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

[SubRosa]

Another Sten missive. A Stenssive if you will. I like these little peeks into the fighter's thoughts, and the character-building it reveals.

Well, it seems that thanks to Lil they won't have to worry about any Imperial horker entanglements. I modded Skyrim to turn the Kyne's Peace shout into a low level Illusion spell with a five minute duration. Thanks to that I don't have to fight wild animals.

Not only a nice ambush, but a clever use of horkers to create a distraction with their horkiness.

A lot of bodies are piling up down at the bottom of that hill. I wonder if horkers scavenge dead people? If so, the dinner bell just rang.

Bit in the butt by a dog. What a way for a boss baddie to go...

They definitely made a good team with Lil as the scout and Sten as the muscle. And Star as the butt-muncher.

Black Cleitus and a bounty. That sounds like it will keep Lil and Sten and Star rolling in mutton for the time being!

As I expected, the dead prisoner in lower deck does not bode well for Sten's friend. But you never know. He may have escaped.

[ghastley]

I had to check back to the earlier post to remind myself that Leifgard and Einar did not make the trip together. And reading up on the camp tells me it already has two dead occupants, and slaughterfish in the water.

If Leifgard had been there before, he would not have left his axe and shield behind, so I’m hoping he took a wrong turn on the way.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Jul 12 2024, 10:35 PM

[treydog]

Lili can definitely handle her side of the combat. I very much like the way she integrates her skills with Sten's. And Star IS the "star" with his timely interventions. The loss of Einar does not bode well for Leifgard, but we will see. As ever, skillful writing allows the reader to visualize the action, which moves right along. The letters home are a wonderful touch, providing insight into Sten's thoughts and character while not breaking the narrative flow.

[Grits]

That went well! Star is a battle dog! I liked hearing Sten’s thoughts on the situation, given his local knowledge. It was fun to see Lili’s magic in action. I thought she would notice Sten checking out that steel armor, and she did. Her past generosity makes me think there’s an upgrade in store for Stenvar.

Great first fight! I don’t have a good feeling about Leifgard, either.

[haute ecole rider]

No pictures this time, sorry!

@Acadian: I think you hit the nail on the head when you said none of them are new to adventuring. Though this trio came together from disparate locales, I wanted to show that each of them are experienced in their own ways, even if it's to provide comic relief (in Star's case). And you'll see just how profitable this venture is in the following installments.

@Sage Rose: Trust you to come up with an appropriate moniker for Sten's letters to his Ma. I did want to show him as a good son in his own way - I've always seen him as a family man trying to support others by his mercenary work. I use a mod called One With Nature (have done so for quite some time) to turn giants and mammoths into allies (love it when they come to fight the Bonestrewn Crest dragon) and to make horkers and a few other beasties friendly. I do leave the predators alone, but in this story you won't always see the pathological behavior the game gives you. While dead humans don't taste like fish . . . not sure what the horkers will make of it - Lili won't give them the chance to find out!

@ghastley: The reason for Einar's death will become clear in today's installment. I'm sure Leifgard would use the woodcutter's axe that's at the camp if he needed to.

@treydog: For a squishy mage with no weapons and no armor, Lili sure can handle herself in a fight! I'm glad you and others like the Stenssives that start his episodes. Since I'm switching POV's in this story, I find it helpful to help me get inside his mind and remind myself to see things from his viewpoint.

@Grits: Yup, Star turns out to be quite the (comic) battle dog! I enjoyed writing Sten's POV, and yup, Lili is very observant of Sten (and Star)!

In the last installment, Lili, Sten and Star had a rousing, blood-warming fight at The Winter War. Now we see the aftermath, and find out what happened to Leifgard.

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

Morndas 18 Last Seed - Return to Windhelm

Stenvar placed the wrapped body next to that of the fisherman in the bottom of the dinghy. He glanced over at the raft of dead bandits tied to the small boat’s stern. “It’s still afloat.� He turned to watch Lili as she broke down the remnants of the camp and gathered stones. “What are you doing?�

“Building a cairn to keep these supplies,� Lili responded. “In case someone else comes along and needs to camp here.� Many’s the time I’ve been grateful for such cairns.

“Do you intend to do that every time, or bring home dead reaver?� Stenvar straightened his back and glanced at the sky. The sun stood over the western mountains, and clouds gathered in the east and north.

Lili stood up and brushed the sand from her hands and sniffed the wind. Storm? “Depends,� she answered. “The fact that you knew who that bandit leader was suggests that it might be worthwhile bringing the others back too, for potential identification.� She lowered the fur from her face enough to grin at Stenvar. “That might be worth extra, as long as this wind doesn’t mean another storm.�

“It might,� Stenvar moved to the dinghy and set the oars into the locks. “Let’s get going, it would be nice to get back to the docks before dark.�

“Yes,� Lili agreed and helped him push the small boat into the water. She slipped into the stern and motioned Star to lie at her feet. Stenvar took his place between the oars and maneuvered the dinghy into the main channel of the estuary. As the rope between the boat and the makeshift raft tightened, Lili twisted around and sent a spell into the raft.

“What did you do?� Stenvar exclaimed as the boat shot forward on his stroke.

“Feather spell,� Lili replied. “Makes it float better, and that in turn makes it easier for you to row.� She huddled further into the fur cloak. “You’ve been busy today, Stennvar.�

“I’ve had harder days than this,� Stenvar muttered. He took a deep breath on another stroke of the oars. “Mind you, I do appreciate that spell.� I know you do, Stennvar.

The sun slipped behind the western mountains as they drew up alongside one of the smaller docks. One of the Argonian dockworkers turned toward them and waved, then put his hands around his mouth and hailed them.
“Yes, we would like a little help,� Lili called back. “I’ll pay you for it!�

In response three of the dockworkers leaped off the parapet into the water and surfaced next to the raft. “What iss thiss?� Tongues flickered. “Dead?�

“Reavers from The Winter War,� Lili responded. “Do you know the best way to handle them?�

A fourth Argonian knelt on the dock above them. “I’m Neetrenaza. Let’ss lay them out for the guard to examine,� he gestured toward the head of the docks. “Are you claiming bounty on them?�

“I’d like to talk to Brunwulf Free-Winter,� Lili lifted the bundle containing the steel armor and personal items from the fishing camp toward the waiting hands.

“You sshould have the guard fetch him to come look.� The Argonian set the bundle to one side and gestured for Stenvar to hand Star up to him. “And the dog, too? Are you keeping him?�

“He’s welcome to stay with me as long as he wants,� Lili responded.

Stenvar chuckled. “He’ll stay with her as long as she keeps feeding him!�

“That’ss usually all it takess,� the Argonian laughed. Star barked once, and stood beside the bundled gear as Stenvar knelt beside the two bodies.

“These are not bandits,� Lili assisted Stenvar in lifting one to the dock. “One of these is Stenvar’s comrade, and the other is the old fisherman - Einar?�

“Leifgard and Einar?� The Argonian murmured something to one of his comrades, who ran toward the warehouses. “You’ll want to bring them to Arkay, then?�

“Yes,� Stenvar responded gruffly. “Want to see to them right away.�

“Shavee’ss getting the cart for them,� Neetrenaza waved toward the warehouse and the approaching vehicle. “And we’ll get the resst of thesse banditss laid out for Free-Winter.�

Stenvar pulled himself up onto the dock, and Neetrenaza reached down a helping hand for Lili. They stepped back as the other dockworkers began tossing the bandits onto the dock. Stenvar and Shavee gently loaded the two corpses onto the cart, then Stenvar placed the bundle beside them.

Lili stopped beside Neetrenaza. “That’s four of you that helped me, right?� She reached for her coin purse in her pack. At the Argonian’s nod, she counted out several coins. “Here’s four drakes for each of you,� she said. “I hope that’s enough for the work you’re doing.�

“That’ss more than the Shatter-Shieldss pay uss,� one of the other Argonians exclaimed. Lili glanced at him.

“Who?�

“Torbjorn Shatter-Shield,� the other said. “He clingss to every drake!�

“I’m Lili, I don’t think we’ve met,� she said. “You are?�

“Sscoutss Many Marshess,� the Argonian responded. “I ussed to train sscouts, before eventss brought me here.�
Lili glanced around the gathered Argonians as the last reaver came to rest with the others. “None of you make this much unloading a ship?�

“That damned Shatter-Shield ssayss an Argonian’ss labor iss only worth a tenth of a ‘proper Nord worker.’ My people are not sslavess!�

“Hmm, that’s a shame,� Lili murmured. They’re not slaves, but it looks like they are treated as such. Shameful. Stenvar caught her gaze and shook his head slightly. She passed a few more drakes to Neetrenaza. “That should bring it to five drakes for each of you,� she said. “I have no idea what a ‘proper Nord worker’ is worth, but I hope that comes close.� She smiled at the dockworkers. “Thank you again for all your help. I will likely be back here with Brunwulf Free-Winter to look at the reavers.�

She joined Stenvar at the cart and cast another feather spell on the cart itself to make it easier. They maneuvered the cart toward the steep street that led up to the large gates that separated the waterfront from the rest of the city. Like the main gates at the front of the city, these had a smaller postern door that was just wide enough for the cart. Star followed them into the city and moved to stand beside Lili.

“Would you like to take them straight to wherever the dead are honored for burial?� she turned to look up at Stenvar. “I am not familiar with funeral customs here.� Burial? Cremation? Sky?

“Every city in Skyrim has the Halls of the Dead dedicated to Arkay,� Stenvar eased the handles of the cart down and took a deep breath. “Helgird is in charge of the one here, and I believe she’ll be in the graveyard. I’ll ask her to take them in.�

“I’ll pay for their funeral,� Lili touched his hand briefly. “Let’s go.� She renewed the feather spell as Stenvar picked up the cart handles again and drew it forward. As the darkness gathered in the growing dusk, she cast a mage light that followed them and lit the path before them.

“Hello,� a gruff voice reached them out of the darkness. “I’ve been told an Elf and a sellsword brought back a winter harvest for me.� His grey beard emerged out of the darkness as the old Thane stopped beside the cart.

“Hello, Thane,� Lili nodded. “Yes, the Argonians are laying them out for the guard. You can find them on the waterfront.�

“Good, I’ll take a look,� Free-Winter nodded. “Where can I find you?�

“I’ll come back once we take care of these two,� Lili gestured toward the cart. “Say, a bell or so?�

“Sounds good,� Free-Winter gestured farewell and moved off toward the waterfront.

The sky glimmered with stars by the time they reached the graveyard in front of the Halls of the Dead. A slender form clad in a monk’s robe rose from among the stones and moved toward them, her thin face gleaming within her raised hood.

“Helgird,� Stenvar greeted her.

“Stenvar,� the woman responded, her gaze on the cart behind him. “I didn’t know you were in the habit of bringing bodies back.�

“This is Leifgard,� Stenvar touched the leftmost, bulkier bundle. “He died of exposure in that storm a few days ago, out at that fishing camp of Einar’s.�

Lili saw a slight flicker pass through Helgird’s gaze. “And Einar?�

“Here he is, as well,� Stenvar indicated the other wrapped corpse. “We think he sought shelter in the wreck near there, but the reavers there killed him.�

“Damn reavers,� Helgird’s voice slid through clenched teeth. She’s not fond of outlaws. She looked at Lili. “And what of them?�

“Dead, too,� Lili responded. “We made certain of it. They’re on the waterfront.�

“I expect I’ll be seeing them soon enough.� She moved to the door that led to the sunken Halls. “But tonight, we will take care of friends. Bring them in.�

With the aid of Lili’s feather spell, Stenvar carried each corpse inside after Helgird. Lili followed him after the second one down into a crypt. Great age seeped from the worn stones around her. Some of these carvings look like the ones near that altar we stopped at. Helgird caught her interested gaze.

“This was originally built thousands of years ago by the ancient ones for their dragon cults. The draugr have been cleared out, but these crypts are still being used for their intended purpose.�

[Acadian]

Sure enough, Leifgard is no longer with us.

A somber journey home, the burden eased (literally) by Lili’s feather spell. The dockworkers drive home the point that if you have pointed ears or a tail you are not so welcome in Skyrim. I liked how darkness brought out Lili’s light spell. She seems a generous soul.

Nice depiction of the local Halls of the Dead – what it means and its history.

[treydog]

And there is much more to the aftermath of a battle than sorting out the loot. Lili continues to make friends (and possibly enemies?) with her generosity and fairness. One of the strengths of this story (besides the characters) is how naturally you weave magic into the narrative. Our "squishy mage's" automatic use of spells to make life easier demonstrates that magic is an organic part of her world, rather than a source of awe and wonder. Lovely.

[SubRosa]

I created a mod for Skyrim that turns the Kyne's Peace shout into an illusion spell, that affects all natural animals in a wide area for about 5 minutes or so. Most of my characters use that to avoid conflict with wildlife.

The grisly raft they are dragging behind is a reminder of the grim reality of the bounty hunter's life. Good thing Skyrim does not have sharks, who might find such things a tasty treat.

Well, that answers the question about Leifgard.

And we see who the exploited underclass is here in Windhelm, at least some of them. We are all equal in Arkay's Halls however.

I liked the seamless way you interwove the world-building here as the tale progressed, vis a vis the Halls of the Dead, their construction, etc...

[Grits]

Interesting to watch the business that follows a successful bandit clearout. Lili’s fairness to the Argonians and generosity with the funerals confirms what we’ve seen so far of her character. Nice to see Stenvar’s quiet support of fair wages on the dock.

Scouts-Many-Marshes! Love that guy. And a history lesson from Helgird comes naturally after Lili’s helpful magic brings her into the crypts. Grim work, but an enjoyable update!

[Renee]

Just so ya know, am reading Wood Elf in Windhelm, just staying quieter for once. I have a habit of cluttering when i respond sometimes. Being overly wordy, etc.

Anyway, love all the talk about the cold. I'm a lover of "bad" weather, so everytime Lilisfina gets uncomfortable about the cold I'm thinking Ahhh!!!! I miss actual winter in real-life! � I'm the sort who'll go for a walk on a day when it's 16F outside. My daughter's screaming at me when I return home "What are you doing??? Get IN here!"

Hey, where'd you get that dog? Which mod? One of my characters will want him at her side, I think.

Wow,,, the letter to Ma. At first I thought Lili was writing it. Always neat to get someone else's perspective in a story.

Whoa, did she just cast a Frenzy spell?? Nice. The pirate-fighting scene is really good, hon. It's tricky to write all the little details yet still manage to convey the sense of action and movement; hard to explain what I mean.

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: I'm glad you liked how Lili used her magick to help Sten with the heavy lifting, as well as calling out the situation facing those with pointed ears and/or tails in Skyrim!

@Treydog: Thank you for pointing out Lili's generosity. As we come to know her better, this characteristic of hers will become one of her defining traits. And yes, she has a very practical regard for her magick - I suspect it comes from her Bosmer heritage.

@Sage Rose: Who needs sharks when we have slaughterfish! Ha! Good point you make - in spite of class exploitation we see throughout Skyrim, we are all equal before Arkay. I'm glad you enjoyed the bit of world building here in the Halls of the Dead, I have more for you today!

@Grits: I'm glad you interpreted Sten's slight shake of the head as tacit support of Lili's view and subsequent sharing of more of her coin with the Argonians. Scouts-Many-Marshes is as cool as they come, and his gripes are valid enough! I think folks will see how much I love Helgird in this newest installment - I always liked her character in the game, and she is my main healer in town whenever I get sick!

@Renee: Don't feel obligated to chime in after every installment, likewise don't feel compelled to keep quiet either. If you've got something to say, go ahead and say it! All feedback (as Sage Rose will tell you) is welcome! Like you, I'm a winter gal - nothing like horseback riding on a cold winter's day (and the mare I owned at the time felt the same way). The dog comes from A Dog's Life, by DarkFox127. The first mod of his that I used was A Cat's Life, which I love and adore and won't play without. Then he came out with A Bunny's Life, and I just love it too. So I have all three as part of my regular mod load out, along with Chesko's mods Frostfall, Campfire and Last Seed. As for switching perspectives, Stenvar was talking just as much as Lili in my ear, so I decided to alternate between the two of them. So Stenvar's Letters to Ma will preface his sections. I enjoy doing that, and it's fun. As for the horkers, she removed the Calm spell she had placed on them earlier, and their natural territorial tendencies won out when Lili and Sten dumped the two reavers in their midst. Thanks for your kind words regarding the fight scenes, I always find them difficult to write.

Speaking of Sten, we are back with him in this next bit of world building and character building.

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

Morndas 18 Last Seed - The Halls of the Dead

I’m back again. It has been a busy day. Lilisfina, the woman I told you about, and I went up to the wreck, only we discovered reavers led by none other than Black Cleitus! He’s been a real pain all along the coast from Dawnstar to Windhelm, and we finished him! Lilisfina was interesting to fight with. She stayed back and used magick to support me.

We found Leifgard and his cousin Einar, both dead. Einar was captured and tortured by the reavers, while Leifgard died of exposure to that terrible storm that came off the sea a few nights ago. Lilisfina bought all the bodies back, Leifgard and Einar with us in the reavers’ dingy, and the rest on a raft we towed behind us.

When we got back to Windhelm, I found out she had made friends among the Argonians that work the docks. They were very helpful in offloading the bodies and the loot we brought back. She paid them well, too - better than the Shatter-Shields, to hear them talk of it. She also insisted we bring Leifgard and Einar’s bodies to the Halls of the Dead right away, and offered to pay for their burials.

Oh, I almost forgot about the dog. Star, Lilisfina calls him. He was really helpful in the fights - he bit one in the back of the thigh, and Black Cleitus in the behind - both at just the right time. Not noisy, either, just a lot of growling and snarling in the actual fight.

I’m running out of paper. I’ll stop by the courier’s tomorrow and get more writing supplies. I’ll write more later!

Sten carefully laid out Leifgard’s body next to the brazier where it would thaw enough to be wrapped for burial later. “I see,� Lilisfina’s voice reached him. “Are these crypts older than Windhelm?�

Helgird joined Sten and used a warming spell on the frozen joints. “They do predate Ysgramor’s arrival,� she responded.

Sten became aware of Lilisfina’s gaze on him as he lifted Einar’s body to the adjacent bier. “What was that place where we stopped on the way out?� He nodded. �You lit a lantern there?�

Aware of Helgird’s swift glance at him, Sten took a breath. “That’s Yngold’s Tomb,� he responded. “He was one of Ysgramor’s sons, and was lost at sea when they first landed here.�

“So you paid respects?� Helgird nodded approvingly. “Good to know you remember our ancestors.�

“Doesn’t hurt to pause and pay homage at the tombs of our ancestors,� Sten stepped back and brushed his palms together. He met Lilisfina’s curious gaze. “We have a history going back generations here. And there are places even older, like this crypt. Who knows how many still have spirits of the Dragon cult lingering in them?�

Lilisfina’s right eyebrow rose. Is that skepticism? Or curiosity? “Dragon cult?� Her gaze rose to the stones above their heads. “There was an ancient Dragon cult in Elsweyr, I wonder if the two are related?�

“Elsweyr?� Helgird bent over Einar’s body, her gaze cataloging visible injuries. “The Khajiit homeland?�

“Yes, they have history going back to the First Era. Very fascinating.�

“So they’re more than thieves and beggars?� Helgird’s voice held no challenge, only curiosity. Both women are curious about each other’s knowledge.

“Of course, just like Nords are more than just berserkers and barbarians,� Lilisfina responded. Is she teasing Helgird? No one teases Helgird!

The glance Helgird sent Lilisfina’s way as she moved to Leifgard’s body held a glimmer of amusement. Then she turned back to her work as she evaluated the larger corpse. “Hmm, no injuries on this one. Frostbite, signs of cold exposure.� She looked up at Sten. “I suspect he froze to death in that storm.�

“I suspect so too,� Sten agreed. “There was no firewood at the camp, and I think they ran out of fuel for the fire. Lilisfina,� he indicated the Wood Elf standing beside the fisherman, “thinks Einar went over to The Winter War to try and get some wood, but the reavers caught him.�

“As a priest of Arkay, I’m supposed to be objective and treat everyone the same in death, good or evil.� Her lips thinned. “But I’m glad to hear those reavers are now dead.� She turned to Lilisfina. “And I suppose you are from Valenwood? Your accent is different from the other Wood Elves I’ve met.�

Lilisfina nodded. Sten caught something flicker in her eyes. Bad memories? Sad ones? “Not much left of it, thanks to the Thalmor.�

“So you have no homeland now,� Helgird’s quiet voice turned even softer. She moved to an alcove set back from the biers and began decanting the anointing oil into a small bowl. “You’ve come a long way, lass.�

“And taken a long time to travel it, priestess,� Lilisfina responded. “Please tell me more about Arkay. He is little known to us in Valenwood.�

“Arkay is known as the Lord of the Wheel of Life. He is associated with both life and death, and with the four seasons of the year.� Helgird carried the bowl of oil to the biers. “As priests of Arkay, we bless the dead so they can not be raised by necromancers. That was the first rite performed when the first priests of Arkay converted these crypts to the Halls of the Dead.�

Never thought her the religious type, Sten watched as Lilisfina rubbed her nose. “So there can’t be any undead here in the crypts?� she asked.

“Correct,� Helgird nodded. “If you wish, you may stay and witness the Blessing of Arkay on these two unfortunates.�

Sten caught Lilisfina’s glance at him. “If I’m not intruding, I’d like to, yes please.� He shrugged.

“As you like,� he answered. Sten watched as Helgird stepped between the two biers and placed the bowl on a low table set between the biers. She moved her hands in ritual gestures over the bronze brazier, and the fire changed from orange to blue in response to her murmured incantations.

After she held the bowl of oil over the fire for a few moments, Helgird picked up a sprig of pine needles from the table and dipped it into the oil. She sprinkled the oil over Leifgard’s body from head to toe, all the while chanting softly.

Arkay, God of the Cycle of Birth and Death
He who watches over mortal Time
Take this humble Soul
And consecrate flesh and bone.

She repeated the same over Einar’s emaciated form. Then she stepped back to swing the pine branch between the two bodies.

Arkay, Bringer of Light
Guard these bones
And take the souls to eternal rest.

Helgird set the bowl softly on the table and laid the pine branch in the brazier. As the scent of burning balsam filled the crypt, she bowed her head in silence. As Sten did the same, he caught Lilisfina mirroring them.

After a few slow breaths, Helgird raised her head and snuffed the blue flame with one hand. She turned to Sten with a question in her eyes.

“Thank you, priest of Arkay,� he touched his left fist to his chest. Helgird inclined her head to him and turned to Lilisfina with an expectant expression.

Lilisfina stepped forward and laid three gold coins on the low table between them. “Thank you, priest,� she said softly.

“We do not charge so much for our burials,� Helgird did not pick up the coins.

“Consider it an offering to Arkay,� Lilisfina insisted, her voice still soft. “The service you perform here is invaluable.�

Puzzled, Helgird tipped her head to one side.�What did you get out of our service? Did you sense Arkay this evening?�

Lilisfina shrugged. “What I felt was a sense of peace,� she explained. “No evil lingers here, no restless souls.� Sten heard her sigh. “I’ve been in places where the dead is restless, unable to sleep their eternal rest.� She shuddered and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I sense that won’t happen here.�

“Do your people worship Arkay at all?� Helgird asked. “You said he is little known there.�

“We do invoke him when judging crimes against the Green Pact.� Lilisfina paused. “But our main god is Y’ffre, and Y’ffre is whom I follow.�

“Y’ffre?� Helgird repeated. She returned the bowl to its alcove. “Tell me about them.� That wasn’t a request, but a demand. Knowledge for knowledge.

“We call him the Storyteller,� Lilisfina did not seem offended by Helgird’s manner. “He created all of Nirn as we know it through stories. He sang to Aetherius, compelling the stars to dance and sway. That is why they twinkle in our sky today.�

“Interesting that our existence should be the result of divine Song,� Helgird mused.

“We don’t have priests,� Lilisfina continued. “We have Spinners. They recite the histories and laws of our people, and tell of events that have happened, is happening, and is yet to happen. They remind us that Y’ffre sang the Green from the Ooze, and gave us the Green Pact.�

“The Green Pact?� Sten broke in cautiously. “Isn’t that cannibalism?� He became aware of Helgird’s thoughtful gaze on him, and fought the temptation to hide behind the biers.

“It preserves the Green,� Lilisfina paused for a breath. “Do not harm the forests of Valenwood. Do not eat anything made from plant life. Eat only meat. When enemies are conquered, their meat must be eaten, not left to rot. Do not kill wastefully. Do not take on the shape of beasts.�

Sten considered her words. “Eat the meat of enemies? Will you do that with the reavers we killed?�

“I am not in Valenwood anymore,� Lilisfina shook her head. “The Green Pact does not apply outside our living forests. And the custom of eating our enemies have fallen into disuse since the Second Era.� She bared her teeth. “See, we no longer file our teeth into points to better eat mortal meat.�

Sten decided to match her teasing. “Not sure if that makes me feel better.� He was rewarded by her soft chuckle. Sten turned to Helgird in time to see the slight smile disappear from her serious face. “Thank you again, Helgird.�

“You’re welcome, Stenvar,� Helgird responded. “Leifgard and Einar grew up here, I’m glad you brought them home to their final rest.�

“I’m grateful Lilisfina insisted we bring them home in the dinghy,� Sten made sure to include the Wood Elf. “She used a feather spell so we could also bring the reavers in on a raft, but not necessarily out of respect for them.�

“But not to eat them, I take it?� Helgird turned to Lilisfina with a raised brow. Lilisfina grinned back and shrugged.

“I doubt Nils at Candlehearth would want to cook something of them.�

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Jul 27 2024, 03:51 AM

[Grits]

“I doubt Nils at Candlehearth would want to cook something of them.�



I enjoyed learning about Nord burial rituals and the Green Pact in Lili's world. Interesting update!

[SubRosa]

Interesting history about Yngol, Yassy, and the rest.

Yes, I think dragons are more than just thieves and beggars. Sometimes they burn stuff down too. I did like Lil's retort about Nords being more than just berserkers and barbarians.

Like Lil, I too was interested in witnessing the rite of Arkay, and how it protects bodies from being raised by necromancers. I remember a documentary I saw years about about cliffside tombs found in Nepal or Tibet. The bones of all the bodies within had been shattered and bound up together, to prevent them from rising from the grave and walking again. Or the vampire craze in New England in the late 1800s, when people did things like stick bricks between the teeth of the dead, or snap off their legs.

And some really cool deets on Y’ffre too. I loved how he is the singer, and his holy people are spinners.

Well, reavers are the other white meat after all...

[Acadian]

Nice worldbuilding indeed as you show us Arkay’s ritual and Lili tells something of Yffre and the Green Pact. I like that you linger here, detailing more of what’s involved after the fightin’s done.


Nit? - - ’I’m glad you bought {brought?} them home to their final rest.�

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: This conversation between the two ladies kind of ran away from me - they were determined to learn from each other and totally ignored me (and Sten)! It was fun listening in on them, though!

@Sage Rose: I did a bit of browsing in the Lore because of things presented in ESO over the years, so I found some interesting information about Arkay and Y'ffre. Lili was all too happy to share! The ritual itself is something I came up with, so I'm glad you liked it. I tried to respect the nature of rituals with this one.

@Acadian: Thank you for validating my decision to let the two ladies own this segment, even though it was Sten's POV. He enjoyed it too, I think. And thanks for catching that nit - fixed!

Now we meet again with Brunwulf Free-Winter and collect that damn bounty!

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

Morndas 18 Last Seed - Bounty and Dinner

Free-Winter looked up as Lili and Stenvar, Star trailing them, returned the cart to the docks. He waved at the row of corpses laid out at his feet. “This looks like all of them,� he said gruffly. “And that’s Black Cleitus, all right.� He nudged the large body with his foot. “Looks like you took his armor, lass?�

“It’s valuable, yes,� Lili agreed. “And definitely of value to me. He no longer has need of it.�

“You’re right, lass,� Free-Winter grunted his agreement. He moved over to two bodies. “These are savaged beyond recognition - was that you?�

“Horkers,� Lili shrugged. Free-Winter shot her a sharp glance. “They fell.�

“Horrible way to die,� Free-Winter turned to look at the water past the docks, black in the night. “Still, they inflicted worse on their victims.�

“There are worse ways to die,� Lili said flatly. “You did mention a bounty, Thane?�

“Yes, the bounty offered by Jarl Stormcloak was five hundred drakes.� Free-Winter turned back to the reaver chief’s body. “But Black Cleitus has long been a thorn in Ulfric’s side, and I’m certain I can talk him into doubling the bounty for him. And you keep whatever loot you have collected.� He lifted his gaze to both Lili and Stenvar. “That’s good work. Everyone, Dunmer and Nord alike, will be a lot safer with them gone. I can teach you something about wearing heavy armor, save you some aches on a long march.�

“I’m not likely to wear armor of any kind,� Lili held up a hand. She nodded at Stenvar. “But my friend here might appreciate trading tips. I can wait for you in the inn for the bounty.�

“Yes, of course.� Free-Winter tipped his head at Stenvar. “Do you have a few moments?�

“Do it, Stennvar,� Lili encouraged him. “I want to take the gear we collected over to the marketplace and see what value they have.� She cast a feather spell on the heavy bag still in the cart and lifted it over her shoulder. She whistled at Star and left a bemused Stenvar with a grinning Free-Winter.

In the marketplace on the other side of town, Lili found the aged blacksmith sharpening a new sword. At the forge a young Nord woman, strong and muscular through the shoulders, worked the bellows. Apprentice. Competent, by the look of those muscles. Lili dropped the bag beside the blacksmith with a clatter that drew his attention.

“Got some work for us, lassie?� He rose stiffly from the bench and stretched his back with a stifled groan.

“If you’re any good a blacksmith as I hear?� Lili responded.

“Name’s Oengul War-Anvil,� he spoke gruffly. “Everyone says Eorlund Gray-Mane is the best smith in Skyrim. I intend to change a few minds about that.�

“Smith, you might set my mind on that,� Lili smiled. “I have some heavy armor here I have no use for. Mind taking a look and letting me know the value you’d put on it?�

“Hermir, girl, come here and lend me a hand.� Oengul reached down for the sack and heaved it onto the tempering bench. Together blacksmith and apprentice drew out the pieces and examined them carefully. “Where did you get these, lass?� Oengul glanced at Lili.

“That was Black Cleitus’s armor,� Lili answered. “Stennvar tells me that’s good quality - I suspect he’s a better judge of heavy armor than I am.�

Now both Nords stared at her, jaws agape. Oengul recovered first and cleared his throat. “You went to The Winter War?�

“Stennvar and I did, yes,� Lili touched Star’s ears as the Husky sat beside her. “For the bounty. We didn’t know who the reavers were until after they were all dead.�

“All of them?� Hermir gasped. “Really?�

“Stennvar’s a very good fighter, but I’m no expert.� Lili smiled at their expressions. “He does claim to be the best sword arm in all of Skyrim, and so far I’ve not seen otherwise.�

“But one man, even Stenvar, against how many reavers? Led by Black Cleitus, the scourge of the Sea of Ghosts?� Hermir shook her head. “That’s a tale I’d like to hear!�

“So, Smith, what of the armor?�

Oengul resumed his perusal of the steel. “That’s good smithing here, and very good condition, lass. I’d say for the lot - cuirass, bracers and boots - worth one hundred and fifty drakes, easy.�

“What if I wanted it adjusted to fit someone else?� Lili asked. “Say, Stennvar?�

Oengul lifted the cuirass by the shoulders and examined it again with an experienced eye. “Stenvar’s a big man,� he said. “It shouldn’t take much to make it fit.� He glanced over at Hermir, who nodded agreement.

“We can do it,� Hermir said. “Be better if we could have him here to fit it.�

But I want to surprise him! “How about looking at his current armor?� Lili asked. “I’ve heard some of the best Orsimer smiths can craft a new set of armor using an old set as a template.�

“Yes, that can be done, too, for fifty drakes.� Oengul laid the cuirass back on the table. “But how do you plan on getting Stenvar to part with his iron plate?�

A challenge. One I accept. “Leave that to me,� Lili responded with a grin. “May I leave these with you then?�

“Of course, lass,� Oengul nodded to Hermir, who began to wrap the steel plates in burlap. “We’ll keep them inside the smithy until you can get Stenvar or his irons here.�

Lili nodded, then paused. “Oh, and do you have a good steel zwei-hander I can purchase from you?�

“Of course!� Oengul nodded emphatically. “I have one I could let you have for one hundred drakes.� Hermir shot him a sharp glance.

Is that my imagination or is Hermir surprised by the value Oengul put on that blade? “One hundred drakes for the zwei-hander, and one hundred for reconditioning that armor to fit Stenvar, sound good?�

“It’s a deal, lass!�

Lili smiled up at him. “I will see you tomorrow.�

Star gamboled ahead of Lili as they walked back to the inn. Snow began falling around them, and Lili blew clouds into the air before her face. How can one’s breath be visible? How can rain be solid? How can one walk on water? This cold is incredible, if it weren’t so - cold.

Lili and Star were at table, Lili spooning up hot stew, and Star gnawing on a fresh mutton bone, when Stenvar and Free-Winter entered the common room. Susanna greeted both men fondly, and disappeared into the kitchen after the sellsword spoke briefly with her. Wonder if there’s more between those two than just the usual business interactions.

Stenvar took his customary seat, and Free-Winter brought a chair over from the adjacent table. He dropped a leather coin bag on the table, and sat down. “I spoke to Jarl Stormcloak,� he said. “He was his usual self, but his face lit up when I told him it was Black Cleitus laying dead on the docks. He didn’t flinch when I suggested doubling the bounty.� He waved at the bag between them. “That’s a thousand good drakes in there.�

A thousand drakes! That gives me an idea . . . “Thank you for speaking on our behalf,� Lili glanced at Stenvar. “We’ll divide it up later, after we’ve eaten.�

“Both of you have earned it,� Free-Winter leaned back until the chair creaked under his weight. “The gods were smiling the day I met you in the Gray Quarter, lass.�

“It was fortunate we met when we did,� Lili responded. “This will go a long way towards paying our way.�

“What will you do next?� Free-Winter asked. Lili shrugged as she swiped up some gravy with bread.

“I’m headed to Winterhold,� she remarked softly. “But I’m not quite ready for the trip, I suspect.�

“Then these drakes will go a long way toward getting you there, lass.� Free-Winter rose to his feet. “May I suggest you get to know some of the folk here in Windhelm first? Visit our alchemist - one of the best in all of Skyrim, for all that he’s a cranky old Altmer. And take the rest of that armor from the reavers to Oengul, he’ll pay for scrap.�

“Considering the condition of at least two of those reavers,� Stenvar remarked, “that’s about all the value they have. But a good smith like Oengul can turn them to good use.�

“That’s what I was thinking, too,� Lili nodded. “Thank you again, Thane, and have a good night.�

“I hope to see more of you here in the next few days,� Free-Winter tipped his head in salute before he strolled away. Susanna passed him and brought Stenvar a plate of stew and a tankard of ale.

“No more salmon?� Stenvar asked plaintively. Lili glanced at him with a chuckle.

“I suppose I should go fishing again in the morning,� she remarked. As Stenvar started working on his plate, Lili reached across with her fork and tapped the worn iron of his bracer. “Does your armor need repairing, Stennvar? It’s looking rather beat up.� Time to find out how attached he is to this old plate.

“Nothing a quick visit to Oengul can’t fix,� Stenvar shrugged. “Depends on how you plan on splitting the bounty.�

“Hmm,� Lili leaned back and laid her fork down on the now empty plate. She reached down and touched Star’s back. “You fought well today, Stennvar.�

“I told you I’m the best sword arm in all of Skyrim, ma’am,� Stenvar responded. “I wasn’t boasting, either.�

“I’m not an expert,� Lili sipped at the mead. “But one of the reavers, and Black Cleitus himself, looked like they knew how to fight. Am I right?�

“Yes,� Stenvar nodded as he cleaned the last of the gravy with his bread. “But they weren’t as good as me.� He’s not bragging, at all. He met Lili’s gaze. “But I’ll not deny that you were of some help there. Good tactics pulling them out one after the other to thin their numbers. The one that we caught sleeping outside Cleitus’s door had been drinking, and I thought I smelled skooma too.�

“Drink and skooma do not mix well,� Lili mused. “And yes, I thought he was slow to react to you and Star.�

“Star wasn’t afraid to jump in,� Stenvar grinned when the dog whined at the sound of his name. “That’s a good dog in a fight, mind you.�

“He was helpful, wasn’t he?� Lili leaned forward and rested her cheek on one upraised hand. “What’s next for you, Stennvar?�

The big Nord shrugged. “I’ll get this repaired,� he tapped his iron clad chest, “sharpen my blade, and rest up for the next job.�

“I’ll probably stay in Windhelm a bit longer, try to save up some coin before I travel again,� Lili said. “I’ll be looking for odd jobs, and if I pick up any involving fighting, would you be interested in hiring out with me?�

“Of course!� Stenvar nodded. “Mostly I escort the Khajiit traders from city to city, but such jobs are few and far between, and aren’t always consistent in their schedules.�

“There are Khajiit traders here in Skyrim?� Lili raised her brows in surprise. “I’ll have to meet them.�

“You’ll have to look outside the big cities to find them,� Stenvar responded, his tone turning sour. “Folks won’t let them inside the city walls, so they’re stuck on the roads and trading from tents.�

“That sounds cold, even for Khajiit and their fur!�

“And unfair, if you ask me,� Stenvar muttered into his ale. “Folk accuse them of thieving and killing, but they’re just like us, trying to survive in a harsh land.�

“Things have become harder everywhere, not just in Skyrim,� Lili nodded. “Famine, drought, the Thalmor.�

“Tell me, ma’am,� Stenvar shook his head when Susanna approached with an offer of refills. “Are all High Elves Thalmor?�

“No,� Lili shook her head. He’s curious. I like that. “The Thalmor are a faction that is in control of the government in the Summerset Isles now. Their worldview is based on a very archaic religion that has been out of favor for many generations.�

“Religion?� Stenvar repeated. “How do they see the world?�

“They claim that Altmeri are superior to all other races, and believe they are direct descendants of the old Aldmeri gods.� The last of the mead tasted sour as Lili pushed away bitter memories. “All other races must be subjugated to them.�

“Including other Elves?� Stenvar asked quietly, his eyes on the table.

“Including other Mer,� Lili concurred. She met Stenvar’s gaze. “Have you finished your meal?�

“Yes,� Stenvar laid his fork across the plate and set the tankard beside it.

“Let’s head down to my room,� Lili suggested. “We’ll divide the loot there.� She shook a finger at his wily glance. Ah ah! “We’ll discuss our future, nothing more!�

He laughed. “Understood, ma’am!�


This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Aug 2 2024, 06:40 PM

[Grits]

I love how neatly Lili redirected Oengul away from the Winter War line of questioning after giving Stenvar his credit for the fight.

Ah, a wily glance from Stenvar! Now, to get him out of that old armor...

[Acadian]

. . . Ah, a wily glance from Stenvar! Now, to get him out of that old armor...

- - In the words of Jerric himself, 'A Nord and a wood elf? How would that even work. . . .'

Lili crafts a generous plan to upgrade Stenvar’s armor. And I believe she has just the word and persuasion skills to somehow pull it off as a surprise.

’Star gamboled ahead of Lili as they walked back to the inn. Snow began falling around them, and Lili blew clouds into the air before her face. How can one’s breath be visible? How can rain be solid? How can one walk on water? This cold is incredible, if it weren’t so - cold.’
- - This shows us another aspect of Lili’s nature emphasizing her curiosity and whimsy.

“He was helpful, wasn’t he?� Lili leaned forward and rested her cheek on one upraised hand. “What’s next for you, Stennvar?�
- - This is just one of many examples of how skillfully you break up dialogue with the natural physical gestures people make during conversation.


Nit: “If you’re any good a blacksmith as I hear?� Lili responded.’
- - I realize this is dialogue and therefore Lili’s call; however, I wonder if she may have meant,
‘If you’re as good a blacksmith as I hear?’

[treydog]

The whole discussion of culture and creation between Lili and Helgird is a master-class in “showing, not telling.� Besides which, it is just wonderful world-building. Ritual has always been one of my favorite parts to invent for fantasy writing, as it gives a sense of depth and history to the characters.

Aha. So Lili has a plan to get Sten out of his armor! Okay, that sounded worse than it is. But her generous spirit shines through again. Lili's reaction to the cold was another beautiful moment, showing her interest in the place in which she has found herself and her inquisitive mind.

[SubRosa]

Looks like Lil is going to get up to some shenanigans, with her plan to get Stenvar into a new fit. Hijinks might even ensue, given that getting him out of his old fit is part of the plan.

Visible air, solid water, Skyrim is like the world turned upside down for a poor Wood Elf!

Wily glances? I can't wait to see how Lil is going to get Sten out of his armor!

[Renee]

Cairns are a form of communication indeed. They're saying "here is a location established/inhabited". I hadn't considered they might also be a way to indicate supplies are nearby.

Lili stood up and brushed the sand from her hands and sniffed the wind.

YES! A couple of my characters do this too. Sniffing for enemies, sometimes food or dwellings.

Are you using a rowboat mod? - Guess I should also ask: in general do you have a lot of mods, or mostly use imagination? That's just so I don't keep asking "is that a modification?" But the rowboat mod I have allows me to navigate a small boat in real-time.

I like the way the Argonians hiss their esses! Like a Texan drawling Rs and vowels.

Lili's frequently casting spells to make life easier. 💡Wouldn't you do this here on Earth too if you could?

“Say, a bell or so?�

Nice!!! Wow I never thought of time this way, but it's true. I'm gonna start using bell-tolls to indicate how much time passes too.

Looks like I'm behind a couple chapters; I'll try to catch up this week/weekend.

-------------------

Thanks for the dog mod reference. Got a couple mods from DarkFox as well, so that's a name I trust.

Riding horses on a cold winter day does sound nice. I'm afraid of horses, maybe I'd watch from the sidelines with some hot cocoa!



This post has been edited by Renee: Aug 8 2024, 08:47 AM