New Life and Saturalia, Celebrating Chorrol's 20th Anniversary Options

[Acadian]

Burnt Sierra was kind enough to remind us that Chorrol is fast approaching 20 years old. In order to celebrate, he urged our writers to prepare and offer stories with a New Life Celebration theme.

Though this entry is more Saturalia than New Life, we figured that was close enough. For those not familiar with Buffy’s adventures in the Second Era, Mirri Elendis is Buffy’s Dunmeri sellshield, and Buffy serves as healer and damage dealer for Mirri. The pair of adventuresses literally depend on each other to stay alive. I think this single episode Saturalia story helps showcase the resultant friendship.

*

The Gift Exchange

As the Bosmer presented a bottle for Mirri’s inspection, I smiled.

Mirri’s eyes flew open wide. “Is that . . . Blue Aedral?!?”

“Yes, milady,” replied the tavern maid.

Mirri said, “Blue Aedral is produced in such tiny batches, I never expected a pub in Malabal Tor - so far from the West Weald - would carry a wine so posh and exotic.”

“And you’d be right,” the Bosmer lass stated. “Your friend here provided this bottle.” With that she proceeded to uncork the wine, fill two goblets and left us.

I lifted my goblet. “Happy Saturalia, my friend!”

Mirri returned my sentiment with, “And a profitable New Life for our adventuring partnership in the coming year.”

The wine was indeed excellent – as most West Weald reds were. Mirri, however, absolutely moaned in ecstasy as she sipped it. Finally, she commented, “Blue Aedral is considered by many to be the finest wine in all of Tamriel. Who’d you have to sleep with to get your hands on a bottle?”

I chuckled. “No one. . . but I did have to fight for it.”

“My pocket healer fighting without her sellshield? Now there’s a story I want to hear!”

“I wanted to get you a really nice wine for Saturalia,” I began, “and my research took me to Skingrad. The wine merchant there was quite informative and recommended Blue Aedral – but had none in stock. Instead, she sent me to the source – Dellinoi Winery.” I paused for another sip, and to privately lament that Tamika would not start her winery for another 700 years.

The tavern maid returned with some fresh bread and cheese.

The smell apparently summoned my nixad familiar, Willow, from the mage pouch at my hip. She investigated the wine but rejected it in favor of a small piece of cheese. “Once Superian and I got to the winery,” I continued, “we learned that this year’s entire batch of Blue Aedral was only four cases. Such a small supply rendered it incredibly valuable, so the winery’s owner, Orissa Dellinoi, was personally accompanying the caravan transporting it to Skingrad. I had to prove to the winery that my intentions were honorable before they would even discuss the secret route taken. My aura of Holy Light as a paladin did the trick though and, armed with the knowledge of their pathing, I set off after the caravan.”

“It would seem you found the secretive procession and managed to somehow coax them out of a bottle,” remarked Mirri after savoring another sip. “But where did the fighting come in?”

“Well,” I continued, “I located the caravan, but they had been hijacked by bandits who somehow knew both their route and precise nature – including the value - of their cargo. Orissa’s dog and I tracked the bandits into a nearby cave – that’s where the fighting came in. I found some correspondence on the bandit leader’s corpse. Seems it was an inside job, with the beans – or grapes in this case – spilled by Orissa’s own caravan master! The bandits were actually led by a former vintner who had gone out of business several years ago. Quite the sordid affair but, with the bandits dead, wine recovered and the turncoat securely bound in the back of the winery’s wagon, Orissa figured the Skingrad magistrate’s job would be easy. She offered me the now vacant position of Dellinoi Winery caravan master but I managed to talk her into this bottle of Blue Aedral instead.”

“Well-done, partner!” exclaimed Mirri. “What a thoughtful gift, and righteously obtained.”

I smiled. “Orissa’s dog was bigger than I, and quite helpful at protecting me from the bandits as I healed him and damaged them. That said though, he was nowhere near the sellshield that you are.”

“Good to hear I shall not be replaced by a dog,” joked Mirri. She lifted the flap on her thief’s pouch and, as she fished around inside, added, “Oh, I got you something too.” She then produced two combs and handed them to me.

As soon as they touched my hand, I knew they were enchanted. Holding them up to my nose and taking a sniff to confirm another suspicion, I said, “Sandalwood! It makes for absolutely the best combs.” Willow knew what combs were for and joined me in carefully examining them. “What is the enchantment?” I inquired.

“The one with longer teeth lengthens your hair a bit each time you pull it through,” replied Mirri. “Similarly, the one with shorter teeth decreases the length of your hair when used. I know you like to change your hairstyle frequently, so now you can readily alter its length as well. Talking Dagail into enchanting the combs was easy once I told her who they were for.”

I freed my ponytail and, as I was about to try one of the combs, Willow took exception and asserted herself as my stylist. Hovering around my head with the shorter-toothed comb in her tiny hands, she parted my hair on one side and ran the comb through it until she was satisfied.

Summoning a small looking glass revealed that I now had a bobbed style that fell no lower than the corners of my jaw – rather reminiscent of how Praxedes Rousseau, the Order of the Lamp’s palatinus, wore her hair. “Nice job, Willow. . . although tomorrow I think we might try a pair of waist length braids.”

Mirri chuckled. “I think you two will have great fun.”

“These combs certainly open possibilities,” I mused. “In fact, I shouldn’t be surprised if Willow tries her hand on your hair as well. And Superian’s mane. . . and maybe her tail. Thank you for the thoughtful gift!”

[Grits]

Acadian, I loved the tale of Buffy's magical combs and her wine-finding adventure! I am delighted by the mental image of Orissa’s dog battling the bandits with support from Buffy. Mirri's reaction made me laugh.

Lena, a tale of squids, krakens, and boobs, oh my! I will have to read it again with an appropriate beverage! I'm afraid I lost track of some of the boobs.


Well, my cozy mystery outline reached near-novel length, so it will have to wait until next year or beyond. But here is a New Life offering that actually fits on the page.

Happy New Life, Chorrol!

.

The Longest Night

Dear Ma,

We miss you. I miss you. It's been hard since you passed. Not the work, we know what needs doing and none will be the first to complain. And you gave us time to say goodbye. Thank you for holding on for so long. What hurts is when the sun comes up and the days go on and we are without you.

So I'll tell you what's been happening. Pa leased another hay field and two more pastures from Orgnar Ulredsen. We didn't lose a single lamb this spring. Liese's cave-ripened blue cheese won the gold medal at the fair, and Mikken Three-Boots bought every wheel she made for the Dancing Mammoth. Mittens had the prettiest bunch of kittens I have ever seen. Harald Blue-Tooth knocked me down at the harvest festival. I got up and fought him. I wish I could say I beat him, but that would be a lie. Then his sister Tora broke his nose. I sure like Tora. We made enough hay this year to sell some. Pa let me buy some books all the way from Whiterun.

I hope you can see us from wherever you are, Ma. I hope we make you proud.

Love,

Alrek

~~~

Dear Ma,

I know you have been smiling on us these years, because we have been blessed. Liese and Mats are expecting another baby. Pa finally got Orgnar Ulredsen to sell him the land. And Tora has agreed to be my wife!

There is plenty of room in the cottage to share with Liese and her family, but Pa says the noise will do his head in. So we made improvements to the shepherd's hut up the hill. I built a proper fireplace and chimney, Tora fixed the roof, and Mats replaced the insulation. Pa sanded the floor and put up a woodshed. We'll get him moved in before the baby comes.

Ma, you would love Tora. She is strong and doesn't complain, and best of all she's funny. She can even make Pa laugh. Tora serves in the Whiterun Guard. Her unit has a five day patrol and then three days off. We're planning to go to Whiterun for a temple blessing, but until then we're hand-fasted just like you and Pa.

I wish you could know her, Ma. Or maybe you do. She said this Old Life she's writing you a letter.

Love,

Alrek

~~~

Dear Ma,

Well hand-fasting has to be enough, because before we made it to Whiterun Tora had our baby. We named him Tuls after you, Ma. But so far he looks the most like Pa. Tora will go back to patrolling as soon as he's weaned. I think Aetherius must be like having her home. Even though we haven't slept it seems since Tuls was born.

Liese and Mats bought Orgnar Ulredsen's cottage and took a lease on the rest of his land. So it's been quiet here apart from the dogs, the cats, the orphaned lambs, the shepherds' camp, and of course the baby.

Pa has been poorly. He never looked for company after you passed, even though company came looking for him. He used to walk down and take his meals with us, but now more often than not I put Tuls on my back and bring his supper up the hill. I do the cooking, Ma. You taught me well, and I'm thankful for it. Tora can split a week's worth of firewood in an afternoon, but that woman could burn water.

If you have a blessing handy for New Life, give it to Pa. We're not ready to lose him.

Love,

Alrek

~~~

Dear Pa,

I've felt your hand on my shoulder often since you passed. Every time I've had to make a choice I knew how you'd advise me. Now that I'm the one in charge, everyone wants to test me. But we didn't build this farm up to be the best in Green River just for me to complain about running it.

So I'll tell you some things that happened since you've been gone. Liese and Mats took in old Sadie, and they spoil that dog more than you did. Liese's cheese is so popular she has to buy milk from the Blue-Tooth farm. Tora's new courser has all of Green River stopping by to gawk at him. The horse came with her promotion, but she soon will be home on leave. We're expecting another baby!

Tuls looks more like you with every month that passes. That bear you carved for him is his very favorite toy.

I miss you, Pa.

Love,

Alrek

~~~

Dear Pa,

Your new granddaughter's name is Halvi, and she can howl loud enough to wake up the giants. She never learned to walk, she went straight to running. I've packed up my books since she gets into every single thing. There's a growing stack of our household goods taking refuge at your hut. Even old Daisy goes up there to get some peace. Yes, Daisy is a retired lady with a gray muzzle now. Her daughters Bets and Misty have taken over.

You told me once that you'd like to see us get the northern slope. Well, Pa, the northern slope is ours. I opened the timber stand to our workers, and now the shepherds' camp has become a little hamlet. They put their kitchen gardens all in the center to keep the animals out.

Tora is gone for weeks at a time now. There's trouble on the border with the Pale. I don't think you or Ma ever spent a night apart from us. When Tuls and Halvi cry, it's always for me.

Love,

Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

My wife. My heart.

The children only know that you are away, and laugh and chatter about the fun when you return.

Where did you fall? Where do you lie?

I am broken.

Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

They found your shield and the Jarl had someone bring it to me. Now we know you fell at the Battle of Makinen Field. I remember what you said when we put Alga in the tomb beside her husband. No cold stone for you. Give your bones to the earth and your flesh to the ravens. I guess you got your wish. When my time comes I will be as I am now. Without you beside me.

Tuls and Halvi thrive. They speak of you as if you were a legend.

Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

This spring Halvi took your shield down from the mantle. She did not ask permission, just that I would teach her. She is so like you, Tora. Of course I asked Resi Oaken-Arm to teach her in my stead. Or I suppose in your stead. She is learning well. Tuls practices with her, though he would rather draw or read. But he is too proud to let his sister knock him down easily.

I feel the sun again, beloved. It is you shining through these children.

My love for you is undiminished.

Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

Harald and his wife both died to this summer's fever. We have taken in their children. The girls already know how to spin, so they are a great help to Halvi. She added Newton Browns to our flock. I haven't told you of her weaving business. She set up in the stable we built for your courser. Halvi decides what she wants and then gets it. You would be so proud.

Tuls is away most months at Whiterun College, but he's home for the holidays. He keeps us laughing with his tales of academics and city folk. I confess I sometimes feel envy, but I do not regret the choices that led me to you. And even to this life without you.

I carry you in my heart, beloved. Always.

Your Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

I have made a deal with the widow Britte. She and I meet in Green River often enough to stir a bit of gossip, and we sit together at festivals to keep the matchmakers away. Neither of us wishes to remarry. She has a quiet heart. It helps me to talk with her.

Tuls came home from Whiterun with a pregnant bride. First in the family to actually get a temple blessing. Her name is Elin, and she is a delight. Their baby was born in Hearthfire. We have a granddaughter! They named her Tora. I was the first to make her laugh.

Halvi has considered all of the lads in Green River and declared that she must cast her net wider. She plans to bring her weaving to the Days of Lights festival in Helgen. If you have a blessing, please give it to Halvi. She will carry her axe and your shield, but the road is long and unfriendly.

My love, I speak to you often in my thoughts. I wonder if you can hear over the songs in Sovngarde. Sometimes I speak to you aloud without thinking. It's becoming a habit. The dogs and sheep do not seem bothered.

Your Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

Halvi hand-fasted a sheep shearer from Rorikstead, and now they have a son and a daughter. Halvi's husband is called Magnus. He is indeed the sun in her sky. Tuls and Elin have two more children, both sons. Halvi named her daughter Thora. Somehow it is not confusing. Life in the cottage is filled with love and light, but also deafening. Even the cats go outside to nap. I have moved my things up to the shepherd's hut. Magnus built new bookshelves for me.

Most of our neighbors thrive, but the Hammer-Helms have suffered terrible losses. Tuls bought their entire flock. Now our wool is even finer, and they had funds to start over in Green River.

Harald's children have built cottages in our little shepherds' hamlet. Folk have begun calling it Shepherd's Rest. It's a funny name for a bustling community, but it makes me smile to think that our farm has birthed a village.

At last I have quiet hours for my books and my thoughts, but never far from the embrace of our family. I can see our cottage roof from my little porch, and the foundation that Magnus laid for the new wing, and the trail to Shepherd's Rest. As Pa did, I walk down daily for work and to share the evening meal. All that I love comes from you, Tora. All that I see we built together, for you are always in our hearts.

Your Alrek

~~~

Dear Tora,

My hands shake these days, but I can still manage ink and parchment. The snow lies deep on this longest night, and it still falls thick and soft. As ever I have placed your candle in the window. Young Thora brought me branches of fir, spruce, and snowberries, but this Old Life I do not feel the joy in welcoming the new year, in calling back the light.

We saw this storm coming. The children asked me to weather it with them, but they have made me comfortable here in my

Alrek raised his quill, listening. Only the low pop and crack of his gentle fire filled the silence. He glanced over to see if old Nell had lifted her head, but of course her blanket was empty. Her bones rested now under the holly bush.

There it was again. The thump of hooves and the jingle of barding. Alrek put down his quill.

Light from the open door showed the gentle curves of snowbanks, smooth and unbroken. He closed the door and returned to his seat.

…they have made me comfortable here in my hillside nest. I have plenty to eat, though little appetite these days for more than a handful of beans. I would hardly want to drink if not for the teas Elin

Heavy footfalls up wooden stairs, yet the hut had only one low step. Alrek opened the door again.

She stood smiling in her surcoat and mail, sword hilt visible over her shoulder. Light surrounded her.

"Tora." Alrek put out a trembling hand.

But the porch held only firewood and the snow-dusted pile of greenery. Alrek turned back toward the fire, shaking his head.

"Come, my love. Sit with me." Tora in her blue woolen dress, cheeks pink and hair in a shining braid over her shoulder.

Alrek sat beside her, open door forgotten. "Always have I hoped you would visit me," he said.

"And I always did. I read every letter that you burned in your candle, and every one that you wrote in your heart. I am so proud of you. So proud of our family. And so sorry that I wasn't beside you."

"We had each other, Tora. We were never alone. But tell me, what happened to you? Have you come from Sovngarde? Must you return with the dawn?"

Tora took his hand. "Ironhide carried me to the Whalebone Bridge. I stood before Tsun and received my judgment. Shor's Hall of Valor was within my reach. I could hear the drums." She paused, watching him.

"If Ironhide carried you here, I hope he stays outside. Or he'll kick me into the new year."

Tora chuckled. "I didn't cross, Alrek. Not without you."

"Sovngarde is not for sheep herders." Alrek's mouth felt dry.

"I waited for you, my love. Not for Sovngarde. There are many realms within Aetherius. We will find the one for us. Together."

"Together." Alrek stood without faltering, and his hand in Tora's was steady and strong. "Let us walk, beloved. Leave Ironhide to his Aetherial pastures. But…" He glanced at Nell's empty blanket. "Do you suppose we could bring the dogs?"

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This post has been edited by Grits: Dec 29 2025, 06:06 PM