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: I really enjoyed writing this little episode - I always felt that Hermir deserved more credit - she seems a smart lass that works hard and is anxious to learn everything her master knows, but has just enough sass to hold her own when he goes cranky on her. I also enjoyed indulging in my love of architecture and how it reflects the history of a place, so I'm happy you picked up on that.

@treydog: I figured with her more sensitive hearing both Lili and Star would cringe at the sour note at the heart of the ringing blade. I'm glad you enjoyed the way I used her senses to explore Windhelm. And yes, Lili now regards Sten as partner.

@Grits: Cold skies and warm company indeed!

@SubRosa: I had similar thoughts as you regarding burial customs in Windhelm - I figured those who died in winter would be interred in the crypts until the ground thawed in the spring; however over time that burial ground has become so full that funeral real estate now costs a pretty penny (drake? septim?); so an alternative would be to burn those who can't afford burial or permanent interment within the old crypts beneath Windhelm. Perhaps the oldest remains that have decayed enough have their bones (all that would be left) interred in those big urns you see in the Nord Crypts. And yes, Sten will turn out to be worth every drake Lili is dropping on him!

Sten gave Lili a tour of the western half of Windhelm. Now for the noon meal, and one more spot of sight-seeing!

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

Tirdas 19 Last Seed - House of Curiosities

The common room was nearly empty when Lili and Stenvar returned to their table for the noon meal. Star flopped down beside Lili and whined. He’s looking for his bone. “Shush, Star, you’ll get fed soon enough.�

Susanna brought a pitcher of ale for Stenvar and a pewter mug of mead for Lili. “New blade, Stenvar?�

“Yes,� Stenvar placed the sheathed blade on the table with an air of pride. “Beautiful, isn’t it?�

“Is it?� Lili asked. “I haven’t really looked that closely at it.�

“Are you that way with all your purchases, Lilisfina?� Susanna’s tone turned teasing.

“He looked at it!� Lili pointed her thumb at Stenvar, who chuckled.

“Go ahead and take a look,� he invited with a wave toward the long hilt.

Lili laid one hand on the hilt, noting how her small hand seemed dwarfed by its length. This is why it’s called a zwei-hander - the hilt’s long enough for both of Stennvar’s hands. And those hands aren’t as small as mine! She grasped the scabbard with her other hand and pulled on the blade. It slid out with an ease that caught her off guard.

“Scabbard’s been oiled to make it easier to pull that blade,� Stenvar remarked. “Lined with a very fine horker skin.�

“Why horker skin in particular?� Lili wondered aloud.

“They hold the oil better and longer,� Stenvar responded. “But the exterior part’s made of hickory, that’s strong and durable.� He tapped the wood with a knuckle. “Won’t warp or crack with hard use, either.�

“You have hickory trees here?� Lili glanced up startled. “All I’ve seen are pines.�

“In the south, yes,� Stenvar said. “Along with oak, aspen and birch trees.�

Cautiously Lili pulled on the hilt, keeping one hand on the scabbard. At full stretch of her arms, the blade still hadn’t cleared the sheath, and she could feel the weight of it in her right shoulder. Stenvar gripped the scabbard and nodded for her to take the hilt in both hands. She did so, and the tip nearly hit the floor as she pulled it the rest of the way out. “Oh,� she exclaimed softly.

“Tiny blades don’t hurt enough,� Stenvar remarked with a grin. “A sword needs weight!�

Lili closed her eyes against the sudden thought that surfaced in her mind. Are we speaking of swords literally, or metaphorically? She fought down the grin and met his gaze. “There is such a thing as too much weight, Stennvar,� she kept her tone level. He laughed as she cupped the blade with her left hand and lifted the tip from the floor. Susanna put her platter down and took the hilt in both hands, steadying the zwei-hander enough for Lili to tuck it back into its scabbard. It slid in as easily as it had come out. “It helps that this is so well oiled,� Lili added, lifting her right brow at him. His grin widened, and Stenvar’s eyes flashed. Did he get the innuendo? If he did, he wasn’t offended!

Susanna stood between them, hands on hips as her gaze traveled from one to the other. “Is there something going on here I don’t know about?� she demanded softly.

Lili only laughed and took her seat next to Star. “Do you have anything Star can eat? Doesn’t need to be much, just enough to tide him over until dinner.�

“Of course!� Susanna tucked her platter beneath one arm and leaned down to Lili’s ear. “And if you choose to walk that path with Stenvar, you won’t regret it!�

Lili spluttered her mead and looked down, hoping the inevitable flush didn’t show too much. “Stennvar, tell me more about Skyrim, please.�

The sellsword looked up from settling in his seat at her right with raised brows. “What would you like to know?�

“Everything,� Lili said. “Where to begin? Windhelm is the capital of the Stormcloaks, correct?�

“Not exactly,� Stenvar responded. “It’s the capital of Eastmarch Hold.� He reached into a parchment pack on his belt and drew out the new map he had just purchased earlier. “Are you able to read a map, ma’am?�

“Yes, once I get myself oriented,� Lili said. She noted that Stenvar had spread it out so that north was at her top. He watched while she studied it. “This is Windhelm,� she indicated the city, “and here, I think, is where we found The Winter War and that fishing camp of Einar’s.� She traced her finger down the coastline. “And about here is Yngold’s Tomb, where you stopped to pay honor.�

“You are correct,� Lili could hear new respect in Stenvar’s voice. “And this area,� he indicated an expanse south of Windhelm which extended to a mountain range in the south, “is Eastmarch Hold. All of this belongs to Jarl Stormcloak.�

“So the Stormcloaks don’t have a capital city?�

“Not as such, no,� Stenvar shook his head. “Though you can consider Windhelm the heart of the Stormcloak rebellion, since it is Jarl Stormcloak’s seat.�

“So if he isn’t the Jarl of Windhelm, the Stormcloaks would just be a group of rebels?� Lili cast her gaze around the map. Eastmarch is a small part of the whole of Skyrim! “Not as legitimate?�

“You could say that,� Stenvar agreed. He indicated a few more cities on the map, “Riften, Winterhold, Dawnstar are all allied with Jarl Stormcloak. Morthal, Falkreath and Markarth are all sworn to Solitude, which in turn has sided with the Imperials.�

“And the Thalmor as well?� Lilisfina asked.

Stenvar nodded. “And Balgruuf in Whiterun has remained neutral so far.�

“And what is the climate like in these - Holds?�

“Winterhold, Dawnstar and the northern part of Eastmarch are snow covered year round. Southern Eastmarch Hold and the other provinces have snow only in winter.� He grinned at her. “You might find these more to your liking.�

“I might!� Lili exclaimed. “If I ever have a reason to visit them I would.� She leaned back as Susanna returned with steaming bowls of soup and fresh baked bread. “Hmm, smells great, Susanna,� she smiled as the server slipped a fresh bone into Star’s waiting jaws.

“Smoked boar and leek soup,� she said proudly. “One of Nils’s own recipes!�

Lili slid a spoonful of the soup into her mouth. “Oh,� she exclaimed softly. “So good - my compliments to Nils!�

“There’s a place in town I’ve been wanting to visit,� Stenvar said after a few gulps of the soup. “Calixto’s House of Curiosities,�

“House of Curiosities?� Lili repeated. “What is that?�

“I’ve been told it’s a place where you can go and look at things,� Stenvar said. “Oddities and such.� He shrugged. “The owner, Calixto Corrium, has collected things from his adventures around Tamriel and he likes to give tours.�

“Hmm, it would be interesting to see what another adventurer has collected.� Lili regarded Stenvar. “It’s something to do while we wait for your armor.�

The sun stood halfway to the top of the western city walls when Stenvar led Lili and Star to a shabby stone building tucked into a corner above the Grey Quarter. “The House of Curiosities,� Stenvar said with a flourish. “After you, my lady,� he held the door for her. Lili stifled a chuckle and stepped inside.

The first thing she noticed was multiple layers of odor - mustiness, dust, and age. And beneath it all, death, the kind she had scented before in old crypts in Elsweyr and Morrowind. This is not good. The hairs on the back of her neck and down her arms prickled like so many fine thorns. At her left side Star whined anxiously.

An older Imperial man rose from his seat by the fire. “Welcome to the House of Curiosities!� He spread his arms wide to encompass the entire ground floor of the building. “I am Calixto Corrium, at your service.� His brown eyes studied them cannily. “I offer a brief tour of my treasures for a few coins, or you can simply browse at your leisure.�

We can browse on our own? Some treasure, if he trusts strangers among them. Lili regarded him a few moments, fighting the nausea and dread that the close air of the house triggered. She sensed Stenvar move to stand behind her right shoulder.

“What are your curiosities?� His voice calmed her. “How did you come by them?�

“Oh,� Corrium waved his hands vaguely, “my sister and I inherited a modest sum of money. We decided to travel and seek out whatever adventures we could find.� His gaze wandered around the cluttered interior. “As we did so, we encountered many tales of exotic and wondrous artifacts, and collected as many of these as we could.� His pallid face fell. “Alas, my beloved sister passed away a few years ago. I decided to settle here and open the House of Curiosities. I like to think my sister would be happy to see so many folk enjoy our collection!�

“How much for the tour?� Lili asked.

“Only three drakes each,� Corrium’s eyes flickered to Star. “The dog’s not welcome, though.�

Lili turned and gestured Star to wait beside the door. “Stay.� The Husky licked his lips and wrinkled his brows at her in a worried expression, but obeyed anyway.

“Let me,� Stenvar had already moved past Lili and dropped silver into Calixto’s eager palm.

“Splendid!� Corrium bounced to Lili’s left and directed their attention to a rack of shelving cluttered with various items. “Here are tools that were found in a crypt outside Windhelm. They belonged to the ancient Nords from before the First Empire.� He regarded them with a possessive air. “Most scholars believe they were used to prepare their dead for burial.� He glanced at them with a conniving expression. “What macabre mysteries these tools could reveal if they had the power of speech?�

The same sort of mysteries Helgird engages in daily with her own tools, Lili exchanged glances with Stenvar. She kept silent and followed Corrium to another set of shelves, this one full of books and scrolls. On a central shelf rested a large volume by itself.

“This is the Book of Fate,� Corrium announced in a mysterious tone. “It was discovered in a secret room in the Arcane University. The text describes the fate of the reader, and the words change from one person to the next.� He placed a finger on his lips. “Some have reported only blank pages, and no one knows why. Perhaps it means one has no destiny, or it signifies imminent death.� He sent an arch glance toward Lili and Stenvar, then led them to a collection of eating utensils arranged on a nearby table.

“And this is Ysgramor’s Soup Spoon!�

Stenvar leaned forward and peered at the indicated utensil. “But it’s a fork!� he protested. “No one can eat soup with a fork!�

“My friend,� Calixto countered, almost mischievously, “you did not know Ysgramor!� Lili stifled a snicker behind her hand and caught Stenvar’s grin. The aged Imperial moved them to a cluster of musical instruments. “And this is the Dancer’s Pipe,� he held up a bone flute, yellowed with age and use. “Legend has it this instrument has won wars, toppled empires, and changed the very course of history.� His gnarled fingers stroked the bone almost lovingly. “Its origins are lost to history, but stories tell of men who are compelled to dance uncontrollably upon hearing it, no matter the peril they are in.� He studied the carved holes. “To activate this strange power, one must only speak the magic words, which are — oh!� He stopped and covered his mouth with one hand. “I very nearly got us into a nasty predicament, didn’t I?� He gently placed the flute back in its resting place. “And with that, the tour is over! I thank you for your patronage, and I hope to see you again soon!� His assessing glance roved over Lili, and she sensed Stenvar tense behind her.

She swallowed against the odors roiling her nose and made herself smile at the Imperial. “Thank you very much for such a fascinating tour, sir.� She managed to walk, not bolt, out of the museum after Star once the door was opened.

Out in the cold afternoon, Lili took a deep breath and forcefully soughed the last of the disturbing atmosphere out of her nostrils. Stenvar regarded her in puzzlement. “Something wrong, ma’am?�

“It smells awful in there,� Lili whispered. “So much death.�

“Smell?� Stenvar paused and considered her words. “Sure, it’s poorly ventilated, and full of dust and must and other things, but death?�

“I have a very sensitive nose,� Lili reached down to touch Star’s ears. “Almost as sensitive as his,� she indicated the dog.

“I see,� Stenvar grunted. “What did you think of the tour, other than the smell?�

Lili chuckled in spite of herself. “Ysgramor’s Soup Spoon!�

Stenvar laughed heartily. “And the Dancer’s Pipe - good story there!�