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

[Grits]

I’m glad Lilisfina found a way to accept Hjerim in good conscience.

Sten’s concern and confusion is completely understandable. I hope he and Lilisfina can soon clear things up for him.

Yikes, Elda is still being Elda. I’m sure Stenvar would like Sofie’s help cleaning up those spiders!

[SubRosa]

So Lil is going to look a gift guar in the mouth? Well not exactly. She is stubborn in insisting to pay for it. Well, unless she is swimming in coin. It sounds like whatever she has coming in is worth quite a bit of money. So I guess it is not a vampire after all, but something more exchangeable.

It is sad that "don't refer to them as slurs," actually has to be said. But the fact is, it does. And I know people who refuse to take that advice.

I do love the image of Sten chasing spiders with his greatsword!

I wonder how Boss could be different... Well, she does have less fur than the Khajiit caravaneers. Yeah, that must be it.

And I see Elda is being difficult where Sofie is concerned, as ever.

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: Heh heh, Lili sure spent a small fortune on that house! Though when I checked it in the UESP wiki, that house could be purchased for 8000 gold, so getting it for 5000 was a steal! Nah, I suspect Lili figured given the anti-Elven attitude in Windhelm, it would be better optics if she was seen having purchased the house with real coin, rather than as a favor in return for a favor. And yes, Lili will smack Sten over the head before much longer - if I ever get the next few posts written, that is.

@Grits: Glad to see you echo Acadian's observations, and I agree, Elda's a tough nut to crack when it comes to poor Sofie!

@SubRosa: Regarding how to speak to Argonians, I believe Lili thinks Nilsine would be more amenable to that sort of advice than her hide-bound father. Hopefully he will turn full control of the family business over to Nilsine so that she can start paying them their worth! At least Lili has done her job - she planted the seeds in the woman's mind. As for Sten chasing spiders with his zwei-hander, I have that planned for a few posts down the line!

And now we return to Candlehearth, and another conflict between Elda and her tiniest boarder . . .

*****************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - A Deep Clean

“What are you up to, Sofie?” Lili asked as she entered the room. A glance around showed furniture shoved to the center of the room, and a bucket with a mop near the doorway. Somewhere near the back wall a small head poked out from behind the wardrobe.

“I was cleaning behind the furniture!” the child exclaimed. “There were dust dragons and spiderwebs back here. And I don’t want to know what those stains were from.”

“Dame Elda is unhappy with you right now,” Lili sighed. “And I need to get into that wardrobe and get my bag.”

“Oh, I’m just about done,” Sofie gave a final swipe at the back of the wardrobe. “We can put everything back once the floor is dry.”

Lili stepped back into the hall to find Elda standing beside the room, disapproving look still on her face. “Do you have a towel I may borrow?” she asked. “It sounds like Sofie was only cleaning behind the furniture - something I believe is normally done once or twice a year?”

Elda huffed and whipped the towel from her shoulder. “Use this one. It’s still clean.”

“Thank you, Dame Elda,” Lili responded. “I think Sofie is only trying to help you. She knows you have a lot on your plate without Susanna.”

Elda’s face softened into momentary grief. “Well, it is time to do the deep cleaning anyway, so I will admit that’s one less room to concern myself with!” She spun on her heel and bustled away.

Lili returned to the room to see Sofie standing beside the mop and broom. She noticed the water in the bucket was quite dirty. “I’m sorry if I made Dame Elda upset,” Sofie said softly, her face downcast. “I’ll get this dumped out and return these to Nils.”

“Wait a moment,” Lili responded. She cast a small flame from a fingertip and waved the towel over it. The fabric gleamed briefly, then Lili floated it down to the floor. “You may as well finish up here, go ahead and wipe things down with this towel.”

“What did you do?” Sofie’s eyes were saucers in her amazed face.

“Just a little drying spell,” Lili answered. “It will pick up any moisture on the surface and leave it completely dry with just a wipe. Should go quickly for you, little busybee.”

“Really?” Sofie bent down and began wiping the floor. “It works!” She glanced back at Lili. “Can you teach me how to do that?”

“Maybe,” Lili responded. “But Stennvar will be here soon, and the sooner you are done with this the sooner he’ll help us shift everything back into place.”

By the time Stenvar arrived to take in the chaos in Lili’s room, Sofie had completed her circuit around the perimeter with the enchanted towel. “Just in time, Stennvar,” Lili greeted him. “Sofie made quite the mess, and we can use your help to put everything back.”

Stenvar let out a low whistle. “Did you move all this by yourself, Sofie?” he asked wonderingly.

“Nils helped with the wardrobe and the bed,” Sofie indicated the two largest furnishings in the room. “But I moved everything else all by myself!”

“And now the child’s finished,” Lili turned to Stenvar. “So I’m sure if we both help her, we’ll have the room restored to rights in no time at all.”

“Of course!” Stenvar worked his way to the largest furnishing in the room, the wardrobe. “Move this first?”

“Yes, please!” Lili moved to help him, but the big sellsword made easy work of the heavy cabinet. “Perfect, thank you,” she said. “Now the bed, please.” As he moved to slide it back into its corner, Lili and Sofie worked together to push the small dresser against the wall opposite the foot of the bed.

In short order the nightstand was back in place, the rug unrolled in the center of the floor, the trunk back at the foot of the bed and the table and chairs in place. Sofie clapped her hands with pleasure as they looked around the room. “Dame Elda should like this better now,” she exclaimed. “And she won’t have to worry about cleaning behind the furniture until spring!”

“As long as this mop and bucket go back where they belong in the next few minutes!” Elda’s voice reached them from the doorway, where she glared at the offending cleaning tools.

“Right away, Dame Elda!” Sofie dashed out to pick up the bucket and mop. She shook out the now dry towel and held it out to Elda in askance.

“May as well add it to the laundry pile,” Elda folded her arms across her bosom emphatically.

“I’ll get you a fresh one,” Sofie offered as she tossed the towel over one shoulder in an inadvertent imitation of the innkeeper. With a quick bob to the older woman, she started down the hall toward the kitchen and Nils.

“Child!” Elda called after the girl’s retreating form. “Good job with the room. Thank you.”

Lili traded glances with Stenvar. Could it be she is starting to win over Elda? Perhaps the woman would consider adopting Sofie? Elda caught their silent exchange and scoffed.

“Don’t think of leaving that child here permanently! I expect you to take her with you when you move out of Candlehearth, whenever that may be!”

There goes that idea. Lili lowered her gaze submissively as the innkeeper stalked off. She caught Stenvar’s slow grin and smiled to herself. “Shall we?” she motioned him to the chair at the table while she reached for the bag in the wardrobe. Stenvar set his pack on the floor and seated himself, Lili taking the spot on the bed.

“Let’s see how you did,” she remarked to him. “I’d like to know if you are happy working for me or if you miss working for the Khajiit caravans.”

“Both, actually,” Stenvar began counting out his drakes in stacks of ten. “I quite enjoyed the adventures we’ve been on together, but I will admit that I miss the company of the Khajiiti traders.”

“Having spent a few decades in Elsweyr,” Lili smiled at him as he completed his count, “I understand what you mean. I’ve missed my conversations with friends I’ve made there.” Especially Za’taba. He always found the humor in any situation, no matter how dark.

“Well, I have just over a thousand drakes saved, and that’s after sending half my earnings to my Ma,” Stenvar mused.

“You support your mother?” Lili realized she wasn’t surprised at his comment.

“She’s pretty much on her own with the farm since Da died,” Stenvar responded. “It’s one of the reasons I left home - one less mouth for her to feed, and an additional source of income for her. The farm never did make much of a profit, and some years were a loss.”

“Successful farming depends on so many factors,” Lili remarked as she counted out her own drakes. She set aside two hundred and pushed them across the table to Stenvar. “Most of which are beyond any one’s control.”

“That’s why Kyne is so important to us out in the rural areas,” Stenvar responded. “She sends the rain when we need it, and clear skies for the harvest. We pray to her for mild winters and fruitful summers.” He glanced down at the coins Lili had placed in front of him. “What’s this for?”

“One month’s pay,” Lili responded. “As we agreed last week. I figured now is a good time to square things up with you.” She watched Stenvar’s face fall and waited.

“Does this mean you’re terminating the contract now?”

“Not at all,” Lili shook her head. “I’m enjoying your company so much right now, and I’ve come to trust you in various situations. I’d like you to stay on as we originally agreed - until a month has passed, or until I arrive at Winterhold, which ever comes first.” She tipped her head at him. “I’m counting on you to not take off and leave me in the lurch.”

“Never!” Stenvar exclaimed, then he added the pay to his pile of coins. “It looks like I’m set for a while. I can even upgrade to a room here!”

“Why pay for a room here when you can just move into Hjerim when I take over the deed?” Lili leaned back and met his startled gaze. “You can have more than just a bedroll and a chest for your belongings there.”

“You mean be a carl for you?” Stenvar began to shake his head, but stopped when Lili stopped him with a hand on his wrist.

“No Stennvar, not a carl. You’re still a sellsword, you can still work for me. The terms don’t change, it’s just more convenient to have you in the same place as me, as we have had here.” She held his gaze for a couple of breaths. “Of course, if you prefer to stay here in Candlehearth that’s fine with me as well.”

“As much as I like the company here, it would be nice to have a little bit of privacy,” Stenvar mused. He met Lili’s gaze. “Once we get it cleaned and furnished, just show me where to stow my gear.”

“We’ll figure it out then,” Lili agreed.

“One more question,” Stenvar propped his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers. “Will you take Sofie with you to live there too?”

“Hmmm,” Lili mused. “It does occur to me that being a property owner makes me a citizen of Windhelm, and if it’s that simple, I would love to adopt her.” And maybe buy that bay mare that Stennvar likes so much. “But I won’t be living here much for the foreseeable future, and I don’t want Sofie to have to follow me all over Skyrim. I’m not even sure she would be welcome at the College!”

“I do see your dilemma,” Stenvar remarked. “A house can stand unattended for extended periods of time, as long as you have someone you trust to pop in and remove spiders and light the fireplace for Icicle from time to time. But a child is different.”

[Grits]

It’s true, deep cleaning makes a horrendous mess. Best to avoid it.

I used to work for a cattle farmer. He said if he ever won the lottery, he’d farm until the money was gone. Good for Stenvar, helping to support his Ma!

Nice to see Lili, Stenvar, Icicle, and maybe Star get their domestic arrangements settled. I’m curious how they will resolve Sofie’s, but confident that Lili will not let her sleep out in the snow again.

[Acadian]

Sophie’s ambitious and trying hard. Too bad Elda is stuck on bitter. At least she does manage to toss a welcome thank you to the child before reiterating that the child is not welcome to stay once Lili and Sten move on.

Lili’s drying spell is handy and helpful!

The dance between Lili and Sten continues. Neither commits to their feelings for each other. . . yet, both of them somehow manage to ensure they remain together, citing ‘logical’ or ‘practical’ considerations.

Lili’s pile of reasons to stay in Windhelm does seem to keep growing. . . .

[SubRosa]

Dust Dragons? I will take them over the other kind.

"Dame Elda is unhappy with you right now,”
Lil forgets that this statement applies every moment of every day...

Some dry cloth magic would be a handy thing after getting out of the tub.

So Sten is definitely not a housecarl. Just a live in mercenary. For now.

And Sophie's situation is still nebulous. As is Lil's long-term plans for Hjerim. It seems a lot of things are still up in the air for Lilstenphie.

[Kane]

Whenever I see Lil mention Winterhold, I can't help but think "what will happen in Windhelm next to keep her there". I'm curious to see what she figures out for Sofie - the young one is definitely to young to live in Hjerim alone.

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: I'm with you - I hate housecleaning! Hate it with a passion unmatched by anything else except lawn mowing . . . Sending half his earnings home to his Ma is such an innate part of what makes Sten Sten. It would be a shame to not remind our readers of this from time to time - Sten is more than just a dumb Nord. He's a Cat Daddy too! And yes, Lili is slowly working toward a resolution for our Windhelm friends. Silda now has a home, and Icicle will, too. As for Star, home is wherever Lili (and Sten) are - whether it's in a snug manor in Windhelm, a bedroll in Candlehearth, or a spider/draugr/vampire infested cave . . .

@Acadian: There is a slight thaw in Dame Elda's regard for Sofie - she can't deny that the little girl does know how to clean! Whether or not the thaw continues remains to be seen. And Lili learned that drying spell from Buffy, it seems! And yes, Lili and Sten both want to stay together, but neither wants to assume too much of the other. Hmmm, someone is going to have to hit both of them over the head soon! Maybe Dame Elda with her ever-present bar towel?

@SubRosa: Dust Dragons are much easier to defeat, I agree! Though they respawn faster than their deadly counterparts! And yes, Sten is going to be a live in mercenary - for now! I think Lili's plans will begin to coalesce in the next few days, we are still wrapping up Sundas a seven day after her arrival in Windhelm!

@Kane: There's always something to keep Lili in Windhelm just a little while longer! And yes, I agree our ten year old hero is too young to live alone in an empty house.

After soothing Dame Elda's upset ego and helping Sofie finish up her cleaning adventure, our intrepid couple finally sit down to assess the state of things. We find out that they are continuing their partnership as originally agreed. Also there is the question of that mysterious shipment awaiting final delivery from the docks.

*****************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - What’s in the Box?

Looks like Boss may be returning to Windhelm from time to time - she agreed to purchase the house from the Shatter-Shields. We are already planning how to clean the house, and she has suggested I move my gear there and stay there. Not as carl, mind you. I get the sense that she doesn’t agree with the status of carls here in Skyrim. In any case, she would like to adopt Sofie, but is concerned for those times she will be gone. That’s something I’m sure she’ll figure out soon.

Elda appeared in the doorway again, her face twisted in one of her disapproving scowls. “Oh no,” Lilisfina looked up as she closed the wardrobe door on her bag. “What has Sofie done now?”

“Oh, it’s not that little rascal,” Elda snapped. “I have one of those lizards in my entry! Won’t leave until you claim what is yours, apparently. I can’t make him go - he’s too big for me to push out the door.” She shuddered. “As if I wanted to touch his slimy scales!”

“Saxhleel aren’t slimy,” Lilisfina corrected. “Their skins are smooth and dry to the touch. He must have my shipment from Blacklight.” She moved toward Elda. “Can you show me where he is? Stennvar and I can meet him and take care of things quickly.”

“He’s at the front counter,” Elda made a shooing gesture toward the front of the inn, then turned for the kitchen with another scoff.

Sten caught Lilisfina’s smile as she headed in the opposite direction. “Come on, Stennvar,” she added. “I think I will need your brute strength for this job.” They recognized the Saxhleel waiting at the counter, a crate at his feet. “Hello, Neetrenaza,” Lilisfina greeted him.

“Greetingss, Bossmer friend,” the Argonian inclined his head with a pleased slant to his brow spines. “Dame Nilssine has assked me to bring thiss to you here.”

“My shipment?” Lilisfina glanced at the markings on the crate. “It looks good to me.” She turned to Sten. “Would you mind taking it to my room please, Stennvar?”

“Of course,” Sten reached down for the crate, but Neetrenaza stopped him with a gesture.

“It iss heavy,” the Saxhleel warned. “Let me help you lift it.” He crouched down beside the crate and tipped his head up at Sten. “Lift with the legss.”

Sten mimicked Neetrenaza’s crouch on the opposite side. Together they grasped the handles and lifted the crate off the floor. Sten could feel the weight within. “What do you have in this, Boss?”

“Ssmellss like coin,” Neetrenaza whispered to Sten over the top of the box. “Do you have it now, land sstrider?”

“Yes, I do, Neetrenaza,” Sten recalled Lilisfina’s advice to Nilsine and remembered to address the Saxhleel by name. “Thank you very much, friend.” He caught Lilisfina slip a hand into her belt purse and slide a few drakes to the Argonian.

“No need for thiss,” Neetrenaza shook his head, his spines displaying his appreciation at the Bosmer’s thoughtful gesture. “Dame Nilssine hass already paid me extra for thiss delivery.” He tipped his head toward the rear of the inn. “I’d besst be leaving, before your innkeeper getss her tail in more knotss.”

Sten stifled a chuckle as he turned for the rented room. Behind him he heard Lilisfina murmur her final thanks to the Saxhleel and close the door after him. She entered the room behind him, and directed him to place the crate on top of the bed.

“I'll answer your question, Stennvar,” Lilisfina remarked as she drew the small knife she kept for cutting herbs and inserted the blade beneath the top of the crate and lifted the lid to reveal a large leather case filling the interior. “First, please help me lift this out.”

Sten noted the rope handles on each end, folded against the top. He took them in his hands, and recalling Neetrenaza’s advice, used his knees to lift it out. The weight was more than he expected, yet less than what he had felt when picking up the crate. At Lilisfina’s signal, he placed it on the bed beside the crate.

Lilisfina reached inside the crate and pulled out five coin pouches. When Sten peered back into the crate, he could see the bottom covered by neat rows of more coin pouches. “Part of the reason it has taken me so long to come this far is I’ve been trying to save up enough to pay for tuition at Winterhold,” Lilisfina explained. “It got to the point where I found it easier to leave it with a trusted shopkeeper while I worked jobs in the area. Whenever I moved on to a new place, I would have this shipped after me.”

“That looks like quite a lot of silver,” Sten remarked. “Enough to buy the house from the Shatter-shields? And I've never heard of the College charging tuition,” he mused. Lilisfina glanced up at him.

“Perhaps not,” she admitted with a shrug, “but one still has to eat and wear clothing, especially warm ones!” She shook her head. “To be honest, if I’m spending all my time studying, I won’t have time to earn my keep!”

Sten eyed the leather case curiously. It was almost as deep as the crate, and heavier than the coin that remained in the bottom. “What’s in the case, may I ask?”

Lilisfina’s face grew somber. “My family, and our graht-oak. Rather, their ashes, after the Thalmor got through with them.” She slid a hand across the top of the case. “I’ve been trying to find an appropriate resting place for them, where I can return them to Y’ffre.” She sighed. “I thought of asking the Hist in Black Marsh, but the Hist could not connect to Y’ffre. But I heard whispers of a tree sacred to Kynareth, which I believe the Nords call Kyne. Since Kyne and Y’ffre share certain characteristics, I thought I would see if I could find the tree.”

“The Gildergreen?” Sten inhaled sharply. “That’s in Whiterun. Perhaps we can hire a carriage and take your family there?” He gestured at the case, then at the wooden crate. “Would you like me to put it back, boss?”

“Please,” Lilisfina smiled sadly. “But for now, let’s worry about Hjerim.”

“And you may as well figure out who’s going to be looking after the place while you are studying spells in Winterhold,” Sten carefully slid the heavy case back within the crate. He watched as Lilisfina tapped the sealing spikes of the lid back down. He could sense a faint tingle of magick as she activated a sealing spell on the crate. You’ll need a carl of some sort. Someone who’s not uncomfortable with magic.

“One thing at a time, Stennvar!” Lilisfina chuckled as she slipped the coin bags into the backpack and handed it to Sten. “Would you mind carrying this for me? No one would think to try and steal that off of you!”

Sten shrugged the straps over his shoulders and flexed his biceps. “Let them try,” he jutted his chin defiantly. “Are we meeting Nilsine now?”

“I asked Neetrenaza to request Nilsine meet us at the Steward’s office in the Palace,” Lilisfina rose to her feet and brushed her hands on her tunic. She flexed her fingers briefly.

“Your hands hurt?” Sten asked as he held the door open for her.

“They tingle, from that magic,” she responded. “Alteration spells always make my nerves twitch.”

“Not the flame spell or the healing spell you used?” Sten was curious in spite of his innate aversion to magic.

“No, destruction and healing spells make my fingers feel warm.” Lilisfina slipped past Sten out into the hall and headed for the exit. “Let’s not keep Nilsine waiting,” she glanced back over her shoulder at him. Sten was pleased to see the grief absent from her gaze.

“Let’s not!” he exclaimed. “Where are Star and Icicle?” He looked around at the sudden realization at their absence.

“In the kitchen, I imagine,” Lilisfina responded with a smile.

As he stepped out into the hall, Sten whistled sharply. A yip sounded from the kitchen, and Star streaked toward them, tongue and tail wagging happily. Icicle followed in his wake in a more sedate manner.

“Icicle seems a bit put out that we forgot about her,” Lilisfina whispered to Sten. “Don’t worry, Icicle,” she addressed the cat, “we’ll make sure to get that fire lit first chance we get!”

“What are the chances they were begging for something to eat from Nils?” Sten muttered as he followed after Lilisfina down the hall. She laughed.

“What better way to pass the time when we are preoccupied with less important matters?”

[Acadian]

Elda continues to acquit herself poorly with her attitude about having one of those lizards in her entry.

The mystery of the shipment is solved! I hope the Gilderglean is able to help with the remains of Lili’s tree and family.

Neat how differing types of magicka affect Lili’s hands differently.

So, the shell of a plan for Sophie is beginning to take shape. Adopt her but also acquire some sort of housekeeper/nanny first to cover Lili's absences. Silda comes to mind but we shall see.

[Kane]

Ooh, I do like that touch of magic having a different feeling based on the type used. Adds a little welcome depth to something that is somethings glossed over in the series lore.

[Grits]

Oh my. Elda’s attitude could sour milk.

I quite enjoyed Neetrenaza’s Saxhleel speech and mannerisms. And I had to copy/paste his name.

Yikes, Lili faces the problem of saving up a metal currency while hiding from the Thalmor, so she can’t use a bank. Gems and jewelry would weigh less but could attract attention when she tried to spend them.

I hope Lili, Sten, and Star can find a resting place for Lili’s family. Yay for an eventual Whiterun visit, I always come back to Whiterun as my favorite Skyrim town.

[SubRosa]

Oh no, its one of those people at the door. You know, the kind who are not really people... Elda really grows on you, like a wart.

Nice reply by Lil, pointing out the reality behind serpentine skin.

So it's that coffin from home filled with dirt. Nothing to see here...

I always loved the term "land strider" that Argonians use for dry skins.

So not just money, but the remains of her people. Now that is a heavy burden to carry. Somehow I suspect that the GIldergreen won't be the tree she needs. But the Evergleam might just do the trick.

I liked Lil's little idiosyncrasies when it comes to using magic, and which types suit her, and which do not.

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: I felt it was time to introduce another reason for Lili's presence in Skyrim - the mysterious box. It had to hold more than just coin - and be something very meaningful to Lili that she wouldn't leave it behind as she moved from province to province. As we will see eventually, it will provide a major hindrance to her ability to move onto Winterhold and the College. As for Sofie, we will see how she solves a more immediate problem!

@Kane: I felt that different schools of magicka should feel different to one as sensitive to it as Lili. In my mind, it would also explain why different mages are more attuned to different schools of Magick. Here was a great opportunity to introduce that idea to a non-mage such as Sten.

@Grits: Dame Elda is actually quite fun to write - normally I detest bigoted characters but in her I feel like much of it is coming from stress of managing the inn by herself and trying to get by with just Nils and formerly Susanna, but now Silda. She doesn't deal well with change, and I suspect she will become a nicer person if she ever takes Thane Free-Winter up on his offer of a cabin in the Rift. And I'm with you, I love Whiterun!

@SubRosa: Yes, Dame Elda really is a wart you become fond of! And another Saxhleel term I love is "dryskin" - it really plays up the need for Argonians for a consistent source of moisture. And yes, you are correct in seeing a visit to a certain Sanctuary in Lili and Sten's future. . . .

The story so far: Lili has agreed to purchase Hjerim from the Shatter-Shields, and has finally received the shipment from Blacklight she has been waiting for. It turns out to contain not only her hard-earned coin collected over the past fifty years but also the remains of her family and graht-oak gathered after the conflagration. Now it's off to see Steward Jorleif to make the sale official!

**************************
Sundas 24 Last Seed - Paperwork

“Hello!” Nilsine’s voice reached Lili and Stenvar as they moved through the Palace courtyard toward the large doors. “Glad I caught you,” the Shatter-Shield scion continued as she reached them. Star pranced joyfully toward her and brushed his body against her skirts. She glanced down briefly to return his greeting with a touch of her fingers on his pricked ears, then she turned her gaze back to Lili. “No need to go into the main hall,” she motioned toward the tall ornate doors. “We can reach Steward Jorleif’s office through here.” She pointed out the single small door set off in the northeastern corner of the courtyard.

Lili felt an inexplicable sense of relief at Nilsine’s words. At least I won’t have the Jarl’s eyes on me. Does he hate Bosmer as much as he does Altmer and Dunmer? Though he has not arrested me doesn’t mean he’s not watching for his chance. She sensed Stenvar move closer behind her as they followed Nilsine through the door into a corridor that ran back into the Palace. At intervals to the left open archways revealed glimpses of the main Hall.

The Steward’s office was a small room at the end of the long corridor. A closed door barred the way into the Hall near the Jarl’s seat. A small chandelier cast light upon neat sheaves of paper stacked upon shelves, several cabinets that looked to house even more papers, and a desk in the center of the room, with chairs around it. On the corner of the desk nearest Lili and Nilsine a tall vase held even taller quills, and a small pen knife rested beside it. A thin slab of slate on the surface of the desk provided a smooth writing surface for the Steward. Star sniffed at the small lantern that swung from a slender arm mounted on a sturdy post at the corner of the desk nearest Stenvar.

Jorleif turned from the cabinet behind the desk, a sheaf of papers in his right hand. His left held a heavy, polished crystal hemisphere above the pages as he peered through it at the writing beneath. “Good evening, Dame Shatter-Shield, Dame Lilisfina, and Stenvar Strongsword,” he greeted them all in his light tenor, his gaze remaining on the papers as he laid them down on top of the greenish gray slate. He glanced up toward the ceiling, and Lili recognized the darkening sky in the small windows in two walls just beneath the eaves. “I understand you have business to conclude?”

“It concerns my late sister’s house Hjerim,” Nilsine’s voice faltered only slightly over the mention of her sibling. “It passed to me with her - death, and now I wish to sell it.”

Jorleif’s pale blue gaze shifted from the tall Nord woman to Lili. “To whom, may I ask?”

“Lilisfina from Valenwood,” Nilsine gestured toward the Bosmer mage. “She is prepared to pay five thousand drakes for it.”

“Five thousand?” Jorleif repeated, his brows rising. He slid the crystal over the lines on the paper in front of him. Lili noted the lettering on the page seemed larger as the clear stone moved over them. “According to this bill of sale from four years ago, your father paid eight thousand drakes for it. It should be valued at least eight thousand five hundred today.”

“True,” Nilsine agreed. “However, value should also allow for the fact that it is the scene of a series of grisly crimes, and the fact that it has stood neglected since Friga died.” She nodded again at Lili. “Our Bosmer mage understands what it will take to restore the house to livable condition.”

“And there is the fine for trespass owed to the Shatter-Shields,” Lili added. “I do not feel it should go unpaid once they sell the house.”

“Ah, there is the conundrum,” Jorleif responded. “Wuunferth has also offered to pay the fine as well, in purchasing Corrium’s little house from the Jarl.” He regarded Lili for a few breaths. “The fine should not be the responsibility of anyone except Corrium, as the offending party.”

“Alas, he is no longer able to pay it,” Nilsine laid the paper in her own hand down on the desk. “Lilisfina insists upon paying us the fine before we sign the deed over to her.”

“And what of Wuunferth’s offer?” Jorleif raised his brows at Nilsine. “I can not let you collect twice on the same offense.”

“I care not for that ramshackle hovel,” Nilsine responded haughtily. “It never belonged to us, and I refuse to have it associated with our clan name. Let the funds go to the Jarl.”

“Or perhaps to Thane Free-Winter,” Lili suggested softly into the silence that grew between the two Nords. “Considering that Corrium lived in his quarter, and his actions have affected the people of that neighborhood.”

“Thane Free-Winter will not accept such silver,” Jorleif responded thoughtfully. “He always said a man should live within his own means.”

“Not necessarily for himself,” Lili responded. “He strikes me as a Thane who cares about the welfare of his people.”

“That is a good point,” a voice reached them from the doorway. Wuunferth stood in the open archway, his ice blue eyes glittering from the shadows cast across his lined face by his hood. “Personally, I don’t care who gets my silver, only that I get the use of that little house for my workshop.” He dropped a large coin pouch on the table in front of Jorleif. “Whether that goes to the Jarl or to the Thane of the Grey Quarter, I care not!” Then he chuckled. “Though the idea of my hard earned silver accumulated over the years as court mage to an ungrateful drunk going to help those he considers unworthy makes me positively giddy with glee!”

Jorleif cleared his throat in soft warning, then picked up the coin pouch. He peered in, then set it in one of the pans of a delicate balance scale. After he added a series of silver cubes to the opposite pan, he watched them settle level with each other. With a nod of satisfaction he removed the coin bag and set it aside. “Very well, I will give this to Thane Free-Winter.” He looked up at Nilsine and Lili. “And I will tell the Jarl that the Shatter-Shield clan is now satisfied by the payment of the fine. He won’t ask who paid the fine.”

“Let’s conclude this business quickly, then,” Jorleif drew two small stacks of clean parchment from another shelf behind him and laid them on the writing slate. “First, the bill of sale for Hjerim. From Nilsine Shatter-Shield, heir to the previous owner Friga Shatter-Shield, to Lilisfina of Valenwood, in the amount of —” He glanced up at the two women.

Lili turned to Stenvar’s backpack and pulled out the five smaller coin bags. “Fifty gold septims,” she remarked softly. “Would they be acceptable here in Windhelm?”

Jorleif and Nilsine regarded her in surprise. Gold coin must be very rare in Skyrim. What was it Stenvar said? “This Stormcloak uprising of his isn’t easy to maintain.” Jorleif regarded the bags before emptying them onto the weighing pan. “Yes, gold is always acceptable. Considering we value one gold septim as equal to one hundred silver drakes, these should weigh as much as five thousand silver drakes —” his voice faded off as the scale reached equilibrium with both pans perfectly level.

“Septims or no, gold is gold, yes?” Lili smiled at Jorleif as he returned the gold coins to their bags and set them on the table before Nilsine. He smiled back as he completed the bill of sale for the two women to sign. He added his own mark as witness.

“Now the matter of taxes,” Jorleif’s tone turned brisk. “The Shatter-Shields have paid through the end of the year. Starting with the first of the next year, you’ll be responsible for annual tax on the property, as will you, Wuunferth, on yours,” he nodded at the wizard.

“He can just take them out of my pay,” the old Nord responded acerbically. “I have enough books and equipment to last me the rest of my lifetime, and materials don’t cost as much when you know how to gather them.”

Jorleif held up his hand. “Please, I don’t want to hear about that.” He turned back to Lili. “For Hjerim, it is based on square footage of the property, not the house. Due to its small footprint, taxes are low compared to the other homes in the Stone Quarter - two hundred drakes a year.”

“And that’s for next year?” Lili asked. “Do they go up year over year?”

“The Thanes do not allow the Jarl to do raise property tax as much as he would like, so not for the past five years. And the tax rate for next year is already set.” Jorleif regarded Lili thoughtfully. “Since the decision is made in the second month of the year prior, you will get enough advance notice of any increase in taxes.”

“Thank you, Steward,” Lili nodded her understanding. “I will have the funds ready when the first of the year arrives.” She paused. “There is another matter I would like to speak with you regarding,” she ventured cautiously. “But it is getting late in the day —”

“Come back in the morning, after the ninth bell,” Jorleif responded. “I will be in here,” he waved his hands around the small room. “As you now know the way,” he added with a wink.

[Grits]

Oh my, Wuunferth sure says what’s on his mind!

Nice to get the formalities over with. Hjerim has a new owner. Congratulations to Lili and her circle of new friends!

I wonder what else Lili wants to see Jorleif about? Good thing he suggested they meet tomorrow. I’m sure Icicle is impatient for her fire!

[Acadian]

I chuckled over Lili’s use of gold septims as payment. It reminds me of a banker in Alinor who comments every time Buffy comes in about how unusual it is see non-Altmer in Summerset. One of her comments is, “Your gold will be as safe here as any Altmer’s. Y-you do use gold where you come from?”

Wonderful job portraying the steward as efficient but unsurprisingly steeped in bureaucratic norms. He was nicely balanced by the irreverent nature of Wuunferth. By delving into obtrusive questions like the reason for the sale and debating the price, Jorleif reminds us that this is a feudal society and his job includes representing the Jarl in approving the sale - rather than simply the clerical task of recording it.

And the deal is done!

I have a suspicion about the nature of the other matter Lili would like to discuss with the steward.

[SubRosa]

At least visiting the parchment-pusher is less stressful than the Jarl. It looks like his eyesight is not what it once was, and he needs a reading glass to cipher the small print. One can empathize...

It is funny, but reading old ghost stories, no one wants to live in a house that is reputed to be haunted. The mere suspicion of a ghost made a place un-rentable. But now, having a ghost is a selling point! Hotels advertise that they are haunted, and whole towns brag about being the most haunted place in <insert nation, state, province, county here>

And Wuunferth makes an appearance! Well, he is certainly not subtle about his feelings, is he!

Gold is always acceptable...

I am guessing that the other matter Lil wants to discuss with the steward involved Sofie. Perhaps adopting her?



The Thanes do not allow the Jarl to do raise property tax as much as he would like,
I think the drunken Jarl sneaked an unworthy extra do into your sentence here...

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: Wuunferth is a typical elder - I've noticed many of them have no filter and say whatever they think. While it comes off as rude, I love their honesty! I've tried to give Wuunferth that bit of unpredictable unexpectedness. And while Lili will be meeting with Jorleif in the morning, trust that Icicle won't have to wait long for her fire!

@Acadian: I spent quite a bit of time thinking about the use of currency in Tamriel through the centuries. I've always thought it incongruous that the Imperial loyalists would use "septims" considering that anything related to Tiber Septim is now out of favor (also the use of "septims in 2E Tamriel, before Talos/Hjalti/Tiber was even born). I decided a long time ago that in writing Skyrim, I would use silver drakes as the main coin, partly because silver is so prevalent in Viking society, partly because the Great War would lead to widespread economic collapse, and partly because the silver mines in The Reach would be the main source of currency in the northern provinces. That meant gold would be appropriately rarer, and I've tried to keep my 4E Tamriel economy consistent with it. So yes, Lili does use gold where she's from, as she has accumulated so much silver it's more convenient to convert to gold septims still found in the south. I also loved your astute assessment of Jorleif's role as the Jarl's representative. I feel he is trusted enough to run the day to day affairs of the city and the Hold and let Jarl Stormcloak focus on the rebellion/war he is fighting/financing.

@SubRosa: I am also considering getting one of those myself, for those times I have fine print to read on paper rather than on a digital device! You are right regarding the other matter Lili wants to discuss with Jorleif, as we will see in a few more posts. Thank you so much for catching that nit! Eagle Eye as always!

And now the next day, and the cleanup begins . . .

*******************************
Morndas 25 Last Seed - A New Problem

Ma-
Boss is now a property owner in Windhelm! That makes her a proper tax-paying citizen, too. It also means she can adopt Sofie, once she figures out how to have someone present to look after the house and child.

“We have to break the news to Dame Elda,” Lilisfina sighed as she set her spoon down. “And to Nils, Silda and Sofie.”

“You are adopting Sofie, aren’t you?” Sten regarded her as he gulped down his cooling klah. “Child needs a home.”

“Yes, child needs a home,” Lilisfina agreed. “And a family. One that will be there for her, not off gallivanting in spider infested caves and draugr crypts.”

Not to mention practicing magick in an enclave of mages? Sten noted that Lilisfina did not mention Winterhold. “At least we can use her help cleaning the house. Way she cleaned your room, the spiders and ghosts at Hjerim don’t stand a chance.”

Lilisfina chuckled into her mug. “Maybe once we clear out that back room. I don’t want her to see what’s left behind there.” She rose to her feet and gathered the used dishes and utensils. “I should ask Dame Elda if we can borrow some cleaning tools.”

“Are you packed and ready to move yet?” Sten asked. Lilisfina nodded. “I don’t have much, but if we can get the house cleaned today we can move our gear there tonight.”

“That might be unrealistic,” Lilisfina remarked slowly. “It’s a lot of scrubbing and spider killing and . . . “

“And we’ve got a sturdy child who isn’t afraid of dust dragons,” Sten responded. “Think she’ll let a few spiders frighten her away?”

“Let’s work until the noon meal, then see where we are with the house,” Lilisfina nodded firmly. “Shall we get started?”

“You talk to Dame Elda, I’ll talk to Nils and Silda,” Sten took the stacked dishes from Lilisfina’s hands. “Let’s see if we can’t get a few towels, mops and brooms and a bucket or two gathered.”

Nils was happy to collect the breakfast dishes from Sten. He set them into the sink, then picked up his wood axe. Silda smiled at him from where she sat peeling potatoes.

“Before you go, Nils, there’s something I’d like to tell you and Silda,” Sten remarked. When he had their attention, he continued. “Boss has purchased Hjerim from the Shatter-Shield family. I’m going with her to help her clean the place up and get it livable again.”

“Dame Lili is going to stay?” Nils’s round face lit up. “Be part of Windhelm?”

Dame Lili? I like the sound of that. “Yes, it looks that way. She may still go to Winterhold, but it sounds like she will maintain ties to us here.”

“Can we help?” Silda asked. Sten shook his head.

“If you can loan us mops, brooms, towels and a bucket or two so we can get started?”

“Of course!” Nils set his axe down and moved toward the cellar. He paused. “But will Dame Elda let you borrow them?”

“Boss is speaking with her now.” Sten responded.

“And Sofie? What of her?” Silda asked. “You know Dame Elda won’t let her stay on after Dame Lili leaves Candlehearth.” Sten shrugged.

“That’s something Boss has yet to figure out. But she will, I know it.”

They heard approaching footsteps as Lilisfina and Star approached the kitchen. “Dame Elda is happy to let us borrow your cleaning tools,” Lilisfina said as she stopped beside Sten. “If you would go ahead and get everything up to the house,” she suggested to Sten. “Remember, I have a meeting with Steward Jorleif this morning. It shouldn’t take long, and I’ll meet you at the house?”

“Sounds good,” Sten agreed as Nils disappeared into the cellar. “I’ll get started on that back room, rip down the walls and get the fireplace going for Icicle.” He winked at Lilisfina as she chuckled in response.

“I’ll see you before the morning’s gone,” Lilisfina turned for the front of the inn and the exit. “Come on, Star, you can come with me.”

“Not taking Icicle, are you, Boss?” Sten called after her.

“No one takes Icicle anywhere,” Lilisfina called back. “She goes where she wills!”

A short while later Sten let himself into Hjerim and dropped his bundle of cleaning equipment. Icicle darted into the house behind him and headed for the dormant fireplace. Sten chuckled to himself as he joined her and examined the chimney breast.

“Let me make sure the chimney’s clear, lass,” he said to the cat. “Then I’ll get some wood and start a fire. First order of business in this house.” As he straightened up, he noticed a folded paper on the mantel. “What’s this?” Sten took it over by the open front door and held it up to the morning light.

Dame Lilisfina, the handwriting was neat, easy to read, Dame Nilsine sent us to clean the chimneys for both the main fireplace and kitchen hearth. It should be safe to start a fire in either. Scouts-Many-Marshes. Sten frowned over the signature. Scouts-Many-Marshes? That’s one of the Argonians on the docks. Nilsine must be developing a rapport with them already. Suddenly Sten grinned to himself as his gaze fell upon the impatiently waiting cat. “All right, Icicle, let me get some wood together.”

He turned and eyed the broken trestle table in the center of the room. “This should do nicely,” he said to the cat. She miaowed in response as Sten knelt down and began breaking off the legs. He used his feet as a fulcrum to break the boards into shorter sections. Once he had a small pile of shattered wood, Sten gathered them and carried them over to the fireplace. As he knelt and began assembling the fire, Icicle brushed against his knees and hips, miaowing impatiently until the flame took hold and began consuming the brittle wood.

As the silver tabby settled on the hearth next to the fire, Sten returned to the remains of the trestle table and began to break the rest of it into smaller sections. As he stacked the last of the wood next to the fireplace, he heard footsteps on the front stoop.

Calder stood in the doorway, uncertainty in his frame as he peered within. “Hello?” His voice, while gruff, was somehow tentative, as if unsure of his reception.

“Hello, Calder,” Sten straightened up from the hearth and moved into the light from the open door. “How can I help you?”

“The Shatter-Shields sent me,” the younger man responded. “Is the Wood Elf here? I have a message for her.”

“She’ll be along shortly,” Sten responded. “Must you give it directly to her?”

“Umm, yes, I’m supposed to,” Calder responded, shifting his feet. Sten eyed the younger man silently. “I can wait for her.”

“Sure, come on in,” Sten waved the carl into the house. Uneasily Calder stepped three paces into the room, then paused to let his eyes adjust to the gloom. “Are you willing to help me create some havoc?”

“H- havoc?” Calder squinted at Sten suspiciously.

“I see you have a great big warhammer, as well as your axe.” Sten pointed out the handle of the huge weapon rising past Calder’s left shoulder. “I can use some help taking down that room,” he gestured toward the secret room in the rear.

“It’s my da’s warhammer,” Calder responded. “And yes,” he swung the heavy weapon off his back, “Da won’t mind if I put it to use to tear that down.”

“Got to keep that cat happy,” Sten jerked his chin toward Icicle, who now regarded them with curious interest. “So let’s build a good stockpile of firewood.”

“We can do that,” Calder agreed and stepped to the rear. “Where do I start?”

“Let’s get that wardrobe broken down first, then that wall.” Sten moved to give Calder space to swing the heavy hammer. Calder paused and handed Sten his war axe.

“Use this to break down the boards,” he remarked. Sten hefted the steel weapon in his hand, testing its balance.

“This is a fine weapon,” he mused. “I’d hate to ruin it using it as a carpenter’s tool.”

“The blade can be resharpened,” Calder responded. “And I trust you won’t try to chop any nails with it.”

As Calder made quick work of the cabinet and doorway, Sten regarded the younger man thoughtfully. He doesn’t seem confident today - almost anxious? What is bothering him? All that nervous energy is being put to good use right now, but once we’re done? “Do you know what’s that message?”

“Not really,” Calder responded as he eyed the wall between the doorway and the back wall of the house. “I have an idea, but I’d rather not say until I’ve handed it over.”

“Do you like working for the Shatter-Shields, Calder?” Sten asked between chops. “What are they like?”

Calder grunted. “Like any other noble family,” he started breaking down the paneling between the wall studs. “Think they’re better than everyone else. Though Dame Nilsine . . . “ He paused as a particular tough section demanded all of his attention. Once the wall was battered down he rested the head of the hammer on the floor and leaned on the long handle in thought. “She and her sister Friga were always polite to us - always said please and thank you. It was hard when Friga died, and we became invisible to Nilsine. Until she met your Wood Elf.”

“Bosmer,” Sten caught himself correcting Calder. “Her people call themselves Bosmer.”

Calder tossed him a sharp glance. “Bosmer?”

“Yes, Bosmer,” Lilisfina’s voice reached them from the front doorway. “Hello Calder, I see you are helping Sten get started on this project. Thank you.” She paused beside the fireplace, regarding the hearth and the firewood stacked beside it. “That’s a good use of the wrecked furnishings and,” her gaze moved to the partition, “that damn wall.”

“Gotta keep the cat happy, Boss,” Sten agreed. “Calder has a message for you, from the Shatter-Shields.”

“Oh?” Lilisfina turned as Calder leaned the big hammer against the stone and reached into his hip pouch. He pulled out a folded parchment and handed it silently to her.

“Are there windows in this place?” Sten asked as Lilisfina moved to the door. “Might as well open them up and air this place out faster.”

“Yes, let me show you,” Calder seemed relieved to have something to do while Lilisfina read the letter. Once they were done, the house seemed brighter, more airy. Sten found Lilisfina still by the front door, her expression a thoughtful anger.

“What’s wrong, Boss?”

“The Shatter-Shields tell me every house in this quarter must have a carl, and they are giving me one,” Lilisfina’s green gaze lifted to Calder’s. “Calder.”

[ghastley]

Calder has been "given" to her? Is he the Shatter-Shields' employee, or a slave?

I imagine Torbjorn thinks they are the same thing anyway.

[Acadian]

The house cleaning project is well underway! And Icicle has her fire. That was thoughtful of Nilsine to have the chimneys cleaned.

Looks like we’ll have to wait a bit to learn the results of Lili’s meeting with Jorleif.

Calder’s message was certainly a surprise that generates lots of thoughts and questions. An extra Nord may be good for demolition of walls and furniture but I’m not so sure when it comes to the delicate dance between Lili and Sten. Does a house carl stay in the house? Even a small one like this? If so, could that secret workshop be turned into quarters? Can a house carl be a nanny for Sophie? So many questions!

[Grits]

Oh my, the Shatter-Shields are heavy-handed with their employees and neighbors. Though having a carl in the house will solve some of Lili’s issues, as well as help ensure the neighborhood security. It sounds like Calder will not miss working directly for them.

In Jensa’s game she married Stenvar and they lived in Hjerim with Calder. The two men constantly got into fights, so much that I had to write it into her story. Eventually I figured out that they were fighting over the things Jensa dropped while she was decorating. I hope Lili’s Calder and Sten get along better!