"That was years ago, little one. I've told you I'm in no position to travel back to Solstheim with you, or else I would. I was born—"

"In the town of Raven Rock," Liria finished, opening her pack and turning to face her grandfather, Adrayni. "Grandfather, you know how many times you've told me that? Do you think I've been ignoring stories? Your stories are the driving force behind my expedition to Solstheim, you know. Your stories of our ancestors—of House Telveth—are awe-inspiring. The way you speak of their journey from the mainland of Morrowind after the Red Mountain eruption to Solstheim. The absolute thrill I hear in your voice every time you mention the journeys your father and you used to take across the land killing rieklings and other creatures that posed a threat to the citizens of Solstheim—well, it's given me a purpose."

Adrayni smiled, giving his grandaughter a loving look. The once young-looking Dunmer male was now much older. His noir-colored hair, besides a few silver streaks, had become entirely white, and the purple eyes that were filled with life had become tired. Approaching his 300th year alive, Adrayni could now be considered "old" among his fellow Dunmer if he ever decided to return to Solstheim or the mainland of Morrowind. Every time Liria teased him about the idea, he said Skyrim was his home now, due to the deep roots he had created with his family and friends, and he had no intention to leave.

"Also, I told you I don't like being called little one anymore. In case you have forgotten, I'm 20 years old now. That might be just a babe to people who are completely Mer, such as you and my father, but not to someone who is mixed race such as myself and mom."

"And it amazes me every day," Aronolemar added, entering the family estate with a letter in his hand. Although Aron was an Altmer, time had not avoided him either. His once completely sand-blonde hair was now littered with silver streaks, a result of both aging and stress. Although his hair color had changed and a few wrinkles now graced his face, his green eyes were still full of mirth.

Liria sighed. "Not you too, dad. Hey, what's the letter for? Is it from the College?"

"Yes, but it's for your mother. Where is she?"

"In the greenhouse. Checking on her nirnroot, no doubt."

Aron nodded, leaving the room to give Riarie the letter.

"It takes a lot of skill to grow and nurture nirnroot. No wonder the College is still sending letters to her after all of these years." Liria hummed in agreement, Adrayni standing up from the wooden chair he was sitting in at the dining room table to join Liria's busily packing form.

"What time do you leave for Windhelm?"

"It depends. I just need to make sure I have the information needed to ensure passage from Windhelm to Solstheim, and then I'll be off. Gosh, I'm so nervous—excited, but nervous."

Liria had written countless letters to a Dunmer named Lleril Morvayn, who—according to various sources—is a councilor for House Redoran, and presides over Raven Rock in their place. She asked many questions about Raven Rock and the surrounding area, wanting to know what she would need to bring to survive from someone besides her grandfather, who hadn't lived there for over 100 years. Her countless letters received no response until she finally mentioned the full name of her Dunmer grandfather, Adrayni Telveth. And boy, did Lleril go on and on about her grandfather before finally concluding with a list of items Liria would need to bring. At the time she sent the copious amount of letters, Liria felt confident that she was so determined to see one of the many homes of her ancestors—now she just hoped she wouldn't arrive in Raven Rock to meet an angered Lleril Morvayn.

"Well, you've trained quite a bit here on the homestead and at the College of Winterhold for the past few years, so I think you'll be alright. You are my granddaughter after all." He patted the half-Breton, half-Mer girl on the back, heading up the stairs to his room. "Don't forget to say goodbye to me before you leave."

"I wouldn't dream of it, grandpa."

Now that Liria was alone, she tried to push every worry she had to the back of her mind, afraid she would forget something if she got distracted even for a moment.

Food? Check.

Health and magicka potions? Check.

Elven daggers? Check.

Elven bow? Liria felt for the heavy weapon on her back, her delicate fingers brushing against cool metal. Check.

Spell tomes? Check.

Liria closed the bag, a smile spreading across her face. Seems like that's about everything.

"I hope you don't plan on leaving without saying goodbye?"

Liria turned to face her mother and father, who were standing in the hall leading to the greenhouse. Based on the disheveled look of her mother, Riarie, it seemed as if Liria's prediction of her mother tending to the nirnroot was correct. Riarie's pale skin glistened with sweat due to the hot, yet damp, environment of the greenroom, her red hair plastered to her half-Breton, half-Dunmer face. Dark bags were present under her gleaming amethyst eyes as Riarie wiped her dirty hands off on her apron.

"I wasn't, I wasn't," Liria said, approaching her parents with open arms, her parents coming in for a hug. "Watch the mud, mom—I just had these clothes cleaned."

"But it'll serve as a parting gift from your mom, Liria" Aron teased. "Here's mine." The Altmer brought his large hand up to Liria's sand-blonde hair, rustling it and making it messy.

"DAD!" Liria pushed away from the giggling parents, desperate trying to smooth her sandy locks back down. "Uncalled for. Oh, and mom—before I go upstairs and say goodbye to grandpa, what was the letter from the College about?"

Riarie stopped laughing, a slight frown taking its place.

"Don't worry about it, dear. They just wanted to let me know that my presence might be needed soon. I'll keep you updated when you're away, don't worry."

Why would mom's presence be needed at the College of Winterhold after the way she left them so suddenly? Something's definitely going on."

Pushing her wonder to the back of her mind, Liria headed upstairs to say goodbye to Adrayni. Knocking on the door and getting the ok to come in, she was greeted by the sight of her grandfather writing in a journal at his desk.

"Writing again, eh? I haven't seen you look so determined to get your thoughts down on paper in years."

The Dunmer closed the book, picking it up and handing it to Liria. "Well, I guess you just haven't been looking hard enough. Here, take this. I've been working on this collection of tales for quite a while now, in preparation for the day you would leave for Solstheim. Every story I've ever told you is written in there. Consider it a parting gift. I know I can't physically go with you to Solstheim, but I want you to take a piece of my heart and mind in my place."

Words couldn't describe how touched and grateful Liria was for receiving this gift.

So she just hugged Adrayni instead, tears welling up in her eyes.