Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park, Cat Orgy, 1999


Chapter 5, Home is where your heart is

Before I continue with the story of the upcoming events in Ald´Ruhn, I think I want to say a few words about Intervention-scrolls, and spells for that matter!

It seems so utterly easy and convenient; you speak an incantation, either written on a piece of parchment, or you know it by heart, then all of a sudden you are somewhere else, just like that...

Of course it’s not that easy, all who have used this kind of transportation know what I´m talking about. You actually decompose yourself, your physical body, into its building-stones, and then you put them all together somewhere else, all magically of course. Now that has to affect you somehow and it surely affected me, when I suddenly found myself in the courtyard of the Ald´Ruhn Temple that rainy morning.....

The actual travel, or intervention, feels like you’re totally weightless, flowing in the void, whirling like an autumn-leaf. You have no idea what’s up and down, your intestines are all spinning around, or at least it feels like they are. Darkness and pain engulf you, the very air around you is filled with the most terrible screams from poor souls that never reached their destination.... and you are certain you will never get out of it alive. But of course you do, that is if you don’t happen to meet anything hostile where you end up.

The Almsivi-Intervention brings you directly to the nearest Tribunal Temple, so as I mentioned, I ended up outside the Ald´Ruhn Temple. I was shaken and nauseous, and it took a while before I could compose myself enough to gather my scattered belongings, check that all was there and head off to a well-known place, at least for me; the Mage’s Guild!

Ironically, I always seemed to be in a mess when visiting this Guild house, so it was no wonder Edwinna Elbert laughed when she greeted me.

“Serene! How wonderful to see you again.....but you look like you need to use our washing-facilities- as usual- I’d say!”

After a hot and invigorating bath I sat down in Edwinna´s office, wrapped in a worn but warm robe, telling her of my adventures with the Ashlanders.

“You need to go and see Neminda,” Edwinna advised me when I told her about my last encounter with Azura. “You belong to House Redoran, and they will most certainly take care of you, my child.”

So later that afternoon I went to Under Skar, to the Redoran Council-hall, once again dressed up by the generous Mages of Ald´Ruhn, to meet with Neminda.

She was pleased to see me but commented on how thin and wiry I’d become since the last time we met; it was no wonder though after living almost a year among the Ashlanders. When I told her about my time in the Ahemmusa Camp she listened carefully without a word until I came to the part about the Outlander who was asking to be named the Nerevarine, then she interrupted my telling;

“Ah, I know that man, he’s adopted into House Redoran, and he has a very good reputation within the Great House. He is a Breton as far as I know, from High Rock....He doesn’t speak so much about himself…” Neminda smiled, “But forgive my interruption, Serene, continue please.”

After I finished my story and also told her about Azura´s prophecy about “claiming my family,” Neminda sat silent for a while, in deep thoughts. Finally, she spoke:

“ Serene, I think I know the meaning of the words of The Divine. Leave now, and go to the Temple and talk to Lloros Sarano. He is a wise man and I think you may find it useful to talk to him.”

The Temple of Ald´Ruhn was rather small, just a few rooms on the ground-level, and then a bigger area downstairs. A rather friendly-looking Dunmer approached me upon my entering the premises and introduced himself as Lloros Sarano. It turned out he was a temple-servant, specialised in mental illnesses and healing, which made him utterly interesting to talk to. There were not many healers around Ald´Ruhn at the moment so he was happy to meet me so he could discuss his latest experiences in the noble art of healing. Or at least that was how I explained his questions regarding my own experiences with healing and restorative magic.

I spent the night in the Mage’s Guild, and the next morning I paid another visit to Neminda.

“Serene, it so happens that Serjo Athyn Sarethi, one of our councillors, may be able to help you out....he is a friend of my father and has had a lot of sad things happening to him and his family lately.” Neminda sighed and continued: “First his son was kidnapped, then he was the victim of an assassination-attempt, then he is almost certain his wife is betraying him, and above all his son was charged with murder.”

I gasped, thinking that there was no end to this poor man’s misfortunes, but also wondering where I fit into this? I couldn´t see the connections....not at all.

“Athyn is most of all concerned about his son, Varvur. He is back home, and his name is cleared, but he is in a very bad shape, he has lost his will to keep on living, he’s just lying on his bed, staring into the air, not talking to anyone, not eating....he seems to be determined to die. Athyn is at his wit’s end, he doesn’t know what to do, now when Trey’s gone and all.” Neminda sighed once more and blew her nose.

“Trey?” I asked, “Is he that outlander I met?”

He was, and since he also was the saviour of both Athyn´s and Varvur´s lives and honour, according to Neminda, I could very well understand the loss the old councillor felt.

“Words spread fast in these surroundings,” Neminda smiled, “Serjo Sarethi knows about you, Serene, and he knows you’re back!....So go to Sarethi Manor and talk to him..”

Sarethi Manor didn’t look very fancy from outside, just another door in the wall, but inside was a completely different thing. A spacious hallway, with ornaments on the walls and a thick red carpet on the floor, sloped slowly downwards, leading to a huge room, with austere furnishings....

The man that approached me was at least double my age, tall, with black, grey-streaked hair, dark-red very sad eyes and a face that showed he had had his share of life and it had not been all pleasant. Yet it was a fascinating face, pointed cheekbones, straight nose and a strangely sensitive mouth. I couldn´t take my eyes off him.....

“Serene was it, right?” His dark voice had this magnetism that affected me more deeply than I then realized!

“Y-yes” I stuttered, “Neminda sent me, she thought maybe you could have some use for me.”

Athyn Sarethi smiled, led me to a chair and bade me sit down. The fate of young Varvur Sarethi was sad. The young man had been kidnapped by the Archmaster of House Redoran, Bolvyn Venim, accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Although it was actually more complicated- he probably HAD fought with the other young man, but had been under the influence of malign magic at the time. It was a well-understood point of Dunmeri (as well as Imperial) law that a person was not responsible for their actions if they where bespelled. He had been rescued from Venim Manor by the outlander known as Trey of High Rock; as Athyn mentioned the young Breton, his face brightened, almost glowing. I understood this man was very dear to him. Still, Varvur was accused of the murder of his best friend, Bralen Carvaren, so not only did he loose his friend, he was suspected to have taken his life! The whole thing sounded absurd to me but I kept my mouth shut.

Trey again acted and cleared Varvur from the accusations, but Varvur was mentally in a very bad shape ever after. As he spoke of his son’s worsening condition, the animation left Athyn’s face and he clasped his hands before him so tightly that I could see the knuckles whiten. He gave me a long, searching look before he spoke-

“Serene, it is my understanding that you are a healer of great skill- perhaps even greater than you know yourself. I have spoken with Lloros Sarano- I asked him to determine whether the stories of your skill are accurate…forgive me if that seems intrusive, but I had a pressing need….”

He then made his request- my task was to cure Varvur...one way or another, and the worst thing was....I had not the faintest idea how to do it!

Great start on the new chapter Minque! I really like the way you describe how it feels when using intervention spells. As always you make the characters feel very real as I've said many many times now, so keep it up!

Here you go:

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
More Serene
Great work Minque

Very nice. Keep up the good work Pro- Star this stuff is!

nice job i wish i could make a story like that good work

An amazing start to chapter 5. The depth and intricacy of your storytelling never ceases to amaze me. Please keep it up; I'll try to check in as often as I can.

And so it happened... good show, Serene. Now go and get that kid freed !
I'm also glad to learn that Savior is full blooded Breton... not like certain filthy, honorless Hlaaly half-breed scum

From the opening quote, through the description of teleport magic, and the vivid narrative of Serene's interactions with various folk in Ald'Ruhn-this installment shines. It is a fine addition to a wonderful story, and a worthy beginning to what promises to be a dazzling chapter.

Interesting place to find a good quote Minky.

Anyways sorry for not commenting on this before now but I didn't notice this until now. Great content as usual and some good description of the spells and such. Keep up the good work Minque.

Aww...how thypical...here I spent time wondering when the next update would come....nd then all of sudden, a new chapter have been released....and me being late is FAAAAR behind in the line of replying, which means that the others have aleready told what I wanted to write...

So I hope you can accept a few Jonas ....and about a dozen of Tellie cakes...

Oh wow. I loved it. What a great way to start the chapter. That was definately a five star entry Minque for sure. Keep it up and give us more!

I'll just repeat what everyone else said. An excellent start. Now please write more.

Heh, minque, you probably don't even recognise my screen name anymore, but you posted this story at The Pit, which I haven't been to in ages. I'm blocked out of there in college, and today I decided to try and find your story on another web page.

Google brought me here, and i've now caught up from where I was (Chapter 3)

I love the direction you are going with this, and look forward to the next update.

*Bookmarks page for future reference*

YAY!!! I got caught up!! Very nice Minque, and do add, I can't wait to see what she does to Varvur. To bad she had to leave her lover behind, that hurts.

OH NO!! not again, im always the last to see an update, im sorry but i am soo glad i read this, the description of the scroll was perfect. It just adds so much more to the world serene interacts in. Most people think of the scrolls as just an easy short teleportation but ill think of what it feels like when i use those scrolls in the game

Ok guys...I´m sorry this is no update.... See my newly started addition is on the harddrive that´s in my handbag at the moment.....Yup I´ll have to turn in my comp and I won´t let them have my harddrive since I didn´t get the chance of making a backup before the sad death of my lappy!

But I´ll of course update as soon as possible!

Yes please do, we've waited far too long now.

Yeah, more than a month now

Good thing I joined up here

I got to read on from where I was. I'm still loving this story.

Nice job! I don't see how you write so much! Nice start. can't wait for an update!

Maybe some good new for my loyal readers, who are awaiting another update of this story...

In a few days I will get back the files from my crashed comp.....on an external HD. So hopefully I´ll soon be able to continue this........

Yay...*claps and shouts with aproval*

best news I have heard in days now...thanks for clearing that out for us

*waits in exitement*

Hopefully the anticipation will not kill me beforehand. Please don't let it kill me! I like following this story!

Kool, I hope i can wait long enough fot the update to come. Ohh , it was nice to see you posting on CGF2 too.

Well I'm sorry to hear of the death of your laptop

But... since I've hardly been around for the last few months it's given me a chance to catch up on this story.

Looks like I'm just in time too if updates are forthcoming. Am just about to watch the second half of the England vs Sweden match ( good luck of course ) so will continue this afterwards.

Edit just after the match:

I was planning on saying something about richly drawn characters, beautiful pacing, and the attention to detail that makes me delight in reading. However Sweden's tenacity have made me physically and emotionally knackered (plus I've just about lost my voice after screaming at England to keep the ball) so that's all I have the energy to say right now

Second edit : 3rd July.

My voice is back now, and I just had to add one more teeny little comment. I absolutely loved the way you run your tale parrallel to the main quest (and of course Trey's story which we all know and love). It feels like, how do I put this? Chocolate fudge cake with real cream that doesn't have any calories. We get the best of both worlds

Still no luck?

nicely done so far, and I also want to know WHEN WIL THE NEXT UPDATE BE!!! ok I'm good

Patience is a virtue young grasshopper.... Unfortunately it's a virtue I sometimes lack in!

Hey Metal Mallet I've almost finished making a chapter in this time period, and you should know you've posted more than most people on it.

Ok....I´ve got a brand new lappy, the old one was so dead they had to bury it! I´ve also got the contents of my old HD on a portable HD. Now what has to be done is installing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I hope that it won´t take that long, but you never know!

I apologize to my dear readers....you have really been wonderfully patient! And I love you all!

Glad to hear that great news! I will try to keep my patience about me, as I eagerly wait for the continuation of this great fic. Hopefully installing won't bring up any problems. *crosses fingers hopefully*

....you have really been wonderfully patient! And I love you all!


..... your welcome Minique, I didn't even know you used a laptop........................

At last, yesterday I celebrated the successful installing of Word with making an update of this godforsaken story

So enjoy all my loyal and wonderfully patient readers!


Varvur Sarethi did resemble his father quite a bit, but where Athyn’s face was stern and sharply outlined, Varvur was faint and weak. He was a young man, a couple of years older than me, tall and thin. His hair was originally jet-black but now it had an unhealthy greyish shade, besides it was rather oily and lank.

He was lying on a narrow bed in his small bedroom further down at Sarethi Manor, staring with unseeing eyes at the roof. The room was hot and stale and the smell of dirty clothes and unwashed human being was striking.

“Varvur, I’d like you to meet someone,” Athyn spoke gently, while putting his hand to the young man’s forehead.

“Please Father; leave me alone, I don’t want to meet anyone. I have a terrible headache.” Varvur´s voice was hoarse and guttural.

“That’s why I want you to meet this lady, she’s healer and...”

“Another healer?” Varvur smirked, “I don’t need another healer, they can’t help me anyway, so just leave me alone will you?”

I felt rather dizzy; the heat and the young man’s apparent repudiation of having anything to do with me made me want to leave...immediately. A trickle of sweat ran down my back and I had some difficulty breathing the stale air.

“Varvur, please,” Athyn had obvious difficulties controlling his voice, and the pain in his eyes made me feel even worse.

Then all of a sudden Varvur sat up and took a look at me. His red eyes were totally callous. I tried to stay calm and even gave him a faint smile.

“Ha! At least this one is good looking, not like those old hags you usually get here.” The young Dunmer gave me a scornful smile and leaned back on the bed again.

“There is no need to be rude, Varvur,” Athyn replied icily, “Serene here is a very skilled healer, so please give her a chance.”

I remained silent, just put my hand gently on Athyn´s arm to draw his attention away from the young man on the bed, and as he turned towards me the world stopped. There was nothing except the old Dunmer and I; I could not move, not even withdraw my hand; the only thing that existed was Athyn Sarethi´s dark sad eyes looking right into mine.

I can’t explain the storm flood of feelings that came over me, I just stood there for eternity as it seemed. In fact the strange moment just lasted like a minute before I forced myself to let go of his arm, saying:

“I’d better go now, Serjo Sarethi, to make some preparations and then I’ll come back in a day or two.”

Athyn Sarethi nodded, still looking at me with an almost tender expression in his face.

I went directly to the Mage’s Guild after leaving Sarethi Manor. There had to be some source of useful information to help me plan this delicate task of curing Varvur. I was considering consulting Lloros Sarano as well but decided to wait until the next day.

Edwinna was very friendly as always. She prepared a meal for me and I discovered I was starving, oddly enough, so I enjoyed the crab-stew and the freshly made bread she put in front of me very much.

“Serene, I think it would be a good idea to visit Venim Manor,” she said thoughtfully, “You might be able to come up with a clue to why young Varvur was held prisoner there in the first place; besides, you’re new to House Redoran and it would be an act of courtesy to pay a visit to the Archmaster of the Great House.”

I shrugged- after what I’d heard about Archmaster Venim, I had no real desire to meet him. It seemed that he was a very powerful man, who used his power in ways that I considered questionable. Still, I agreed with Edwinna, a visit to Venim Manor could be fruitful.

I wanted to look the very best when visiting Archmaster Venim, so I washed myself thoroughly the next morning, Edwinna made my hair in an intricate coiffure, just to make a good first impression. Also she lent me her finest dress, the one she usually wore at celebrations and other important events.

If I had known how things would turn out, I wouldn’t have bothered so much.

Upon my entering Venim Manor I was immediately examined, and I was glad I didn’t bring any weapons, since I thought that would prove my good intentions. The examination was not at all pleasant, even though it was performed by a female guard, who presented herself as Velsa Orethi. She told me about the greatness of Bolvyn Venim and also how fortunate she was to be in his service. During her everlasting torrent of words, her hands were all over my body poking and squeezing….

I was told Archmaster Venim was occupied at the moment with another councillor, Garisa Llethri, so I was left unattended but not unguarded in the great lower hall of Venim Manor.

This Manor was different from Sarethi Manor, more spacious, overwhelming in its layout, richly decorated with flower arrangements, colonnades and lots of thick carpets on the walls as well as on the floor. It was a grand Manor but not as nice and comfortable looking as Sarethi Manor.

While I was waiting for my audience with the Archmaster I was approached by a Dunmeri woman who looked rather aware of her own importance, which was quite appropriate since she presented herself as Fathasa Llethri, wife of Councillor Garisa Llethri with whom Archmaster Venim was currently meeting. Fathasa was extravagantly dressed and very good at conversations, as it turned out.

“So, you must be the new outlander who has joined Great House Redoran!” she exclaimed, clutching her hands together, “So nice to meet you my child…..Now what is your name? Are you really from Cyrodiil? Oh I wish the Archmaster would send my husband there...I´ve always wanted to visit The Imperial City….Now what’s it like there?” She stopped for a short moment to catch her breath and I rapidly interrupted her;
“Sera Llethri, I’m honoured to meet you, yes I’m Serene Catraso, new member of Great House Redoran and yes I’m from Cyrodiil originally. I’m here to pay my respects to Archmaster Venim...”

“Oh yes the Archmaster, he’s an extraordinary man, strong, bold, a truly great leader and a very good friend of me and my husband.”

Fathasa´s face glowed in a rather strange way when she talked about Archmaster Venim and I got the feeling there was something the matter here.

I continued my conversation with Sera Llethri for a while, and then two young guards came by, telling me that Archmaster Venim was ready to see me.

I must admit I was rather nervous about meeting the head of House Redoran, but held my head high when I was lead through the great hall, up a broad staircase and into the grand audience-chamber where Bolvyn Venim awaited me.

Along the way I passed a young woman who gave me a faint sign as if she wanted to speak to me…..

Bolvyn Venim was standing beside his desk, straddle-legged, with a stern look on his face, and he stared at me in a piercing, unpleasant fashion, as if he did not like what he was seeing. Well the feeling was mutual, but I maintained a cool expression that would have made my deportment teacher in Cyrodiil proud. At last, realizing that I was not about to wilt under his stares, the Archmaster spoke:

“Now then…what do we have here? Another saucy outlander intruding into our noble House Redoran…it’s completely outrageous, Guards! Get her out of here!”

I went cold with anger. this man had no reason to treat me like this, I had come with nothing but good intentions and he didn’t even bother to let me speak to him, but I didn’t give up that easy, I was here and I intended not to let me be put off like this.

“I greet you honourably Archmaster Venim!” I said in a louder voice than was intended, “I’m Serene Catraso and I recently joined Great House Redoran, and so I’m here to pay you my respects!!”

“Respect? “He frowned, “I don’t accept any respect from a dirty outlander like you; now you get out of my house immediately or I’ll have you thrown out.”

I didn’t wait for the guards to throw me out; I turned around and hurried down the staircase, tears burning behind my eyelids. It was quite long since I was treated in this humiliating way and I was shaking from anger and sadness.

Once outside the Manor I stopped, panting heavily, trying to prevent myself from crying, when a soft voice spoke from behind me,

“Serene, I’m sorry for my father’s behaviour; please don’t be sad, I think we must talk!”

I looked up, and saw that the young woman who gave me the sign before was standing on the walkway, her hand outstretched in a friendly manner.

“Your father?” I asked, and wondered how a rude bastard like Bolvyn Venim could possibly have a daughter who sounded that nice.

“Yes, Bolvyn Venim is my father, nothing I’m particularly proud of, by the way my name is Vendrela Aravel, and I really think we should talk……you see I’ve known Varvur Sarethi since we were children; we actually grew up together”

I looked at her stunned, first, because she apparently knew of my interest in Varvur Sarethi, and second because she just might be a source of information on what was going on in this snake’s nest that was called the Great House Redoran…

Thanks for this great update. It has been a while in coming, which only makes it more appreciated. I particularly enjoyed the juxtaposition of Bolvyn Venim with his daughter; the incredible difference in their personalities was quite intriguing. I do hope that Vendrela can help point Serene in the right direction; it sounds like curing Varvur will be no small task. Regardless, I'm sure Serene is up to the task.

About time! Just kidding

I'm very happy to see an update for Serene. Lots of great emotion throughout and interesting characterizations of Venim and his daughter, and Varvur as well. I look forward to seeing how Serene is going to help Varvur.

What a wonderful gift to take the edge off of a Monday! I like this update both for what it contains and what it promises- here we see Serene's first steps toward discovering (and fixing?) the problems within Redoran. A return that was well worth waiting for.

So... they ponder and ponder and PONDER morality all damn day long, do they... and when no one's looking, they're still as filthy as Hlaaly or Telvanni ? Yep. I know.
i just wonder how will you find out what is really wrong with Varvur... that heat and dizziness might be a giveaway ?

oh, and Welcome Back

Great job Minque. Just goes to prove that just because most of the family are morons there can always be one sensible one.

please continue, I can't wait to read more

Hmm, I must admit I never got a good talk with the Redoran. It might have something to do with my character being a high-ranking (as in, Arch-magister) Telvanni. Or maybe they don't like robed Redguards.

This sickness sounds interesting. And I feel another romance coming up. Or at least friendship and mutual respect. Now I wonder what good old Venim will say about Serene hanging out with his daughter. Watch out, the old creep has one mean Dai-katana.

Nice! An update

I like. It was only by chance I happened to come back, been a while since I was last here.

Vendrela Aravel was a beautiful young woman. Her skin was lighter than most Dunmers, with a smooth complexion. She had long jet-black hair streaming down her back, and her slightly narrow eyes were dark reddish-brown. We were sitting at the Rat-in-the-Pot, having a brandy; we decided we needed that after the rough encounter with Bolvyn Venim. It turned out to be a highly enlightening conversation- she knew a great deal about Great House Redoran, especially the sorts of things that did not make it into the “official” records.

“I never knew my mother; she died when I was born, of some unknown infection…My father has never forgiven me for that, and for the fact I was a girl and not the son he really wanted.” Vendrela sighed, “I have lived with that guilt ever since.”

I felt very sorry for her; her fate had a resemblance with my own. I, too, never knew my real mother, even though I did have a kind of mother who really cared for me….until I decided to leave, a thing I sometimes did regret.

“I grew up in Venim Manor, a never ending parade of nannies taking care of me, thoroughly lead by the Housekeeper, Vindyne Belvani, who spent most of her time trying to keep me away from my father who didn’t want to be disturbed by a child….especially not an unwanted girl.”

I suggested we buy a bottle of Flin and go to my quarters in the Mage’s Guild to continue our talk, since I feared that the walls of The-Rat-in-the Pot may have ears. I didn’t want the rumour to be spread that I had had a conversation with Bolvyn Venim´s daughter, for her sake more than for my own!

“Our generation is the youngest in Vvardenfell today, we were the last children in our time,” Vendrela sighed. “Some say it’s because of a curse, a curse made by The Sixth House Cult, in order to subdue the Dunmer, as a revenge for the deeds of the late Lord Nerevar. I don’t know if it’s true, I only know our women don’t get pregnant anymore...”

I looked at her, and remembered that Sedrane Mirpal once told me the same thing, back in Balmora soon after I arrived in this strange part of the world. I thought it was the Ashlanders only that suffered from infertility, but obviously all Dunmer did.

“However, there’s an outlander in House Redoran, just like you, Serene, who is believed to be Lord Nerevar Reborn…..” Vendrela stopped and looked away, is if her mind had turned inward, to thoughts only she could see. I waited, I wouldn’t rush her, but I needed to find out more about Varvur Sarethi if I was going to be able to do something about his current condition. And that was a thing I wanted to succeed with, more than anything else just now, not because of the young man himself, but because I couldn’t get the sad face of his father out of my mind. Then again, Vendrela´s words about the mysterious outlander caught my interest; I decided to talk to Athyn Sarethi about him.

“We all went to The Mage’s Guild Elementary School together, Varvur, his younger brother Salyn, Nartise Arobar, Delyna Mandas, Sanvyn Llethri, Neminda and her sister Elone; yes they are outlanders those two, but fully accepted into The House! Oh yes, Bralen Carvaren also attended from time to time.”

“Salyn? Varvur has a brother?” I wondered. “Where is he now?”

“He’s a Buoyant Armiger at Ghostgate,” Vendrela answered. “He’s not allowed to come home other than for very special occasions, but if that wasn’t enough, Varvur and Salyn also have a sister, or shall we say had, because I think she is dead by now. Her name was Satyana; she disappeared about 10 years ago and has never been seen since. Athyn never speaks of her, not in front of his wife anyway. “

“Varvur has always been too sensitive for his own good. Salyn left right after school to join the Armigers, for he is skilled with his sword. But poor Varvur wouldn’t know how to even hold one!” Vendrela laughed.

“So Varvur couldn’t have killed Bralen…..at all?” I knew his name was cleared but there could have been some curse or spell involved as far as I knew.

“Varvur can’t hurt anything; he’s totally unable to raise a hand against any living creature,” Vendrela said in a stern voice. “But something happened just before my father took him as prisoner….”

I waited for Vendrela to continue, hoping she’d trust me enough. I knew her decision balanced on the edge of a blade- she searched my face without saying a word. I pondered over the information I had uncovered so far; Varvur wasn’t the single child of Athyn Sarethi and his red-headed wife, but he was the only child living at home at the moment. I wonder what happened to his sister, and why his brother wasn’t allowed to go home to comfort his parents.

Vendrela finally spoke again, and she told me about her father’s promiscuous life, his affairs with various women, nobles and commoners alike among his loyal kinsmen. She said she normally never spoke about it, even though she knew it was common knowledge among almost all the people of Ald´Ruhn.

“I’m afraid my father and Domesea Sarethi have something going on, and have had for some months now. Athyn doesn’t know, not for sure anyway, and nobody dares to tell him; he’s such a kind and honourable man, it would probably kill him. He is very particular about his family, as you may have understood already.”

I realised that Bolvyn Venim had hurt the Sarethi Family in far more than one way, not only when he had had Varvur as a prisoner, he also had an affair with his mother, Athyn´s wife. I suspected this could have had an impact on Varvur´s mind, if he knew. Vendrela´s story made it obvious to me that he had found out, but how, she didn’t know.

Varvur and Bralen started to hang out with a man called Galtis Guvron, a farmer-boy from just outside the town. He was a nice but weak boy, and he was acquainted to a woman who dominated him completely. Her name was Hanarai Assutlanipal and from what was later revealed, she was a Sixth House Cultist; she even had a shrine in the basement of her house. She had given Galtis some strange items called Ash-statues, which caused mental sickness with those who possessed them. One of those statues was believed to have caused Varvur to kill Bralen, but Vendrela didn’t believe that; she thought that the statue’s evil power had caused Bralen to somehow take his own life. Unfortunately Varvur was found unconscious beside Bralen´s dead body. The man called Trey of High Rock found out about Galtis Guvron´s role in the matter and was forced to kill him and his fiancée and fellow cultist.

“Now they’re all dead, except Varvur, thanks to Trey,” Vendrela smiled. She refilled her glass and mine again. I started to feel a bit dizzy; it had been a long day and I hardly had had anything to eat, so the alcoholic beverage went straight to my head. I leaned back on the bed I was sitting on, and closed my eyes, just for a second…

When I opened my eyes again, the room was dark and I was alone. I found a note on the table saying:

“You fell asleep my dear, so I have gone home. I want to give you some advice though: Keep your eyes and ears open when in Sarethi Manor, but be careful with your words, the walls have ears. You ought to talk to Varvur- he has nobody to confide in anymore and I think he needs that. It might not cure him, but you might find it helpful anyway. Make him trust you. If you need to see me, go to the Market outside the Ald´Ruhn-Temple- I’ll be there with Vindyne to get the weekly supplies, every Loredas morning.
Please destroy this note when you read it

Vendrela”

I burned the note after I’d read it. Could it be as simple as that: Varvur was depressed because his mother had an affair with the Archmaster? I reckoned it was part of the truth only...

It so happened, I was more right than I ever could imagine.

An excellent update that raises many thought provoking questions. I'm looking forward to seeing what might be the possible answers.

very nice Minque, please gimme more

Thanks for another fine update. You've certainly managed to make Athyn's situation pretty grim. I'm curious to see how Serene's unique insights will help make his life better.

Another update that was worth waiting for.... your strength in describing human interactions and human failings is clearly shown. I am anxious to see how Serene will react to the corruption in her adopted family (Redoran). Given her own history and her sense of honor, I expect a rather spectacular response.

Yes the Redorans seem more corrupt than her own family, which was very harsh in its dealings with her.

But I am so glad to see you continuing Serene's story, Minque. I too await to see what her new family adventures will bring her.

Thanks friends for all nice comments!

The Redorans are honourable.....but not inside their Manors, in their bedrooms, oh no, they sometimes have difficulties in knowing who´s actually married to who...But of course if the Archmaster of your house wants to date you, how can you resist? Domesea Sarethi is a woman who get turned on by power, her husband is a simple councillor with no particular ambitions to rise in rank.....

But folks, you ain´t seen nothin´yet....Bolvyn´s affairs are well known throughout the house!

But you just might to have to wait a while for the next update, see I´m going to US on monday! I´m so looking forward to it, it´ll be the trip of my life ...really

Now that's why I could never function within the Redorans. They're too serious about their honour. Really, Bolvyn needs one good behind beating, without having honour and manners disrupting things. I guess that's why I like the Telvanni so much. They expect me to beat their behinds in a flashy way.

Very dramatic update you have here miss Minque. I'll be waiting for further updates no matter how long it takes you, I've stuck with this story far too long to give up now, things are every bit as interesting as they were when I started reading and just as I was then, I'm hooked.

Keep up the great work, the detail put into the characters and emotion are well illustrated in this last update so please continue.

Ok my friends and readers, here it comes, the new update, and as a special treat for you, I have gotten special assistance with this installment, by the expert himself....the one and only, Treydog!

Thank you Treydog for your priceless help!
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I decided to pay a visit to Sarethi Manor first thing in the morning. Maybe I could come up with some more background information that could help me figure out how exactly Varvur´s mind functioned. Then again, who was I fooling? I wanted to see Athyn again; somehow the old Mer had gotten straight into my heart and even though I was terrified where that would lead, I simply could not restrain myself from seeing him.

The evening I spent at the Mage’s Guild, trying to find some useful recipes for potions good for invigorating the mind, as well as potions with some kind of “cheering-up” effect. I found that the Mages did not have that much experience of these kinds of mental problems in humans or Mers either, for that matter, so I had to experiment with new kinds of mixtures of plants and herbs. The work was alternately frustrating and rewarding, and before I realized it, the hour had grown quite late. The mages had gone to their homes or their quarters, and only a few night candles illuminated the halls as I made my way to my bed.

When I opened the door to my room, I saw that my lamp had apparently gone out- “Probably out of oil,” I thought, making a mental note to remind the Guild steward in the morning. For now, it really did not matter, for I was quite tired and did not plan to follow my usual practice of reading before sleep. Also, my night vision was unusually good, something my friends had remarked on as I was growing up, saying, “Serene, you have eyes like a cat.” For some reason, that attribute failed me on this night, as I failed to see a small stool in my path, which fetched me a sharp rap across the shin and caused me to stumble. I bent to rub the injured leg, muttering some decidedly un-ladylike words that would have surprised my poor mother. That sudden movement saved my life, as I heard a sudden exhalation of breath behind me and felt a blade whip past where my head would have been!

There was no time for thought or questions; my training and instincts took over. I had left my sword on the bed when I arrived- I lunged forward and rolled to the opposite side of the bed, I grasped the hilt and cleared the scabbard in a swift flick. This move placed the bed between me and my assailant and also allowed me to take advantage of the light coming from the open door. And that light revealed—a shadowy figure dressed in black from head to foot, holding a dagger that seemed to be smeared with a sticky yellow substance. A Dark Brotherhood assassin- here in Ald´Ruhn! I stared at his blade as if it was a deadly serpent- which was appropriate- it was an envenomed fang, seeking my heart. A single cut could spell death- I had no idea what type of poison he had used- and I had no desire to find out by experimenting.

But I had a weapon of my own now, one with far greater reach. I could probably keep the assassin’s dagger away from me, but I wanted to do more- I wanted to find out who was sending these killers after me. Never taking my eyes from the dagger, I reached my left hand down and bunched up the coverlet. Distracting the assassin with a shrill shout and wild swing of my katana, I threw the fabric, entrapping the dagger! I then leapt on the bed and brought the flat of my sword down on the top of his head. He collapsed in a heap and I quickly rolled him over with my foot and kicked his dagger away.

Muttering the cantrip that summoned mage-light, I reached for the mask that covered the killer’s face. First, I would see who he was, then I would summon the Redoran guards and we would find out who had hired him- or so I thought. Like a striking snake, his hand shot up and grabbed my wrist, trapping my arm in a crushing grasp. He had been feigning unconsciousness, waiting from me to make a foolish mistake and get too close. And I had obliged him, forgetting everything I had learned, forgetting that this was not practice, but life and death. But he had made a mistake too, for he had pinned my left hand, not the one that held the sword. More out of fear and reflex than from conscious thought, I brought the razor-edged blade down across his neck. Blood spurted as his head rolled away and my dinner completed the job of ruining the carpet as I was violently ill.

I had to put an end to these attacks from The Dark Brotherhood, especially now, when I had an important task to accomplish…and….had met a man that affected me far more than I would admit to myself.

I couldn’t remember the name of the person I had to talk to about the attacks, but I was sure Neminda, or even Athyn would know that. I shrugged; my desire to stay alive had increased a tremendous amount during the last weeks.

An ash storm haunted Ald´ruhn that morning as I was on my way to Under Skar, and since the hood of my cloak effectively covered my face I was brusquely stopped by two Redoran guards when I was about to enter the giant crab shell.

“Hail there Outlander! Where do you think you are going?” One of them grabbed my arm rather hard as he spat those words out.

“Good Morning to you, ser” I answered politely, “I’m on my way to see Serjo Athyn Sarethi, about an important matter.” I pulled back the hood to show my face to them.

“Ah yes …well you see there have been several assassination-attempts on Councilor Sarethi, so we have the entire Under Skar under surveillance,” the guard responded. “Now you do look innocent but I’ll have to check your satchel there, Sera.”

I did not show the fear that struck me at his words. Assassination-attempts! Athyn could be in danger and here was I, being stopped by these guards when the only thing I wanted was to rush to his side! With trembling hands I opened the satchel and showed them the contents; a couple of vials containing the potions I was going to try on Varvur, some useful scrolls, and my personal items.

The guards naturally showed interest in my potions; magic always seems to puzzle men in general and guards in particular. I told them it was only harmless pick-me-up potions and they seemed to believe me so they let me off the hook.

I tried not to just rush off like a hunted kagouti, but I must admit I hurried down the gangplanks towards Sarethi Manor at a rather high speed. Just as I came within a few yards of the entrance to the Manor, the door opened and a man stepped out, a tall blonde Breton, with a stern, worried look on his face; I raised my hand to greet him, for I recognized him as Trey, Trey of High Rock, but he paid no attention to me- I doubt he even noticed me. I watched him head towards Llethri Manor, and thought to follow, but I had more urgent matters to attend to.

The smell of blood and other fluids was overwhelming as I entered Sarethi Manor. Down the hallway I saw two guards kneeling over a body lying flat on the floor, there were no signs of Athyn, and I whined as I rushed towards the sprawled body.

“Serene! I’m over here; oh it’s so good to see you!”

Athyn´s voice was hoarse and he sounded utterly tired and dejected. He was sitting on a chair beside the table in the open chamber just adjacent to the hallway. I immediately went to him, taking both his hands in mine, unable to speak, because of the big lump in my throat that made me burst into tears as I saw his pale face streaked with pain and fatigue. A thin trickle of blood ran down his cheek from a cut in his left temple. I still couldn’t speak; I was shaking too severely, so he rose and simply took me in his arms, gently stroking my head and back.

“Shhh, Serene, it’s ok now, but this was a close one. If it hadn’t been for Trey, I don’t know….”

I finally composed myself, feeling a bit embarrassed for breaking down like that, but Athyn didn’t seem to mind at all. He led me by the hand to a chair and told me what happened.

“They were dressed as Redoran-guards, so I wasn’t suspicious at all when they came down the hallway, then all of a sudden they attacked me from two sides! Lucky I had my sword- I usually don’t, you know, but lately I’ve always been armed…Naturally I realized I wouldn’t have a chance against two fully armed assassins, but somehow my urge to stay alive helped me in pushing them back,” Athyn sighed.

“Then they knocked me to my knees, and I thought the end was coming, when suddenly Trey burst in and…well that was that.”

I realized Athyn didn’t want to talk about it anymore, and also he obviously was more wounded than was apparent, because his face suddenly went even paler than before. A cold sweat started running down his face and mixed with the blood from the cut. He struggled for air and slowly slid off the chair and down on the floor.

I did not break down this time, as the healer in me took over and I examined him. I found a severe cut just under the ribcage that had bled ominously, but his red cloak had concealed it efficiently.

I put my hands on the cut and focused. It had been quite some time since I’d performed a healing-task and this time I also had to do it on a person I cared for, which always made it more difficult. The well-known rise in temperature took its time to appear this time, and I trembled as I held my hands on his body, and sweat ran down my back, I so much wanted this to function, as I noticed his face turn paler and his breathing get shallower.

I had almost given up when I felt the tickling in my fingers and heat emerge from them, and before my eyes the deep cut slowly closed, and left a pink scar across his chest. I looked at my hands, as always a bit astonished, since I never really understood how I could do these healings. I then put one hand on the cut on his temple and felt it close ….this time leaving a more pronounced scar…

I sat back on my heels, sending a grateful thought to Trey of High Rock for being there…in time to save Athyn. And I wondered- was it a sign from the divines or was it sheer coincidence?

I never found out, and I still don’t know, so many years after…