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

[Grits]

Good news that Thane Shatter-Shield is ready to go home and be a part of his family as it is now. It sounds like Lili’s gift to Tova will be a big help as well.

Multiple births, oh my! How heartbreaking that Lili lost her whole family, including her five children. Sten has been paying attention, he was able to offer quiet comfort and not just run for the ale. And of course he has his own experience with grief.

The Thalmor! No wonder Lili’s been on the move and careful with her personal details. That’s a threat that isn’t going away.

[Kane]

I'm glad that Lili finally felt comfortable enough to open up to Sten like that. It sounds like she has carried that grief with herself for a long time.

This post has been edited by Kane: May 2 2025, 12:20 PM

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: I'm glad you quite enjoyed the glimpse into Bosmer life in the Liliverse as I have enjoyed your own take in the Buffyverse. This grief on the part of several folk will continue to reappear from time to time as Lili and Sten spend time in Windhelm. And I'm glad that you pointed out that her skill with speech craft has been honed due to constant exposure to grief, in herself and in others she meets. I wanted to show how much the Great War has impacted folk everywhere Lili has traveled. Oh, and your questions regarding Thalmor involvement in the loss of her clan are wonderfully perceptive. Be assured, those questions will be asked by our intrepid sellsword Stennvar in a future post!

@SageRose: Greek is a wonderful source of names for concepts and deities of various sorts! I admit that I have resorted to it in the past when trying to come up with names. And yes, grief kind of took over the evening, as it tends to do (we are going through the same thing here with our recent IRL loss). I wanted to show that grief never really quite goes away, we just learn to live with it. Good guesses on your part regarding the Thalmor and Lili. We'll see just how accurate your guesses are eventually!

@Grits: I felt there was a better way to handle that little quest where you find an Amulet of Arkay for Torbjorn to raise his disposition toward yourself. After finding the Amulet in question in Cronvangr Cave (in a chest next to the one in which the special sword is found, no less!) it occured to me that a real adventurer would search that chest for more than just the sword! And what else would one find in such a hoard? A little research in the Lore tells me that Arkay worship became widespread in Skyrim at a later date than elsewhere, so I figured why not a High Rock amulet? And yes, Sten is more than the brute he seems to be, and yes, he has had his own grief to deal with too. And of course, Lili is definitely on the run from the Thalmor. How ironic that her flight has led her to the location of the second highest concentration of these despised elves outside Summerset.

@Kane: Yes, it didn't take long for Lili to reach that level of trust with Sten where she could unload her own burden. Yes, she's carried it a very long time!

After the emotional struggle to keep all the accumulated grief under control, Lilisfina finally found relief before bed. Now she starts a new day, and maybe a new adventure.

****************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - A Morning Without a Plan

Sofie woke Lili with a cup of aromatic tea. “Are you feeling better this morning, ma’am?” Her dark eyes held worry as she set the beverage on the stand next to the bed. “I know you were upset last night when you came to bed.”

Lili winced. “I’m sorry I woke you, Sofie,” she sat up and rubbed the dried tears from her face. “Just bad memories last night, that’s all.” She took the child’s hands in hers and smiled. “Thank you, Sofie.”

“Drink up!” Sofie handed the cup to Lili, then moved to the wardrobe. “Shall you go adventuring today? Maybe the green outfit?”

“I don’t know,” Lili responded. “Maybe a walk to Kynesgrove.”

“Or a walk to the hot springs!” Sofie clapped her hands. “Before it gets too cold!”

“Too cold!” Lili shuddered for emphasis. “It’s already too cold for a bath in hot springs!”

“Not south of Kynesgrove!” Sofie countered. “It’s warmer there, not snowy like around here. Every spring many of us like to go there for baths after a cold, hard winter.”

“Hmmm, sounds appealing!” Lili reached for the green adventuring gear Sofie laid out on the bed. “I’ll have to discuss that with Stennvar.” She slipped into the tunic and breeches, but left the leather tabard on the bed and turned toward the wardrobe to see the girl kneeling at the foot of the open cabinet.

Sofie jumped up and put her hands behind her back with an air of guilt. Behind her, Lili noticed her carryall, still tucked in the bottom of the wardrobe. “I wasn’t doing anything, honest!”

“It’s okay to be curious,” Lili answered with a nod at her traveling pack. “Looking is fine, but not taking without permission!”

“I was looking at the ties,” Sofie gestured toward the bone tags attached to the sinews. “I’ve never seen carving like that. Is it Wood Elven?”

“Bosmer,” Lili corrected as she set the large bag onto the bed and cupped the bones in her palm.

“Bosmer?” Sofie repeated.

“We call ourselves Bosmer,” Lili sat on the bed and waved Sofie to sit next to her. “Elf is a human term.”

“Really?” Sofie asked as Lili unhooked the tags and dropped them into the girl’s palms. “And you called Dark Elves something else, too . . .”

“Dunmer,” Lili supplied. “And what you call High Elves are Altmer, they are descended from Aldmer.” She took a breath. “Or Meri, if you are using the plural form.” She watched Sofie run her fingers over the carved bone. “Did you know the folk you call Orcs are also Mer? They’re Orsimer.”

“Really?” Sofie glanced up at Lili. “But they don’t look Elven - ummm, like Mer.”

“There is a story about their origin. It tells of an Aldmer god named Trinimac. This god was beautiful, full of light and glory, and his followers were the most beautiful of all the Mer. This caused jealousy in one of the Daedra Princes, and they consumed him. Of course, being a god, this didn’t kill Trinimac, but his passage through the Daedra’s gut transformed him into an ugly, vengeful being we call Malacath. His followers were likewise transformed into what we now call Orsimer, or Orcs.”

Sofie regarded Lili with wide eyes, then gave the carved bone back to her. “You know a lot, ma’am!”

“I’m a mage,” Lili smiled at her. “That comes with a lot of book learning. Wherever I go, I find books to read. It’s one of the ways I learn.”

“Do you practice a lot of magic?”

“I do need to practice a lot,” Lili chuckled. “I’m not as adept as say, a Telvanni Wizard or an Altmer mage, but someday I hope to be quite good. Right now most of my healing is alchemy based, not magicka based.”

“So you’re more like Nurelion?” Sofie asked. Lili nodded as she reattached the bone tags to the ties.

“I have been advised to seek more mage training at the College of Winterhold,” Lili placed the traveling bag back within the wardrobe and closed the doors. “It’s taken me a long time to make my way this far, but now that I’m so close,” she sighed and shivered.

“And now?” Sofie snuggled against Lili’s side. “You’re closer to the hot springs than you are to Winterhold!”

“Don’t tempt me, child!” Lili laughed, then sipped at the tea. “This is very good, thank you Sofie.”

“Breakfast is ready for you upstairs,” Sofie moved to the door. She paused and glanced back, hand on the door handle. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, ma’am.” She was through the door before Lili could respond.

Lili closed her eyes for a few breaths and breathed deeply. I still feel so shaky after last night. It was finally too much. The memory of Stenvar’s strong arms around her beat back the grief that still threatened to overwhelm her. He’s startlingly perceptive - knew just what I needed in that moment.

That memory was what she needed to open the door and leave her room. Ah well, time to look for more work for the two of us. We still have three sevendays to go on his contract. Have I been here only one? Feels like longer!

Stenvar looked up from his armor, oiled rag in hand, as Lili seated herself across from him. The carved steel of the vambrace gleamed in the sunlight from the high window in the gable. “Good morning, boss,” he greeted her.

“No more ma’am?” Lili smiled when she saw the relief move through his blue gaze.

“It’s been seven days now,” he countered. “I think everyone here knows you’re my employer.” He set the oiling cloth down on the breastplate and leaned forward as Lili started into her oatmeal and smoked mutton. “We still have three more sevendays, do you still want to get to Winterhold before the end of our contract?”

Lili gulped down the mouthful and sipped at her tea. “Part of me is anxious to get there as soon as possible, but part of me wants to stay and explore this area a bit more,” she mused. “Sofie mentioned something about hot springs?”

“Yes, the sulfur springs south of Kynesgrove. It’s east of Cronvangr Cave, past Steamcrag Camp.” Stenvar smiled suddenly. “A visit there wouldn’t be amiss, boss. And you’ll get to see the giants and mammoths at their camp.”

Lili leaned back and rested her chin on her upraised left hand. “There are mammoths in Valenwood, you know,” she murmured. “We raise them for meat, wool, and milk. The meat’s especially useful for making rotmeth.”

Stenvar grimaced. “Sounds appealing,” he remarked.

“It’s an acquired taste, like jagga,” Lili chuckled. “And both are particularly potent for those not used to them.”

“More so than our mead?” Stenvar raised his brows at her.

“Oh, yes, more so,” Lili nodded firmly as she finished the last of the oatmeal. “Hmm, this is quite good.”

“Filling, too,” Stenvar agreed. “Sticks to your ribs all day.”

“Does it now?” Lili mused. “Good adventuring food?”

“Good for farming, or working the forge. Not so much for running from ogres and dragons,” Stenvar grinned mischievously.

“Then we’ll just have to avoid ogres and dragons today,” Lili matched his grin. The last of the persistent grief subsided, and her good humor eased back into the conversation.

“Speaking of which,” Stenvar leaned forward conspiratorially, “we’d best sneak out before the dragon downstairs comes up.”

“Dragon?” Lili frowned, puzzled.

“Dame Elda is still in a tizzy about having Sofie in her inn.”

“Should we leave Sofie here, then?” Lili felt a sudden surge of concern. “Really, I don’t understand why Elda is so hostile toward the child. Something about her father?”

“Hmmm, someone might know why,” Stenvar rose to his feet and buckled on his buffed armor. “Let’s go find Thane Free-Winter.”

“I’ll run down and grab my green tabard and hood, and I’ll meet you outside by the cat bowls,” Lili rose to her feet and collected the empty dishes. “I’ll just bring these to Nils on the way.”

A few moments later Lili stepped out to see Stenvar crouched down, hands on knees, as his voice enticed a dark gray tabby cat toward him. The cat’s pale blue gaze shifted from the big Nord in front of him to eye Lili momentarily, then returned to Stenvar as he tossed a piece of food from the bowl toward the tom cat. “Is that Soot?” Lili asked.

“Yes,” Stenvar responded. “And I’m not offering him my fingers. He looks as hostile as Nils makes him out to be.” At his soft voice Lili heard a soft growl rumble from the little cat.

“Don’t make eye contact with him,” Lili tugged at Stenvar’s pauldron in an attempt to pull him away from the tom. “It just makes him aggressive.”

Stenvar straightened up and stepped back, away from the food bowls. “He is decidedly unfriendly.” He met Lili’s gaze, and she could see the amused respect in his eyes. “Let’s go find Thane Free-Winter,” he brushed his hands on his thighs and stepped down to the street. “Time to solve a new mystery!”

[Acadian]

Sophie might make a good healer one day. She’s clever, perceptive and is drawn to those who need her. A wonderful discussion between she and Lili which helped move Lili on from her grief – at least for this morning.

And a hearty breakfast with Stenvar. Lili is quite aware of Sten’s contract timing and it’s quite clear she will not be ready to let him go when that time comes. . . .

“Speaking of which,” Stenvar leaned forward conspiratorially, “we’d best sneak out before the dragon downstairs comes up.”
- - As soon as I read this I knew exactly who he meant!

So the next adventure is to discover the rest of the story regarding Edna’s dislike for Sophie.

[Grits]

I'm with Sofie, let's go to the hot springs!

Ah, the end of their contract is also on Stenvar's mind. I'm guessing he will be more than willing to extend their partnership.

Love the little scene with Sten and Soot.

I'm glad they're going to investigate Elda's issues next. Sofie's life will be much calmer if she doesn't have to watch out for Dame Dragon.

This post has been edited by Grits: May 9 2025, 01:41 PM

[SubRosa]

So the Nords take a bath every spring. Nice to know that they do that at least once a year...

What happened to Trinimac that turned him into Malacath really is shitty...

I am with Sten. Rotmeth sounds like what meth does to your face...

So that is the infamous Soot.

And we go to get some exposition about Sofie, I mean, to learn more about Lilisten's young sidekick.

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: Healer? There's a thought for our little Sofie. However, I see her in more of a leadership role. Perhaps a future Thane? Or even a Jarl? Their discussion certainly helped Lili to move out of the funk left over from the previous night. Ah yes, that contract. Only a week gone and already she's thinking of doing - what? Yes, she is considering her next step regarding Sten. Off to solve a new mystery!

@Grits: Hot springs sure does sound nice in the midst of all that cold, doesn't it? No wonder the Windhelm citizens make a day of it (or two - many of them have no problem camping out under the stars) come spring when they're a little stir crazy. I'm glad you liked the little scene between Sten and Soot - I wanted to show the softer side of Sten's personality (he's a sucker for children and animals).

@SubRosa: I see the Nords as being like the Vikings - they wash faces, pits and hands out of a bowl every day, but baths are reserved for warmer weather. It's a practical function - serves to keep the fleas and lice under control . . . And yes, I agree with your assessment of the Trinimac/Malacath duality.

And as we all know, it's time to find out why Dragon Dame Elda is so hostile toward our little Sofie . . . Luckily, it's a mystery that's soon solved!

************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - History and the Future

Ma -
Last night was rough - losing someone is always hard, but there are times that are harder than others. Hopefully we’ll be able to move forward today. It seems as if Boss may be looking for new problems to solve.

Thane Free-Winter’s careworn face lit up when Lilisfina called a greeting to him. “Hello, you two, no, three,” he paused on the top step outside his home, his gaze on the silver tabby now seated on the stone beside him. “How are you this fine morning?”

“As well as can be expected,” Lilisfina smiled up at him. “We have a question that you might know the answer to, though.” She paused as the older man’s gaze moved from her to Sten. “It’s about Dame Elda,” she added softly.

“Ah, what about Dame Elda?” Free-Winter’s craggy brows rose up.

“You’ve known her a while, right?” Lilisfina took a deep breath. At Free-Winter’s nod, she took a deep breath. “Is there bad blood between her and Sofie Larinsdottir?”

“That little tyke?” Free-Winter glanced around. “Where is that rascal anyway?”

“She’s with Silda at the moment,” Sten volunteered. Best not to let them know where to find her.

Lilisfina nodded. “And we would like to find out how she can avoid being sent to Riften.”

Free-Winter growled. “That workhouse! I should have never let them send that young boy there . . .” He took a deep breath and settled his gaze on Lilisfina. “Dame Elda’s daughter Eldrid was a lovely child, but very shy. Despite this, she was drawn to Larin Snow-Bourne as a moth to a flame. He was kind to her, and she began to hope for a union with him. However he had eyes only for a young woman from Kynesgrove, Thora Ketilsdottir. When he married her, Eldrid was devastated and lost all will to live. She simply turned her face to the wall, and literally starved herself to death. Elda was heartbroken and never forgave Larin for her daughter’s death.”

“Did Larin ever do anything to mislead Eldrid?” Lilisfina’s tone was soft. Free-Winter shook his head.

“Larin was kind to everyone around him - maybe too much so. But he never showed Eldrid anything more than what he showed anyone else except Thora and his own children with her.”

“That’s a sad story,” Lilisfina remarked softly. “Nils never mentioned Elda had a daughter who died.”

“Nils wasn’t working for Elda back then,” Free-Winter responded. “He was fighting in the revolt over in Markarth. When he came back he wasn’t right in the head. Still, he’s a good man, and kind like Larin was. Maybe a bit too trusting these days.” He sighed. “I’ve tried to talk Elda into leaving Candlehearth in his hands, but she is afraid he wouldn’t manage without her.”

“And how can one keep an orphan like Sofie from being sent to Riften?” Lilisfina asked after a moment.

“The Jarl would let her stay if she was adopted by a Windhelm citizen,” Free-Winter mused.

“So Silda the Unseen could adopt Sofie?” Lilisfina asked. Sten shook his head, and noticed Free-Winter doing the same.

“In order to be a citizen,” Free-Winter explained, “one would have to own property in the city, and pay annual taxes on the property. Silda has no property to call her own, so . . .” He shrugged. “Fair enough, if you ask me. Raising a child is difficult enough without funds.”

Lilisfina nodded thoughtfully. She smiled up at the older Nord. “Thank you very much, Thane. I do appreciate your help greatly.”

Free-Winter smiled back, his faded blue eyes twinkling beneath bushy grey brows. “I always enjoy a conversation with you, lass.” He started toward the docks, then paused and turned back to Lilisfina and Sten. “By the way, the Argonians unloaded a ship from Morrowind late last night, and mentioned that there was a shipment in your name?”

“Oh, yes,” Lilisfina answered. “I did ship some items on a following ship. I wasn’t expecting it so soon, though.”

“You’ll hear about it soon enough from Thane Shatter-Shield,” Free-Winter nodded. “He or someone from his office should be notifying you regarding the shipment today.”

“Thank you,” Lilisfina inclined her head to him. “I appreciate the information. Should I wait for the notification, or head down to the office right away?”

“Better to wait,” Free-Winter advised. “The ship was unloaded late last night, and the clerks still have to update the books and check the manifest.” He shrugged. “Once that’s done, they’ll send a runner to find you and notify you.”

“Thank you very much, Thane.” Lilisfina inclined her head to the older Nord. As she turned away, her gaze fell upon the small house across the way. “What will happen to Corrium’s house?”

“Hrmm,” Free-Winter grunted. “I had an interesting conversation with Wuunferth yesterday. Seems he is looking for a place to practice his magic away from the court. I don’t doubt he’ll pay the outstanding trespassing fine in exchange for a deed to that place.”

“He’ll be living there then?” Sten could hear the surprise in his voice. Does that mean he is no longer a court mage?

“No, it will be his workshop,” Free-Winter replied. “He was asking how I felt about that. You may be aware that he works mostly at night, when others are sleeping. Claims it’s for minimal disruption - no one to bother him.”

“Would it be a good thing for him to work here?” Lilisfina turned back to Free-Winter.

“Good for him, and for the Jarl.” Free-Winter chuckled. “I’d suspect the Jarl doesn’t relish magicka experiments going off next door to him in the early hours of the morning when he is trying to sleep off a night of drinking.” He shook his head with an amused glint in his eye. “And no doubt Wuunferth is tired of the Jarl’s complaints every morning.”

“And would it be good for you and your people?” Sten asked. “Or would it be a case of ‘there goes the neighborhood’?”

Free-Winter laughed. “In the eyes of many, the neighborhood’s already gone.” He grew serious. “I told Wuunferth as long as there is no necromancy and he keeps his magicka within the walls of that building no one would have cause to complain.”

“Hmm,” Lilisfina mused. “After having visited him in his rooms, I’d say he doesn’t practice necromancy.”

“You sound certain,” Free-Winter remarked dubiously.

“If she can’t smell it, it’s not there,” Sten volunteered. He was both encouraged and relieved to see her nod in agreement. So it’s not a problem for me to speak of her abilities to detect necromancy.

“Smell?” Free-Winter cast his gaze skyward. “Ah, yes, Silverblade did say something about that. Does this little house still smell of necromancy to you?”

“Apparently Corrium is the source of that particular magicka, and with him gone, the house just smells like any other abandoned place. A good airing, cleaning and some repairs should set it right.” Lilisfina grinned at Free-Winter. “Perhaps a suggestion to our wise mage that there are a few Dunmer here who are skilled in those areas?”

Free-Winter chuckled. “You think like a good Thane, lass,” he remarked. “I actually look forward to a few more conversations with Wuunferth in the near future. He seems a man of wisdom and good humor.”

“So he does,” Sten agreed. “Once you get past his reputation, that is.”

“That reputation is something he cultivated himself, it seems to me,” Lilisfina murmured. “Another way to avoid being bothered while researching or experimenting.” She laughed softly to herself. “Wonder if that reputation will hold up once he moves his workshop out here.”

“Well, it’s a nice little corner, up against the city wall. No common walls with his immediate neighbors, which are Niranye,” he indicated a small house against the southern city wall with a side yard in the corner between it and Corrium’s house, “and myself.”

“Sounds like a better space for magicka practice than the rooms next door to the Jarl’s bedroom,” Sten remarked idly. “I’m sure he’ll be glad to experiment in peace.”

“Well, thank you for the conversation, Thane,” Lilisfina stepped back into the street. “I will wait for the Shatter-Shield messenger regarding my shipment, and look forward to seeing that little house being put to better use.”

“And thank you for the background regarding Dame Elda,” Sten added. “It does explain much about her.”

“She is actually a very kind hearted woman,” Free-Winter laid a hand over his heart. “But life has not been very kind to her.”

“As it happens all too often,” Lilisfina agreed before they turned away. Icicle darted ahead of them and sauntered nonchalantly toward the central Plaza, her tail curving lazily in the air.

“What next?” Sten asked Lilisfina as they passed the tall city gates. “Shall we look for more work?”

“Hmm,” Lilisfina mused. “It might be a good time to take stock of our finances,” she said finally. “See how things stand after the past week we’ve had.” She turned toward the inn. “Let’s get Star checked out by Helgird, then meet up in my room and count drakes. Then we can decide what our next steps will be.”

Sten regarded her thoughtfully. Is she considering renegotiating our contract?

[SubRosa]

Ah, so it was the story of another woman with Elda. Just with more layers, and more tragedy. Given the circumstances, I don't see that glacier ever thawing. If they want to see to Sofie's care, I think they will have to look elsewhere.

Speaking of which, it seems getting her adopted is the ticket. Too bad January or Blood Raven are not around. They always adopt Sofie in their games.

So Lil has some stuff coming on a ship? Now that is interesting. I wonder what that might be? A long, heavy crate perhaps? Addressed to Mr. Barlow & Straker? (That is what I get for being in the middle of watching the original Salems Lot from the 70s...)

Back to Sofie, I wonder if in spite of her Winterhold aspirations, Lil might be buying up Calixto's old place. Or Hjerim? Well, it looks like the court mage already has dibs on Casa Calixto.

[Acadian]

An enlightening conversation with Thane Free-Winter, who reveals the ‘rest of the story’ regarding Edna’s dislike for Sophie. But what can be done? I’d like to think that with more exposure, Sophie would worm her way into Edna’s heart. The chance of Silda owning property in Windhelm to become a citizen seems rather remote.

The conversation with Wuunferth reminded me that Lili’s magical journey to the College of Winterhold seems ever more distant. There is a great deal drawing Lili to remain in Windhelm, and the court mage seems a reasonable alternate resource to discuss and refine magicks perhaps.

What’s next, Boss, indeed! Looks like Lili and Sten are going to count their gold and discuss their plans.


Nit? “You’ve known her a while, right?” Lilisfina took a deep breath. At Free-Winter’s nod, she took a deep breath. “Is there bad blood between her and Sofie Larinsdottir?”
Did you mean for Lili to double up on her deep breathing?

[Grits]

Good thinking to get some allies in keeping Sofie out of the Riften workhouse.

Ah, and now we get the story on Elda. Worse than having her own romantic hopes dashed, she lost her daughter as a result of disappointment in love. In Sofie she may bitterly see the granddaughter she never had without realizing that there stands a granddaughter that she could have. Maybe young Sofie will help Elda finally soften her heart.

And also there’s the story on Nils. So, Nils needs someone to help him manage the inn, Silda needs real estate and an income, Sofie needs an official guardian, at least one house stands empty, and I’m guessing Elda would like to retire. Plenty of pieces on the board. I’m looking forward to seeing what Lili does with them.

Oh! I almost forgot. Who gets to keep the dog? I know better than to think someone could think they owned the cats!

Double oh!! I’m sure I’m not the only one asking, “What’s in the box?” (Brad Pitt voice)

[ghastley]

OK, here's my theory. Star buys a house and adopts Sofie!

And for a twist, it's the Aretino Residence.

[Kane]

Oh, Lil definitely has her eye on Hjerim now. It'll be interesting to see if she has the capital for it!

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: I agree with you - Sofie always gets adopted in my games, too, along with Lucie from Whiterun! I wanted to show Skyrim as a land of harsh beauty and grief, beginning with Kyne's over the loss of her spouse Shor. I was actually thinking of Nosferatu when I wrote that bit about the shipment Lili is expecting! And yes, I have spent time thinking about what happens to these abandoned homes - including Casa Aretino . . .

@Acadian: Perhaps Silda will be happy working at Candlehearth, and Elda will come to consider her part of her family. It will be harder with Sofie, though - too much associated grief there. We'll see what happens with that little rascal.I quite agree that Lili will consider pausing to learn about more magic from Wuunferth - it seems she has brought out the best in that grouch. Or maybe it's her association with Icicle? Thanks for catching that nit!

@Grits: Allies indeed! Whether they all work to keep the tyke safe in Windhelm or not remains to be seen. In considering the bad blood between Elda and Larin, it occured to me that Elda is old enough to be Sofie's grandmother, not her mother. Which meant I had to introduce a new family member for Elda - hence Eldrid. And Nils is a sweetie, but it strikes me that he is rather quick to trust strangers, which causes Elda no end of worry. And I'm thinking more of Robert De Niro or Jean Reno's "What's in the case?" from the movie Ronin.

@ghastley: Great theory! Wouldn't it be cool if Star could become a Thane of Windhelm too? Calder can look after him and carry his food and water dishes then!

@Kane: Not sure if Lili has her eye on a home in Windhelm - she's still too focused on the need to move on. Though that could change ...

Now we make sure Star is free of vampirism, and they run into another acquaintance again.

*********************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - Walking Forward with Remembrance

Helgird announced Star clear of any sign of Sanguinare Vampiris. The Husky licked her fingers at the sound of her voice, his tail waving gently over his back. “Yes, you are a very good boy,” she said as she cupped his jowls in her fingers and rubbed her thumbs beneath his eyes. He closed his eyes and sighed in pleasure.

Stenvar chuckled at the dog’s enjoyment of the priest’s caress. “Yes, Helgird, he is a very good dog.” He sent an amused glance at Lili

“Let’s stop and visit Susanna a moment,” Lili suggested. “I’d like to see if she is at rest now that she is made whole again.”

Stenvar nodded after a swallow. “It would be good to spend a few minutes of peace with her.”

Star left their side as they worked their way through the corridors to Susanna’s resting place. Briefly Lili wondered what the Husky was up to. Where did he go? We’ll see in a while, no doubt. Soon they reached the niche where Susanna lay. Together Lili and Stenvar stood in silence beside the wrapped remains of the Candlehearth server. Lili noted the snowberries, still fresh from the day before, where she had placed them. Beside them rested a sprig of juniper and a knitted wool scarf. So Elda and Nils have been here, too. Lili inhaled slowly at the sudden thought that others missed the warm-hearted Nord who had bought life and laughter to the inn. Will we see more offerings of remembrance over the next few days?

After a few moments Lili took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. She turned to look up at Stenvar. Ready to go?

“Ready when you are,” he answered her unspoken question. “Wonder where Star went?”

“I have an idea,” Lili turned away from Susanna’s niche and surveyed the corridors briefly. “This way,” she took the lead.

Stenvar followed Lili as she led them through the crypts to where Star sat beside Nilsine beside her twin sister’s niche. There the remembrance offerings were richer, gleaming in silver and bright woven colors of patterned woolens. A cloak of golden fox pelts covered the wrapped body within.

Star glanced over his shoulder at them as Lili and Stenvar approached, then nudged Nilsine’s hand gently. She rubbed his nose with her knuckles, then glanced in the direction of his gaze. “Oh, I knew you were here to see Susanna when Star came to me,” she said softly. “I was hoping to have a chance to speak with you both.” She paused and regarded them warily. “How are you today?”

“As well as can be expected,” Lili responded. “I felt like Susanna and I would be good friends, so losing her like this was - hard.”

Nilsine nodded somberly. Her eyes shifted to Stenvar. He cleared his throat. “You may know that we were - very close - when I first came to Windhelm. Like Boss said, it is very hard to lose her like this.”

Nilsine gave a tiny smile in response. She turned back to Lili. “I remember you saying one deals with grief one step at a time. I understand what that means better now. It’s still hard, but now I find myself able to think of other things, to speak of other things.”

“That’s good to hear,” Lilisfina agreed. “And your mother, is she starting to take her steps through her grief?”

“My father gave her that ancient Arkay amulet, told us you had it re-blessed by Helgird. My mother is very touched by your thoughtfulness, and this morning she did not go to the Temple of Talos.” Nilsine’s sad smile appeared again. “She spoke to us about breakfast, too. She hadn’t spoken a word to us since Friga passed away.” She turned back to her twin sister’s body. “I came to see Friga today because I need to make a few decisions.”

“Is there anything we can do to help you, Nilsine?” Lili asked softly. Nilsine nodded emphatically.

“Let’s leave this place and take a walk,” she added. “I feel like some fresh air.”

Yes, the air in here is a bit musty, Lili agreed silently. Star sprang to his feet and sidled his body against Nilsine’s skirts before leading them out of the Hall of the Dead.

“Yes, the air is fresher out here,” Lili’s breath appeared in a slowly drifting cloud. “But it’s still cold!” She wrapped the bear cloak around her more closely. Nilsine’s soft laugh echoed Stenvar’s chuckle at her recurring complaint. Good, I’m getting them to laugh a bit.

Icicle joined Star and led them out of the graveyard. When they reached the street that led to the marketplace to the south and the Stone Quarter to the north, the two animals paused and waited for the others to catch up. Nilsine turned toward the Stone Quarter and her family home.

“My father and I had a long talk last night,” Nilsine remarked softly as they passed the Shatter-Shield clan house. “Since I’m the eldest, he always expected me to take over the family business. It’s time for me to start learning the shipping business, and understand how the docks work. He also asked me to decide what to do about Hjerim.”

“Is that what you were discussing with Friga just now?” Lili asked gently.

Nilsine nodded. “Yes, I wanted to feel if her spirit wanted me to live there now that she’s gone.”

“What about yourself?” Lili asked. “Do you want to live there?”

“And be constantly reminded of how she died?” Nilsine shook her head. “I’m not sure I can live with her fetch constantly appearing in the corner of my eye in there.”

“And how can we help you with that?” Lili asked.

“I’m told you could sense necromantic magic in that place,” Nilsine responded. “I was wondering if you could tell me if it is still - cursed?”

“Cursed?” Lili repeated. I’m not sure my magicka abilities stretch that far. “I suspect Wuunferth is better at such use of magick than I am, but I can tell you if the necromantic aura is still present.”

“That would be incredibly helpful, thank you,” Nilsine paused and turned her gaze to the small stone building at the west side of the street. Lili realized they now stood outside Hjerim. She could sense Stenvar’s tension at the memory of what they had found in there.

Icicle strolled up the short walk to the front door, her tail straight up in the air and tip lazily curving from side to side. Star followed, sniffing with gently waving tail. Well, that’s encouraging.

“According to these two,” Lili gestured toward the dog and cat as she followed them up the walk, “the house is now neutral. Let’s go inside, shall we?”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll wait out here,” Nilsine responded. “Do you still have the key from the other day, Stenvar?”

“I do, yes,” Stenvar reached into his belt pouch and dug out the iron key. “With your permission, ma’am?”

“You have it,” Nilsine responded with a sad smile. “I’ll stay out here while you check inside.”

“Let’s leave the door open for light and fresh air,” Lili suggested as Stenvar unlocked the door and swung it open. Star paused briefly on the threshold, but Icicle strolled right in as if the house belonged to her. Lili stepped through and glanced back at Nilsine. “And you can hear what we have to say about this house as we go through it. Sound good?”

“Y- yes,” Nilsine stammered slightly as she peered in from beyond Stenvar’s bulk. She remained out on the front stoop as they walked through the large front room. Star explored the space, leading with his nose and sneezing at frequent intervals. Icicle moved to the large fireplace on the south wall and seated herself before it with an imperious miaow.

“We’re not building a fire here,” Stenvar told her. “The Nines only know what condition the chimney’s in after being empty all these months.” Lili chuckled to herself as she paused beside the wardrobe that hid the secret chamber.

“So far it feels like a lonely, abandoned house,” Lili pitched her words toward Nilsine. “I’m going into the secret room that Corrium put in. That’s the source of all the bad vapors.”The silence that followed prompted Lili to glance back and see Nilsine’s hands twist around themselves in anxiety and agitation.

“I’m not as sensitive as Boss here,” Stenvar assured the Nord woman, “but this house already feels a lot less - “ he paused as he searched for the right word, “ - foreboding as it did when we were last here.” He’s sensitive in his own way, and knows the way to say things to put folks at ease. Must come from looking like a brute and trying to get folk to trust him.

As Lili stepped into the abattoir, the magelight she cast showed only dark stains on the walls and floor, and the worn stone table near the back wall. The smell of rotting flesh and offal was so faint, she wondered if it was merely her memory of their prior visit. “Well,” Lili said as she turned in the middle of the room, breathing deeply. She felt none of the discomfort she had experienced during their previous examination. “There’s no trace of necromantic magick left in this house.” She stepped back out of the room and smiled up at Stenvar as she passed him.

“Really?” Lili noticed that Nilsine now stood just within the front doorway. Her hands still clasped and twisted around each other.

“Really,” Lili assured her. “Helgird was right, once the last remains were removed, the house became peaceful. It’s no longer haunted. All it needs is to take these partitions down, remove that stone table inside, and a good deep cleaning from top to bottom, both by hand and by magick, to make it a cozy home to live in once again.”

“I’m glad you think so, Lilisfina,” Nilsine responded, her hands growing still. She reached into her belt purse and drew out the twin to the key Stenvar held. “I’d like for you to have this house.”

What?

[Grits]

Whoop! Even though I hoped that Lili would end up owning Hjerim, that was a nice surprise!

“I’m not sure I can live with her fetch constantly appearing in the corner of my eye in there.”

I confess I’m not sure what fetch means here, though I can guess it means something unpleasant. Her ghost? Body parts?

This turned out to be a pleasant day in Windhelm. Good that folks are coming to terms with their losses and learning how they fit in their changed lives.

Icicle approves of her new ownership of Hjerim. Now would Lili please light the fire?

[SubRosa]

I relistened to the HPPodcraft podcast recently, which went over HP Lovecraft's works in the order that they were written. One thing he noted is that while Lovecraft had a personal love for cats (which he states so many times in his letters), dogs are the heroes of the Mythos tales. It is always dogs that recognize the threat of Mythos creatures first, and never hesitate to attack. For example,

Star fits right in with those canine heroes.

I hope that Star does not make off with a bone while he is down in the crypt!

We are back to Hjerim, and I found a video clip of what Lil found there concerning necromancy...

Well I guess Lil won't need to buy Hjerim! That was kind of Nilsine, though it certainly can be said that Lil and company all worked hard for it. It looks like it will take a little longer for Lil to get to Winterhold.

[Acadian]

No surprise that Star’s first actions after receiving a clean bill of health is to offer comfort to the grieving Nilsine.

So let’s go check out Hjerim for any foul residual mojo.

’He’s sensitive in his own way, and knows the way to say things to put folks at ease. Must come from looking like a brute and trying to get folk to trust him.’
- - This quite struck me. Like Buffy, I imagine Lili is extremely familiar with the other side of this coin – looking like a child in size and trying to get folk to take her seriously. To understand how it might feel to be Stenvar, and possess a rather intimidating presence, is very astute indeed!

‘Abattoir’. Despite spending several years of my youth living in Paris and being rather comfortable with the language of the French, this was a new word for me. Much better choice for your story, I think, than ‘slaughterhouse’.

Well, that was a surprise! Lili is now a landowner. I’m already thinking about the adoption implications. . . . As SubRosa points out, Winterhold seems relegated to the back burner once again.


Nit? ’Lili inhaled slowly at the sudden thought that others missed the warm-hearted Nord who had bought {brought?} life and laughter to the inn.’

[ghastley]

OK, but Star can still get the Aretino Residence, right?

[Kane]

Gifted a house! If only we could all be so fortunate in life. But in this instance, it's certainly well-earned.

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: It seemed appropriate to me that Nilsine would want to give her sister's house to Lili - who else would cleanse that home of its curse and restore it to a home? And as Lili has already proven herself a friend of the family of sorts, it made sense to Nilsine to think of Lili first. "Fetch" in this context is another term for ghost or spirit, that is how I intended it.

@SubRosa: Of course, dogs are seen more as heroes, but my money's on the cats - perfect for rogue/sneak types who want to get things done without being seen or noticed. And yes, Winterhold's been put on hold - for now.

@Acadian: Yup, Star has already made himself the chief comforter to Nilsine. And yes, I wanted to remind folks that Stenvar is rather brutish looking in appearance, but that's never put off Lili. If you remember, in the first episode, Susanna told Lili that he has a heart of gold. And yes, Sten's smart enough to recognize this tendency in others and make an effort to be less intimidating when the situation calls for it.

@ghastley: I would rather see Soot own the Aretino house - it's full of rats!

@Kane: Not sure if this house is quite the gift it seems to be, as we will see . . .

Nilsine has surprised our intrepid team with the offer to turn Hjerim over to them. The coziest house in the best neighborhood! But Lili has ideas of her own . . .

*******************************************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - A Home of Our Own

That was unexpected. Nilsine asked Boss to check her sister’s house for any remaining trace of evil. When Boss said nothing was left, and all it needed was a good cleaning and removal of the partitions and table added by Corrium to make it homey again, Nilsine said she wanted Boss to have it for her own.

Sten and Lilisfina stared at Nilsine in stunned silence. After several breaths Nilsine stepped forward and took Lilisfina’s hand in her own, set the key in her palm, and folded her fingers firmly over it. “It’s yours,” she said firmly. “I can’t think of anyone I’d want living here more than you, after what you’ve done for my family.”

Lilisfina took a deep breath and looked down at their hands. “All I did was find the man who murdered our friend, who also happened to murder your twin sister and turn your home into a charnel house.” She shook her head. “And I didn’t do it alone - Stennvar helped, and Watch Leader Silverblade, and Helgird . . . “

“But you were the one who tied all these clues together and made it possible for four families, and I’m counting Elda and Nils at Candlehearth, to have closure after such devastating loss.” Nilsine released Lili and stepped back. “You’ve bought an easing of our grief, not just with identifying the man who killed my sister, but also with the help you’ve given my parents.”

“Does your father know you intended to do this?” Sten asked gently. “He may object to this."

“You are aware that owning property in Windhelm comes with paying annual taxes,” Nilsine countered with a smile. “I would argue this would reduce the tax burden for our family.” She turned back to Lili. “I do know that being the smallest house here, this place does not even require a small fortune to maintain and to meet the taxes to the Jarl. I’m sure you will it find less costly to live here than to continue living at Candlehearth.”

Lilisfina chuckled as if at a sudden thought. “How would Jarl Stormcloak feel about a Bosmer paying property tax to him?”

“Drakes are drakes,” Nilsine winked. “After all, we have a certain High Elf who pays not only property tax on her residence, but also business tax on her stall in the market!”

Lilisfina turned the key in her fingers. Sten held his breath as he watched her. Once again Icicle broke the silence with a demanding miaow. She still waited beside the dark fireplace, her green eyes sparkling with feline indignation in the dim interior. Star sat beside her, his gaze shifting between Lilisfina and Sten.

I know what that cat is thinking, but what is Star trying to tell us? Sten met Lilisfina’s gaze. “If you want this house, Boss,” he said finally, “I’ll help you clean it up.”

Lilisfina chuckled to herself. She turned back to Nilsine. “I won’t just accept this house from you. I’ll purchase it, however.”

“I don’t want drakes for it . . .” Nilsine held up her hands in protest.

“There is the matter of an outstanding fine for trespass,” Lilisfina’s voice was surprisingly firm. “In the amount of - ah - five thousand drakes, I believe?”

“That’s moot,” Nilsine responded. “Considering the offender was executed for worse crimes than trespass.” She shook her head. “I suspect the Jarl added that fine because he could, not that he expected it to be paid.”

“I’ll pay you five thousand drakes for the fine, and we’ll call it even, then.” Lilisfina’s tone brooked no argument. Wisely Nilsine nodded acquiescence. “Good, I am expecting a shipment any day now, once I have it, I’ll be able to pay you the fine. How do we make this happen?”

“I bring the deed, and you bring the drakes, to Jorleif the Steward in the Palace,” Nilsine responded. “He’ll draw up the bill of sale, witness the transaction and transfer of the deed to your name, then add you to the tax rolls. He’ll also tell you when and how much to pay the tax on the house.” She smiled again. “Not to worry, the house is paid up through the end of the year.” Her gaze sharpened on Lilisfina. “When do you expect that shipment?”

“I was told that it was unloaded last night by your father’s Saxhleel,” Lilisfina responded.

“I see,” Nilsine nodded, her gaze on the beams overhead. Sten noted the cobwebs in the shadows overhead with some dismay. “I’ll head there with my father right now, and I’ll see to it that you get your shipment as quickly as possible.” She turned for the door, then paused. “I’m not sure how quickly I can get the Argonians to cooperate with me, but I’ll do my best.”

“Will you be taking over their management?” Lilisfina asked. Sten inhaled slowly as he recalled a previous conversation on the docks.

“Yes, sooner or later,” Nilsine responded. “Father wants to retire as soon as he feels I know the business.”

“Hmmm, are you aware that he pays the Argonians one tenth the pay a Nord makes for doing the same work?”

“What?” Nilsine exclaimed. “But they work two times harder than the Nords do!” Her gaze grew thoughtful. “At this point I can’t do anything about their pay, but how can I gain their trust?”

“First learn their names, and address them as such,” Lilisfina responded. “Don’t call them ‘scale-tail’ or ‘lizard’. Then I would look at improving their food, shelter and clothing situation,” Lilisfina responded. “They would prefer to stay by the water, since their skin dries out so quickly, that much I know. I’d suggest asking them how you can improve their living conditions.”

“That’s a good thought,” Nilsine mused to herself. She stepped out into the sunshine. “I’ll send you a message when your shipment is ready at the office.”

“Sounds good,” Lilisfina nodded. “Then we’ll make a time to meet with Steward Jorleif.”

“Look forward to it,” Nilsine gave them a wave, then set off down the street. Lilisfina and Sten exchanged glances.

“Are you comfortable chasing spiders from this house?” Lilisfina asked with an arched brow.

“As long as they are tiny and I can’t hear them clacking, I’ll manage,” Sten answered after a swallow of his dry throat.

“Remember, I have better hearing than you,” Lilisfina shook a finger at him. “I don’t hear them, though I see their webs high up in the beams.” She stretched one hand upward. “I can’t reach them. You’re the one with the height, so that job is yours.” Her green eyes, dark in the dimness, glimmered in mischief. “You can put that zwei-hander to good use in here.”

Sten grumbled to himself. “That’s a big blade for such tiny critters,” he remarked. Lilisfina laughed.

“You’re always saying a sword needs weight! If you wrap a rag around the tip of that long blade of yours you’ll catch more that way. Pull down the webs, too!” She walked around, but paused when Icicle miaowed yet again.

“We don’t yet officially own this house, Icicle,” she addressed the small cat. “Once we do, that will be the first order of business!” She shivered. “But no point in waiting around in a cold dark house. Let’s head back to the inn and count those drakes.” She chuckled again as she moved to the open doorway. “Let’s go, you two,” she addressed the two animal companions. “Stennvar, would you mind locking up?”

“My pleasure,” he moved to do so. Now that Boss has a house, do I stay at the Inn? I know she said I could live here, but I hate to leave while Elda and Nils are still finding their feet, but maybe Silda will provide what they need to keep the inn going. They’ve become like family! Of course, I may not be working for Boss once she leaves for Winterhold, or our month is up. Got to figure this out so I know what is happening.

Suddenly Sten felt a sense of loss. What is this? Why do I feel like this thinking about the end of my job with Boss? I really enjoy working for the Khajiit caravans, spending time with them. But Boss is different, somehow. How? He followed after Lilisfina, Star and Icicle silently as they wound their way through the city back to Candlehearth.

As they stepped through the lower door into the entry, Elda greeted them with a sour look on her face and arms crossed over her ample bosom. Uh oh, what happened?

“What is it, Dame Elda?” Lilisfina inquired as they made their way into the corridor leading past the rented rooms.

“That child is moving things around in your room!” Elda snapped. “When I asked what she was doing, she said she was cleaning! I keep that room spotless!”

“Let me talk to her,” Lilisfina laid one hand over her chest and bowed slightly. “Maybe she just needs something to keep busy.”

“I’ll get my bag out of my chest,” Sten addressed Lilisfina softly. “And meet you in your room in a few moments.” He moved past them toward the rear of the inn and the steps leading down into the cellar.

[Acadian]

I chuckled as Lili ruthlessly negotiated the price of the house from zero to five thousand drakes.

More teasing about that mysterious shipment. . . and a good excuse for her to tactfully offer Nilsine some sound advice on dealing with the Argonian dock crew.

Sten has been recruited for spider duty. Hopefully those little ones won’t give him any trouble like the big ones do. Poor zwei-hander – reduced to dusting for cobwebs.

’What is this? Why do I feel like this thinking about the end of my job with Boss? I really enjoy working for the Khajiit caravans, spending time with them. But Boss is different, somehow. How?’
- - For a smart guy, it’s fun to see Sten confused and clueless. I hope Lili doesn’t have to club him over the head to get him to see what is right in front of him.

Uh oh, Elda has still not thawed to Sophie it seems. More work to do there.