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: Thank you for affirming my "evocative descriptions!" Both you and trey continue to encourage me to seek different ways to describe the same old experiences. Doing this from the viewpoint of one who has never before seen snow is so much fun. And yes, dance card's getting full! Just how Lili likes it!

@Grits: We'll see the day after next why no one wants to go to Cronvangr Cave! Fun times! But I promise Forsaken Cave will be just as fun in its own way . . . And I'm glad Star continues to entertain! He is the comic relief of this story, though he does have his more serious moments, as we will see.

@SubRosa:I had to pause and laugh a few times over your comments on this segment. Michigan guys are just like MN guys, barbecuing in February with the snow piled four feet deep and temps in the teens. "But it's balmy!"

"But no one wants to go to Cronvangr Cave and recover it from its resting place"
No one wants to be eaten by giant spiders! Even January agrees with that!

I wrote the Cronvangr Cave section a few months ago, but just read your section with the giant Abyssal Spider only last week. I had to chuckle at our similar approaches to gigantic spiders . . . I hope you will enjoy my take coming up in more than a few weeks from now. I did mean trousers, but shortened to trous because, sorry, "trousers" just makes me think of Mad Men, and I wanted to convey an image of something more like the worn, casually cut leather pants worn by our medieval heroes. So I deliberately went with trous (never liked "pants", either, come to think of it, and "breeches" just makes me think of powdered wigs, brocaded coats and buckled shoes, soooo). As for the posts from earlier, when I made edits, every quotation mark got replaced with those odd symbols. So weird. I could go back and fix them. As Sten says, Later.

@treydog: Thank you! After seeing (and responding to) Sage Rose's post about "trous", I see you have provided me with the exact word I was trying to remember! TREWS!! So from this point forward Sten will be wearing leather TREWS! For the same reason mentioned in my response to Sage Rose, I won't go back and "fix" his bottom wear in the previous post. I'm sure Sten is fine either way. And yes, Hermir is not the only one who notices Sten's wool shirt and TREWS . . .


********************

Tirdas 19 Last Seed - Tour of Windhelm

Ma,

Started a new letter now that I’ve sent off some coin and my last letter to you. Had to get more parchment - I have quite a bit to write about.

I now have a job that will last at least a month, and I got paid in advance too! I’m also promised half of any profits above my pay as well - it sounds almost like a partnership, except I’m not being asked to put up a stake. Still, it sounds good - The boss likes to keep busy.

My armor and blade are getting repaired now, and Lilisfina has picked up a couple more jobs for us to do once I get my gear back. Both are caves, though who knows what we’ll find in there! Wild animals, like bear and cats, most likely.

I’ll add more later, when I have more to tell.

Oengul called Sten and Lilisfina over when they left The White Phial. He held up the zwei-hander and shook his head. “Stenvar, your blade has been damaged and repaired so often, I’m starting to see signs of failure. Next fight you get into, it might shatter on you.�

Not my da’s blade! It’s not that old. “How do you know?� Sten frowned at the iron sword. In response, Oengul tapped the blade lightly on the anvil, causing it to ring. Sten heard Lilisfina gasp and saw her cover her ears. Star whined and lowered his own pointed ears.

“See, even she hears it,� Oengul nodded at the Wood Elf. “It doesn’t make a clear ring anymore.�

Hear what? I didn’t hear anything unusual. Sten glanced at Lilisfina, who nodded confirmation. “It’s still subtle,� she said, “but I have very good hearing. And I suspect Oengul’s trained to listen for it.�

“Aye, the lass is right,� Oengul drew Sten’s attention back to himself. He nodded at Hermir, who headed within the blacksmith quarters. She returned a few moments later with a sheathed weapon in her hands. “I do have a decent replacement all ready to go, if you’re interested.� Hermir extended the long hilt of the zwei-hander to Sten.

A new blade? And me with a full purse! I was hoping to save up for a new set of armor! After a moment’s hesitation, Sten accepted the offered hilt and drew the blade from the sheath. Steel. Polished, keen edge. Good weight and balance. He stepped back from the others to give himself room for a few test swings. Recovery’s easy with this - better than with Da’s old blade. “It’s a very good blade,� he admitted. “Did you forge this, Oengul?�

“Hermir did,� the older smith nodded at his apprentice, who lifted her chin and squared her muscular shoulders proudly.

“You have done your master proud, Hermir,� Sten approved, returning the blade to its sheath in Hermir’s hands. “You learned well.�

The apprentice’s brows shot up in surprise, then she took a quick breath. “Th- thank you, sir,� she stammered. “I still have much more to learn.�

Sten took the sheathed blade from Hermir and studied the finely worked wood scabbard, its steel fittings gleaming in the overcast light. “How much?� He caught the glance she slid to Oengul, who nodded.

“One hundred drakes,� her voice held none of the uncertainty he had noticed in her glance. That much? She must be good for the old man to approve such a high price.

“Stennvar,� Lilisfina’s quiet voice broke into his thoughts. “What are your thoughts about this blade? Is it good, or perhaps better than your iron zwei-hander?�

“Very much so,� Sten admitted. “Steel is much more durable, and keeps its edge better than iron.�

“Then I’ll pay for it, if you like it that much.� She smiled at his startled glance. “I consider it a wise investment into your well-being.� She turned to Oengul. “And what of the armor? Do you know when it will be ready?�

“We’re starting on it right now,� Oengul responded. He met Sten’s wary gaze. “Might be a day or two, I’ll let you know when it’s ready.�

“Very well,� Lilisfina reached into her coin bag and counted out the drakes. “How much of this one hundred is actually going to Hermir for the work she’s done?�

“Seventy five,� Oengul responded. Sten shot him a glance. Seventy five! Typically it’s more like fifty fifty! “I keep twenty five for teaching her,� Oengul continued, his gaze turning proud as he watched his apprentice hand over the baldric that would allow Sten to wear the zwei-hander at his back when sheathed. “If I had forged this blade myself, it would have been closer to one fifty.� He shrugged. “Though I doubt it would be much better than her work. She’s good with the steel - it’s the other metals she still has to master.�

“You’re generous with your apprentice,� Lilisfina remarked as Hermir moved to the forge to work the bellows.

“The girl works hard, and learns fast,� Oengul snorted. “Soon I won’t be taking commission on her steel work - they’ll be paying her smith prices soon. It’s only fair.�

“And the sooner she masters her trade,� Sten remarked, “the sooner Hermir moves on, yes?�

“Actually, I’m thinking of retiring when she gets to that point,� Oengul grinned at Hermir, “and turning this forge over to her.� He laughed at her startled glance. “What’re you looking at, girl? You’re always talking about making weapons and armor for the Stormcloaks, and right here is the place for that!� He shook his finger at her. “But you still got lots to learn, so better get back to work!�

Sten chuckled as he led Lilisfina north to the graveyard outside the Halls of the Dead. Lilisfina paused beside one of the gravestones, her gaze on the carving. “Do you think Helgird has the reavers in her care now?�

“I imagine so,� Sten responded. “What’s on your mind?�

“What will she do with their gear?�

“She’ll set it aside for us to claim, by right of combat,� he answered. “Then you can sell them to Oengul for scrap.�

“Do we need to discuss that with her?� Lilisfina glanced up at the grey sky. Star wandered among the stones, his nose moving along the ground on his own canine quest.

“Let’s stop by this afternoon, after the noon meal,� Sten suggested. “She should have the bodies ready for the fire by then.�

“Fire?� Lilisfina repeated. “Not burial?�

Sten shook his head. “Criminals don’t get buried -“ he gestured around the graveyard for emphasis. “Sacred ground is too limited. Unless they have family to pay for burial, they’re cremated and their ashes fed to the fishes.�

“Is that just Windhelm, or true of all of Skyrim?�

“Other towns and cities may do things differently,� Sten tapped the gravestone beside him, “but that’s the way it’s done in Windhelm.�

“I see, thank you,� Lilisfina’s gaze turned thoughtful, then curious. “Where to next?�

Where to, indeed? Sten spotted the archway leading north from the western end of the graveyard. “Would you like to see where the rich folks live?� He led Lilisfina to the northwestern quadrant of the walled city, tucked beneath towering mountain cliffs. “This is the Stone Quarter,� he indicated the manor homes built from hewn stone, embellished with carvings over doors and windows. He caught her shiver, and a slight frown crossed her face as she lifted her eyes to the houses ahead of them. She looked from left to right.

Sten indicated the modest manor on their right. “That’s Viola Giordano’s house.� He regarded the stone facade a moment. “She’s lived here so long, folks have forgotten where she came from, or how she comes by her income.�

“Giordano?� Lilisfina repeated. “Sounds more Nibenean than Nord.�

“You’re right,� Sten nodded agreement. “She is Imperial, but much more than that we really don’t know much beyond rumors.� Except for one thing. “We do know that she has her sights set on Captain Lonely Gale.�

“Yes, Susanna did mention that the first night I was here,� Sten caught the amusement in her tone. “Something about how her relentless pursuit is not exactly welcomed.�

Sten laughed. “That about sizes it up.� He indicted the larger manor opposite Giordano’s home. “That one belongs to Clan Shatter-Shield,� he continued. “Torbjorn runs the trade office in the port.�

“Does he?� Lilisfina mused. “He’s the one that pays those Argonians in the port?�

“To load and unload his ships, yes.� Sten recalled the angry comments and Lilisfina’s interest in them. “I wouldn’t think it wise to bring up the question of their pay with him right now.�

Lilisfina turned to face him. He could still see the slight discomfort in her expression as she regarded him. It’s almost as if something smells bad around here. “Come with me,� he led her to the far end of the street and stopped in front of the smallest manor house.

“Something’s not right about that house, Stennvar,� Lilisfina murmured. Now he could see the revulsion clear on her face. Star whined from his place next to her side.

“That’s Friga and Nilsine Shatter-Shield’s home,� he explained. Just how much to tell her? “A few months ago, Friga was found brutally murdered in that house. Nilsine was so upset she moved back in with her parents in the Clan house, and this manor has been abandoned ever since.�

Lilisfina took a deep breath and let it out fiercely. “Is her body still in there?�

What? What is she talking about? “Her body was so badly mutilated, they never found all the pieces. They buried what they could find.�

Lilisfina swallowed in visible horror. “That’s dreadful. Poor Nilsine,� her voice was as soft as the misting breath from her lips. “Was she home when it happened?�

“No, she was visiting a friend in Kynesgrove,� Sten led her back south. “She was the one who found her sister’s body. They were twins, so it’s been especially difficult for her.�

Lilisfina paused and regarded Sten. “You’ll point the family out to me, won’t you?� she asked. “I’d like to know so I don’t mistakenly disrespect them.�

That’s considerate of you. “Of course,� Sten responded. He stopped by a narrow street that ran east from the Stone Quarter. “Let’s go this way.�

The path cut through the older inner city walls. Sten pointed out the huge slabs of stone that contrasted with the more modern blocks that made up the outer walls. “It is said these walls were erected by Ysgramor in the Merethic Era,� he told Lilisfina. “The outer walls were built in the First Era, and rebuilt after the Akaviri invasion in the Second.�

They came out onto the Palace Plaza, marked by three huge braziers marching down its center from the Palace to the north to the archway in the inner wall to the south. “This is the Jarl’s Palace,� Sten indicated the huge stone structure that towered at the far end. “Not sure if you want to go in there, considering the Jarl’s supposedly not fond of Elves.�

“Hmm,� Lilisfina nodded her agreement and pointed at the southern archway with a question in her eyes.

“Below the Palace Quarter you’ll return to the center of the city.� Sten led her past the guards and through the archway. He pointed out the stone structure to the right. “There’s the Temple of Talos - currently the only one in all of Skyrim.�

“And that’s Candlehearth Hall, right?� Lilisfina indicated the stone and wood hulk in front of them, rising from the lower ground. “The back side of it, anyway.� She glanced at Sten. “Where do you live, by the way?�

“I rent bedroll and storage space there,� Sten nodded at the inn. “It’s where I keep my trunk and personal belongings when I’m on a job.�

“Good,� Lilisfina nodded emphatically. She looked up at the sky. Sten followed her gaze to see the obscured glow of the sun almost directly overhead. “Time for the noon meal, yes?�

“Yes,� Sten’s stomach grumbled. “We can explore more of the city after lunch.�