Cirion smelled the cold sea air, smiling dreamily. She’s a wonderful lady.
He had been lucky when she had asked him and Sincano to travel with her as her personal guards. At first he had questioned her motives as she wasn’t well liked at home, Shimmerene, but when she had flashed an alluring smile at him, Cirion had accepted her offer without hesitation. The lady was extremely beautiful and Cirion had vowed to protect her with his life.
Cirion glanced at his fellow guard, and Sincano flashed a satisfied smile at him. He knew the other guard was sleeping with the lady whenever she wanted to. She had been sleeping with them both on this long journey across Tamriel. Cirion had grown accustomed to this arrangement. Anything for the lady. They had been keeping her company when she wasn’t reading her books below the deck. She paid attention to both of them, sweet talking to them and promising something of a well-earned reward when the expedition would end.
“What do you think, Cirion?” Sincano asked while he leaned against the main mast. The ship was an imperial one that the lady had hired for traveling to Solstheim. He didn’t mind it as long as the lady was satisfied with it, so was he. The second guard of the lady glanced at the imperial crew working around the ship. A small part of him wished this journey would end soon, but as long as the lady needed him, Sincano was willing to do everything he was asked to. “Another relic to find?” He looked to his fellow guard, who seemed to be always dreamy.
“Probably. I hope we won’t need to go into the swamps. That trek to Black Marsh was dreadful,” said Cirion. “What do you think we’ll face on Solstheim?” He had heard of wild Nords living in the North region of the island.
“Children.” Sincano’s voice was stern as he looked to Cirion. “Nothing we can’t handle. I’m certain of that.” He paused and looked out at the sea.
“Solstheim has both Nords and the dark elves these days.” An imperial mercenary spoke as he approached the two Altmer. “I thought you high elves read history?” He flashed a smirk at them.
“I did not ask for your information, Imperial.” Sincano snapped at the mercenary. “Children, shouldn’t interfere with business they do not understand.”
“Yeah, how about you go back to your corner, Imperial?” Cirion flashed a snarl and his hand shifted to his sword. He’d had enough of this human, who had the gall to interrupt their discussion.
The Imperial raised his hands up. “I was merely giving you an insight on the island. It should be —” He stopped once the altmer guard took his sword from his belt.
The lady emerged from below the deck and no one paid attention to her. The tension on the deck had brought her up from her study. She looked to the Imperial who seemed to be under threat. She began to walk toward them. “My, my. Such a ruckus. How can I study if you argue like children?”
Cirion gasped as he hadn’t expected his lady to appear, and sheathed his sword. He knelt down, and Sincano followed in suit. “Forgive us, Lady Elante. We only wished to lecture him.”
The Altmer lady looked to the Imperial and petted his black haired head briefly. “Don’t mind my companions, dear. They sometimes forget their place like children.” She glanced at her two guards, who winced at the latter word. Elante smiled. “Now hurry off, Imperial.” She watched the man nod and then leaving for the forecastle.
Then she addressed her guards, in commanding, and yet with honeyed words. “Get up, you fools!” Her guards stood up at attention. Elante frowned at them with her blazing golden eyes. “I expect you to behave one more week. Understood?”
“Yes, Lady Elante! Forgive us!” Sincano and Cirion replied in unison.
Elante eyed them for a moment before she sighed and turned to look at the sea. “I’ll be alone tonight.” She said coldly without looking at them. Such children. I should have brought some marines instead. After a moment she went back to her cabin.
Cirion let out a suspended breath. She called us children… But she’s so beautiful. Anything for the lady. The night would be cold, though. He glanced at Sincano whose shoulders sagged as he walked to sit down on a bench. It will be a cold night for both of us. He looked at the sky where the stars began to shine.
It is fine.
They were surrounded by a circle of a mix of Redoran Guards and some miners that held small cups of Shein in their hands. Bets had been made for either one to win. The excitement filled the air on the beach. Tenaru had also came to watch the duel. The duel of Ondren Givrai and Ciel’nn. She was a Redoran but made the bet for Ciel’nn. The Alchemist thanked Azura for her ex, Brivan being on duty at the Bulwark. He would have been bothersome anyway.
Teldryn grinned at the Redoran Guard next to him. “You bet for your Redoran boy, didn’t you?” He was amused about the whole betting. I guess people have nothing else to do. I’m quite sure Ciel’nn shows a thing or two. “Why don’t you bet, too?” He heard the Redoran Guard saying. The older mer chuckled. “I don’t need to.” This is but another practice round for Ciel’nn.
“Alright, people of Raven Rock!” Mevis of the Redoran Guard spoke. “The duel is about to begin. I’ll remind both competitors about the rules; this is an honorable duel. You’ll fight by the Redoran edicts. No dirty tricks or so are allowed. Nobody is to get deadly injured or die. Do you both agree to these terms?” He looked solemnly at the duelists.
“I agree, Mevis of the Redoran Guard.” Ondren nodded, flexing his muscles. He knew his friend Raryn was one of the guards that were watching. Watch my friend.
Ciel’nn tilted his head and scowled inwardly. He was to fight by the rules of the Redoran House. That was no fun! Ah well, I guess I could amuse them this once. The young mer bowed theatrically. “I accept your terms, Redoran.” And when he straightened up his eyes sparkled in excitement as he had eye contact with Ondren and as his mouth was in a tempting smirk. His sole focus was on the young Redoran Guard, everything else faded in the background. “I’ll try not to hurt you, Ondren.”
Ondren gave a crude nod and prepared. “And I’ll try not to embarrass you, Ciel’nn.”
Ciel’nn laughed heartily and took a stance. That should be my line. I have no House to put shame on.
“If you’re ready…” Mevis of the Redoran Guard raised his hand in the air, “Begin!”
Tenaru barely could hold down her excitement and cheering as the blades clashed for the first time. Her eyes followed every part of Ciel’nn and winced when Ondren seemed to have an opening. The alchemist secretly wished the young mer would show the Redoran Guard a trick or two. Oh, wait! That’s against the rules. A brief pout formed on her forehead, but she was certain Ciel’nn would show a promise for an exciting duel. Tenaru found herself clapping with the others, but she did it for the young mer. And if she wasn’t mistaken, she heard some cheering from the miners. “Show it to the Redoran kid!”
Damn, he’s good! Ondren thought when he blocked a slash from the young mer. He had done his best to stay at an advantage, but Ciel’nn’s slashes came quick and nearly aggressive as if poking around to find any weak spot in his defense. What’s that stance? He lunged for a slash, but Ciel’nn parried just in time and flashed a smirk at him.
Teldryn laughed openly. He had seen the parry, his taught parry, and how the young Redoran nearly fumbled to regain his balance. He had to chuckle at the show before. He knew his partner would use every taught skill and move to be one step ahead. It was truly a show to watch with pleasure. The older mer couldn’t be prouder of his partner. It filled him with fuzzy warmth and affection which he knew he’d get back. His felt his pulse racing. My mirror image. He sighed as he followed the blades dancing.
Ciel’nn studied the young Redoran Guard while he blocked Ondren’s slashes. He recalled some of the lunges and blade twists that he had seen at the Blacklight Arena. What if he’d put those to use? His stance shifted. As fun as it had been — Ciel’nn was ready finish the duel. His next move brought him close to Ondren which he hadn’t expected. And more, he couldn’t even begin the flourish move. Then he noticed the Redoran Guard surprised by his not intended advantage.
Then something happened what anybody wasn’t expecting. Ciel’nn and Ondren tried to slash at each other which brought them out of the balance. A loud gasp from the observers as they fell down on the ash together. Silence followed them in.
“It’s a draw!” Mevis of the Redoran Guard finally announced the duel had ended.
The chatter among the Redoran Guard was as if they were talking about something important business. Raryn hurried to help his friend up on his feet.
The miners didn’t knew what to think of this all. “But surely it was a show!” said Meden Maren.
Ciel’nn was slowly getting up when his partner marched to him and pulled him on his legs. “Your dance is titillating to watch.” He heard Teldryn saying. He looked at his partner with a warm smile. “I’m a bit thirsty.” He could really use water or tea. The duel had left him parched. But instead of getting drink, his partner took him in his arms and kissed him most passionately. They ignored the Redorans’ remarks about it.
“Ahem.” Tenaru’s voice came from close by. She had come with a waterskin, and bit her lower lip when she had seen the two mer kissing. At first the Alchemist was jealous, but then she sighed. Well, at least he seems happy with him. She waited a while and listening in to what the Redorans were babbling about the duel.
“Thank you for the waterskin.” Ciel’nn said once he’d drank all the water Tenaru had offered him. He smiled at her and handed back the waterskin. “Did you enjoy the duel?” The young mer asked casually while his partner waited close by.
“It was a brilliant display of skills, Ciel’nn.” Tenaru replied politely. “But, just between us — I really enjoyed watching you beating poor Ondren.” She giggled quietly. To that Ciel’nn flashed a smirk. “Is it serious? I mean you and Teldryn?” The Alchemist asked cautiously. She couldn’t help it.
“Yes.” Ciel’nn’s answer came without hesitation. For a moment he thought she was going to sulk and brood. “Listen—”
“As long as you’re happy.” Tenaru smiled at the young mer. “Is he going to take part in hand wresting match with Captain Veleth this evening? I heard there is a small party at the Retching Netch.” She glanced at the older mer, who frowned at her.
“I don’t know, Tenaru. Teldryn don’t like the Captain very much.” Ciel’nn said thoughtfully. “Is there a prize?”
“Only wounded pride medal for losing.” The alchemist chuckled. “Anyway, I need to check up on my stall. Try to get him into the hand wrestle, will you?” She waved at him before she strolled away, humming a song that the young mer didn’t recognize.
Ciel’nn walked to his partner, who grinned at him. He gazed at the mer he loved for a moment before he spoke as he took Teldryn’s hand into his own. “Teldryn, they’re going to have some sort of party this evening, and… There’s a hand wrestling contest with Captain Veleth.” He tilted his head slightly to the side. “Interested?” He watched his partner’s eyes glitter with glee and the grin growing into a savage one.
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And the duel was fun, the draw was certaintly unexpected. And Teldryn arm wrestling with Veleth? Now where can I p... more