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At the Tea House
9th of Sun's Dawn, 428 3E
"It is our calling after all. Be vigilant," stated Arrille after successfully avoiding injury during a recent bout against Master Neloth of Great House Telvanni (who is also a member of the local thuggery). "We have eyes everywhere, watching for evil-doers. So beware! Don't tangle with the forces of justice!"
So Arrille has gone from being a mild-mannered shopkeeper to a vigilante. We didn't see that one coming.
Gilvoth Dagoth and Tanor the Sleaze met recently to hash out a new business agreement where Tanor will be working for the Kingpin's organization. "I believe our new relationship will benefit us both...though probably me more so."
Dagoth? As in possibly a relative of Dagoth Ur? Not to mention that we apparently have someone living in this town who is known as "the Sleaze"? And I thought it was bad that Crassius Curio was openly selling his services as a gigolo. Surely Aryc, who is more or less considered the leader of New Pelagiad, won't allow the town to develop an unsavory side and become no better than Suran.
So much for the day's strange news. On a more wholesome topic, I did indeed get to meet my sister today at the Old Tomes Tea House. One probably wouldn't know that we are half-siblings due to each of us taking after our mothers. While my mother was a half-Bosmer (with the Bosmer on her maternal side), Acacia's mother was an Altmer from Summerset whom I can vaguely remember being a part of King Helseth's court. On our first sight of each other, Acacia and I have each other wary smiles before settling at a table along the wall. Although we were unsure of each other at first, within minutes we were eagerly chatting and sharing our stories with each other.
Acacia explained that after being brought to Mournhold, all she could think of was escaping. Like me, she dreaded the thought of one day having to enter into a political marriage to someone she didn't know or love. So she carefully watched for an opportunity and seized it when the garden gate had been left open by servants who had been delivering supplies. Using an enchanted indrik feather amulet, she summoned a mighty Mossheart Indrk which served as a mount and carried her away.
The Mossheart took Acacia to the port where she booked passage to leave for another land. Unfortunately that very ship ended up being captured by Nord pirates. She had tried to hide but the pirates found her and immediately began arguing over whether they should sell her or keep her for their own use.
Leaning forward in my chair, I said softly, "How horrifying. You went through a nightmare."
She replied, "Fortunately they didn't get a chance to hurt me. A smaller vessel carrying House Redoran warriors showed up when they spotted the pirates along the coast of Vvardenfell." At this point a smile appeared on her face as she continued, "Their leader was a red-haired Dunmer named Darkfell. He cut down most of the pirates with his blade, and when I was knocked overboard during the fight...Darkfell jumped into the water and saved me."
Darkfell? That name rang a bell. Recalling where I had read that name, I said, "Not long ago I heard about Darkfell in the news. He arrested Master Neloth after the mer jumped out and punched Darkfell in the face."
With a soft laugh, Acacia stated, "That's the mer. Unfortunately I didn't get to thank him at the time. When we all came into the Gnisis port the Imperials got into an argument with the Redorans, saying that they had overstepped their bounds."
To that I asked incredulously, "What else where they supposed to do? Ignore the pirates? Not to mention not rescue a young lady who was in distress?" After shaking my head in dismay, I inquired, "What happened once you were ashore?"
She answered, "Darkfell went on his way. I remained in Gnisis for a short time before traveling south to Balmora and then on to Pelagiad. I was looking for work and seeing training to fight when I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Aryc. He gave me a job in his new stronghold, assisting with running the household. Later on Darkfell and I ran into each other again while I was in Pelagiad and..." Once again Acacia smiled as she finished with, "The rest is history."
Now understanding why she was smiling, I said, "Ah, so this Darkfell is now your suitor?"
She nodded before answered, "Yes. In fact we plan to marry. I realize that this would make our father terribly angry. Actually, forget merely angry, he would be furious if he found out I was marrying without his permission."
I pointed out, "If the monarchy is abolished, and it's really looking like it will be, none of that will matter anymore. We'll both be free to do as we wish without worrying about being punished for it."
Acacia then asked curiously, "So who is this Neldor? I heard that name mentioned along with yours when Aryc arranged for your plot of farmland to be sold to you."
At that point it was my turn to tell of my first weeks on Vvardenfell. My tale was not as dramatic as Acacia's but she still widened her blue eyes in dismay when I told her about crossing paths with a highwayman and that Neldor had come along just as Nels Llendo was trying to persuade me to kiss him.
Leaning back in her chair, Acacia stated, "I'm glad you weren't hurt. I really mean that."
I replied sincerely, "And I'm grateful to Darkfell for saving you."
As the afternoon went on and we had some tea and muffins, I told her about Neldor and I going to Lokken in an effort to get further away from those who might be looking for us. I told her about the White Wolf, the evil shaman and the usurping Ragnar, and completed my tale with how Wulfren had let everyone down by abdicating from his role as chieftain, ran off to Cyrodill with his new wife and decided to become a priest in a sex cult...dumping the responsibilities of looking after Lokken Island on Neldor and myself even though we were already busy caring for the forest and the wildlife.
Acacia, who had been given the same "preparing to possibly be a Queen" education as I had, exclaimed, "How awful! How could he just turn his back on his people?"
Shrugging, I explained, "I tried to tell him that his people had been loyal to him during his absence and that to leave so suddenly would be letting them down, but he wouldn't hear any of it. A lot of people put their lives on the line for him, so needless to say he is not very popular in Lokken village right now."
Acacia then inquired, "So that's why you and Neldor decided to come back here? Because you didn't want to rule the island?"
With a slow nod, I answered, "The Nord villagers were grumbling. They didn't want to be ruled by 'a pair of Wood Elves', and it was just too much for us. We're just grateful that we could get a plot of land big enough to have our cabin and barn teleported into. We love that cabin and would have hated to leave it."
With a laugh, Acacia explained, "Oh, you and Neldor did Aryc a favor. Master Neloth and his cohort Gilvoth have been trying to get farmland down here. They want to grow beans."
"Beans? Why beans?"
Spreading her hands, she answered, "I have no idea. Whatever they're up to can't be good. They were eyeing the nice big lot where your home now sits. So when Thorinor and Sarasvati came by and asked if he had any land available for you and Neldor to move into, Aryc couldn't say yes fast enough. He even lowered the price of the lot as much as he could because he preferred for you and Neldor to make a home on it rather than have Gilvoth and Neloth squat there and grow their mystery beans."
For a while we continued to contemplate why a Telvanni Mage Lord and his Dagoth friend would want to grow beans. Eventually we noticed the clock and were surprised to see how late in the day it was. When we rose to our feet we still felt a little too unsure of each other to hug, but we did gently clasp each other hands and agreed that from now on we will regularly see and speak to each other and make up for all the time we have lost.
As Gloria and I rode home I noticed that a good bit of the snow has melted. Perhaps spring will not take as long to get here as was predicted on Scoutling Day. Whatever the case, slightly warmer weather and the sight of the grass appearing from beneath the snow was beautiful end to a pleasant afternoon. It's nice to have family again.
*~*~*
"It is our calling after all. Be vigilant," stated Arrille after successfully avoiding injury during a recent bout against Master Neloth of Great House Telvanni (who is also a member of the local thuggery). "We have eyes everywhere, watching for evil-doers. So beware! Don't tangle with the forces of justice!"
So Arrille has gone from being a mild-mannered shopkeeper to a vigilante. We didn't see that one coming.
Gilvoth Dagoth and Tanor the Sleaze met recently to hash out a new business agreement where Tanor will be working for the Kingpin's organization. "I believe our new relationship will benefit us both...though probably me more so."
Dagoth? As in possibly a relative of Dagoth Ur? Not to mention that we apparently have someone living in this town who is known as "the Sleaze"? And I thought it was bad that Crassius Curio was openly selling his services as a gigolo. Surely Aryc, who is more or less considered the leader of New Pelagiad, won't allow the town to develop an unsavory side and become no better than Suran.
So much for the day's strange news. On a more wholesome topic, I did indeed get to meet my sister today at the Old Tomes Tea House. One probably wouldn't know that we are half-siblings due to each of us taking after our mothers. While my mother was a half-Bosmer (with the Bosmer on her maternal side), Acacia's mother was an Altmer from Summerset whom I can vaguely remember being a part of King Helseth's court. On our first sight of each other, Acacia and I have each other wary smiles before settling at a table along the wall. Although we were unsure of each other at first, within minutes we were eagerly chatting and sharing our stories with each other.
Acacia explained that after being brought to Mournhold, all she could think of was escaping. Like me, she dreaded the thought of one day having to enter into a political marriage to someone she didn't know or love. So she carefully watched for an opportunity and seized it when the garden gate had been left open by servants who had been delivering supplies. Using an enchanted indrik feather amulet, she summoned a mighty Mossheart Indrk which served as a mount and carried her away.
The Mossheart took Acacia to the port where she booked passage to leave for another land. Unfortunately that very ship ended up being captured by Nord pirates. She had tried to hide but the pirates found her and immediately began arguing over whether they should sell her or keep her for their own use.
Leaning forward in my chair, I said softly, "How horrifying. You went through a nightmare."
She replied, "Fortunately they didn't get a chance to hurt me. A smaller vessel carrying House Redoran warriors showed up when they spotted the pirates along the coast of Vvardenfell." At this point a smile appeared on her face as she continued, "Their leader was a red-haired Dunmer named Darkfell. He cut down most of the pirates with his blade, and when I was knocked overboard during the fight...Darkfell jumped into the water and saved me."
Darkfell? That name rang a bell. Recalling where I had read that name, I said, "Not long ago I heard about Darkfell in the news. He arrested Master Neloth after the mer jumped out and punched Darkfell in the face."
With a soft laugh, Acacia stated, "That's the mer. Unfortunately I didn't get to thank him at the time. When we all came into the Gnisis port the Imperials got into an argument with the Redorans, saying that they had overstepped their bounds."
To that I asked incredulously, "What else where they supposed to do? Ignore the pirates? Not to mention not rescue a young lady who was in distress?" After shaking my head in dismay, I inquired, "What happened once you were ashore?"
She answered, "Darkfell went on his way. I remained in Gnisis for a short time before traveling south to Balmora and then on to Pelagiad. I was looking for work and seeing training to fight when I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Aryc. He gave me a job in his new stronghold, assisting with running the household. Later on Darkfell and I ran into each other again while I was in Pelagiad and..." Once again Acacia smiled as she finished with, "The rest is history."
Now understanding why she was smiling, I said, "Ah, so this Darkfell is now your suitor?"
She nodded before answered, "Yes. In fact we plan to marry. I realize that this would make our father terribly angry. Actually, forget merely angry, he would be furious if he found out I was marrying without his permission."
I pointed out, "If the monarchy is abolished, and it's really looking like it will be, none of that will matter anymore. We'll both be free to do as we wish without worrying about being punished for it."
Acacia then asked curiously, "So who is this Neldor? I heard that name mentioned along with yours when Aryc arranged for your plot of farmland to be sold to you."
At that point it was my turn to tell of my first weeks on Vvardenfell. My tale was not as dramatic as Acacia's but she still widened her blue eyes in dismay when I told her about crossing paths with a highwayman and that Neldor had come along just as Nels Llendo was trying to persuade me to kiss him.
Leaning back in her chair, Acacia stated, "I'm glad you weren't hurt. I really mean that."
I replied sincerely, "And I'm grateful to Darkfell for saving you."
As the afternoon went on and we had some tea and muffins, I told her about Neldor and I going to Lokken in an effort to get further away from those who might be looking for us. I told her about the White Wolf, the evil shaman and the usurping Ragnar, and completed my tale with how Wulfren had let everyone down by abdicating from his role as chieftain, ran off to Cyrodill with his new wife and decided to become a priest in a sex cult...dumping the responsibilities of looking after Lokken Island on Neldor and myself even though we were already busy caring for the forest and the wildlife.
Acacia, who had been given the same "preparing to possibly be a Queen" education as I had, exclaimed, "How awful! How could he just turn his back on his people?"
Shrugging, I explained, "I tried to tell him that his people had been loyal to him during his absence and that to leave so suddenly would be letting them down, but he wouldn't hear any of it. A lot of people put their lives on the line for him, so needless to say he is not very popular in Lokken village right now."
Acacia then inquired, "So that's why you and Neldor decided to come back here? Because you didn't want to rule the island?"
With a slow nod, I answered, "The Nord villagers were grumbling. They didn't want to be ruled by 'a pair of Wood Elves', and it was just too much for us. We're just grateful that we could get a plot of land big enough to have our cabin and barn teleported into. We love that cabin and would have hated to leave it."
With a laugh, Acacia explained, "Oh, you and Neldor did Aryc a favor. Master Neloth and his cohort Gilvoth have been trying to get farmland down here. They want to grow beans."
"Beans? Why beans?"
Spreading her hands, she answered, "I have no idea. Whatever they're up to can't be good. They were eyeing the nice big lot where your home now sits. So when Thorinor and Sarasvati came by and asked if he had any land available for you and Neldor to move into, Aryc couldn't say yes fast enough. He even lowered the price of the lot as much as he could because he preferred for you and Neldor to make a home on it rather than have Gilvoth and Neloth squat there and grow their mystery beans."
For a while we continued to contemplate why a Telvanni Mage Lord and his Dagoth friend would want to grow beans. Eventually we noticed the clock and were surprised to see how late in the day it was. When we rose to our feet we still felt a little too unsure of each other to hug, but we did gently clasp each other hands and agreed that from now on we will regularly see and speak to each other and make up for all the time we have lost.
As Gloria and I rode home I noticed that a good bit of the snow has melted. Perhaps spring will not take as long to get here as was predicted on Scoutling Day. Whatever the case, slightly warmer weather and the sight of the grass appearing from beneath the snow was beautiful end to a pleasant afternoon. It's nice to have family again.