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]

@Acadian: Thanks for catching that nit! I'll go back and fix it! I'm glad you enjoyed this "getting to know you under the cover of getting to know Skyrim" conversation between Sten and Lili. And yes, you guessed right, there will be more ticks on their dance card before they head out!

@Grits: Glad you liked the mention of two of the magic centers from ESO mentioned here! As a worldly (nirnly?) traveler, it would make sense that Lili would know of all the magic schools/colleges out there in TES lands!

@SubRosa: Yuppers! I spent quite a bit of time thinking about coinage. Since the Septims have died out, would they continue minting coins in their images? Not in Cyrodiil, by my thinking. In fact, the only place that would continue minting septims would be in Windhelm - drakes would be more common elsewhere, I'd think. And since septims are gold, and running a war is freaking expensive, I'd think the Jarl would keep his gold reserves strictly for the war effort, and everyone else has to get along with silver drakes. And yes, you're correct - Lili prefers a partnership rather than an employer/employee relationship. She has found this the best option for her, when the right option comes along. And again, mercenaries/sellswords, guards, carls, etc are another thing I spent time thinking upon!

@Lena: Yes, how is Lili going to get Sten out of his armor??

@Renee: I'm glad you are enjoying Sten's perspective as well as Lili's. And the wonky quotes are because in doing my final scan, I found a couple of places where the closing quotes were missing, and added them here in the forum editor. And it's fun to try and guess what quests Lili is going to get interested in, yeah?

@trey: I'm glad you enjoyed this conversation and world building that occurred in the last segment. And I agree, his consideration of his Ma and his sometime Khajiit employers are excellent indications of his character.

And now we finally find out how Lili is going to get Sten out of his armor!

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Tirdas 19 Last Seed - Oengul’s Dilemma

Star danced through the falling snow as Lili and Stenvar trudged through the morning overcast toward the marketplace. The smell of winter produce and fresh meat mingled with the sharp odor of hot metal and the smoke from the forge. The market must be close.

As they stepped into the plaza and paused beside the blacksmith’s, Hermir straightened up from the forge bellows, her cheeks already red with heat and exertion. “Hello and good morning to you, ma’am, sir!� She glanced at the old man, fussing with a sword at the grindstone. “Oengul, that Wood Elf’s back.�

“All right, all right,� Oengul snapped back distractedly. Abruptly he stopped the grindstone and set the blade down. “Och, don’t mind me,� he continued in a softer tone. “I’ve been working the forge too hard, trying to get this sword right.�

“Sometimes it helps to take a step back and do something else for a change?� Lili suggested. “While I’m no smith, I’ve done enough crafting to know pushing myself too hard only makes things worse.� She nodded at Stenvar. “He needs to have his armor repaired and his blade sharpened.�

Stenvar shot Lili a sharp glance, then shrugged his zwei-hander from his back and handed it to the old smith. “I’d like the blade sharpened first. Don’t care to go walking around without it.� He set the pack containing his battered armor beside the tempering table. “I suspect the armor will take longer.� He eyed the weapon Oengul had set upon the grinding bench. “It looks pretty good,� he remarked. “What’s so special about it that you have to take extra care?�

“Not good enough,� frustration tinged Oengul’s grunt. “Jarl wants it to look like a particular ancient blade. High Queen Freydis ruled over Windhelm in the Second Era, and her sword was legendary.� He hefted the sword thoughtfully, then sighted along its edge and returned it to the bench. “Getting the real sword would be even better than making a copy. But no one wants to go to Cronvangr Cave and recover it from its resting place.�

Stenvar met Lili’s gaze steadily. He’s guessed this is the sort of job I was talking about last night. And the answer is yes. She smiled at him and took a deep breath. “Where is this Cronvangr Cave?�

“It’s a cave to the southwest of here, across the river from Mixwater Mill,� Oengul saw something in her expression. “If you were to go get it for me, lass, I’d be grateful.�

“Let me think about it,� Lili responded. “For now, we need to get that blade sharpened and the armor repaired.� When Stenvar’s gaze turned away, she laid a finger along her nose. Oengul grinned and nodded. Good, he remembers what we talked about last night. “Let me leave you coin for the work,� she finished. Stenvar opened his mouth to object, but she shook her head at him.

“Now, I hear there’s a good alchemist here?� Lili moved to the plaza.

“In that building on the north side,� Oengul directed her toward a tall, narrow two story stone building that stood nearest the smithy. Around the plaza, in front of other similar houses, stalls with various goods bustled with customers. Lili made out a couple of farm stalls selling winter vegetables, a meat stall, and a few general merchants. Behind them she spotted a sign in the shape of a raven, and pointed it out to Stenvar with raised eyebrows.

“Postal courier,� Stenvar responded. “You can pay to have messages hand delivered to folk across Skyrim. They often travel on the post carriages like the one you saw outside the main gates.� He reached into his coin bag. “Would you mind if I stopped in there for a bit? I’d like to pick up some writing materials.�

“Of course,� Lili responded. “Today I’d like to explore Windhelm a bit more, and get to know it better.� She indicated the alchemist. “Why don’t you meet me in there after you’ve made your purchases?�

“Will do,� Stenvar nodded and strode away across the plaza. Lili watched him go. He’s only got that woolen shirt, and those leather trous. How in Oblivion is he staying warm?

“He’s quite easy on the eyes, isn’t he?� Hermir’s voice whispered in her ear. Lili laughed and turned to meet the taller woman’s gaze.

“I agree, though that’s not why I hired him!�

“I hope not!� Oengul’s growl reached them from the other side of the tempering table. “He’s the strongest sword arm in all of Skyrim!�

“A strong man’s only as good as his heart and mind,� Lili remarked as she moved toward the alchemist’s shop. Hermir’s chuckles followed her into the building’s warm interior.

Within the confines of the alchemist’s, competing aromas assailed her nose, and Lili paused to breathe deeply. As the door swung shut behind her, she heard coughing that drew her gaze toward the Altmer behind the counter. “I’ll be fine,� he insisted in a querulous voice.

The Imperial man facing him shook his head. “Master,� his gentle voice held a healthy strength absent in the other’s, “you’re far too old for this sort of journey. We don’t know what’s inside . . . “

“I’ll - I can - just . . . “ The Altmer’s weak protest dissolved into further coughing. Now Lili recognized the odor of terminal illness and frowned at the alchemist.

“You see,� the other exclaimed softly. “You’re not well! Have a seat, and I’ll fetch you some tonic.�

“Bah! If there was a tonic that could help me I would have found it by now . . . “ Again the Altmer broke into a hacking fit that shook his thin frame. He shooed the shorter man away impatiently and turned toward Lili.

“Ah, a new customer!� He wheezed and leaned on the counter. “Nurelion at your service. Please, how may I help you?�

“Yes,� Lili took a turn around the front room, eyeing the alchemical samples on display. There’s potential for another job, but be careful. “I am a novice alchemist, and am interested in finding new flora. What’s common around here, and what’s hardest to come by?�

Nurelion’s gaze narrowed on her. “Are you looking to open a shop here?�

“Oh, not at all,� Lili answered. “I just arrived in Windhelm a few days ago, and am new to Skyrim. What I had in mind is that I would travel around the Hold, and if I find anything of interest to you, I would bring it back and sell it to you.�

“And set a high price on it, of course,� Nurelion scowled. Lili shook her head.

“Only if it proves to be very dangerous to obtain,� she remarked. “Like, say, a Daedra’s heart.�

His brows lifted as Nurelion regarded Lili for several rasping breaths.

“I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulty with your breathing,� Lili added. “I have some healing experience myself, and have traveled around Tamriel over the years.� Now to find out what he needs.

“As have I,� Nurelion coughed again, covering his mouth with a square of fine cloth. “But there is something you could get for me.� His voice lowered to a conspiring level.

Aha. “What is it?� Lili drew nearer to the Altmer.

“Just a man’s life work,� he leaned down to Lili. “I’ve finally deduced the location of the White Phial, but that doting busybody won’t let me get it,� he waved his hand in the direction of the younger man at the alchemy table in the corner.

“The White Phial?� Lili repeated.

“Yes, yes,� Nurelion’s tone turned impatient. “It’s buried with its maker, Curalmil, in a long forsaken cave west of here. Curalmil was a crafty one, even in death. You would need the skills of a master alchemist to reach his resting place.� He turned away to the back wall, and shuffled dried plants around in search of something. Once he found it, the Altmer turned back to Lili and handed her a small vial. “Luckily for you, I’ve already made the mixture.�

Cold air and white light flushed through the shop as Stenvar entered. Just as quickly, they were gone when he closed the door behind him and joined Lili.

“Do you have a map, Bosmer?� Nurelion asked. Lili shook her head.

“I do,� Stenvar reached into the sack from the postal courier shop and pulled out a folded parchment. Stennvar didn’t waste any time there. Nurelion took it from him and spread it open on the counter.

“See, the road that leads west from Windhelm, almost all the way to Nightgate Inn,� Nurelion indicated the landmarks on the map. “About here, is Forsaken Cave.�

Stenvar produced a graphite stick and placed a small x where indicated. “What’s in Forsaken Cave?�

“The White Phial,� Lili answered. “Something Nurelion needs to get well.�

“What’s so special about the White Phial?� Stenvar asked as he tucked the graphite away. I was about to ask that question!

“A legendary bottle, forged in the days when Skyrim was just starting its turn to ice.� Nurelion’s gaze grew distant as he searched his memory for the tale. “A small container, made of the magically infused snow that first fell on the Throat of the World. It is said the Phial will replenish whatever liquid you place inside it. For an alchemist like myself, it is the most pure expression of my art. To create from nothingness is . . . poetry.�

“Why is it so important to you, Nurelion?� Lili studied the map Stenvar had purchased.

“I have spent my entire life searching for it. It brought me all the way to these frozen reaches from the warm embrace of Summerset Isle.� Nurelion coughed, then cleared his throat. “Entire years spent in libraries. Seeking out tiny villages with local legends that contain but a whisper of a hint of the Phial. I even named my shop after it, hoping that it might attract anyone who had heard of it.� He lifted one bony hand and curved his fingers toward his palm in a grasping gesture. “And now it’s within my grasp - but the Eight, it seems, have played a cruel joke on me. In my current condition, I’ll never be able to lay my hands on it.�

Lili regarded Stenvar quizzically. Well? He returned her gaze neutrally. After a few breaths, she turned back to Nurelion. “We’ll take a look,� she said.

“Thank you,� Nurelion whispered. “May the Eight guide you.�

Lili and Stenvar turned away. As Nurelion moved to the stairs leading up to the second floor, the Imperial man approached them. “I’m Quintus Navale, Nurelion’s apprentice. I couldn’t help overhearing his conversation with you. Please be careful.�

“Do you think it exists, sir?� Lili asked.

“It doesn’t matter what I believe. Nurelion does, and that might be the only thing keeping him alive right now.�