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.
Full Version: A Wood Elf in Windhelm
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. 
@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!”
@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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@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 whyDragon 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
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?
@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
************************
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?
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