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: Hmmm, as I see it, Sten and Susanna became lovers when he first arrived at Windhelm a few years ago, then their relationship naturally evolved into one of close friendship. Susanna is physically affectionate (and as we will see, so is Lili), and Sten is still a lusty man. And yes, Sten is correct in his assessment of Talos, Stormcloak and Imperial don't matter.

@SubRosa: I did think of the submachine gun as well. And yes, I agree Sten doesn't jam, or go off half-cocked! As for the stink of necromancy, Lili is experienced enough to not jump to conclusions. You are absolutely correct that she will wait until she has evidence one way or another. I like to show Lili as assuming the best of folks until proven otherwise, but she is also wary of certain personality types.

@Lena: I agree with both you and Acadian that the mages "robes" in Skyrim are darn attractive and practical. I remember back in the day when tunics and tabards were the rage, especially when paired with jeans. Too bad they went out of style so quickly - I loved wearing them myself.

@Grits: Susanna is one of those characters who just take over the keyboard whenever I bring her into the scene. Like dogs and children, she steals the show! And yes, Sten is very careful about determining where he stands with Lili, as she does likewise.

As our intrepid trio Lili, Sten and Star trek toward a forsaken spot in the frozen mountains of the Pale, Lili is asked what is the stupidest thing she's ever done.

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

Middas 20 Last Seed - Stupid Actions

Lili caught the flicker of self-doubt in Stenvar’s gaze when he turned to look back at her. She tossed her head back and laughed. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours,� she teased. Star yipped at the tone in her voice and bounced between the two of them, his tail waving above his back.

Relief passed over his face, then he joined in her laughter. “Fair enough,� he nodded. She resumed walking toward the stone bridge. “Well?� he asked when she reached his side.

“Let me think,� Lili responded, the roar of the falls nearly drowning out her voice. “So many to choose from.�

He chuckled as they crossed the River Yorgrim and followed the road as it turned back west. “By the way, we’re in the Pale now. This area is part of Dawnstar’s Hold. Up ahead is Anga’s Mill, that’s the first place we come to that’s part of the Pale.�

“Thank you, that’s really helpful,� Lili responded. She recalled something Stenvar had mentioned the other day. “Dawnstar - that’s sworn to Jarl Stormcloak, correct?�

“Correct,� Stenvar nodded. “So we’re still in Stormcloak territory, if you’re curious.� He shot her a blue glance as they strode up the slope toward the upper reaches of the River Yorgrim, Star quartering the road ahead of them. “So, what was the most stupid thing you ever did as a kid?�

“Well, I’m sure I’ve done more stupid things than that, but what comes to mind is the day I tried to pull a sleeping senche’s tail.�

“Senche?� Stenvar repeated. “What’s that?�

“Big cat, one of the top predators in Valenwood,� Lili responded.

“Oh, do tell me more,� Stenvar’s tone turned amused.

“There was this senche that lived outside our village, and had multiple overlooks it liked to relax on between hunts. Our clan always left him alone, and he never entered our graht-oak compound. All the children were warned to stay away from him, and to never disturb him.� Lili inhaled slowly against long forgotten memories. “But my cousins dared me to go and pull that senche’s tail while he was sleeping.�

“How old were you?�

“Maybe ten, twelve years old?� Lili mused. “Remember, mer mature slower than humans. I was just out of the toddler stage at that time.�

“Hmm, so like our five year olds?� Stenvar waved at Anga as they passed her lumber mill. Star scattered the chickens before Lili called him back to her side. They moved past the workers’ house and continued up the hill.

“Something like that, yes,� Lili agreed. “So we went out and found the senche napping on his favorite rock, and I crept up, as sneaky as you like, to pull that tail. But when I was just about to touch it, he woke up.�

Stenvar inhaled sharply. “Yikes! What happened next?�

“Well, my cousins had the foresight to tie a vine rope around my waist, and they were at the other end of it. When he woke up and came at me tooth and claw, they yanked hard on the rope. I went flying across the forest floor . . .� Lili swept her hand quickly from left to right, “right into my cousins. We all got up on our feet and ran for our lives back to the graht-oak. We didn’t stop until we were high up in its branches. Our elders scolded us for bothering the senche.�

“Did the senche come into the compound?� Stenvar asked. Lili shook her head.

“But our elders came after us and punished us for it! They made us give our next kills to him as an apology.� She laughed. “All I could do was snare squirrels, fortunately he quite liked them.�

Stenvar laughed as well. I do like his laugh. It makes me smile. “Did you ever pull a senche’s tail again?�

“Nope!� Lili shook her head. She turned her gaze up at him. “Your turn!�

“Well, let’s see now . . . “ Stenvar made a show of stroking his close cropped beard and mumbling to himself. “I could tell you about the time I went into a hibernating bear’s den, but that’s not what I did, that’s my Da’s story.�

“I don’t want your Da’s story,� Lili found it difficult to keep the amusement out of her voice. “I want your story. What did you do as a child that gave your Ma gray hair?�

“Ma doesn’t have . . .� Stenvar paused and shot her a glance. He chuckled again. “Well, I did try to ride her favorite cow into battle. Five years old, and I wanted to be just like my Da. I found a stick that I pretended was a blade, and tried to get up on Thistle’s back. She didn’t budge, just kept grazing. I got the milking stool, that got me up on her back. Then she kicked it away, and there I was, stuck on Thistle’s back. Da was away at market with my sisters, and Ma was in the garden on the other side of the house.� Stenvar’s gaze grew distant. “I had the brilliant idea to ride her over by the fence, I could use that to get down. So I hit her with the stick . . . “

“Poor Thistle!� Lili exclaimed. “You were a cruel boy!�

“Thistle, like all good Nord cows, had a thick coat - she didn’t feel a thing,� Stenvar countered self defensively. “She just kept grazing. So I called Fenrik over - that was our herding dog. He barked at me as if to scold me for being on top of Thistle. I told him to get her over by the fence. Thistle wasn’t having any of it, kept shaking her horns at Fenrik. Finally Ma came over to see what all the commotion was about - boy did I get it!� Again that hearty laugh. “She made me milk Thistle for the next sevenday! Twice a day!�

Lili considered his words. “Just how hard is it to milk a cow?� she wondered out loud.

“I’m sure that can be arranged,� Stenvar responded, still chuckling. “If we come across a farmer with a milk cow we can ask if you can learn.�

Finally they reached the top of the long slope. Lili paused to catch her breath and take in her surroundings. I don’t feel that cold. These clothes Hermir gave me are really effective at keeping me warm. Behind them the sun, hidden by a thin overcast, hung halfway up the eastern sky. She gasped at the view laid out below. Windhelm was a dark smear on the northern bank of the White River, and both watercourses glimmered in the weak sunlight. Tall mountains towered north of them, marching from the city westward into a snowy pine forest. The road, barely visible in the snowdrifts, wound through the pines along the range.

“We should reach Forsaken Cave around noon,� Stenvar commented. “We’ve made good time this morning. No wolves either, which is good, too. There’s a pack that usually hangs along this road attacking travelers.�

“No sign of them?� Lili cast her glance around, and inhaled deeply. All she could smell was snow and ice - lots of both.

“No, not even a howl.� Stenvar shook his head. “Could mean a bad storm is coming up.�

“We may have to camp inside the cave if that happens,� Lili remarked.

“Or take shelter at the inn in Heljarchen. That’s just a couple hours’ walk up the road past the cave.� Stenvar cast another glance at the western sky. “Depends on the weather, though. It can change very quickly.�

“We should be ready for whatever comes,� Lili thought of the rations in her backpack. Stenvar met her gaze.

“I’ve got the bedrolls in my backpack, and of course a wood axe for firewood.� He hitched the straps over his shoulders. “Between the two of us, we should be able to camp in the cave if it comes to that.� He grinned. “But I’d prefer to sleep in an inn after a bellyful of ale to warm my bones!�

Lili chuckled. “I’m not one to deny myself any creature comforts I can get!� She looked ahead at the road. “What should I look for?�

“If I remember correctly,� Stenvar mused, blue eyes already scanning the roadside, “there’s a clearing with small menhirs in a row leading to the cave entrance. That’ll be the first thing you’ll see on the north side of the road.�

The clouds grew thicker as they walked on, and now Lili could feel the wind blowing out of the mountains, pushing against her right side. It’s getting colder, should I pull out the fur cloak? The cowl is keeping the cold off my head and shoulders, but my legs and feet are starting to feel it.

“Here we are,� Stenvar’s voice broke through the wind. Lili looked up from her footing to see a cluster of snowberry bushes surrounding a row of small standing stones - menhirs, Stennvar called them - that ran back from the road into the mountainside.

“Good, let’s get inside out of this wind,� Lili paused to scan the surrounding forest. At her side Star stood ready, his ears tipped forward, his stance relaxed. “Seems Star is telling us there is nothing to concern us between us and that cave.�

“Let’s go, then,� Stenvar led the way past the menhirs toward the dark crevice in the mountainside.