The sun dawned another beautiful spring day upon the face of Nirn, as it blanketed the Gold Coast with its radiant beams. Talin stirred from his restless slumber and arose as the light shone through his window blinding him until he was fully conscious.
He got up from his small cot and walked over to wipe his face in the small basin he had next to his chamberpot. He stood there with his head in his hands for what felt like an eternity. He looked down upon his own hands brushing them against each other reminding himself that he was real, that this was all real. He was truly awake and no matter how much he wished it, the dream was no longer there.
He sighed, after clothing himself and sitting back down on his cot he looked down to the floor, imagining what he would say. Thinking of how he would break the news to her. For days now, he had dreaded the moment it would come, but he knew if he were to say nothing, it would just be worse off for her in the end, never getting to say how he felt, what she meant to him, and she would think he just abandoned her. Which in the end, he was doing anyway. Not by choice, but what would that matter to her when the time came?
He shook his head and got up looking up out into the window where the sun shone through. The tiny slit of sunlight that came into his small quarters underneath the home was calming and pleasing to him. He relished the glow of the light that bathed him in comfort every morning. It was these small things he would come to miss, these things he took for granted for so long, when so many others he knew endured far worse. He knew that he would never feel this comfort again, and so he embraced every last moment of it.
When that was done, he readied himself and climbed up the latter out from his bunker and found his way to the kitchen of his home, where he would start to prepare breakfast for his family.
He kindled the fires beneath the cooking pot and waited for the water to steam and simmer. As he did so, he layed out the eggs and pork alongside the vegetables and seasonings and soon the kitchen began to smell heavenly.
Elira, the matron of the household, made her way down the stairs into the kitchen as she strolled in smiling.
"Ah wonderful, good morning Talin my dear", as she strided around him grasping the side of his face as she gently placed a soft kiss on the other side.
She wrapped up her beautifully silken green sleeping robe and went to work beside him chopping up the vegetables.
"Go ahead and get started on the forge. Ciryon told me last night he wanted the work on that sword done by midday. I'll take care of the rest of this dear", Elira said as she pushed Talin aside and began cracking the eggs into a bowl.
Talin stood there for a moment staring at her. He still held an egg in his hand and watched as she began the work of mixing the egg yolks together. She looked around for the other egg until she finally turned and saw it being held in Talin's hand. She went to reach for it, but as she did Talin grasped it tighter in his hand.
Elira scoffed at him. "Dear, for Mara's sake, you are going to break the egg. Stop this nonsense and do as I told you"
Her smile left her when her eyes met with his face. Hers turned to sadness when she looked upon him. Talin knew she could tell what was troubling him in a moment's glance, for the years together had grown a bond between them like that of a mother and son.
She sighted and placed her hand onto his face, "My dear, I've told you this once before. You need to keep your head up and your ears open. I can't promise you everything will be alright, because one mistake out there could be life and death for you, so you need to do as you're told. Do you understand?"
Her tone had rarely ever turned to anger with Talin, but he knew under her anger, was deep concern and pity for him, so the anger was well warranted.
Talin looked back at her "I'll be fine, it's just…" he said as he began to trail off.
"Just what?" Elira asked irritatingly.
"Will she be?" Talin asked looking back at her.
Elira's face then turned to utter dismay and heartbreak. She took a very long pause until she could muster the words of how to respond.
She then sighed, placed both hands onto Talin's face and said "You let me and her father worry about her. I can promise you that we will do everything we can for her. You have my word"
Talin smiled at that, but it was a sullen smile, and his eyes told her that he couldn't believe them, not completely.
She smiled back at him with the same expression and patted him on the cheek. "Now, do as you're told, or no dinner tonight, do you understand?"
Talin smiled, "Yes my Lady" and walked outside to the forge.
The air was cool and refreshing when he stepped outside. Talin always liked these kinds of mornings. It was a great deterrent from the smoldering heat of the forge fires he was used to working from throughout the day.
Talin got to work immediately. Collecting the necessary amount of charcoal, placing it into the hearth and lighting up the forge beginning the work day as he did every morning. Along with the sword for Lord Teregrin of Anvil Keep and new armaments for the Thalmor soldiers stationed here, new foundation was needed as well for certain battlements along the walls of the city that had not been properly tended to since before the Imperium itself. This had been an extreme endeavour he and Ciryon had been working on for well over a year, and knowing when Talin was gone that he would be forced to finish the work on his own, Ciryon was furious.
So, as his last gift to the Smith who taught him all he knew, Talin went to work on finely finishing the sword before his master awoke so he could get a head start on more of the wall. All that was left to be done was the final sharpening of the sword. The features and artwork displaying the beauty and elegance of the weapon had taken months of precise care. But when it came down to sharpening, all that mattered was how good a sword could stab someone.
Fortunately, this was elven steel, and Ciryon had taught his apprentice well in how to properly handle such a delicate material. Though Talin had indeed learned the consequences of error when it came to this kind of steel, those scars he bore on his hands he carried without regret. For as Ciryon would say, "True temperament of a craft comes from those mistakes that teach us such pains in which we never wish to recieve again".
So, Talin labored, through pain, sweat, and excruciating blisters, he did not waver. And when the work was done, he sharpened it once more, as more of his master's words resonated within him saying "Even when you fulfill your task, there will always still be more work to be done".
Afterwards, Talin studied the sword from tip to pommel. He covered every inch of it several times and once he was satisfied with his work, he sharpened it a final time. At this point, every single blister in his scarred and disfigured palms had burst and blood poured from his hands. He then put on gloves, as to not soak the blade in his blood.
Finally, after two hours of work, Talin placed the blade atop the workbench next to the sheath that had been crafted for it and sat back and sighed. With his labor done he took in the still crisp and cool morning breeze and closed his eyes as he felt his hands shaking.
We waited until they calmed, allowing himself to drift off for a few moments, or perhaps longer, he could not be certain. All he remembered next was the sound of a loud clattering and the sound of a shriek. He quickly opened his eyes to find Ayrena kneeling down trying to pick up the sword that had fallen to the ground.
Talin saw the cut that had been made upon her hand and his eyes then met hers and she immediately began babbling uncontrollably "I'm sorry, I just wanted to hold it, please don't tell father" over and over again as she tried to pick up the sword while gripping her bleeding hand.
Talin immediately grabbed the small thing that was Ayrena and placed her on top of the workbench. He held pressure on the wound as he grabbed a handful of leather strips and quickly wrapped them around her hand.
He looked at her and said with a tone that sounded as if he had done this with her several times before "Hold onto this and do not let go, I'll go get the bandages from the medicine supplies".
She nodded, winching from the pain and Talin ran back into the house.
He measured the placement of the sun and knew it was midmorning, but only by a few hours, so he knew that Lady Elira would still be out for morning brunch with her neighbors, and Ciryon would be in his personal workshop. So Talin ran through the foyer to the supply room and grabbed the medicine box.
He ran back outside already unraveling the bandages and tonic and applied it to Ayrena's open wound. She winced but did her best not to show pain. She always tried to act strong around Talin which oftentimes made him feel uneasy, as he felt her desire to impress Talin made her more prone to injuries, which was always proven true.
When he finished wrapping up the bandages, he sighed and looked up at her. He stared into her soft green eyes and dimples with her Auburn hair concealing her increasingly growing points for ears as well as the rest of her golden face.
He swept her hair aside and smiled saying, "You've done this countless times little Sprite. If your parents find out, I'll get the beating of my life"
She smiled back and thumped him on his head, "You know mother and father would never do something awful like that. And even if they did, I wouldn't let them" she said confidently.
Talin smiled at that.
He stood back up as he picked Ayrena back up and placed her down. He tustled her hair and stared at her smiling. He knew this was the moment he needed to say it, but he could not form the words, they would not leave him.
After a moment her smile turned to concern and she tilted her head at him "Are you okay?" she asked.
Talin stared at her for another moment now realizing that he was frowning and shook his head back to a joyful expression.
"Yes, I'm fine, everythings fine. Now go on and don't touch the sword again, or anything sharp for that matter" he scolded sarcastically at her.
She laughed and ran off in the town. As Talin looked upon her, he knew he had just made a grave mistake. No matter how he would be able to bring himself to tell her what was to come, he had just lied to her, and that false sense of comfort for her he knew would come back as betrayal when the time came.
Talin sighed again and rubbed his eyes, but then proceeded to his work again. It was the best way to distract him after all. He returned to the forge and collected more charcoal and hurried over to the smelter.
He gathered a dozen or so heaps of adamantite ore and began work on smelting them into ingots for the soldiers armor work. Ciryon had done so much for him over the years, that Talin thought his master deserved a day of rest, which in Ciryon's line of work, would equate to the crafting of several pieces of plate armor, which was child's play when it came to Elven smithing, compared to the labor of city wall foundations.
So when the metal began to pour into the basins and the ingots formed, Talin readied the mounds and forms for his master when he arrived and added more stoke to the forge itself. The bellow roared with the fan of flames and smoke lingered around Talin covering him in his daily helping of soot.
Ayrena had always imagined a forge to sound like that of a dragon. That always made Talin and her father laugh. She had always wanted to see a dragon, and a part of Talin did as well, though he would never admit it. In the stories he had read to Ayrena, they sounded terrifyingly magnificent to him. Talin then thought to himself for a moment that perhaps his next master would have themselves a dragon. He then hoped whomever did end up buying him wasn't just buying him for the dragon's supper. He shuddered at that prospect.
But after that, he gathered his hammer and tools, and the schematics and blueprints Ciryon had drawn up outlining the work needing to be done for the walls. He grabbed a bit of parchment and wrote a note for Ciryon that read
The work is completed and I
will take the burden of the wall
today. Have a long deserved
rest Master. - Talin
He placed the note on the workbench next to the sword that was now sheathed and headed out towards the wall.
The sun was drawing closer to midday, and most of the town was bustling with commerce. Laborers and merchants were wandering the squares selling their wares and locals were taking pleasant and leisurely strolls. Talin nodded to a few that he knew and some returned the pleasantries, but most didn't even acknowledge him, which was expected, but Talin didn't mind, he wasn't a very social person.
Talin examined the notes and layout of the wall. Ciyron had carefully studied which parts of the wall had the most damage and what held precedence in repair. The two major areas were the front gate to the north leading out of the city, and the southern walls near the docks. Along with the walls themselves, the guard towers and bastions scattered around the wall itself were in need of repair, but they were for another day.
These places had seen the most in war and battle and were weathered and disheveled. They had spent the last month working on the front gate, so Talin thought it would be a kind thing to start work on the southern walls, for Ciryon's sake.
When he arrived to the docks, he could see the many ships and boats docked with sailors and merchants of all sorts loading and unloading supplies. Most came from the Isle of Alinor, the ancestral home of his master's people. A few Khajiti traders were among the crews of the ships, along with many of his kind doing most of the labor.
He looked and saw the great lighthouse that overlooked the port where its light would stretch out into the sea for visitors of Anvil. On the opposite side of the coast he saw Anvil Keep, where Lord Telegrin ruled over the coastal city. Ayrena had regailed him of the achievements of the Imperium when they rose to power, and like many of the castles and keeps of this province, Anvil Keep had been utterly destroyed by elven forces and reconstructed when the city was won over a hundred years ago, the keep glistened with shimmering stone that reflected off the sea like the sun itself. He wondered what the keep had looked like before the days of the Imperium and how it would've compared to the beauty it had now.
He then stopped for a moment to bask in the beauty of the Brine Maiden, a statue of a Mermaid built along the coast of the city. It's origin and meaning was lost to time, but even before the foundation of Anvil itself, it has remained as a watchful guardian for the sailors of the Abecean Sea.
Talin recalled one of Ayrena's many stories she would often tell him from the books she read. There are a few legends regarding the statue, one of them telling of an actual mermaid that was called the Selkie of West Skerry, who was described as a seal-maid. It is said that she would guide sailors through the dense fog around the Gold Coast in order to find their way and not be taken by the seas. Another legend says that she may have been worshipped long ago, as the grandeur of her statue rivals other effigies dedicated to the Divines or even Daedric Princes, leading many to believe that she is based on a long-forgotten deity.
Nevertheless, Talin liked coming here to see her. She gave him comfort and pleasant thoughts. Imaginations of what lay beyond this small part of the world, and the mystery that dwelt in it. A mermaid was yet another creature he would give his sight to see, but no living person had even seen one in a thousand years, so he figured they were all gone.
He continued to daydream of himself sailing the vast sea searching for that mermaid. A large ship where he could go anywhere and do anything he pleased. Ayrena would be his first mate, and the two of them would go to see untold wonders. But his fantasy was short lived as he was snapped back into reality by the shouting of a guard.
"You there, buffoon! Just what do you think you are doing?" he chided.
It took Talin a moment to retrieve his senses. He blinked a few times and then saw a guard walking toward him briskly. The elven guard of Anvil was a few feet from Talin with his hand on his sword pommel by the time Talin had a chance to react.
"Ah sorry, er, apologies. I was here to uh...work on the wall. I'm with the blacksmith", he said as he showed the guard his tools and blueprints.
The guard studied him for a moment, looking him up and down with a look of utter disgust and annoyance. Talin could tell he was just looking for an excuse to pull out his sword.
The guard then scoffed at him, "Ah yes, I remember you. You're the one who sharpens my sword" he said with a smile sarcastically.
Talin watched as he took his hand off the pommel and backed away a few feet from him. He gave a momentary sigh of relief. But that only warranted the guard to return to an aggressive form and in the blink of his eyes the sword of the guard was drawn and pointed at Talin's face.
Talin froze and did not move a muscle. He stared at the tip of the sword and then closed his eyes and breathed slowly in an attempt to not be further provoked. He opened his eyes again and stared at the guard with confusion. The guard chuckled to himself.
"You know, I have been noticing my swordsmanship as slower quite recently. And just the other day it took two cuts across my servant's wrists to have him bleed. Two cuts! Can you believe that?" the guard said as he flaunted his sword around Talin's face.
"I thought to myself, now that seems odd and rather perplexing, don't you think so? To think that my sword isn't sharpened properly. Now I'm realizing, what would happen in that respect, if I were to engage in an altercation while defending this city, only to find my sword not adequate enough to protect me, and then, I'm dead", he said as he pressed the tip of his sword into Talin's chest and quite suddenly pulled away just before puncturing his skin.
The guard turned away from Talin and looked over at the statue of the mermaid for a moment. He nodded his head and then sighed "It's almost as if the one who was tasked at sharpening my sword is out to have me killed"
He turned his head back to Talin, "You wouldn't want me killed now would you? One who dedicates their life to protecting the innocents of this city?"
Talin shook his head slowly.
The guard's then returned to a sinister smile. "I thought not. Simply an error on your part then. I figured as much. You can never trust a man to do an Mer's work. I've told Ciryon this before, but nonetheless.", he said as he returned his sword to his sheath.
He walked back up to Talin right into his face and stared into his eyes. Talin did not do or say anything. He stayed completely still and gave no expression whatsoever. After a few moments the guard smiled and the next thing Talin felt was a searing pain across his wrist.
He looked down to see a deep cut done by the guard's unsheathed dagger, as the blood began to slowly pour out. But Talin did not shudder or wince, he held his composure and breathed in to mask the pain.
The guard smirked at him, "Next time, make sure it is sharpened properly, or I'll use you as my personal knife sharpener. Now get to work on that bloody wall." and he walked back to his post.
Talin stood there for a moment longer, recomposing himself and breathing a sigh of relief. He had experienced altercations like this once or twice in the past, but Ciryon had always been there to end things before they turned to bloodshed. He looked down at his wrist that was now stained with blood dripping down his hand. Talin sighed and fully regained his composure as he slipped his working gloves on to go to work.
He made his way over to the southwestern gate that connected the outer port to the rest of the city.
In ages long past, the city had been besieged in a Great War long forgotten in the days of the Old Empire, at least that is what he had gathered from the stories Ayrena had told him. This city and many others around the province had suffered greatly when the elves founded the Imperium and the walls and towers had been left to rot and wither for more than a century.
It was hard work, and it would take a very long time to complete the work. One blacksmith and his apprentice were all that stood in the way of the city collapsing in on itself. Ciryon had always argued for the town guard and Thalmor soldiers stationed in the city to help, or to at least have Lord Telegrin hire suitable workers. He argued that it wasn't like they were doing anything useful as nothing extraordinary or dangerous happened in Anvil. Which perhaps is what led to the negligence of the wall's restoration all this time.
Nonetheless, Ciryon was expected to finish it as it was 'the duty and responsibility of every citizen of the Imperium to uphold the beauty and magnificence of this prosperous land' the words of Lord Telegrin of course, not Ciryon.
So, Talin went to work. Massive boulders of stone had been mined from the city's quarry and brought to the build sites by the Imperial servants of Anvil Keep, that was the most the Lord would do to Ciryon's displeasure. Talin was at least grateful not having to deal with them for today. He was all too familiar with the mines and quarries from before his apprenticeship with Ciryon, but he still felt sorrow for leaving his friends behind in the cold and in the dark.
Just then the memory of the goblins returned. That day, where he lost Jarin to those bastards. Then he remembered Ria. The screams would haunt him until his final moments. He couldn't shake himself from the visions, so all he could do was pick up his hammer, and begin to work.
It did distract him for a while, the force of his hammer against the stone rang in his ear blinding her screams for a time, but all too soon, they resonated louder and louder until all he could hear was the screaming.
He was lost in his own mind, he held the hammer up high in the air, and he was only brought out when a hand grabbed onto his bloodied wrist as it went to smash more of the rocks below. He tensed for a moment, thinking it was another guard and stood still. But he then felt the hammer released from his grip and he clenched his fist looking to see Ciryon standing there.
Talin was confused to see the old man, he was dressed in his work clothes already covered in soot and charcoal. "Why are you here master? Didn't you read my note?"
Ciryon looked at him with his pale emotionless eyes, "Idiot boy, I told you to stop that nonsense. You are a worker, not a poet. You could get yourself killed for owning a trade like that. It appears I didn't discipline both you and Ayrena enough on the matter." he said with irritation.
His cold and demeaning stare then turned warmer and he patted Talin on the shoulder. "Besides, I can't let you out of my sight. I need to make sure that I'm getting all the work I can get out of you before you go." he said solemnly.
Talin sighed and nodded to his master, happy to work with him one last time.
Eventually, the day turned towards late afternoon, and when Talin and Ciryon were nearly finished with laying a new foundation, a new ship sailed into the harbor.
This ship at first glance was breathtaking. A vessel carved of dark spruce wood and ordained with gleaming crystal. A magnificent golden eagle was attributed to the bow of the ship. The radiant flag of the Summerset Isles upon the mast, signifying that this was a noble ship.
This was infact, the daughter of Lord Telegrin, the Lady Celrie, returning from her holiday. As Talin and Ciryon completed their work, he saw them enter the bay and saw Celrie disembark with her Thalmor guards, noble consorts, and her countless Imperial servants as they unloaded her luggage.
One individual however caught Talin's attention. One he had not seen before in Anvil. Most of Celrie's entourage had left with her to the Isle, but this one was a stranger who had just arrived. He was an Altmer that was remarkably short for his race. Short blond hair running along his sides and a jet black tunic and trousers with pointed shoulder pads and curled shoes. He looked like a complete fool to Talin. A literal fool, like the Jesters he had seen in Ayrena's storybooks. For a brief moment, the elf looked in Talin's direction. From a distance he could see the Altmer smile at him, and, he could swear that he may have winked as well, but he was too far away, so Talin was unsure.
Ciryon noticing Talin, whacked him in the back of the head. "Stop staring boy, or those soldiers will have your head for looking at the young lady." he said in an angry tone.
Talin wanted to mention the strange elf, but realized it was no concern of his. So he along with his master, gathered up their supplies and returned to their home for supper.
When they arrived, Elira had the table set and the food prepared. Ciryon embraced his wife and raised his daughter into his arms ready to hear of all the adventures she had experienced today.
Talin began to head downstairs to his room when he was stopped by the voice of Elira.
"Talin, you do not take another step and come here this instant", she said in a very serious and harsh voice.
Talin began to sweat. Had they found out what happened with the guard? Or worse, with Ayrena? He gave a small prayer to any god it wasn't that, fearful of the worst beating of his life.
He sighed and turned to face them. He walked over to Elira and awaited to be hit. She stared at him for a moment and then shook her head, sighing at him. She then pulled out the chair that was next to them and pointed to it.
"Sit, and eat." she commanded.
Talin blinked at that. He was well loved and cared for by this family, but not once in his days with them had he ever sat at the table with them to eat supper. He stood there in disbelief.
After a moment of silence, Ciryon chimed in "Boy, do as her Ladyship says or you will live to regret it"
And without a second thought, he obeyed, and sat at the table just across from Aryena. She was just as bewildered as Talin, but her confusion turned into the biggest smile Talin had ever seen.
Elira went around the table places bowls of Venison stew in front of Ciryon, Aryena, and finally Talin. She placed her hand gently on the back of his shoulder.
"Here you are my loves, Talin I know this is your favorite so enjoy it dear", she said with a sad tone masked in cheerfulness. Aryena couldn't understand the meaning, but Talin did, and he nodded his head to his ladyship thanking her.
They sat in silence for a moment, Talin could see that Ciryon was in deep thought about something. Oftenights he would usually assume it was over his work, but his gut told him this wasn't the case tonight. Ayrena finally broke the silence by telling them of her day. She had gone out with her friend Arean in search of Minotaurs again. Elira scoffed at that.
"Oh for heaven's sake dear, enough of that silly nonsense already. You know now those creatures are gone. They have been gone for a very long time", she said irritatingly.
Aryena's face turned bright red. "Mama, there still could be some hiding. Arean told me himself that he swore he saw one." she said with absolute tenacity.
Her mother simply waved her off further. "My dear, that boy and his family are nothing but gossip. They will say anything if it means more attention for themselves", as her tirade began.
"The boy's parents were noble dignitaries back in the Summerset Isle years ago I'll have you know, and they haven't forgotten it. Living a laborious life like the rest of us has not seemed to dull their egos at all. It's frankly irritating how they still believe they can flaunt around in their elegant silks and linens and stay under the delusion of grandeur", she whisked furiously in a bowl as she went on.
Aryena laughed, "Papa, I think Mama needs a new dress to cheer her up!"
Ciryon not even looking up from his food scoffed saying "I'm a blacksmith dove, not a tailor".
Talin smiled at that. He was going to miss this, miss his family. They were really good to him. He couldn't bear the thought of never working alongside his Master, or eating the wonderful food of his Ladyship, or listen to Aryena laugh again. He relished in this moment and placed the memory deep within his heart, so he would never forget it.
. . .
After supper, Talin went outside to the smithy to look upon it one more time. He brushed his hand across the cold stone of the forge and closed his eyes. After a few moments to himself he reopened them and was startled by the presence of Ciryon watching him.
"I'm sorry Master, I was just checking on the forge one last time before sleep", Talin said hesitantly.
Ciryon stared at him in silence for a bit and then looked up at the night sky to the two moons above them.
"You know, there's an old smithing proverb I've known since I was a boy. My father taught it to me, and his father before him. It's guided me all through my life and made me the Mer I am today", he said in a soothing tone Talin was not at all familiar with.
Ciryon turned to look at him "I want to impart it onto you, not just because you'll need this wisdom for where you are going, but because you are my son".
Talin was without words.
Ciryon sighed and spoke "Life is a forge. The hammer and anvil too. You will be destroyed and reshaped countless times, and you'll scarcely know what's happening to you. But stand boldly to it. Metal is worthless until it is shaped and tempered. More labor than luck. Face the pounding of the hammer, don't fear the proving; and you'll stand well against any hammer and anvil".
He walked over to Talin and placed his hand upon his face, "Keep the rhythm of the bellows; Keep the fire glowing red; Never forget your place my son; Never let the coals go dead. Never let them break you. You are so precious".
With a kiss to the head, Ciryon turned and walked away from Talin, leaving him alone again in the cold dark forge as the sun disappeared into night.
Later, Talin returned inside heading towards his bed when he was stopped by Elira. She stared at him hard and shook her head.
"No, it is your last night here. You will go and spend it with her or I doubt she will ever know love again", she said with the harshest tone she could muster.
Talin looked to Aryena's room and then back to Elira who simply looked at him. He nodded and she thanked him and ascended the stairs to bed. She turned one final time and whispered "Goodnight Talin".
Talin walked slowly to her room, not knowing what he was going to say. He waited for a long moment in front of her bedroom door trying to think of what he would do. But nothing he did would be enough for what would happen when the sun rose. But he did not want to see her cry on their last night together, so he knew what had to be done.
He gently knocked on her door and when she opened it, her face lit up with absolute joy.
"Did mama and papa say it was alright for us to have a slumber party?", she asked with excitement.
Talin nodded. "Whatever you'd like to do. I'm all yours little Princess".
Aryena grabbed his hand dragging him into her room. The strength she had was so unexpected to Talin, but her being the daughter of a blacksmith, it was expected.
She ran over to her bookshelf filled to the brim with tomes and storybooks and took a moment to find the right one. After several failed attempts of a selection frustratingly throwing the unwanted books around, she finally chose a worthy candidate and shoved the book into Talin's face. The book read A Gift of Sanctuary.She smiled and said "I'm going to read you a bedtime story".
They both sat in her bed, Talin held the book open while Aryena brought the story to life for Talin. It was a story written by and anonymous author about a boy and his animal friend creating a magical palace of adventure and joy. The book read:
A little boy, scion of a wealthy house, once went to the lake shore with his parents on holiday. While the elders sipped wine in a cabin with their snooty fellows, the boy was left to play in the sand and mud. He was terribly sad at being so scorned, and went searching for a friend.
The boy did not have to search long. He found a wonderfully chatty duck in the reeds who told him stories of places the boy could only dream of. Though he was quickly enchanted by the tales, the boy became melancholy that he would never see such a place with his own eyes. The duck laughed and told him that this was not so! They would build one together!
The boy and the duck waded out to a small island on the lake and together they built a tiny house of sticks and sand. This sufficed for an hour, until the duck suggested that a house was not a fitting place for the boy. He deserved a palace! The mortar of mud would not be enough, but one of the adults might help.
The boy went back to the cabin and found a noble who had stepped outside to relieve himself, so inebriated he was. He was easily coaxed into following the boy back to the island, where the duck leapt and tore out his throat to use blood and flesh for the mortar and bones for the beams. The boy was delighted, but the palace had to be bigger!
Back he went, again and again, to collect the drunken folk to show them the magnificent palace. Again and again the duck added their bits to the wondrous palace, whose spires and arches dried to become alabaster and gold.
When the boy's parents came to collect him, he took them to see his magnificent palace out on the lake. They screamed and screamed and ran, leaving the boy alone with the duck. He was not sad! Together they made merry on the island until the mists closed in around it and spirited it away to a land of cheer and mirth for all time.
After she finished reading the story, she looked up at Talin to a face of pure terror and misgivings which prompted her to burst with laughter.
"Sorry, that's just my favorite story to read to people for the first time, I like seeing their reactions to the gory bits. It's funny!", she gleamed.
"Well it certaintly was vivid. I doubt I'll forget that when I - ", he stopped himself before he could say it, however Aryena was still recovering from her laughing fit to notice.
She looked up at him and asked curiously, "Talin, have you ever read any other books before you met me?"
Talin shook his head. "No little Princess, every fable and story I heard from you", he said with a smile.
Aryena smiled back and then looked ahead of her. "Papa said that a long time ago, the Imperium took all of the writings and literature from our enemies and destroyed them all. Even the books of history and art", her voice turning sadder as she went on.
Talin didn't know how to respond to that. He didn't know any history regarding his people or the others in service to the Imperium, so he only had Ayrena's word to rely on.
"Someday, I wanna find some of those lost and forbidden books and read all of them", she said with complete determination.
Talin was confused. "But why little princess?"
"Because I know there's so much more to the world than just what our school teacher tells us. There's so many more stories and so much history we've never learned that ends up being forgotten because no one cares about it. No one here even believes in Minotaurs anymore. Its just no fun if you learn the same stuff and never discover anything new and exciting. That's why I want to go on adventures when I grow up, and you're going to come with me Talin!" She explained with joy.
Talin did all he could not to well up with sadness and misery at that. He would have loved the prospect of joining Ayrena on all sorts of adventures keeping her safe. But the gods were cruel and so he just closed his eyes.
Ayrena not truly understanding his emotional state or why he was upset tried reassuring him. "Don't be scared Talin! The two of us together, we can overcome anything out there, even the scariest of monsters!" she laughed as she went to hug him for comfort.
But she had no idea how much that comforting hug meant to Talin in this moment, And he just embraced his little sister for the last time they stayed together all throughout the night.
. . .
The next morning came and Talin had done his best to quietly sneak out of Ayrena's room without her waking. Fortunately she was a heavy sleeper so he managed it without much effort.
He returned down to his room and prepared for his departure. Ciryon had told him that with a new master, All of his previous possessions would not be allowed, as he himself was a possession to whomever would buy him. But, there were two small treasures he managed to hold onto all these years that he wouldn't give up so easily.
He took with him, Ria's ring. A small golden band with a ruby embedded within it. This had been an heirloom from before the Imperium that her family had kept secret and safe for generations. The other was a small holy necklace that belonged to Jaris.
For all the years they had known each other, Jaris had told many stories to Talin of what this necklace represented. Before the age of the Imperium, it was said that men ruled over the face of Nirn. In that time they worshipped a God who was above all other Gods who made the land what it was and what it always would be. Thus there was a prophecy among the Imperial slaves that one day, this God of Man would return to the mortal world to free his followers from their enslavement of their elven overlords and reclaim Nirn as all things should be.
This God's name had all been forgotten save for the rumored free men of the north, but this symbol stood for Strength, Bravery, Freedom, and Hope through all adversity and strife in one's life. Talin treasured these things not because of their value or worth, but because they were all he had left of his companions and he wouldn't let them go.
He had managed to keep them hidden during his transition period from his old masters to Ciryon by hiding them within his shackles, as it was typical for slaves to be stripped down to nothing while being auctioned off. Being a blacksmith, he was fortunate Ciryon hadn't asked to see his hands that day until after he had been given clothes again. Nonetheless, these two treasures were very dear to Talin and he was determined to hold onto them wherever he would end up next.
Talin looked up at the tiny window above him that allowed the twin moons to shine through. He didn't much feel the need to sleep. He knew very soon that he wouldn't feel the comfort of a bed again for quite some time, so he relented from indulging in that privilege to remain strong for whatever trials he would soon face. He made his way back upstairs and out the door to enjoy the cool air of the night still unchained.
When he arrived outside he found Ciryon, sitting outside of his home looking up at the stars. Then he looked up at Talin and gestured for him to join him. Talin sat down beside his master and the two remained their taking in the night sky.
Ciryon sighed. "You know, there was an ancient story I read as a child about Nirn's creation where our ancestors were themselves the creators and progenitors of all we are. Some of them fled from creation out of fear of losing their divinity and became the stars we see. But some remained trapped here and became mortal beings. Doomed to wander aimlessly on this world until they could achieve divinity again."
He looked over at Talin who had a look of both bewilderment and utter confusion as to what exactly his master was saying.
Ciryon scoffed and shook his head. "Don't worry, it's just a silly fantasy my people made up to assert themselves as better than everyone else. They wish to achieve more than what they are capable of. Which can be a noble cause, but in the end, trying to surpass one's own limitations is a fool's errand. We live and we die and that is the way of things. No being is more entitled to this creation than another. We all share it together. And we all must accept things as they are and carry on despite that. That is how you find purpose in life. Don't you think?" he asked turning back to Talin.
Talin just stared at his master for a moment and then looked back up at the stars taking in what his master had said. Talin hadn't often thought of things beyond his own life and difficulties. It was a moment of self actualization for Talin where he thought for a moment of why we're all here and what his purpose would be in this world. Was he meant to simply be a slave? Or was he meant for something greater? He turned back to Ciryon.
"What is my purpose, master?" he asked with hesitation.
Ciryon smiled back at him and placed his arm on Talin's shoulder.
"That my boy is part of the journey. Part of living is discovering the answer to that question. And I hope, wherever you are and wherever you end up, you find that answer someday." he said comfortingly.
The two of them spent the remainder of their time together watching the stars in the sky. They watched as the Steed ran off into the night as the Warrior defended and fought off another relentless attack of the Serpent. They saw several shooting stars descend to parts unknown. And Talin contemplated his place in the universe. Knowing none the wiser what parts he had yet to play in what was to come.
. . .
The dawn soon crept it's way back into their memories and they saw the sun rise again on a new day. The day they had been dreading but was already here. The individual would be arriving shortly as it had been arranged before Aryena awoke.
Ciryon sighed again. "We'll stay here until they come, boy. Don't you ever give them the satisfaction of weakness or that will be the end of you."
Soon after, Elira joined them outside of the home with two plates of food. Talin took in this smell of breakfast, knowing this would be the last time he would and thanked her for the wonderful meal. The three of them waited until it was finally time.
Sauntering down the road came a sight Talin was not expecting. It was the same strange individual he had seen leaving the ship the day before. He approached the house in a new outfit, but still as absurd as what he had worn previously. This was a purple jerkin laced from top to bottom, still with pointed shoulders and curled shoes. He also had on him a large ruff attached to his neck, something which Talin had no clue what it's use was for. He also wore a hat with a flat top, and he carried with him a cane with a ruby dragon embedded at the tip.
Talin had not realized the look he was giving the individual until they arrived in front of their house. To which his large devilish grin turned into an annoyed frown.
"So, first impressions and you've already sold yourself as very rude and undisciplined. How unfortunate. And here I was told I was getting an obedient imbecile" he scoffed with a very high pitched pompous tone he carried.
Ciryon hit Talin over the head. "Mind your manners!" he said in an irritated voice.
He turned back to the Altmer. "My apologies, I assure you he is well disciplined and won't cause you any trouble mister…?" he asked with uncertainty.
The elf took his hat and bowed very low and proud making a complete show out of it.
"Cerum Optimate Arkmon, at your service. My lord and lady." he sneered with confidence.
He briskly rushed over to Elira and grabbed her hand kissing it roughly. She gave a look of utter disgust that was masked with polite hospitality.
He looked back up at the two of them completely ignoring Talin at this point and studied their home. "Well now I must say your home is very...quaint. Yes that's the word we'll go with. I would be delighted to be welcomed to breakfast but I must be on my way to Aurelian before the next Auction or this will have been a complete waste of time and all this one will be good for is a next meal for my Senche back home." Arkmon said, acknowledging Talin in his remark, much to his horror.
Ciryon walked over to Arkmon getting in between him and Elira, shielding her from further misgivings. "Well then we'll be happy to hand him over just as soon as you deliver what we agreed upon" he said in an intimidating tone.
But his words didn't affect Arkmon. He simply smiled back at the blacksmith with that same devilish grin. "Of course, just as I promised. All of your problems solved."
He reached into a satchel he had carrying over him and pulled out a large bag that shuffled with the sound of coins in it. "Five thousand gold pieces. Such a generous offer of your Empress. That should hold you over until...next winter, yes?" he said with a condescending tone that almost turned into a chuckle.
Ciryon stared at him hard for what felt like an eternity to Talin. He thought for a moment if his master would actually take the money or not. But no matter how much he wished he wouldn't he knew they needed it, and he was content with that.
Then Ciryon grabbed the grabbed the coin purse out of Arkmon's hand rather forcefully and said "Just take him and begone with you. I have no time for fools or sycophants."
Arkmon's smile did not waver and he merely shook his head in disapproval as he turned over to Talin. "Well then, let's hope you're a lot more fun than how you were advertised."
Talin stared at the elf doing all he could to hide his anger and utter disdain but knew he wasn't doing a good job at it. He looked back at Ciryon and Elira who looked at him with sorrowful faces.
Arkmon then grabbed onto Talin's arm and began dragging him away. "I would say it was a pleasure doing business with you, but I'm the most honest Mer you will ever meet, so I hope we never meet again." he laughed as they turned and began walking away.
This was when the front door could be heard opening as Aryena, groggily stepped outside to see what the commotion was that stirred her awake. She rubbed her eyes in confusion.
"What's going on? Wait, where is Talin going? Mama? Papa? Talin?" she cried out in panic.
Ciryon yelled out in anger "Back inside, now!"
Aryena began welling up tears as she looked at her parents in disbelief at what was happening.
Elira turned to her and said in a more calming tone "Go back inside Aryena. Do as your father says now."
But Aryena shook her head in frustration. "No! Where is Talin going? Who is that man? Talin, wait!" she yelled as she attempted to start running. toward her.
But Ciryon grabbed her and held onto her as she struggled to get free crying out to Talin.
"Talin, come back! Don't leave me! Talin!"
Talin did not dare turn around for he knew it would hurt too much. He held back the tears that came to him and he carried onward. He would never forget his family and the love and kindness they had given to him, he would carry it with him wherever he was going. He knew Ciryon would continue to take care of his family to the best of his abilities, both he and Elira would raise Ayrena to be a wonderful person in this world. Talin knew she would go off to see and do incredible things and he hoped he would hear about her in stories one day. He vowed in that moment he would do everything he could to see her again, no matter what it took. Whatever challenges lay before him, he carried himself proud and true for he was not afraid.