“You died. Again.” Ciel’nn heard a dry voice saying as he found himself on his back in the ash as Teldryn had his blade pointed to his chest, tapping it once. A sigh left the young mer as he closed his eyes. They had been training for hours and he had been trying to learn Teldryn’s ‘For The Throat’ move and each time Ciel’nn had lost. He had ‘died’ seven times already, but at least it wasn’t horrible to face the attacks anymore.
What made him frustrated was that he couldn’t predict when the older mer used the move. And, Teldryn had no intention to say it to him. You need to find it out on your own, he had said to Ciel’nn when he had asked for it. The training had gotten tougher and Ciel’nn had become weary. What if he’d never figure it out? He’d never reach up to his partner’s level of fighting? Why can’t I just be the nobody?
“We’ll try again.” Teldryn said in a low tone. His partner was getting up and he helped with that, brushing off ash from Ciel’nn’s hair. Ciel’nn was becoming tired, he could see that. “One more time. You’ll eventually find it out.” A coy smirk spread slowly on the corner of his mouth. “Do your best now, but pay attention.” The older mer advised as he took his stance.
Ciel’nn took the stance he’d been taught and tried to ignore the smirk his partner flashed at him. Damn him! Trying to distract me, isn’t he? He nodded to signal that he was ready. The bright red eyes paid attention on the older mer’s movement as Ciel’nn leapt forward to meet the attack.
Their blades clashed and the dance began anew. The young mer parried with success the first series of slashes his partner sent his way, but he wasn’t about to celebrate yet. The slashes and swings became faster as the older mer changed the pace of the dance. Ciel’nn still followed the moves, and he gave a few reach out slashes of his own which were deftly blocked.
In the Midst of sharing the slashes in a fast pace, Ciel’nn was waiting for the moment when his partner would do something different. But, it did not happen. Instead, he managed to deflect two rapid slashes from Teldryn. He also noted, the older mer hadn’t changed anything in his moves - nothing to let him know when he was going to —
A spark of awareness blossomed in the young mer when he finally noticed it. He damn noticed it within Teldryn’s moves! I can sense it! Ciel’nn would have flashed a smirk, laugh even, but he realized if he did that the other mer would know then. He masked his great discovery with a frown as best he could as he mirrored the move before Teldryn would have knocked him down again.
The blades clashed. Teldryn only grunted in an acknowledgment and pushed his partner away, then resumed his stance. The training continued with the older mer charging at Ciel’nn. He wanted to see how long the young mer lasted. This time he grinned as he saw his partner’s puzzled face. How long can you go on, Ciel’nn?
The older mer came at him again. I thought we’d stop once I find out… Ciel’nn smirked wildly as he wasn’t not so tired anymore and had a renewed spirit to beat Teldryn. If he wants to exhaust me, he shall try! With his speed, the young mer shifted in the ash to meet up with his partner. I’ll throw all at you, Teldryn!
Their duel had caught some interest as one of the Redoran guards was observing them curiously from a distance. To him, it wasn’t a serious one, but interesting none the less. I wish I had a drink with me, the guard thought. “What are you watching, f’lah?” He heard and glanced to his left to see another guard. “A Dunmeri duel. Do you have anything to drink on?” His fellow guard shook his head. “Ah well, here is fifteen azura’s silvers — go and buy Sujamma from Fethis. This won’t end any time soon.”
“We’re on duty!” the second guard frowned.
“Our shift is about to end soon, so…”
“Tch, fine! Give me the coins.”
The older mer could see his partner was attempting to give his all to beat him. Every effort from Ciel’nn put a smile on his lips. He still countered them with ease, only frowning when the young mer was trying another tactic, but his grin returned quickly. The thrill was different for Teldryn - it was such one he hadn’t remembered experiencing before. It was like he was young again. He let out a chuckle as he realized Ciel’nn was trying to get close, probably to try out his ace move on him.
Yes, the older mer saw it coming, and yet he let the young mer get close to him. When Ciel’nn side stepped and grabbed his arm, Teldryn grabbed his partner’s arm in turn and brought Ciel’nn down with him. They fell together in the ash. You’re not ready to win me yet, Ciel’nn.
N’chow! Ciel’nn let out a surprised gasp when he realized his partner was going to take him down, too. He hadn’t seen it coming. Now they both were lying there, panting. The older mer was partially under him, he felt. Ciel’nn felt his body aching - so many moves, swift moves. He didn’t feel like getting up any time soon. “A draw? I think I’ll stay down a while longer.” He sighed, and heard Teldryn’s chuckle.
“It’s a draw alright.” The older mer nodded as he shifted. He gently shifted his partner off him, so he could sit up. “You did great, but you’re not ready to win me yet.” He said softly as he reached out to brush a stray hair off his partner’s face. The younger mer seemed to be exhausted, but Teldryn knew it was going to be a cold night. Still, he decided not to pull Ciel’nn up, but to stay there a little while to savor the moment, and unaware of the few onlookers that slowly walked away as nothing exciting would happen anymore.
I wish there were the stars. Ciel’nn sighed softly as he eyed the sky above them. He missed the stars. It would be endearing to watch them with Teldryn. A corner of his mouth twitched with a new idea — it’d be fun if they went to camp somewhere. He’d like it a lot. Last time he’d camped with his cousin many years ago. “Promise me one thing?” Ciel’nn turned his head to look to his partner as he shifted his hand on Teldryn’s.
The older mer looked down at his partner. “What is it, Ciel’nn?” He asked in a calm tone. He wondered what the young mer wanted.
“That you take me to camping one day — out where we can see the stars.” Ciel’nn replied softly. “If that’s okay with you?” Please, say—
“Done.” Teldryn said in a low tone, and he saw his partner smiling. “Anything else?” Ciel’nn seemed to be thinking, then he shivered as the cold crept about them. “Think about it, but we need to head to the Inn.” The older mer said as he got on his feet, pulling his partner up along with him.
Geldis focused to listen to the young mer’s plan. His old age was pressing on him, but it didn’t stop him to help the meddling youngsters such as Ciel’nn. The innkeeper was glad to lend a hand once the mer explained the situation. “That can be arranged.” Geldis nodded with a grin. “You just bring the item in time.” He took a breath and looked to Teldryn. “Isn’t it great to be in the middle of meddling kids?”
“Be quiet! There’s still one guard around at least.” The older mer growled. Though, he doubted the guard heard anything as Ciel’nn had spoken in a whisper. The tone had been enough to send a chill down his spine, but it also had been thrilling. The things he does with his voice, add that smirk… you should be a bard. He observed his partner a moment. But, you don’t like be in the center of attention, do you?
“Teldryn, are you listening?” Ciel’nn asked, nudging his partner. “Good. We’re going out and will return with the item before their shift ends.” He smirked shortly, knowing exactly what he was going to do and what would happen afterward. “Let’s go.” The young mer turned toward the stairs, expecting Teldryn to follow him.
The older mer glanced to the innkeeper, mouthing. “It’s great alright!”
On the Bulwark, the young Redoran guard watched the two mer walking away. At first, it seemed as if they were going for a walk, but then the young mer turned and waved to him. Quickly, Ondren looked around to see if any of his fellow guards was watching at him, then he waved shortly back. That’s a sign. He’s working on it. A smile spread on his lips. I hope it works. Whatever it is. He heard steps nearby and glanced over his shoulder to see Raryn.
They exchanged glances and Raryn frowned as if asking, “Anything new happening?” In to which Ondren nodded, “I believe very soon.” Raryn’s lips parted in amazement, “Really?” Ondren nodded again. Voiceless exchange was their method of communicating when they didn’t want others to hear. Raryn grinned as he took his place next to his friend. He didn’t know what was going to happen, but he was excited none the less.
Writing his journal, Officer Daynes Aroa frowned as he pondered about the coming officer’s evening event which would happen in the evening. A slight concern shadowed his mind. The younger officers might fall into drinking too much. But, to ensure the worst wouldn’t happen — he had assigned his Lieutenant to on watch. Idros Sulenien was his exemplary officer. He’ll keep the others in a leash. It had worked before they had left Blacklight. He had full confidence on that mer. If all went well, there would be a promotion soon. The Officer finished writing and closed the journal. There were preparations to be made before the next trade ship would arrive in a few days and Daynes Aroa sighed. So many final reports and notices to do!
Hrodulf’s house seemed to be abandoned as Ciel’nn observed it from a distance. He and Teldryn had their swords ready, in case someone jumped out at them. “What are we looking for, Ciel’nn?” Teldryn asked as they approached the house. He knew they were looking for an item, but what kind of item had eluded him.
“A bottle.” The young mer replied, stepping inside the house. His eyes looked for the bottle. It should be here somewhere. “I’ll show you once I find it.” Ciel’nn stepped over the rubble and stood before a locked chest. Still intact. He smirked as knelt to pick the lock. The older mer was standing on his left, leaning against the wall and observing. It took a short while to pick the lock and Ciel’nn opened the lid. A small bottle; purplish by its color and with a black cap — lay inside the box. I still don’t know why I hid this. He frowned and grabbed it.
Teldryn narrowed his eyes when his partner turned around and showed the small bottle to him. “Skooma.” He breathed. “Want some?” He heard the young mer saying as he did a playful move with the bottle. “Keep that foul liquid away from me!!” The older mer shifted in disgust. “That’s the plan?”
“Yes.” Ciel’nn replied nonchalantly as he put his backpack on the ground. He took out an empty Sujamma bottle and poured the Skooma into it. “You realize what it does to a mer?” He heard his partner asking him. “Yes.” The young mer looked up to Teldryn with a smirk, then he put the cap on the bottle. “We should head back. I think we have nearly an hour before it begins.”
Teldryn nodded and straightened up. “This is going to be interesting.” He took the lead as they headed toward Raven Rock.
The Retching Netch was filling from the Redoran Officers and a few of merchants and miners. Geldis glanced at the bottle on his side counter. That one particular bottle would change someone’s life on that night. If it was any other occasion, he’d get rid of the bottle. Skooma was bad for health. It caused an addiction. He still waited for the Lieutenant to arrive as he was supposed to say the bottle was from an admirer. A woman at that, but he was not suppose to know more about it. Geldis had to admit himself that he was a bit nervous. He’d play his role like he’d promised to the young mer.
“Lieutenant!” someone cheered and the Redorans lifted their tankards.
Idros Sulenien grimaced. They were his responsibility and some of them were already tipsy. This was their off-shift night and he’d rather be reading, or talking with Officer Aroa about the troubles with Hlaalu. “Ease off with the drinking!” He barked. Shaking his head, the Lieutenant stepped to the counter.
“Officer? You received a gift from an secret admirer.” Geldis interjected and placed the bottle onto his main counter.
“Sujamma.” Idros murmured. “From an admirer, eh?” He took the bottle and considered his options. It shouldn’t matter to drink a little — he knew when to stop. “A woman admirer. You must have quite a reputation.” The Innkeeper said, handing him a cup. The Lieutenant took it and glanced over his shoulder — the others were talking and still taking sips. One or two cups wouldn’t hurt.
His vision blurred and Idros felt sick after the third cup of Skooma. It tasted so sweet that he felt like floating, then came the craving for more. It had him in a firm hold like a large fist around him. He nearly fell off his stool as he tried to keep his posture, but that was fast failing and Idros found himself on the floor. He vaguely heard Geldis’ voice, but wasn’t sure what the mer said, before he passed out.
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