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.”

[SubRosa]

Hot Collie is back!

Welcome to Lilisfina and Star, both of the pointed ears. Lili is certainly polite. And a practitioner of Restoration magic I see.

Susanna is still alive? Well that is good news, for now.

So Lili is new in town and getting acclimated. Hanging out with Stenvar might be a good strategic move, if she can get on his good side.

[Acadian]

Welcome back to Chorrol fanfic! And a lovely first episode for Lilisfina it is.

You haven’t lost your touch, as Lili is a compelling character and your descriptions are wonderful. We learn a good deal about Lili here, yet it is presented naturally and with a gentle hand. I love this, for example:
’She lowered her hand to touch the dog’s ears, just as pointed as her own.’

I see Lili knows SubRosa’s ‘take a magical bath’ cleansing spell. Ahah, then we learn she is a healer.

I imagine traveling the rugged cold land of rough men and curvaceous women who mistrust magic and elves is a hard road. I'm glad Lili decided to try mead; probably a strategically superior choice here than milk.

[treydog]

An auspicious start to an interesting tale. (Anything with a dog in it is automatically awarded at least 3 stars...). You have not lost your touch for allowing the story to spin out at a pleasing pace; nothing feels forced and yet the action moves along.

Favorite quote:


“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.”

[Renee]

Hey haute. Never got to read any of your earlier tales (nor many other stories from 8 years ago) but welcome back.

Yes that's right. Not a whole lot of Bosmer. Especially not in Windhelm. So she thinks... I see.

Ha ha, Elda's afraid of Restoration magic!

"He's not my dog," Lili keeps saying. Except the dog doesn't seem to agree.

[Grits]

Skyrim and a wood elf, yay! And a dog! And Stenvar!!

That bath and de-louse spell will be popular in Skyrim. Just sayin. I love Lilisfina’s practical magic.

Treydog picked out my favorite moment. You brought Stenvar to life in those few lines.

And yeah, that’s your dog now, Lili!

[ghastley]

And yeah, that’s your dog now, Lili!

And if it had been a cat, Lili would now belong to it.

[haute ecole rider]

Arrival in Windhelm

A little gift to all of you who enjoyed reading the first episode of my Wood Elf in Skyrim!

@Sage Rose: Thank you for the warm welcome back! I've been rather hesitant to come back because of my prolonged inactivity, but I appreciate your kind words. They mean a lot to me. And yes, Lili knows there will be times when brawn like Stenvar comes in handy!

@Acadian: Mead vs. Milk? Remember, Lili is used to much stronger (fouler) stuff, and in her travels she's learned to not drink the local water! Your feedback is valuable, it tells me I hit the marks I wanted to hit with this episode.

@treydog: I'm so glad you found this story right away! Yes, the dog is a must - being a Bosmer, Lili has a high affinity for animals. It also lets me indulge my veterinarian side as well. And thanks for calling out what is also my favorite part of this segment - when I returned to playing Skyrim after so many years away, I fell in love with Stenvar the mercenary (no wonder - he shares the same voice files as Argis the Bulwark). And immediately I picked up the innuendo in much of his in game comments, so that has informed my version of Stenvar the Strongest Sword Arm in All of Skyrim.

@Renee: You hit the nail on the head - "Not my dog" but Star doesn't care what she thinks - he belongs with her. Or maybe it's the fish she was catching on the docks when she first arrived? And if you wanted to, my previous fiction can be found in my subforum - look for Old Habits Die Hard. It's a long one, though!

@Grits: Thanks for the welcome back! I knew you would enjoy Stenvar's introduction - I remember how much you enjoyed playing with him as a follower back in the day.

@ghastley: Yup, Lili knows dogs have masters, but cats have staff. Given the numbers of stray cats she'll encounter in upcoming chapters, we'll see how much she appreciates their cattitude.

Next episode coming up!

[haute ecole rider]

Sundas 17 Last Seed - Stenvar

Ma,

Just finished another job with Ma’dran and his caravan. It was an uneventful walk from Solitude back to Windhelm. I’m sending along twenty five drakes from that job, hopefully it will help to hire extra hands for the harvest. I’ll send more as I get more work.

Right now I’m back at Candlehearth Hall in Windhelm. Susanna has been looking after my trunk of belongings - everything is still in there. I trust her with it when I’m out on a job.

In your last letter you mentioned that Temba is advertising for someone to reduce the population of bears around Ivarstead. You know I won’t take coin from family, and I don’t feel right going there and getting paid for something I would do for free anyway. Next time I’m out that way I’ll see what I can do.

My fellow sellsword Leifgard took a few days to go fishing. He was getting tired of mutton, mutton, mutton every day. That’s all Elda our innkeeper would pay coin for. Leifgard thought if he caught enough fish, we both could have something different to eat for a change. I’m keeping an eye on his gear until he returns.

I’ll write again when I have more coin to send on. Give Halla my love, and hugs to old Fang.

Sten

Sten watched Susanna return to their table with a plate of the interminable mutton stew and a mug of mead. Beneath one arm she held a long object wrapped in a thin hide against her side. After serving Lilisfina the food, she unwrapped the mutton leg bone from the hide and handed it to the dog. As Sten listened to the sound of teeth grinding on bone, Lilisfina leaned forward and inhaled deeply of the stew. “Smells good, Susanna. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome!” Susanna replied cheerfully. She caught Sten’s gaze. “Do you want something to eat, Stenvar? We got some salmon that Nils is cooking up.” She gestured toward the Wood Elf. “Lili traded salmon she caught this afternoon for the stew and the dog’s bone.”

“Salmon?” Stenvar glanced from the Wood Elf to Susanna. “That’s a fair trade, ma’am.” And a good change from mutton, mutton, and more mutton. “I’ll have a portion of that then, thanks. And more ale, too, please.” As Susanna moved away, Stenvar caught Lilisfina watching him with those slightly unsettling green eyes. “Mutton is all we get to eat here.”

“Doesn’t Elda buy fish on the docks?” Lilisfina asked him. “You’d think she’d want to switch up from time to time.”

“She’s too stingy with her coin for that,” Sten answered. “To be fair, they charge a lot for the fish down there - they make more drakes selling them inland.” He finished his ale. “Most folk here, if they want fish, they go fishing for themselves.”

“Hmmm,” Lilisfina worked her way through the stew with hearty gusto. “This is actually quite good,” her green gaze flashed toward him. “Of course, all I’ve had to eat is smoked salmon since leaving Blacklight!”

Sten regarded her for a few breaths. Vvardenfell, huh? It’s a week’s travel by road from Blacklight, not much faster by ship. “Just arrived in Skyrim then?” He paused when Susanna reappeared to refresh his ale. “Boat or road?”

“Boat,” Lilisfina replied. “Got delayed by a bad winter storm, but I’m finally here.”

“Storms at sea are not for the faint of heart,” Sten remarked.

Lilisfina pulled a face and reached for her mead. “You’re absolutely right,” she agreed. She regarded the liquid within her mug, sniffing in the aroma. “So this is mead.”

“Never had it before?” Sten watched her as she sipped experimentally at it. “The taste is beguiling, the kick comes later. Be careful.”

Her eyes grew distant as her mouth worked the liquid around before she swallowed. “It does pack a bit of a wallop,” she admitted.

“Enjoy it, then,” Sten lifted his own mug in a toast. “Welcome to Skyrim, ma’am.”

Lilisfina sopped up the last of the gravy with the chunk of bread. As she popped it into her mouth, her gaze slid to his. Sten noticed the curiosity in her eyes. She swallowed, then spoke, “What is it you do, Stennvar? I’m told you’re a sellsword, is that right?”

“The strongest sword arm in all of Skyrim,” Sten flexed first his right biceps, then his left. “You’ll not find a better sellsword than me.” He shrugged self-mockingly. “Not that I’m bragging.”

“He’s not!” Susanna exclaimed as she set a platter of pink fish in front of Stenvar. “Here you go, big man.”

“Thanks, Susanna,” Sten inhaled the buttery aroma of the fresh salmon. “Tell Nils this looks great.” Susanna waited while he dug into the flaky fish and took his first bite. Ahhh, this is so damned delicious! “Tastes great, too,” he said around the food. He became aware of Lilisfina’s gaze on him.

“Good, huh?” She asked him.

“Better than a sevenday of mutton stew!” Sten met Lilisfina’s gaze. “Are you going to keep trading fish for mutton stew?”

Her smile lit up the right side of her face, Sten noticed. “It might not be a bad idea,” she placed her left elbow on the table and rested her jaw in her hand. “I need to figure my next step. This might buy me the time I need to do that.”

“Buy time?” Sten repeated. Buy time for what? “Why did you come to Skyrim, may I ask?”

“You can ask,” Lilisfina responded lightly. “I traveled the long way from Valenwood, and this is the first time I’ve seen snow.” She shuddered dramatically. “I know it’s cold where there’s snow, but I never expected it to be this cold!”

Sten couldn’t stifle his laughter. “Cold?” He repeated. “This isn’t cold, it’s still summer!”

Lilisfina stared at him. “It gets colder?”

“Once we get into winter, you’ll find out what cold really means,” Sten warned her cheerfully. He watched dismay flicker over her face, then she put on a thoughtful air.

“Oh dear,” she remarked with an ironic air. “That does present a problem.” Lilisfina’s expression turned serious. “I hope to travel to Winterhold, but I’m cringing at the thought of going out of the city in this cold. The braziers around here are barely enough to keep me warm!” She rubbed her hands together. “I spent as much time at the fires as I did fishing on the docks!”

“Well,” Sten mused thoughtfully. “You can’t get there by boat - they never repaired the docks after the Great Collapse forty years ago. So that leaves walking, post carriage or horseback riding.” Why does she want to go to Winterhold anyway? Jarl up there’s even more Elf-phobic than Ulfric Stormcloak! The only Elves there are at the College of Winterhold - are there even Wood Elves there? “Why do you want to go there anyway?”

“I’m hoping to enroll in the College there,” Lilisfina responded quietly.

“You’re a mage?” Sten found it difficult to hide his surprise. “I thought Wood Elves are hunters!”

“Most of us are,” Lilisfina agreed. “But not me! I’m terrible with weapons, and I can’t aim straight.” She pointed at her eyes. “And my far vision is no good.” She shook her head. “My talents are more magical than physical.”

“Really?” Sten thoughtfully stroked his close-cropped beard. I’ve got to trim this again soon - it’s getting scruffy. “Any particular school?”

“Restoration,” Lilisfina responded. “Though I’ve had to learn a few destruction spells over the years.” She leaned back and pushed her plate away. “I’ve paid my own way by doing odd jobs, and sometimes that involves danger. Not much different from yours.” Her green eyes held his for a few moments. “I’ve actually hired sellswords, like yourself, in the past to handle the physical part of these jobs.”

Is she making me an offer? Sten regarded her. “I’m available if you need someone to bash skulls,” he remarked, making a show of flexing his biceps a second time.

Again that lopsided smile. Lilisfina leaned back and reached down to the dog at her side. Sten heard the gnawing stop momentarily. “I don’t know much about this dog, but I had the thought that he might be useful in dangerous situations.” She shrugged. “But the only things I know about Star,” again her eyes flickered down to the Husky, “is that he’ll eat anything I offer him, and that he chose to come with me when I asked him to.”

“He might not be useful in a fight, you mean?” Sten asked her. Lilisfina nodded. “Do you want to find out?”

“Maybe,” her voice trailed off, and her gaze drifted to the side of the table, where the shield and war axe leaned against the empty chair. “I see you have a zwei-hander,” Well, she knows the proper term for my blade. Most people call it a greatsword. “So why do you also have a shield and war axe?”

“That’s not mine,” Sten was impressed. Not many folk know you can’t use a shield with a zwei-hander. “Those belong to Leifgard. He left them with me three days ago to go fishing.”

Her expressive eyes sparked. “Got tired of mutton stew too?” She rested both elbows on the table. “He should be returning with a double armful of salmon and cod soon, then.”

That was the plan. But . . . “He was supposed to be back yesterday, but that storm -“ Sten paused and swallowed a gulp of ale to hide his sudden anxiety, “- likely the same one that delayed you, may have caught him too.”

Lilisfina’s face sobered. “Where would he have gone fishing? He can’t have gone far.”

“His cousin has a small fishing camp about half a day’s walk north of the city,” Sten replied. “He was going to stay there two nights and come back last night.”

Lilisfina was silent for several breaths. Sten could see thoughts moving behind her eyes. “Perhaps we can be of mutual benefit to each other,” she said finally. “I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman named Brunwulf Free-Winter earlier this afternoon. He mentioned a group of reavers on a wreck called The Winter War. Do you know where that is?”

“Aye, that I do,” Sten nodded. “It’s across the sound from that fishing camp.”

“I’m a healer,” Lilisfina laid her left palm against her chest, then pointed toward Sten, “and you’re a fighter - the strongest swordarm in all of Skyrim.” She paused thoughtfully. “What if I hire you to help me clear out The Winter War for the bounty, and I help you look for Leifgard, make certain he’s unharmed?”

How would that work? Me against a group of seasoned reavers? That’d be a challenge, if not outright insanity. She can’t fight, she said so. “They’re a nasty group, and there’s only one of me,” Sten said aloud.

“True,” Lilisfina nodded. “But I’ve been in battles with sellswords before, and I have ways to keep you alive in a fight.” She shrugged. “I’m good with tactics, and I’m used to having the odds against us.”

“How are you thinking of doing this then?”

Lilisfina regarded him. “Leave at first light tomorrow.” she responded. “Go first to the wreck and we’ll take care of the bandits. Try to take them on one by one, rather than as a group.” She rolled the pewter mug between her hands. “That will probably get us to mid-afternoon or evening. We can cross to the fishing camp and look for your comrade and his cousin. Spend the night there if we have to - I’m used to camping outdoors.” She looked up from her mead. “How does that sound, Stennvar?”

“Stenvar,” he corrected. “And yes, that sounds good. “ He nodded at her lightweight blue gown. “But you’ll need furs to stay warm. And we should hope for good weather too.”

“Let’s decide at first light in the morning then,” Lilisfina responded. “And I did pick up warmer clothing on my way up from the docks, I’ll be sure to wear them.” She drank the last of her mead and set the mug down. “I’ll head down to my bed and bath then. Make it an early night, yes?”

[Grits]

Ooo, pictures!

Great to hear from Stenvar. I love how his thoughts reveal that he really is a straight shooter.

A quest! This was a fun introduction to Stenvar. Fingers crossed that Lili finds some elf-sized furs. I’m looking forward to seeing the trio in action!

[treydog]

"Stenvar, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

If for no other reason, because Lilisfina can provide him with salmon instead of mutton.

The letter home adds a wonderful personal touch, which shows the softer side of "the strongest sword arm in all of Skyrim."

Why do I have a feeling her plans for a quick bounty and finding Sten's comrade will not be as easy as Lili thinks? We shall see if my spider-sense is gummed up or not.

As ever, I love how you weave plot points into the natural flow of conversation, allowing the reader to learn more about the characters, just as they learn about one another.

[SubRosa]

A little slice of Stenvar's life. His letter home was a nice way to provide backstory in both how he got to where he is, and fill in some deets on his family back home.

Temba, his arms wide!

“Cold?” He repeated. “This isn’t cold, it’s still summer!” This was great! Poor Lil!

So Lil is bound for magickin' school. I can relate to her poor distance vision too. I am a good shot, but only up close.

Leif has been gone for three days? That seems a bit much. I smell a rescue mission brewing.

Yep, it is off to slay bandits and find the missing fishermen.

[Renee]

Ooo, pictures!

Exactly my response.

Love how Lili's 'terrible" with weapons. Indeed. Not all orcs are great warriors. Not all Altmer are excellent mages, and so on. Gotta love those unorthodox class/race combinations for variety's sake.

What's the difference between Stenvar and Stennvar? I assume those two Ns get pronounced more effectively than one N.

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: When Stenvar started talking to me, he mentioned that he wrote his Ma quite often. So I thought it was a good way to introduce his segments. As as you said, he is a straight shooter. In more ways than one

@Treydog: The quickest way to a man's (and dog's) heart is via the stomach! Or didn't you already know that? I'll let you decide how easily they work through The Winter War and the fisherman's camp in upcoming segments.

@Sage Rose: I laughed at your clip from TNG - I had binged that last year (watched an episode over each lunch period every working day) and this one was one I enjoyed a lot. Yes, and Poor Lil, indeed! Cold? It's still summer! Yup, gonna get a LOT colder sooner than Lili would like! And your guess about a rescue mission is spot on, as usual.

@Renee: As the others will probably tell you, I'm one of those writers who enjoy playing counter to the usual stereotypes where I can. So having my little Bosmer be a mage instead of a stamina based hunter just made more sense in terms of this story. It's also reflective of my current Skyrim play through, where she has no weapons and wears no armor, only clothing. Stenvar's big enough for her to hide behind in a fight! As for Stennvar, it's just the way she pronounces his name - she rolls the "n" in his name the way some folks (looking at you, Spanish and French speakers) roll their "r's".

Glad you all enjoyed my screenshots. I don't always remember to take them, so they won't be a regular thing. . .

*******************************
Morndas 18 Last Seed - First Light

Lili smiled as Star bounced around her, his white tipped tail waving in the pre-dawn light. His bright eyes glinted back at her as he lifted his head from a snow drift, white flakes glimmering on his white muzzle. She pulled her woolen cloak closer about her neck and watched their breaths drift away in the light breeze.

“Is that all you have for the weather?” Stenvar’s voice reached them as the front door of the inn snicked closed behind him. Lili caught his glance at the sky. “At least it will stay clear, but clear days can be colder.” He shook out a brown fur pelt, then held it out to her. “I’ll cut it down later, but this should help.”

Lili lifted her brows at him in surprise. Well, I didn’t hire him for fashion advice, but he’s being practical. “That’s nice of you, Stennvar,” she answered, deliberately rolling the n sound. “Let me try it on.” He dropped it over her shoulders and held it in place while she secured it with the hide lacing. “Won’t you need it, though?” She eyed the exposed iron of his battered cuirass, fur padding showing around its edges, and the bracers on his wrists.

“It’s still summer for us,” Stenvar responded. “As long as we keep moving I’ll be fine. Besides, cloaks just get in the way of fighting.”

“Hmm, never thought of that.” Lili shrugged the heavy fur into a more comfortable set over her shoulders. “And you’re not worried about my fighting?”

“My job is to make sure you don’t have to fight,” Stenvar tapped his chest. “Ready to go?”

“Yes, lead the way,” Lili whistled softly, and the gamboling Skyrim Husky sprang to her side, his eyes on her, tongue lolling out.

“You may say he’s not your dog,” Stenvar remarked as they made their way toward the city gates, “but I suspect he thinks otherwise.”

“I don’t own him,” Lili responded. “But I asked if he wanted to accompany me, and he said yes.” She shot Stenvar a quick glance. “Same as you.”

“But you’re paying me. How are you paying him?”

“How else?” Lili chuckled and slipped through the smaller postern door set within one of the large gate leaves. “Food!”

Stenvar laughed and led Lili across the long bridge over the White River. Her breath caught in her throat as the breeze turned into a colder, stronger gust. Ow! That’s cold! “Save your breath, ma’am,” Stenvar advised and turned east onto the road that ran along the southern riverbank. “I know where the Winter War is, so if it’s okay with you I’ll lead the way. We’ll have to turn north off the road, and likely will be going through deep snow then. It’s better if I break trail.”

“Sounds good, but once we get within sight, I’d like to stop and take a look myself.”

“Of course,” Stenvar watched Star weave around them, his nose to the snow. “What’s your plan for the dog?”

“I’m not sure how helpful Star would be in a fight,” Lili responded thoughtfully. “But I’ve a feeling he’ll provide warning of danger.” She took a breath from behind the fur before she spoke again. “I’ll keep an eye on him while you’re breaking trail, and let you know.”

“That would be good, ma’am,” Stenvar passed the stables with a glance at the horses within. Lili caught his lingering gaze on the sturdy dark bay in the outermost stall. She slowed slightly to regard the horse. Strong back. Sturdy bones. Plenty of feather on those pasterns. The mare picked up her head from her grain bucket to watch the two walk past, her dark eyes catching the gleam from the snow in the stable yard. Curious. Then it was time to hurry to catch up to Stenvar’s long strides on the icy cobblestones.

They passed a carriage, its shafts resting on upended logs. “That’s the post carriage, it will take you to the other cities for a price,” Stenvar pointed out. “The driver’s likely staying the night in the stable master’s house.”

“Other than on foot, what’s the best way to get around Skyrim?” Lili asked. Either way sounds cold!

“Depends on how far you want to go, and how fast you want to get there,” Stenvar responded. “Most of it is rugged country, and large parts are snow and ice covered like here. On foot is fine down south, but up here you’re better off on horseback.”

“Really?” Lili regarded a small farmstead as they walked by. The road turned north with the river, then veered east after the second farmstead. Stenvar paused at the bend in the road and turned back to regard Lili. By this point the sun began to lift above the peaks to the east, and she squinted against the growing glare from the snow.

“Horses will get you from one warm place to the next faster,” Stenvar grinned. “Can you ride?”

“Depends on the horse!” Lili exclaimed. “I prefer them smooth and gentle.” She met his gaze. “But they are expensive to buy and to keep.”

“Yes, they certainly are,” Stenvar agreed. “Which is why I like the post carriages. They’re slower, but they’ll get you there for less coin!” He turned his face north. “We leave the road here, and follow the river north to the sea. The Winter War is in the estuary on this side. Einar’s fishing camp is across the main channel.”

“Winter War first, then,” Lili pulled the woolen cloak up over her face. “I’ll save my breath now.”

With a chuckle Stenvar started into the snow, Star following after him. Lili stepped into their tracks.

They walked between the pine forest and the riverbank, followed by the distant howling of wolves. Lili kept an eye on Star, but he ignored them. He became alert as they drew near a small group of horkers resting on the ice at the edge of the river. Stenvar kept a wide berth while they lifted their forehands up on their flippers to watch the trio pass. Ugly creatures, but they’re interesting. Curious about us, or just wary?

The sun had cleared the trees when they reached a group of small standing stones. Stenvar paused there and set his pack down. Lili followed suit with her own and watched him pass beneath a squat stone arch to pause before a granite slab set on two large boulders. That looks like an altar of some kind. On either side large carved eagle heads bracketed the entrance to a small cave behind the altar.

Stenvar picked up the top of the battered lantern. He fished out a candle stub from his belt purse and set it within the lantern’s base. With a flint against the back of his dagger, he lit the candle, then replaced the lantern. Lili noted the sprigs of snowberries resting on the slab beside the lantern, and empty bowls. Her curiosity rose as Stenvar placed a piece of bread within one bowl, and a slice of mutton in the other. He stood for a few breaths with bowed head before the stone altar, then returned to Lili and picked up his pack.

“Ready, ma’am?”

Lili shrugged her smaller bag over her shoulders and nodded silently. They returned to their northward path, Stenvar in the lead again. Lili glanced back at the altar once again. That’s no god I recognize.

Their shadows were directly beneath their feet when Stenvar stopped again. He waved Lili up alongside him, and pointed ahead. Here the trees fell back from the shoreline, and Lili found the glare of the snow almost painful as she squinted in the indicated direction.

Here the shoreline broke back toward them, the snow and ice in jagged contrast to the black water. A short distance offshore, large boulders bulked up out of the gentle waves, more horkers at its base. Just past the islet, Lili could make out broken timbers and boards.

“The Winter War,” Stenvar said softly.

“Do you see anyone on the wreck?” Lili tried to make out forms within the shattered craft, but her poor distance vision failed to discern any details.

“It’s in shadow, so it’s hard to see against the glare from the snow in between,” Stenvar responded. “But I do see bear traps laid out on the big rock in front, so they’re there.”

Lili stepped a few steps forward, her gaze already scanning the ground between them and the shore. “What’s the best way to get there? How do they move on and off the wreck?”

“There’s a shallow ford from that point,” Stenvar indicated a long finger of snow and ice below them that stretched toward the islet, “to the big rock. And I see what looks like a rough path up this side of the rock - that’s where the bear traps are.”

“So they’ll have a sentry near the top of the rock,” Lili mused, “and they will listen for those traps snapping.” Stenvar nodded his agreement. “I’d like to get to the top of that rock, think we can do it undetected?”

“It’ll be difficult with those horkers there,” Stenvar responded. “They are territorial animals and will make a lot of noise if we get too close to them.” He regarded them a moment more. “And it’s not the rutting season, so any noise they make will alert anyone on the wreck.”

“Let me worry about the horkers,” Lili responded. A good calm spell will keep them relaxed. “You worry about the bandits. Just how shallow is that ford?”

“It’s low tide right now, so no more than ankle deep.”

Lili sighed. “Not looking forward to wet feet, especially with this cold.”

“We’ll take our boots off to cross, and put them back on once we’re across.”

“Don’t bother,” Lili smiled up at Stenvar. “Like the horkers, I can take care of wet boots. It’s quicker, too.” And warmer!

[Acadian]

An engaging pair of episodes.

I enjoyed learning more about Sten and Lili both. He does seem what-you-see-is-what-you-get, straightforward and likely a fine warrior. I like how you weave some eccentricities into Lili: poor distance vision, her odd pronunciation of Stennvar that she is not interested in correcting, how she insists the dog is not hers. Or more accuarately I think is that she accepts Star as a willing partner, not an animal that she ‘owns’. You described the right side of her face lighting up with a smile – was that lopsided smile just the lighting or is it another Liliquirk?

Like Grits, I really enjoy the use of practical magic. Warming and drying wet boots is another great example.

Looks like we may soon learn how well Lili, Star and Sten function as a team when the horker pooh hits the fan. I’d expect some bumps for their first go as a team.

[SubRosa]

That is funny about TNG. Years ago they did an HD upscale of the show a while go, and I bought it on disc back then and watched it from start to back. A few months ago I decided to give it another go, and started watching it again. I am up to season two now.

That was thoughtful of Sten. Granted, he's a Nord, so he has 50% frost resistance. This is a pleasant, balmy day for him.

That was a nice journey through the icy marches of Eastmarch, and an intriguing pause at what I take to be Yngol's tomb. Now some strategizing on how to proceed. Lil will worry about the horkers, while Stenvar deals with the bandits. Reminds me of the Death Star trench run, and Luke telling his wingmates to worry about the fighters, while he concentrates on the towers.

[treydog]

As ever, the details are what make the story your own. Sten's long look at the horse, as well as his explanation of travel options in "Nordland." The gruff and yet kind way he provides Lil with the fur cloak (and the promise to tailor it to fit better.)

Another welcome change is the way you subvert expectations. Though she is a Bosmer, Lil wasn't born "with a bow in her hands." (Or if she was, her eye-sight meant using it would be a Bad Idea [TM].)

Shall be interesting to see how her experiment in Horkology works out.

And, if I haven't said before, it is a joy to see you writing (and posting) again.

[Grits]

That icy cold ford sounds good about now! My summer is not like Stenvar’s summer.

I enjoyed the getting-to-know you walk and strategy session. I like that Stenvar had a fur cloak ready and Lili noticed Sten noticing the horse. I expect that each will find the other handy in the upcoming fight. And I’m curious to see what Star will do!

[haute ecole rider]

And on the Second Day . . .

@Acadian: Liliquirks, indeed! She has more to come, especially on the fourth day! I thought their first outing went pretty smoothly, considering this is a new team. But I'll let my readers judge. Playing a practical mage healer has its interesting applications, such as using spells to dry out wet footgear. That actually comes from a mod I use, Chesko's Frostfall. It's part of my basic mod load out, along with Campfire and Last Seed, which basically replaces (and predates) the CC Camping and Survival content. I've played Skyrim with Frostfall for so long - practically the second play through on LE! I did try the CC content, but they are not as comprehensive as Chesko's mods.

@Sage Rose: You are correct in thinking Sten paused at Yngol's Tomb, as Lili will find out in a later installment. Sten is Lili's wingman, indeed! Wedge all the way!

@treydog: So glad you are continuing to read this tale of ours. We will see how effective her Horkology is! Though she has never seen them before coming to Skyrim, she has already begun the process of observing them and learning what she can about them! Typical Bosmer . . .

@Grits: That horse was a bit of foreshadowing! We'll see more of her on the fifth day! And yes, aren't we all curious about Star?

I'll let Sten bring y'all up to speed on the story thus far . . .

*******************************
Morndas 18 Last Seed - The Winter War

Ma,

This might be a long letter, because a lot has happened. I met this woman at Candlehearth last night. She is new to Skyrim, and has traveled a long way. She’s never seen snow before, and thinks our summer is cold. Her clothes are inadequate, but she will be getting warmer clothing as soon as she can. She caught fish and traded it for mutton stew - she had been eating smoked salmon for a sevenday! So I got salmon for dinner last night while she tried the mutton stew. It was a good trade.

She has a dog, too. You’d like him - a good Skyrim Husky - black and white and full of mischief. Loyal too, though she says he’s not her dog. He just chose to come with her. She got him a fresh mutton bone, too, as part of the trade for the salmon.

Anyway, I’ve got a new job. We’re going to a wreck north of the city to clear some reavers that have been harassing shipping in the estuary. Since it is just across the main channel from Einar’s fishing camp, we’ll also look for Leifgard there. She doesn’t have the fighting skills, but she says she can handle herself. I’m interested in seeing how things go.

It’s getting late, and I’ve got an early start in the morning. I’ll write more when we get back.

Lilisfina stopped halfway across the shallow ford to cast a spell in the direction of the horkers at the base of the islet. The big bull grunted softly, then relaxed into the ice. His ladies didn’t even react, already basking in the sun. Beaded jet eyes followed Sten and Lilisfina as they crossed the shallow water. Star paused on the shoreline, then raced across when the others reached the other side.

They set their packs down just above the high tide line, careful not to let the shingle shift beneath the weight. Lilisfina touched Sten’s elbow lightly, then touched her finger to her lips to indicate silence. Heat moved from her free hand to her feet, then his. Before he knew it, the wet cold had evaporated in small clouds of steam from their boots. Warm, he wriggled his toes in enjoyment.

Star seated himself at Lilisfina’s side as she and Sten turned to regard the steep path that wound up the slope. He glanced at her in time to see her eyes lose focus momentarily. Then she met his gaze, held up one finger, and pointed to the top of the rise above their heads. One reaver. Sten slid his zwei-hander from his back and nodded. Ready.

Again Lilisfina touched his elbow to catch his attention. With her other hand she tapped her chest, then gestured pulling something toward her with fingers and thumb pinched. Then she pointed at Sten’s blade.

She’s going to lure him out, away from the others, and I can pick him off. Sten nodded his comprehension. Let me get up the hill, out of their line of sight when they come over the top. He avoided the bear traps and found an outcropping big enough to shield him from view about halfway up the slope. He glanced back at Lilisfina and indicated his readiness.

She tripped the first bear trap on the trail, then the next one a couple of steps up. A shout from above preceded the twang of an arrow into the air. Sten knew the moment the archer showed above the ridge by the sudden focus in Lilisfina’s face. A small flare flew from her fingertips past Sten, then a body hurtled past to land headfirst among the horkers below. Lilisfina turned and sent another spell into the horkers, and pandemonium erupted. Sten heard the grunting roars of the bull horker mingled with the man’s screams.

Shouts of other reavers echoed down to them, followed by crackling of ice beneath their approaching footsteps. While Sten waited, Lilisfina paused beside the second trap and dropped to one knee, draping the device with her cloak. From his vantage point it seemed as if she had been caught in the trap, and her swift glance up the slope past him reinforced the illusion.

She’s smart, knows how to fake the bait. Sten barely had time to form that thought before a burly reaver, clad in iron armor just as battered as his own, ran past. Sten stepped out and laid the edge of his blade hard against the other’s neck. His neck broken, the reaver rolled down toward Lilisfina and Star, tripping the remaining traps between them.

Sten ducked back under cover just as a second reaver, a sturdy woman in leather, appeared and shouted behind her. Sten watched Lilisfina stop the dead reaver’s body with her left hand. Her free hand flung another flare past Sten, and he heard a shout of rage from the woman. Heedless footsteps charged down toward him. Her worn shield led her reckless charge, but it was on the wrong side to protect her from Sten. He stepped into her exposed right side, bringing the hilt of his blade hard on her shoulder. Her leather armor did little to cushion the blow, but still she tried to bring her shield around.

Her momentum carried her downslope and caused her to lose her footing. Sten whipped the long blade around and stabbed her in the chest. As her sword and shield clattered from her hands, Sten kicked her off his blade and glanced back up the slope. Below he heard the horkers resume their ruckus as the woman’s body joined that of the archer’s.

After a few moments, silence fell over the trio. Sten exchanged glances with Lilisfina, then watched Star as he peered over the edge of the path at the horkers. After a couple of breaths Star returned to Lilisfina’s side, tail waving high over his back. Sten watched Lilisfina brush the tips of the Husky’s ears with her fingers, then he turned and crept up to the top of the islet. Lilisfina and Star joined him, the dog creeping on his belly alongside her. So the dog knows to lay low. That’s really rather impressive. Wonder if he was taught to do that somewhere?

They peered over the boulders toward the wreck. The Winter War lay broken in two, its bow pressed up against the far side of the islet, its stern shattered against the cliff that pressed close to the water on the far side of the water. A small cabin, mostly intact, squatted on the stern deck, and battered boards linked the fore and aft sections of the wreck. Each half bore a splintered, shattered mast.

“See any more?” Lilisfina whispered. Sten shook his head and pointed out an open hatch in the bow section. He pointed downward to indicate the potential for more reavers belowdecks. “Star, stay,” she murmured to the dog and eased over the top of the islet. As Sten and the Husky watched, she sidled down to the planking bridge between the bow rail and the rocks. Once her feet were on the deck, Lilisfina crouched down and turned still. After a few breaths she turned on her toes and looked back at Sten.

One finger went up, then pointed at the deck at her feet. One reaver belowdecks in the bow. Two fingers went up next, then pointed to the stern section’s lower decks. Two more in the stern. How can she tell? Sten closed the distance to Lilisfina’s side, Star close behind him. As they moved toward the hatch, Star flashed past them and leaped through the opening. As he disappeared, they heard snarling echo around the lower deck. The reaver’s startled shouting gave away his location to Sten as he took the ladder two rungs at a time.

Star’s white markings made it easy for Sten to find the reaver in the dimness belowdecks as he ran toward the noise. He could see two weapons in the other’s hands. Great. A dual wielder. He managed to parry the reaver’s initial attack. He’s panicky. That’s good. Thanks, dog. Sten managed to put Star out of his focus as he closed with the reaver and put his weight behind his first blow.

The reaver managed to parry him by crossing his war axes in front of his chest. Almost equal in size and bulk as Sten, he struggled to push back against Sten and throw him off balance. Suddenly he faltered with an enraged scream as one leg buckled beneath him. Star’s snarling turned into a savage growling as he gripped the man’s left thigh and shook violently.

As Sten stepped back to free his blade, a slim form slipped past him and touched the reaver on his right shoulder. Lightning flickered around the bandit, and his weapons clattered away with his sudden collapse. As Lilisfina and Star drew back, Sten drove his zwei-hander through the other’s leather cuirass into his chest. The abrupt limpness of the man’s limbs revealed the swift passing of life.

Sten turned away in time to see Lilisfina already crossing the plankings to the stern section. He peered ahead of her, but couldn’t see much other than the angular lines of a cage on the starboard side. As Sten followed behind her, he could see a slumped form near a closed door toward the rear of the deck. Asleep on watch? Or drunk? Sten ran toward the prone body of the watchman and brought his blade down on the man’s head before he had a chance to reach for his own weapon.

Muttering and clattering reached Sten from beyond the closed door. “Jaiden! Didn’t I tell you to keep out of the . . .” The door swung open to reveal a large Nord, himself as big as Sten. That’s a pretty impressive beard, the random thought passed through Sten’s mind as he darted toward the other. “Who in fecking Oblivion are you?” the chief shouted as he hefted his battle axe into a combat grip and swung blindly toward Sten’s head.

Just as I expected. Sten kept his momentum and ducked beneath the axe’s swing. He drove his shoulder into the chief’s midsection just enough to stagger him. As the chief fought for his balance in the doorway, Sten brought the hilt of his zwei-hander into the other man’s jaw. Bone cracked as the chief fell backwards. Sten rocked back on his feet just enough to recover his blade for another blow, but the bandit recovered in time and brought both feet into Sten’s chest. He parried Sten’s strike with the oaken haft of his battle axe and heaved Sten backwards.

He’s getting into this now, Sten noted the chief’s quick scramble to his feet. But he’s still not as quick. Already Sten backpedaled away from the doorway. His tactic drew the chief out after him in a hurried charge, lifting his battle axe for a final blow. In the corner of his eye, Sten saw the black and white markings as the Skyrim Husky sprang for the chief’s rear. This time Star chose to bite the man’s buttocks.

Caught off guard again, the chief’s attack wavered, and Sten dropped beneath the axe’s arc and drove his blade below the edge of the reaver’s cuirass into his abdomen. As the chief collapsed, blood splattered from his shattered mouth with his dying gasps. Lilisfina knelt beside him and touched lightning into him, ending his agony. As silence fell around them, she looked up at Sten.

“That’s the last one,” she murmured. “You took no harm?”

Sten took a deep breath and straightened his spine. “Yes, ma’am,” he wiped the long blade before returning his zwei-hander to his back. “You?”

She smiled lopsidedly at him. “All I did was play decoy,” she murmured. “You did all the hard work here.” Her amused gaze shifted over to Star, who sat beside her and turned his blue gaze back and forth between them. “He helped. Of course.” She moved to the doorway. “I’m going to take a look in there, see if there’s anything of value.”

Sten nodded and knelt beside the reaver chief’s body. He noted the quality of the man’s armor. That’s steel - good Nord steel. Still in good condition. Worth a fair bit of gold to the right buyer. A glimpse of blue woad beneath the man’s thick beard caught Sten’s gaze. He drew the black pelt away from the throat. A sea monster. This is Black Cleitus! Did anyone know he was leading the reavers here?

“What is that?” Lilisfina’s voice reached him. He looked up to see her leaning over his shoulder, peering at the tattoo. “Does it mean anything to you?”

“It’s Black Cleitus,” Sten replied. “He’s well known up and down the northern coast for his ruthlessness and cruelty.”

She whistled softly. “My ship went right past here on the way in, we were lucky I guess.”

“They were probably still hunkered down after that storm,” Sten said.

“Well, I suppose that’s a good thing we got him, then,” Lilisfina remarked. “That will help when we claim the bounty on these reavers.”

Wait. We? “We?” Sten met Lilisfina’s gaze.

“Yes, we,” Lilisfina responded. She leaned over and rapped her knuckles on the carved steel armor. “This have any value?”

“It’s better quality than mine, being steel and well maintained,” Sten replied. “You could sell it for a fair amount of coin.”

“Hmm,” Lilisfina mused thoughtfully. “I saw a boat, a dinghy really, down at the waterline. Must be how they’re boarding ships in the main channel. We can use it to cross over to your friend’s fishing camp and look for him. I’d suggest we build a raft for these bodies and bring them all back to Windhelm - might be worth a bigger bounty if we do.” She turned toward the cage set against the starboard wall. “There’s someone in there, too. Maybe Leifgard?”

They moved to the cage and surveyed the emaciated body within. “He’s starved,” Lilisfina mused. “And I see sign of frostbite as well as torture.”

“It’s Einar,” Sten knew that hawklike nose anywhere.

“In that case,” Lilisfina’s tone turned somber as she looked up at Sten. “I don’t have a good feeling about your friend Leifgard, I’m afraid.”

[Acadian]

For a trio that has not fought together before they each did well! It seems none are strangers to this sort of thing. Clearly a good team, as this would not likely gone as well without any one of the three.

Between the bounty and loot, it looks like good potential here for Lili to fill her coinpurse.

I hope Sten’s friend is okay.