Tenaru smiled coolly as the guards tried to circle around her. She pointed toward the blond guard and cast a Wall of Storms. She took delight in the surprised scream from the guard. Then the Alchemist turned to the black haired guard, who looked determined to end her life. For a brief moment she pondered if she should dispel their charm. They’re young and probably doing against their will whatever the bitch wanted them to do. Hmm, it’s worth to try.
She watched the black haired guard coming closer to her, and looked directly into his eyes. Tenaru felt the charm as she tried to reach out and then her eyes widened at her discovery. “Azura! It’s a permanent charm.” She whispered to herself. I have no choice but to kill them. Her smile faded as sadness filled her heart. This battle wasn’t going to be fun as she had expected.
“For the Lady!” She heard the guard cry out as he slashed out at her. She backed away and extended her hands and cast an ice spear toward the Altmer guard. Tenaru watched him struggle forward with a furious snarl. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the blond guard coming at her again. He had circled around the Wall of Storms.
The Alchemist frowned and cast a Fireball at Cirion. It engulfed him, causing him drop his sword, screaming for Auri-El’s name and running around in searing agony. It wouldn’t take long until he would be a pile of ash.
Tenaru turned her head to the black haired guard once more. He had stood up and was coming at her again. “Now you die, mage!” Sincano hissed, raising his sword in the air. The Alchemist sighed and conjured a bound sword. She was the Redoran alchemist, mage and trained in swords. Brivan would be terrified if he saw me now. The Alchemist took her sword fighting stance, her eyes set on the Altmer youngling.
The exchange of slashes were nothing but skilled. Tenaru faced her opponent with calculated calm and coolness. The Altmer guard did his best, but she always deflected his attempts to wound her. This continued for a while.
Then Sincano became desperate and hissed in his frustration. Tenaru took that as a sign and changed her stance. Her conjured sword flashed twice, delivering lethal strikes before the final slash landed across Sincano’s throat. “I am sorry.” She whispered as she watched the guard’s eyes widening and then gurgling, he fell down. She spared a brief moment to look at the dead Altmers on the ash before she rushed toward the barrow. Hold on, Ciel’nn, I’m coming!
The digger was whimpering in pain when Tenaru found him. His face was bruised and he had a broken tooth she observed briefly. There was a bloodied pick-axe close to him. “Serves you right, digger.” The Alchemist said coolly.
She left Ralis to his misery and her eyes scanned the chamber. The magick was still lingering about the chamber. Her eyes found Teldryn bound by a spell. Tenaru narrowed her eyes as she strode closer to the older mer and found Ciel’nn lying nearby, bleeding. A bit further to the left was the bitch herself, dead.
Tenaru mended the wound that was bleeding from Ciel’nn. He’s still breathing and needs Aphia’s help. She moved to Teldryn and began to work on dispelling the bounding spell that held Teldryn in his place.
The scene in the chamber did not leave Teldryn’s mind, even though he didn’t know what had happened precisely. There was a little chance that his partner would tell him what occurred when he was out cold. Missing some places in his timeline one would say. His brow wrinkled and he sighed deeply. Tenaru’s theory had been grim.
He watched Ciel’nn sleeping while holding his hand. I don’t know what you went through there, but I’m here when you choose to awake, daelha. He leaned over to brush a stray hair from Ciel’nn’s face, then gingerly caressed his cheek. You’re the first one who’s willing deal with the people that haunt me. The older mer found himself overwhelmed by the fact. For a long time he’s had to deal or avoid people who would have him dead. But now… Now he knew his partner was out for blood whenever there was a threat to him.
There would be no mercy from Ciel’nn, Teldryn thought. But I’d rather not have him risking his life like that.
The Altmer woman was dead, and for that fact the older mer was relieved. He still couldn’t believe she came all the way to Solstheim just for his head. But, now he could put it behind him and move on with his partner. Plan for their life. Teldryn found himself smiling. Yes, I think I’m ready for planning. This must be Azura’s blessing to have him come to Solstheim. But you would say it’s bullshit, wouldn’t you?
Aphia knocked on the door and entered the room. “Has he been awoken at all?” She asked Teldryn as she walked toward the bed. “Not yet.” He replied to her. The healer frowned before she studied the young mer’s face and touched his forehead. Ciel’nn’s face had its natural color and he looked rested. After a moment Aphia glanced to the older mer. “He’s healing. Ciel’nn should be awaking soon.” The healer straightened her back. “And once he’s awake, you need to give him Pearl Tea. It will boost his recovery if he’s not recovered yet. It’s the third day after all.”
Teldryn nodded from his chair. “I will. Thank you, Aphia.”
“Call me, if there’s any changes other than him waking up.” The Healer smiled before leaving the room.
Pearl Tea, huh? He will question that. Teldryn mused while reading his book, Dwemer Inquiries Volume two. He had been reading some of the book while waiting for his partner to awaken.
The young mer let out a tiny sound when his eyes opened slowly. He felt like he had been sleeping forever, but there were also some improvements in his state. He wasn’t hurt like he had expected. Ciel’nn sighed. He needed to see his partner. ”Teldryn?”
“I’m here, Ciel’nn.” The older mer said in a calm tone as he took his partner’s hand into his own. He was sitting at the edge of the bed. “I’m glad you’re awake.”
Ciel’nn looked into those beautiful eyes that were underlined with an eyeliner. That tattoo fit his love perfectly. A soft smile crept on his lips. “I’m glad you’re safe, Teldryn.” He felt the older mer caressing his hand. “How did you… How did we get up here?” It didn’t matter really, but he wanted to hear Teldryn’s voice again.
“Well, Tenaru had me awaken from the spell. I wasn’t injured other than a headache.” Teldryn winced inwardly at the memory. “I carried you out of there. You were in bad shape.” He leaned closer. “And I thought I’d lost you, Ciel’nn.” With that he kissed him softly. He felt the young mer responding in kind as he placed his hand on his cheek.
Geldis brought the drinks for them. A cup of Sujamma for Teldryn, herbal tea for Tenaru and pearl tea for Ciel’nn. The Inn keeper’s gaze lingered on the young mer for a moment. As if something had changed inside him. Maybe you’re tired, Ralis. He shrugged inwardly. “I heard something happened at the barrow?” He said glancing at nobody directly.
“Oh, Geldis,” Tenaru spoke, “if you knew you’d lose your sleep, but something did happen. Do you remember that Altmer woman?” The inn keeper frowned and gave a crude nod to her. “Well, she’s gone now.” The Alchemist said.
“Good riddance then.” Geldis commented and returned to the counter.
“Good riddance indeed.” Teldryn grumbled and sipped his Sujamma. He eyed his partner who stared at his tea. “Go on, Ciel’nn. It’s Aphia’s demand that you drink it.”
“What happened to their remains?” Ciel’nn asked quietly. He didn’t really care, but was curious none the less. He sipped his tea carefully and felt its effects. It was like drinking spring water. Cold, clean and feeling refreshing afterward. Aphia knows her teas apparently.
“The ash shifts. It remembers for its living and it claims. It protects its own.” Tenaru replied and marveled at Teldryn’s puzzled look and his grunt. She looked to Ciel’nn who however seemed to be pondering.
In fact, she had burned Elante’s body and then destroyed everything that the bitch had owned. When she came out of the barrow, she had witnessed the ash movement as it poured down into the ramp and buried the barrow beneath it. Then there had been a certain calmness in the air.
“Tenaru means she burned her body and ash has claimed it.” Ciel’nn explained to Teldryn. He flashed a smirk at the Alchemist. “Am I right?” She nodded to him with a satisfied smile. “Ah, Azura! I knew you’re smart, Ciel’nn.” The young mer shrugged. “Sometimes it seems.”
Captain Veleth walked down the stairs and saw the three sitting around a table. There had been reports of some reaver activity and screaming from the ash wastes, but no one seemed to know what had been happening. He hoped the trio knew something. The Captain strode toward them.
“Afternoon.” Veleth greeted them.
“Is the town in safe hands, Captain?” Tenaru asked as she sipped her tea.
“It is safe, although I had reports that indicates some reaver activity in the ash wastes, and some screaming a few nights ago. Do you happen to know about any of that?” Captain Veleth asked as he gestured at Geldis for a drink. He noticed Ciel’nn and Teldryn sharing a glance with each other, but waited for a reply.
It was Tenaru who spoke first. “There have been some events regarding an Altmer Necromancer, but the issue is dealt with, Captain. The screams came from her guards.” She said in a serious tone.
Captain Veleth started at the Alchemist with alarmed eyes. A necromancer had been in their town and he hadn’t known about it. But the Alchemist’s look was reassuring. “And she’s been dealt with? How exactly?”
Ciel’nn looked to the Captain. “Poison, Captain.” His tone was low. “I made sure that she’s dead. Happy?” He dared to grin while the color of Veleth’s face almost faded. It always gets them.
“Oh, and the ash claimed her.” Teldryn said casually as he drank the last of the Sujamma.
Captain Veleth was quiet for some time before he managed clear his throat. “Well, um, I thank you for dealing with the Necromancer. Did she cause any damage to the town property or anyone else?”
“She did charm some people, but I’ve dispelled it.” Tenaru replied with a smile. “Satisfied?”
“Yes, thank you all.” Captain Veleth’s gaze lingered on the young mer before he walked to find a free table to sit down at.
I didn’t do it for the town. Ciel’nn’s eyes followed the Captain for a moment before his gaze turned back to his partner and Tenaru, who had become his friend. Another threat was behind them, and he was recovering from the event. What he needed more was some alone time with Teldryn.
“Well, I’m glad it has passed now. And, I’m happy you two are well. I need to check up on my stall. Be well, both of you.” Tenaru said as she stood up, smiling at them. “You know where to find me.” Then The Alchemist strode toward the stairs.
Ciel’nn looked to Teldryn, but the older mer spoke first.
“Come, let’s find a quiet place, Ciel’nn.” Teldryn said. “I need to say something.”
“Alright.” Ciel’nn stood up and let his love take his hand. He wondered where Teldryn was leading him to. It’s good to see him doing better, Ciel’nn thought smiling. Whatever Teldryn had to say, he’d be there to listen to him. He loved Teldryn’s voice from their first meeting.
They walked to the beach and listened to the lapping of the waves. The cold wind promised the arrival of winter which wouldn’t be far away from now. Ciel’nn watched the waves as he waited for Teldryn. He moved closer to rest his head on Teldryn’s chest and sighed.
“I think I haven’t ever been so scared of losing someone like you, Ciel’nn.” Teldryn finally said in a calm tone. “When I saw you lying there and bleeding, I thought she had taken you with her.” He paused to look at his partner who gazed back at him. “I can’t find the words for what you did for me. No one had ever done the same for me, Ciel’nn. I’m only sad because you had to face her alone.” His hand shifted up to Ciel’nn’s cheek, gingerly caressing it. “I wish that you don’t risk yourself like that anymore.”
Ciel’nn listened to every word, and he understood well the older mer’s fear. But he was determined to deal with any threat that was directed to his partner. To keep them both safe. “Teldryn, I was afraid of losing you too.” He whispered. “I understand your wish, but I would do it again.” He took a deep breath and buried his face into the older mer’s chest. “I have to do it.”
“Why?” Teldryn caressed his love’s hair softly and he felt Ciel’nn shifting against him.
“Because…” Ciel’nn sighed. “I think it’s the only way to keep you with me. Because, my old man hurt me like I have told you. It left me vulnerable and weak… And when I see you down and under threat, I have to do something. Do you understand?” Ciel’nn took another breather. It was the best explanation he could offer. He still tried to make sense of his own feelings that he had felt since the barrow. “I’ll tell you about what happened when I faced the bitch once I’ve sorted out things.” Like breaking the chains that the old shit had on me, and more.
Teldryn was quiet for some time, but he tightened his embrace as he heard the tiny change of Ciel’nn’s tone. “I understand, Ciel’nn, but I hope you let me protect you too, because you’re important to me.” Azura bless him.
“Alright, Bladesman. I love you.” Ciel’nn replied in a tone he knew that would pull his partner’s heart-strings, and looked into the older mer’s eyes. The happiness shone from the mer’s eyes as he smiled at him.
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