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

[SubRosa]

As expected, taking care of Sofie is next up on the agenda, now that Lil is a land-owner. I wonder if she might try to turn Silda into a full time housekeeper at Hjerim, and in the process be able to legally act as a guardian so Lil can go to Winterhold and get some of that learnin' on her.

With some unexpected help from the Argonians on the docks, and from the nervous housecarl Calder, it looks like things might get put in order quicker than expected.

How nice of the Shatter-Shields to give Lil a human as a house-warming gift... This has happened to me in real life. I was working for CSC (a tech company) that made a deal with AT&T. As part of it all CSC people with network jobs automatically became AT&T employees. No one asked any of us what we thought of this of course. We just found out one day when we were told to hand in all our CSC equipment and go pick up our AT&T stuff. Good times.

[Kane]

Interesting. It's been so long since I had a character that purchased Hjerim, that it never occurred to me who Calder actually was. Certainly an intriguing development and a clever way to have his character already established ahead of time!

This post has been edited by Kane: Jul 9 2025, 04:15 PM

[haute ecole rider]

@ghastley: In my Liliverse, carls are somewhere in the grey area between indentured servants and slaves - as you'll see with today's post. And you're right, either way, Torbjorn isn't exactly considerate of his subordinates.

@Acadian: I enjoyed the paths your mind pursued once it was revealed that Hjerim requires a carl, and that carl is Calder. Yes, questions! And soon answers! Nilsine seems quite anxious to have Lili all settled into her sister's house, doesn't she - quite the welcoming committee! I suspect we are seeing the genesis of a future Thane that will forge her own path from her father's. Gonna be an interesting few decades!

@Grits: Lili will take your experience into consideration and stay out of the decorating business! I've noticed that if you give your follower a staff (or if they pick one up, as my Valdimar in my current play through did), they tend to set off fights with others due to wild friendly fire . . .

@SubRosa: I consider myself lucky to have survived the veterinary version of a company handoff . . . only because I already had a good working relationship with the associate who ended up purchasing the practice after the primary owner's passing. Good thinking about Silda, we'll see how that turns out! While having a carl as a gift may present some ethical problems, there are practical considerations as well, which Lili will soon consider.

@Kane: I'm glad you got to know Calder before he ended up being carl of Hjerim! I always wondered who these folks were, what their histories are, where they came from and why each Jarl chose that particular warrior for you when you complete the Thane quest. That's what I was trying to avoid by introducing him earlier in the story as a standalone character.

Now that the demolition of the former abattoir is well underway, Lili returns to Hjerim to join in the work. She is both surprised and angered to learn that the Shatter-Shields have "given" her a carl - Calder.

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Morndas 25 Last Seed - Destruction and Reunion

Stenvar’s gaze moved from Lili to Calder in surprise. “Is that why you’re willing to help me with this house?”

“That’s not the problem,” Lili broke in. “I don’t want a carl. What they did was trade him to me as if he’s property.” She met Calder’s gaze. “From what Sten tells me, carls have no right to have a life - family, property of their own - which is no better than slavery.”

Calder shifted his feet and looked down at the floorboards. “I’ll leave if you don’t want me to stay.”

As the younger man reached to take his war axe from Stenvar, the big man put his right arm across Calder’s chest and held him in place, his eyes on Lili. “You do need someone to watch this house and look after it while you are in Winterhold, Boss,” he said softly. “And you’ve already said it’s not going to be me.” He jerked his head toward Calder. “Why not him?”

“He’s a fighting man,” Lili responded. “Aren’t you, Calder?”

“I was a soldier with the Stormcloaks,” Calder admitted. “Until I was wounded and discharged.” He shrugged. “I’m not exactly fit for adventuring anymore - I get tired too easily.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Stenvar remarked, mild surprise in his voice. “You looked plenty energetic enough just now, attacking that wall like it was Thalmor.”

“And I’ll pay for it at the end of the day,” Calder responded regretfully.

“What do you want, Calder?” Lili moved closer to him, her eyes on his face.

“I- I’m sworn to your service,” Calder responded uncertainly. Lili shook her head.

“Never swear any oaths,” she made her voice hard. “You’ll find yourself in a situation one day where you’ll have to break your oath. I don’t want to put you in that position.” She took a deep breath against the anger she felt at the tone of the letter in her hand. “I also don’t want to own you, body and soul.”

“But you do,” Calder responded. “In the eyes of the Jarl’s law, you are now the owner of one carl.”

Lili rubbed her eyes with her fingers. “That’s ridiculous. The thought of owning a mortal, mer, man or tailed folk, is inherently wrong.” She met Calder’s gaze. “How did you come to be carl in the first place anyway?”

Again Calder studied the floorboards, toeing them as if testing for loose nails. “I thought to come back and help my sister with her family. Her husband was my best friend, and as he died in my arms I promised him I would look after his family. But when I came back . . .”

Lili could see him swallow hard a few times. Stenvar seemed to have noticed as well, for he waited silently beside Calder, arms now crossed over his own chest.

Calder lifted his gaze to the beams overhead. “My sister and her children had died in the last plague,” his voice cracked momentarily. “And nothing was left of them except this place. The Shatter-Shields were looking for a carl to replace one they had lost to the plague. So I signed on with them.”

“Wait,” Lili inhaled sharply. “Your sister was a - “ she searched her memory of what Thane Shatter-Shield had said, “- a Snow-Bourne?”

“She married into the family, yes,” Calder nodded. “And with no surviving heir, the house became the Jarl’s property.” He shrugged his armor into a more comfortable place over his shoulders. “Then the Shatter-Shields bought it for Friga, just before I came home.”

“Then this house should belong to you, Calder, not me,” Lili began, but Calder shook his head.

“Our family is lowborn- there was only my sister and I. Her marriage did nothing for my status in Windhelm.”

“What does that make me?” Lili demanded. “A poor healer-mage from outside Skyrim, and a Bosmer to boot?”

“But you earned the right to live here,” Calder responded. “By solving the mystery surrounding Friga’s death you have earned the regard of the Shatter-Shield clan. And such regard is not to be lightly dismissed.”

“All right, this is a problem to be resolved later,” Lili took a deep breath. “For now, Stennvar and I can use your help, Calder.” She turned to Stenvar. “I stopped by Candlehearth and asked Silda to bring the noon meal, so let’s get that back corner cleared away by then.”

“That we can do,” Stenvar nodded with an approving glance at Calder. “Two big strong men ought to make quick work of that disgrace of a room.”

“Good,” Lili moved to the pile of cleaning supplies. “I’ll get a wash bucket started so we can start scrubbing down the stone and the floor once you have all the walls cleared away.”

As the men returned to their demolition work, Lili took the bucket and went outside to the well in the corner of the property. As she filled the bucket with cold water, Lili mused on the dilemma. If Calder is willing to look after the house, that means Sofie can come here and live here with a family of sorts. Better than sleeping on the streets or avoiding Elda’s ire. But I can’t own him, not like this. Is there a way to release him from bondage so that he can make the choice freely? Looks like I’ll be visiting Jorleif again.

Icicle greeted her as Lili set an iron pot from the kitchen beside the fire and poured the water into it to heat it up. “You get to supervise, Icicle,” Lili murmured as she rubbed the cat’s ears. “You don’t mind the noise, do you?” For both men were creating quite the racket, between Calder knocking down the wall section by section and Stenvar chopping the larger pieces into firewood.

However, by the time the final stud dropped to the floor with a clatter, Lili could see that Calder was not well. He managed to lower the hammer to the floor with a gentle clang, then remained leaning over, hands on knees, as he struggled to catch his breath. Stenvar touched his shoulder, then sent a concerned look to Lili.

Lili set the broom aside and moved to Calder’s other side. She could hear the wheezing in his chest, and feel the shaking of his limbs. “Sit down, Calder,” she urged him. “Take deep, slow breaths. Don’t try to talk.”

Calder shook his head. “It - will - pass,” he managed to spit out. “Just give me a moment, the pain will ease shortly.”

“Where is this pain?” Lili asked as Calder’s breaths evened out and the wheezing subsided.

“Here,” Calder rubbed the front of his chest, near the end of his sternum. “Took a spear here, should have killed me.” He met Lili’s gaze. “But I lived, barely. It was my promise, my oath to my best friend, that kept me alive.”

“I’m sorry, Calder,” Lili gripped his shoulder. “You’ll have to let me take a look at you soon.”

“Not now,” Calder straightened up gingerly. He took a deep breath. “I’m all right now. Let’s get this house cleaned.”

“All right then,” Lili picked up the broom and handed it to the carl. “You can sweep up behind that strongest sword arm in all of Skyrim.” She eyed the stone walls in the corner and the floor, still marked with dark stains. “I’ll start the scrubbing.” She turned toward the fireplace. “That water should be hot enough now.”

In short order the three of them, with Icicle still supervising from her comfortable place beside the fireplace, had settled into a routine. Stenvar wrapped a towel around the tip of his sheathed zwei-hander and began knocking down spiderwebs, while Calder followed behind him stepping on the little critters and sweeping up the debris. Lili started on the stone walls, using the mop to reach the upper parts before buckling down with the brush and soapy water on the lower parts.

The sun had moved away from the front door as it reached zenith, and only cold indirect light poured in through the windows when voices from the open door reached the industrious trio. Star danced into the house and greeted Stenvar with a little dance, then walked up to Calder and sniffed him with waving tail.

“We brought you the noon meal, as promised!” Sofie exclaimed as she and Silda set the covered pots beside the fire. “Mutton stew, I hope you don’t mind!” She patted Icicle fondly, then turned toward the trio. Her eyes widened as her gaze fell on Calder. Her gasp drew everyone’s attention from the meal to her as she covered her mouth with both hands.

“Uncle Callie!” She ran toward the carl and leaped upwards, managing to wrap both arms around his neck. “You came back!”

Calder staggered back, head thrown back as his arms reflexively came up to hug the child. “S- Sofie?” He cupped the back of her head beneath his chin as he dropped to his knees. Lili caught her breath as she watched tears run into Calder’s mutton chops as he pulled back to look into Sofie’s face. “You live?” He managed to whisper.

[Grits]

What?! Calder is— Sofie is— Oh my gosh that’s great!!

That was a satisfying cleaning session, unless you were a spider. The carl situation in Lili’s world is interesting. I’m sure she will think of a solution that satisfies the rule as well as allows Calder a choice and thus Lili her moral stance.

Yikes, I wonder what is wrong with Calder.

[Acadian]

We learn quite a bit of Calder here. Wow, methinks a spear to the chest is a lot worse than an arrow to the knee! No surprise that Lili will want to check his old wound later.

Lili’s approach to the vexing question of what to do about ‘owning’ Calder reminds me of the saying, ‘Learn the system and it will set you free.’ I expect she will chat with Jorleif again, master the nuts and bolts of the rules regarding carls, then find a way to make them work in her favor.

Calder and Sophie are kin! The possibilities are promising. . . .

[SubRosa]

Snow-Bourne? Was that a Jason Bourne movie where he went to Iceland?

Wow, it sounds like being a carl really does suck. It is basically being a serf. You are part of the land, and pass from owner to owner with it.

And Calder does indeed have more right to the house than anyone else. Not that that matters much to the law... I wonder if there is some way to free Calder from his carl obligations and pass the house on to him? And maybe Sofie with it?

Well a spear through the lung does beat out an arrow in the knee.

Uncle Callie? Well the plot just thickens does it not?

[Kane]

Oooh, did not see that last part coming. Methinks that, come hell or high water, Lili will soon see to it that that house will soon belong to Calder and Sofie no matter the cost.

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: I think we've seen by now how Lili goes about solving seemingly insurmountable problems through asking questions and using her charm. No question she will figure things out here as well! I'm glad you were surprised by the relationship between Calder and Sofie. I admit I was surprised by it as well.

@Acadian: This was a satisfying exploration into this character that sort of bloomed from a generic self-conscious Nord into his own man with his own quirks. As we watch his relationship with Lili and Sten develop, we will see more of just what sort of man he is. And you are absolutely right, Lili will explore the Jarl's Law with Jorleif and see a way out of her personal dilemma while giving Calder what he absolutely deserves.

@SubRosa: I agree a spear to the lung is much worse than an arrow to the knee! And I'm glad you think the same way - shouldn't he have the house? We'll see what happens soon!

@Kane: You will see how right you are!

After the surprise revelation that Calder and Sofie are uncle and niece, and that Sofie is the last surviving member of the family that once owned Hjerim, Lili is faced with a quandary. Yes, she purchased the house fair and square, but we all know her sense of fairness is going to win the day . . .

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Morndas 25 Last Seed - Final Cleaning

Well, that was a twist. Calder was sent to Boss to be her carl, though she is dead set against having one. Still, he was very useful in getting the house ready for habitation. We learned that his best friend who married his sister was the previous owner of this house before war and plague took the entire family. Then Sofie showed up, and we found out they are uncle and niece, and neither knew the other was still alive until now. Quite the reunion.

Sten and Lilisfina exchanged glances. Uncle Callie? “Thought you said the entire family died in that plague?” Sten remarked. “How did they miss one?”

Sofie turned in Calder’s embrace to look over her shoulder at Sten. “Because I hid before the guards came. They never saw me there.” She turned back to Calder, her eyes wide with remembered grief. “I got sick first, then I got better. I tried to help the others, but I couldn’t —” Calder silenced Sofie with a hug.

Lilisfina sighed. “You were only five years old at the time, Sofie, I’m sure you did your best. But taking care of mother and siblings by oneself would have been difficult for one adult, let alone a child.” She shook her head. “But I’m happy you and Calder have finally found each other.” She was silent for several breaths, watching the emotional reunion. She turned suddenly to Sten. “It would seem I’ll have to go see Jorleif again, and as soon as possible. I have an idea, and he’s the one that can help me realize it.”

“Of course,” Sten nodded. “What would you like us to do?”

“Eat first, of course,” Lilisfina responded. “Save a little for me. Then continue with the cleaning of this house. The sooner we get this ready for furnishings the sooner we’re done.”

“Consider it done,” Sten nodded, already moving toward the fireplace where Silda waited. “We’ll be here when you come back.”

Silda watched Lilisfina go, then turned back to regard Calder and Sofie, tears streaking her cheeks. “I remember when I found Sofie hiding in the barrel in the Grey Quarter. Child didn’t stop crying for days.” She sighed. “I never did find out who her family was.”

“She wouldn’t tell you?” Sten asked as they ladled the stew into bowls for the four of them.

“No,” Silda responded. “And I didn’t push too hard. If the Jarl’s men found out about her, they would have sent her off to Riften, like they did with that Aretino boy.” She handed Calder and Sofie their servings, then turned back to Sten. “I wasn’t going to be the one to give her away to them!” The vehemence in her voice startled Sten and he glanced sharply at her before diving into his own bowl.

“And I’m glad you didn’t, Silda,” Calder spoke after swallowing his own mouthful of stew. “Seeing Sofie after all these years, and looking so happy, it’s obvious to me that you cared for her in her time of need. Talos bless you.”

Sten grunted his agreement as he kept eating. Silda placed a hand on his wrist. “Slow down, it’s not going to run away from you.”

Sten lowered his spoon and looked up at the ceiling and the staircase. “There’s still so much to do, and I’d like to see Boss moved into here tonight, if possible.”

“There’s no furnishings,” Silda exclaimed. “Where will she sleep?”

“Bedrolls,” Sten responded. “She’s camped out under stars before. A clean floor and no spiders, a working fireplace, and she’ll be happy to sleep here.”

“Hmm, well, I have my bedroll just outside the door,” Calder pointed out the open doorway.

“Well, by Ysmir!” Sten exclaimed. “Bring it inside and set it by the fireplace so it won’t be frozen stiff by tonight!”

“But Dame Lili won’t let me stay, will she?” Calder’s tone turned dubious. “I mean, she seemed really dead set against having a carl.”

“She’s not going to kick you out into the cold,” Sten indicated Sofie and Silda. “After all, she brought these two in off the streets. And now that she knows the two of you,” again he gestured with his spoon to include Calder and Sofie, “are related, she’s not going to separate you again. You’ll learn that family is very, very important to her.”

“Eat up,” Silda encouraged them. “Sofie, would you like to stay and help clean the house for Dame Lili?”

“Yes!” Sofie leaped up and skipped to the tall woman. She handed her the empty bowl and licked-clean spoon. “You don’t need my help at the inn, do you?”

“No,” Silda shook her head with a smile. “Nils and I have everything in hand now. Thanks for all your help this morning.” She scraped the last of the stew into a bowl and covered it with a plate. Then she nestled it into the ashes at the edge of the fire. “This is for Dame Lili, the ashes will keep it warm for her. Make sure she eats it when she gets back!”

After collecting the other bowls and spoons and the now empty pot, Silda left the house with a smile and a straight back. The men watched her go down the street. “She seems happier,” Calder remarked softly. “As if she’s found her place.”

“Maybe she has,” Sten replied. “Dame Elda seems to have accepted her into the inn, and Nils loves having her with him. It’s helped them cope after —”

“After Susanna passed,” Calder said grimly. “That was a bloody awful affair.”

“It was,” Sten agreed. Silence fell for a few breaths. Sofie rose somberly to her feet and moved around the large space.

“What would you like me to do here?”

“Well, we’ve got the ground floor done,” Sten mused as Calder nodded. “Why don’t you scrub the stairs while Calder and I clean the spiders upstairs?”

“I can do that!” Sofie moved to the bucket and eyed the water within. “But this water’s dirty!”

“Yes, let me get you fresh water,” Sten picked it up and headed for the door. “Just a moment!”

Within a few breaths Sofie attacked the stairs while the men waged war on the tiny arachnids above. When they reached the largest room above the kitchen, Calder paused and leaned on his broom a moment. “Can I ask you something, Stenvar?”

“Sure,” Sten wiped the webs from his scabbard with the towel.

“Do you have a vendetta against spiders?”

Sten glanced sharply at the carl. “Not really,” he laughed. “Why do you ask?”

“Because you hold your breath when you’re knocking them down. It’s like you’re in a fight for your life.”

Sten stared at the younger man. Damn, he’s perceptive. Dame Lili ought to know that about him - she would appreciate having someone like him here. “I just don’t want them falling into my face,” he grunted, feeling awkward. “When I was a boy, I fell asleep in the barn, and woke up with a spider crawling into my mouth.” He shuddered at the memory.

Calder shuddered too. “What a way to wake up!” he remarked softly, then resumed his sweeping. “Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen here,” he added.

“Yes, let’s,” Sten agreed before returning to his ceiling clearing duty with renewed vigor. “Don’t tell Sofie. Girl doesn’t need nightmares at her age.”

“No one needs nightmares like that,” Calder mused between long swipes of his broom across the floor boards.

Sten considered his statement. Wonder what his nightmares are? “Well,” he gave the last rafter a final swipe, “that’s the last of the little beasties. Wonder how Sofie is coming along?”

“All done!” came the girl’s shout from the rear of the house, where she finished off the final step. “And I see someone coming up the front walk, too,” Sofie added. “Be careful coming down the steps!” The men stepped out in time to see her head disappear below the floor as she moved down to greet the newest visitor. “It’s Neetrenaza, and Dame Lili!” Then she yelped and ran back up the steps, fear in her face. “It’s the Night Watch Leader!” She caught Calder’s hand in hers. “Are they taking me away?”

“Nonsense,” Sten said firmly and started down the staircase. “Hello!” he called out to the entry. He noticed Neetrenaza carrying the same crate he had brought up from the docks, and both Lilisfina and Silverblade carried packs and bedrolls. “Are we officially moving in?”

“Brought your gear, Stenvar,” the Watch Leader indicated the bundles in both hands. “Looks a lot better than the last time I saw this place,” Silverblade remarked as she set her burdens down beside the fireplace, careful not to disturb Icicle. She strolled around, and studied the corner behind the staircase where the abattoir once held its darkest secrets. “Smells a lot better, too.”

“Amazing what a good fire and lots of soapy water will do!” Lilisfina agreed with a smile as she waved Neetrenaza to set the large crate against the back wall. Sten noted she held a leather portfolio in both arms close to her chest. “Sofie, come down, I’d like to introduce you to the Night Watch Leader. It’s all right, you have nothing to worry about.”

As Calder came down the stairs after Sten, the child hid behind his bulk and clutched the back of his belt with both hands. When they reached the first floor, she peeked out past his elbow.

“So you’re that rascal that’s been giving Steward Jorleif gray hair all these years!” Silverblade slid her thumbs into her sword belt and grinned down at Sofie. “I’m happy our search for you is over, and with good results for all! I’m Jyta Silverblade, at your service, lass.” She raised her gaze and met Calder’s. “Good to see you, too, Calder. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to welcome you home until now.”

“Ssofie,” Neetrenaza nodded at the child, who shifted her gaze from adult to adult in confusion. “We hope to ssee you at the dockss from time to time. Pleasse do not forget about your friendss!” With a nod of his head to Sten and Calder, the Argonian turned to Lilisfina. “You too, Dame Lili!” He strode out the door and disappeared into the glare of the sunlit snow.

“And I must go, too,” Silverblade clapped her right fist across her chest in salute. “My shift starts in a few bells and I have much work to prepare. Congratulations on your new home, Dame Lili.”

[Grits]

Lovely to see Sofie’s and Silda’s change in status.

It will be fun to see how Lili manages to get the house and child into the right hands. I have no doubt that she will find a way that satisfies all parties!

Lili has said that her long-term goal has been reaching the College of Winterhold. Now I can see how she might be able to leave her Windhelm friends and continue on that journey.

Poor spiders, they were just decorating for Witches Festival!

[SubRosa]

The gears in Lili's head are turning already. I get the feeling that she is about to become a former homeowner. That has to be a record for the shortest time ever!

No spiders? But who is going to eat all the flies?

Oh, they are just going to clean the spiders. At least they won't be dirty and dusty. Everyone loves their arachnids to be shiny and fresh after all.

So house all cleaned up, and apparently there has been some movement on the Sofie front. I am guessing Lil talked to Jorlief about making Calder her legal guardian? I do not imagine that would be too difficult given their familial relationship.

[Acadian]

I continue to enjoy Stenvar’s letters to his ma. They not only provide a summary of previous events, but also offer insight into his thoughts. I’m glad he reviewed the lineage between Caldur and Sofie so that is now nice and clear.

A very satisfying episode with a nice bowl of stew, courtesy of Silda. And a clean house!

”You’ll learn that family is very, very important to her.”
- - Given that Sten knows what’s in the crate Lili ships around to follow her, it’s clear how he knows the importance of family to Lili.

Looks like Lili has worked some magic with the steward on Sofie’s behalf. Looking forward to learning more details about that as well as any arrangements she has been able to work out regarding Caldur.

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: Isn't it great to see two homeless folk find their place out of the cold? You have a great deal of faith in Lili's ability to resolve her conundrum regarding the house and the new household - you will see how things fall out here! As for the College of Winterhold, other things might get into the way first . . .

@SubRosa: You might be right about Lili's head gears! We'll see how she settles the issue of home ownership, especially in view of the fact that she'll be gone more than not. As for making the relationship between Calder and Sofie a little more legal - read on! Regarding the spiders - I'm not too worried about them - they have a tendency to return!

@Acadian: Thank you for the comment regarding Sten's Letters to Ma. They serve exactly the purpose you point out, as well as marking those chapters that are from his POV. And agreed, he does know how important family is to Lili, as his own family matters to him as well. Read on to see how Lili and Jorleif has figured out a way to make things work to everyone's satisfaction.

While the arrival of the Watch Leader has frightened Sofie into thinking her days as a free orphan are now over, things are even more confusing than ever with Silverblade's greeting to both child and uncle. Does she know something they don't?

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Morndas 25 Last Seed - Conundrum - What Conundrum?

“Umm, what just happened?” Stenvar exchanged confused glances with Calder before turning to catch Lili’s gaze. “We’re not worried about hiding Sofie from the Watch anymore?”

“I had a very productive consultation with Steward Jorleif,” Lili moved to the crate which still held the remains of her clan. She laid the portfolio down on its wide surface. “Come here, all of you,” she waved to Calder and Sofie. As Lili seated herself cross legged on the floor near one end of the crate, Stenvar knelt on one knee at the opposite end. Calder did the same next to Stenvar, while Sofie sat with knees drawn up under her skirts between her uncle and Lili. Somehow both Star and Icicle decided they were included as well and joined them, Icicle seating herself primly on top of the crate next to the portfolio, and Star between Sofie and Calder. Lili caught her breath at the five pairs of eyes that watched her with varying degrees of intent curiosity and apprehension.

“First things first,” Lili drew out a sheet of parchment and handed it to Calder. “I’ve terminated your service as carl. Calder, you are a free man, you can now decide your own fate.” The sheet rustled slightly as his fingers clenched on its edges, his gaze downcast. Star watched him, then nudged his wrist with a paw. “Don’t walk out until I’ve finished speaking, please,” Lili reached past Sofie and laid her hand on the man’s knee. “What I have to say next concerns you as well.” Silently Calder nodded, his eyes still on the parchment.

“Sofie,” Lili turned to the child, who struggled to keep tears from her eyes. “Would you like to live here again? Call this home again? I would like to adopt you if you want me to.” Now both Calder and Sofie stared at Lili, Sofie’s mouth a little 0.

“Y- you mean, be my ma and everything?” The words came out breathless. “Live here with you and be your daughter?”

“I can’t replace your Ma, Calder’s sister,” Lili nodded toward the now former carl. “But I can be your new Ma, in my own way. Would that be something you’d like?”

“Really?” Sofie leaped to her feet and threw her arms around Lili’s neck. “I’d love that!” Lili hugged her back, then set her down.

“Very well, I have here,” she handed the child another document, “your adoption papers, all properly drawn up by Steward Jorleif, signed by myself, and witnessed by Court Wizard Wuunferth. Looks like I won’t be tossing this into the fire.”

“No!” Sofie clutched the parchment in both hands. Then she sat back and held the paper up to the light. Her mouth shaped the words silently to herself as she struggled to make sense of the terms. “It’s got my name and everything - Sofie Larinsdottir Snow-Bourne! Only I don’t have your name?” She looked up at Lili. “Don’t you want me to have your name?”

Lili shook her head. “Where I come from, we keep our clan name, even when marrying or adopting into another clan. So in the way of my people, you keep the name your parents gave you.” She reached out and touched Sofie’s shoulder. “It’s one way we can honor them and their memory.”

“It’s much the same here,” Stenvar said gruffly from the far end of the crate, where he idly stroked Icicle’s cheek with a finger. “I’ve heard in Cyrod the women take the husband’s name when they marry. Here, they don’t.”

“That’s true,” Lili agreed. “It doesn’t mean I don’t want you less, I just want to be able to say Sofie Larinsdottir Snow-Bourne is my daughter.”

“And I can live here, with a Ma and a - “ she glanced at Stenvar, confused.

“No Da,” Stenvar shook his head. “That’s up to your Ma.”

“And that brings me to some interesting things Steward Jorleif told me.” Lili leaned back against the crate and gazed around the little group. “First, when I told him I was interested in adopting you, Sofie, he said ‘I knew the count was off.’”

“The count was off?” Stenvar repeated.

“When your family died, he knew they were missing a child, one of the four daughters in the family. He could never find out what happened to that child, if she had died too and her body lost, or if she still lived.” Lili opened the portfolio again and scanned the next document. “So while the Jarl took ownership of the house, Steward Jorleif had to act as if there was still a surviving child, and when he converted the family assets into silver, he set the coin aside in trust against the potential return of the missing daughter.”

“You mean, Sofie has an inheritance?” Calder asked suddenly. “Even without anyone to advocate for her?”

“Jarl’s law,” Lili responded. “Which seems quite fair to me, honestly. The funds are held in trust, and used to pay for the orphan’s care at Riften Orphanage until the child comes of age. That’s the case with the boy Aventus Aretino. Of course, Sofie was never found, so the fees were never paid. The entire sum is still in trust. Additionally, when this house was sold to the Shatter-Shields, the funds from that sale was added to the trust. So Sofie,” Lili peered at the document again, “when you turn eighteen, you will receive a nice sum of twelve thousand drakes from the trust.”

“But now that she’s adopted,” Calder rested his hand protectively on Sofie’s head, “you get the funds, right?”

Lili shook her head. “No, the funds do not belong to me, even though I am now an adoptive parent. Like you, I stand outside the line of inheritance. I can add to it, but I can not draw from it. No one, not even Sofie herself, can draw from it until she is eighteen.”

“Good,” Calder held Lili’s gaze. She smiled at him.

“Oh, I totally agree with you, Calder. And the other interesting thing Steward Jorleif tells me would be of interest to you, Calder.”

“Really?” Calder’s gaze sharpened on hers. “How so?”

“He was a carl once, in his younger days,” Lili responded. “I know, I know, it’s hard to believe looking at him now, but he was once a warrior in the service of Jarl Stormcloak’s father. The old Jarl recognized that Steward Jorleif was a better advisor than he was a warrior, so he released Jorleif from service and made him his Steward. And Steward Jorleif suggested that you would be a most excellent candidate as Steward for Hjerim, and for me.”

Sofie was first on the uptake. She gasped and caught Calder’s arm in both hands. “Oh, please, Uncle Callie, be Steward and stay here!”

Stenvar chuckled. “I guess that’s Dame Lili’s offer right there, man.”

“I have it right here, on parchment, just like Sofie’s adoption papers,” Lili laid the final document on the crate in front of Calder. “A contract, in which I pay you a monthly salary to manage the house, the household expenses, and Sofie’s and your own living expenses. There is also the responsibility of overseeing Sofie’s education, so that when she turns eighteen and claims her inheritance, she can manage her own affairs with wisdom and prudence.”

Calder shook his head. “But how can I oversee her education, let alone manage the finances? I have no education.”

Lili considered his objection. “Can you read, Calder?”

“Not really,” Calder shook his head again, and placed his service release on top of the contract. “I can make out my name, but I don’t know what the rest says.”

“I can teach you,” Sofie spoke up eagerly.

“No reason why both of you can’t be educated together,” Lili responded. “Sofie will teach you to read, and you can learn the rest of it side by side. How does that sound, Calder?”

“Never too old to learn new tricks, you know,” Stenvar grinned at the younger man’s confusion. “I’ve no doubt you’ll pick it up in next to no time at all!”

“If you can’t sign your own name, that’s fine. We’ll just have Jorleif and Wuunferth witness you make your mark and my signature on this contract and it’s done.”

“How long is this contract?” Calder met Lili’s gaze. “What if I mess things up?”

“The contract is for the duration of Sofie’s dependency. Once she is of age, the contract is up.” Lili laid her hand on his in reassurance. “And if you mess up, we’ll figure it out, all three of us, together.”

“I thought you had to have a carl for Hjerim?” Stenvar asked into the silence.

“I asked Steward Jorleif about that, too,” Lili responded. “He said it’s not law, just a custom Thane Shatter-Shield set to ensure no riffraff moved into the neighborhood. He’ll cause no trouble if I have a Steward instead of a carl. He doesn’t have a Steward!”

Calder coughed, then gave in to chuckling. “No, he doesn’t have one, and I don’t think anyone else other than the Jarl has a Steward.” He met Lili’s gaze. “I understand you’ll be going on to Winterhold to study at the College there?”

“And that’s why I want Sofie’s uncle to stay here with Sofie,” Lili responded. “Family is better than strangers, don’t you think?”

“Uncle Callie,” Sofie had pulled the contract out from beneath the service release and was studying its terms. “You’d be paid fifty drakes a month. Fifty whole drakes! And that’s just for you, not for food or clothing or any ne- nek- “ she pouted and glared at Lili.

“Necessities,” Lili provided. “That’s out of my own pocket. I’ll provide an allowance for the both of you to draw on for food, drink, clothing and other needed items and services. You’ll keep track of the expenses and show me an accounting each month. Steward Jorleif seems to think fifty drakes a month is generous.”

“It is,” Calder nodded. “I accept your offer, Dame Lilisfina. I’d be glad to work for you as your Steward, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure you don’t regret it!”

[Acadian]

Ahah! Lili’s been busy with Jorleif indeed! It seems the two of them have worked out a pretty thorough plan that provides a home for Sophie, job for Calder and the freedom for Lili (and maybe Sten?) to consider going up to Winterhold.

[SubRosa]

So Calder is fired. I suspect there is more to it than that however.

Lili did decide to adopt Sofie? I expected that from the start. Until we learned of Sofie's familial relationship with Calder. I thought Lil might have left things at that. But I see she decided to get involved anyhow. That is what Lil does. Ever since she stepped foot in Windhelm, she has gotten involved with the people and events around her.

Sofie is a Trust Fund Baby! When she turns 18 she'll blow it on a brand new sports carriage and go partying down on the Gold Coast!

So Caldy is going to be a steward. I was about to ask what the difference was between that and a carl. But it looks pretty self-explanatory. For starters it is a job, not serfdom.

Well, it looks like Lil has gotten things sorted out after all here in Windhelm. So I suppose she will be soon be bound for Winterhold after all.

[Grits]

Lili and Jorleif came up with an excellent plan. Lili has a home and family to return to, and she can go where she needs to go with the confidence that her daughter is safe and loved in her absence.

How sweet that Sofie looked to Sten when she thought of a new Da!

[ghastley]

I'm getting an impression of "the Jarl" and his laws that doesn't fit my picture of Ulric. Was all this set in place by Jarl Hoag, his father?

[Kane]

Such a wonderful way to bring it all together. I think Hjerim is going to be one happy house and will wipe away all the remnants of what that maniac was up to in there.