A Wood Elf in Windhelm, Stranger in a Strange Land? Options

[ghastley]

There are vampire sabre cats and bears in Western Skyrim in ESO, so taking precautions with Star seems sensible. Especially if he is looking after Silda and Sofie.

So Winterhold is next, or will another side-quest intervene? I'm trying to think of one that Icicle coukd help with.

[Acadian]

Other ways to stay warm indeed. Like sharing furs. . . . I see the delicate dance of flirtation between Sten and Lili continues.

With his growing collection of feminine body parts, I suspected our perp was trying to revive a lost loved one. Taking loved ones away from others to do so, however, confirms Ulfric’s sentencing was just.

Silverblade is fun, with her no nonsense blunt manner.

Nice to learn a little more about Arkay. I wonder what Lili has planned for that amulet of comfort?

And dogs can become infected with vampirism? I loved Helgirds honest ‘better safe than sorry’ answer. Looks like seeking out Star may be appropriate. I figure they were going to likely do that anyway before perhaps heading for Winterhold.

[Grits]

Sten shrugged. “Maybe. There are other ways to stay warm, you know.”

Nice to hear that Hjerim is no longer haunted. If only someone would go clean that place up.

Yikes, I hadn’t considered that Star might get infected. That’s a good opportunity to see Star and Star’s companions. I look forward to it!

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: Of course Nords wouldn't fear the onset of the Northern Winter as much as Southerners would! The reward from the Jarl is another departure from the game canon - I figured they got a reward for finding and killing Black Cleitus in the beginning, why not for identifying and indicting the serial killer targeting female citizens of Windhelm? The lore is not clear on the origin of the Death Hounds, so I thought I'd play on that mystery a bit.

@ghastley: It would be nice for Icicle to get more involved in some of Skyrim's quests, yeah? Depends on how this story goes, whether or not that happens.

@Acadian: Yeah, that comment of Sten's was a bit of a Freudian slip there. And yes, Lili caught it! I quite enjoyed writing Silverblade, funny how that came about from that brief encounter with the only female city guard I've ever met in game. And of course they need to round up Star and visit Helgird one more time before heading out!

@Grits: Yeah, someone will have to clean that sad little house up, and soon! As for seeing Star and his companions, your wish is granted!

Having ensured that they won't become vampires, Lili and Sten head out to find Silda and impart the good news. Accompanied by Icicle, of course.

****************************
Loredas 23 Last Seed - The Unseen is Seen

Slowly Lili and Stenvar made their way through the icy streets toward the Grey Quarter. The grey tabby strolled ahead of them, and this time did not give the shabby stone building that housed Corrium’s museum a wide berth. It’s not so distasteful to her this morning. That’s interesting. Lili wondered what would happen to the house now that it stood ownerless. Lili noticed the two City guards standing watch outside the worn wooden door of the small building.

“What can we do to help Nils and Elda keep the service going?” Stenvar mused softly, almost to himself. Lili glanced at him thoughtfully.

“Do you feel responsible for them?” she wondered. “After all, we are customers, not employees or owners.”

“Let’s just find Silda,” Stenvar gruffed. “She deserves to hear the good news that she won’t be next on the Butcher’s list.”

“Maybe she’s already heard,” Lili remarked hopefully. “Seemed like all of Windhelm was at the Palace last night when Corrium was executed.” First she glanced about them to ensure no guards were in the area, then she led them unerringly through the maze to Silda’s bolt hole. She found Star still where they had left him yesterday. He yipped softly and rose to his feet with a long stretch and a yawn. Lili fought her own yawn, though she did catch Stenvar’s long inhale in the corner of her eye.

“Hullo Star,” she greeted the Skyrim Husky fondly as Icicle leaped to the top of the barrel and mewed loudly. “Icicle was a big help last night,” she continued conversationally. “And Wuunferth helped us confirm that it was indeed an Imperial that killed Susanna. We won’t be seeing Calixto Corrium around anymore, and I feel like Icicle is very happy about that.”

“Calixto?” A voice whispered from within the barrel. That’s not Sofie. “It was that creepy little man?”

“Yes, Silda,” Lili took a guess at the voice’s identity. “And the Jarl passed swift sentence upon him. He was executed last night.”

“See, I told you so!” Sofie’s exclamation preceded her arrival at the bolt hole. “You didn’t believe me, Silda!” She turned to Lili. “She must have thought I was trying to help her feel better.”

“You wouldn’t lie to your dear friend about that, would you, Sofie?” Lili asked the child.

“No!” Sofie shook her head. “Such a lie would cause more harm to Silda than good.” She crouched down beside Star and peered into the barrel. “Silda is feeling better today,” she said over her shoulder. “That potion you provided helped her sleep, and she’s much rested.”

“Are you hungry and thirsty, Silda?” Lili asked.

“And cold!” Sofie averred. “Come out by the brazier, I’ll catch some fish and cook it for us.” She glanced slyly at Lili. “I know the Argonians will be happy to give you some tea to warm your bones while you wait, too.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me,” Lili nodded. “And Stennvar has been trying to think of a way to help the folk at Candlehearth - it’s just Elda and Nils now.”

“Nils is nice,” Silda’s voice drew nearer, and Sofie stepped back to let the beggar woman out of the barrel. She slowly straightened up to her full height, one hand shaded her eyes from the daylight. Lili noted her thinness, the chilblains on her fingers, and the unkempt clothing that provided barely any warmth. “But Elda is a sharp tongued harridan!” Her vivid blue eyes sparked beneath tousled black hair.

“She certainly comes off that way!” Lili chuckled, recalling her first arrival in Candlehearth. “Told me dogs and children weren’t welcome!” She slid a sly glance at Stenvar. “Then I showed her the fish Star and I had caught, and she changed her mind right quick!”

“So let’s fish together,” Stenvar offered. “I can use a little relaxation after the past couple of days.”

“We do need to borrow Star for a bit,” Lili added. “Later today we should take him to see Helgird. He fought vampires with Stennvar, and Helgird wants to make sure he didn’t contract anything bad from them.”

“Vampires!” Sofie hugged Star. “He fought them with Stenvar? Such a brave dog!”

“He is very brave,” Lili agreed with a smile at Stenvar. “But first, let’s go fishing!” She gestured to Silda. “Come and join us!”

Surprise rippled through the Saxhleel at the sudden appearance of the unlikely group on the docks, followed by amusement as they borrowed fishing poles and took up stations at the south end of the wharf. Silda glanced around uneasily as the scaled folk returned to their activities. “They don’t mind us?” she whispered to Sofie.

“Of course not!” Sofie’s confident response brought a smile to Lili’s lips as she cast her line. “They are my friends, just as you are my friend,” Sofie continued firmly. “And just as Lili and Sten are my friends, and the Dark Elves!”

“You do have a lot of friends, Sofie,” Lili murmured as something tugged on Silda’s line. The thin beggar gasped and nearly dropped the line, but Stenvar’s hand kept her grip firm on the pole. Sofie gave soft instructions on holding the catch on the line, and together they landed a flopping green-gold fish.

“Congratulations, Silda,” Stenvar set his pole aside to unhook the glistening perch from Silda’s line. “You have the first catch of all of us!” He held the twitching fish out to Silda. She did not reach for it, but regarded it wide eyed.

“Does it mean anything special?” Silda met Stenvar’s gaze.

“Only that you have beginner’s luck!” Stenvar chuckled heartily and dropped the fish into the collection basket nearby. “And you get to pick how you want it prepared for tonight’s feast!”

“Feast?” Silda repeated. Just then, Sofie yelped as her line tugged beneath the water, and she in turn caught a cod.

“Of course,” Lili answered as they helped the child with the larger fish. “We’ll take these to Candlehearth, and we’ll ask Nils to prepare them as we wish. Then we share the bounty!”

“Is - is that traditional?” Silda asked as she recast her line.

Lili exchanged glances with Stenvar, who shrugged. “We can make it so,” she answered Silda as her own line became live with a tugging fish. “Each of us catch a fish, then we all go and feast on them!” She met Silda’s startled glance. “And whomever catches the first fish gets to pick how they’re prepared. So better start thinking about how you want to have our feast cooked tonight!”

Stenvar began to grumble softly to himself after Lili landed a salmon, then Silda hooked another cod. To test the waters, Lili suggested leaving the docks before Stenvar caught his fish, but Sofie emphatically disagreed. “Everyone catches at least one fish!” she declared. Stenvar slid her a grateful glance. Finally as the sky began to twinkle with stars, and several stomachs began to growl in chorus, he snagged a perch, and dropped it into the full collection basket. “Now we can go feast!” he declared, groaning as he hefted the basket to one shoulder.

Sofie took Silda in one grip and slipped her other fingers into Stenvar’s free hand. Lili hung back and trailed the three of them as they made their way into the city in companionable silence. She paused long enough to replace the borrowed fishing poles and beckon Star and Icicle with a glance. As the Husky fell into step at her left and Icicle followed at her own meandering pace on her right, Lili smiled to herself at the tableau the group made. What a collection of misfits we make.

[SubRosa]

Even as Lil began speaking to Star and relating the news of Calixto's unmasking and demise, I realized that she was not talking to the dog, but rather to Silda, who was of course living up to her moniker by being unseen.

With that over, and a new job has opened up at Candlehearth, I wonder if Sten might think he can get Silda hired to work there? Though I am not sure if she is emotionally cut out for a 9-5 job.

What a nice little found family that I see forming here in Windhelm, from the misfits indeed.

[Acadian]

This episode was just full of goodness!

Stenvar bringing up the challenges Nils and Elda face running the tavern shorthanded seems to be heading full circle. I shouldn’t be surprised if help is coming in the forms of Sofie and Silda.

So far, Star seems free of bloodlust but having Helgird check him out is still wise.

Lili’s speechcraft skills are on full display and she entices Silda out into the sunshine – with some help from Sofie and the news that the Butcher is dead. It seems that Sofie has somewhat solved her orphan challenge by adopting Silda. She is one resourceful and kind-hearted child!

And all accomplished under the watchful supervision of Icicle.

[Grits]

I’m not surprised that Stenvar is thinking about how to improve Nils and Elda’s situation. After all he practically lives there.

The fishing plan came together nicely, and with excellent results! Hopefully the bounty will put Elda in a good mood so that Silda won’t make herself unseen before dinner. Sofie is a delight. This little group is on its way to becoming family!

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: It seems Lili can't help but make families wherever she goes. Her inclination to help the unfortunate to stand on their own feet really shines throughout this chapter. I think it also shows how important the idea of family is to her.

@Acadian: While I wouldn't say that Silda has adopted Sofie since she doesn't quite meet the Jarl's requirements, it certainly looks like their relationship has grown into something like family over time. And yes, Sofie is very resourceful and kind-hearted! And not to worry, we have plans for all the fish! Enjoy!

@Grits: I agree, it seems natural that Stenvar would be concerned about the future of Candlehearth Hall without Susanna. She certainly brought life and a positive energy to the place. And yes, good thing the fishing plan. had such excellent results!

The first day after Calixto's execution has become a time of reflection and of new beginnings. Having notified Silda the Unseen of the outcome of yesterday's investigation, it was time to bring her out of her shell and get her back to better spirits.

********************************
Loredas 23 Last Seed - A Fish Feast

I don’t know yet what Boss will do next. Windhelm doesn’t feel the same anymore. I’m sure she will figure something out. Seems she has taken a couple more strays under her wing, and I’m curious to see what will happen with Sofie and Silda.

The heavy fish basket preceded Sten into the lower foyer of Candlehearth. He propped the door open with one foot as Sofie, Star and Icicle slipped in behind him.

At her bar, Elda’s brows lifted at the scene. “Where’s the Wood Elf?” she demanded warily.

“She’ll be here soon,” Sten responded. “I have fish for the evening meal tonight, if it’s not too late. Freshly caught this afternoon!” He smiled down at Sofie at his side. “And we are bringing guests for dinner, so we are more than willing to help Nils with the preparation, right Sofie?”

“Right, sir!” Sofie squared her shoulders and lifted her chin in miniature determination. “If you can use the help, m’am!”

Elda’s gaze shifted from the fish basket to the small child, and her brows dropped in a scowl. “First the dog, then the cat, now that street urchin!” her sharp voice made Star whine and Sofie press closer to Lili’s side. “What will you bring in next, a horker?”

Icicle strolled to sit in front of Elda’s bar and miaowed loudly. She lifted a front paw and flashed her claws in the air between them.

“At least you’re useful around here, cat!” Elda retorted, hands on hips.

“Sofie helped us catch the fish,” Sten watched Elda warily. She seems very hostile to Sofie. Why is that?

“Sofie Larinsdottir!” Nils called out as he came down the hallway from the kitchen. “As I live and breathe! It’s been a while since I saw you last, child!” He stopped in front of the orphan and laid a hand affectionately on the child’s head.

“Boss is getting new clothes for her and Silda,” Sten murmured. “She asks if it’s possible for them to have a hot bath in Boss’s room before they change.”

“Yes, of course!” Nils’s enthusiastic response overrode any protest from Elda. “And what’s this about a fish feast tonight?” He peered into the basket. “Oho!” He sent a sly glance at Elda. “Best to help me gut and scale these beautiful beasties before your bath, Sofie, yes?” The slight Nord winked at Sten and waved the two to follow him. Behind them Sten heard Icicle snarl at Elda, and the innkeeper scoff in reply.

“Put that basket there,” Nils indicated the end of the counter. “The two of you can get started on cutting heads off the fish while I bring the bath to the lady’s room. It will take me just a heartbeat!”

Sten found a stool for Sofie and set it at the counter next to the basket. “Hand me the fish, I’ll cut heads,” he removed the cleaver from its hook above the counter and tested its edge with his thumb. “Let’s see if we can get these all beheaded before he comes back!”

“Can he really get hot water that fast?” Sofie whispered to him as she pulled a perch out and slid it headfirst toward Sten.

“They have a boiler down in the cellar,” Sten responded. “It not only heats the entire inn through pipes beneath the floors, but also provides hot water whenever we need a bath. Usually we have to wait to let it cool down a bit first, though.”

“No wonder Nils says the little bits are just as important as the big bits, too,” Sofie murmured as she slid another perch to Sten.

“Little bits? Big bits?” Sten repeated.

“I help him when he chops wood. He’s always saying ‘Can’t have just the big bits. Got to have the little bits, too.’ He’s nice.” Sofie smiled at the memory as she lifted a large salmon with two hands. “He pays me to pick up the smaller pieces that break off when he chops.”

Sten chuckled at a sudden thought. You can say that about Boss and me. Or Star and Icicle! He became aware of Sofie’s sudden quiet and paused to look at the child. He caught a few tears splashing down on Sophie’s hands. “Sofie?” He made his tone gentle. “Are you all right?”

“I miss Susanna,” Sofie sniffed and slid the cod beneath her hands to Sten. “She bought hot soup to Silda and me when things got cold outside. She even found us blankets that Elda was going to throw out.”

Now it was Sten’s turn to sniffle. “That was typical of Susanna - always looking out for the lost and the lonely. Her heart was bigger than her t - her body.”

“I don’t understand how she could work here, for that lady Elda.” Sofie leaned into Sten’s side. “She’s so mean.”

“She’s not,” Nils spoke as he returned to the kitchen. “Oh my, look at all this fish!” He counted off the headless bodies. “Now let’s get them gutted, cleaned and filleted!” He smiled at Sofie. “How shall we cook them tonight?”

“Silda says the white fish,” Sofie pointed out the perch and cod, “she’d like baked with fresh dill and apple butter, while the salmon she’d like stewed with potatoes, carrots and leeks, and maybe garlic and dill?”

“Oooooh, fancy!” Nils exclaimed as he reached for the chopping board and the bundle of dill hanging nearby. “There’s the garlic, be a good girl and grab a couple of cloves of that, please?”

“Too fancy, Nils?” Sten asked as he began cleaning and filleting the fish.

“Salmon first, so we can get the fish broth started.” Nils corrected him. “Not too much so,” he added. “It’s a different combination. Who came up with that stew idea?” He mused to himself. “And apple butter!”

“It was a collaboration between Boss and Silda,” Sten responded. “Silda always liked your fish stew, and thought the salmon would hold up well to a little extra - seasoning. Boss said down in the southern provinces, lemon was a popular seasoning for fish. Not sure what that is, though.”

“It’s a fruit, a little yellow one with a thick, dimpled skin,” Nils responded, already working his chopper through the dill. “Flesh is sour, but is amazing over fish!” He looked up to see Sofie clean the fish guts off the counter. “Child, go down to the guest room on the right, our Wood Elf friend is already there with Silda. Get your bath, then come back to help peel potatoes!”

Sofie took off, and they heard her greet Lilisfina in the hallway. Sten glanced back in time to see the Wood Elf enter the kitchen and glance around. “Anything I can do to help, Nils?”

“We don’t have lemon,” Nils said over his shoulder. “But those green apples should be somewhat sour. A bit sweeter, maybe.”

“That’s what Silda said, too,” Lilisfina approved. “Do you want me to slice them up?”

Nils reached up and selected another knife and handed it to her. “Use this, and that table there. Should be easier for your height. And peel them first, we’ll use the peels for the butter!”

“Thanks, Nils,” Lilisfina picked out two apples from the barrel and began cutting away.

“Nils, why was Elda so hostile to Sofie?” Sten asked as he cut the salmon fillets into chunks. “When I first came here, she wasn’t like that. In fact, she warned me not to get fresh with Susanna.”

“She felt protective about Susanna, poor auntie,” Nils agreed. “But Sofie brings up bad memories for her. Apparently there’s bad blood between her and Sophie’s father.” Nils sighed. “We really should look after our orphans, between the famines we’ve had in the past and now this bloody war. Instead the Jarl sends them off to that place in Riften.” He scoffed. “Orphanage? A workhouse more like.”

“Did you know Sofie’s family, Nils?” Lilisfina asked from her place at the table.

“Not personally,” Nils shook his head. “I know Larin fought with Jarl Stormcloak against the Thalmor, and was killed in battle. His wife, poor dear, and children died in the plague that blew through Windhelm that winter.”

“Except Sofie?” Sten glanced at Nils.

“Except Sofie, yes,” Nils sighed. “That was what, about five years ago?”

“She was so young?” Sten heard the dismay in Lilisfina’s voice. “And she’s been on the streets all this time? How could she survive the cold?”

“She’s a Nord, like the rest of us,” Sten remarked.

Nils chuckled. “She made friends among the residents of the Gray Quarter. No doubt another reason Elda is so harsh regarding that child.” He stepped back to regard the countertop, now covered with chopped dill, garlic and leek. Lilisfina carried a bowl over and added diced apples to the pile. “We need carrots and potatoes, but let’s get the broth going.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “We could add heavy cream to the salmon dish to make it more like a chowder.”

"Chowder?” Lilisfina repeated. “Never tried that. Should ask Silda first, though.”

“Chowder sounds absolutely delicious,” the Nord beggar’s voice reached them. Sten turned to see an unrecognizable woman standing in the doorway, uncertainty in her stance.

“Silda!” Nils threw up his hands and seized her shoulders. “You cleaned up lovely, look at you!” He laughed as he turned Silda in a twirl. “And your choice of meal preparation for these fish is delightful! I’m certain our guests will be in for a treat!”

“Am I too late to peel potatoes?” Sofie said from behind Silda. Both were dressed in similar outfits of a long sleeved tunic that dropped to mid thigh, baggy trousers with wrapped calves over sturdy leather boots. Silda’s blue outfit brought out the cornflowers in her eyes, while Sofie glowed in a golden tan and dark brown combination.

“Not at all,” Nils pulled up a chair to the table where Lilisfina had chopped apples and set three large potatoes in front of the seated child. He set a peeling knife near her hand and stepped back to regard Silda again. “How are you in the kitchen, Silda?”

“I know my way around,” Silda replied. “I cooked for my family when I was young. But it’s been years, so perhaps if you could refresh my memory?”

“Of course!” Nils drew her to the counter and pulled Sten away. “The big lout still needs to wash up before dinner, so you’ll take his place here!”

[SubRosa]

I can't wait to see the horker Lil brings in next. Maybe that will be named Nas or X?

Well, Nils remembers Sofie. Granted, it looks like Elda does too. They just have completely different reactions to the child. I wonder if there was some drama concerning one or more of her parents and Elda? A love triangle perhaps?

Her heart was bigger than her t - her body.
Yes it was.

I did like the observation that Sten does not know what a lemon is. It is not like they have those growing in Skyland!

I see I was right about the love triangle. I bet Sofie's Dad kicked Elda out of bed, for Sofie's Mom instead.

[Acadian]

Lili and her growing menagerie descend upon Candlehearth, replete with dinner and recipes in mind.

Quite an icy welcome from Elda, but Nils more than makes up for that as baths and sous chef duties are assigned all around. This should be a great meal.

Definitely some history there between Elda and Sofie’s father.

Nice to see that Silda cleans up well and, more importantly, she is engaging pretty freely with others.

Love the idea of Nils’ woodburning boiler beneath the inn serving several purposes.

”Her heart was bigger than her t - her body.”
- - I’m imagining Grits spitting her tea as she reads this very Jerric-like statement.

[Grits]

Her heart was bigger than her t - her body.

Well put, Sten. And it sure was.

I’m afraid I’m not as forgiving of Elda’s treatment of Sofie as Nils. Bad blood with an orphan’s father? Put on your big girl panties and deal with it, Elda. Perhaps we’ll get her side of the story.

Sounds like an excellent fishy feast in the making. Nice to see Sofie and Silda in some new and practical clothing, and especially nice that Silda seems willing to interact with the group. Great to see Nils acting kindly toward the pair.

What a warm and friendly evening in the kitchen. Maybe Lili can scheme a way to keep S & S indoors tonight.

[Kane]

This has been a delightful read to catch up with! The playful banter between Lili and Sten is endearing and the little teases sprinkled throughout are so well done.

I have a multitude of questions regarding her past, but I'm the patient type and look forward to it unfolding naturally with Sten.

It certainly is a strange, but vailiant crew by the time we roll up to feast preparation. Icicle is definitely a welcome addition - there is always room for a cat!

With two empty houses in Windhelm, I can't help but wonder if Lili has something else up her sleeve. I could see her appealing to the Shatter-Shields and leaving it under Silda and Sofie's care.

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: You will see in a few more posts that you aren't so far off the mark regarding Elda's attitude toward Sofie. One of the questions I struggled with is why aren't the households of Windhelm adopting these orphans instead of resorting to the Jarl's extreme solution of sending them off to a workhouse in Riften? I've always thought Candlehearth Hall would be a good place to find work, especially after Susanna's death. And while we take lemons for granted with fish dishes (how many of you have received those tiny yellow wedges on the side of your fish/seafood dish to squirt over it?), it occured to me that citrus fruit in Skyrim would be extremely rare and reserved only for those with extensive trading with southern provinces (looking at you, Solitude!).

@Acadian: I wanted to make sure you were fed this time! I hope we have met your expectations with the collaborations between Silda, Nils and Lili. And yes, it's encouraging to see Silda come out of her shell here. It would take a while before she feels safe working upstairs, but Nils is more than ready to cover that after seeing how well Silda did in the kitchen. As for roping everyone into the feast preparation, he knows all too well that many hands make light work. And yes, I was thinking of Grits and her Jerric when I slipped that little line in!

@Grits: I knew you would notice that little Freudian slip of Sten's! I agree, Elda needs to put on her big girl pants - but that's something only she can do. Oh well. I've always seen Nils as a kindly old gent - the sort that makes everyone around him feel safe and welcome, and not in a creepy sort of way. It's amazing how we can build a whole personality and backstory for a particular NPC based on a line or two they say in the game. Will Lili come up with a way to keep S & S indoors tonight? We'll find out!

@Kane: Welcome to Windhelm! I hope you find the company warm and cheerful as we work toward the end of this book. I'm glad you have tons of questions about Lili's past, and I'm happy you are glad to let it unfold naturally the same way Sten is. And yes, cats are tough to write, but it's not the first time I've included a cat as a character in one of my stories. It felt good to flex that again. And yes, you are right that Lili has something up her sleeve regarding Silda and Sofie.

After a successful afternoon of fishing, our gang of six (three Nords, a Bosmer, a dog and a cat) have descended upon the Candlehearth Hall kitchen and helped Nils prepare a feast.

***********************
Loredas 23 Last Seed - New Staff

As Stenvar meekly headed downstairs to his waiting bath, Lili turned to watch Silda at the counter alongside Nils. Her head was tilted down to the shorter man, who cheerfully instructed her to dice sweet red and sour green apples into cubes. As he stirred the fish broth made from the perch and cod heads and bones, Nils asked her if she wanted the fish all for the four fishers or to share with other guests at Candlehearth.

“Share with everyone, of course,” Silda responded. “Even with Stenvar’s appetite I doubt the four of us -”

“Six!” Sofie chimed in from the table where she struggled to cut out the dark eyes from her peeled potatoes. “You’re forgetting Star and Icicle!”

“All right, six,” Silda answered with the easy familiarity of a long friendship. “Six of us can eat all of this fish before it spoils.”

“In my experience they do spoil fast if we don’t do something to preserve them,” Nils agreed. “That’s why I usually serve fish the same day it’s caught. Anything left over gets salted down or put into broth. And we also feed the stray cats with the little bits too.”

“Those bowls on Candlehearth’s stoop, that was you, Nils?” Lili recalled the small bowls, one containing water, one with traces of food, and one with a note asking for coins to pay for the food, that she passed every time she entered and left Candlehearth.

“Yes, there’s Icicle,” Nils pointed at the silver tabby that sat on the bench in the hallway, her gaze watching the activity in the kitchen, “and there’s another one that comes around - Soot, I call him.”

Icicle growled at the sound of the other cat’s name. Lili turned to regard the tabby. “They’re rivals, I take it?”

“Not exactly. Soot is a tom, while Icicle’s a tabby. She doesn’t like him, but he would like to get closer to her.” Nils’s brows waggled suggestively. “Let’s just say Icicle isn’t impressed by him.”

“Icicle certainly gets around town,” Lili remarked. “Not only is she familiar to Sofie and Silda, but also the Argonians on the docks, and even Wuunferth the court mage.”

“And us here in Candlehearth,” Nils nodded with a chuckle. “Elda puts up with her only because she is a very effective hunter of vermin.” He shrugged. “Soot, on the other hand, does not get along with people well -” he held up one hand and showed the fine white scars that criss crossed his knuckles and the back of his hand. “He will scratch you rather than accept food from your fingers.”

Lili straightened up. “Really?” She stepped behind Nils and held her hand out for his. “May I?” Nils let her take his right hand in her fingers as he continued stirring the broth with his left. “You haven’t been infected, that’s good,” she remarked. “These have healed very cleanly.”

“Helgird told me to wash dishes in the hottest water I could stand every day,” Nils responded. “So now every time I get a cut or splinter or cat scratch that’s what I do.”

“So has Soot ever bitten anyone?” Lili asked. Nils cast his gaze upwards in thought.

“Not that I know of, but I think getting scratched by him is enough for anyone.”

“Except another tom cat,” Lili remarked dryly. Her gaze drifted to Silda, who contentedly chopped apples into quarters, cored and peeled them and diced them into small pieces. “You look happy to be working here,” she remarked.

“What?” The knife paused as Silda looked up. “It brings back memories of home, when I was a little girl,” the sadness returned to her eyes. “I miss those days sometimes.”

Lili regarded the tall beggar, then glanced at Nils, who shrugged. “Silda, are you happy being a beggar?” Silda shot her a startled glance. “Some folk like the life,” Lili continued, “but they live south in warmer climes. I find it difficult to like the same lifestyle up here when it’s so cold all year ‘round!”

“Cold?” Both Sophie and Silda echoed Lili. “T’ain’t cold right now!” Sophie averred stoutly.

“Ah, but you liked that hot bath just now, didn’t you?” Lili remarked idly.

“Actually, I don’t care for bein’ a beggar,” Silda murmured softly. “The guards don’t treat you kindly, and if you happen to be outside the city when they close and lock the gates every night, they won’t let you back in until the dawn.” She shuddered.

Sofie leaned against the tall beggar, slipping her hand into Silda’s. “It’s scary out there at night,” she whispered. “Wolves howling, and something else growling. Ghosts and evil spirits flying about.” She set the cubed potatoes on the countertop, adding to the mix of chopped produce ready for the broth. “Once was enough, wasn’t it Silda?”

“So if you had a choice, what would you be doing instead of begging?” Lili picked up her conversation.

At Nils’s instruction, Silda dropped the fruits and vegetables into the boiling broth. Her gaze grew thoughtful. “I wouldn’t mind working here with Nils, but Elda might . . . “ Her voice trailed off.

“I might what?” Elda’s voice reached them from the hallway. They turned to see the innkeeper regarding them with a frown, hands on hips.

“Would you object to having Silda work here with Nils, Elda?” Lili waved her hand toward the black-haired Nord. “Might help ease the burden for the both of you if she joins your staff.”

Elda shook her head. “I’m sorry, I can’t see Silda serving,” she shrugged. “We get rough company here some nights, and that may be too much for her.”

Lili glanced over at Silda to see her downcast expression. Sofie stepped forward to stand between the beggar and the innkeeper, adopting the older woman’s posture of hands on hips. “What if Nils did the serving, and Silda stayed down here and cooked?” Sofie’s tone held a mild challenge. “Or if I helped with the serving! I’m not afraid of that lout Rolff!” She stabbed a stiff finger forward. “I’ll just poke him between the legs if he gets to misbehavin’!”

As coughing and sputtering erupted behind Lili, she spotted Stenvar behind the shocked innkeeper. His face was split by a wide grin, then he cleared his throat. “Got to admit,” he remarked casually as he passed the older woman, “the little tyke’s got the right height for it.” He turned and cocked an eyebrow at Elda. “What do you say, ma’am?”

“I’m not replacing Susanna!” Elda crossed her arms over her ample chest and glared down her nose at Sofie. “And the brat’s too young to be serving upstairs!”

“She’s already making herself useful,” Nils moved to stand behind Sofie, placing his gnarled hands on her shoulders. “She caught fish and brought it to us, she helped prepare them for dinner, and she peeled and cubed potatoes! The lass is a hard worker, as is Silda!” He shook his head. “I can use their help every day, by Talos!” His exclamation was counterpointed by a growl from Icicle, still on her bench in the hallway.

“We can’t ever replace Susanna,” a soft voice threaded through the silence that followed. Silda met Elda’s sharp gaze. “No one can,” with a sigh she looked down at Sofie before her. “She looked after us when things got hard for us,” she continued. “It’s hard running Candlehearth Hall, especially now that it’s just the two of you,” Silda nodded at Nils and Elda. “I would like the chance to honor Susanna’s kindness by working here for you, and helping you keep this place going.”

Lili watched the display of conflicting emotions on Elda’s face as the innkeeper regarded Nils, Silda and Sofie. Finally the woman sighed and threw her hands up in the air in resignation. “All right, Nils, you have your wish. Silda can take Susanna’s bunk downstairs. But the child can’t stay here permanently. She is, after all, an orphan, and you know the Jarl’s policy regarding orphans!”

“In that case, Sofie can stay in my room as guest for now,” Lili responded. “I’ll be happy to pay two more drakes a night for her room and board.”

“Just two drakes a night?” Elda repeated skeptically.

“Now, Elda, the child is working here!” Nils shook his finger at his aunt. “Be happy you’re not paying her too!”

“It’s a temporary solution, Elda,” Lili volunteered. “Just until we figure out a more permanent placement for Sofie. I would prefer to see her stay in Windhelm,” she turned to catch the girl’s gaze, “if that’s what Sofie wants.” The child nodded vigorously, her wide eyes on Elda.

“I know how to clean, Dame Elda, and I can learn to cook, too!”

Elda scoffed and stalked away, shaking her head in despair.

“Well, then, that’s that,” Nils declared. “And it’s time to finish cooking all this fish!”

[Acadian]

I had wondered about Elda’s remark in a previous episode that Icicle at least could earn her keep. The answer is provided in this episode as the cat’s varmint hunting skills are extolled. And yes, it does seem Icicle quite gets around Windhelm.

Silda has a job and roof over her head now, and little Sophie’s foot is fully in the door as well! Winning over ‘She-who-needs-to-put-on-her-big-girl-panties’ was a team effort. Lili was perfect as the facilitator in asking the right questions. Nils spoke up bemoaning his need for help. Sophie fearlessly jumped in when Silda faltered. It was Silda herself, however, who really sealed the deal with her comments about not being able to replace Susanna.

I love how protective Sophie consistently is of Silda. That is what prompted my previous semiserious comment that, in truth, Sophie had adopted Silda.

Typical healer, Lili is, as she briefly stops everything to examine Nils’ old cat scratches.

[Grits]

I love that Lili wanted to check Nils’s long-healed cat scars. I can picture any of my favorite healers doing the same.

Silda acknowledging that Susanna can’t be replaced seemed to help Elda make some good decisions. Excellent news that the whole gang will be snug and warm at night, even if the outdoor Nords declare that it’s not cold yet.

Except for Soot! At least there’s a bowl for him outside. It seems unlikely that he will be invited to share a roof with Icicle!

[Kane]

Aw, I adore Lili getting Silda off the streets. She is one of the more kind beggars in the game and deserves it. And Sofie, too, although that's not as permanent yet. I always adopt her with my characters that own a home and employ a housecarl. Lucia, too.

[SubRosa]

Cold, what cold? It's only winter in Skyrim, that's not cold!

So it looks like everyone teamed up to wrestle Elda into hiring Silda to work at the Candlehearth. She's got some good homies looking out for her.

But clearly the situation with Sofie is way to personal for even a wrestling tag team to work on Elda. Looks like Lil is going to have to keep working on her situation. Perhaps she might have to adopt her herself?

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: Yes, Icicle does get around! Typical cat. And yes, it was teamwork getting Dame Elda to accept Silda, even on a trial basis, as sous chef/cleaner. I have no doubt that the quality of the meals they prepared in that little kitchen sealed the deal for her. As for Sofie, well, it's - temporary. And in some ways, Lili reminds me of myself - always checking the dogs and kitties I meet to make sure old injuries have healed

@Grits: I'm glad you noticed the discussion about Soot. He'll make himself more visible in upcoming chapters, though he'll never be quite the sweetie Icicle is. That comment of Silda's shows how much Susanna entwined herself into the fabric of the city through her sweet, loving personality. I wouldn't go so far as to call her a prostitute, but she was not stingy with her affections and spread it around in various ways. Her kindness as recalled by both Silda and Sofie is just one example, as are Sten's memories of her.

@Kane: And yes, it made sense to me that Lili would feel responsible for Silda's welfare - starting with that sweet dreams juice she gave the beggar to help with the PTSD nightmares a couple of (in story) days ago. I'm with you, even when I vow I won't adopt any kids on this playthrough, I just can't resist Sofie or Lucia! They, much like the stray dogs and cats and bunnies I come across (thanks to DarkFox's excellent mods) end up coming home with my character. Something about those two just bring out the parenting side of even my most battle hardened warrior.

@SubRosa: Yup, it's not cold at all! Wait until mid-winter! And yes, homies is how I consider this raggedy group. And I agree, there is a deeply held resentment on Dame Elda's part regarding Sofie. We'll find out the next day!

**********************************
Loredas 23 Last Seed - Grief Then and Now

I’m not really sure how Boss did it, but Silda has a new job - assistant cook at Candlehearth Hall! Nils will handle the serving, though I’m sure he won’t get as many tips as Susanna did. Still, he has an endearing way about him. And for all that Elda has such bad feelings about the girl’s father, Sofie has a temporary place, too. I’m not sure how, but I have no doubt Boss will figure how to keep the child out of the Riften orphanage.

Give my love to Halla and Old Fang.

“That was the best fish I’ve ever tasted, Nils,” Adonato’s praise could be heard clearly across the common hall. Sten glanced over at the Imperial author, who had set his writing aside for a plate of the baked whitefish. Across their table, he could see the subdued gleam in Silda’s face as she bent over the chowder. At the tall Nord’s side, the small child was not so subdued.

“That was Nils and Silda!” she announced to the other table. “They worked together on this!”

“So we did!” Nils agreed cheerfully as he cleared away the remains of Adonato’s supper. “I’m sure Silda is glad you liked it so much.” As he passed the quartet’s table, he winked at Silda and Sofie. As he headed down the stairs, Silda rose to her feet and began gathering the empty bowls and spoons from their table.

“That was delicious, indeed, Silda,” Lilisfina spoke softly as she slid her own spoon and bowl into the growing stack in the tall Nord’s hands. “I think you’ve earned yourself a place here.”

With a shy smile at the Wood Elf, Silda turned to Sofie. “Why don’t you check the other customers and see if they’ve finished their meals?” The girl leaped to her feet with alacrity and darted off to speak with Lonely-Gale, who set his own plate in Sofie’s waiting hands. As she followed Silda down the back stairs, Sten turned to look at Lilisfina. Icicle sat in her lap, purring beneath the Wood Elf’s gentle caress.

“Well, that’s a stray or two you’ve taken care of,” he remarked softly. “What of these four-legged ones?” He reached down to pat the Skyrim Husky at his side.

“I thought Star has proven himself a part of our little company,” Lilisfina smiled at him. “As for Icicle, was she ever really a stray?”

Sten chuckled behind his mug as he drank down the last of his ale. “I wouldn’t mind fishing every day if they cook it for us!”

“Today turned out nice and peaceful after the last few days, yes?” Lilisfina sipped at her mead. Her gaze grew thoughtful. “I do miss Susanna, especially here. I’ve only been here not even a sevenday, and already I feel as if I have …” She waved her hand vaguely around the common hall. “Not exactly friends, but people here who seem happy to see me.” She shook her head. “Morrowind was not like that.”

“Were they suspicious of you?” Suspicious of what? She may be a Wood Elf - no, Bosmer - but she seems so open and kind and generous. Like Susanna. Sten swallowed the sudden lump in his throat and looked into the empty mug.

“Maybe they were, maybe they weren’t,” Lilisfina paused in consideration. “More like they were closed off, not welcoming of outsiders.” She shook her head. “I certainly didn’t come across that here in the Grey Quarter. Here, they’re suspicious, but given their situation, I can’t really blame them.”

“Sadri seems to think you’re one of his best customers,” Sten murmured, his gaze on Lilisfina. “I thought he seemed happy to see you this afternoon, but not our fish!”

Lilisfina chuckled. “He should be happy to see me, I’ve spent enough coin in his shop since I arrived in Windhelm!” She turned at the heavy footfalls behind her as Thane Shatter-Shield approached their table. He gestured with his ale mug toward one of the empty chairs with a question in his gaze. Lilisfina nodded permission for him to sit.

“I wanted to tell you what a service you’ve done for Windhelm, lass,” Shatter-Shield glanced from her to Sten. “What the Jarl did to thank you was disgraceful.”

“What do you mean, Thane?” Lilisfina tipped her head to one side inquiringly. “He passed swift judgment and sentence upon the murderer, and that is all the thanks I needed.”

Not to mention the packet of drakes he sent us this morning. Pretty generous for him, I think. Sten watched Shatter-Shield as the older man shook his head slowly and leaned his elbows on the table.

“How are you and your family doing, now that Friga’s murderer has been found and brought to justice?” Lili set her mug aside and folded her hands on the table.

“It’s early to tell,” Shatter-Shield murmured, “but for once I feel like going home this evening and spending time with my wife and daughter.” He drained his mug and leaned back, his hands remaining flat on the table. “Like I can face them.”

“You never had anything to be guilty about, Thane,” Lilisfina murmured. She placed her belt purse on the table and reached into it. “Stennvar and I found this with Queen Freydis’s sword, and Helgird thinks it is at least as old,” she took Shatter-Shield’s hand and dropped the antique amulet of Arkay into his palm. “Please give this to your wife Tova. It’s the ancient High Rock sigil of Arkay, and Helgird has renewed its blessing.”

Shatter-Shield inhaled slowly, his eyes suddenly glimmering. “I’ve been looking for an Amulet of Arkay, but this . . .” He fingered the entwined rings, then met Lilisfina’s gaze. “Wouldn’t you want to keep such a unique relic for yourself?”

“Y’ffre is the source of my solace, and my strength,” Lilisfina responded. “I pray that Arkay will provide the same to your Tova, through this.” She closed the older man’s fingers over the amulet.

Shatter-Shield shook his head. “If ever you have need of anything, please let me know,” he said finally. “I and my family owe you a great debt.” He rose and bowed to Lilisfina. “Thank you.”

Sten watched Lilisfina’s gaze linger on the Thane’s departing form. When she turned back to him, he shook his head. “I do not know how you do it, boss,” he said softly. “How do you know what to say to people? No wonder so many seem happy to see you so quickly after meeting you.”

Lilisfina was silent for a few moments. Suddenly she rose to her feet. “I need to get out of here,” Sten heard a slight urgency in her tone. “Come with me, Stennvar? Please?”

“Of course,” Sten noticed Star and Icicle fall into step beside him as he followed Lilisfina downstairs. She paused long enough to pick up the bearskin cloak from her room and headed out the lower entrance.

To his surprise Lilisfina did not stop until they had left the city and crossed the bridge to stand on the far shore of the river. She stopped and turned her face to the night sky above them. Star circled them, his nose to the ground, as Icicle jumped onto the low stone wall that followed the road behind them. Sten watched the black water below them as he waited for Lilisfina to speak again. Broken shards of starlight bounced off the river’s rippling surface while he listened to her breathing become slow again.

“You wanted to know how I always know what to say,” Lilisfina’s voice was softer than the clouds of her breath in the still night. “Grief. I’ve had too much grief in my life.”

Sten turned toward Lilisfina. “You can recognize grief in others,” he made it a statement. “And because you’ve had so much, you know what would help them?”

“Nilsine lost a twin,” Lilisfina did not look at him. “Her parents lost a child. Sofie’s lost parents and siblings, as has Silda.” Her voice broke, and Lilisfina pulled her cloak closer about her. Star stopped his sniffing and came to sit before Lilisfina, his gaze on her face.

“You’ve lost family, too, yes?” Sten sighed. Best to just be quiet, let her be.

“I was one of triplets,” Lilisfina’s words floated into the darkness. “My parents had two sets of twins and three sets of triplets. Not uncommon for Bosmer.”

“That’s a large family,” Sten remarked when Lilisfina fell quiet.

“Hmm,” Lilisfina nodded. “A lot of teasing, a lot of pranks, a lot of love, and a lot of trouble.” She paused. “We were a clan, not a family. Grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, as well as siblings, nieces and nephews.” She sniffled and wiped at her cheeks with both hands. “I had a mate, and we had our own little family in the midst of the clan. Triplets first, then twins.”

Sten inhaled slowly at the unexpected confidence. She was married? And had children? Where are they now? Do they even live, still? “No wonder you knew how to approach Sofie,” he said gruffly. Something happened to her family, something terrible to cause her to wander so far away.

“I was away, starting my apprenticeship with a mage across the Strid River,” Lilisfina’s voice grew softer still, prompting Sten to bend down to hear her. “I wrote to them every day, and they wrote me back every day. But when the letters stopped coming . . .” She couldn’t stifle the sob that broke through. “I went back home, only to find our graht-oak burned, the entire clan . . .”

Something prompted Sten to move in front of her and place his hands gently on her shoulders, as if to give her some of his strength. “I’ve watched you reach out to others in their grief. Have you ever let anyone reach out to you in yours?” She lifted her face to him, tears glistening on her face in the starlight. He felt her trembling beneath his fingers, and pulled her close against his chest, wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug.

“The only reason I’m still alive, Stennvar,” she sobbed into his padded tunic, “is because I wasn’t there. If the Thalmor ever find out . . .”

“Shh, shh,” Sten pressed his bearded chin against the top of her head. “The Thalmor won’t find out from me.”

[Acadian]

Candlehearth’s multi-hand fish dinner turned out superbly it seems.

The discussion with Thane Shattershield was a very well done transition from a feel good comfort scene celebrating the successful dinner to the Shattershields’ grief hitting very close to home. And when compounded with the grief of others around her just beneath the surface, proved a bit too much for Lili.

More rich glimpses into Lili’s past as she opens up a bit with Sten. How prolific your Bosmer are! My heart quite broke when she revealed her clan’s tree had burned down while she was gone, leaving apparently no survivors. That’s a lot of grief all right.

Interesting mention of the Thalmor. Did they cause the fire? Did they have it in for Lili’s clan – is that why she still feels in danger from them?

When Sten first (and correctly) praised Lili’s speechcraft, I wondered if, like Buffy, it had developed as a way to compensate for her small, unimposing and fragile stature. By the end of this episode, we learn that her word skills are more focused on easing the grief of others and come from experiencing too much grief herself.

[SubRosa]

I was doing some research in the last few weeks to look for a name that the vampires in the Blood Raven fic would use for life force. I did not want to use Latin terms like Vitae, because that's already been used. So I looked at Greek, and settled on the word Arche or Arkhe, meaning 'First Principle', or 'beginning', or just 'first'.

Then I realized that it was pronounced exactly the same way as Arkay. I wonder if Bethesda's writers knew that, and that is why they chose that name for the god of the dead? After all, they did call choose the name Azura as well (and given the significance of the Asuras in ancient Persian myth I am sure that was no accident).

We have a nice dinner and catch up with the Homies.

Well that turned grim and serious really quick. From the Shatter-Shield and his grief, to Lil's own final admission of her own grief.

So Lil's family were assassinated by the Thalmor. I am guessing they were some sort of dissenters. Or they just had the bad luck to cross the wrong person in the Thalmor. This explains why Lil is so far from home, and has been wandering Tamriel.