Spoilers for the mod Teldryn Serious start here. Loosely follows storyline, some elements have been left out for surprises if you play the mod. :)
•••••
Elarie arrived in Raven Rock for the third time in as many months, the sight of the Bulwark feeling like a homecoming greeting. Tobias and Vilkas had seen her off on the Northern Maiden, assured that Captain Veleth would be meeting her when she arrived. Tobias was concerned that Teldryn hadn't responded to his last missive, but he and Brunwulf Free-Winter were due at High Hrothgar for a meeting with Paarthurnax and the Blades, then with Ulfric Stormcloak – meetings he couldn't miss. The Redoran Guard captain had assured him that Raven Rock was safe, although Sero had been dispatched elsewhere on the island. So he'd relented, knowing that Severin Manor was still the best place for Elarie to be.
But the mage had other plans for when she arrived. Feeling fully fit, she was determined to find out what was going on. She noticed the new Sea Tiger signs around the docks while greeting Veleth, who had been true to his word and met her on arrival. The tall guard captain escorted her home where she quickly went to her room to drop her satchel.
Teldryn's room was neat and tidy, and still housed several of his belongings. The armory was untouched since they had left for Skyrim together, and she found some rotting food in the kitchen. There were no clues as to where on Solstheim he might be. Frowning, she left the manor, heading straight to the Retching Netch to talk to its proprietor.
Geldis was his usual amiable self when she seated herself at the bar. There were scant patrons this time of day, no one to overhear her when she asked after Teldryn.
The innkeeper and bartender had responded that the mercenary was out on a contract and wasn't sure when he'd be back. Elarie looked skeptical at his response. "Geldis," she asked, her voice firm. "I know the two of you are friends, and that it was your letter that brought him back so quickly to Solstheim that he didn't even take the time to tell me he was leaving." She shook her head. "I've been around him long enough to know that it isn't like him at all so it must have been very important." She looked directly at the him. "He saved my life several times, Geldis. I want to help."
The Dunmer studied the petite elf before slowly nodding. His friend was very fond and protective of this particular elf, he'd seen it with his own eyes. The mercenary had told him to keep her out of this affair, but Geldis needed help and he knew he could trust her. The risk was worth it. Even Sero had mentioned her skill as a mage, and it would be useful to have one with them.
Elarie followed Geldis into a private room where they could talk. "How much do you know of Sero's years in Windhelm?" The Dunmer asked her.
The mage thought about the people in the New Gnisis CornerClub. "Not much," she said. "He's quite popular there, and even Jarl Free-Winter came to see him when we were there."
Geldis nodded. "It's good to know that Free-Winter holds no ill will." At Elarie's look of surprise, he explained. "You'd have to ask the jarl for more details, but the gist of this matter stems from an incident regarding the jarl's brother, who Sero met many years ago.
"Voden Free-Winter owned a small farm outside of Windhelm. A group of bandits attacked the family, his young daughter was killed. Teldryn soon appeared, chasing them. They'd desecrated a Dunmer grave. Something happened between between the two, and Sero was jailed, later released on bail by Brunwulf. The Nord sent Sero after his brother, but Vodun had already been killed by the bandits. Sero slaughtered his killers and buried Vodun in a makeshift grave. He left a letter for Brunwulf and took the next sailing to Solstheim. He's been here ever since.
"Vodun's wife Sigrun was beset with grief, losing both her daughter and husband. She blamed Sero for their loss. The Sea Tiger is her ship, she's been hunting Sero all these years and finally tracked him to Solstheim." The Dunmer's expression grew more serious. "Those pirates and bandits have been randomly attacking Raven Rock. I've been helping Veleth here, and can't keep track of Sero. He's been on his own."
Elarie was shocked. "He put himself in danger by going to Skyrim with me?" The Dunmer nodded. "He knew the risks," he told her. "But there are few Dunmer left in the Gray Quarter who still blame him. They wouldn't do anything to him while in your company, or the Dragonborn's. He said Brunwulf attended his gathering, and as Windhelm's jarl, that action alone would settle many detractors."
That explained the jarl introducing her around as Teldryn's friend, Elarie thought. She'd found it a little odd at the time. "Where is Teldryn now?" she asked him. In response, Geldis gave her some instructions to Glowstone Hall, cautioning her to be careful while trying to find the entrance through the caverns. She nodded, thanking the proprietor for his help, and went to Severin Manor to get some supplies before setting off.
•••••
She found the hidden entrance to the underground structure just before dark, following Geldis' instructions. The cavern leading to the Hall's entrance was dark and dank. She marveled at the beauty of the cavern, stopping a few moments to study a small netch roaming about, before continuing her search for the mercenary.
Geldis' instruction were again pinpoint. She had no problems finding the entrance to the Hall, and soon found a dim light coming from a stone structure. She approached cautiously, heeding the instructions she'd been given. Fortunately too, for as she entered the building, as a Chitin armor clad figure, minus helmet, met her with an outstretched blade.
The menacing look that greeted her arrival quickly changed to surprise. "Elarie," the mercenary's eyes lit up, before collecting himself. His face turned serious again. "What are you doing here?" he asked, before answering his own question. "Curse Geldis, he was supposed to keep you in Raven Rock."
Elarie matched his tone, looking at him sternly. "I'd take my own chances if the pirates attacked again?" she said. "And not know where on this island you were?" She stepped closer when he lowered his blade. "Friends help each other, Teldryn. It's not just one way.
"I seem to recall receiving a lecture at Ashfall Citadel," she reminded the mercenary. "About being a fool to take on the Morag Tong single handedly." She continued looking directly at him. "Need I remind you of the circumstances?"
The edges of Teldryn's mouth quirked as he folded his arms over his chest. The mage raised her eyebrows and tilted her head up at him. By Azura, he had missed her greatly. "If I remember correctly, outlander, you were near death," he rumbled, unable to keep the amusement from his voice. "I'm still in this fight." Elarie smiled at him.
A sudden noise outside interrupted them as the mercenary immediately brought up his sword and rushed past her outside.
"Curse it, Geldis," the mercenary hissed, dropping his sword. "First Elarie, now you."
"There's been activity near the entrances here," the newcomer said without preamble. "We got most of the crew but there are more about."
"Raven Rock?" Sero asked.
The innkeeper shook his head. "May be under attack. Veleth's got his hands full," he replied. "But he's hanging in there for the moment."
"Not for much longer," an Argonian voice called out. Five bandits stepped into view. "But we've at least got you now."
A female bandit stepped forward. "Our employer will be extremely happy to see you," she said, lips curling into a menacing smile.
Teldryn sent a firebolt to one of the bandits' faces, sending him off with a yelp. "You were saying?" he sneered. The bandits pounced.
Elarie raised her shield and sword, joining in the melee. She had the immense satisfaction of attacking one of the bandits swinging at Teldryn, pulling him off the mercenary to concentrate on her. Fortunately Ghorbash had given her a few lessons with both shield and blade before she left Lakeview Manor, her arrows wouldn't work in such close quarters. She did manage to bring up her trademark wards here and there to protect her friends, but Teldryn and Geldis made short work of their opponents.
Elarie helped searched the bodies, finding a note from Sigrun on one, professing her elation at having finally discovered Teldryn's whereabouts. They would launch more assaults on Raven Rock if this band came back empty handed.
The mercenary looked grave at the news, turning to the mage. "You'd best get back quickly and give Veleth the information." He looked at her, not saying anything, yet wanting to say everything. But now wasn't the time. "The defender of Whiterun and the Gray Quarter will be able to defend Raven Rock just as well, I'm sure."
His little Altmer frowned. "And what will you be doing?" she asked, her features not betraying the anger and fear she felt for him.
"I'm the one Sigrun wants," he said. "I need to be far away from Raven Rock. Geldis and I will continue the search for their ship."
Elarie could see the strain in his eyes, in his stance, as she considered his reasons. Her lips pursed. And she was surprised again when the mercenary placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please," he said.
She wasn't completely happy, but she understood. Then it was her turn to surprise him, by giving him a hug. "Be careful," she said into his chest, as she felt his arms go around her, and his head dropping to the top of hers. "I will see you both after the attack," she said firmly, including Geldis in her statement.
"You will," was Teldryn's response. His crimson eyes met her hazel ones again, before Geldis cleared his throat.
"Hate to break up your sweet moment, but let's get going," he said. He smiled inwardly as both elves in front of him quickly schooled their features and stepped away from each other. They were more alike than he thought. Both as stubborn as unbroken guars.