Part IV: Sun's Dusk
Chapter One: Proudspire Manor (the first week of Sun's Dusk)
Steffen couldn't have been more thrilled with his new home, and it was surely more than he could have ever hoped for. Proudspire Manor was a grand estate, in his opinion. Though it didn't rival the size of his childhood home, Mathiisen Manor, it was rich in its architecture and decor and more than enough space for him and his housecarl.
Jordis was a kind woman with a jovial humor and a loyal demeanor. Steffen knew he could trust her to guard his possessions as well as be all the protection that he needed on the rare adventure. She was clearly a fierce warrior, and he was pleased to know he'd never have to hire a sellsword again.
His home consisted of three floors. In the basement was plenty of storage as well as an armory, which he himself had little use for, and an alchemy and enchanting lab, another space he didn't see himself using but supposed it was nice to have if for no other reason than the ability to offer its use to his sisters when they were in need. His housecarl's bedroom was also located in the basement, and though the room had no windows, it was quite spacious and homey, and the young Nord woman didn't seem to have any complaints. A ground-level entrance from the home was located off the storage area for convenience.
The main floor of the home was actually a story above the ground, and the entrance opened into a grand foyer with the stairwells going both up and down located across from it. There was a sitting room with adequate space for entertaining, a smaller study with plenty of bookshelves, and a large kitchen with an open hearth.
The second floor consisted of his bedroom and a smaller guest room as well as a small sitting area that overlooked the foyer.
Steffen's favorite portion of the home was actually outside. A covered porch was located through an exterior door off the main sitting area, and it had a beautiful view of the sea over the city's walls.
After moving his few belongings in and making a few purchases he considered necessary, Steffen was feeling quite at home in his new abode. He still spent a great deal of time at the College, being that he was right next door, but he, as well as Illdi more often than not, had taken to studying and practicing at Proudspire rather than at the College since there were fewer interruptions.
Steffen couldn't be more thrilled with how his life was going. Of course, it would be better if his sisters were closer so that he could see them more often. He still hadn't even seen Mari, Nesta, or Glenys, after all, but all in all, the life he was leading in Solitude was better than he had ever expected and certainly more than he had hoped to dream of during his time in Thalmor captivity where he felt certain he would meet his end. He enjoyed his studies immensely and was quite pleased with his coursework. He had friends. He possessed a title and his own home, which was more than he could say of his life back on Auridon.
Steffen tried not to think too much of his parents. He knew, first hand what they endured, what they still may be enduring at the hands of the Thalmor if they hadn't been executed yet, and he still felt an immense guilt for it. If he had just minded his business and stayed out of the Thalmor's attention as they had wished, they never would have been arrested. But he hoped they had found peace and knew they would be proud of him now.
A knock on his door pulled Steffen from his thoughts, and soon Illdi had let herself into the house and was calling out for Steffen to join her on her trip to the marketplace. Yes, he missed his family, but he truly loved his life. Who could ask for more?