"Aralin, please don't stand out in the front of the shop, people may come in and I don't want you to be in the way." Hetmanil Llervu was shuffling things about to make it look nicer than it really was. Aralin sighed and went into the back, just as someone came in. She didn't understand why she couldn't help out in any way other than cleaning, it wasn't fair. Her father was too old fashioned, she couldn't stand it. She wanted to go out and see the world of Skyrim. They'd been here for a year now, and she hadn't seen anything outside of Windhelm.
After a few people had come and gone and Aralin had wasted enough time playing with magic, her father came to the back.
"What is it you need, father?" Aralin watched her father bustle about frantically.
"There was a shipment of special weapons from Solstheim I received a few days ago, but I can't seem to find it. Have you seen it? It's a rather large trunk, it isn't easily missed." Hetmanil searched his daughter's face for any hint of recognition frantically, only to find curiosity.
"I thought Vulyn was the one who had brought the delivery in?" Her brother was lucky enough to be able to travel to Solstheim and back to collect shipments, to travel beyond these walls. Her father sighed and crossed his arms across his chest thoughtfully.
"Very well. Go to the docks and see if you can find him." His face was stern, but his eyes were full of joy and mischief. He knew his daughter's dreams of exploring, and even if he would never allow her to leave this hold, he would at least allow her to walk by the docks. Aralin beamed with happiness and hurried out the door, ready for a surveying of new faces.
As she walked along the water, sailors laughing and hard at work, she spotted the ship her brother took to Solstheim. He was sitting with the crew members, laughing about something likely only they would understand. She caught his attention and motioned him aside, nervous from the group of Nords. She still found it odd that more Dunmer didn't make up the crew, seeing as Solstheim was strictly Dunmer.
"What is it? It's odd seeing you out here, Father actually let you leave?" His face was concerned, but she could tell he was just as happy as she that freedom from the shop was offered.
"Father was inquiring about a shipment from Solstheim that came in a few days ago; a trunk full of special weapons? It would appear it isn't in the shop, so I advised he ask you and he sent me in his place." Aralin was hoping that if she proved to be useful, her father would allow her to go out more, maybe even to another town.
"Oh, yes, I remember that shipment. It had to be sent back because there were items missing, but it should be complete now. I could fetch it and return it to the shop by tomorrow, seeing as it is only midday. I'll bring the news to him. In the meantime, why don't you go acquaint yourself with my companions? They've heard word about you and were hoping to one day meet you." Vulyn smiled at her, motioning to the Nords who she had been so confused by.
Vulyn didn't give her a chance to refuse the request and made off to the shop, leaving her alone at the docks. She groaned inwardly and made her way toward the group.
"Pardon me, but my brother was hoping I would introduce myself." The entire group had turned to her, their faces now serious in contrast to their earlier laughing. "I am Aralin Llervu, pleased to make your acquaintance." The group instantly burst into hearty greetings and welcomes, motioning for her to grab a seat with them. She did so quite happily, glad to be a part of something other than a trading shop.
"So, you're the famous Aralin we've heard so much about, eh?" One Nord with a rather scruffy beard was looking at her, observing her dark grey skin and bright red eyes.
"Vulyn speaks of me often?" She looked at them with great interest, curious as to what her brother could have been saying. There was nothing interesting about his sister, no interesting travels or encounters.
"Oh, aye! We've heard of what great skill you have! We'd like to see it, if we may?" Another Nord, with a clean-shaven face, was looking quite intently at her. She racked her brain for what skill her brother spoke of: archery or magic? Either way, if she were to display either of those here, her father may walk out and there would be no more walks by the dock, or even walks outside of the shop door.
She looked from one hopeful face to the next, nervously running her fingers through her waist-length locks of black. How could she avoid the situation? She wanted to show them, so badly it left an aching in her chest. But the risk of losing freedom left an even greater ache.
"Aralin! I see you're getting along with the crew quite well!" Vulyn strode down the docks with a grin on his face that seemed out of place on a Dunmer in Windhelm. He turned his attention to the group of Nords who had gotten quiet, likely for the first time today. "Men, it would seem we would be setting sail out to Solstheim shortly, to pick up a shipment. Captain ordered to get the sails ready; he should be here in just a bit."
The men nodded and set about, each glancing at Aralin with a smile before going to their duties. She watched enviously, wishing she too could be setting sail. "I suppose I had better be off, then. Thank you for allowing me to speak with your companions, they were quite nice."
"Ara, why don't you come down to the docks tomorrow, around this same time? I've spoken to father about it, and he gave his consent. Just think about it." Vulyn smiled before ruffling her hair and making his way to join his crewmates. Aralin smiled as she made her way back to the shop, ready for tomorrow to come. She would most definitely be going to the docks again.
