Protected, no longer: Chapter 2

  • Chapter 2

     

    Petting his guar while waiting at the edge of the meadow, Ciel'nn gazed around the green, lush environment of Deshaan. The gentle scent of flowers filled the air. Nearby was a small pond where draggle tails grew. Standing here, he felt the warm sensation of being safe—out of reach from any harm.

     

    He turned his head to look at the gentle, yet tired form of a Dunmer lady. She was picking gold kanets and Horn Lilies—those were mother’s favorites.

     

    Light snow was falling as they continued the journey on the path to Morthal. In the moderately cold weather, Ciel’nn followed a few steps behind the warrior, and pondered about the previous night. He hadn’t actually expected a calm night after the encounter with the necromancer. Most of his dreams were chaotic and nightmarish. Instinctively, he put his hand into his bag, and searched for an item—soon, his slender finger tips touched the surface of a stone. It had been his only comfort during this journey. A soft sigh escaped from his lips.

     

    Noting the group of five Stormcloaks sauntering on the road on his sight, Rangalen let out a long sigh. “Ciel’nn,” he said in low tone, to get the mer’s attention, “We have to pass a group of Stormcloaks to reach Morthal. Stay close, I’ll handle the talking.” The warrior glanced at the Dunmer, to see if he had listened to him.

     

    Stormcloaks again. Ciel’nn frowned as he met the Nord’s troubled eyes. Slightly concerned, he nodded his understanding. The last encounter with Stormcloaks ended with the warrior fighting with one of the soldiers. The Dunmer had a feeling that wouldn't be the last fight.

     

    On approaching the group of soldiers, the Stormcloaks stopped them. The man in the lead spoke. “Well, if isn’t the Captain Mistgaze’s son,” he said. “What brought you here?” He asked, in a more commanding tone as he eyed the warrior, and then he noticed the Dunmer. He snarled. “You're traveling with this pointy-eared filth?” His hand reached for the sword on his side.

     

    “Grimalf Helmbog,” Rangalen addressed the soldier in front of them, in an even tone “He’s no trouble to you. If you draw your sword, you’ll force me to do the same.” His hand moved to the hilt of his own sword, while his icy eyes were fixed on Grimalf.

     

    “Come on, Grimalf. Let them go. We'll get an earful if you start a rash with the Captain’s son, and then we'll all be punished.” the man behind Grimalf said. “We have our orders, after all.” he added, attempting to persuade his patrol leader.

     

    “If you were alone, elf…” Grimalf growled, as he shot a murderous look at the Dunmer. “Fine, get out of my sight!” he barked, making a swift gesture with his hand. “I will report this to the Captain.”

     

    “Do that if you really feel like watching his child for him.” Rangalen shot back mockingly, and glanced at the Dunmer. “Come on, Ciel’nn. We need to get going.”

     

    During the whole time, Ciel’nn had been one step behind the Nord, listening to them. Grimalf had made it clear that he’d be dead if Rangalen wasn’t there. Threats on his life however, weren’t a new thing for him. Ciel’nn had gotten used to them since he was a child.

     

    Even though he was an assassin, however, the fight with the armed Nords wouldn’t end without injuries. The fact was, he was still recovering from the Dremora Lord’s assault.

     

    “Fetchers!”

     

    The insulting, rough voice belonged to the Dunmer—Rangalen knew that, but had not expected it at all. Once Ciel’nn caught him up, and walked a distance away, the warrior spoke. “Why did you do that? We really don’t need extra attention on ourselves.” he said with a sigh, pausing to see the mer’s reaction.

     

    Ciel’nn narrowed his eyes, but shook his head. “Do you think they will report us to the Captain?” he asked—not that it truly mattered to him. As far as he was concerned, the word of the warrior traveling with a Dunmer would fly across the ranks. Either it would bring trouble for them or it wouldn't, he wasn’t sure.

     

    Shaking his head, Rangalen eyed the road ahead. “Doesn’t matter, Ciel’nn. Even though my father is the captain of the watch, he doesn’t give a damn if I’ve been seen.” He paused, frowning slightly. “We aren’t close, never were.” His tone softened as he looked at the Dunmer. “Don’t worry about it.” He smiled—to be honest to himself, the Nord thought his father cared for him being alive. To some degree at least.

     

    “I’m not worried.” the Dunmer replied, coughing a bit. Morthal wasn’t far anymore, and perhaps the Nord would tell him what they were going to do there. The atmosphere around the small town Ciel’nn always had found eerie—like it was somehow quieter than any other town.

     

    Morthal didn’t seem very busy as far as Rangalen was concerned. He had to find the person who had sent him the letter. First, he’d need to get Ciel’nn at the inn to warm up, and have some food—maybe it would be better to leave the mer at the inn. The Nord wasn’t sure, though. After all, Morthal was under Imperial rule. Turning to the Dunmer, he said, “We’ll go to the Inn first, and think on our next move there.” Rangalen spoke in low tone while he kept an eye on things.

     

    Ciel’nn raised a dark brow, “I thought you had it all planned out?” He could’ve sworn the Nord had a solid plan, but it seems something had changed. “I’ll head to the inn.” He started to move, expecting the Nord to follow him.

     

    At the inn's entrance, Rangalen stopped the Dunmer before opening the door. “This is under Imperial—“, he began, but the mer cut him off.

     

    “I know, Rangalen. I’ve been here when I was with the Dark Brotherhood.” Ciel’nn whispered in low tone, and then coughed. “I can be careful when it’s needed. Can we go in now? I’m feeling the chill.” His hand reached for open the door.

     

    Sighing, Rangalen nodded, and let the Dunmer open the door. “Can you at least tell me where you have been? It would helpful for planning the trips.” He asked following the mer inside. His eyes surveyed the Inn patrons, suspecting every second person at least was allied with the Imperials. Turning his head, he saw Ciel’nn choosing the table near the fire pit for them.

     

    During the meal, they heard the talk about the coming civil war—a war between Imperials and Stormcloaks. There were also talk about Imperial spies, but nobody said any specific information.

     

    Ciel’nn pondered whether the Nord was going to fight in the war. He sipped his wine, before speaking up in a low tone. “This is third year since I came to Skyrim. I’ve been to the cities, and most of the towns, but it's a blur.” He took another sip then continued, “I also know some people, but I'd rather not talk about them.” That was all he was willing to say for now.

     

    The Nord had been listening to his mer friend intensively, even it was little information. Still, it was something—they had known each other for a few weeks, and he understood things needed to go slowly at first. Rangalen nodded, “Alright, about the plan.” He started while eyeing the patrons, “I was thinking if you could stay here while I look for the person I need to talk to. Is that alright with you?” He asked with a careful smile.

     

    The corner of Ciel'nn's mouth curled into a crooked smirk. Spying was a strength of his, along with assassination. This was right up his alley—people would just think he was passing by, warming up at the inn. He was certain nobody would ever doubt him—he was a dark elf, after all, and Stormcloaks hated them.  He nodded, “You mean spy for you? I can do that, staying warm here.” His voice was a light whisper that only his traveling companion could hear.

     

    Rangalen’s eyes widened, and he felt like something was stuck in his throat. He had to drink a good swig of mead before he could speak. Clearing his throat, he gazed at the Dunmer. “I… I didn’t mean it like that, Ciel’nn.” he finally managed sputter out. “I mean…you could just listen to what people talk about.” Rubbing his forehead, he suddenly thought, Gods, maybe he’s right. It’s kind of spying— warfare spying. Even I should stay out of it. What am I doing?

     

    Once the Nord left outside, Ciel’nn shifted his position so he could hear well. He ordered a simple Nord mead, and pretended to be drinking it while his eyes surveyed the patrons, and took mental notes of the topics. They might not be important, but he was sure the Nord would like the whole list.

     

    No one paid him any special attention, and it was warm and cosy. The Dunmer hoped to catch an Imperial plot before Rangalen would return. Even though the Emperor was out of the province, there was always some plot going on.

     

    Back to ToC

Comments

9 Comments   |   Tenebrous and 8 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  March 15, 2018
    An enjoyable chapter, Cali. The encounter with the stormcloak camp shed some nice insight into Rangalen's character and their interaction in the tavern in Morthal was interesting. So Rangalen doesn't have a problem with his assassin friend?
  • A-Pocky-Hah!
    A-Pocky-Hah!   ·  January 24, 2018
    *sighs* I guess things never change for Nords. They're as thick and stubborn as the very ice that covers the northern Skyrim.
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  January 4, 2018
    Poor Ciel'nn feels the weight of history on his shoulders alone in that scene with the Nord patrol. To be a dark elf in Skyrim may only be a fraction easier than being an Altmer due to the passage of time since the Nords were sent packing from the as-then...  more
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  November 17, 2017
    Hehe, silly Rangalen. Spying's not a bad thing!
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  March 4, 2017
    I like the pre-Civil War setting. It's interesting that Ciel'nn's experience as a spy may play some part in what may happen next. I like how Rangalen was surprised by Ciel'nn's blunt offer of spying for him.
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      I like the pre-Civil War setting. It's interesting that Ciel'nn's experience as a spy may play some part in what may happen next. I like how Rangalen was surprised by Ciel'nn's blunt offer of spying for him.
        ·  March 4, 2017
      Thank you! The information that Ciel'nn gathers may be used later on.
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  February 4, 2017
    Oh the whole scenario has that ticking time bomb feel. I wonder if they will end up on the wrong side of the captain. Father against Son kind of thing...
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Oh the whole scenario has that ticking time bomb feel. I wonder if they will end up on the wrong side of the captain. Father against Son kind of thing...
        ·  February 5, 2017
      I may have an idea for that father agaist son thing. :)
  • Tenebrous
    Tenebrous   ·  February 2, 2017
    Nice! As I've previously mentioned, having this take place just before the Stormcloak rebellion is a very cool idea. Also, I like the interaction between the characters.