stronger than me to take advantage.�€� She tilted her head at him.

Take advantage? Yes, I suppose there are those who would see this little Wood Elf as easy game. But I suspect she has claws ready to unsheathe at any time, like a cat. No, she deserves respect. �€œI doubt anyone who�€™s tried to take advantage of you ma�€™am,�€� he said quietly, �€œlived to tell the tale.�€� He shook his head. �€œBesides, I wouldn�€™t shame my Ma like that.�€�

Lilisfina�€™s eyebrows shot up. �€œYour Ma?�€� She smiled. �€œI hear love and respect in your tone just now. She must be some woman.�€�

�€œAye, that she is,�€� Sten forgot to be embarrassed.

�€œHow much do you typically make in a month, Stennvar?�€� Lilisfina turned serious again.

�€œVaries,�€� Sten replied. �€œIn the winter months there isn�€™t much travel, so I make less. Summer, like the last couple of months, tends to be very busy.�€�

�€œAs caravan escort for the Khajiit?�€� Sten nodded. �€œHow much do they typically pay you?�€�

�€œFifty drakes per trip, and each trip usually takes about two sevendays,�€� Stenvar replied. �€œSo usually fifty to one hundred per month, depending on the weather and trade.�€�

�€œAnd that�€™s good pay for you?�€� Lilisfina shrugged. �€œI don�€™t want to take you away from a good source of income without making up for it.�€�

I�€™ve never heard that from any employer. Sten took a deep breath. �€œIt�€™s one of the best jobs I like to do,�€� he said slowly. �€œBoring at times, but the people are good souls.�€�

Lilisfina�€™s smile shone again. �€œNice to hear that - I haven�€™t heard that kind of sentiment since I left Black Marsh.�€� She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table. �€œHow does two hundred a month sound? Plus half of all fees and bounties we collect, and half the profits from any loot, above that two hundred drakes?�€�

�€œThat sounds almost like a partnership . . . �€œ Sten trailed off when he realized he was thinking aloud.

�€œWhy not?�€� Lili divided up the stacks between them. �€œAt least for a month. Or until I get to Winterhold. Whichever comes first.�€�

Should I ask her why? Sten decided to ask a question of his own. �€œWhy do you want to get to Winterhold so badly? It�€™s a lot colder than Windhelm, and not as much fun.�€�

�€œWhen I was but a wee lass,�€� Lilisfina held her hand about three feet from the floor, �€œthe Spinner in my village told me to go to the College of Winterhold to learn how to master my magic. Not the Arcane University, mind you, nor the College of Sapiarchs, nor even Shad Astula.�€� She took a breath. �€œShe was very specific - College of Winterhold. So I started apprenticing with different mages and studying as much as I could, so I qualify to enter the College once I reach it.�€�

Sten regarded the coins in front of him, then slid them into his bag. �€œBut why me?�€�

�€œWhy not?�€� Lilisfina countered. �€œWe worked together well today,�€� she slid the last of the coins into her bag. �€œIt�€™s not every day I find a sellsword who�€™s open to using different tactics, to suggestions from a Mer, and a mage to boot! I doubt I�€™ll find another like you in all of Skyrim.�€�

Well. Sounds like she knows what she�€™s looking for. �€œIn that case,�€� Sten spoke carefully, �€œI agree to a month, and possibly as far as Winterhold if it takes longer.�€� He tied his coin bag shut and hefted it thoughtfully in his hand This is almost a year�€™s worth of work! Wonder if it will indeed be worthwhile working with this Wood Elf mage.

�€œOne more thing,�€� Lilisfina�€™s eyes flashed. �€œSkyrim and its customs are new to me. May I trust you to keep my from putting my foot in my mouth with your fellow Nords? Some seem to be more easily offended than others.�€�

Smart lass. Sten let the laughter out. �€œI suspect you know that�€™s true anywhere you go. Of course, I�€™d be glad to explain our customs as we go along, but I should warn you some of them don�€™t make sense to me, either!�€�

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 17 2024, 07:46 PM