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: You're welcome! Lili isn't as food obsessed as our former Legion pilus but she certainly knows how to appreciate good cooking! Lili had fun rolling with Sten on the flirting, until Susanna questioned their relationship. That reminded her that she's the boss - officially. Heh. And House of Curiosities might as well be a trip to the Shivering Isles!

@Sage Rose: Writing that bit between Lili and Sten was fun, and yes, Lili is quite taken by her investment. And yes, Calixto's house did cause the spidey sense to tingle while she was in there. I always enjoy the tour in the museum, it never fails to make me chuckle.

@Grits: I'm glad you enjoy the doublespeak and Susanna's perception here. She is an absolute delight to write. Like you and me and every Skyrim character I ever rolled, museum going is a thrill. I love going to those historical places and seeing how people lived in the olden days. It really brings your senses back to the past in unforeseen ways.

@Renee: This fiction, like my others, is inspired by my game play through, but does not follow the play through exactly. So Sten's armor being repaired is writer's license, not strict gameplay. Yes, I know there are mods that make time pass for everything you do, but I prefer to just use my imagination for things like these.

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

Tirdas 19 Last Seed - Mourning

Da’s blade is wearing out! I’m told it is showing signs of failure, though I can’t quite hear the change in tone. But it looks like Boss and Star can. In any case, I retired it and put it away in the chest with my winter clothing that you sent me over the summer. I now have a new steel zwei-hander. Boss paid for it, so I can still save up for that steel armor. It’s a beaut, Ma. Good size and weight, and well-balanced too. I’m looking forward to breaking it in on our next outing.

We took some time to visit a place called Calixto’s House of Curiosities. It’s supposed to be a collection of rare artifacts, but I doubt that’s really the case. We both found it funny and had a good laugh afterwards. Now we are going to Leifgard’s final interment. I’ve stopped by the inn and picked up his gear so we can bury it with him. Looking forward to getting my armor back so I can start earning my pay. I will write more when I have more to tell. Give my love to Halla and Old Fang.

Sten

Lilisfina turned as Sten approached with the shield and war axe. She met his gaze briefly. “Is that everything?�

“Yes, Leifgard didn’t leave much behind. I’ve already sent the contents of his chest to his family in Morthal.�

“I’m glad you did that,� Lilisfina nodded. “Shall we go?�

“Yes, let’s get this over with.� Sten opened the door and let Lilisfina and Star through into the snowy afternoon. “I’d like to stop by the smithy afterwards to check on the progress of my armor,� he added.

“Bit impatient, are we?� Lilisfina chided him. “Oengul did say a day or two.�

Sten huffed visible breath between the snowflakes. “That’s too long,� he commented. “Not used to waiting.�

“I thought you did a lot of waiting in that inn,� Lilisfina remarked with a smile. “Seemed like you and Susanna know each other quite well.�

Sten felt his cheeks warm at certain memories. “I’ve been staying at the inn long enough,� he said. “And while I’m used to waiting for jobs, I’m not used to waiting for armor while I have jobs to do.�

“Understandable,� the Wood Elf remarked. “I apologize for lining up work so quickly for us, but I’d prefer to delay those until I know for certain we’ll both come back whole and healthy.� She paused to face him, hands on hips. “And the best way to ensure that is to make certain your armor is up to the task!�

“Not going to argue with that,� Sten responded as they wove their way between the gravestones toward the Hall of the Dead. This time Lilisfina reached the door first and held it open for the other two.

Sten stomped the snow from his boots and brushed it off his woolen shirt. Star shook the snowflakes from his black and white coat. Lilisfina lowered her fur cowl and shook out the cloak he had cut down for her. She is definitely getting a lot more use out of that fur than I ever did! He appreciated how she seemed to pull it closer around her when they were out in the cold air. But here she removed it and threw it over one arm.

Helgird greeted them at the entrance to her preparation area. She led them deeper into the crypt, past carved slots in the walls which held wrapped bodies in various states of decay. Wonder how this smells compared to Corrium’s museum? The idle thought passed through Sten’s head, and he regarded the Wood Elf’s expression. He did not see the distinct discomfort she had earlier. Have to ask. Later.

Leifgard and his cousin Einar had been interred side by side. A worn fishing rod and tattered hand net rested beside the aged fisherman’s body. Helgird stopped before Leifgard and gestured Sten to place his comrade’s gear within.

Sten took time to set the war axe at the body’s right side, ready to hand if needed, and placed the shield gently over the torso. He stepped back to pray.

The Wood Elf surprised both Sten and Helgird when she stepped forward and placed two bundles of snowberries beside each. Does she know snowberries are considered protective against evil spirits? Another thing to ask. Later.

“That is not part of Arkay’s rituals,� Helgird remarked softly. Lilisfina turned and glanced at her. “The use of snowberry is older than Ysgramor.�

“It’s not part of Y’ffre’s rituals, either,� Lilisfina said after a moment. “But we have a similar tradition in Valenwood to place holly vines with our dead to ward off predatory spirits.� She cast her gaze around the stone crypts. “We bury our dead at the base of graht-oaks, and cover their graves with the vines.� Now she met Sten’s gaze. “And I noticed Yngol’s tomb had snowberries on the altar. I’m thinking it has similar meaning here.� Now she turned back to Helgird. “My intention is the same here, so unless Arkay objects?�

“He has nothing to say on that subject,� Helgird responded with a smile. “And I’m certain our dead here appreciate your kindness.�

Star, Lilisfina and Sten stood quietly as Helgird spoke the final interment prayers over the two corpses. Once she completed the ritual, Helgird turned to Lilisfina, all business again. “Those reavers you brought back,� she said softly, “have been committed to the fire. When I stripped them I sent their gear up to Oengul - I had heard that’s what you intended to do with them. He is holding that for you, so you should visit him before the supper hour.�

Sten watched surprise pass over Lilisfina’s sharp features. Something’s off with her face - left side doesn’t move with the right side. Wonder what happened? Something else to ask about. Later. Maybe. If the right time comes up.

“Thank you very much, Helgird,� the Wood Elf murmured. Her head turned toward a corridor that branched off the main hallway and ran deeper into the structure. “We’re not alone here?�

Helgird tipped her head at Lilisfina’s question. “Nilsine Shatter-Shield is here with her sister,� she said finally.

Star startled them by dashing down the corridor, his white tipped tail flashing in the gloom. Lilisfina exclaimed softly and started after him, Sten on her heels. Uh oh.

It wasn’t long before Sten heard sobbing. He reached for Lilisfina’s shoulder. “Maybe we should . . . “

“Shh,� she lifted her fingers to her lips. Lilisfina moved around the corner silently, and paused. When Sten joined her, he spotted the tall Nord woman, her shoulders slumped and trembling, standing before a niche filled with candles, silks and silver jewelry.

Star reached the woman’s side and nudged her hand gently with his nose. As she turned to look at him, the Husky sat down before her and whined softly. He nudged her hand again, then licked her fingers. Star, you silly dog.

With a sob the woman knelt down and wrapped her arms around Star, hugging him tightly. Sten watched with his heart in his mouth as the dog, who just the day before had so fiercely attacked brutal reavers, leaned into the woman and licked her face.

“Please forgive Star,� Lilisfina stepped forward. “We did not mean to disturb you . . .�

Nilsine half sobbed, half laughed and lifted her face from the Husky’s fur. She wiped the tears away and rubbed the Husky’s ears fondly. “Oh no, he was just what I needed, at just the right time.�

“Nilsine Shatter-Shield,� Sten said gently, “my condolences.�

“Thank you, Stenvar,� Nilsine released Star and rose to her feet. She almost matched his height. Her light blue eyes, red-trimmed with tears, moved from his to the Wood Elf. “You’re new here, yes?�

“I’m Lilisfina,� the smaller woman nodded. “I just arrived in Windhelm a couple of days ago.�

Nilsine sniffled back tears. “Please forgive me, it’s been difficult for me lately. Have you ever lost anyone close to you?�

“I have,� Lilisfina’s voice roughened. “I heard about your twin sister. I’m so sorry you lost her. How are you and your parents doing?�

“Not good,� Nilsine shook her head sadly. “Da’s been spending more time in the inn, drinking and drinking. And Ma’s been spending all her time in the Temple of Talos with Jora.� She shrugged, but Sten could still see the pain in her expression. “Neither will speak with me, so I’m pretty much on my own these days.�

“It’s hard for all of you,� Lilisfina assured the Nord. “And each of us have our own ways of dealing with our grief.� She was silent a moment longer. Wonder what memories are coming up for her? “What helped me was putting one foot in front of the other,� she offered softly.

Nilsine regarded her for a few moments. “Literally?�

A soft chuckle. “Both literally and spiritually. I still find it hard some days, and some nights too.�

“Thank you,� Nilsine said finally. “I appreciate your kindness.� She met Sten’s gaze. “And yours, as well, Sten.� She gave a final pat to Star and moved past them toward the main corridor. Lilisfina and Sten watched her go, grief still stooping the taller woman’s shoulders. After a few moments Lilisfina sighed.

“Too many memories of your own, ma’am?� Sten asked her softly. She nodded. “Well, what would you like to do next?�

“Let’s visit the marketplace and see what Oengul has to say about the reavers’ gear.� The Wood Elf’s tone turned brisk.