Serene of Cyrodiil, chapter 5, Home is where your Heart is... Options

[minque]

Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park, Cat Orgy, 1999


Chapter 5, Home is where your heart is

Before I continue with the story of the upcoming events in Ald´Ruhn, I think I want to say a few words about Intervention-scrolls, and spells for that matter!

It seems so utterly easy and convenient; you speak an incantation, either written on a piece of parchment, or you know it by heart, then all of a sudden you are somewhere else, just like that...

Of course it’s not that easy, all who have used this kind of transportation know what I´m talking about. You actually decompose yourself, your physical body, into its building-stones, and then you put them all together somewhere else, all magically of course. Now that has to affect you somehow and it surely affected me, when I suddenly found myself in the courtyard of the Ald´Ruhn Temple that rainy morning.....

The actual travel, or intervention, feels like you’re totally weightless, flowing in the void, whirling like an autumn-leaf. You have no idea what’s up and down, your intestines are all spinning around, or at least it feels like they are. Darkness and pain engulf you, the very air around you is filled with the most terrible screams from poor souls that never reached their destination.... and you are certain you will never get out of it alive. But of course you do, that is if you don’t happen to meet anything hostile where you end up.

The Almsivi-Intervention brings you directly to the nearest Tribunal Temple, so as I mentioned, I ended up outside the Ald´Ruhn Temple. I was shaken and nauseous, and it took a while before I could compose myself enough to gather my scattered belongings, check that all was there and head off to a well-known place, at least for me; the Mage’s Guild!

Ironically, I always seemed to be in a mess when visiting this Guild house, so it was no wonder Edwinna Elbert laughed when she greeted me.

“Serene! How wonderful to see you again.....but you look like you need to use our washing-facilities- as usual- I’d say!”

After a hot and invigorating bath I sat down in Edwinna´s office, wrapped in a worn but warm robe, telling her of my adventures with the Ashlanders.

“You need to go and see Neminda,” Edwinna advised me when I told her about my last encounter with Azura. “You belong to House Redoran, and they will most certainly take care of you, my child.”

So later that afternoon I went to Under Skar, to the Redoran Council-hall, once again dressed up by the generous Mages of Ald´Ruhn, to meet with Neminda.

She was pleased to see me but commented on how thin and wiry I’d become since the last time we met; it was no wonder though after living almost a year among the Ashlanders. When I told her about my time in the Ahemmusa Camp she listened carefully without a word until I came to the part about the Outlander who was asking to be named the Nerevarine, then she interrupted my telling;

“Ah, I know that man, he’s adopted into House Redoran, and he has a very good reputation within the Great House. He is a Breton as far as I know, from High Rock....He doesn’t speak so much about himself…” Neminda smiled, “But forgive my interruption, Serene, continue please.”

After I finished my story and also told her about Azura´s prophecy about “claiming my family,” Neminda sat silent for a while, in deep thoughts. Finally, she spoke:

“ Serene, I think I know the meaning of the words of The Divine. Leave now, and go to the Temple and talk to Lloros Sarano. He is a wise man and I think you may find it useful to talk to him.”

The Temple of Ald´Ruhn was rather small, just a few rooms on the ground-level, and then a bigger area downstairs. A rather friendly-looking Dunmer approached me upon my entering the premises and introduced himself as Lloros Sarano. It turned out he was a temple-servant, specialised in mental illnesses and healing, which made him utterly interesting to talk to. There were not many healers around Ald´Ruhn at the moment so he was happy to meet me so he could discuss his latest experiences in the noble art of healing. Or at least that was how I explained his questions regarding my own experiences with healing and restorative magic.

I spent the night in the Mage’s Guild, and the next morning I paid another visit to Neminda.

“Serene, it so happens that Serjo Athyn Sarethi, one of our councillors, may be able to help you out....he is a friend of my father and has had a lot of sad things happening to him and his family lately.” Neminda sighed and continued: “First his son was kidnapped, then he was the victim of an assassination-attempt, then he is almost certain his wife is betraying him, and above all his son was charged with murder.”

I gasped, thinking that there was no end to this poor man’s misfortunes, but also wondering where I fit into this? I couldn´t see the connections....not at all.

“Athyn is most of all concerned about his son, Varvur. He is back home, and his name is cleared, but he is in a very bad shape, he has lost his will to keep on living, he’s just lying on his bed, staring into the air, not talking to anyone, not eating....he seems to be determined to die. Athyn is at his wit’s end, he doesn’t know what to do, now when Trey’s gone and all.” Neminda sighed once more and blew her nose.

“Trey?” I asked, “Is he that outlander I met?”

He was, and since he also was the saviour of both Athyn´s and Varvur´s lives and honour, according to Neminda, I could very well understand the loss the old councillor felt.

“Words spread fast in these surroundings,” Neminda smiled, “Serjo Sarethi knows about you, Serene, and he knows you’re back!....So go to Sarethi Manor and talk to him..”

Sarethi Manor didn’t look very fancy from outside, just another door in the wall, but inside was a completely different thing. A spacious hallway, with ornaments on the walls and a thick red carpet on the floor, sloped slowly downwards, leading to a huge room, with austere furnishings....

The man that approached me was at least double my age, tall, with black, grey-streaked hair, dark-red very sad eyes and a face that showed he had had his share of life and it had not been all pleasant. Yet it was a fascinating face, pointed cheekbones, straight nose and a strangely sensitive mouth. I couldn´t take my eyes off him.....

“Serene was it, right?” His dark voice had this magnetism that affected me more deeply than I then realized!

“Y-yes” I stuttered, “Neminda sent me, she thought maybe you could have some use for me.”

Athyn Sarethi smiled, led me to a chair and bade me sit down. The fate of young Varvur Sarethi was sad. The young man had been kidnapped by the Archmaster of House Redoran, Bolvyn Venim, accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Although it was actually more complicated- he probably HAD fought with the other young man, but had been under the influence of malign magic at the time. It was a well-understood point of Dunmeri (as well as Imperial) law that a person was not responsible for their actions if they where bespelled. He had been rescued from Venim Manor by the outlander known as Trey of High Rock; as Athyn mentioned the young Breton, his face brightened, almost glowing. I understood this man was very dear to him. Still, Varvur was accused of the murder of his best friend, Bralen Carvaren, so not only did he loose his friend, he was suspected to have taken his life! The whole thing sounded absurd to me but I kept my mouth shut.

Trey again acted and cleared Varvur from the accusations, but Varvur was mentally in a very bad shape ever after. As he spoke of his son’s worsening condition, the animation left Athyn’s face and he clasped his hands before him so tightly that I could see the knuckles whiten. He gave me a long, searching look before he spoke-

“Serene, it is my understanding that you are a healer of great skill- perhaps even greater than you know yourself. I have spoken with Lloros Sarano- I asked him to determine whether the stories of your skill are accurate…forgive me if that seems intrusive, but I had a pressing need….”

He then made his request- my task was to cure Varvur...one way or another, and the worst thing was....I had not the faintest idea how to do it!

[minque]

And now aftermath.....life goes on, right?


The following days, I lived through as though I was in a mist. Neither Athyn nor I got any sleep; he was in a frantic mood, mad from grief. He talked, almost without ceasing. He told of their first meeting, their courtship, the early years of their marriage, when it seemed as if anything was possible. He almost seemed to believe that if he painted a vivid enough picture with his words, she would come back to life as the girl he had first known. Then too, it was as if he wanted to unburden himself of the guilt he felt when Domesea died, and in doing so, saved his life.

Then he had concerns about how to tell his sons their mother was dead. I said I’d talk to them, if he would allow me to. I noticed he didn’t mention his daughter at all…

“Telling Varvur would be acceptable; he knows you, but Salyn! He’s a hot-headed young man, and also he’s in Ghostgate, I wouldn’t want you to go there; it’s too dangerous.” Athyn didn’t want me out of his sight it seemed, but I persisted; I knew I could do it and honestly I wanted to meet Salyn!

“Before you set out on this mission, Serene, please move in here, at the Manor! I’ll organise a bedroom and a study for you, you’ll be most comfortable and…and I do want you here.” He took my hand in a firm grip and looked into my eyes. I trembled, for the emotion I saw in those dark brownish-red eyes was almost more than I could bear.

“I…I…is that really appropriate?” I stuttered. “What will the other councillors think about it and…and the rest…” I wanted to be with him more than anything, but I couldn’t ruin his reputation within the House, his honor amongst his kinsmen…that would be fatal.

His answer was very clear, he just took me in his arms, holding me tight, and then he turned my face towards his and kissed me. I have been kissed before, but this felt different, oh so different…

“Now did I make myself clear?” he whispered, as I swayed in his arms. I just nodded; I could not speak, for the rush of emotions had made me dizzy.

I still insisted on going to tell Varvur and Salyn of the grim fate of their mother before making any other arrangements. The rather short walk to Fort Buckmoth was refreshing; the sky was clear and the sun was shining for a change. What might have caused the lull in the ash storms, I did not know, but I took it as a hopeful sign. I didn’t encounter even a single cliffracer during my trip, which pleased me. I knew now how to handle those beasts, but nevertheless, I didn’t like them.

Imsin was happy to see me, and I spent an hour with her first, telling her about the ghastly thing that happened. I didn’t particularly speak about my developing relations with Athyn but she suspected something, I’m sure.

“So...ye want te see our new employee, Ralen Andrano?” she smiled “Aye ´tis a guud boy, clever an nice…don’t say much, that´un.”

I nodded; Ralen Andrano was the pseudonym Varvur had chosen to stay clear of Bolvyn Venim´s notice. I focused on the terrible thing I had to tell Varvur and wondered how he’d take it…

He took it better then I expected. He just sat silent for a while, then sighed, and turned towards me slowly shaking his head.

“I was afraid something like that was going to happen, though naturally I didn’t want my mother to die. But she died honourably, saving my father’s life. She has paid for her sins, even if the price was too high. I only wish the Archmaster would be at least sorry, but he won’t be, for him she was just a toy, like all other women he had.”

I didn’t really know what to say. His words were wise, and only too true. He had known of his mother’s deceit and he had resented it, but he believed that she had redeemed herself in the manner of her death. He was a true Redoran indeed.

“Are you staying at Sarethi Manor now, Serene?” he asked me. “I know Father wants you to; he’s so very fond of you.”

“No…it wouldn’t be appropriate,” I answered, “Not yet anyway, but as you may have understood I’m very fond of your father, so I will try to help him out at the moment, to ease his grief so to say, to try to make life a little bit more bearable to him.”

“I bet you do!” Varvur smiled. “Why, he has spoken about you all the time since he first met you- not in front of mother, bless her soul, but when we were on our own. You certainly have made an impression on my old father!”

“He is not old…not to me anyway!” I blushed at my outburst; it didn’t feel right to discuss these matters at a time like this. He should be sad about his mother’s death and not try to fix me up with his father! In fact I was more than capable of doing that myself…

I changed the subject by asking Varvur what his immediate plans were. He told me he’d learned a lot in those few weeks he’d been at Fort Buckmoth. They had some skilled teachers, so he planned to stay for at least six months, then he would apply for a job at the EEC, he said.

The EEC, East Empire Company, was headquartered in Ebonheart. It was a prosperous enterprise and a skilled accountant could make a nice career …I wished him luck, and we had supper together before I headed back to Ald´Ruhn again.

I was convinced Athyn would be pleased with Varvur´s progress. I could hardly wait to tell him. What bothered me was the relative coldness Varvur showed when I told him his mother was killed. It really disturbed me; didn’t Varvur have any feelings towards Domesea? What had she done to make her son hate her, or at least dislike her like that?

In fact Athyn did approve of Varvur´s plans for his future. To get a job at the EEC would improve the influence of Great House Redoran in the company, the only question was how the Hlaalu owners would react or if they’d even let Varvur have the job.

Again Athyn tried to persuade me to move to Sarethi Manor and again I refused, referring to his good name and the honour of the House. Inside I was bleeding; my feelings for him had grown, and I didn’t want anything else but spend the rest of my life with this man, but of course I couldn’t admit that…..not now, when the planning for Domesea´s funeral was going on.
Courtesy and custom bid a year of mourning, at least, and I had a hard time thinking about how I’d cope with a whole year without being allowed to fully express my feelings.

I didn’t have to go to Ghostgate to tell Salyn Sarethi about his mother’s death as it turned out. Salyn eventually came home, having heard some rumours about a terrible thing that had happened to his family, and so he was granted leave to come home.

One chilly morning, I sat in the big room beside the hallway trying to learn more about the Caldera ebony-mine, and how Great House Hlaalu ripped it out of the hands of the Redorans. The documentation was incomplete and I felt that the mine was badly run, and that I might have to look into these affairs some more.

Suddenly I heard the front door open and down the hallway came a young Dunmer, his long black hair wind-blown, he was wearing dusty glass armor and a sword was hanging at his side. His features were sharply outlined, his dark brownish-red eyes glowing with anger or worry, I couldn’t tell. He was a younger image of his father though and I nearly jumped off the chair as he approached me.

“And who might you be, Sera?” he asked, in a stern voice, “And could you by any chance tell me the whereabouts of my father?”

“I...I´m Serene Catraso, then you must be Salyn?” I stuttered.

“Yes, yes, I’m Salyn Sarethi, now tell me where my father is, or my mother!” he sounded impatient and my heart sank. This wouldn’t be easy…

“Please, Salyn, take a seat, I have to tell you something.”

“There’s nothing you can tell me that I can’t hear standing up, besides…” his face broke into a faint smile, “This armour is damn uncomfortable and not meant to wear sitting.”

“Salyn” I started, “There’s been an attack…Two assassins broke into the Manor, they… they attempted to kill your father, but…” my voice broke; I had to pause for breath.

“WHAT!? “ He shouted, “Is my father DEAD??”

“NO…no , your mother interrupted the attack, she…she saved him but….she was killed instead.” I covered my face with my hands to hide the tears that gushed from my eyes.

Salyn Sarethi sank down on a chair, armour and all. He said nothing, just stared out into the air. Then he turned to me and handed me a napkin from the table to wipe my face.

“There, there, …Serene, was it?” He said, patting my hand, obviously feeling awkward seeing me cry.

I dried my face and told him I’d take him to his father at once. We walked down the corridor to Athyn´s bedroom. I stayed behind as father and son reunited.

I felt I was not needed; in that belief, it turned out I was, in fact, totally wrong….