DESTINY UNRAVELED
CHAPTER NINE
5th of Morning Star, 4E 202
The gentlemen that entered the Winking Skeever Inn were more interesting than I initially thought.
They had many topics for conversation, most of them concerning the Dunmer named Elvaynu that I've met back in Riften. From what I could tell, they were her comrades. She presumably left their home and they were looking for her. They were somewhat relaxed about the whole thing, trusting that she could take care of her own. Nevertheless, at moments they'd express worry over her disappearance.
Another curious thing I learnt about the gentlemen was their former allegiances. Nyx was part of the Penitus Oculatus, the Emperor's honor-guard while Veilheim was a General in Ulfric Stormcloak's rebel army. How they both ended up on Solstheim remained a mystery to me.
At some point, I thought about introducing myself. They seemed like a fun bunch, if a bit older and probably rough around the edges - most people in my life tended to be that way. Then again so were Mercer and Vex but they grew accustomed to my presence.
Knowing they'd recognize me if I wore a thief's armor, I sneaked into the cellar and changed my clothing, stuffing them into my pack. It was big enough to store the leather without making it obvious I over-packed the thing.
Leisurely, I left the cellar and made my way towards their table. I tried to appear as innocent as possible when I approached them.
"Um" I stuttered, "excuse me?"
The Imperial turned first and I got a good look at his face. He was quite handsome with those cerulean eyes of his.
"Yes, can we help you" he asked.
Biting my lower lip, I whispered, "I'm sorry but I was robbed last night and now I've got no coin to buy some food. Would you...I mean, could you...Um..."
They exchanged kind smiles as they invited me to sit with them. Feigning gratefulness, I circled around them and sat on the empty chair while Veilheim called for Corpulus to serve me some beef stew.
"Thank you" I bowed courteously. "Thank you so much."
Nyx reached out for the top of my head and ruffled it comfortingly. "No need for such talk. We are happy to help."
"Yeah, what he said" Veilheim added then asked, "What's your name, kid?"
I was caught off guard a bit and couldn't think of some other name than my own to offer as a response. "Ziiah."
The Nord lifted his brow. "Interesting..."
"Stop being so dramatic" Nyx chastised him. "Forgive my friend here - he's a bit dense."
He earned a slap on his wrist from Veilheim. "You're the dense one."
I giggled at the exchange and said, "It's alright, really. I'm used to people getting curious about me. I mean, I'm a Redguard in Skyrim."
They bother turned their heads towards me with Veilheim saying, "It's not that you're a Redguard but that you're a Redguard with a draconic name."
Oh, that.
"Um" I stuttered again. "Thanks?"
The Nord chuckled. "It's an interesting name, was all that I meant to say. It means spirit, I think."
"Really" I wondered honestly. "I didn't know that."
Nyx smiled. "Well, since we're on the topic of names, we should introduce ourselves - I'm Nyx."
"And I'm Veilheim" the Nord piped in, raising his tankard.
I smiled. "Pleasure to meet you."
We then engaged in a small talk, going over some trivial stuff. They asked me about my birthplace and childhood. I omitted some details for obvious reasons but I filled them in on most things. When they asked me about my current whereabouts, they were surprised to learn that I was headed to Riften.
"You're far away from home, kid" Nyx said. "How did you end up here?"
"Actually, I was never in Riften" I lied. "I came here on a ship and made port at Solitude docks. The night had fallen and I wanted to hire a carriage but then I got robbed and...well..."
Veilheim ran a hand through his strawberry blond hair. "Damnit...Things only get worse with time in this country."
"Now, they even make kids the targets" Nyx added before turning to me. "We're not headed that way but we can provide you with a safe transport and some allowance until you figure out your next step."
I smiled sheepishly. "Thank you - you're very kind."
We continued out conversation, most of it concerning the gentlemen themselves. Veilheim was born in Rorikstead. As a young man - like many other young Nords, I presumed - he desired a life worthy of a warrior. Though normally unprejudiced against other races, he did however desire to see his home liberated of those who would degrade it. His desire eventually led him to Ulfric Stormcloak whom he pledged his sword and shield. He failed to explain how he got out of the rebel army though I figured the event was too troublesome for him to recount.
Nyx was born in Anvil before he moved to Imperial City. Catching the eye of Penitus Oculatus, they recruited him and soon he became the second-in-command of the order. Being near the Emperor at all times earned Nyx a close friendship with the monarch. The Emperor wanted him as a personal advisor. Nyx cited that his experience as an urchin in the capital rendered him somewhat wise and the Emperor wanted to make use of that wisdom. When the order's commander, Maro, learnt of Nyx's relationship with the Emperor, Nyx was banished from the order and Maro's son, Gaius, took over his position.
Nyx and Veilheim would eventually meet on Solstheim, an island off the Skyrim's mainland, where they both coincidentally took refuge. Over the course of curious events that took place, they became disciples of Neloth, a Telvanni mage alongside Elvaynu Nares, the elf that they were looking for.
"Is this Elvaynu your comrade" I suddenly asked. "You keep mentioning her."
Veilheim nodded his head. "She's actually Neloth's eldest student."
"They had a disagreement one day, though and she left" Nyx said. "Neloth is a narcissistic bastard, you see. He cares little for anyone but himself. However, he is worried about her..."
"And he sent you to retrieve her" I finished for him. "Interesting."
"More like annoying" Nyx added. "She's a big girl, not to mention that she's much older than us. If she wants to wonder the world aimlessly she can be my guest."
Veilheim spoke, "I have to agree with Nyx. I care for the elf but I also respect her wishes. It is her life, after all."
"Then why are you still searching for her" I inquired.
They both bit their lips.
"You see, the Dunmer have this system of power" Nyx explained. "The province is ruled by political parties or Houses as they call them. Elvaynu is kind of an important member of one of these Houses."
"Is she princess or something" I asked.
"Or something" Veilheim said. "Neloth won't say the details but we did some digging on our own and we think she's a successor to the House Telvanni."
"Isn't your teacher a member of the Talvanni" I asked.
Nyx made a sour expression. "Not only a member - he's the leader."
I raised a brow. "Really? Could she be his successor? A daughter perhaps?"
"Hardly" Veilheim scoffed. "He's not a parent-type nor do I think any woman - Dunmer or otherwise - would lay with him. If they're related, the closest relationship I can imagine between them is that of a niece and uncle."
"I see" I muttered. "This Neloth guy must be pretty important, though."
"You can say that again" Nyx said. "Despite his antics, he's a powerful wizard and I'd be damned if I considered him as anything less."
"So" I said, "about these Houses - how many are there?"
"A few" Nyx said, taking a sip from his tankard. "Redoran, Sadras, Dres, Indoril and our sponzor, Telvanni."
"Are the Houses in good relations amongst themselves" I asked curiously.
Veilheim laughed. "Honestly, we don't know. The Grand Council rules Morrowind, being comprised of House representatives so naturally they have to get along to some degree. However, individually they run different parts of the province and their interest rarely overlap. House Telvanni for example is completely isolated from community but House Redoran is a militaristic party that is very interested in the outside world, though it does not wish to mingle with outsiders too much."
"Why" I asked.
"Because the Dunmer are distrustful of outsiders" Nyx answered. "They avoid making arrangements and deals with other provinces unless it's absolutely necessary. They like to keep their wits to themselves and everyone is satisfied with that kind of attitude."
I immediately thought of the Grey Quarter in Windhelm. How many elves, Dunmer in particular, had been segregated to the city slums solely on the fact that they're not human. Perhaps the cold disposition of the Dunmer towards outsiders is more than justified.
Than again, a mutual effort could be imported into bettering relations among the races.
"You with us, kid" Veilheim asked me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yep" I said cheerfully. "Sorry, did you say something?"
"Yeah" he said. "I asked if you're up for some ale? Are you old enough?"
I blushed. "Would you believe me if I said yes...?"
He smiled and called for the innkeeper to bring us some more ale.
~•~
After a third or fourth round of drinks and food, we retired to our rooms and slept until noon.
Nyx woke up first who then woke up Veilheim quite rudely. The man's shout reached my room and then woken me up. By the time I packed my stuff, the gentlemen were waiting for me outside my room in the hallway. I made sure to pack my leather armor carefully and stuff all the utensils and thief gadgets along with it so they wouldn't suspect anything. Once set, I slipped the bag onto my back and left the room, meeting the men outside.
"You ready" Veilheim asked.
I nodded in agreement.
"Let's go then" Nyx said and we were on our way.
Less than half an hour later, we were outside the city walls and at the stables where my carriage awaited. Nyx paid the driver while Veilheim slipped me a coin purse - the so-called 'allowance'. He then helped me get onto the carriage by lifting me up.
I felt very girly at that moment.
"Thank you" I said as I took a seat. "For everything."
"No problem" they said in unison.
I chuckled and told the driver to get on the road. As the carriage rolled out of the stables, I waved at the men with a smile on my face. They waved back as the carriage distanced from them.
Once I could no longer see them, I took out the purse that Veilheim had given me and inspected it. It was heavy, probably carrying around 100 gold Septims. When I opened the bag, I found a neatly folded parchment in it. Taking it out, I opened it and read the contents written on it.
For Ziiah.
Take care on your way to Riften. That's one unforgivable place - chances are that you'll get robbed on your first day. In case you ever get tired of buffoons down there, sent a courier and we'll meet up.
Your drinking buddies, Nyx and Veilheim.
I laughed as I stuffed the letter into my pack and then laid down, wondering when I'll meet my drinking buddies again...
